bit late getting on juv yellow-legged gull bandwagon this year. one at the canoe lake later joined by a 2nd bird with advanced moult of scaps. showing really well in flight and on drink but no camera - i went back later and got this shot of the 1st bird through the scope. another one also flew over. had a quick look at ryde east sands early in the morning, nice to see fresh juvs amongst the 120 or so meds.

for what it's worth

couple of days ago when it was a bit blowy had a look at the sea off ventnor. felt so right for a cory's but saw just 3 manx and 2 balearic. had to leave before i caved under the weight of boredom and was close to picking up that packet of biscuits (see below)

Long awaited county tick this morning. Went down sandown beach to cast my first line for over a decade and as I was stood on the groyne a spoonbill flew over my head, going west at 05.17. First time i've seen one actually move. caught a couple of bass too

went to look at the brading long-eared owls the other night. they didnt start up till it was nearly dark and there were only two birds, one not calling possibly an adult. they started on the old seawall then moved through the bishops house and into the copse. one of them flew right overhead.

change in scenery down the canoe lake -they've finally knocked down the derelict building on the sandown side. wonder what the next development is gonna be, and how's it gonna affect my gulls?!. this time of year the lake is just full of wack eclipse ducks but a pochard was good for july.

Seven sand martins and a juv bhgull - must be autumn