Pagham Harbour – Birders marked a memorable afternoon with the reappearance of elusive species amid robust winter flocks.
High Tide Roost Reveals Impressive Wader Counts
High Tide Roost Reveals Impressive Wader Counts (Image Credits: Flickr)
Observers tallied thousands of birds during the high tide pre-roost at East Side and Pagham Spit. Dunlin numbers stood out at an estimated 3,000, while Grey Plovers reached about 400. Knot flocks appeared smaller, numbering around 200, and Golden Plovers had already departed the area.
Black-tailed Godwits numbered at least 1,000 near White’s Creek. Gulls included 375 Great Black-backed Gulls, mixed with 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a third-cycle Yellow-legged Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, and a first-winter Caspian-type Gull viewed from afar. Bar-tailed Godwits joined the roost in small numbers. Across the harbor, totals approached 10,000 birds, featuring 2,000 Lapwings and 1,500 Brent Geese conservatively.
Earlier Surveys Highlight Broader Movements
Daytime counts from fellow birders exceeded those from the afternoon session. They recorded 4,000 Lapwings, 2,500 Brent Geese, 300 Golden Plovers, 300 Wigeon, 100 Teal and Pintail combined, 250 Common Gulls, and 50 Mediterranean Gulls. Common Gull flocks had passed overhead recently, suggesting active migration.
Overall harbor estimates climbed to 14,000-15,000 birds, excluding large contingents of Black-headed and Herring Gulls that could add thousands more. Notable recent upticks occurred in Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Avocet, Common Gulls, and Mediterranean Gulls. These shifts pointed to dynamic winter patterns in the region.
Rarities Spotlight the Afternoon
The excitement peaked en route back when the Glossy Ibis reemerged in the traveller field alongside six Cattle Egrets. News soon followed of the Snow Bunting’s return at East Head, prompting a final-hour detour. Both species thrilled observers, boosting the Peninsula year list to 112 species.
Such returns underscored the harbor’s appeal as a winter haven. The Snow Bunting foraged actively at East Head, while the Glossy Ibis mingled with egrets in familiar territory. These sightings capped a session rich in variety and volume.
Flooded Roads Challenge Access
Reaching key spots tested birders’ resolve. The drive to East Side resembled a boat trip, crossing three major floods. Roads through Highleigh and to Donnington stayed closed and impassable.
Despite obstacles, dedication paid off with prime views. Persistent flooding highlighted environmental pressures on local wildlife watching.
Key Takeaways
- Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwits led surging wader numbers, exceeding 4,000 combined.
- Gull diversity featured rare types like Caspian and Yellow-legged amid thousands of common species.
- Snow Bunting and Glossy Ibis returns elevated the Peninsula year list to 112.
Winter birding at Pagham Harbour delivered spectacle and rarity in equal measure, signaling vibrant seasonal fluxes. What favorites have you spotted there lately? Share in the comments.
