Newsletter No. 47 March 2014

 Welcome   to   the   first  newsletter  of  2014   ,   and   for   those  not  at  our   January   indoor  or  outdoor  meetings  a  very  Happy  New  Year.  At   the   time  of  writing  we  have   suffered   an  unprecedented  prolonged  period  of  rainfall  combined  with  strong  wind  and  gales.    Not  conducive  to  good  birdwatching  at  all.  When  will  it  all  end!   Just   think   that   early   March   sees   the   return   of   our   first   migrants   in   the   form   of   Sand   Martins,  Wheatears,  and  Swallows.    I  can'ʹt  see  them  putting  in  an  appearance  for  many  weeks  to  come,  although  if  the   SOS   website   is   to   be   believed   there   is   a   lone   Swallow   at   Newick   Sewage   Works   which   has  overwintered.    The  only  compensation  is  that  the  winter  has  been  very  mild.      A  new  year  is  always  a  good  time  to  take  stock  of  our  2013/2014  programme  to  date.  We  had  a  successful  AGM   in   September   followed   by   an   unusual   evening   of   song   about   birds   from   Ronnie   Haar   and  accompanying   vocalist   Louise,   a   magical   evening   and   I   think   we   will   be   inviting   them   back   for   a   full  evening   in   the   future.     I   was   unable   to   attend   the   October   and   November   evenings   but   understand  Jonathan  Forgham  gave  a  great  talk  on  the  Birds  of  the  North  Norfolk  Coast,  badly  affected  by  the  storms  and  sea  wall  breaches  over  Christmas/New  Year,  and  David  Tipling  with  Birds  and  People,  our  highlight  speaker  for  the  season.      However,  one  area  where  we  haven'ʹt  had  great  success  is  in  Group  Membership  renewals,  so  much  so  that  numbers  have  fallen  alarmingly  below  50.  This  will  be  discussed  at  a  Committee  meeting  on  the  evening  prior   to   publication   of   this   newsletter.   As   the  membership   grows   older  we  would   expect   to   lose   a   few  members  but  we  must  do  something  to  arrest  the  dramatic  fall.      I  would  urge  all  of  you  to  talk  to  friends,  neighbours,  and  birdwatching  friends  to  try  and  encourage  them  to  attend  an  indoor  meeting  so  that  they  can  see  for  themselves  what  we  have  to  offer.      We  have  one  place  left  on  the  Group  holiday  to  Scotland  in  May,  a  great  opportunity  to  travel  with  friends  from  the  Group  with  Mark  Finn  of  Birdwatching  Breaks  between  10/17  May  staying  in  Mark'ʹs  home  on  the  Black  Isle  above  Inverness,  with  one  night  away  in  Durness  for  the  Corncrakes  and  all  Diver  species  on  the  Lochs  of  North  Western  Scotland.    Please  speak  to  me  at  our  next  indoor  meeting  for  further  details.      Shaun  Taylor  is  in  discussion  with  East  Surrey  Group  over  the  date  for  our  joint  coach  trip  to  Minsmere.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press  the  date  had  not  been  confirmed,  so  please  have  a  word  with  Shaun  to  reserve  your  place  on  the  coach.    We  hope  to  have  agreed  a  date  by  the  time  you  read  your  newsletter.    It  will  be  either  11th  or  18th  May.  The  other  standout  outing  for   the  Spring   is  our   trip   to  RSPB  Lakenheath  Fen   in  June.    It  is  to  be  hoped  the  Golden  Orioles  return  after  an  abortive  breeding  season  last  year.      We  have  much  to  look  forward  to.  We  hope  and  pray  that  the  rain  will  stop  soon  and  that  we  get  a  good  start  to  the  Spring  and  that  the  breeding  season  is  successful  for  all  our  birds.  

Group  Leader  

GETTING ‘EGRET’ TO OUR MEMBERS   As most of you will know, your thrice-yearly Newsletter is usually available at two of our monthly indoor meetings – February and April, the third being posted to all members in August to give notice of our AGM in September.

Members attending either or both of the meetings mentioned are asked to take their copy from the box at the entrance, but what may be less well-known is that some members are able to hand-deliver some extra copies to their non-attending near-neighbours. If you are able to do this, it does save a substantial amount of postage, especially with the new postal rates, and thus allows us to offer enhanced support to the many RSPB projects in process. See if you can help, even if it is only one or two copies in addition to your own. If the envelope is still ‘in the box’ at the end of the meeting then that member was not there and you can be a ‘Good Samaritan’! We also offer a paperless newsletter for those who do not want a paper copy. Please contact me on my new email address if you would like to be added to the list for emailed newsletters.

