Spring bird watching at Pagham Harbour

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The spring and autumn passage period
Whilst many of the wintering birds are still present throughout the spring and autumn passage period, the movement of many other birds at this time of year increases the diversity of the birdlife around the Reserve.
If you are interested in passage waders then the best place to look is on Ferry Pool. Species such as Curlew, Green and Common Sandpiper, Ruff and Little Ringed Plover are all seen during this period.

Many of the passerines are moving through too. In both spring and autumn many birds stop at the Reserve to feed and rest, either before or after crossing the Bay of Biscay. The best place to look for these migrants is at Church Norton and along the shingle spit here. The scrub around the Visitor Centre can also be productive.

Many species that are usually found breeding on the continent or further north in the UK stop at Pagham during this period. Wheatear, Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and Redstart all are present on the Reserve.
Less common migrants include Red Backed Shrike, Wryneck and Red Breasted Flycatcher which appear occasionally, to the delight of many visitors.

This is also the period when the rare vagrants are most likely to arrive on the Reserve - species such as Marsh Sandpiper, Pallas Warbler and Bee-eater have all been recorded here.

This season also sees the movement of birds of prey with a regular passage of Osprey and Marsh Harrier. If you are lucky, you may see species such as Honey Buzzard and Black Kite.

As the spring progresses, the main interest is the plants that are starting to flower. You will notice the woodland flowers that are found around the hedgerows flowering first, the main species being primroses and snowdrops. As spring progresses, the hedgerows are brought to life with hawthorn and blackthorn blooming.

Click on the link provided for all the latest news and seasonal wildlife to watch out for at Pagham Harbour, just west of Bognor Regis.