Wednesday, 12th February: The blustery westerly persisted again this morning, though remaining dry, cool and bright....
Selsey Bill: A Peregrine flew out and settled on the rocks by the Mile Basket for about an hour this morning before flying back in and west along the shoreline.
Otherwise it was quiet, with a couple of Great Northern Divers west and a few Sandwich Terns being the most noteworthy species. Full log below. (SR/MO-W/IP/AH)
(0740-0950hrs) (W, F5-6)
Great Northern Diver - 2W
diver sp - 1E
Slavonian Grebe - 1W
Great Crested Grebe - 3W
Common Scoter - 1W
Red-breasted Merganser - 6E, 7W, 11os
Peregrine - 1os, then W
Curlew - 1W
Mediterranean Gull - 4os
Sandwich Tern - 5W
Ferry Pool: At least six Snipe were down at the front, whilst two Avocets were on the far bank, along with most of the 50+ Shoveler and Teal present, though the 100 or so Wigeon and Lapwing were out on the field. (AH)
North Wall: The horse paddocks Kestrel, along with a few Redwings and Song Thrushes were again present this morning, with a Marsh Harrier and a Stonechat in the background. Clouds of Lapwing and Golden Plover were frequently airborne, a modest number of Brent Geese were out in the harbour and the well-filled Breech Pool contained only 17 Tufted Duck.
The flooded fields contained a scattering of Wigeon and only a singing Chaffinch was apparent in the hedgerows. (IH)
Later, at around noon, there were 1200 very noisy Brent Geese having a wash and brush up in White's Creek, a Grey Wagtail close to the sluice gates and 66 Mediterranean Gulls on Pagham Lagoon. (JDW)
Church Norton: There wasn't much to report this morning, though the Whimbrel was along the near edge of the harbour, two Red-breasted Mergansers and two Great Crested Grebes were in the channels and at least 100 Knot were among the waders on the mud. (AH/IP)
Medmerry: Easton Lane to Stilt pool - Not a very productive visit this morning, with no sign of any Yellowhammers or Corn Buntings. There were 30 Brent Geese on the Stilt pool and some Gadwall and Wigeon around, with just a single Little Egret nearby, whilst the tracks and paths produced only a meagre 2 Stonechats, a Green Woodpecker, numerous Skylarks singing, small numbers of Meadow Pipits and a few Stock Doves. (PB)
Tuesday, 11th February: The near-gale force westerly continued blowing all morning, and there was a definite bite to it, despite the mainly sunny skies.......
Whatever your politics, these are troubling times for nature and for those of us who care about the environment. On the one hand many folk despair and rightly criticise as yet more of the planet's rain forest is cleared, whilst on the other hand accepting as progress, and with little complaint, the destruction of ancient woodland and special habitats here in the good old UK, for such projects as more roads, HS2 and the like. Perhaps as concerning though is the ongoing erosion of smaller, existing local habitats; constantly nibbling a bit off for a couple of new buildings here, a hedgerow or copse removal there and so on. However, at such times those areas with special protection should surely stand out as exceptions - ready to stand up and be counted - but as recent events prove there are few guarantees now.
Take for example Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. The current managers - the RSPB - don't actually control all of the important land and some important areas - even SSSI's - don't actually fall within their remit. Hence the situation with the constantly overfull Breech Pool and its deteriorating habitat. Then there is the impending approval for big developments on the Pagham side, up to the boundary, which will have serious implications for the Reserve, whilst a much enlarged industrial estate now already adjoins the Reserve near the Visitor Centre. Today we learn of the latest downturn as the lovely hedge of the west side is over-widened with little or no apparent respect for nature (see later in this blog).
Those of us that care must surely do all we can to make others aware of the importance of nature and if that means trying to educate the non-interested then so be it. There will be many disappointments of course, but there will also be some successes; all the more important then to at least try to make contact those involved rather than just throw up the hands and say 'not my problem.' Whilst individuals may have limited opportunity, now is surely the time when the larger conservation organisations can and must step up to the plate and come to the fore, visibly doing all they can to try and preserve habitats. 'Tis better to have tried and lost than never to have tried at all..' (with apologies to Tennyson) (Eds)
Selsey Bill: A Peregrine flew out and settled on the rocks by the Mile Basket for about an hour this morning before flying back in and west along the shoreline.
Otherwise it was quiet, with a couple of Great Northern Divers west and a few Sandwich Terns being the most noteworthy species. Full log below. (SR/MO-W/IP/AH)
(0740-0950hrs) (W, F5-6)
Great Northern Diver - 2W
diver sp - 1E
Slavonian Grebe - 1W
Great Crested Grebe - 3W
Common Scoter - 1W
Red-breasted Merganser - 6E, 7W, 11os
Peregrine - 1os, then W
Curlew - 1W
Mediterranean Gull - 4os
Sandwich Tern - 5W
Peregrine (above), Great Northern Diver & Sandwich Tern at the Bill (AH)
Ferry Pool: At least six Snipe were down at the front, whilst two Avocets were on the far bank, along with most of the 50+ Shoveler and Teal present, though the 100 or so Wigeon and Lapwing were out on the field. (AH)
Snipe (above), Snipe and Teal & Avocets, Shovelers and Teal at the Ferry (AH)
North Wall: The horse paddocks Kestrel, along with a few Redwings and Song Thrushes were again present this morning, with a Marsh Harrier and a Stonechat in the background. Clouds of Lapwing and Golden Plover were frequently airborne, a modest number of Brent Geese were out in the harbour and the well-filled Breech Pool contained only 17 Tufted Duck.
