PAGHAM HARBOUR
A seaside walk for waders, terns and rarities
This walk is best done in two halves, as there is a natural break at the harbour mouth. Habitats include salt and freshwater lagoons, marshland, reedbeds, tidal creeks, scrub, shingle beach and the open sea. Adjacent farmland and stands of trees add to the variety. This walk can be extended to take in a footpath west to Medmerry reserve at Bracklesham Bay. PAUL TRODD
1 WHERE TO WATCH
The trees and scrub cover around the car park attracts common tits and finches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Sedge and Cetti’s Warblers, Whitethroat and Lesser
Whitethroats. From the hide by Ferry Pool scan the marsh for Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover and Redshank, plus a chance of Common, Curlew, Wood, and Green Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Little Stint and Whimbrel. Also likely: Teal, Shoveler, Great White Egret, Little Grebe and Mediterranean Gull, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Yellow and Grey Wagtails, hirundines and Hobby. A good spot for Barn Owl at dusk.
2
From the hide check for Curlew, Avocet, Redshank, Dunlin and, in autumn, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Knot and Grey Plover, plus Little Egret, Shelduck, Wigeon and Pintail.
Gull flocks can contain Yellowlegged and Mediterranean Gulls. Raptors such as Peregrine and Kestrel can be active here.
3
Church Norton is a notable area for Spotted Flycatcher in the churchyard, along with passage Willow Warbler, Goldcrest and Fircrest and maybe a scarce Redstart or Pied Flycatcher. Nearby wetland scrub at the Severals attracts Stonechat, Water Rail, hirundines, Reed and Sedge Warblers, plus Whinchat and Wheatear. Check dead trees for Hobby or Turtle Dove.
4
Check the beach for Ringed Plover, Wheatear and Turnstone. Scan the sea for terns, gulls and ducks. Islands in the harbour attract Sandwich Terns with lesser numbers of Common and Little Terns, Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls and Oystercatchers.
5
The North Wall bund is good for Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and Kestrel, while the reedbed attracts Water Rail, Bearded Tit, Reed, Sedge and Cetti’s Warblers, Reed Bunting and Stonechat. The Breech Pool can be good for waders in autumn.
6
Another good spot to scan the mudflats for waders, and fields for partridges, gulls, Lapwing, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, finches buntings and raptors.