Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Wildlife Sightings – March 2023

On the south part of the reserve

First Sandwich Tern on 10^th, then 2 on 12^th, then double figures regularly.

Wigeon and Shoveler numbers declining through month, Brent Geese migrating north with occasional groups stopping by, such as 80 on 18^th. White-fronted Goose from Crittall hide 28^th

Black-headed Gull numbers increasing and starting to defend island territories. Regular Mediterranean Gull, including one with a red ring ZLFO – a Czech bred bird ringed in 2021.

Amongst the waders 2 Little Stint until at least 5^th, Spotted Redshank near Denny hide regularly until at least 21^st, 3 Black-tailed Godwits 21^st. Most Lapwing and Golden Plover had departed by months end, but several Lapwing were incubating.

Short-eared Owl on 19^th. Dartford Warblers regular until at least 15^th, Firecrest near Denny hide on 21^st. First singing Sedge Warbler on 27^th. Grey and Red-legged Partridge regular around Ternery Pool. First Wheatear on 16^th, then a scattering of records.

At Castle Water

11^th - pinging Bearded Tits, squealing Water Rails, 2 Great Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, several Stock Doves, a small flock of Redwing and Fieldfare. 14^th first Sand Martin.

16^th - 2 Goldeneye, 18^th Cattle Egret, 20^th several Sand Martins. 21^st - Little Gull. 28^th - 30+ Sand Martin, 6+ Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing.

A Bittern was found dead on 23^rd and we hope it was a migrant rather than our resident male – which should be booming soon. The long staying Black-necked Grebe passed its 2^nd anniversary.

Flowering plants 

Included the 2 crucifers; Common Whitlowgrass and Danish Scurvygrass. The 2 plums; first Cherry Plum and later Blackthorn. The 2 asters Dandelion and Coltsfoot. It is a good year for flowers of Red Dead-nettle (which are purplish), especially on path near the Discovery Centre where it warm days it was busy with bees.