The weather continues to show it’s unpredictable side with the winds tending to come from the north and the fair share of chilly evenings, the migration period has been a little on the stop/go event this year, with many summer visitors arriving a little later than expected. Although the period hasn’t produced that “mega” yet there has been plenty of interest around both Pagham and Medmerry. The Spoonbill’s continue their extended stay with us as they move between the two sites. There is a continued movement of migrates have come through the reserve with Swift, Spotted Flycatcher and Black Tern making an appearance, the later mixing with Sandwich, Common and Little Terns which have know arrived from their winter abode.
Sandwich Tern Fishing in the Harbour
Many of our summer visitors are now in full voice and as you walk around the air in filled with the wide range of warblers that are breeding. Reed, Sedge and Willow Warbler, Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroat as well a new addition to the reserves repertoire a Nightingale, which has been present for the last 6 weeks.
Alongside these newcomers our resident birds are also in full swing to produce the next generation and around Medmerry the ring of Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer can be heard, whilst on the pools the Avocet have their first chicks.
Corn Bunting Singing (above) and Avocet Chicks (below)
As the local birds are well in to the breeding season, some of the high arctic breeders are still gracing the reserve, but instead of there grey/drab winter plumage they are now sporting their breeding Plumage already to go when they reach their northern breeding grounds.
Bar-Tailed Godwit (above and Turnstone (below)
Dunlin
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon