Pagham Harbour – Recent heavy rains flooded roads and gardens across the Sussex coast, pushing large numbers of waterbirds into dramatic, concentrated displays for observers.
Challenging Conditions Yield Seabird Surprises
Challenging Conditions Yield Seabird Surprises (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Road closures on Keynor Lane and Highleigh tested local birdwatchers, yet one observer reached Selsey Bill for the season’s first visit amid steady movement offshore.
A total of 166 Red-throated Divers passed westbound, joined by a Velvet Scoter and two Great Northern Divers. Mediterranean Gulls numbered 35 in an eastbound flock, with additional species noted. Detailed records appear in the eBird checklist from the site. A Common Seal rested on the beach, adding to the lively scene.
Tidal Flush Creates Wader Whirlwind at Ferrybridge
Extremely flooded conditions at Ferrybridge forced waders and waterfowl from White’s Creek and East Side into the air as tides rose, visible along the tramway.
Black-tailed Godwit counts swelled to around 1,000 birds in flight, while Lapwings reached at least 4,500 between the harbour and Ferrybridge. A flock of 57 Avocet marked new arrivals, alongside swirling Dunlin and Knot near Church Norton, plus Grey Plovers and a single Bar-tailed Godwit near the Spit. Golden Plovers appeared scarce, suggesting prior departure.
East Head Delivers Winter Specialties
Post-lunch exploration at East Head missed a Snow Bunting but uncovered strong waterbird presence in the channel and marshes.
Two Slavonian Grebes joined three Great Northern Divers and Red-breasted Mergansers. Avocets totaled 74 on Snowhill Marsh, another apparent influx, with four Greenshank present. Roughly 3,000 Brent Geese grazed fields, and 124 Sanderling foraged the tideline. Over 80 Bar-tailed Godwits flew nearby, their key wintering spot, while waders concentrated around Pilsey Sands.
Notable Sightings Across the Day
These observations highlighted active migration and wintering patterns despite weather disruptions.
- 166 Red-throated Divers and multiple divers at Selsey Bill
- 1,000+ Black-tailed Godwits and 4,500 Lapwings at Ferrybridge
- 57 Avocets at Ferrybridge and 74 at Snowhill Marsh
- 3,000 Brent Geese and 124 Sanderling at East Head
- Slavonian Grebes, Greenshank, and Bar-tailed Godwits throughout
Key Takeaways
- Flooding concentrated birds into viewable flocks, boosting sightings.
- Avocet arrivals signal strengthening winter numbers.
- Day’s efforts pushed one observer’s global year list to 480 species.
Winter wetlands like Pagham Harbour demonstrate nature’s resilience, turning flood challenges into unparalleled birdwatching opportunities. Local flood-proofing may loom for residents, but the avian bounty offered a rewarding counterpoint. What are your recent wetland sightings? Share in the comments.
