Pagham Harbour RSPB (2 June 2026)

We set off with a wet weather forecast and travelled through severe traffic hold ups and rain but arrived to a sunny day beside the sea with storms and clouds remaining inland.

We had no trouble parking at Church Norton (given the forecast) and looked at the

Terns gathered in number across the water. The previous day at least 250 Sandwich Terns offshore in a “constant conveyor belt…. returning with fish” had been reported. Then you add the numbers all sitting on the islands and you get some idea of how many there were (RSPB volunteers suggested 500 pairs). We had to search for Common and Little Terns, but they were there and the latter looked minute against the Sandwich Terns. We had the usual difficulty with Whimbrels and Curlews but saw both. How I wish they would stand together so comparison was easier! Then in the distance towards North Wall, Dunlin ran with Ringed Plover amongst them but they were far away. Nearer to us were Oystercatchers and Redshank. Other sounds and sights to pick up were Med. Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and a Herring Gull.

At the sea we watched yet more Sandwich Terns returning with fish in their beaks. Turning to look at a Green Woodpecker, a garden appeared on the beach. Red, Pink and White Valerian and Yellow Horned Poppy. It was a picture. A Buzzard flew in the background.

At the Centre we had the usual House Sparrows, Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chaffinch but not so many of the small birds now that there are no feeders. At Ferry Pool the big attraction was the Avocets and their long-legged young running around. There were also at least 53 Black-tailed Godwit to be seen and our only hirundine – distant probable Sand Martins with some Swifts.  Walking up to the viewpoint past Long Pool we had a Roe Deer resting against the reeds and the busy call of a Reed Warbler and occasional Reed Bunting. In the fields there were Linnets, Skylarks, Stock Dove and two hunting Kestrels looking magnificent in the sunshine.

We then decided to walk towards north wall from Halsey’s farm. We were rewarded by lots of small birds – Chaffinch, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Robin, Cetti’s, Greenfinch and Skylark on our way to find Cattle Egrets. There were the cattle and as they moved so Cattle Egrets joined them – at least five and a Little Egret on the other side of the hedge. I wanted them to do an African Safari and sit on the backs of the cattle but no luck. At least 20 more could be seen flying behind Owl Copse. At this point we fled back to the cars as a large hailstorm hit with thunder and lightning. Costa provided an excellent drying out stop before our journey home!

What a lovely day out.

by Margaret Delpy