Ross's Gull at Thurrock. ( Lifer )

A call from Brian tells us a Ross's Gull has been reported at Thameside Nature Park Thurrock. 

Brian was heading to his son's house, but diverted to get himself a year tick.

Jimmy and I debated for a while, " Shall we go or not? 

Jimmy only needed it like Brian for a year tick, I, however, had not seen one, so the pull of another lifer for me is too great, so we set out hoping the Gull would stay around for a while.

A drive of around 40 minutes sees us park up on the road by the park's car park.

A walk of around a mile along a stone and mud track that felt like two miles, around a couple of bends, and to great relief, we see a group of 50 or more birders, and they soon get us on the Ross's Gull, it is only a few yards away from the bank to give great views and me my third lifer of the year.

On the way back to the car after spending some time watching the Gull, we picked up a year tick with Nightingale.  

Over the last five days, I've had Tawny Pipit, Hoopoe, Ring Ouzel, Ross's Gull, Garden Warbler, and Nightingale. not too shabby for me at the moment.  

                                                                

                                                                

A few of the birders watching the Ross's Gull 

Ross's Gull