New email address: christine.1holly@btinternet.com ‘Egret’ – articles and suggestions can also be sent to my email address, or traditional pen and paper to: Christine Hunt 1 Holly Cottages Selsfield Road Turners Hill West Sussex RH10 4PP

 Committee: Roger Tremethick (Hon. President) Nick Walker (Group Leader - 01342 315825) Stephen Whittaker (Treasurer - 01444 831310) Fundraising & Sales – TBA Lesley Berry (Indoor Meetings – 01342 324955) Maureen Caulkett: (Membership - 01293 785457) Barry Venn (Minutes Secretary – 01342 311794) Chris Griffin (Website ) Terris Bacon (Pin Badges and Refreshments - Christine Hunt (Newsletter Editor - 01342 715406) 01342 315051) Hilary Rowberry (Wildlife Explorers – 01892 770478) (Outdoor Meetings – Shaun Taylor – 07887568331)  

 

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment.

VACANCY

We are urgently seeking a

SALES & FUNDRAISING OFFICER

JOB-SHARE WELCOME!

If tempted, please contact Nick to find out what is

involved

 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

INDOOR MEETINGS

The   Indoor  meetings  are   to  be  held  at  East  Court  Mansion.    The   talks   start  at  8  pm,   so  could  we  kindly  request  that  you  arrive  approx  10  minutes  earlier,  so  that  we  are  all  settled  before  the  talk  begins.       February 26th Simon Ginnaw – A Year on My Local Patch

Simon,   a   Country   Park   Ranger   with   Medway   Council,   has   been   recording   the  wildlife  in  Mote  Park  since  he  was  a  teenager.  Enjoy  the  sights  and  sounds  of  Mote  Park  through  the  seasons,  and  find  out  about  the  park'ʹs  fantastic  wildlife  and  history  

March 26th Dr Timothy Sellar – Feathers & Flight April 30th Chris Ward – Owls, owls, owls May 28th Chris Goodie – The Jewel Hunters June 25th Bob Edgar – Bird Ringing at Beachy Head OUTDOOR MEETINGS Full details of these outdoor visits are to be found on the back pages of this Newsletter. March 16th (Sunday) Burton Mill Pond & Pulborough Brooks April 19th (Saturday) Thurrock Thameside Nature Park May 11/18 (Sunday) Coach Outing to RSPB Minsmere May 25th (Sunday) Stodmarsh English Nature NNR June 21st (Saturday) Lakenheath Fen RSPB Reserve July 20th (Sunday) Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve August 16th (Saturday) Oare Marsh & South Swale Kent WT September 21st (Sunday) Samphire Hoe between Dover & Folkestone WILDLIFE EXPLORERS Further details of these activities are to be found on the website. 8th February Briars Centre Owls & Dissecting Pellets 8th March Visit to Pulborough Brooks 10th May Briars Centre Wild Food Foraging 14th June Briars Centre Give a Bee a Home

   

Introducing the RSPB's new President RSPB   members   elected   Miranda   Krestovnikoff,   well-­‐‑known   TV   and   radio   presenter,   as   their   new  President  at  their  AGM  in  London  on  Saturday  12th    October.  

It   is   hoped   that   Miranda'ʹs   enthusiasm   and   expertise   will   inspire   more   people   to   become   interested   in  wildlife  and  do  their  bit  to  give  nature  a  home.  

Miranda'ʹs   interest   in   nature   stems   from   a   childhood   spent   outdoors   in   her   family   garden   in  Buckinghamshire  and  roaming  around  nearby  Burnham  Beeches,  which  led  her  to  study  a  Zoology  degree  at   Bristol   University   and   volunteer   with   various   wildlife   organisations.   A   trained   diver,   Miranda   is  interested  in  wildlife  both  above  and  below  the  waves.  

