Back at Pagham Harbour.

Whilst it is good to get away and find new places and species it is always good to get back on the home patch. During the last few days I have been doing some 'catching up' and adding a few more photos to my growing collection. Here's a sample............



It's good to see the Terns are back, especially the Little Terns although I doubt they will be very successful on the new 'spit island' that has been created dramatically after Storm Katy a few weeks ago. The area has not only become accessible from the beach at low tide but is a veritable magnet to residents and holiday makers.




There were sixty Sandwich Terns one morning last week...a fantastic sight as they weaved and dived

Several pairs of Ringed Plovers are present along the beach and one pair is attempting to nest in front of the Spit hide...a very vulnerable site ...proven by the hide being vandalised last week and being used as sleeping quarters overnight recently.

The Heronry along the North Wall is busy with both Grey Herons and Little Egrets are very active in the hawthorns.

A Little Egret coming into its nest site.

It is good to see and hear the Reed and Sedge Warblers are now established in the reed bed....

Sedge Warbler

Reed Warbler

 A Mute Swan is defending a nest but with apparently no eggs yet.

A Green Woodpecker feeding in the horses field

...and Linnets

Its always good to see the return of the Swallows busy flying in and out of the stables.

I visited Pulborough Brooks during the past week but the excitement of the newly arrived Nightingales a few weeks back has died down and they seemed less active or at least less apparent!

 ...somewhat shy now, hiding in the bushes making photography difficult.

...and rather quiet!

This Song Thrush certainly made up for their lack of song!

Well that's an update and by the way a pair of Cuckoos seem to spending a fair bit of their time in the bushes on Pagham Spit where there is a plentiful supply of caterpillars!

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Post Script.

Since writing this blog the Pagham Spit hide has been demolished this afternoon and removed by the RSPB .
Fortunately the Ringed Plover is still present and seems to have survived the disturbance.