A family walk over Thorney Island.

Sunday 13th July 2025

In the small copse just south of the footpath, a Cattle Egret (left) was with young Little Egrets.

Thorney Island, West Sussex:

My family and I took our dogs for a walk late this afternoon over on the west side of Thorney Island and also our daughter's dog came along with us too, Margot. Our Russ is looking after the house while they are away and so we picked him and Isabelle up and brought Margot along with us. It was a gorgeous afternoon and still quite warm too and somewhere in the low 70’s. It has been a while since I have been into West Sussex, but I suggested this area as the dogs could have a good walk that is relatively people free.

Above, the Cattle Egret with the young Little Egrets and below, another Little Egret with a juvenile Grey Heron in the same Copse. I can always remember when Turtle Doves would nest in the same Copse many years ago. 

Of course, I took my binoculars and camera and although I had hold of my dogs, Ted and Buddy, I have to admit, they were struggling a bit by the time we caught up with Becky and Isabelle on the way back (they stayed on the bench overlooking Emsworth Harbour and the Little Deeps), but after a good drink from my Water Bottle, they were fit and raring ago to finish off the walk.

The Little Deeps.

As we had parked in the small car park by the Water Treatment Works, we crossed the road and headed west to join the Harbour Wall. A few Reed Warblers were singing in the vegetation to the south of the footpath and Gatekeeper butterflies were disturbed as we strolled on through. Nearing the Copse to our left, we could hear young Little Egrets in their nests within the trees, but it wasn't till I checked out my photos on my Laptop, that I discovered that one bird among the five birds present was in fact an adult Cattle Egret! The bird was in its fine summer plumage and sporting the tan coloured crown and chest plus the distinctive yellow bill. A juvenile Grey Heron was also in the same area within the trees. They certainly are communal nesters! 

Oystercatchers flying over our heads and into the harbour. Below, the Great Deeps.

I told the guys that to keep cool, it was best to walk along the top of the Harbour Wall for the sea breeze would be more comfortable. The tide was up within Emsworth Harbour and though I kept an eye out for anything of note, all I could see were several Black-headed Gulls. As we neared the Little Deeps, Becky and Isabelle decided it was too hot to carry on to the Great Deeps and so stayed here and rested on the bench. From here, a pair of Swallows were hawking over the reedbeds and upon the water, there were a pair of Mute Swans, good numbers of Mallard and a lone Little Grebe. A Cetti’s Warbler called briefly deep within the reedbed.

Above and below, Greenshank flying over the Great Deeps.

I think the dogs enjoyed their walk, but the afternoon heat soon caught up with them on the way back. From the Little Deeps, I could hear a few waders calling and a little while later, three Greenshanks came into view and flew over our heads and out into the Harbour of which the tide was now ebbing. Then a small flock of Oystercatchers went over and a couple of Redshanks flew over the Great Deeps itself. A lone Little Egret had been fishing in the corner but flew off on our arrival and settled further to the east on the shoreline. 

A Greenshank heading straight towards me before veering off into the harbour.

Making our way back up the big footpath adjacent to the moat, a pair of Stonechats were seen on the wires as did a small flock of Linnets. Once we caught up with Becky and Isabelle, the dogs had a good long drink and then we made our way back to the car. Two more Grey Herons were seen in the trees at the small Copse and a pair of Ravens flew south high over the island. The only raptor seen was a Common Buzzard soaring to the north over the main road and along the track leading to the main road, the butterflies here included Comma, Peacock, Small White’s and plenty of Gatekeepers. I even saw an Emperor Dragonfly briefly by the edge of the footpath to round off a lovely afternoon walk. Yes, it was a tad warm for Becky and Isabelle, but I think they enjoyed the walk.

Above, a Little Egret on the Great Deeps and below, Golden Samphire growing along the seawall.