Reports of Recent Indoor Group Meetings

 September   25th     AGM  followed  by  :  Ronnie  Haar  –  Songs  about  Birds,  a  celebration  in  song  of  British  Birds  I  have  to  admit,  I  was  a  little  hesitant  about  this,  but  what  a  delightful  evening  it  turned  out  to  be!    We  were  all  enraptured  by  the  songs  and  lyrics  which  expressed  Ronnie’s  passion  for  birds  and  nature  and  he  was  accompanied  by  the  beautiful  vocals  of  Louise.    Really  enjoyable  and  I  wish  I  had  bought  a  CD!    For  those  of  you  who  love  the  music  of  the  late  60’s,  Ronnie  has  another  album,  called  ‘Giants’,  with  such  titles   as   “Attracted   to   the  Water”   and   “Fairy  Tales”,   the   songs   are   said   to   have   a   beauty   reminiscent   of  Crosby,  Stills  and  Nash  or  the  Byrds.    Might  be  worth  checking  out!   October 30th Johnathan Forsham – Birds of the North Norfolk Coastal Path Jonathan  Forgham  took  us  for  an  enjoyable  visual  visit  of  the  North  Norfolk  coast.    

 November 26th David Tipling – Birds and People A  nice  large,  lively  audience  welcomed  David  Tipling,  popular  and  internationally  renowned  wildlife  photographer,  to  The  Meridian  Hall.    The  audience  was  treated  to  his  highly  distinctive  images  and  a  very  enjoyable  evening.  

   

 DON’T FORGET YOU CAN KEEP UP TO DATE WITH OUR WEBSITE!

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/egrinstead

Log on to the website for the RSPB East Grinstead Group to keep up to date with news and events and further details of outings.

If you have an item that you would like included, go to the Contact Us tab and there is a window in which you can enter your email correspondence.

There are also some useful links to other local websites e.g. Friends of Weir Wood, the Ashdown Forest Bird Group and Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) where you can keep up to date on events and recent local bird sightings. After the recent storms and flooding, these websites will be able to inform us as to how this has affected our birds, their habitat and the Spring migration.

             

RSPB  MINSMERE  COACH  TRIP  WITH  THE  EAST  SURREY  GROUP  

SUNDAY  11TH  MAY  2014  Meet  in  carpark  on  the  High  Street,  Godstone  by  the  Pond    

(opposite  The  White  Hart)    at  7.15  am  

Contact  Sean  Taylor    to  reserve  ticket(s)    and  for  further  information      

Mob:  07887568331  

Reports of Recent Outdoor Group Meetings

September  15th    -­‐‑  Pagham  Harbour   Seven  members   braved   a   not   very   good  weather   forecast   for   our   first   outing   of   the   season   to   Pagham  Harbour.    We  met  at   the  RSPB  Sidlesham  Visitor  Centre,  expectant  of  a  great  day’s  birding  ahead.    First  stop  was  the  viewpoint  overlooking  Ferry  Pool  where  Dunlin,  Bar  Tailed  Godwit,  Ruff  and  a  party  of  10  Curlew   Sandpiper   were   observed.   A   walk   around   the   trail   viewing   the   harbour   amid   a   falling   tide  revealed  Grey  Plover,  one  lovely  bird  still  in  summer  plumage.    Warblers  and  migrants  were  very  hard  to  find  even  though  the  bushes  were  laden  with  fruit,  only  a  single  Chiffchaff  showed  itself.    No  Whitethroat  or  Blackcaps.  It  was  felt  a  moonlit  sky  had  encouraged  birds  to  cross  the  Channel  heading  South.      A   visit   to  Church  Norton   added  Ringed  Plover,   and   some   time  was   spent   scanning   the   Severals   for   an  elusive  Wryneck  which  remained  so!!    As  the  weather  was  closing  in,  it  was  decided  to  head  East  back  to  Pulborough  Brooks,  also  escaping  the  traffic  leaving  The  Goodwood  Revival  meeting  which  had  held  some  members  up  first  thing  in  the  morning.      A  Red  Kite  was  observed  between  Amberley  and  the  road  to  Rackham.    Highlights  at  Pulborough  were  a  Spotted  Flycatcher,  Green  Sandpiper,  and  an  adult  female  Marsh  Harrier  sitting  out  on  the  grassland  of  the  North  Brooks.     44   species   at   Pagham  was   the   lowest   total   recorded   ever   on   a  Group  outing   there   in   15  years,   and  a   further  9   added  at  Pulborough  made  53   species   for   the  day.    The   rains   finally   came  on   the  walk  back  up  from  Fattengates  to  the  Visitor  Centre  but  as  usual  a  good  day  was  had  by  all.  

