River Hamble, Warsash

Thursday 4 December 

Hamble River at high tide with the water either side of the footpath

Still, dry and cloud breaking to give some bright sunshine later in the morning as I took a walk up the Hamble River to beyond the conservation area at full tide; indeed, midway between the double high tide.  Water lapping the bank on either side of the footpath so no slip either way as would end up in the wet stuff!  leaving the house with Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits on the feeders I even had a Blackbird cross the connect path from road to river and then on the through the massed puddles towards the ferry pontoon.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Sitting n the fence next to same a male Stonechat and once past a small flock of Brent Geese on the water on the meadow side of the path.  beyond then a handful of Wigeon at the back. Initially, just a couple of Black-headed Gulls to be seen and certainly less than a score the whole morning. n the river itself the first of three Great Crested Grebes.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Looking at the tree at the back of the meadow a massed roost of about 50 Woodpigeon and they were joined by a single Starling.  On the garden below a Carrion Crow and Magpie and near the back reeds a pair of Canada Geese.

Roosting Woodpigeon Columba palumbus but note the Starling Sturnus vulgaris top left

Continuing on up the puddled path and lapping water either side regular sightings of small flocks of Brent Geese and the a single Grey Plover perched atop one of the posts in the water. A sudden movement by a small bird ahead of me enable me to watch it alight near the conservation area and I thought Rock Pipit but "Merlin" was telling me Water Pipit and, sure enough, the enlarged photo confirmed the latter with the supercillium showing white beyond the eye.

Distant record shot of Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

At this point I stopped to take a quick photo of the departing Little Egret as it passed me by on the river side.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

At the conservation area, now completely flooded, more Brent Geese and the main Wigeon flock totalling over 50 individuals.  Hiding well down in the tall grasses on the far side a single Grey Heron and walking further on and just into the woods a Robin recorded.

Wigeon Anas penelope

Making my way Back I stopped at the conservation to tale a closer look at the seven Grey Plovers resting atop individua posts and a little further along came across my only wader of the morning, a single Redshank at the river's edge.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola with 2 Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Approaching the final water outlet bridge I managed to see the first of two Little Grebes feeding on the river and on the final inland pool more Brent Geese and Wigeons plus a half-dozen Teal.

Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Water Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Redshank Tringa totanus

Male Wigeon Anas penelope

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas BirdingGroup

 Wednesday 3 December

It sounds as if it is not just the UK getting a dose of the storms and tempests!  And I certainly trust all will be sorted before mid-February when I drive over for around three weeks!  Meantime, Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group were "enjoying" a visit to my favourite Almeria birding site, Cabo de Gata (be there on Saturday 20th February). Amazing to think that other than the Flamingos and Black-winged Stilts, I've seen all the other named species over here in Blighty; even had a dozen Grey Plovers on the Hamble river last Sunday morning along with over 300 Dunlin plus both Redshank and Greenshank.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 3rd December

Nigel kindly picked me up and he drove down towards Cabo de Gata.  As we approached the exit off the A7/E15 motorway there was a huge murmuration of presumably Northern Starlings as I've never seen Spotless Starlings participate in that activity.  As we passed through Retamar Sur we saw Yellow -legged Gulls and Collared Doves.  The gulls had been blown in by the storm-like winds.  We added a Magpie before we reached the first hide where Kevin was hunkered down inside with his scope.  Apart from the Greater Flamingos he'd also seen Spotless Starlings, Avocets, Little Egrets, Black-winged Stilts and Mallard ducks.  We were joined by Trevor.  Some Dunlin were feeding in the shelter of the left hand pools.  Kevin added a Redshank and Ringed and Kentish Plovers.  Nearly suffering from hyperthermia we adjourned for a hot coffee.

We decided we'd miss out the second hide, pass Go, not collect €200 and go straight to the public hide. A Meadow Pipit was by the approach track.  From the hide we saw numerous Sanderling and Dunlin. There was a group of sheltering Lesser Black-backed and Black Headed Gulls to our right giving me my one and only chance for a decent photograph!  Kevin did well to find a single Black-necked Grebe, some sleeping Spoonbill in the distance and a Grey Plover.  Nigel spotted a Cormorant.  I heard, then had a fleeting glimpse of a Sardinian Warbler.  We decided enough was enough and headed home, Kevin adding Cattle Egret and House Sparrow to the list.

Black-headed Gull surrounded by Lesser Back-backed Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 25 species.  To be honest I really enjoyed being out with mates on a bracing day. 

