Migration is in full flow with multitudes of birds coming through the reserve. Over the last couple of weeks the Swallow numbers have been very impressive with 15000 reported one evening over Medmerry. These flocks of Hirundines are followed by the Hobbies which are looking for an eay meal. On the north wall at Pagham there has been a roost of over 200 Yellow Wagtails. Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and occasional Pied Flycatcher can be seen as they refuel for there journey southwards. On the pools waders continue to provide the interest with Little Stint, Green, Wood and Common Sandpiper seen both at Medmerry and Pagham.
Common Sandpiper (above) and Dunlin and Little Stint (below)
Pied (above) and Spotted Flycatcher (Below)
Redstart
This time of the year anything can appear and so far the autumn has not disappointed with Wryneck, Red-Backed Shrike and Pectoral Sandpiper have made appearances.
Pectoral Sandpiper
Migration time is not just a domain of the birds may insects are on the move over the last month and on a warm day numerous dragonflies can be observed around the reserve including Migrant Hawkers. Autumn is also the time to keep an eye open for unusual moths that may appear and when the evenings are humid, with south easterly winds a variety of migrant moths will appear. Some species trapped recently at pagham are Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Palpita vitrealis and Vestal.
Migrant Hawker -- above
Convolvulus Hawk-moth
Palpita vitrealis (above) and Vestal (below)
As September has advance the first winter visitor have arrives with flocks of Siskin, Wigeon, Pintail and the first Brent Geese
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon