Rutland WaterDunnopck

Sunday 12 August

The rains have come at last.  Absolutely through it down last night and again this morning - as forecast for the East Midlands.  It stopped mid-morning so took the car to the local garage o collect a morning paper then continued on to my local patch at Rutland Water to undertake some more experiments with the new camera and had an interesting ninety minutes before returning home and the la5test light rain.  Hopefully that's it for the present o that we get some dry weather from mid-week to help make the visit to the Annual Birdfair more enjoyable and also a day out at Gibraltar Point near Skegness before setting out on the long car journey back to Mezquitilla.

Both Wood Pigeon and Heron as I approached the North Arm and although the water appeared quiet there were good numbers of Greylag Geese and Mute Swan with a few Egyptian Geese and the usual local Cormorants.  (I would add that all birding this morning undertaken with just the trusty binoculars.) A handful of Great Crested Grebe and a score or more of Coot along with Mallard, Wigeon and Gadwall made up most of the smaller water birds along with at lest three Little Egret.  On the far bank a number of resting Black-headed Gulls.  Just the single Moorhen noted.  A few House Martin were feeding over the water as I left to make my way to the main Visitors Centre.

Driving along the connecting lane to Eggleton a couple of Crow in the first field and then at least twenty Jackdaw before seeing a couple of House Sparrow and Collared Dove as I passed through the village. 

From the Visitors Centre only a few Coot to be seen but a Great White Egret on the far bank was a lovely sight.  In front of me a handful of Mallard and about the same number of Tufted Duck. Sand Martins from the nearby artificial nesting site were feeding over the water.  Only Black-headed Gulls to be seen from the Larus family. 

A stop at the feeding centre where I intended to use the camera proved disastrous.  For some reason all the feeders here remain completely empty so the only bird that eventually explored the area was the Dunnock with at least three present. 

Dunnock Prunella modularis

On round the back of the water via Manton Bay passing a single Magpie and a large flock of Rooks to make a stop at the Lyndon Centre where I found far more activity.  Here the feeders had been kept topped up and were being regularly used by Blue and Great Tit with mainly youngsters, and more of the latter, taking advantage of the available food.  Ere long they were joined by both Goldfinch and Greenfinch along with the occasional Chaffinch and just beyond a riving charm of at least fifty Goldfinch, including very many juveniles, were feeding on the thistle seeds.  Just the one moulting male Blackbird but out on the water and nearby good-sized flocks of Canada Geese and Mute Swan plus both Greylag and Egyptian Geese.  Many Cormorants along with Coot, the occasional Moorhen and a small number of Mallard.  

Distant female Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

A couple of Osprey drifted past to add to the single bird seen from the main Visitors Centre but neither landed on the local nest.  I was informed that 27 Osprey had returned this year with eight successful pairings raising young and a further pair, almost certainly both young birds attempting their first breeding, which produced a single chick but was found dead on nest and very much under weight (800 rather than about 1300gms) when the nest was checked.

Even more distant Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

In addition to Black-headed there was also a small flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the far bank and then, right in front of me through the glass, a rather lovely Common Whitethroat.  Soon after a Chiffchaff put in an appearance and a handful of Barn Swallows was seen over the water before the final, 38th, bird of my short visit was a Common Starling feeding on the feeders. 

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis seen through glass

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant,  Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Osprey, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris on feeder

  Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Pacific Golden Plover at the Guadalhorce in Malaga

Saturday 11 August

Not just an early notification from my birding pal Chris Bell in Worksop to inform me that not only had a Turtle Dove been recorded at the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar but that a Pacific Golden Plover was presently residing down at the Guadalhorce in Malaga.  Chris had picked up the information from "eBird" so well worth keeping a regular eye on this reporting site.  However, Andy Paterson best summed up the situation, for me, with his comment, "A super bird still in breeding plumage. Serves you right for going to the UK!"  Then came a more detailed report from friend Derek Etherton complete with photographs.  What chance the bird might still be present of 30 August when I visit the site with the Axarquia Bird Group?

Guadalhorce – Saturday 11 August 2018

We had planned an early start for Saturday as withdrawal symptoms from a lack of birding (too hot!) were beginning to show.  The original plan was for our usual Zapata pre-dawn and stay for a maximum of 2 hours.  All that changed when firstly Ricky Owen  and then Andy Paterson both notified me that the Golden Plover that had been at the Rio Viejo area since last Monday had been definitely ID’d as a Pacific Golden Plover Pluvius fulva.  

