Common Gull (Larus canus)

What it is to be called 'common'? This lovely delicate gull has finer features that the bigger gulls with yellow legs and beak (without the red spot). A delight to see and hear. Maybe someone can think of a nicer, less common, name for this delightful gull?

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

The Oystercatcher has to be one of the most widely recognisable birds at the beach; the distinctive call, bold colours, and bright red beak all help. Without a long lens it was difficult to get close to these birds as even when they sit and rest on one leg they 'know' you are coming from a long way off.

Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

This beautiful Plover runs and darts around the seashore always aware of predators. This bird had a couple of young chicks that were so well camouflaged it was very difficult to spot them. Once I had found them the adults did their best to attract my attention away from the chicks. At one point both adults were performing what appeared to be death-throws - an attempt at saying look at me I'm injured and therefore easy prey. What ingenuity.