N. Walker 19th  October  2013  –  Cliffe  Pools   14  hardy  souls  met  in  the  car  park  at  9:30  (ish!)  at  the  Cliffe  Pools  RSPB  Reserve.  The  forecast  was  not  great  but   the  morning  was  pleasant  enough  and  we  had  high  hopes  of   seeing  a  couple  of   rarities,   including  a  reported  Yellow  Browed  Warbler  and  Little  Stint.    We   set   off   in   good   spirits   despite   the   darkening   of   the   skies   and   were   rewarded   by   seeing   our   first  Kingfisher  of   the  day.  Many  members  also  took  good  advantage  of   the  bountiful  crop  of  Blackberries  on  the  walk  round,  as  did  a  nearby  Stonechat.    The  pools   themselves  had  a  good  number  of  birds   including  Avocet,  Redshank,  Shelduck  and  Lapwing.    We  were  reminded  of  the  changing  seasons  by  the  presence  of  a  huge  number  of  Teal  and  Wigeon  with  a  passing  flock  of  Brent  Geese.  We  also  saw  a  magnificent  Marsh  Harrier  in  the  skies  above  -­‐‑  which  caused  major  disruption  to  the  peace  and  calm  on  the  pools  below.    The  weather  took  a  turn  for  the  worse  just  as  we  arrived  on  the  bank  of  the  River  Thames.  We  decided  to  retrace   our   steps   having   seen   a   total   of   over   40   species   despite   the   ever   present   irritation   of   a   group   of  under  age  motor  bikers  using  parts  of  the  reserve  to  practice  their  scrambling  skills!    Despite   the   worsening   weather   many   of   us   moved   on   to   continue   our   day   by   visiting   the   nearby  Northward  Hill  RSPB  reserve  and  despite  not  seeing  either  of  our  two  target  species  for  the  day,  our  total  species  count  rose  to  over  50  and  one  member  had  the  added  bonus  of  a  collecting  good  harvest  of  fresh  field  mushrooms.    All   in  all  a  most  enjoyable  day'ʹs  birding   in  good  company  and  nice  surroundings   -­‐‑  despite   the  weather!    

17th  November  2013  –  Shell  Ness    Five  members  plus  Hannah  met  on  a  dry  but  overcast  day.    Our  first  sightings  looking  landwards  from  the  sea  wall  were  hundreds  of  Brent  Geese  in  a  field,  also  on  a  wet  area  were  Curlews,  Golden  Plover,  Dunlins  and  Lapwings,  our  first  Marsh  Harrier  was  also  spotted.        Suddenly,  all  the  birds  took  flight  as  a  Merlin  flashed  low  across  the  area,  to  return  a  while  later  to  do  the  same.        We  had  parked  just  before  the  rough  track  leading  to  Shell  Ness  Point,  to  walk  and  be  able  to  see  inland  and  out  to  sea.    At  the  end  of  the  sea  wall  we  moved  onto  the  beach  for  our  first  view  of  the  Swale.            The  tide  was  in  and  only  about  a  dozen  Mallards  were  seen.    Scanning  along  the  beach,  A.L.  found  a  Peregrine  not  far  away  on  the  sand  giving  good  views  until  it  flew  out  to  sea.        Continuing  along  the  beach  we  found  numbers  of  Turnstone  at  the  waters  edge  plus  a  few  Sanderling  and  a  couple  of  Ring  Plovers,  we  took  the  seaward  side  of  the  Hamlet  round  the  Point  finding  more  Turnstones  and  Grey  Plovers.    From  the  WW11  emplacement  we  looked  West  towards  the  roosting  area,  it  was  a  mass  of  black  where  hundreds  of  Oystercatchers  were  gathered  and  in  front  of  these  was  an  even  greater  area  of  grey  with    thousands  of  waders,  and  through  our   scopes  we  could   see   it   consisted  of  mainly  Grey  Plovers  also  Godwits  and  Dunlins   in  huge  numbers.  Occasionally  large  groups  would  take  off,  swirl  round  and  return,  a  really  marvellous  sight.    Further  around  the  point  were  more  than  a  hundred  Shellduck  plus  Teal  and  a  couple  of  Widgeon.    We  retraced  our  steps  hoping  to  see  Snow  Buntings  which  had  been  seen  in  the  area  but  no  luck.    After  lunch  back  at  the   cars  we  drove   to   the  Harty   Ferry   Inn   for   a   view   across   the   Swale.    On   the  way   there  we  had   a   flock   of  Corn  Buntings  in  the  usual  place  on  the  wires,  further  along  a  small  party  of  Red  Legged  Partridge  close  to  the  road.      At  the  Harty   Inn  we   found   a  Clay   Pigeon   Shoot   in   progress.    We   left   and  went   to   the  Raptor  Mound  meeting   some  members  of  the  Surrey  Group.    Marsh  Harriers  were  all  around,  both  male  and  female,  also  a  couple  of  Buzzards.    As  the  afternoon  progressed  the  light  began  to  fade  but  suddenly  a  Ring  Tailed  Hen  Harrier  appeared  giving  good  views.        Soon  after  we  called  it  quits.  With  a  Kestrel  and  a  Sparrowhawk  seen  earlier,  seven  raptors  in  total  plus  the  huge  roost  of  Waders  made  for  a  good  outing.            