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvius fulva (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Well that immediately changed our plans, firstly telling Andy that Barbara and I would be there to be joined by Mick Smith – providing he could rise from the pit!  We parked down by the school by 0715hrs as dawn was breaking and, as we slowly ambled along the track, Micky and Andy (his first outing on his new knees) plus Steve Pope from Calahonda joined us.  Ricky had sent a ‘Google Pin’ of the birds location so we headed straight there basically ignoring all the other birds around – OK, if you insist, Spotted Flycatchers, Serins, Sardinian Warblers, Pallid and Common Swift, Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, House Martins, Blackbirds, Yellow-legged Gulls etc. – that’s enough of these commoners, you know the rest.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvius fulva (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Approaching the second hide (the one nearest the sea view point) one other birder was in position sitting on the grass taking countless photos of the Pacific Golden Plover!  Yes it was close by, feeding happily in the shallow scrape in company of Little Ringed Plovers, Little Stint, Redshank and numerous Black-winged Stilts.  What a stunningly beautiful bird this rare plover is, still in full summer plumage and seemingly unconcerned by all the attention.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvius fulva (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

We stayed for 30 minutes as the bird strutted its stuff, everyone took countless pictures, had super views in the ‘scope – what an easy ‘twitch’ – a word disliked by birders but usable under these circumstances.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvius fulva (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

By now the sun was up and the cool start (27c) was being affected by the sun’s rays and the perspiration was beginning to run.  So we about turned and slowly walked back to our respective parked cars with us all agreeing how worthwhile the early start was.  I still think Andy was as pleased by his longest walk since the replacement knee operation a couple of months ago, as he was by the bird!  At least his dog was happy – as were we all!

Derek Etherton

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvius fulva (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Sounds like a fabulous start to the day and leaves you with that satisfied smile right through to the end - depending upon later football results!

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Tarifa with John & Jenny: Day 2

Sunday 5 August

Just about to start on my own blog from yesterday when Day 2 of John and jenny Wainwright's Tarifa visit report arrived cyber space.  Makes sense to publish this one first so that readers can continue with John's camera less progress.

Tarifa Area Day 2: Saturday 4 August

Another very windy day, wondering whether the boat trip is on or not??

We decided to spend part of the day at the Cazalla viewing point, so after breakfast we headed for the spot.  The wind was quite moderate here until we reached the viewpoint, then all hell seemed to let loose.  It really was a case of holding onto everything as seats and hats were going everywhere.

Looking out to the sea from here hundreds of Black Kites were circling, some over the sea and some in the valleys to our front.  They seemed to be coming in waves of ten to twenty birds.  A few were seen to land to our front on the rocks and bushes - for a breather I expect.

The wind direction shifted a tad more to the east and now large numbers of - probably four to five hundred - White Storks appeared.  Several Lesser Kestrels flew across our front and small numbers of Linnets braved the winds, but only two or three got over us.  Then over the mountain tops to our front right, three Griffon Vultures and even more Black Kites appeared.  A Common Kestrel and a Rock Dove were logged here just prior to Frankie Hair´s arrival, who informed us that the boat trip was off, due to the conditions.

We left here after a while, going back to the hotel for a coffee, then headed for Barbate Marshes as the tide would be going out by now.

Barbate:

As we entered the area, through the vast numbers of cars parked here for the beach, Collared Doves and Spotless Starlings were decorating the power lines here.  At the first muddy area a juvenile Redshank was logged as were good numbers of Audouin´s Gulls and Yellow-legged Gulls.  Parking up by the information board, we put up eight Collared Doves that had been feeding amongst the thistles, then a few Little Egrets were noted amongst the gulls.  Barn and Red-rumped Swallows were about here as were House Sparrows and a couple of Corn Buntings.

Further down the track a male Sardinian Warbler and a male Stonechat were noted, and scanning the ponds a pair of Little Terns were seen dive-bombing two Yellow-legged Gulls that had landed close to their nest site.  They made short shrift of these interlopers before another pair joined in to get the gulls well away from their area. 

Moving down the track and as we parked up, four Stone Curlews flew away from the track-side onto one of the islands, while above them two Sandwich Terns flew past and started feeding in one of the other ponds.  In the distance eleven Greater Flamingos - mostly juveniles - were logged as was a single Kentish Plover and another Redshank.  One of the bat species was seen here feeding over the water, he must have been hungry to feed in this heat!

