RXwildlife Sightings

A red-throated diver was visible from Denge Marsh hide. Two white-fronted geese were seen on Denge Marsh. Smew (five males and numerous redheads) and goosander (five females) were still visible from Scott Hide. Goldeneye were visible from the visitor centre. Three different marsh harriers were seen on the reserve. Stonechat, Dartford warbler and redpoll were all reported on the bridle path.

Important access news. The next few days the reserve and the visitor centre will open as usual.

Please note that next Wednesday, 17/01/07 the access track, the nature trail and the visitor centre will be closed. You will however still be able park at the ARC car park and walk to Hanson-ARC hide and the viewing screen.

Today, in a sheltered location at Rye Harbour I noticed Red Valerian still in flower. I cannot recall seeing this in January before.

Two Bewick’s Swans flew over towards Winchelsea not long after dawn. A search of the hedgerows in the much calmer conditions turned up two Chiffchaffs and a Firecrest.  

At least 25 Tree Sparrows were still feeding in the cover crop fields on the northern side of the valley, in the company of more than a hundred Reed Buntings.

A good selection of waders on the shore around low tide this morning, despite the heavy traffic of people, dogs and even horses! This included 473 Dunlin, 103 Oystercatcher, 48 Grey Plover, 23 Knot, 22 Ringed Plover and four Bar-tailed Godwit. Offshore, a flock of around 40 Common Scoter were close in to the shore, while a single Red-throated Diver flew east about noon. At Ternery Pool 2 Common Scoter (probably oiled) and a female Red-crested Pochard. At Long Pit 5 Goldeneye, including 2 male. At Castle Water things were very quiet with 2 redhead Smew, a single Scaup a Marsh Harrier and three singing Cetti’s Warbler of any note.