RXwildlife Sightings

Today is the shortest day, so I thought I would get out for sunrise at 07:57, but it was not spectacular (see below). Sunset was at 15:52 and overcast. That’s a day of just 7 hours and 55 minutes.

Even in the depths of winter, birds are on the move. Birdwatchers look forward eagerly to cold weather that will bring scarcer birds to our "warm" maritime climate from frozen Europe. So, in the last few days the first Smew have arrived at Castle Water and I expect the White-fronted Geese will soon be at Pett Level. However, we often overlook the departure of other species. Already the number of Lapwing and Curlew has fallen ahead of the forecast heavy snow. This afternoon at Pett Level there was just a scattering of Lapwing where recently there had been large flocks, and the Curlew roost at Rye Harbour was just 145 compared to the 500+ reported by Sam a couple of days ago. These waders need wet, soft grassland for feeding and the frosts and cold, easterly winds have seen many depart to the south and west.

Curlew flying to roost at Rye Harbour

RX fishermen say the livelihoods of those with boats under 10m are at risk.
To read more click here.

Despite the awful wet and windy weather, the Castle Water hide at dusk gave good, close views of hundreds of Wigeon. They seemed to be sorting out partners and there was a lot of whistling going on as the females were selecting the fittest males.

For anybody living near Hastings, the yellow wooden hulled RX60 Alfie Elliot is a familiar sight. Click here for an insight into responsible fishing.

A leaflet describing the events organised by Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for next year is now available for download from the WildRye website. A hard copy will be distributed to all Friends of the nature reserve or you can pick one up at the Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre from December. Wildlife events in the whole RX area can be found from the “wildlife events” link in the left column.

The forecast 80mph gusts and heavy rain have yet to materialise, by mid-day the maximum gust has only been 53mph! (64mph @ 3.30pm) So wildlife watching along the coast is limited with most birds seeking shelter inland.

You may see from the link in the left column that we are planning next year’s RX Wildlife Festival for 29th May to 6th June. So if you can plan any wildlife related activities in the area during that period, please let me know and we can add it to our events listing.
barry.yates@eastsussex.gov.uk

This afternoon’s warm sun and calm conditions produced an amazing display of silvery silk strands everywhere. It must have been ideal conditions for spiderlings to go ballooning. Find out more about gossamer here.

Listen Again to this BBC program by clicking here. Starring Nikki Gammans and Pete Akers telling the story of re-introducing the Short-haired Bumblebee to the RX area in 2010.