RMRG - studying the birds of Rye Meads
We are a volunteer group whose mission is to study the birds of Rye Meads, Hertfordshire (United Kingdom), by trapping and ringing them, logging sightings, conducting breeding surveys, and recording all nests found. We have been studying this site since 1960 and have data on more than a quarter of a million birds ringed, and have published many papers based on this data. This website presents a summary of the birds, ringing data and activities of the Group.
News & Events
Unfortunately the Reserve at Rye Meads is closed to all visitors (including ourselves!) until further notice.
All ringing demonstrations have been cancelled. Indeed, it remains to be seen when we will be able to continue any ringing, and it looks unlikely that we will be able to undertake our breeding bird surveys. We hope our Friends will still renew subscriptions and we will endeavour to keep you abreast of any bird news.
About us
Find out about our activities and history, about Rye Meads itself, and see galleries showcasing the site and the birds.
Recent activities
A blog of the Group's activities, and some of our findings and ideas. Here is the latest post:
One in a (quarter) million…
On Saturday 13 July 2019 the Rye Meads Ringing Group (RMRG) reached an amazing milestone. Read on to find out more details.
Observations
A synopsis of the interesting sightings of birds at Rye Meads. Here is the latest post:
November – December 2019
Our third ever Merlin, a Whooper Swan, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a very late Swallow all brightened a dull period.
Ringing and Results
Find out about the birds ringed at Rye Meads and what we have learnt about their movements as a result. Here is the latest post:
Ringing Review of 2018
After a challenging year for birds, our ringing totals were the lowest for six years, but we did ring our 141st new species.
Support us
We are a self-funding group and rings, nets and equipment are expensive! We need your support. Become a Friend and we will send you regular news and information updates, and you can join us on ringing sessions. Or if you prefer, just donate what you can to our cause.
Click here for more details, or you can subscribe or donate now.
List of articles posted
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- November – December 2019
- September – October 2019
- July – August 2019
- Ringing Review of 2018
- May – June 2019
- One in a (quarter) million…
- March – April 2019
- January – February 2019
- What we saw in 2018
- November – December 2018
- It isn’t Slow, and it isn’t a Worm
- A close encounter with Tawny Owlets
- Managing our nestboxes
- September – October 2018
- Ringing is sometimes a drag!
- July – August 2018
- May – June 2018
- March – April 2018
- January – February 2018
- Pullus ringing does give interesting results
- November – December 2017
- Ringing review of 2017
- From Iceland to Israel – our birds go a long way!
- Drabs and Dribs
- September – October 2017
- July – August 2017
- May – June 2017
- A review of our wintering Chiffchaffs
- From Russia to Spain – holiday destinations of our birds
- RMRG’s very own D-day
- March – April 2017
- January – February 2017
- Record-breaking Black-tailed Godwit
- November – December 2016
- Social media has its uses!
- Hail to the Emperor!
- Ringing review of 2016
- Group outing: BTO Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey of Skye
- September – October 2016
- Water Pipits at Rye Meads
- July-August 2016
- Alan the Robin unmasked
- A Bittern comes out of rehab
- May-June 2016
- A nice Start at the end
- Little Stint at Rye Meads… Hail the Lemming!
- Every picture tells a story…
- Mar – Apr 2016
- RSPB WEX group ringing demo
- Purple Heron – June 2016
- Jan – Feb 2016
- Common Crane – April 2014
- Review of Raptors at Rye Meads
- Summer Black-headed Gulls here, Chiffchaffs there…
- Gulls in Spain and ducks in France
- Contrasting migration strategies of Teal and Gadwall
- Nov – Dec 2015
- Sep – Oct 2015
- Jul – Aug 2015
- May – Jun 2015
- Mar – Apr 2015
- Jan – Feb 2015