Sandwich Terns at Pagham Harbour

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Every visit to Pagham Harbour offers something different, and on 21 June 2026, the reserve was alive with activity as Sandwich Terns patrolled the coastline in search of food. It was one of those mornings where the birds seemed completely at home, providing endless opportunities to observe and photograph their remarkable behaviour.

I spent the morning photographing Sandwich Terns as they hunted over the water, gliding effortlessly on their long, slender wings before suddenly changing direction with incredible precision. Watching them hover briefly above the surface before plunging into the water in pursuit of fish is always fascinating. Their speed, agility and accuracy make them one of the most exciting coastal birds to photograph, but capturing those split-second moments requires patience, quick reactions and a little bit of luck.

The constantly changing light, the movement of the sea and the unpredictable flight paths meant every photograph presented a new challenge. That's one of the reasons I enjoy photographing Sandwich Terns so much—no two dives are ever the same, and every successful image feels well earned. Spending time simply watching their behaviour also helps anticipate their next move, making each encounter as rewarding as the photographs themselves.

Pagham Harbour once again proved why it's one of my favourite coastal wildlife locations, offering not only fantastic photographic opportunities but also the chance to appreciate these elegant seabirds in their natural environment. It was a memorable morning and another reminder of just how spectacular Britain's coastline can be for wildlife photography.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures from Pagham Harbour and beyond. Every visit brings a new story, and I look forward to sharing more moments from the field with you.