Saturday 22 August
A casual morning at home was followed by a sprint to the beach for late afternoon. Back to the birds again this weekend.
Before we left I spent a bit of time adding a couple of feathers to my book. They were collected yesterday on my walk. Another from the wing of a kestrel and a mysterious feather that I cannot identify. I am hoping it’s an owl feather but will hopefully find out one way or another tomorrow. A friend and I are heading to south Essex for a bird of prey experience day that the kids got me for Christmas.
It’s far too windy and cool for a swim. The angry tide was in and smashing waves against the groyne and promenade. Not a day for swimming.
But the gulls were floating, head-first into the wind watching the brave souls crabbing below them. Everytime some bait was lowered into the water below the sea wall, the gulls were swooping down to try and snatch it.
Again, another bird (or family of birds Laridae) so taken for granted by us. In fact, in recent years, they have become vilified by many for “terrorising” holidaymakers and those who choose to eat their food outdoors; where seagulls live. Take the sound of the seagull away from the seaside, and you lose the seaside.
For some reason we love to blame nature when nature adapts and fights back. It is us that have moved in on their patch! They were patrolling the coast for food way before we built fish and chip shops or burger joints. We have made it easier for them to get food, simply because we chuck so much of ours away. Basically, our greed has led to their need. They have successfully adapted to life alongside our wasteful, polluting behaviour. If anything, we should be applauding not only their ingenuity but also that they clean up for us after we have finished pigging out.
The Bald Birder 