The Avocet – a conservation success
The Avocet has been the RSPB’s logo for over 50 years, and is a perfect symbol of conservation success.
The Minsmere Estuary
Avocets had been extinct as a breeding bird in the UK for over a century due to habitat loss, hunting and egg collecting. But in 1947 several pairs were discovered nesting on newly created marshland at Minsmere in Suffolk.
This part of the English coastline was seen as vulnerable to invasion during the Second World War, and large areas of drained agricultural land were reflooded as part of the defensive measures. Following the war the sluices that had maintained the flooded areas were opened and the water receded, leaving shallow brackish marshland – ideal habitat for the Avocet.
Somehow, from somewhere, a small number of Avocets returned to the area and successfully reared young – an amazing testament to the importance of current rewilding schemes.
RSPB Minsmere Reserve
The RSPB acquired the site in 1947 and has subsequently managed Minsmere as a wetland area of different habitats for the conservation of some of Britain’s rarest species, including Avocet, Curlew, Bittern and Bearded Tits. https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/minsmere.
The Avocet in particular thrived, and over the years they have recolonised more than 20 sites of suitable habitat, mainly in the south and east of the country. There are now over 2000 breeding pairs in the UK. This number is doubled during the winter with the arrival of migrant birds from Scandinavia.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
The saline lagoons and islands at Rye Harbour are ideal for the Avocet, and now over 60 pairs regularly nest there. Their black and white plumage is easy to spot as they wade through the shallows, sweeping their long curved bills over the surface in search of small insects.
Avocet chick – Rye Harbour
At times, there is an almost magical quality about the reserve. Away from the main track on the road between the shingle banks and the lagoons, the sound of the sea mingling with the call of Oystercatchers or wintering Golden Plover and Lapwing is something of great beauty.
About 280 species have been recorded on the reserve, and it is an important wintering ground for many waders, and other species. It is a superb place for birdwatching and photography.
Wintering flock of Lapwings, Rye Harbour
Young photographers
Our seven year old neighbour, already a keen birdwatcher and photographer, recently sent me a picture he took of an Avocet on one of the reserve’s lagoons.
The Avocet – a web footed wader (photo Cassian Lawrance)
His picture shows clearly an unusual feature of the Avocet. They are the only British waders (other than the rare visitors to the UK, the Red and Red-necked Phalaropes) that have webbed feet, enabling them to swim like ducks and gulls.
Rye Harbour has many fully accessible facilities
The reserve is run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust It is wonderful place, and in every sense has something for everyone. The main track is well tarmaced and is perfect for users of wheelchairs, and it is possible to pre-book the use of an electric wheelchair at the Discovery Centre and cafe. One of the hides has easy access for wheelchair users. https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on/category/rye.
There is always a full calendar of events for adults and children, and what better place for young people to begin to explore the wonders of our wildlife.