Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo

I didn’t intend to take more photos of seagulls… it just happened! I was at New Brighton Pier early evening (today) and at the end of the Pier there is a designated fishing area – so as you can imagine rather a lot of seagulls. I’ve not photographed birds much before, but have decided that seagulls (though mostly pesky and annoying) are in fact excellent photographic subjects, especially as they seem to have little fear of me.

Take a look at the gallery for more seagulls as well as other views from New Brighton Pier and beach. You may assume (based on the different lighting) that the photos were taken days apart. Well, you’d be wrong! An hour or so apart – such is the fickleness of New Zealand weather (especially coastal). I left my house in bright sunshine, stopped for gas, pulled out of the garage (it was a long queue) and was gutted to see the mist rolling in from the East. Undeterred, I made my way to the beach, and within an hour I had bright blue skies again! But I also rather love the misty effect as well.