I should have checked the tide times, ridiculous not too. I’d intended to take the short walk around
Chidham but on passing the Bosham arm of the harbour it was clear that would be out of the question. Reading the tide table confirmed that not only was High water in ten minutes time but it was a 4.9 metres, considerably more than usual!
On the way out to the harbour there was a clear indication of how high the water had got, many duck were in the meadow which was flooded after yesterdays rain. There was a group of eight or more Mallard quacking away by the water trough, happily scavenging amongst the
grass. nearby there were plenty of Teal too, I could hear them but didn’t see any of them; I think they were hunkered down in the stream that was hidden by vegitation.
At the Nutbourne outflow the water was well up the sea wall with no sign of the sluice which was completely covered. No sign of any duck either, they’d clearly left one of their favourite spots either to go inland or somewhere more protected.
It seemed to be a good time for Kingfishers, There was one flying about by the
outfall, as is often the case. There was another (I dont think it was the same one) further on sitting on the rocks quite tolerant of our presence. It saw something, dived into the water, caught a little sliver of silver and flew off showing it’s bright blue feathers. I dont think that Kingfishers like mud much so maybe high tide is a good time for them as they can sit on the rocks which are close to their prey. It’s not often that you see two on the same day.