One of the first images I took with my brand new SLR (note the lack of a ‘D’ for digital!) was of a desolate-looking gull flying over a wire wastebin rusting on a deserted beach in Florida. I’d hoped for blue skies, gently rolling seas, and golden sands but Florida greeted me with dark foreboding clouds, raging surf and soggy, boggy beaches.

I took the photograph using my knowledge of sheer potluck. The resulting image wasn’t perfect but the atmosphere and look on the gull’s face spoke volumes about my day. I loved it so much I ordered a large print, and it graced my wall, unframed, for many years. Sadly, I’ve no idea where that print is now. But it sparked an interest in wildlife photography, especially bird portraits. I still want to perfect that image, so through years of practice, I now rely less on potluck (it still has a place, though!). This gallery gives a nod and a thank you to that first gull and showcases the characters I’ve had the pleasure to meet and photograph since.