See the kingfishers
The Kingfishers, without doubt, are the highlight of
a visit to this iconic reserve. Rye Meads hoouses families of Kingfishers every year, and due to recent upgrades and nesting site projects, last year's populationn was higher than ever before. This bird looks somewhat exotic and out of place on a British waterway, but unfortunately due to habitat and water pollution has declined in recent years. A kingfisher in Britain is a privelidge, and a rare sight to see but at Rye Meads sightings are extremely common.
There are 2 artificial banks in the reserve which the kingfishers like to nest in, and even in the winter one of the pair will come out every two hours or so. If you really want to see a kingfisher, it is a long time, but definitely worth the wait (for more on Rye Meads kingfishers see 'The Rye Meads nervous tick' post on our blog - kendalklub.wordpress.com. You can click below to see it.
Our Blog - The Rye Meads nervous tick.
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Watch The Lapwings
I love Lapwings - they always look as if they are
going out for dinner - their tufted heads and
smart plumage always remind me of a saville row suit. Until they take off into the air. Then they look like raggedy, rough and shoddy birds, not caring for their appearance. Lapwings are a very common sight at Rye Meads, and you can see them throught the year. They are quite slow moving (in flight and on the ground), so they are easy to photograph!
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Look out for Kestrels
kestrels are becoming increasingly common at
Rye meads. Not only can you watch for them o in the sky, but also their nestbox which in the breeding season is abuzz with activity. The chicks are out on the top, daring eachother to jump off and try to fly (soome even try to push eachother off!). Their mother is wheeling round, harrassing them to jump and fly. Sometimes you can even see her flying, weighed down by a vole or a harvest mouse. Don't forget to bring binoculars!
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Go on the Otter trail
I have never seen an otter as yet, but
apparently they are quite common at Rye
Meads. In fact, there is an entire otter trail towards the back f the reserve, leading to a hide along the banks of a large, deep river. The decision whether to go with the chance of seeing an otter, or to go to the car park and home - the car park closes at dusk, the otter trail is long and the gate to it is one way. You might never be able to get out! It might be worth it for a glimpse of a freshwater otter though...