Another week of birding along the east side of the harbour.

Todays blog shows a selection of birds photographed during this week. There has been a distinct 'feel' of autumn during the latter part of the week with Friday being particularly good for warblers including Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. Wheatears and Whinchats were present in the Halsey Farm area but were difficult to capture 'on film'.
These first two photos show a few of the seven Pale Breasted Brent Geese which turned up a few weeks ago  have  been seen regularly  from the Church Norton side of the harbour but early in the week could be seen well from Pagham Spit. 

Curlews have been present each morning and are irresistible subjects especially in flight.

 Numbers of smaller waders have been building up with flocks of Dunlin...some still in summer plumage sporting black chests. 

Little Egret near the sluice gate...a favourite feeding ground.

Godwit numbers continue to build.

Whitethroat in the North Wall bushes.

A well hidden Sedge Warbler.

Coots always present in the rife.

Spot the Kingfisher....far left of the top fence rail (a very long way off)

Almost all Black Headed Gulls are now in winter plumage...a sure sign that summer is on its way out!

Two very distant  Whinchats (centre between two out of focus Wheatears.)

 Breech Pool drama....

Grey Heron concentrating!

Grey Heron in  attack mode

That's breakfast...one unhappy fish!

 A one legged Whimbrel...

Today (Saturday) the Pale-bellied Brents were feeding just off Pagham Spit and I think now joined by a single Dark-bellied  Brent (left).

 Numerous Wheatears were on the spit perching on posts and wires and then dropping down onto the ground to feed.

A seal came into the harbour as I watched the Brent...not seen one for some time.

 In the early evening I wandered along Whites Creek in the hope of seeing a Cattle Egret, Spoonbill or Osprey ...all of which have been reported in the last twenty four hours.

Collared Dove...invariably feeding on the tideline along this stretch of the harbour.