RXwildlife Sightings

I found this Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) growing at the northern end of Castle Water today. The unusual appearance of the flower has evolved to attract certain species of bee which then attempt to ‘mate’ with it! While there is no real benefit to the bee, the orchid gets a handy way to transport pollen to another plant of the same species by attaching it to the bee’s head! As a backup, the orchid is also able to pollinate itself, and this seems to be the predominant method in Britain.

Few highlights from Castle Water today, 3 Garganey, 2 Green Sandpiper and 2 Little Ringed Plover on the Bittern Excavation. From the hide 5 Little Egret, Green sandpiper and 70+ Swift. Damselflies seen by the little pond at the entrance to the hide included Azure and Blue-tailed.

Three species of tern are nesting at Rye Harbour this year and, for all three, some pairs have chicks, while others are still starting!
Sandwich Tern numbers are at an all time high approaching 500 pairs. Common Tern at about 150 pairs. Little Tern are increasing with at least 20 pairs.

Sandwich Tern chick
Graphs of breeding numbers can be found here. Video of Sandwich Tern chicks can be found here. Live webcam of Common Tern chicks can be found here.