There is still a winter feel to the reserve at least with some of the birds that continue to remain present. The Iceland Gull continued to frequent Pagham Lagoon with very close views reported at times. Offshore at Church Norton a Long-Tailed Duck continued to appear on occasions as it moved between Church Norton and Selsey Bill. In the harbour many of the winter waders and waterfowl departed during March but a small flock of Brent Geese continued to delay their departures with about 100 still around at the end of the month. In addition on the Breach Pool a flock of 70+ Black-Tailed Godwit continue to use the area, with many of them adorning there summer plumage collection.
However with southern winds blowing up from the Sahara there was an upward increase in temperature which seemed to initiate a more spring like feel to the Reserve. Out on Ferry Field the more familiar display flights of Lapwing and Redshank started to fill the air. This was interrupted with the more curious calls of Avocet as they started to announce their presence. Around the Reserve many of the residence are singing and collecting nesting material as spring seemed to get a boost from the warm Saharan breeze.
With the change in wind direction the trickle of summer migrants began with Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Swallow, Sand Martin, Tree Pipit, Wheatear and Common Redstart were all reported arriving in to the Reserve over the last week. Another visitor to the Reserve which attracted a bit of attention was the presence of 2 Spoonbill over the first weekend in April. There were seen feeding in Breach Pool a regularly taking trips around the harbour.
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon