Linda Wren, a volunteer who organises the Guide in a Hide on the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, explains about an exciting outing that captured the imagination of young bird watchers during the February half-term.
“Some of the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve ‘Guide in a Hide’ volunteers became Guides on a Train! Children travelled for just £1, and really enjoyed looking through our binoculars to tick off what they saw on the worksheets provided.
“We spotted thirty-three species of birds, including red kite, lapwing, great white egret, grey heron, little egret, moorhen, buzzard and amazingly, through a train window, a tiny goldcrest.
“Several people remarked on how friendly and helpful everyone was and what a great idea this had been. One lady messaged to say ‘Amazing!! The kids really enjoyed it, particularly my daughter Lyra! She loves birds. She asked for a bird camera for Christmas and loves seeing the birds we get in the garden every day. Lyra took it all very seriously, amusing her fellow passengers by exclaiming, ‘Look everyone, there is a Pheasant…. tick it off!’
“We were thrilled to bits with the fantastic comments from the children and how interested and enthusiastic they were.
“We hope that we have inspired some of those children to continue to watch and enjoy birds – and perhaps we’ll see them again soon…at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve!
“We were thrilled to bits with the fantastic comments from the children and how interested and enthusiastic they were.
“We hope that we have inspired some of those children to continue to watch and enjoy birds – and perhaps we’ll see them again soon…at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve!
“With thanks to the Kent and East Sussex Railway team for putting on this excellent event and asking us to help.”
Image Credits: Rye Harbour Reserve Guides , Kent and East Sussex Railway .