The number of Blackbirds scouring our frosty garden has risen to 12. On the meadow beyond, the Common Gulls coming in from their roost in the bay do not march about as usual but lie down quietly before flying on into the Weald. In the trees beyond that, Greenfinches are dismembering Ash keys, having discovered that the sunflower seeds have run out in the feeders. Overhead, lines of Lapwings are heading off SW to avoid the approaching cold weather.
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Twenty-six Bewick’s swans roosted on the ARC pit overnight. Five bitterns were seen today (three at Hooker’s pits, one at Christmas Dell and one at the ARC pit). Also at the ARC site, three regular and one Siberian chiffchaff, two goosanders and four smew. The Slavonian grebe was still at Christmas Dell and the black-necked grebe at Denge Marsh. Kingfisher and water rail were seen from Hooker’s viewpoint mid-afternoon along with two of the bitterns.
With the freeze up now into its second day, good numbers of wildfowl have started to gather in the areas of open water on the main pit at Castle Water. Gathering birds have included 680 Teal, 155 Gadwall, 260 Wigeon, 129 Shoveler, 350 Mallard, 102 Tufted Duck and 3 Smew. At least 250 Coot had also gathered on the open margins at the northern end.
Paul James will be running another Rye Bay Bird Safari on Sunday 4th January. Full details can be found by clicking here. Please contact Paul in advance to book a place (max 12).