Hi all
Popped out to the Draper and Gadwall hides this morning, and thought i would update you on what was about.
Snipe numbers are increasing with 58 at Gadwall hide and a further 3 from Draper. Water rail at both locations with the patches of reed to the right of the Gadwall hide a popular place for a water rail to pop out. A couple pied wagtails, 26 lapwing (a disappointing count has been 100+), 55 shoveler, 12 wigeon, 121 teal, 110 gadwall, tufted duck, little grebe, 2 grey heron but just 1 green sandpiper. Cettis calling form both hides as well as the wildlife garden by the visitor center first thing, chiff chaff also at both hides but singing by Draper, where a reed warbler and reed bunting were moving about the phrag.
Speckled wood butterflies and common darter dragonflies are still active along trails. And I had my first common emerald damselfly at Rye Meads, in the sallow by the pond just before the Draper hide.
Some passage has been seen over the last few days with a marsh harrier dropping in too roost on the meadow Thursday 18/9 evening and still showing Friday am and then an osprey went through on Saturday 20/9.
If you have not heard, our kingfishers are now feeding young on their fourth brood! This is amazing work by the pair and the first time we have ever had four broods at Rye Meads so worth a celebration.
Thanks
Vicky
Great to hear the kingfishers are on brood number 4 !