The flooded fields contained a scattering of Wigeon and only a singing Chaffinch was apparent in the hedgerows. (IH)
Later, at around noon, there were 1200 very noisy Brent Geese having a wash and brush up in White's Creek, a Grey Wagtail close to the sluice gates and 66 Mediterranean Gulls on Pagham Lagoon. (JDW)
Church Norton: There wasn't much to report this morning, though the Whimbrel was along the near edge of the harbour, two Red-breasted Mergansers and two Great Crested Grebes were in the channels and at least 100 Knot were among the waders on the mud. (AH/IP)
Whimbrel (above), Knot & Knot and Grey Plovers at Church Norton (AH)
Medmerry: Easton Lane to Stilt pool - Not a very productive visit this morning, with no sign of any Yellowhammers or Corn Buntings. There were 30 Brent Geese on the Stilt pool and some Gadwall and Wigeon around, with just a single Little Egret nearby, whilst the tracks and paths produced only a meagre 2 Stonechats, a Green Woodpecker, numerous Skylarks singing, small numbers of Meadow Pipits and a few Stock Doves. (PB)
Tuesday, 11th February: The near-gale force westerly continued blowing all morning, and there was a definite bite to it, despite the mainly sunny skies.......
Whatever your politics, these are troubling times for nature and for those of us who care about the environment. On the one hand many folk despair and rightly criticise as yet more of the planet's rain forest is cleared, whilst on the other hand accepting as progress, and with little complaint, the destruction of ancient woodland and special habitats here in the good old UK, for such projects as more roads, HS2 and the like. Perhaps as concerning though is the ongoing erosion of smaller, existing local habitats; constantly nibbling a bit off for a couple of new buildings here, a hedgerow or copse removal there and so on. However, at such times those areas with special protection should surely stand out as exceptions - ready to stand up and be counted - but as recent events prove there are few guarantees now.
Take for example Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. The current managers - the RSPB - don't actually control all of the important land and some important areas - even SSSI's - don't actually fall within their remit. Hence the situation with the constantly overfull Breech Pool and its deteriorating habitat. Then there is the impending approval for big developments on the Pagham side, up to the boundary, which will have serious implications for the Reserve, whilst a much enlarged industrial estate now already adjoins the Reserve near the Visitor Centre. Today we learn of the latest downturn as the lovely hedge of the west side is over-widened with little or no apparent respect for nature (see later in this blog).
Those of us that care must surely do all we can to make others aware of the importance of nature and if that means trying to educate the non-interested then so be it. There will be many disappointments of course, but there will also be some successes; all the more important then to at least try to make contact those involved rather than just throw up the hands and say 'not my problem.' Whilst individuals may have limited opportunity, now is surely the time when the larger conservation organisations can and must step up to the plate and come to the fore, visibly doing all they can to try and preserve habitats. 'Tis better to have tried and lost than never to have tried at all..' (with apologies to Tennyson) (Eds)
Selsey Bill: A Fulmar, five Eider, two Great Northern Divers and a few more Red-breasted Mergansers going west were the highlights this morning. Full log below. (PB/SR/AH/MO-W/IP)
(0755-0930hrs) (W, F7-8)
Great Northern Diver - 2W, 1os
Fulmar - 1W
Eider - 5W (inc 4 drakes)
Red-breasted Merganser - 9E, 21W, 12os
Common Gull - 1E, 7W
Mediterranean Gull - 2os
Sandwich Tern - 9W
Ferry Pool: All the wildfowl were tucked up on the far bank, including c50 Shoveler, c80 Teal and c60 Wigeon. (AH)
Also, a male Bullfinch was by the feeders at the Visitor Centre (AT)
Long Pool: The lovely hedges along the Long Pool are currently being cleared to the width of the digger truck on caterpillar tracks working its way along it, and now looks a very sorry site indeed. (AH)
(0755-0930hrs) (W, F7-8)
Great Northern Diver - 2W, 1os
Fulmar - 1W
Eider - 5W (inc 4 drakes)
Red-breasted Merganser - 9E, 21W, 12os
Common Gull - 1E, 7W
Mediterranean Gull - 2os
Sandwich Tern - 9W
Great Northern Diver (above), Eider, Sandwich Tern & Red-breasted Mergansers at the Bill (AH)
Ferry Pool: All the wildfowl were tucked up on the far bank, including c50 Shoveler, c80 Teal and c60 Wigeon. (AH)
Also, a male Bullfinch was by the feeders at the Visitor Centre (AT)
Shovelers on the Ferry (AH)
The remains of the lovely hedges along the Long Pool. (AH)
Although apparently the footpath is not under RSPB control, what visitors to the Reserve will think of this sight during the coming weeks can only be guessed at. Surely some dialogue between interested parties could have led to a better outcome.....nature's way, really?? (Eds)
North Wall: The horse paddock Kestrel was present this morning together with at least three Song Thrushes, three Redwing and a Green Woodpecker.
