Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Wildlife Sightings: November 2024

David Bentley

Volunteer and trustee of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

The last month of the meteorological autumn began with a long spell of calm, cloudy weather, labelled by some as an 'anticyclonic gloom'. There followed a brief cold spell and then strong winds associated with Storm Bert. Overall, November temperatures were average, with rainfall and sunshine slightly below average.

There was a 'seabird spectacular' at the start of the month, when hundreds of Gannets were fishing close to the shore and in the River Mouth on the 2^nd. A tardy Common Tern was seen at Flat Beach on the 17^th.

The fields north and west of Castle Water often hold impressive numbers of roosting gulls, but a count of over 1,100 Great Black-backed Gulls on the 25^th  was exceptional. The first Bittern of the season was seen at Castle Water on the 29^th. Look out for more, especially if the weather gets colder, from the recently reopened viewpoint.

Little Grebe numbers often peak at this time of year. There were counts of over 50 birds on several days in the second half of the month and a comprehensive reserve-wide count would have likely turned-up even more. A Black-necked Grebe remained at Ternery Pool until at least the middle of the month.

The spectacular sight of over 100 Pintail flying over the Discovery Centre on the 3^rd heralded the start of a great month for observing wildfowl in pristine breeding plumage. 91 of these beautiful ducks were counted on Flat Beach on the 17^th. The first Goldeneye of the winter generally arrive in late October or November, so it was that the first was seen on Barn Pool West on the 21^st.

75 Brent Geese were on the Saltmarsh on the 24^th; only seven of these were juveniles, possibly suggesting a poor season in the low tundra pools along river valleys in Spitsbergen, Norway, where 'our' birds breed. The young birds have pale-tipped wing coverts and no neck collar. 

The numbers of wintering Goosander have dropped off in recent years, perhaps mirroring the reduction in harsh winters, so it was good that a pair dropped into Ternery Pool on the 16^th. There was also a possible 'redhead' bird a few days earlier, lurking behind an island from Gooders Hide on the 12^th. The 'regular' three Spoonbill were present throughout the month and have now been on site for at least 10 weeks. The lingering Spotted Redshank also remained, usually to be found on Salt Pool.

The cold snap around the middle of the month no doubt contributed to a nice count of 50+ Snipe from Gooders Hide on the 19^th. There were over 1,000 Golden Plover a couple of days previously. Other waders seen in November were up to three Avocet and three Ruff, one Black-tailed Godwit and also 24 Knot on the 22^nd.

Annual peak counts of Grey Partridge continue to dwindle, so it was pleasing that 10+ were seen at Barn Pool East on the 3^rd. A Merlin was seen from time to time throughout the month. Look for this lovely 'mini-peregrine' perched on posts around Flat Beach or in fast-winged, distinctively low flights across the landscape. A nice flock of 50+ Chaffinch was seen at Castle Farm on the 24^th. If they remain, it would be worth checking them out for a possible Brambling.

Thanks go to all the visitors whose observations contribute to the monthly sighting reports. If you have spotted something interesting on the reserve, please do make a record via https://irecord.org.uk/, and if you think it is particularly significant, please let us know at [email protected].