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.
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?
More…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.
More…Observations – September-October 2020
A quiet September was followed by a very soggy October with extreme water levels affecting wetland bird numbers.
More…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!
More…Observations – March-June 2020
Bird recording in this period was limited to 14 days in March and 40 days in May and June - so what did we observe in this period?
More…January – February 2020
The weather was wild, wet and windy, but the birding was generally quiet; nevertheless there were a few highlights.
More…
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Full list of Observations articles
- 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