Summary of the year to date
The Observation pages contain a synopsis of the more interesting sightings of birds at Rye Meads over the past year, plus a summary of last year.
Observations in January and February
Notable wildfowl numbers included 10 Shelducks, 222 Gadwalls, 184 Teals, 51 Shovelers, 31 Pochard and 135 Tufted Ducks, as well as 192 Coot and 18 Little Grebes. There were 32 Greylags recorded flying over, plus 7 "unidentified grey geese backsides" disappearing into the distance.
A peak of 47 Snipe was joined by just one Jack Snipe, but 2 Woodcock plus another single were welcome, and the resident group of Green Sandpipers peaked at 6. The severe weather was probably responsible for two Bitterns on one occasion, plus another single bird.
A pair of Peregrines was seen on two dates, with a single on a third date. There were up to 5 Buzzards through the period. On the subject of birds of prey, our first presumed wild Barn Owls since 1995 were a pair seen hunting at dusk; we subsequently discovered their roost, and judging by the pellets they might have been in residence for a while.
Further good news this winter has been the sightings of up to four Water Pipits throughout the period. In addition we have had up to six Grey Wagtails and ten Pied Wagtails, but the Pied Wagtail roost has failed to develop this year. A pair of Stonechats has also been in residence.
The snows in February produced one of the highest Fieldfare counts for many years, with a peak of 362, but only 22 Redwings. Meanwhile our resident Cettis Warblers seem to have coped well with the freeze, with one count of 5. Chiffchaffs also seem to have been OK, probably thanks to the interesting feeding approach adopted - a cross between flycatcher and swallow, picking food from the surface of the warmer water on the sluice feed to the sewage works lagoons. Our peak this winter was an impressive 15.
Finches were scarce this winter, with maxima of 40 Chaffinches, 20 Greenfinches and 16 Goldfinches. No Linnets, but up to 30 Siskins and 8 Lesser Redpolls, and a roost of 20 Yellowhammers.