Little Terns Fishing at Pagham Harbour

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Every visit to Pagham Harbour offers something different, and on 20th June 2026 I spent time photographing one of the UK's smallest and most elegant seabirds, the Little Tern. Although tiny in size, these remarkable birds are among the most skilled aerial hunters on our coastline, making them a fascinating subject for both birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Watching the Little Terns hunt was a real highlight of the day. They hovered effortlessly above the water, carefully scanning the surface before folding their wings and plunging with incredible precision. More often than not, they emerged clutching a small fish firmly in their bills before quickly returning to continue feeding or head back towards the breeding colony. Their speed, accuracy and agility are truly remarkable to witness, and it's easy to see why they're such a favourite species to photograph.

Capturing these split-second moments is far from easy. Little Terns are constantly changing direction, accelerating without warning and rarely staying in one place for more than a second. Photographing them in flight requires patience, quick reactions and a little luck, but when everything comes together the results make every missed frame worthwhile. Freezing the moment a tern emerges from the water with its catch is one of the most rewarding challenges in wildlife photography.

Pagham Harbour continues to be one of the best places to observe Little Terns during the breeding season. Not only does it provide an opportunity to appreciate these beautiful birds up close, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the coastal habitats they depend upon. Spending time watching their impressive fishing skills and photographing their graceful flight made for a thoroughly enjoyable day, and it's a location I always look forward to returning to.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to explore my other wildlife photography adventures from Pagham Harbour and beyond. Every visit offers new encounters and fresh photographic opportunities, and I look forward to sharing many more moments from the field.