Tuesday 24th January: Pett Level and Rye Harbour

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 A rather gloomy day was not ideal for birdwatching but at least it was dry. Pett level initially looked a bit birdless, but as we progressed towards Winchelsea the numbers increased and we observed many birds flying in from the beach area.

One of the first birds we saw was a magnificent Great White Egret standing with head held high gazing across the marsh. The usual wildfowl species were spread across the pools, including Pochard, Shoveler and Gadwall as well as the typical Wigeon and Teal regularly seen at coastal locations. A Marsh Harrier flew over several times and as we scanned with our scopes we suddenly spotted a pair of Red-breasted Geese stood on rocks at the edge of one of the pools. These are probably of dubious origin, but nevertheless they are beautiful birds to find. Around the fields we noted Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank alongside a substantial Coot flock. Turning to the shore, the tide was coming in fast and there was little mud exposed, so mainly gulls and Oystercatcher were seen here on the rockier parts of the shoreline still showing.

We continued on to Rye Harbour, starting at the Flat Beach area, where there were good numbers of waders present, predominantly Oystercatchers, Grey Plover, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. A few Avocet and Turnstones were scattered among them. Amongst the ducks, Pintail and Shelduck were new for the day. A small group of Brent Geese flew in and there were good numbers of Skylark foraging in the grass. A couple of Snipe showed well on a small shingle ledge and a Grey Heron waited patiently for some lunch, while nearby a Litte Egret made more of an effort to disturb some food.

Oystercatchers

Avocet

At Ternery Pool there were still more Oystercatchers covering the bank and a male Goldeneye bubbled up and down close to the hide. Several Little Grebes were also fishing nearby. At the Salt  Pool the long-standing Spoonbill was roosting, occasionally revealing his ‘spoon’ to give himself a a quick preen!

Little Grebe

Goldeneye


Next we walked towards Long Pit, hoping to find a Slavonian Grebe reported in recent days. Visibility was not good, with the water obscured by tree saplings, so we drew a blank on this one. A couple of possible birds were fleetingly seen, but at a distance our suspicion was they were Great Crested Grebe. More positively, as we passed the reedbeds we had several excellent sightings of a stunning Kingfisher.

Tim was keen to return to the cafe for some tea and cake! After leaving here, we drove to Camber to find the first winter Greater Scaup, swimming on the far side of the last pool towards Scotney. Then it was on to register for our accommodation.

It had been a great day with a tally of almost 60 birds seen.

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