But his great failing is gulls. Having seen most of the world's birds many times, Steve cannot pass a gull roost for love nor money and keeps his groupies waiting for ages as he searches for a rare species. Another group seeking a severe challenge can be found clustered on and clinging to the headland at Jaonneuse Bay. They stand, or occasionally sit, in comfortable film-directors' chairs, behind tripods on whichever expensive telescopes are mounted, and gaze out to sea. The small objects of their desire can be a mile away and are in silhouette, seen only as they rise above the waves gaining lift momentarily before disappearing, all the while travelling, usually right to left, at high speed.
Gulls form part of their quarry, but the main targets are shearwaters, skuas and petrels.
Members of these three families are passing the island in huge numbers at the moment. They go through the North Sea, where birders watch them from the east coast of England, hug the south coast until they reach Portland Bill, where scores more observers record their passing - but from there the route they take is a mystery. That means there is only a slim chance of seeing them when the wind is from other directions, which exception to the rule happened in September 1999 when Julian Medland and I were out one lunchtime. There was no credit to me either - the bird was found and identified by Julian as I was leaving and his shout of delight brought me back. So far this September the winds have been largely favourable and exciting sessions have been had on the windswept rock.