What to look for in DECEMBER
It is
usually the weather that has the greatest influence in what you will see around
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in the winter.
If the
weather has been mild it may still be possible, in sheltered places, to find
the flowers of Red Valerian, Yarrow, Winter Heliotrope or Gorse. On warm days
butterflies, such as Peacock, or even Bumblebees may be tempted
from hibernation.
If the
weather has been cold many birds will be forced south, so look for flocks of Brent
Geese and many ducks, especially Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal and
perhaps Pintail. A rare one to look out for is the Smew.
Offshore,
Red-throated Divers, Great Crested Grebe, Gannets, and Guillemot
may be fishing, especially after winter storms and great rafts of Common
Scoter will be swimming in long black lines, often accompanied by Eider
or the occasional Velvet Scoter.
Along
the Beach Reserve there may be large flocks of small birds, such as Greenfinches,
Linnets and Goldfinch. Look out for rarer ones, like Twite,
Lapland and Snow Buntings. Birds of prey are attracted by these
smaller birds so you might see Merlin, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls and
Peregrine, as well as the more usual Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
At
Castle Water, especially near the viewpoint, there may be wintering Stonechats
and Chiffchaff. In the reeds there look and listen for Cetti’s
Warbler, Water Rail and Bearded Tit. Dusk is the best time to
look for Little Egrets and Bittern.
