West Sussex

A belated report from the week before last.

From 23rd to 27th February we stayed with friends near to Worthing. We had three trips out and started at Pangham Harbour.

The harbour contains a quite large nature reserve, with intertidal salt marsh and a series of wet meadows and freshwater ponds. Apart from being greeted by a singing Robin and a Dunnock, the first bird that came in to view once on the reserve was a spectacular male Hen Harrier. Over 1000 Brent Geese flew along the shoreline outside of the harbour, just too far away to examine for 'strangers'. We were told later that a Red Breasted Goose sometimes accompanies the Brents.

Pagham is well worth a visit. Good numbers of waders and a good variety of ducks. Excellent views of a BT Godwit.

The next visit was to Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve. The mixture of habitat, currently being enhanced by the improvement of the heathland, makes for a good day's birding. We did not visit the best parts for waders, so recorded only Lapwing. The total for the day was 50; sounds 'fixed' doesn't it? I suspect that this reserve would be a great place to visit during the autumn migration. For those who like to mix their birding with tasty food, the cafe is excellent.

The final trip out was a ramble through woods and over fields. Not many birds, a fair amount of drizzle and mud, but ending up at a very good pub serving first class grub.