From the sluice gates, the regular Grey Wagtail appeared and as well as Wigeon, Teal and Redshank, whilst flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover wheeled overhead. The flooded fields contained in excess of 100 Curlew and large numbers of Wigeon while seven Grey Herons lined the edge of Owl Copse. (IH)
Hunston: At least 20 Cattle Egrets were in the fields east of the sub-station this morning. (NM)
Church Norton: The Whimbrel was along the harbour edge this morning and at least 20 Ringed Plovers and 100 Knot were among the Dunlin and Grey Plovers on the mud, whilst up to eight Red-breasted Mergansers and two Great Crested Grebes were in the channels.
Also, a couple of Goldcrests and a dozen or more Long-tailed Tits were along the sheltered hedges. (AH/PB/IP)
Whimbrel (above), Ringed Plover, Red-breasted Merganser & Long-tailed Tit at Church Norton (AH)
Info re path closure: The footpath between Ferry Corner and Church Norton is subject to current maintenance works. As a result, for safety reasons no access is advised until works have been completed and machinery cleared. (per R.Newnham/RSPB)
Selsey Bill: A few birds were evidently relocating west this morning, including nine (mostly drake) Eiders, 40+ Red-breasted Mergansers and a couple of Slavonian Grebes, whilst on the stormy high tide 55+ Turnstones were assembled on the beach. Full log below......
0730-1130hrs: (wind W 7-8 backing WSW 7) (AM/IP/MO-W/AH/OM)
Red-throated Diver - 1E
Great Northern Diver - 2W
Slavonian Grebe - 2W
Great Crested Grebe - 7W, 1os
Shag - 1E
Eider - 9W
Red-breasted Merganser - 5E, 42W, 3os
Common Scoter - 1E
Sandwich Tern - 2os
Kittiwake - 2W
Common Gull - 1E, 3W
Mediterranean Gull - 1E, 3W
0730-1130hrs: (wind W 7-8 backing WSW 7) (AM/IP/MO-W/AH/OM)
Red-throated Diver - 1E
Great Northern Diver - 2W
Slavonian Grebe - 2W
Great Crested Grebe - 7W, 1os
Shag - 1E
Eider - 9W
Red-breasted Merganser - 5E, 42W, 3os
Common Scoter - 1E
Sandwich Tern - 2os
Kittiwake - 2W
Common Gull - 1E, 3W
Mediterranean Gull - 1E, 3W
Eider (above), Red-breasted Merganser and Common Gull at the Bill (AH)
Turnstones along the beach at the Bill (and with gulls above) approaching high tide. (OM)
Still stormy at the Bill as the path is deluged (OM)
Ferry Pool: A total of 47 Avocets and c200 Redshank were roosting at the far end on the big tide this morning, whilst there were also still at least 50 Shovelers and similar of Teal and Wigeon, plus a dozen Shelduck. (AH/IL)
Later, 20 Snipe and a Woodcock were flushed from the edge of Ferry channel during checking for storm damage. (IL)
Later, 20 Snipe and a Woodcock were flushed from the edge of Ferry channel during checking for storm damage. (IL)
Avocets (above) & Redshank, Wigeon and Teal on the Ferry (AH)
West Itchenor: Two Great Northern Divers were out in the channel between Itchenor and Bosham Hoe this morning. (PH)
Church Norton: A dozen or so Pintail, eight Red-breasted Mergansers and two Great Crested Grebes were on the water as the tide rose this morning, along with just a few Wigeon and Teal.
Most of the waders were being very flighty, with large flocks of Knot, Dunlin and Grey Plover on the move, and including a lone Golden Plover and at least six Bar-tailed Godwits, whilst the Whimbrel was in its usual haunts. (AH/IP)
Pintail (above), Red-breasted Mergansers, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and Grey Plovers & Knot and Grey Plovers at Church Norton (AH)
Chi. Marina: A quick look around the Marina reed-bed and adjacent area was predictably unproductive today. A couple of pairs of Mallard were about it on the pool, although opposite was the incongruous sight of two Coots with the Black Swan and a pair of Mutes, all together, swimming around the moored boats on the marina itself.
Along the sheep-grazing fields adjoining the canal was a large flock of gulls feeding on the wet grassland - consisting of roughly 80 each of Common and Black-headed Gull. (OM)
Marsh Farm area: Twelve Cattle Egrets were back in the vicinity of the farm this afternoon. (IL)
Hunston: We went around midday to near Hunston and saw six Cattle Egrets, two Little Egrets and a family of Egyptian Geese. (ARK per SOS)
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