Reports 2008-2009

Our first trip of the season was to the Lea Valley. Ten members attended.

The first stop was Amwell Gravel Pits. There have been many improvements to the reserve since the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust took over the management. The Trust has laid new paths to replace the wet, muddy tracks that form the woodland walks. Seats have also been added. Two new hides have been built, and there is a dragonfly trail which is open from May to September.

There is, however, still a problem with parking in Amwell Lane.

There were many lapwing, snipe & common sandpiper. Ducks included mallard, gadwall, tufted, teal & shoveller. A water rail was also present. Whilst watching from the viewpoint, a raven flew overhead, and joined another one in the trees across the pits.

Amwell  & Rye Meads 13th September 2008

Not a strange wader but a
Stock Dove having a bath

We left Amwell and set off for Rye Meads RSPB Reserve. The Draper hide had many gadwall and a couple pairs of little grebe with very young chicks. The next hide, Ashby produced a green sandpiper also a kingfisher sitting on a post with its back to us. The plumage was brilliant in the bright sunlight. From the tern hide where the water level was very low we saw six more green sandpipers.

The bird total was approx 45 species which is quite good for this time of year.

Dave Jones

Two of the many Gadwall at Rye Meads