Sending best wishes to both Peters and to Bob Wright.

Regards

Dave

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Lower Hamble River, Warsash

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Sunday 30 November

Starting this morning I should be wearing a slim during the day for the next week but the sun was shining brightly, no wind and the tide at a perfect setting for a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back.  Surely the sling-wearing could wait for a couple of hours?

There may not have been many birds about, excluding the 300 plus Dunlin, 120 Wigeon and 100 Brent Geese but still an opportunity to try out the new Canon EOS7 with the RF 100-400 lens. Not too bad for a first use with the camera catching the eye but distant shots still a little soft so time to download the User Manual and discover where I am going wrong.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Nothing on the first beach but once past the ferry landing stage birds began to appear with the first Brent Geese, Redshank and a Black-headed Gull. Foraging along the seaweed line below me a Rock Pipit and then the first 150 Dunlin. Just a handful of Wigeon at this stage along with the only Little Egret seen during the visit.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

On the meadow side of the path a Greenshank and seven departing Starling.  Moving further on more dunlin and Brent Geese plus Redshanks and a couple of Curlew.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

A resting flock of ten Grey Plover was a delight to see plus a few other individual nearby.  A Cormorant was resting as a second flew over form the meadow. Continuing on up the path a few Teal to my left a quartet of Carrion Crow on the flat, now exposed, meadow.  Also on this area a dozen Black-tailed Godwit and fourteen Shelduck.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Nearing the conservation area I cam across a handful of Ringed Plover on the now distant river edge followed by a further fourteen resting on the bank above.  Meanwhile, on the inland side of the path a couple of Heron in the far, grassy edge plus two Oystercatchers.  Once at the conservation area a few more Teal and Redshank but mainly the hundred or more Wigeon along with a few more Black-headed Gulls.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Making my way back downstream I finally found a handful or so Herring Gulls along with a dozen Jackdaw and a pair of Woodpigeon.  Only 23 species but at least making the most of what will probably be the only sunny day for the coming week and then both Magpie and Dunnock in the garden as I reached home.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Wigeon Anas penelope

Wigeon Anas penelope in flight

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Blashford Lakes

Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus

 Thursday 27 November

A miserable damp, overcast day and by the time I arrived at Blashford Lakes in the New Forest the weather had not improved, and now also a slight, continuous drizzle.  late arrival as my first stop had been in Bournemouth to collect new camera; extra special as when I arrived it coincided with mass Canon reductions as part of "Black Friday."  Meant I could but a decent shoulder strap for the camera but as yet to be fitted.   Tried out the supplied new 18-150 lens (see pictures below) but also bought the new RF 100-400mm lens to attach once back home.  Now back to the birds.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Surprising number of birders in the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water given the weather outside and mainly Coot, Cormorants and gulls on view so time to undertake a more specific study of the water.  A good number of Great Crested Grebes seen along with a dozen Mute Swans.  Ducks were mainly Tufted Duck but a few Gadwall off to the right along with a handful of Teal and the far back a few Wigeon.  But off to my left almost parallel with the hide a single male Goldeneye.  Looking at the many roosting and water-resting gulls, mainly Lesser Black-backed but also a good number of Herring Gulls.  One of the far islands also held a single Magpie and as I left to cross over the main reserve. 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Very little from Ivy North Hide save for a Moorhen, Canada Goose and more Tufted Ducks.  Ivy South Hide had, as well as Tufted Ducks, many Mallards and Cormorants plus a few Black-headed Gulls.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Not many species from the Woodland Hide now that the feeders were once again in situ but numerous Blue, a couple of Long-tailed, single Coal and a handful of Great Tits.  Also present a few foraging Chaffinches , Blackbird and Robin.  Whilst here a Sparrowhawk swept through the feeding area in front of the hide but no prey taken on this occasion. Making my way back to the car for the return journey home, both Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon recorded.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Roosting Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 26 November

Lots of birds seen by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group on their visit up the mountain and judging by his final remark, presumably the temperature improved - unlike the frost here back in the UK. Now gone warmer but likely to be continuous rain for a couple of days.  Not every day you get a pair of Jays pose for you in close proximity and what good fortune to come across the Dartford Warbler.  Strange how a call of nature always brings a sighting just when it's not necessarily convenient!

