Squacco Heron at Pagham Harbour.

Saturday 6th August 2022.

The adult Squacco Heron on Bremere Rife, Pagham Harbour NR. This could be the same bird that was here a couple of years ago in exactly the same spot? 

A cracking morning birding over Pagham Harbour put my year's list on 199 species of birds and on top of that, there was a good display of other wildlife on show at this superb nature reserve. We knew the weather was going to be good as it climbed up into the 70’s and at one time, I was actually worried the backs of my legs were going to be sunburnt and although it was low tide within Pagham Harbour, we had a great selection of birds to look at including the long-staying adult Squacco Heron.

My first Rosy Rustic moth of the year at Cowplain Marsh.

However, we kicked off by checking the moth box at Cowplain Marsh (Andy’s back garden) where I found my first Rosy Rustic moth of the year. There were a few moths present, but as expected, most of the moths would have flown off due to the time I arrived at Andy’s house (8am). There was an interesting micro too, an Acleris notana/ferrugana, a species that can only be told from dissection to be certain.

The micro moth, Acleris notana/ferrugana. A difficult moth to ID in the field.

The moths present in Andy’s garden included :

• 3 Willow Beauty
• 1 Buff Ermine
• 1 Rosy Rustic (NFY)
• 1 Vines Rustic
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Common Rustic
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Heart & Dart
• 1 Celypha striana
• 1 Acleris notana/ferrugana
• 2 Agriphila straminella
• 1 Chestnut Tortrix
• 1 Blastobasis adustella

This cracking Comma butterfly greeted us on our arrival at Pagham Harbour. Good numbers of butterflies were around including both Small & Large Whites, Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns. Someone had a Clouded Yellow that morning by the North Wall.

Parking down the bottom of Church Lane within Pagham village, we then made our way to the North Wall where on entry near the Sluice gate, a superb Comma butterfly was bathing in the morning sunshine perched on a fence post. Good start to the day. A couple of birders kindly gave us directions to where to view the Squacco Heron and we could see in the distance a group of birders roughly a quarter of a mile away, overlooking the Bremere Rife area, where the bird has been seen throughout the week.

Above, a Greenshank and Little Egret within White's Creek. Below, this Lapwing showed very well from the North Wall footpath.

Looking out into White’s Creek, within the harbour, I picked up a lone Greenshank feeding along the edge of the stream with a Little Egret fishing close by. Redshank and Dunlin could be seen further up the stream along with good numbers of resting Gulls and Shelduck on the mudflats. On the way there along the North Wall, we came up to the Breech Pool where a large flock of Hirundines contained both Swallow and Sand Martins. The reedbed was alive with both Reed and Sedge Warblers and being such a warm morning, they were busily actively chasing insects. We could also notice how low the water level was on the Breech Pool, the result of the drought we are going through in the south of the UK. However, on this side of the Pool, there was enough water to attract a few waders and among a group of around a dozen Redshank, there was a preening Spotted Redshank still in summer plumage. A Common Snipe was also seen on the pool, but on the opposite side before it moved out of view into the nearby reedbed. A handful of Black-tailed Godwit were feeding in the shallow water and several Lapwing were dotted around as well.

Above, on the Breech Pool, the Spotted Redshank was among Redshank and a few Black-tailed Godwit. Three Dunlin can be seen here on the foreshore of the Pool. Below, a lone Curlew preening on the mudflats close to the seawall.

Happy with the Spotted Redshank sighting, we then made our way to our intended quest. I could see the Egret roost coming up in the distance out in the harbour which contained nearly all Cattle Egrets, a species here that can get up to 60+ birds now! As we were nearing the site, a Lesser Whitethroat popped up on a nearby bush along the path for all of around ten seconds, but there was no mistaking its identity and climbed on board Andy’s year list. That put a smile on his face. We were getting close now to the site and way in the distance, a light brownish blob on top of a distant bush grabbed my attention and sure enough, through the binoculars, it was the Squacco Heron!

Above and below, a good number of Cattle Egrets (53 counted earlier that morning) were flying over or out in the harbour.

Though distant, there was no doubt it was the bird as it soon flew down, revealing those white primaries in doing so and landed out of view on the Rife. There, we joined around and a dozen or so birders for the next hour and although the bird never showed, the signal went up that it was viewable from another area much nearer. So we joined the other birders in walking to that particular site. During that hour, we enjoyed good numbers of Cattle Egrets flying over to land where the cows were in the distance and also several Little Egrets that were feeding close by in the harbour. 

Above, Andy delivering a speech to all the Birders and birds present on the North Wall! Below, this Long-tailed Tit came into land in a bush just beside where we stood.

We hoped a passing female Sparrowhawk might have flushed the Squacco, but it didn't as it flew off west being pursued by a lot of brave Hirundines. A male Kestrel was hunting over a field nearby and made what looked like two successful catches when it plummeted to the ground. Another wave of both Swallow and Sand Martin came in and picked off insects low over the Rife while in front of us Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers were flitting about in the reedbeds below us. A Common Whitethroat also was seen flitting about in the vegetation along with a small flock of Long-tailed Tits that entertained both Andy and myself. Behind us in the harbour, several Whimbrels were on the mudflats, feeding up for the long flight south.