Alan  Caulkett    7th  December  –  Dungeness  and  Walland  Marsh    Weather  overcast,  chilly  but  dry  and  a  light  breeze,  11  members  assembled  suitably  rugged  up  for  the  cold  at  9.30-­‐‑ish.    Always  the  late  arrival,  I  got  there  at  9.15  to  the  astonishment  of  Mervyn,  Chris  and  Jen,  before  Shaun  and  the  others!  Just  to  prove  that  I  can  do  it  sometimes!!    We  started  in  Dennis'ʹs  hide  whilst  waiting  for  the  Centre  to  open,  and  straight  away  picked  up  16  species,  (with  first  for   me   in   the   UK),   a   Great  White   Egret   and   later   on   4   Chiffchaffs   foraging   around   in   nearby   bushes;   were   they  passing   through   late   or  would   they   now   overwinter   here,  we  wondered.    Moving   on,   after   a   brief   foray   into   the  Centre  to  collect  our  tickets,  we  missed  out  the  next  2  hides  (Firth  and  Makepeace)  and  settled  in  the  next  one  where  we  observed  lots  of  ducks  including  a  huge  number  of  Shovelers  (more  than  I  have  seen  ever),  some  elegant  Pintails  and   first   winter   adult   Smews,   the   males   of   which   not   yet   attired   in   their   gorgeous   black   and   white   plumage.  Proceeding   to  Denge  Marsh  hide,   (and   the   inevitable   scan   for  Bittern),  Cormorant,  Lapwing  and  Mute  Swan  were  added   to   the   growing   list   whilst   Alan   Loweth   spotted   a   low   flying   Bittern,   confirmed   by   Mervyn   who   got   a  nanosecond  glimpse.  More  intent  scanning  of  the  reedbed  edges  nearby  revealed  another  individual  picking  its  way  along,  and  try  as  I  might  I  couldn'ʹt  find  it,  but  I  think  all  the  others  did.  (My  ineptitude  could  have  been  down  to  the  balancing   act   of   eating   a   Mars   bar   with   one   hand   and   trying   to   use   the   binz   with   the   other,!   hey   ho.)  After  that  triumph  we  returned  to  the  cars  and  lunch,  but  not  before  watching  many  hundreds  of  Lapwing  heading  towards  the  reserve  area  from  the  lookout  vantage  point  near  the  hide,  good  to  see  and  quite  a  rare  sight  these  days.    After   lunch  we  drove   to   the  ARC  pit  over   the  road  from  the   farmhouse  by   the  reserve  entrance,  pausing  briefly   to  look  for  the  Tree  Sparrows  which  are  regulars  here.  Only  3  around  the  bushes  but  we  enjoyed  watching  one  bird  who  obligingly  lingered  under  the  feeders  for  ages,  and  added  Chaffinch  and  Reed  Bunting  to  our  list.    Not  many  extras  at  the  pit  except  Golden  Eye  and  Little  Egret,  then  on  to  the  beach  by  the  Power  station  for  a  spot  of  sea  watching.        