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 26th November

Richard came to my house and I drove to the Sierra de Maria.  We came across a group of 11 Griffons circling prior to the town and also added a pair of Mistle Thrush.  In the town Richard saw some Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe.  A tad chilly, but it was sunny with blue skies.  Whilst filling the empty bird feeders with peanuts I broke the thin ice on the concrete pool.  Richard had also brought some mealworms which I spread around.  Drinking a couple of warming coffees we waited for the birds to realise their breakfast was available.  First to come were the Chaffinches, House Sparrows and Collared Doves.  A Raven flew over.  We eventually had most of the Tits: Long Tailed, Blue, Great and Crested.  A Pair of Jays arrived.  We were joined by Kevin and a Spanish Red Squirrel!

Spanish Red Squirrel (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop, Kevin unknowingly leading the way as we followed behind.  Richard glimpsed a Little Owl on the edge of the pine forest.  Once driving through the arable land, we saw flocks of Linnet, a few Corn Buntings and a Magpie.  A Marsh Harrier was a surprise.  Stonechats weren't!  We caught Kevin up at the village.  He'd also seen White Wagtails.

Little Owl (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We carried on along the track, Richard and I leading now.  We added the odd Black Redstart. There were large flocks of Goldfinch and Linnets together with a few Corn Buntings.  Before we reached the cliff face we'd seen Crested Lark, Kestrel, Hoopoe, Woodpigeon, and Carrion Crow.  Kevin had seen a couple of Red Billed Chough.  There was nothing on the face.  Kevin and I walked to the far side. "Merlin" had picked up a Dartford Warbler.  No hear, no sight = no record!  Kevin began to walk back to the vehicles.  I needed a call of nature.  As I walked back I spotted the elusive Dartford Warbler.  I directed Kevin to see it as well.  We carried on, seeing more flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets.  On the airfield fence was a perched lark.  It had a very small crest.  I think it was a Skylark? ( See photo). Richard had a Jackdaw.  As we approached the hamlet a Little Owl was on one of the roofs.  

Possible Skylark (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A Thekla Lark was walking around near us.  As we drove along the plain we saw a couple of Ravens and a Meadow Pipit.  The water trough produced more Linnet and Goldfinch.  Kevin went off to explore another possible route as Richard and I went for lunch at La Piza.  We saw the same birds as before until we were just about to leave.  A Short-toed Treecreeper climbing up a tree and a Nuthatch coming down one!  I heard later that Kevin had added a covey of Red-legged Partridge.

Jays (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 35 species.  Good company.  You could not have asked for better weather.

Sending our best wishes to both Peters and to Carol, Alan's wife, who's been under the weather.

Regards

Dave

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Weston Shore, Southampton

Tuesday 25 November

With many recent recent reports of Velvet Scoters and Red-necked Grebe off-shore at the top of Southampton Water near Weston Shore, I made a relatively early drive over to the site in bright sunshine but still very cold following overnight slight frost.  Upon arrival with the tide just after the turn and limited foreshore, very many local Carrion Crows and roosting Herring and Black-headed Gulls. Also present a pair of Mute Swans, a very small flock of Rock Doves and a handful of Oystercatchers.  Just off-shore at least three Great Crested Grebes.

Roosting Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

Fortunately, another birder on site with his scope in full action had already found the trio of Velvet Scoters so, having first checked with the bins, able to quickly find the trio with my scope.  All very distant in mid-water and at least 200 metres off the shore.

Very distant record shots of the Velvet Scoters Melanitta fusca

Left on my own I scanned the breakwaters nearer the docks and found a few more Oystercatchers and a couple of Brent Geese.  But having scoped the distant mid-water towards the docks I not only found another two Great Crested Grebes but then the "missing" Red-necked Grebe showing very well, albeit very distant. Very dark on the throat and head plus the slightly different profile form the nearby Great Crested Grebes.  I imagine my companion will be most annoyed that he had failed to find the Red-necked Grebe!

Mute Swan Cygnus olor on Southampton Water

A walk through the woods on the other side of the road produced only Dunnock and Great Tit plus many more Carrion Crows. Then, walking back along the road to the car park checking all the resting gulls on both shore and water, I found a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Homeward bound with a brief stop at Sophies Pond near the entrance to Victoria Park to check both the sea and pond itself, the latter produced a pair of both Mute Swan and Mallard along with an adult and juvenile Moorhen.  Lots of resting Black-headed Gulls enjoying the bright sunshine.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Out on the beach amongst the roosting Black-headed Gulls a quintet of Oystercatchers and a similar number of Turnstones.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus enjoying the sunshine 

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Velvet Scoter, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Dunnock, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Scores of Carrion Crows Corvus corone

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