The winter storms are now rolling in from the Atlantic on a more regular basis and the movements of wildfowl from the continent becomes every more evident as the winter progresses. If you wish to see large numbers of waders and duck now is the time to visit. The latest monthly survey of the site two weeks ago has reveal that by mid December 12500 wetland birds are now seeking haven from the northern winter at Pagham. The best place to view many of these is from the North Wall. As the tide swills in through the channels, birds that have spend time feeding on the exposed mud start milling around looking for a safe place to roost. The sight of 2500 Lapwing, 600 Golden Plover, 1500 Dunlin and 500 Knot is just awe-inspiring as they sweep and turn to confuse any predator hoping to take advantage of a quick meal. On the fields behind the wall 1000 Wigeon and 1600 Brent Geese feed at a more leisurely rate. The two Ruddy Shelduck have continued their presence and the debate is in full flow regarding the birds origin.
A much quieter week on the sea but the dedicated sea-watcher still had the opportunity to see the Long Tailed Ducks (up to 3) which continued to reside on the sea at Church Norton along with Slavonian Grebe, Black and Red Throated Diver, Eider and Common Scoter.
As with the waterfowl, the onset of winter brings a movement of finches and buntings from the continent escaping the snow along with the inability for them to find the seeds that they require to survive the cold weather. With the reserve primarily focused towards the management of the grasslands for waterfowl you would think that these smaller and less obvious visitors would not find the area as suitable. However they have not been forgotten; on the north side of the reserve there is a field that is specifically cultivated to provided these small birds with the seeds they required at this time of the year. A range of plants are grown which provides a source of seed through the winter both on the ground, or if it does snow, still present on the plants as they are not cut until February, allowing the birds access to food even if the snow is on the ground. A wide range of species are presently taken advantage of this free food; Linnet (100), Reed Bunting (40), Yellowhammer (8), Chaffinch (10) and Greenfinch (20) were all recorded over the last week.
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon