Cattle Egrets...at last!

Having searched unsuccessfully for the reported Cattle Egrets in the Hunston area  during the past few days I eventually caught up with a few of them today in a sheep field south of Ivy lake.

They did not hang around long and neither did I as the farmer approached and encouraged me to move on as heavy farm vehicles were about to arrive!
Nevertheless I was pleased to get a couple of shots through a hedge!! Things are never easy!!

The Hooded Crow...It's still there....if you're lucky!

Timing is all important and luck is an essential ingredient! Best time is when the tide is out and more importantly when the dogs and dog walkers are not invading the beach...that's a killer!

Having said that they have just as much right to be on the beach as birders and photographers...it just makes it more of a challenge!!

The Hooded Crow at about noon

It seems quite skittish and does not allow a close approach...this time it was last seen heading for the centre of Pagham harbour.
I was very encouraged to meet a couple today who had actually looked at my blog before coming from Southampton....so someone does read it!!

A Sussex/Pagham first for me!

 As I was returning from my walk around the spit this morning I met up with Nick Bond who was looking for the reported Hooded Crow which I assured him wasn't on the spit this morning! As we parted he commented that if he did find it he would tweet me. Sure enough as soon as I returned home I received a tweet, so hurriedly set out again and met up with him and Gareth James having reasonable long distance views off the beach. I only had the 400mm lens but with a little bit of stealth I managed to get  somewhat closer and it eventually flew to the high tide mark giving the opportunity of a few long distance (albeit cropped) shots.....

 A first Sussex tick for me!

Earlier in the harbour I found an unusual Brent Goose with a very noticeable white head. Initially I only saw the head and that had me puzzled...

A little later I had a decent view 

Leucistic or cross breed...I know not!

Returning via the Lagoon I took a few shots of a resplendent Tufted Duck....just look at that tuft!!

Spring is on the way....hopefully!