The eleven members who met at RSPB Pagham Harbour for the inaugural walk of the new season were soon given a baptism of water as they set off along the path towards Church Norton. A brief but heavy downpour quickly ensured that everyone was fully alert! Thereafter the weather was excellent – bright with a pleasant cooling breeze – and everyone soon dried out.

Unfortunately, the tide was stubbornly low for the duration of the walk, so many of the waders were roosting quite far out.  However, a creditable total of 55 species was chalked up, not including the Sedge Warblers seen only by one member of the party.

Star sightings of the day were the Peregrine causing Lapwing panic at the Ferry Pool, the Whinchat in the field adjoining the path to the beach at Church Norton, and the summer-plumaged Grey Plovers on the harbour.  The field behind the hide was also productive with a Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatchers showing well. Overall the new walks programme was off to a promising start.