Eastbourne Local Group - February events 2025

David Beer

Rye Harbour Walk Thursday 13 February

Whatever time of the year we visit Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, we are guaranteed to see some excellent wildlife and, despite the bitterly cold wind, we were not disappointed. As we entered the reserve, large flocks of Lapwing were visible demonstrating their undulating flight patterns. There were good views of Redshank in most of the pools together with Shelduck, Wigeon, Little Egrets, Teal and Coot. From the first hide we had excellent views of Ring Plover, Little Grebe, Shoveler and a single Curlew. In the second hide there good sightings of Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebe and Oystercatchers. On the loop back to the Discovery Centre we spotted Turnstone, Meadow Pipits, Dunlin and Sanderling but the highlight was a large flock of Golden Plover that flew directly overhead allowing us to hear their synchronised wing beats. After nearly three hours in the cold we all were glad to warm up with a hot drink in Lime Kiln Café.

Evening Talk on Bumblebees Thursday 20th February

There was a buzz of excitement in the hall as the large turn out of members assembled for the eagerly anticipated talk from Morgan and Peter of the Bumblebee Conservation Society. We were not disappointed. The first half of the evening was devoted to an outline of the biology of this fascinating order of Insects, together with a clear and beautifully illustrated account of the key identification features to look for in our most common species. After the refreshment break we divided into groups and were given preserved specimens to look at and identify. It was great fun and we all came away with tips to improve our identification skills out in the field.