Franklin's Gull, Crossness, London. 17th July 2024

A planned trip to Oare Marshes in Kent, but as a 1st Summer Franklin's Gull had been at Crossness for a couple of days we decided to make a detour on the way. Parking up and walking East along the Thames, the smell guided us to our destination at the outfall sewer! There were a few birders there and we soon had some distant views of the bird mixed in with Black-Headed Gulls out beyond the jetty. It had been coming in much closer so we walked on to the favoured spot in the hope it would come in. While waiting, I managed to get some shots of a Common Tern fishing close to shore.

Suddenly, the Franklin's Gull had reappeared on the other side of the jetty and then flew in, literally in front of us! This is a first Summer bird. They breed in North America and are a rare vagrant to Europe. I believe there have been about 100 records in the UK and a lifer for me. Lovely to be able to get some close up shots.

A great start to the day and next stop Oare Marshes which will be coming shortly!