The dawning of the New Year brings in the excitement of what the reserve has to offer. Many birds swarm on the reserve in January to start that all important year list. Whilst the rest of the visitor are able to stand in awe of flocks of duck, waders and of course the geese which are present in the harbour at present. Also can be a good time see birds of prey with Buzzard, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and if you are lucky a Barn Owl
Barn Owl
Sparrowhawk
The weather has been confusing every one including the wildlife first it is mild and then the cold weather has come in from the continent bring with it a movement of birds. The flock of Brent Geese reached over 2000 by the beginning of February, with many other species reaching their winter maximum counts of 1500 Wigeon, 2000-3000 Lapwing, 500 Golden Plover, 2000 Dunlin and 70 Avocet.
Lapwing
The most noticeable increase in the sighting was from the sea off both Church Norton and Medmerry. As January drew to a close and February began the variety of birds recorded from the coast was impressive. All three diver species were regularly reported with impressive number of Red Throated Divers on the sea, both Common and Velvet Scoter, large numbers of gannets, Razorbills and the odd Guillemot. There was of course a great selection of grebes with a count of 34 Slavonian in early January along with a Red Necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and even Little Grebe. Gulls always provided a challenge however Pagham gives a good variety of species in the winter to help comparison. This year was no exception with Yellow-Legged, Mediterranean, Lesser Black Backed along with the commoner species were all recorded along with the odd Kittiwake at sea. The highlight was from Medmerry when a 2w Glaucous Gull was seen near the Breach by two lucky observers.
Red Throated Diver
Pied Wagtail
Stonechat
Roe Deer
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon