Pagham Harbour 14th October 2006

Our journey to Pagham was in fog so we were unable to enjoy the wonderful rolling countryside of the South Downs. By the time we reached our destination, however, the fog had cleared.

We set off from the visitors centre, first to Ferry Pool, where there were a few wigeon and teal and then on the path towards Church Norton to look over the fields. A few late swallows were flying around and a kingfisher flashed by.

After a while three of us decided to return to the Visitor centre via the path at the rear of the centre. We could see the rest of the party looking across the marshes. Suddenly they all turned to look across the fields. Later, when we met up we were told gloatingly that they had seen a Marsh Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.

We then drove the short journey to Church Norton.

We had lunch then walked through the churchyard over the wall at the end to the footpath overlook

ing the harbour. The tide was out and there were many waders feeding. A single White-fronted Goose was seen with a few Brent Geese. The waders we saw included Redshank, Dunlin, Grey, Golden & Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Curlew, Oystercatcher & Bar-tailed Godwit.

The wind started to pick up so we set off to look over the sea. On the way, a female Merlin shot across in front of us and over the marsh.

On the sea we saw Sandwich & Common Terns. Whilst on the beach we also saw two buzzards being mobbed by a murder of crows. (I do read our Newsletters)! Looking again over the harbour Great Crested & Little Grebes were seen.

The day was very successful with over sixty species being seen including five raptors, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier & Merlin, and of course the Short-eared Owl.

Dave Jones (photographs by Stuart Harrison)