All eyes were still on the sea at Church Norton throughout the week and it did not disappoint. The continuing presence of the Long Tailed Ducks brought a long string of admirers as they fed offshore. But these were not the only stars of the show, towards the end of the week the Long Tails were joined by some very obliging Black-Throated Diver, with up to 4 present right through to writing this blog. As well as this the appreciating crowds also had 2 Velvet Scoter a small influx of up to 5 Goosander, 20+ Slavonian Grebe and Red Throated Diver to keep them enthralled as the weather remained settle for most of the week.
The Peregrine remained as sentinel on the New Island as its smaller cousin the Merlin continued to patrol the spit. Nervous waders continued to increase through out the week keeping a close eye on the peregrine ready to swirl this way and that every time the peregrine twitched. Knot, Grey Plover, Golden Plover and the odd Greenshank are now frequenting the harbour to fill up on the larder that the mud hides. Who says Pagham Harbour doesn’t attract the more exotic visitors? With the start of December attracting 5 Egyptian Geese to Ferry Pool.
With all the excitement out on the sea it is easy to forget to turn around and look inland. So do have a look! As you may be lucking enough to see a Raven or two drifting over or one of the Firecrest that hang out at the churchyard.
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon