Loading search...
Our guide was all you could wish for, very knowledgeable and brilliant at identifying by song. I learnt a great deal from Nick on the day and saw two new species, a Whitethroat and a Wryneck, which he found for us. A very good day.
D.L. Kent, Apr 22
Birdwatching at Rye Harbour (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR154A day searching the reedbeds, coastal lagoons and gravel pits at Rye Harbour for a plethora of birds.
We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
Highlights
Summary
Rye Bay supports a superb concentration of birds in all seasons; from waders and ducks in the autumn and winter months, to warblers, wagtails and terns in the spring and summer. The extensive gravel pit system and reedbeds are the main attraction to many of the birds which choose this area, and throughout the year, these habitats are alive with bird activity.
Gravel pits support large concentrations of ducks with the potential of something interesting mixed in; Long-tailed Ducks, Goldeneye and Scaup occasionally are found in harsh winters. The area of Flat Beach has myriad waders present, especially Golden Plover, Lapwing and Dunlin, whilst fewer numbers of Grey Plover, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit are also present. A walk onto the beach may reveal Sanderling along the shoreline and Linnets, Rock Pipits and Skylarks are also present.
Time spent at the reedbeds on the northern part of the reserve may provide sightings of the elusive Bittern and Water Rail, but Marsh Harriers and Great White Egrets are far more conspicuous. Gull numbers also increase as the season progresses and may support small numbers of Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls too.
- Extensive reedbeds support populations of Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tits and Water Rails
- Wintering grebes, possibly including Black-necked
- Offshore, Gannets are often seen
- Enjoy the aerial displays of Golden Plovers and Lapwing
- Possibility of a Bittern
- Led by an expert and local birdwatcher
Grading
All walking will be on flat (there are no hills in the bay!) and sturdy paths. Be prepared to walk up to six miles during the day. Scopes will be very useful throughout and warm clothing is essential as shelter here is in short supply.
Day Trip Location
Reviews
-
-
A blissful day ahead of second lockdown. We have holidayed with Naturetrek on a few occasions now and they never let us down, home or away. Truly genius idea to run a series of day trips in UK during this very difficult year. Looking forward to our postponed overseas trips with them next year but very, very likely to book a few more UK based holidays in the future as well!
A.W. Surrey, Nov 20 -
This was a full day spent with a guide on the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - a large area with different habitats and several hides looking out over the lagoons. There is also shore access, although the day was very windy and not conducive to sea viewing. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful, identifying a number of different species and helpful in locating sightings (not always the case!) The timing worked well, with a return to cars at lunchtime with good public WCs close by. We felt it had been a successful and enjoyable day, introducing us to a new area rich in birdlife which we definitely plan to revisit.
D.L. London, Nov 20
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
