For the first time in two years, we've been allowed back into the South Lagoons, and our observations (and ringing) have been boosted as a result. But what species had a record count for Rye Meads?
In a period that was quiet ornithologically and anything but meteorologically, birds were not easy to find; but we did manage a, unusual duck and our seventh Rye Meads record of... well, read on to find out!
This was a quiet period: wildfowl seemed to desert us, and winter visitors were low in number. But we did set a site record for one species...
As the last of the summer visitors left, and our winter visitors started to arrive, it was good to find three species of pipit!
Further wet weather impacted second broods, and we still cannot access Thames Water land; but there were still some interesting birds to report.
The cool wet weather was great for wildflowers but not for breeding birds, and many species have struggled. But there were a few highlights!
A cold April slows Spring migration, but we still had some interesting ducks and waders - and that Gull...
A period of water and ice - many parts of the site were flooded when a week of deep freeze came. How did this impact our birds?
An average but mild November was followed by a very wet December with nothing cold enough to drive many wintering birds off the continent.
A quiet September was followed by a very soggy October with extreme water levels affecting wetland bird numbers.