Tutor: Mike Russell
2 Part Course
Zoom: Thursday, 25th September 7pm-8pm
Field Trip: Tuesday, 30th September 9.30am-1pm
During the autumn, the wetlands of the south coast become an important refuelling hub for flocks of waders. Many of these birds are passing through on their way further south while others are escaping the frozen north. Although the mudflats are filled with thousands of birds how many could you identify?
Mike Russell will guide you through the identification of these waders. So if you’re new to birdwatching and are perplexed by Plovers, need help separating your Shanks or untangling your Knots this is the course for you.
This special 2-part course starts with an introductory Zoom session followed by a field trip to Rye Harbour one of the finest sites for waders on the south coast. From the bird hides we will looks across the lagoons and identify the many waders feeding here.
This course is ideal for beginners to birdwatching. No previous knowledge or skills required, just enthusiasm!
Mike Russell spent over 30 years working for Sussex Wildlife Trust. He has organised and lead thousands of wildlife events, from dawn choruses to late night excursions to see the nightjars, using his extensive knowledge and expertise. Now retired, Mike continues to run popular bird events for the Trust.
Meeting point: Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, Rye Harbour Road, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7TT. We will email a link to the Zoom talk nearer the time.
What to bring: Suitable clothing and footwear for the time of year, Binoculars and a telescope if you have one. A field guide might be useful though leader will have one available. Our café is open from 9.30am to 4.15pm if you would like to buy lunch here, otherwise please bring a packed lunch.
Facilities: The Centre sits within the nature reserve and houses a cafe, gift shop and public toilets, free wifi is available.
Parking: Free parking is available at Car Park, Harbour Road, Rye Harbour, Rye TN31 7TT , about a 7 minute walk from the Discovery Centre
Public Transport: The 313 Stagecoach bus travels from Rye train station to Rye Harbour village.
Accessibility: Our gently-paced 2 mile (3 km) walk will start and end at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, a wheelchair-friendly venue, with a step-free entrance ramp. Toilet facilities include two that are wheelchair accessible, and we will be no more than a mile away from them on the walk. Most of the route is easy for wheelchairs, and the bird hides are accessible. However a section of the walk has some uneven and loose surfaces, making it moderately difficult for manual wheelchairs.
Dogs: Please note that although we welcome well-behaved dogs to the café, they are not permitted at our events (except assistance dogs).
To enable more people to attend our courses, we have a limited number of concessionary tickets available to those on a low income. No proof required.
Photo: Wader © Dennis Hunt
