Sam Smith is to be congratulated. Firstly by discovering the 94th Red Data Book species at Rye Harbour and secondly for posting his 1,000th account on this website. Well done and keep it up - I and many others find your photos and words of great interest.
Turtle Doves may be struggling, but our Swallows are doing their best. Six youngsters is the most we’ve ever had in the fifteen years they have been breeding in our stable.
Ron Nash and Dorothy Norman (Wittersham)
From New Zealand to the UK; the return of the short haired bumblebee. Is the title of a talk by Dr Nikki Gammans to be given at RSPB Dungeness on 13th March @ 3-4pm. Please reserve your seat on 01797 320588 or e-mail dungeness@rspb.org.uk Find out more about the project here.
I had a very interesting 3 hours at the hide yesterday. The Bittern was giving fantastic views as it walked from the reeds on the left right through to the reeds on the right and back again over course of my time there. At the same time another was in full view ‘feeding’ over the far bank. Also present were 2 male Smew and 4 females and 1 Scaup. Marsh Harriers giving good views also.
Ray Barry by e-mail
This is the history of monthly unique visitors to this website.
Yesterday morning the “Sunday Walkers” were sitting in the hide at Castle Water (enjoying our customary tea and biscuits/cake) when we spotted a couple of Carrion Crows feeding on something. Closer examination revealed it was a rabbit, on which a stoat was also feeding. Presumably the stoat had killed the rabbit. A female Marsh Harrier then landed nearby and seemed to take no notice for several minutes. She then decided it was her turn and chased off the stoat and Crows, which kept trying to get back in on the action, only to be chased off again by the Harrier. Stunning views of the male Smew as well helped make it a memorable visit to Castle Water.
Michael Prince by e-mail
Here is a little puzzle of five jumbled Rye Bay seabirds… with answers tomorrow.
Advert Dried Other……….Red-throated Diver
Come Corn Most……….Common Scoter
Macro Torn……….Cormorant
Multi Ogle……….Guillemot
Beggar Desert Erect……….Great Crested Grebe
In the last few months the number of unique monthly visitors to this website has remained level. August - 9252, July - 9232, June - 9918, May - 9828.
Butterfly Conservation in partnership with the Forestry Commission (and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funders) is focusing on the Rother Woods area as a focus for education, events, training and conservation of woodland management, flora and fauna. The project offers a wonderful opportunity for local people to have fun and get involved and there will be some very long lasting benefits for local people and wildlife. For more information click here.