Sea  a  bit  choppy  but  we  found  a  raft  of  Common  Scoter,  with  Gannets  amongst  the  many  gulls  following  a  fishing  boat,  and  Turnstone  on  the  tide  line  near  some  sea  anglers.    With  the  afternoon  drawing  in,  we  took  ourselves  off  to  the  Walland  Marsh  area,  to  look  for  Bewick  Swans  reported  to  be  present,  en  route  to  the  dusk  gatherings  opposite  the  Woolpack  pub.    After  a  slow  drive  through  the  lanes,  we  found  not  a  swan  of  any  description,  Sarah  and  I  elected  to  call  it  a  day,  while  the  others  went  on.    Shaun  reported  that  there  were  lots  of  Marsh  Harriers,  a  cracking  male  Hen  Harrier  showing  well  as  he  flew  by  very  close  to  them  and  when  resting   in  the  field,  Fieldfares  and  another  bonus  bird  -­‐‑  Short  Eared  Owl,  which  was  a  good  finish  to  a  successful  day.    On  the  A2070  to  Rye,  Sarah  and  I  did  spot  some  Swans  but  the  road  was  too  busy  and  no  opportunity  to  pull  up  and  have   a   better   look.    We   drove   home   the   pretty  way,   via   Peasemarsh,  Hawkhurst   etc  which  was   a   treat   as   all   the  villages  were  decorated  with   their  Christmas   lights,   all   twinkly  and  colourful,  with  Hawkhurst'ʹs  Christmas  Fair   in  full  swing  with  music  and  all  things  festive.   Around   45   +   species   today,   good   company   as   ever   and   a   smashing   area  we   all   like   to   visit,   which   rarely   fails   to  deliver.  

Lyn  Maggs      

19  January  2014  –  Rye  Harbour    A  final  total  of  thirteen  members  met  at  Rye  Harbour  on  Sunday  19  January,  a  fresh,  dry  day,  with  the  bleak  marshes  brooding  under  an  overcast  sky.  Despite  the  dry  prognosis,  several  members  donned  waterproof  trousers  to  ward  of  not  just  any  renegade  rain  but  a  playful  coastal  breeze  that  cut  the  knees  not  a  little.      A  feast  of  wonders  was  in  store,  not  least  several  dozen  Curlew  standing  quietly  in  the  mud  on  the  reserve  side  as  we  ambled   towards   the  end  of   the  channel:   those  numerate  members  present   informed  us   that  at   least  100  birds  were  standing   there,   all   facing   into   the  wind.   Further   scrutiny   brought   a   huge   flock   of  Golden  Plover   into   view  on   the  ground,  again  all  facing  the  same  direction.    The  sun  began  to  glow  in  the  clouds  above  and  finally  burst  through  the  gloom,  showering  light  everywhere  and  totally  changing  the  picture,  now  enhanced  further  by  a  clear  blue  sky.    Birds  began  to  rise  into  the  air  in  large  flocks;  clouds  and  clouds  of  different  birds  rose  in  turn,  circling  and  wheeling  above  us  in  the  sunshine,  all  the  flocks  flying  and  turning  in  unison,  colours  winking  from  yellow  to  white,  black  to  white  and  back  again.      Lapwing  had  a  huge  contingent  that  repeatedly  came  on  stage,  Knot  and  Dunlin  too.    Other  suspects  caught  lurking  in   the   sparse   undergrowth   and   at   the   edges   of   pools  were   Ruff,   Starling,   Rook,   Pied  Wagtail,   and   also   Redshank  paddling  about.    Much  polite  and  scholarly  discussion  about  identification  took  place  until   it  was  time  to  move  on.    After  a  short  stop  at  Lime  Tree  Cottage  and  a  chat  with  the  Volunteer  Warden  we  set  our  binoculars  over  the  channel  to  check  out  Camber  Sands  for  the  Sanderling  which  were  duly  spotted  to  our  Group  Leader'ʹs  satisfaction  -­‐‑  they  were  very  bold,  tolerating  Sunday  morning  walkers  striding  past  them  (complete  with  dogs);  all  the  tiny  birds  were  busy  bustling   in  and  out  with   the   tide   in   the  search   for   food.    Those   in   the  counting  mood  told  of  at   least  seventy  birds  tootling  up  and  down  the  waterline.    As  usual  at  Rye   the  noisy  presence  of  gulls  was  made  plain   -­‐‑  Herring,  Black  Headed,   Greater   and   Lesser   Black   Backed,   whilst   Shelduck,  Mallard,   Gadwall,   Pochard,   Teal   and  Widgeon   came  forth  for  the  ducks  and  dabblers.      A  lone  Sparrowhawk  was  spotted  sitting  quietly  on  a  low  bush  on  the  edge  of  the  Ternery  Pool  but  there  was  no  sign  of   the  marsh  harrier  mentioned  by   the  Warden.  However  Ringed  Plover,  Little  Egret,  Brent  Geese,  Greylag  Geese,  Mute   Swan,  Oystercatcher,   Snipe,   Turnstone   and  Tufted  Duck  were   all   there   to   compensate  us.   Four  Little  Grebe,  seemingly  practising  synchronised  diving,  were  a  pleasure  to  see  too,  along  with  a  Great  Crested  Grebe  sailing  by.      Our  amazement  that  the  sun  had  continued  to  sparkle  in  a  clear  blue  sky  all  the  while  was  matched  by  sheer  numbers  of  birds  and  the  spectacles  that  they  continued  to  provide.  Coot,  Robin,  Kestrel,  Cormorant,  Great  Tit  all  played  their  parts  well  too.  Co-­‐‑stars  of  the  show  were  the  Long  Tailed  Duck  and  Goldeneye  spotted  by  the  Long  Lake.  Dunnock,  Wren,  Blackbird,  House  Sparrow,  Chaffinch,  Collared  Dove  finished  off  our  list  for  the  outing,  a  good  catch  on  a  great  day  out.    

