23 January 2006

Rossi, the North American ring-billed gull, is back for its seventh consecutive winter in Southend. The Westcliff gull has been nicknamed ‘Rossi’ by local birdwatchers because it can often be found near to Rossi’s ice cream parlour on Westcliff seafront.

The local RSPB team will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to let people have a close-up look at Rossi from next Monday (30 January).

The bird is probably the longest staying ring-billed gull on the east coast and has attracted birders from all over the southeast to see it.

Rossi at Westcliff on Sea by Steve Arlow

Ring-billed Gulls are sometimes called the “fast food gull” as, like many gulls, they love nothing more than scavenging around restaurants for food.

Ring-billed gulls have been recorded living for up to 23 years, but the majority live for just 3–10 years. Rossi is at least eight years old as he was in second-winter plumage when first found.

How long will Rossi stay around Westcliff? Local Wildlife photographer Steve Arlow explained “Rossi is usually seen up until the last week of March but by then its appearances are more erratic. It is generally gone by April though once or twice it has been seen in first week of that month”.

Rossi is only one of a handful of ring-billed gulls that winter in the UK. So, if you would like the opportunity to see Rossi, come along and join the local RSPB team opposite Rossi’s Ice Cream Parlour in Westcliff, and see for yourself the beauty of this rare and fascinating bird! For more information call the RSPB office at Wat Tyler Country Park on 01268 559158.

ends

Further information
Alan Shearman tel 01268 559158
Chris Durdin, RSPB regional office 01603 660066

A photograph of Rossi the ring-billed gull is available from alan.shearman@rspb.org.uk

Notes for editors

Another reason for Southend seafront’s reputation as a great place for watching unusual gulls is that it is one of the best places in the UK to see Mediterranean gulls. For more information see http://www.southendrspb.co.uk/medgull.htm

A new 118 hectares (295 acres) RSPB nature reserve at Vange Marshes near Basildon was announced in December.

3. The RSPB works closely with the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership and the Green Grid initiative - a long-term project to develop a network of open spaces and green links throughout this part of the Gateway. The principal aims are to:

embrace diversity of wildlife habitats and landscapes in town and countryside
connect new communities with existing neighbourhoods, the regenerated riverside, local attractions and the countryside, providing improved "access to all"
conserve and enhance existing green space and links
create high quality new green space and links in areas of opportunity and need
contribute to flood management, improved air and water quality and noise abatement
create a sense of place through enhancement of landscape character and heritage
enhance the image and confidence in South Essex as a quality place to live, work and invest
engage all communities in the planning, management and celebration of the network
plan and promote the network as part of a sustainable transport system
promote the network for recreation and tourism, education and healthy living
The South Essex Green Grid Strategy (visit www.greengrid.co.uk ) is a positive response to the government document Sustainable Communities: Greening the Gateway.
The RSPB's South Essex project is supported by the East of England Development Agency and the Thames Gateway Growth Fund.