Gull – Stephen's Wildlife

Collective nouns come up for discussion in our household now and then. They can be so descriptive. A ‘murder of crows’, a ‘parliament of owls’ and a ‘charm of goldfinch’ all offer some insight into the perceived nature of the birds.

A group of seagulls is known as a squabble. I think this recent image suggests why this particular collective noun may have been selected. This group of black-headed gulls were gathered on a short jetty on the larger of the two lakes at Longham Lakes on New Year’s Eve. As well as this half dozen on the railing there were another group on the deck of the jetty. There were probably about twenty birds or more gathered. at this location. Occasionally they would be disturbed, take to the air, and circle round the lake before returning to this favoured spot. As they jostled for landing positions there would be quarrelsome interactions between the birds.

Chesil Beach is our home for the week. We are staying at the Portland end, near Portland Castle. In fact there is a certificate hanging on the wall of the house we’re staying in commemorating the fact that the Trinidad and Bermudan Olympic Sailing team occupied the house in the summer of 2012.

Fine Foundation – Chesil Beach Centre

I wandered around the centre, checking out the notices. A prominent, green information sign told me that the area was particularly well known for being a nesting ground for Little Terns and Common Ringed Plovers. As I walked back towards the car park with my camera around my neck, I was approached by a couple. “Oh, can you tell us what we might expect to see here?” They obviously mistook me for a well-informed enthusiast.

“Well, if you’re lucky you might see Little Terns or Common Ringed Plovers.” Then as I looked over there shoulder I could see a Little Egret, so I added. “You also might see a Little Egret”.

“Oh, thank you so much. We’ve lived here for years, but never been sure what we should be looking for.” I’m not sure that I mentioned that this was my first visit, or that I’d just read the sign.

Heron on Chesil Beach overlooking East Fleet

Portland Castle

Portland Castle looks east over Weymouth Bay and is a stone’s throw from where we are staying. The bird life I’ve seen so far has been Gulls, Wagtails and Reed Buntings.