Wildlife with Hugh

Medmerry lies to the south of Chichester, on a section of the coast called Bracklesham Bay. It is a fantastic place for wildlife, despite being a recently created and developing landscape. Conceived as a coastal realignment scheme, it is benefiting both wildlife and people through the creation of new habitats and mitigating flooding in the local area. A variety of habitats and ecological niches provide a framework for a diverse mix of species to thrive here. Habitats range between farmland, grassland, freshwater, brackish water, coastal scrub, trees and hedgerows, developing intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh, saltwater lagoons, shingle beaches and the open sea. All of this results in Medmerry being an excellent place to go and view bird life. The groundworks for Medmerry were completed in 2013, and since 2016 I have been conducting regular surveys of the birds and reptiles at the reserve for the RSPB. Like most places different bird species can be seen at different times of year. Over tim...

A truly fantastic day at Farlington Marshes displayed why the location is one of the premier birdwatching sites in southeast England. A great mix of birds were seen, some 71 species in half a day, and in that included wonderful views of kingfishers and bearded tits.

Sandwich terns can be seen all around the Sussex and Hampshire coast. Most migrate here for the summer to breed, but we see smaller numbers spending the winter in the area too. In the spring and summer they sport black plumage on their heads with a shaggy crest at the back. After the breeding period the black recedes and they are left with a white forehead. They are a distinctive species, being the largest type of tern to commonly occur in the area, and have a black bill with a yellow tip. While standing on Bosham Quay on the 29th of September a sandwich tern flew in and landed atop a post (pictured above). It used this position as a fishing platform, and would dive off to catch a fish from the harbour before returning to the post. After a couple of successful plunges it moved to a closer post. This new position appeared to be a prime fishing spot. It was plain to see when a potential catch was in sight, as the focus would heighten and posture change ready for a dive. The flat top to t...