RSPB Pagham Harbour

 Saturday 13 June

Interesting Saturday morning at RSPB Pagham Harbour with friend Richard. Lovely warm day but tired from lack of sleep then overcome with exhaustion as we finished the woodland circuit and headed off for the raised path towards Pahgam Harbour itself. At this point we had record 26 species with most on the pond, including many resting Black-tailed Godwits, family of Shelduck and plenty of Avocets with well-grown youngsters.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Also noted alongside the river now at almost full tide, Little Egret, Reed Warbler, Chaffinch and usual small birds plus Richard had seen the rising Skylark.  Not too many Woodpigeon but both a passing Collared Dove and a Magpie.  On the flooded marsh a few Mallards and then, as we rested overlooking the reeds and bushes opposite, a number of Reed Warblers plus a trio of Linnets. Lovely to see a fishing Common Tern over the river.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna family with visiting Avocet 

Then it was back past the Ferry Hide and on to the narrow path leading eastwards towards the harbour itself.  Richard saw and heard a Skylark in the field to our right as took a short rest on the narrow-planked seat.  And for the next minutes and more, feeling exhausted which was very unlike me, everything shut down until I realised I was lying on the path in the recovery position.  Poor old Richard even thought I was a "gonna" but you don't get shot of me as easily as that!  However, I can's thank Richard enough for taking care of the situation and staying with me till Jenny arrived at the hospital good eight hours later when we were in a better situation as to what next.  Likewise very grateful to the two RSPB wardens who happened to be present, Ron and Alison, and always good, and very welcome, to have a pretty ex-nurse hold your hand whisper whatever it was she was whispering to me.

I eventually heard the Skylark whilst on the ground in the recovery position having passed out on a resting bench and landed on the dry path. Next I know I am in an ambulance with flashing blue lights and headed about ten miles into Chichester, where I was admitted to A&E at St Richard's Hospital. Excellent service, despite what tends to be reflected on news channels, and undergoing various test where confirmed I had very high blood pressure and an irregular heart beat. At least the following MRI scan revealed no blood spots on my longs which were, evidently, expected by the recovery team. In the end retained for 2 nights so that the heart could be monitored over 24 hours then discharged into Jenny's care for the return drive to Warsash. Loads of pills to be take at various intervals but, evidently, the betablocker and blood thinners are to be taken daily until my feet re pointing upwards. More painful was the bruising I suffered on the original fall but, there again, there are many people out there in a far worse situation than I, so still get to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary in 5 weeks time.

And as my dear friend in Spain, Derek Etherton said, now learn your lesson about taking more drink on board and resist from birding alone miles away from anywhere. Yes Daddy, message received loud and clear - and many thanks to all my other friends who have passed on best wishes, etc.

Resting Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet.

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