Birds in High Winds at Mistley Essex

I called in at Mistley to see what birds were managing to weather the storm and had a great hour watching and photographing the various species battling against the very strong winds. More images to follow of Black-tailed Godwits as they were the definite stars of the afternoon. Also enjoyed Shelduck, Pintail and Black-Headed Gulls feeding and preening. Thanks to Manningtree club for a warm welcome and especially Jenny for hosting me for the night.

Walton-on-the-Naze Concrete Rules

Walton, like many seaside towns, has large numbers of concrete structures - some quite elegant like the promenade and steps, some in need of repair including the pier supports! and some just weird like the upper storey of the Amusements building. I liked the economy of design for the Shelters - if you want it bigger, add a bay - bit like a stretch limousine.

 

Walton-on-the-Naze's Unique Features

From Black-Headed Gulls that like to break the rules to rows of stacked beach huts, Walton-on-the-Naze has plenty of character. It has the smartest public toilets of any seaside town.

 

 

Walton-on-Naze Pier

Saturday, the rain stayed away from the coast until I was leaving at 2pm though the light was very dull. I enjoyed a visit to the pier. The original pier was built in 1830, one of the earliest in the country. It was built for landing goods and passengers from steamers. The pier was badly damaged in a storms in 1871 and 1880. In 1895, the Walton-on-the-Naze hotel and pier company (then owners of the pier) opened a replacement pier 500 ft longer (150 m) than the original. Several extensions have increased the pier's length to 2,600 ft (790 m), the third longest in the UK. 

Today, the pier remains a popular attraction, with amusements and funfair rides in a hangar-type building. Beyond this, the pier extends into a promenade popular with anglers.

Old Harwich - Rain Stopped Play

Having seen Old Harwich from a distance when out on Thames barges etc, I was keen to visit it Certainly it deserves longer to explore with its colour-coordinated toilets - pink for the girls!, numerous old building including the Electric  Palace, two lighthouses and views of the docks. Unfortunately my visit was cut short as I got very wet in one of the squally showers and I decided that the cameras (and me) had better dry off in the warm car on the way home.