An early start....rewarded!

Last night I was walking alongside the eastern side of Pagham Harbour when I glanced over the fields and saw a Short Eared Owl flying low in 'huntingmode'. A magnificent sight and I wanted a photo, so this morning I was up and out before the sun rose and sure enough the owl was patrolling the field searching for his breakfast! The light wasn't good and he was at a fair distance but after several attempts I managed to get a 'record' shot.
Later in the morning ...another 'record' shot'...this time the elusive Purple Sandpiper which had appeared in the harbour about 10 days ago but now was on the Little Lagoon feeding alongside a Grey plover. A nice bird which I had previously seen some years ago on the Little Lagoon but more often has turned up on the shoreline in the company of Turnstones. Whilst watching and admiring this arctic traveller I met a birder who had moved into the area about 12 months ago and we both agreed we were really fortunate to be living in an area so rich in birdlife and yet so near to our everyday needs!! ...and we shared the fact that every day was different..the birds, the sea and the light and we never knew what to expect...Pagham never disappoints!