Roseate Tern and Little Terns at Pagham Harbour

 Blog Snippet: Terns, Triumphs, and a Great Debate at Pagham Harbour

Sunday, 14th June 2026 | Ashdown Bird Group (12 members) | 66 Species Recorded

A sun-drenched summer outing to Pagham Harbour RSPB delivered incredible birding, great company, and a total of 66 species.

The Highlights

• Avocet Bonanza: The Ferry Pool was packed with activity, featuring at least 35 adults and 20 chicks, alongside stunning summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank.

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• The Great Tern Debate: At Church Norton, Alison picked out a rare Roseate Tern on the concrete blocks. After a lengthy debate with local RSPB rangers—and a perfectly timed side-by-side lineup with a Common Tern—the ID was confirmed, showcasing its whiter plumage and dark bill.

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Target Birds Secured: Down on the beach, the group hit its main objective with excellent views of Little Terns (including one directly overhead), complete with their textbook yellow beaks.

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Wildlife Along the Way: The long walk produced singing Reed, Sedge, and Whitethroat warblers, Yellowhammers, a brief Dartford Warbler, and great summer insects like Emperor Dragonflies and Marbled White butterflies.

Yellowhammer - courtesy of Phil Aylen

A huge thanks to Martin for organizing, and to all the group photographers for capturing a memorable day on the Sussex coast!

New species for the 2026 Year List:

169 Roseate Tern

170  Little Tern

171  Yellowhammer