It may be winter but there are plenty of birds that flock to our reserves of Pagham Harbour and Medmerry in search of food and safe place to spend to the harsher months. Winter ducks and wildfowl spread themselves across both reserves including Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Green Sandpiper, Snipe and Brent Geese.
Wigeon - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Snipe - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Brent Geese - Ivan Lang
In the harbour Dunlin, Knot, Grey and Golden Plover, Avocet and Ringed Plover can be seen in good numbers and already counts of 2000 Brent, 600 Golden Plover and 1000 Lapwing have been recorded.
Knot - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
As the tide comes in Slavonian Grebes and Red-Breasted Mergansers can be spotted in the harbour and Medmerry’s Breach area, as well as offshore along with Great Northern Diver, Red-Throated Diver, Common Scoter and the occasional Eider and Long-Tailed Duck.
Slavonian grebe - Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
Goldeneye usually turn up on Pagham Lagoon while Shoveler settle in on Ferry Pool accompanied by Black-tailed Godwit. Kingfisher sightings increase in winter and Dartford Warblers can be found on the West Side and Medmerry.
Shoveler - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
At this time of year, finches and buntings flock together drawing in Merlin, and Marsh Harriers are regularly seen on either reserve. Other raptors that can be spotted now are Barn Owl, Short-Eared Owl and Peregrine.
Merlin - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
There is something to be seen every season here, so grab your scarf and boots and see what you can discover, before heading back to our Visitor Centre to warm up with a hot drink.