Unfortunately, only 23 out of the original 36 booked members and guests managed to make the long-delayed trip on the Solar Heritage.  Those of us that did get there were able to enjoy the company of John Arnott as our guide once again.  He is extremely knowledgeable about the birds and seals in the harbour, as well as having many other facts at his fingertips.  Who knew that when the Archbishop of York was enthroned in 1465, there were 1,000 egrets served as part of the banquet!

The weather was as kind to us as can be expected of a November afternoon.  Most of the trip we had bright sunshine which both helped and hindered with bird identification.  There were dozens of cormorants and egrets about, many fishing around a shole of fish ‘herded’ into the shallows.  Large numbers of golden plover looked resplendent in the sunshine, brent geese and oyster catchers were also abundant.  As well as the ‘usual suspects’ we enjoyed fly pasts from sandwich turns and good views of sanderlings, dunlin and turnstones on the mud flats.  A late highlight was a couple of young male eider ducks, swimming so fast it was hard to keep the ‘scope on them.

Of course, the trip was also about the seals.  John used some interesting props (see photo) to explain the different seal species, their anatomy and different swimming methods.  Whilst we didn’t see any in the water, there was a small group resting at the haul out site.  Despite the very shallow water, the skipper took the boat as close as he could and ensured everyone had a good view without disturbing the seals.

If you weren’t able to make the trip this time, you can book as an individual – https://boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk/ it’s well worth the drive over to Itchenor.