Garganey at Rye Meads

21st March 2024

Spring migration has finally kicked off with a pair of Garganey at Rye Meads, supported by six Black-tailed Godwits and a female Marsh Harrier. News had obviously spread quickly as there were only a handful of spaces left in the car park when I arrived.

The godwits were on the middle of the scrape in front of the Gadwall Hide, so a little distant. Unfortunately they spent most of their time in two groups of three, so difficult to get a group shot.

On the plus side some of the birds were beginning to sport their rusty breeding plumage.

The female Marsh Harrier had been seen over the meadow earlier in the day and spent a while hunting over the reed bed in front of the Draper Hide.

It got a frosty reception from the local Jackdaws and also spooked the local pair of Mallards. Even worse it also spooked the pair of Garganey which flew to No 1 Lagoon in front of the Gadwall Hide.

This was actually an advantage as when in front of the Draper Hide they were right in the north-east corner and hidden behind an island. At least in front of the Gadwall Hide, albeit sometimes a little more distant, they were always in full view.

What a superb day and great to see so many Herts birders from all corners of the county.