Wildlife Day - Pagham Harbour
Pagham Harbour is one of the most important sites for birds on the south coast, home to thousands of wildfowl and waders in the winter. Skeins of Brent Geese are arriving from their Greenland breeding grounds in their thousands. In the harbour, rafts of Pintail, Wigeon and Teal shelter at high tide, and we may spot recently-arrived Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. A great variety of waders can be seen; large flocks of Dunlin and Redshank stay throughout the winter months, and Ringed, Grey and Golden Plover, Curlew, Red Knot and Bar-tailed Godwits can be seen in good numbers, with Whimbrel now often staying around at this time of year. Around reedbeds and rough pasture we may find Snipe or even Spotted Redshank, as we listen for the squeal of a Water Rail and keep watch for the local Peregrine, which regularly hunts across the Harbour, looking for a meal.
Price: £50 (including VAT), payable by bank transfer. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept payment by card.
To book your place, please phone/email us to arrange payment: places are limited, and will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis.
On confirmation of the Wildlife Day, we will send you the details of the meeting place and time, and our leader’s contact details. Please make sure we have your mobile phone number.
Group transport is not provided. We may move between sites during the day (depending on recent sightings), in which case we will use our own vehicles to drive the short distance.
We will be walking for much of the day, and expect to cover up to three miles, although always at a gentle place. We will be walking on a gravel beach, grass and rough tracks, which are likely to be wet and muddy in places. Suitable footwear (walking shoes/boots) is essential, and you should also be prepared for inclement weather.
In line with current government advice, our group size will be limited to six, together with our leader. We will ask everyone to observe social distancing advice during the day, currently two metres between individuals from different households. Bird hides may not be open, but if they are, we would ask that everyone wears a face mask whilst using them.