Observations

The Observation posts contain synopses of the more interesting sightings of birds at Rye Meads.

How we record our birds

The Ringing Group operates to site boundaries which cover most of the RSPB reserve, part of the HMWT reserve, and all of the Thames Water Treatment Works area. We maintain a detailed log of observations every day that the site is manned, to the same standard as the permanent Bird Observatories. When interpreting these records, however, please remember that the Group is an amateur one, and so we are unable to cover the site every day! Observations are passed to the Hertfordshire Bird Recorder, and all rarities have full descriptions taken for scrutiny by the county or national Rare Birds committees as appropriate.

For more detailed information

"Friends" of Rye Meads receive a more detailed report in our Bulletin every two months, and a full species breakdown in our three-yearly Report. Click here for details of how to become a Friend or Member, or to buy a copy of the most recent Report.

March-April 2022 – Back in the South Lagoons!
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?
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January-February 2022 – mild, stormy and largely bird-free
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!
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November-December 2021
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...
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September-October 2021 – a tale of three pipits
As the last of the summer visitors left, and our winter visitors started to arrive, it was good to find three species of pipit!
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July-August 2021 – a damp squib
Further wet weather impacted second broods, and we still cannot access Thames Water land; but there were still some interesting birds to report.
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May-June 2021 – Cool, wet and downbeat
The cool wet weather was great for wildflowers but not for breeding birds, and many species have struggled. But there were a few highlights!
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