Reports 2008-2009

October 11th 2008

Driving down the M25, three small flocks of ring-necked parakeet flew over. We left the M25 onto the A3, then to the A286 to Petworth, where the fog became quite thick. We arrived at the visitors centre of Pagham Harbour at approx 10.15. The first birds seen were a sparrowhawk and a pair of buzzards. The ferry pool gave us views of snipe, an avocet and a redshank.

We walked along the path in the direction of Church Norton and were rewarded with a short-eared owl quartering the field. Also of note were grey and red-legged partridges. A reed bunting was in the reeds and a Cetti’s warbler called from the reed bed. Stonechats were in the brambles and a kestrel hovered nearby.

A kingfisher flashed passed. Looking over the harbour, a greenshank, redshank and many grey plover were showing well.

We returned to the visitor centre for lunch then drove to Church Norton.

Walking through the churchyard a spotted flycatcher was in the trees, a goldcrest flew by. We approached the harbour where the tide was out so the vast area of mud was alive with waders. A golden plover was in view, dunlin, lapwing and curlew were also present.

A distant peregrine falcon was preening on a grass bank. Further around the harbour, a whimbrel was a good sighting, together with black & bar-tailed godwits.

From the beach, great crested and red-necked grebes were seen. The sea was very calm so identification was easy. Various gulls flew past, including a completely white gull with a black or very dark bill, unfortunately we were unable to identify this.

Walking back to the car park, a young hobby was sitting at the top of a tree very close to the path.

This was an excellent days birding, the sun shone all day, it was warm, and five raptors plus an owl were seen. Altogether over eighty species were seen.

Dave Jones (photos by Dave Jones and Stuart Harrison)

Black-headed Gulls still in full summer plumage

One of the many Redshanks seen

One of the many Little Egrets seen

The elusive Whimbrell

Sea Kale growing on the beach

Serious sea-watching in progress

Paul watching for migrating Ospreys!