RXwildlife Sightings

On 27 April I wrote about a Red Data Book water beetle Dytiscus dimidiatus, click here, a species that occurs frequently in the RX area. It can really only be confused with one other Britsh water beetle, as they are the only large great diving beetles with the cream margins confined to the outer edge of the body. The other species, Dytiscus semisulcatus is one of the more widely distributed British water beetles, occurs in our area, and is distinctive because it has a black ventral surface. It is also a smaller insect, measuring 22-30mm in length.

This water beetle  Read the rest of this entry »

Bird highlights today included Bearded Tit, Hobby and at least two calling Turtle Dove from the viewpoint at Castle Water, and Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and at least 25 Avocet on the new pits on Harbour Farm, where there are also several pairs of Grey Partridge (below).

As I was waiting for my Bank Holiday kippers to cook, I watched a Goshawk soaring over the backyard here in sunny Winchelsea, new for the garden list. It behaved exceptionally well and headed off eastward, towards Rye Harbour, just a few minutes after 9am. The kippers were not spoilt and seemed a totally justified indulgence as a reward.
John Gooders