Hello All
Little did i expect that a query about an unusual bird at half past three yesterday would turn out to be something quite as good as a spotted crake! When i got down to the Draper hide the bird was being particularly unhelpful hiding in the vegetation. It then emerged and we could confirm spotted crake! This is only the second record for Rye Meads, with the first in March1979, so a really good tick. This meant action stations for us, posting on face book, blog and twitter and the traditional phone calls, not to mention getting staff and volunteers from the visitor center to come have a look. Due to the lateness in the day for this sighting we decided to stay open late in case anyone wanted to stop by and have a look at this great bird.
So i spent a lovely evening in the Draper hide! Along with the spotted crake were 2 garganey, min 10 snipe, 6 green sandpiper, kingfisher, sedge warbler, little egret, 3 grey herons, green woodpecker, stock dove, shoveler, lapwing, little grebe, gadwall and common tern.
Sadly there has been no sign of the spotted crake this morning, though 2 garganey, little egret, kingfisher, 8 snipe, 4 green sandpipers and 4 grey heron have been seen, but we will keep you posted through the day if it shows again. We will also be staying open late this evening (until 8.30) for any one who wants to pop by after work.
thanks
vicky