This afternoon a Spotted crake (Porzana porzana) has been sighted from the Draper hide!
To give as many people as possible the chance to view this rare and often elusive bird, we will be staying open later this evening. Access will be through the front gate as normal, and then round to the right hand side of the visitor centre, as the building will be locked as normal. The first (Draper) hide will be open and manned by our site manager but access to anywhere else on the reserve will not be permitted. We expect to stay open at least for a couple of extra hours, until everyone that wants to has called in. I hope you will all come down and make the most of this opportunity, and donations for the reserve will be gratefully received.
Many thanks and happy viewing!
A Spotted crake (not pictured at Rye Meads) - Jeroen Stel