Sandwich Terns Fishing at Pagham Harbour

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Every visit to Pagham Harbour offers something different, and on the 20th of June 2026, the Sandwich Terns were undoubtedly the stars of the day. Spending time watching these elegant seabirds hunting along the shoreline was a real highlight, providing both an exciting spectacle and a rewarding photographic challenge.

The terns were constantly on the move, effortlessly patrolling the coastline before suddenly folding their wings and plunging into the water in pursuit of fish. Their hunting technique is fascinating to watch, combining speed, precision, and remarkable accuracy. One moment they would be hovering overhead, scanning the water below, and the next they would disappear beneath the surface in a perfectly timed dive.

Photographing Sandwich Terns in flight is never easy. Their rapid changes of direction, incredible speed, and unpredictable movements demand quick reactions and accurate autofocus tracking. It can take plenty of patience and persistence to capture the right moment, but that's all part of the enjoyment of wildlife photography. One of the most rewarding parts of the morning was managing to photograph several birds as they emerged from the water with a successful catch before climbing back into the air. Those brief moments tell the story of just how skilled these birds are as hunters.

Beyond the photography, simply spending time observing their behaviour was equally enjoyable. Watching them work the shoreline, interacting with one another and repeatedly diving for fish, offered a fascinating glimpse into their daily lives. Pagham Harbour continues to be one of my favourite coastal locations, providing fantastic opportunities to experience wildlife at close quarters while enjoying the ever-changing scenery of this beautiful reserve.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures and photography from Pagham Harbour and other fantastic nature reserves around the UK. Every visit offers a new experience, and I look forward to sharing many more moments from the field.