A Common Kestrel soared passed us and then a big flock of Common Swifts and Pallid Swifts screamed overhead.  On an island another pair of Stone Curlews were spotted, while on our return, the four Stone Curlews had increased to five.

Where have all the larks gone?  Not a single one, and as the wind was negligible here, that was not the reason!

As we left the area through the farm track, Cattle Egrets and more Spotless Starlings were noted but no Bald Ibis today either.

Many thanks John.  With the strong winds and late cancellation of the booked boat trip out of Tarifa lots of disappointment for those who had made the journey and the possibility of not only cetaceans but also sea birds such as Gannet, shearwater, skua and, maybe, even a petrel or two.  On the other hand, we can certainly confirm that the return raptor migration has started and, as usual, Black Kites seem to head the queue.  Hopefully, all will be in full swing and better weather, wind wise, as many of us travel down at the end of the month

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Lound & Idle Valley Nature Reserve

Monday 6 August

I had a wonderful day making a first visit to the Lound and Idle Valley Nature Reserve just north of Retford in Nottinghamshire accompanied by my good birding friend from, relatively, nearby Worksop, Chris Bell.  Great having Chris with as not only does he know the local birds but is very familiar with the site.  meeting at the Visitors Centre after the eighty minute journey up from Stamford we had a cup of coffee whilst taking a look at the adjacent Belmoor Lake which provided plenty of geese in the form of Greylag and Canada along with a single Egyptian Goose.  Ducks were mainly Mallard with a few Tufted and also a good supply of gulls, mainly Black-headed but also some Lesser Black-backed and the occasional Herring Gull.  Add on Lapwings, Coots and a few Mute Swans, not to mention the Magpie that welcomed us to the site, and we were off to a good start.

View across Neatholme Fen at Idle Valley Reserve

With much ground management being undertaken by volunteers we took the car and made our way through Lound to the northern end of the reserve, recording Kestrel, Rook, Barn Swallow and House Martin on the way.  Then as we drove down Chain Bride Lane to park up for a coupe of hours or more (more likely three hours minimum)  we added Chaffinch, House Sparrow and Dunnock.  Once all the equipment to hand we locked the car and headed down the leafy avenue of Hawthorn Lane, the clue being in the name!  Wind Surf Pool provided our first Common Terns of the morning along with more Lapwings and Mallards plus Coots, a couple of Grey Herons and a Cormorant.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Common Tern Sterna hirundo and juvenile Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Given that the whole reserve is a mass of pools, scrapes and lakes this very much set the pattern for our visit.  Everywhere we went we were to record hundreds of Mallards and Lapwing along with Black-headed Gulls and each, individual water providing the opportunity to, perhaps, find  something new.  Meanwhile, the avenue itself was not without an interesting array of passerines.  Both Blue and Great Tit were heard along with a "ticking" Robin.  Forget the numerous Wood Pigeons it was the Long-tailed Tit that "jumped" across the road above us and the sight of the first Willow Warbler that really drew our attention.  A Garden Warbler was a very lovely addition and ere long we had also recorded the first of the resident Blackcap.

Just caught the distant Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

So, a left turn along Cross Lane past the Water Ski Pit, nothing to see here, brought us to the screen overlooking Neatholme Fen.  Now we could set up scope and have camera ready as there was a good selection of birds on the water including, as well as the usual, Mute Swan, Little Egret and a Green Sandpiper.  A distant Buzzard could be seen circling above and on the water the appearance of Great Crested Grebes complete with young.  Common Terns were about as well as Moorhen and never mind the calling Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove we had our first hearing of a Turtle Dove.  Eventually we could identify two calling birds and finally we were able to track one of them (or was it a third individual?) as I caught sight of it on a power line off to the right before it moved to the far side of the water and eventually disappeared off into Linghust Wood.

View across Neatholme Scrape at Idle Valley Reserve

Once on our way again we next stopped at the screen overlooking Neatholme Pit and hear we found a large flock of Tufted Duck as well as scores of Lapwing and more Little Egret and Grey Heron.  The neighbouring Neatholme Scrape then produced a good number of Gadwall along with Little Grebe and the occasional Common Pochard.  More Mute Swans and even a pair of Egyptian Geese.  A handful of Carrion Crow were either feeding on the ground or resting in bushes and even a Rock Dove flew over, the fist seen all day.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiacus

Time to continue on down to Cross Lane and on reaching the junction we first saw a Grey Heron in flight, having just listened to the calling Reed Warblers, when a "strange-looking" Kestrel flew slowly across the track.  That was no Kestrel but our much sought after first sighting of a Hobby.  What a sight!  The short path back to Hawthorne Lane produced Chiffchaff before we finally got back to the car and time for a drink and snack.

