A blissful day ahead of second lockdown. We have holidayed with Naturetrek on a few occasions now and they never let us down, home or away. Truly genius idea to run a series of day trips in UK during this very difficult year. Looking forward to our postponed overseas trips with them next year but very, very likely to book a few more UK based holidays in the future as well!
A.W. Surrey, Nov 20



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Spring Birdwatching at Rye Harbour (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR154A day searching the reedbeds, coastal lagoons and gravel pits at Rye Harbour (East Sussex) for a plethora of breeding seabirds and land birds.
£50 (land only)
Highlights
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Summary
Rye Bay, from an ornithologists point of view, is one of the most bird-rich areas in the whole of Sussex! During Spring, the reserve comes alive with the sound of Sandwich Terns and Mediterranean Gulls over the gravel pits, whilst the reedbeds and trees support an amazing array of warblers. Cuckoos are also present on the reserve and a few pairs of Yellow Wagtails still breed here too. The reedbeds here support Bearded Tits, Water Rails and Bitterns. The likelihood of an unusual bird turning up is always something that should be considered, as previous years have seen the likes of Golden Orioles, European Bee-eaters, Temminck's Stints and Kentish Plovers turn up almost annually! Walking around Rye Harbour during the Spring is always very rewarding.
- Sandwich Terns, Mediterranean Gulls and Black-headed Gulls in their hundreds
- Reed, Sedge and maybe Grasshopper Warblers occupy several areas on the reserve
- Breeding Yellow Wagtails and Cuckoos
- Offshore, Little Terns often gather along the shoreline
- Enjoy summer-plumaged waders: Bar-tailed Godwits and Golden Plovers
- Possibility of a 'booming' Bittern
- Led by an expert and local birdwatcher
Grading
All walking will be on flat (there are no hills in the bay!) and sturdy paths. Be prepared to walk up to six miles during the day. Scopes will be very useful throughout and warm clothing is essential as shelter here is in short supply.
Reviews
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This was a full day spent with a guide on the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - a large area with different habitats and several hides looking out over the lagoons. There is also shore access, although the day was very windy and not conducive to sea viewing. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful, identifying a number of different species and helpful in locating sightings (not always the case!) The timing worked well, with a return to cars at lunchtime with good public WCs close by. We felt it had been a successful and enjoyable day, introducing us to a new area rich in birdlife which we definitely plan to revisit.
D.L. London, Nov 20
Dates & Prices
2021
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
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