Reclaimed salt marsh suitable for wintering geese
Sandwiched between Rye Harbour and the sandstone cliffs of Hastings Country Park, Pett Level comprises a large area of sheep- grazed pasture protected by a sea wall suitable for wintering geese and roving birds of prey. The Levels are criss- crossed by drainage ditches and bordered by the Royal Military Canal to the north, along with several roadside lagoons that attract flocks of roosting waders, gulls and ducks.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
From Toots Rock, cross the road and climb the sea wall for views across Rye Bay. Given an onshore wind at high tide, the likes of Redthroated Diver and Great Crested Grebe should be on the sea, along with passing Gannet, Kittiwake and auks. Carefully check through the wintering flock of Common Scoters for a Velvet Scoter, or maybe an Eider. Scan west to Cliff End for a prospecting Fulmar soaring along the sandstone cliffs.
2
At low tide, check the beach for waders such as Turnstone, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Ringed Plover. Flocks of gulls can include Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls. Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and the occasional Rock Pipit feed among rotting seaweed along the strandline, where Snow Buntings are sometimes noted. Pett Pools attracts Little Grebe, Wigeon, Shelduck, Shoveler and Gadwall, Little Egret, Snipe and Green Sandpiper, plus roosting beach waders, large flocks of gulls and feral geese.
3
The footpath crossing the Level is a good area to scan for a wintering goose flock that may contain ‘genuine wild’ White-fronted or Brent Geese among the more numerous Greylags, Canadas and Egyptians, and occasionally Bewick’s Swans. Birds of prey likely include Kestrel, Merlin, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine.
4
Scan along the hillside for soaring Raven, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, and at dusk Barn Owl. The ditches and scrub near the canal are favoured locations for Kingfisher, Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Water Rail and more.