Having taken a quick look at Chainbridge Scrape (East) where we found at least eight Grey Herons along with more Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe and scores of Lapwing, we crossed the River Idle and parked up to take a closer look at the distant Tiln North water.  Biggest attraction here was not the score or more of both Greylag and Canada Geese but the huge flock of Rooks along with about a score of Carrion Crow.  A male Reed Bunting posed nicely on top of a bramble bush and then a single Yellow Wagtail flitted over the grass and disappeared into the vegetation.

Resting Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone

Our final journey was to take the track alongside the River Idle to the area known as "Willow Woods."  Passing Conversation Lake we noticed the pair of Little Grebe with their two youngsters and a handful of Mute Swan on the river itself.  Then, once on site, we walked along the narrow path with bushes, shrubs and the occasional tree on each side and this proved very productive as we added another Whitethroat and Garden Warbler along with both Blackcap and a rather lovely Lesser Whitethroat.  What a way to finish!  But just time to take a closer look at Chainbridge Pit and the resting Greylag Geese whilst the local warden dashed around trying to find her missing thirty-eight little black sheep!  Of Dutch origin, I wonder if her native name was "Bo-peep?"

A few of the very many Greylag Geese Anser anser

Time to head back to the main road and on to Worksop to deliver Chris back to his home having first partaking of a meal and a pint at his local.  But not before we added a Blackbird and Common Starling driving back along Chain Bridge Lane and so taking our tally for the day up to 51 species.  On reflection, looking back on the day we may have been at the "Idle Valley" reserve but all that walking certainly made us anything but idle!

Mute Swan Cygnus olor on Neatholme fen

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Tarifa with John & Jenny: Day 3

Sunday 5 August

Judging by John's third and final report from his and Jenny's visit to Tarifa and district, it sounds as if the "Windy Coast" is most aptly named.  Presumably only the wind surfers are happy!


Tarifa to Home: Sunday 5 August 

More strong winds and lots of humidity.

After coffee we headed just outside Tahivilla to the La Janda area, here we put up a
single Black Kite from the stubble.  Lots of Linnets, Goldfinches and House Sparrows
on the track, while Stonechats were in good numbers lining the fence posts along
with a lone juvenile Woodchat Shrike.  Cattle and Little Egrets flew overhead but no
signs of the Montagu´s Harriers that breed in this area.

So moving onto the old military compound, now a Migres building, at the building on
the cliff top we saw another few hundred Black Kites, some Common Kestrels and a
Short-toed Eagle.  Also about were Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, House Martins
and large flocks of Spotless Starlings among the cattle.  A small party of Common
Swifts headed out to sea as we dropped down into the woodland.  Here we found
Spotted Flycatchers, Wrens, House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Blue Tits and Chaffinches. 

It was now time to head for home, not a bad few days birding but a lack of species of
raptors.  Never mind, there is still the main migration in September to look forward to.

Interesting to read John's many reference to Red-rumped Swallow over the week-end as, compared with previous years, I thought there was a definite shortage of these lovely birds in 2018.  And where have all the Bee-eaters gone?

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Frampton Marsh, Boston

Saturday 4 August

Frampton Marsh looking south from the RSPB reserve

A calm dry and warm day as I set out from home just after 8.30 and arrived at RSPB Frampton Marsh about an hour later passing a good-sized flock of Rooks along with Collared Dove, House Sparrow and Common Starling as I approached the entrance to the reserve where I was greeted by a number of Wood Pigeons in and above the trees.  Fortunately, there was a little broken cloud cover so making the temperature more bearable as certainly by the time I returned home mid-afternoon the skies had cleared and it was very hot and humid with the local temperature reaching 30C.

Juvenile Ruff Philomachus pugnax

With the Visitors Centre yet to open I headed on down the lane to park at the end near the steps up to the embankment overlooking the marshes.  Lots of cattle about in the fields which will hold thousands of visiting geese come winter but already signs that birds are on the move.  Fifty plus Canada Geese resting near the only water and on the neighbouring "stream" feeding Black-tailed Godwits with some still in full breeding plumage.  A single Grey Plover, yet again in mainly summer plumage, was a delight to see and then a good number of Ruff including many juveniles before picking out the handful of Little Ringed Plovers and a couple of Ringed Plover.  A Moorhen wandered out from the vegetation at at the every end a family of Coot and looking up the stream to my right not only the first of the very many Mallards to be seen later on but also a couple of Oystercatchers.  A Reed Warbler or two were still singing and a small number of Lapwings were quickly added to the morning's sightings.