Sue  Shropshire    

 

   

NEWS FROM BROADWATER WARREN RESERVE – FEBRUARY 2014

Broadwater Warren

• Work planned for this month is quite varied and will be happening all over the site. If it ever stops raining, we will be resurfacing some of the muddier paths where the overflowing ditches and streams have over topped from the extreme high water levels. Be careful – I lost my welly in an exceptionally muddy patch the other day!

• The last of the brash from this year’s conifer harvest will be chipped and taken as wood-fuel.

• Another 500 trees are going to be planted in selected areas around the site, as we progress with making our woodland areas more diverse, both in structure and mix of species. Before the site was planted with conifers in the mid-1900s, it was a rich blend of open heath and native woodland. After the Second World War, not only was the heathland planted on, but parts of the woodland were cut down to make way for plantations too. We are gradually taking away the non-native, closely planted pine from the ancient woodland areas, and re-planting with species like oak, rowan, hazel and spindle. Did you know that one mature oak tree can give a home to over 200 species of insect? So while we are cutting down trees, we’re planting more of the right species, in the right places. The RSPB as a whole actually plants 2 trees for each one it cuts down; possibly not at the same reserve, but instead where it most benefits wildlife anywhere in the country. They may be planted to help reinstate hedgerows, restore former natural forest or to join back together fragmented pieces of woodland. The Forestry Commission (the UK government body concerned with woodland) and The Woodland Trust (a charity championing the UK’s woodlands) both have websites with great information about tree planting.

• Wildlife is returning to the site, with bird song filling the air on the drier days as robins, thrushes and mixed tit flocks start warming up their vocal chords. Already in the first week in January, male woodlark were heard singing out on the eastern heath areas. They are now making their appearance in earnest as they set up territories. Seven snipe were seen near the new wetland area on the main heath, three buzzards were circling overhead last week and a sparrowhawk was seen manoeuvring silently through the larches. Spring is in the air, honest! Keep your eyes peeled and ears pinned and please tell me about any sightings in the weeks to come. We’re still waiting for the first butterfly record of the year on the reserves!

• The volunteers, active every Tuesday fortnight and monthly Saturdays, have been expertly cracking on with tasks all through winter. More of the lovely oak benches have been installed; tons of non-native species have been cut and burned and miles of paths checked and cleared. This month we’ll be doing more coppicing, clearing up the storm damage and getting the site ready for the sunny season. If you fancy helping us, email me for more details.

• We’ve been putting up quite a few new information signs recently. I’m trying to provide answers to some of the questions I get asked most frequently when I’m out on the reserves, and explain the work we are doing. If you have a question about anything at Broadwater or Tudeley or can think of a place that needs some information then please let me know, because chances are you’re not the only one thinking it!

• The other signs that have gone up are the ones for our “dogs on leads” policy. From 1st February, anyone visiting the nature reserve with their dog must have them on a lead at all times, to keep disturbance to wildlife at a minimum. Creatures all over the reserve are beginning to stake their territories and soon the breeding season will be in full swing – the time when they’re at their most vulnerable.

