Trip reports
Rye Harbour
Sunday, 10 May 2009
We started with a gentle stroll along the path towards the sea, alongside the harbour channel. This proved to be very productive, so we took our time in this section. We started with a pied wagtail in the grass of the caravan site entrance, shortly followed by a mute swan in the small ditch. As the open space of the reserve came into view we were able to scan the grassland and pools. Here we found an avocet, redshank and oystercatcher. In the long grass the first of several whimbrel were identified and mediterranean gulls were identified amongst the more numerous black-headed gulls. There were several immature gulls that contained a mixture of great black-backed, lesser black-backed and herring gulls. There were also a number of smaller birds that were seen at close range. Wheatear, yellow wagtail, linnet, house sparrow and skylark were added to our list. A bar-tailed godwit flew over and a couple of dunlin were found. As we progressed further we found ringed plover, lapwing and saw that there were newly hatched chicks, which were difficult to see amongst the pebbles. On the harbour channel wall were a number of turnstones in fine summer plumage. Turning to follow the path parallel to the seashore we became aware of terns flying overhead. There were common, sandwich and little terns. Arriving at the first hide we could see the nesting areas inhabited by a large number of individuals on islands in the lakes. The most numerous were the black-headed gulls, but there were a good proportion of mediterranean gulls as well. The island directly in front of the hide had a number of 'fluffy' gull chicks that had hatched and were active, begging for food. The common and sandwich terns were also nesting here as well and they perched atop the numerous posts to offer stunning views. Also nesting at the back of the lake were greylag geese. A few dunlin, cormorants, gadwall, tufted duck, mallard, turnstone, coot and moorhen were also present. We lunched in the second hide looking over the far end of the lake. We stopped by the old lifeboat station for a scan of the sea. There were few birds to be seen, just a single great crested grebe. Our journey continued inland to complete our circular route. Here, out of the sea breeze we noted that the temperature increased in the afternoon sun and the habitat changed to offer more opportunities for warblers. The last lake we passed had several avocets, shelduck and more bar-tailed godwits. In the ditch behind the embankment we stopped to listen to a reed warbler. It also gave a fleeting view. A female reed bunting arrived at the same time which caused confusion in the group. Just as we were starting to move on a roosting duck was spotted at the far end of the ditch, which was identified as a garganey. The next scrubby area contained a sedge warbler and we found the first of several whitethroats. These were making display flights so identification was a lot easier. A grey heron flew over, a kestrel perched on a telegraph pole and there were more whimbrel in the long grass. Our final bird of the day was a sparrow hawk which circled overhead.
After we returned the car six of us travelled on to Dungeness to do a quick sea watch. On-route one vehicle found two turtle doves. At the beach we found more common and sandwich terns. At least 15 great crested grebes and a gannet. The last flock of small terns proved to be little gulls (black arm pits). But they had gone before the group could get on them!