The areas specialty gull. Present virtually the year round the best locations to 'easily' see this beautiful gull are the end of Southend Pier and Westcliff Seafront by Rossi Ice Cream Parlour. In winter the pier regularly holds upto 30 birds which include many colour ringed birds whilst Westcliff can often have between 8-10 birds. Where ever gulls gather, there are a number of favoured parks and playing fields, your are likely to find at least one Med.

In late summer Southend Seafront opposite Esplanade House just east of the Sealife Centre is where the counties largest concentrations gather. Numbers steadily build up from late June and by late July/early August in excess of 130 birds can be present at any one time. By this time at least a fifth will be juveniles with many colour ringed. It is likely that many birds pass through during the summer and it estimated that a minimum of between 200-250 birds use the site in summer.