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.

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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March-April 2021 – Mediterranean Gulls but not Mediterranean weather
A cold April slows Spring migration, but we still had some interesting ducks and waders - and that Gull...
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Observations – January-February 2021
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?
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Observations – November-December 2020
An average but mild November was followed by a very wet December with nothing cold enough to drive many wintering birds off the continent.
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Observations – September-October 2020
A quiet September was followed by a very soggy October with extreme water levels affecting wetland bird numbers.
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Observations – July-August 2020
This has been a pretty low key autumn for birds, with early departures of local birds and migrants coming through at a trickle; but there's always something of interest!
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