The response that we’ve encountered so far has been overwhelmingly positive. When I was putting in the very first sign, two separate gentlemen walking with their dogs were both fully supportive of the seasonal approach. Surveys on the site over this first weekend have been very positive too, with a whole mixture of visitors adhering to the rule without complaint. Many thanks to those people who have taken the time to send kind words to me about the issue, and for the responsible dog owners who are supporting us. Tudeley Woods • The volunteer team at Tudeley have been busy checking the kilometres of footpaths that criss-cross the reserve for fallen trees after all the extreme weather. It’s a laborious task and certainly gets the heart rate up with the tracks being so muddy, so we are very grateful to them for lessening the amount of time we have to trudge around carrying heavy equipment to deal with blocked paths! The work parties are carrying on with ride side coppicing (even through the rain) so if you’d like to give it a try, please let me know.

• February is the best time to spot one of our rarest resident woodland birds – the lesser spotted woodpecker. These beautiful little drummers are only sparrow sized – tiny compared to the more common great spotted woodpecker. The two are very similar, not only in colouring, but in call and drumming sounds. Lesser spots usually use the higher, smaller branches of trees, so when the canopy comes back into leaf it’s very difficult to see them, and to tell their sounds apart from the great spots takes a keen ear. With that said, we are looking for people to help out with the monitoring of these lovely little birds, especially through the next few weeks. If you are interested, please let me know. Find out more about them at rspb.org.uk/lesserspottedwoodpecker • Another opportunity is on the horizon for any keen naturalists to lend a hand at Tudeley – adder surveys. In the summer months, reptiles will be making appearances all over the heathland areas, and we want to know exactly what the populations are. We already know that there are healthy numbers of grass snake, common lizard and slow worm, but adders have been surprisingly elusive so far. If you would like to be involved in our surveys, just reply to this email. As the warmer months approach, please keep an eye on our website and notice boards as we start to put on more events. We have bird walks, butterfly searches, flower ID days and more coming up. If you have any ideas for events that you’d like to see happening at the reserves, please let me know as we may well be able to make it so! Finally, a big thank you! To the visitor at Broadwater on Sunday, who collected and bagged up litter. We really appreciate this as it makes the reserve more pleasant for everyone. There are 5 miles of trails at Broadwater and, while we try to keep them litter free, this extra help was an unexpected and very welcome surprise. Thanks for taking an interest and as ever, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions, stories or comments to share. Cheerio, Chloe Chloe Ryder Assistant Warden, South East Woods and Heaths

Tel: 01892 752430

Website: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/eastgrinstead

Led by Hilary and Dick Rowberry. Meetings are held at the Briars Field Centre, Cotchford Lane, Hartfield, from 2 pm but with occasional visits further afield. Further information is available on the Schedule of Events or contact Hilary on 01892 770478.

In the New Year, because of fluctuating numbers, we decided to amalgamate The British Wildlife Group with the East Grinstead Group based at The Briars Field Centre.  Alongside these groups we have been working with two groups at St Marys Junior School, Hartfield; a whole class (Cherry Class) and a Wildlife and Science Club. These achieved the RSPB Wildlife Explorers Bronze Award in July by undertaking the following activities; growing plants, studying minibeasts, clearing litter, travel survey, bike, bus or walk, bird observations and feeding, putting on an assembly presentation. The high points were feeding the whole school on the potatoes they grew and getting ready to present their travel survey findings to the school governors. The new groups are presently halfway through the Silver Award. Wildlife Explorers Big Garden Birdwatch. We met at the Briars Field Centre on Saturday January 25th. First we checked our binoculars, making sure we could focus them to get a clear view. Then we looked at bird pictures so we could remember which bird was which. Then we had an hour to record what we saw. There were quite a lot of Great tits, Blue tits and other birds because the bird feeders were filled. Once we decided what was the biggest number of each type of bird we saw all in one place, we wrote it down. Then putting together all our results we put them on the Big Garden Bird Watch website record. J. Mayne-Clark

• Blackbird 3 • Great tit 6

• Blue tit 6 • Magpie 4

• Carrion crow 3 • Robin 2

• Chaffinch 2 • Song thrush 2

• Coal tit 4 • Woodpigeon 8

• Nuthatch 2

• Willow tit 2