Rye Harbour – Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Talk 12 October 2024

The Cetaceans of Sussex by Thea Taylor

Thea Taylor, a Marine Biologist and Managing Director of the Sussex Dolphin Project, gave an excellent talk to the Friends of RHNR last Saturday.

The Sussex Dolphin Project was set up in 2018 because the Sussex coast was one of the least studied cetacean habitats in the UK, with very little data on these mammals. Historical evidence and information from local communities indicated that it was not the case that they were absent, just that no data had been collected.

Improved reporting is now available for West Sussex and for East Sussex going westwards from Eastbourne, but from Eastbourne to Kent there is still a huge gap in the data.

The species Thea covered were Bottlenose Dolphin, which are the most common Dolphins seen off our coast, the rarer Common Dolphin, the oceanic White-beaked Dolphin and the Harbour Porpoise.
She also talked about ongoing research, what is needed in the future to protect these fantastic mammals, the threats they face and how we can help.

A key take-away the talk was the things we can all do to support the Sussex Dolphin project by joining, volunteering and, very importantly, reporting any sightings (along with good quality photo’s if you have them) and any strandings to the Sussex Dolphin Project (https://sussexdolphinproject.org/).

There is ID help available on the website, along with lots of information and opportunities. If you do have a sighting of one of these mammals, scroll down a little on the home page and REPORT IT!

Past Events

Guide in a Hide 05 October 2024

A big thank you to all of those who helped with delivering a great GIAH experience for many visitors to the reserve. The weather was kind and there were many people out and about enjoying the pleasant October sunshine.

The team based in the Gooders hide engaged with 130 Adults and 52 young people. Those based near the Discovery Centre engaged with 43 Adults.

At the Gooders hide we had over 30 species of bird, including Bar-tailed Godwit and a distant Greenshank. Swallows were constantly passing through and a large bouncing flock of Linnet caught the attention of visitors on several occasions. These birds would then often land on the saltmarsh areas along with Meadow Pipits and a few fluttery Skylarks in order to feed on the plant seed available. Redshanks, with their brightly coloured legs and habit of ‘paddling’ straight in front of the hide were enjoyed by many. Another popular sight, particularly through the telescopes, was close-up views of a feeding Curlew. Visitors were often stunned by the length of the bill.

Outside the Discovery Centre, 29 species provided lots of interest, including a Kingfisher and Hobby which were appreciated by those present at the time. Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit were on the Saltmarsh and easily viewable through the available telescopes.

Duck numbers are building up nicely, with whistling Wigeon drawing attention to themselves, whilst amongst them were a few Pintail, Teal and Gadwall plus the more common Mallard.

giah

26 April – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 26th April 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

Drop in to the Gooders hide between the car park and the sea where there will be guides stationed throughout the day to show you the birds. Binoculars, telescopes and spotter sheets available for you to use.

Suitable for all.