Probable juvenile Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Before leaving this very productive area I watched most of the Canada Geese take flight to the wet, northern side of the road so revealing the single Egyptian Goose and a foraging Pied Wagtail.  A walk up the slope to the top produced a handful of Meadow Pipit but nothing seen on the marsh itself.  Looking back over the main reserve there were lots of Black-headed Gulls and no shortage of both Canada Geese and Mallards.  Also seen were the first Little Egrets and a couple of Grey Herons.  More extensive searching with the scope produced a first Snipe for the morning along with Common Sandpiper, Redshank, a single Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin and resting Little Grebe.

One of at least a score of Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago seen this morning

Time to head back to the car park, passing both a Chaffinch and very small charm of Goldfinches on the way, and check the main pool from the Visitors Centre.  Hundreds of ducks to be see; mainly Mallard but also Teal and the occasional Shoveler.  At lest four Spoonbill sighted and the local Greylag Goose flock.  A single Barn Swallow flashed by the window and at that point I set off to explore the three main hides.

At least five pairs of Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta seen on the reserve

All was relatively quiet at the 360 Hide with nothing but dry land to the north but some water and mud to the south.  Studying this area I not only found a quartet of Avocet abut at least a dozen Snipe and maybe another ten Ruff, again mainly juveniles.  A pair of Shelduck were resting away to my left and then a small flock of Linnet came to explore the site in their search for food.

Resting juvenile Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Next it was to the far west of the reserve to check the small area of water to the right of the East Hide where the recent Pectoral Sandpiper had been recorded.  I could see good numbers of birds as I approached and once inside added the Mute Swans, Little Egret, Grey Heron and more Avocets.  More Lapwings and a flock of Dunlin which also held a couple more Curlew Sandpiper - but no Pectoral sandpiper.  A few Shelduck and Teal rested on the bank of the furthest water and then a large "brown lump" hiding in the grass.  As it moved clear I could see it was a goose wearing a collar ring.  Eventually it was sufficiently exposed to get the scope on the preening bird which turned out to be a Pink-footed Goose; one had been reported the a few days previously but difficult to identify as it had remained hidden in the long grass.  Strange that the idea f the neck ring is to make it easier to identify - but which way up?  At first, along with a neighbouring birder whose attention I had drawn to the strange brown object, suggested the number might be S7M.. but seen when the bird had its head lowered to preen it could just have easily been 4 (or V) LS!  Meanwhile, a lone Little Ringed Plover was wandering the mud immediately in front of the hide and a couple of Common Terns were recorded.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

A resting Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa amidst the sleepy Mallards Anas platyrhtynchos

Making my way back to the Visitors Centre I stopped to make use of the Reedbed Hide overlooking the back of the main pool.  Simply a mass of Mallard and there must have been approaching two thousand Black-tailed Godwits roosting as a , mainly, large single flock.  I had been told that a pair of Garganey were present here whilst in the previous hide and I certainly saw a pair of "strange" ducks. Certainly we found, there were at least eight birders in the hide all the time, a female Pochard and eclipse-plumaged Wigeon along with more Teal but this particular duck looked very much like a Mallard/ Domestic cross.  But, eventually, we found the pair of juvenile Garganey. On a nearby island with the resting group of mallards a single roosting Black-tailed Godwit looked strangely out of place but not so the single Herring Gull or nearby flock of Black-headed Gulls.

Now what are these (smaller than( ducks) alongside the larger Mallard Anas platyrhtynchos?

Eventually back to the Visitors Centre to report my sighting and a drive to my original parking place before making my departure where I, too, found the previously sighted Wood Sandpiper along with the still-feeding Black-tailed Godwits and Ruff.  With 50 species recorded during my stay it had proved a most enjoyable visit and I expect to return in a couple of months when next back in Stamford.

Adult (above) and juvenile Ruff Philomachus pugnax.  Lots to be seen this morning.

Birds seen:
Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Garganey, Teal, Pochard, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Common Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

More photos from Frampton Marsh

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

One of three Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

Busy-feeding Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information