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.
When is a Red-crested Pochard like a Wildebeest – a summary of the birds of January-February 2025
Two species achieved their highest counts for 33 and 37 years, and some other regulars didn't show up at all. Read on to find out which they were, and to get an answer to the question in the title!
More…Have I seen a female Scaup at Rye Meads
The last documented Greater Scaup was a male on 16 March 2000, over 25 years ago. Yet most months of the year, female Greater Scaup are reported, sometimes photographed. Those that availed themselves to closer scrutiny have all proven to be Tufted Ducks. How can we tell them apart?
More…The return of the murmurations – a summary of the birds of November-December 2024
Two species posted record counts for Rye Meads in November and December 2024. And just how many Jack Snipe winter at Rye Meads? Read on to find out...
More…An unusual gull, a hungry gull, and a record flock enliven a quiet autumn – a review of the birds of September-October 2024
A disappointing Autumn in terms of migrants but not without its highlights, including the second Rye Meads record of... - read on to find out!
More…One new record in a quiet Autumn – a summary of the birds of July – August 2024
There were few signs of Autumn migration as the summer visitors ebbed away, although one species set a new observations record!
More…A dull end to Spring – a review of the birds of May – June 2024
Both the weather and the resulting birds were a bit below par this Spring. Excitements were few and far between, but there were some...
More…
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Full list of Observations articles
- When is a Red-crested Pochard like a Wildebeest – a summary of the birds of January-February 2025
- Have I seen a female Scaup at Rye Meads
- The return of the murmurations – a summary of the birds of November-December 2024
- An unusual gull, a hungry gull, and a record flock enliven a quiet autumn – a review of the birds of September-October 2024
- One new record in a quiet Autumn – a summary of the birds of July – August 2024
- A dull end to Spring – a review of the birds of May – June 2024
- Thrilling Thursday – a review of the birds of March – April 2024
- Egret Bonanza – a review of the observations of January-February 2024
- And the award for Best Bird goes to… A review of the observations of November – December 2023
- Unusual visitors put a gloss on sightings – a review of the birds of September-October 2023
- July-August 2023 – Another large flock of flightless ducks in moult
- May-June 2023 – Quieter than usual on the rafts as In Flew Enza
- March-April 2023 – two additions to the Rye Meads list
- January-February 2023 – All quiet for the winter
- November-December 2022 – Arctic weather follows Arctic swan
- September-October 2022 – Beardies are back
- July – August 2022 – hot, hot, hot…
- May-June 2022 – Trouble afoot in the Gull and Tern Colony
- March-April 2022 – Back in the South Lagoons!
- January-February 2022 – mild, stormy and largely bird-free
- November-December 2021
- September-October 2021 – a tale of three pipits
- July-August 2021 – a damp squib
- May-June 2021 – Cool, wet and downbeat
- March-April 2021 – Mediterranean Gulls but not Mediterranean weather
- Observations – January-February 2021
- Observations – November-December 2020
- Observations – September-October 2020
- Observations – July-August 2020
- Observations – March-June 2020
- January – February 2020
- November – December 2019
- September – October 2019
- July – August 2019
- May – June 2019
- March – April 2019
- January – February 2019
- What we saw in 2018
- November – December 2018
- September – October 2018
- July – August 2018
- May – June 2018
- March – April 2018
- January – February 2018
- November – December 2017
- September – October 2017
- July – August 2017
- May – June 2017
- March – April 2017
- January – February 2017
- November – December 2016
- September – October 2016
- July-August 2016
- May-June 2016
- Mar – Apr 2016
- Jan – Feb 2016
- Nov – Dec 2015
- Sep – Oct 2015
- Jul – Aug 2015
- May – Jun 2015
- Mar – Apr 2015
- Jan – Feb 2015