This male Wheatear was on Pagham Spit yesterday morning and was the first one I had seen this
 year,  although several observers had noted a few last week.
Today dawned bright and sunny and I had expected to find a few more on the beach this morniong but I was disappointed. There were still about 400 Brent Geese in front of the hide and a meadow Pipit was again along the path.

Brent Geese bickering.

...whilst others fed peacefully.

Wigeon are still present in considerable numbers...

....a particularly fine drake.

Along the foreshore  three pairs of Ringed Plovers were engaged in dislay flights...

This one paused just long enough for a photo.

During the afternoon I had a look around Chichester Gravel Pits hoping to capture some close up  'weed dancing' Grebes but the only activity was a long way off and I only saw one example of a dance....

An incredible display well worth watching!

Apart from that a calling Cettis but, as usual no sighting and the usual Tufted Ducks and Canadas

Canada Geese looking rather fine in the sun.

 ....and last but not least a diminutive Wren!

A Visit to Pulborough Brooks RSPB Reserve

Arrived before opening time but despite a few hours birding there was a distinct lack of activity birdwise. A Chiffchaff was singing down the zig-zag and a flock of Fieldfares was in the trees behind the big field. A solitary Pied Wagtail was the only sign of life at West Meads. The view from the Hangar was more rewarding with good numbers of Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal plus a group of Black Tailed Godwits. The oak tree was being hammered by a Green Woodpecker but was chased off by a pair of Jackdaws.A close view of a Wren was my highlight.
Up on the heath, again quiet, but a Great Spotted Woodpecker was feeding high up in a birch. It wont be long before the summer visitors arrive and the whole  place comes alive.

Here are a images ....

Pied Wagtail, West Meads

One of 20/30 Fieldfares present.

Drake Shovelers from the Hangar

Green Woodpecker and below the upset Jackdaw.

Wren near the Hangar

A wandering Pheasant.

Carrion Crow feeding.

Great Spotted Woodpecker looking and listening.

Male and Female Chaffinch at the cafe feeding station.

....it wasn't that bad was it?

In search of a Wheatear.

Out on the spit at 7.30 this morning but alas, for me no Wheatears, despite two being reported on the beach yesterday and another found shortly after my return. I disturbed a pair of Red Legged Partridges which flew back to the Church Norton side (as yesterday) and a Skylark was singing overhead...a real sign of Spring...

  A Ringed Plover was slightly agitated at my approach along the beach..

I decided to try for the North Wall but, again, no joy.

 A Gadwall was present on Breech pool...

...and the usual selection of birdlife was feeding along Whites Creek

Drake Wigeon

A fishing Heron

and the regular Spotted Redshank.

A Kingfisher zipped up from the sluice and quickly disappeared but apart from that nothing to get the adrenolin running....nevertheless, a very pleasant wander!

The morning started off sunny  but as soon as I reached the North Wall the clouds rolled in and the birds were not performing well! The Brents were  constantly on the move....

 and the only birds of interest on the Breach Pool were a drake Pintail and a Shoveler (too far away for a photo)...

Drake Pintail...he will soon be gone!

A few Black Tailed Godwits were feeding ....

..this one turning into summer plumage.

Later in the day back in the harbour, in late afternoon sunshine, a few Curlews were flying out to sea

Curlews, flying out to sea.

Whilst a Cormorant flew in from the sea

Curlew feeding in front of the spit Hide.

On the wires, a Starling in summer plumage

Whilst another was looking for a suitable nest site in a beach front bungalow.

...and so ends another day....but things are on the change. When will the first Wheatear turn up or a Sand Martin perhaps .It can't be long now!

Spring has Sprung!!

What a morning....cold,  sunny and no wind...perfection.

A wander to see whats about....

One of several Mute Swans on the Lagoon

Grey Plover feeding in the harbour

One of the few remaining Goldeneyes still remaining in the harbour...most seem to have departed.

One of the ever present Turnstones in front of the Spit Hide

The Brent Geese are very restless and several parties have already departed on their long journey North.

 In the afternoon a visit to the  Chichester Pits was interesting.....

The Bean Goose is still present

...showing the characteristic bill marking...orange with black tip

Greylag goose for comparison.

As always...plenty of Tufteds

and Great Crested Grebes