Rye Meads, 20th July 2021

A very hot day, and as I had not been to Rye Meads for a long time, it seemed a good option to utilise the shade in the hides. First stop was the Draper hide and in the distance were a Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper and a female Red Crested Pochard. All too far away for photography but the Little Grebes and Mute Swan were more forthcoming.

A few Gadwall were flying around and it was also interesting watching the juvenile Black-headed Gulls in their quite attractive plumage.

It was then on to the new Kingfisher Hub! Thankfully it was a quiet day with not many people visiting so I was able to settle down and wait for the Kingfishers. While waiting, a Common Tern decided to use the pool as a fishing spot and hovered obligingly in front.

There was lots of Dragonfly activity including Black-tailed Skimmers, Brown Hawkers and this ovipositing Emperor.

The next visitor was a Grey Heron which flew in and decided to fish right in front of the Kingfisher nest bank.

The female Kingfisher made a few appearances, but I only had a brief sighting of the male. They are currently on eggs and this is the second male as the original, disappeared some time ago. She looks a bit worn and at one stage was a bit wary of the Heron, sitting in a tree and watching.

A very pleasant morning and I will hopefully be back when the young fledge.