Above, the view we all had of the Squacco Heron fishing within the Rife. Everyone was patient and quiet while we enjoyed this rare, but beautiful Heron. Below, the lack of water on one side of the Breech Pool was most notable. I have never seen it this dry before. 

So, after around an hour, with my exposed legs getting a tad warm, we joined the others in walking north across the field and joining the group overlooking the Rife looking north. There, not too far away, was the Squacco Heron, perched near motionless in the water in search of a frog or two. Using my scope, I got lovely views of the bird with its long head plumes stretching down its honey brown back. Other birders were joining us and so we kept our time here to a minimum and eventually we made our way back to the seawall, where a pair of Kingfishers were seen flying over the same field and then over the hedge and out of sight. A pair of Common Buzzards were soaring high overhead to add to our raptor list this morning. I had my first ‘year-tick’ of the day while Andy had two; though there were more to come.

Above, the Spotted Redshank feeding on the wet side of the Breech Pool. Below, it was joined by the three Dunlin and a Shelduck.

On reaching the Breech Pool again, I heard the distinctive call of a Yellow Wagtail and seeing there was no Spring sighting for either of us, I was intent on trying to locate the bird. But it was a clear blue sky and chances are it would have flown south over the harbour. But perseverance paid off when I spotted a pair of birds flying low over the reedbeds and quickly got Andy onto the birds. Unfortunately, they never settled, but still showed well flying around the Breech Pool, chasing each other until disappearing out of view. My second ‘year-tick’ of the day! Earlier, while waiting for the Squacco to show, a probable Grasshopper Warbler popped up from nowhere on a bramble, but gave just brief views, though I was 75% sure it was one: right colour, long squarish tail, buffish underneath, but too quick a view to be certain. Shame, that would have been a very good find.

Above, one of the Goodwood Spitfire's made a few fly passes over the harbour. Below, one of many Sedge Warblers within the reedbeds on the Breech Pool. 

Back on the Breech Pool, the Spotted Redshank was still present feeding in the shallow water, but nearby were three Dunlin, which, of course, were carefully checked. A White-rumped Sandpiper was in the Ferry Pool a few weeks ago! Most definitely Dunlin, we then made our way to the Sluice gate to check on White’s Creek for any more waders and while checking out the waders through the scope further out in the harbour, I came across our first Curlew Sandpipers of the year! Bingo! My third ‘year-tick’ of the day and Andy’s fourth. The three birds were clearly longer bodied than Dunlin and the long slightly down curved bill clearly seen and I could make out (just, because the heat haze was taking effect) the upperparts and happy to say they were all juveniles. We were more than happy to show a London birder the Sandpipers of which he thanked us. To round off a superb trip to this location, I picked out a soaring Marsh Harrier sailing over the harbour in the distance. Our fourth raptor sighting of the day. I later read this evening that one of the ‘Lazee Birders’ had 10 different Raptor sightings today! 

Above and below, a couple of Common Darter dragonflies showing well near the Pond by Sidlesham Ferry Pool.

Well happy, I went on to check for more waders, but there was just the lone Greenshank and several Redshank of note. After picking up some ‘brunch’ at a local Newsagent in Pagham Village, we made our way to the Ferry Pool. There had been some Little Ringed Plovers on there recently and as Andy still needed them for his year list, that was our next destination. To be honest, I was more interested in what the big Pond had to offer as we made our way to the Hide via the Pond.

Above and below, some of the Grass Snakes showing well on the Pond.

A pair of Emperor Dragonflies were patrolling the pond, with the female egg laying in various areas of the pond. Common Darters were everywhere as was Large Red Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly, which was most entertaining. A few Marsh Frogs were on the side of the Pond, keeping a sharp eye out no doubt for the Grass Snakes that inhabit these waters. Sure enough, it didn't take long to spot one and a total of three were noted swimming around in the water. Superb creatures. We spent a good 30 minutes here watching the Dragonflies and Snakes go about their business and just by standing still, there was no need to use binoculars to view the creatures. 

Above, a male Emperor Dragonfly taking some time out and below, a female Emperor laying eggs. 

Eventually, we made our way to the Hide overlooking the Ferry Pool. Sadly, no Little Ringed Plovers on show, but a total of 93 Black-tailed Godwit were present, which the two RSPB Wardens kindly pointed out. There were also up to three Common Buzzards perched on posts to the west of the Ferry Pool. There was not a great deal else here and as Andy needed to be home earlier than usual, we made our way back to the car, but not before we spotted a Clouded Yellow butterfly belting along the footpath to round off a superb day. 

A couple of Marsh Frogs keeping a wary eye out for the Grass Snakes by the edge of the Pond.