Today after counting a band of 10 long tailed tits raiding the willows and a male adult greater spotted woodpecker trying not to be seen,I was sufficiently enthused to remember my bins and take them with me on an errand to town.It was not the weather to stay out long on the south promenade but I couldsee that the tide was out and that I might be lucky and see the purple sandpipers.I saw 6 oystercatchers ,2 rock pipits and loads of common gulls with a few Med gulls I think.Just as I was about to drive off I noticed someone trying to draw my attention and I stopped .It turned out to be a gentleman whose name I have read on the blog and was thrilled when he told me that the leucistic gull that has been returning here since 2002 was amongst the gulls.Thanks Chris for sharing your knowledge with a novice.It was well worth braving the elements for,and great meeting you too.
Lis Collison