Herring gulls nesting update

Herring gulls chicks are now on the move. There are several nests on the roof tops along our road and the chicks are beginning to wander along the roof tops which cause the adults to be very protective.


This one decided to dive bomb me - excreting in my direction but missed by a long distance.

The herring gull chicks have perfect camouflage for rook tops.

They are either sleeping, demanding food from their parents, or exploring pecking at things that might be food.

There is also a nest on the chimney of a house behind ours, which I watch every year. One of the chicks is already trying out its wings in preparation pre-flights.

Herring gulls are fascinating to watch, getting a glimpse at courtship nest building, territorial behaviours, postures and calls.


You might be forgiven to think we are over run with herring gulls, but they are not doing so well in their natural environment earning them Red Status for conservation.


While I occasionally find my self being dived on by herring gulls, I am a great fan

Slow-worms enjoying the sun

The slow-worms in my garden have been enjoying the recent spell of hot weather. These beautiful legless lizards are delightful and of course completely harmless. They do in fact help the garden as they will eat small slugs and other garden pests.

They have been basking in different locations in our garden and I think there are at least 5 individuals as they differ in size, colour and whether their tail is still intact.

I rescued this little chap (or chap-ess) as it was about to slither into a bag of garden green waste while I was gardening destined for the green bin.

(I always tie them once I have finished to prevent frogs or other animals climbing inside)


This poor slow-worm was next to our green house on a very rainy day.

I thought it was dead at first, but it was alive but very cold. I brought it inside and warmed it with my hands.

Once it recovered I released it back in the garden in a safe dry spot.