Birding the Villaricos with Kevin Borman

 Saturday 20 December

The Arboleas Birding Group might be taking a Christmas break but you can't keep a good birder down as member and friend Kevin Borman set out on his "last Gap (of 2024) Birding adventure! he may have taken a reverse wander on the Villaricos visit but he manage some great sightings, especially the White-headed Ducks.  Now then Kevin, time to put the bins away, enjoy the fat bird on the dinner table and dream of all those exciting new birds that you'll be seeing in 2025.  A peaceful Christmas and a very happy, healthy and bird-exciting New year to all members of the Arboleas Birding Group.

Last gasp (of 2024) birding: Wednesday 18 December

I stayed over in the campervan in Mojácar last night after an open-mic music session and had to pick up some new glasses in Huércal-Overa today, so I hatched a cunning plan for this morning: a final bird outing of 2024, doing the Villaricos itinerary but more or less in reverse.

First stop was the Rio Aguas bridge between Mojácar and Garrucha. The morning was still pretty cool at this stage. Some of the usual suspects were logged: Mallard, Shoveler, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Coot, Moorhen, Yellow-legged Gull and House Sparrow. Next Millionaire’s Pool, or whatever it’s called. Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Med Gull and, a pleasant surprise, a single Sanderling.

On to Salar de los Canos, aka Consum Lagoons. I drove round into the big car parking area and visited the ‘Aquavera Tower’, though stayed at ground level due to vegetation obscuring views from the tower itself. Where is Les with his loppers when you need him? Lots of activity in the immediate foreground, with a good number of Chiffchaffs making foraging flights and Little Grebes very close. At the base of the reeds to the left, a rather shy Purple Swamphen. Out on the water, a lot of White-headed Ducks with even more Shoveler and a couple of Greater Flamingos and a Shelduck. Robin, White Wagtail and Serin joined the chorus.

Little Grebe (PHOTO: Kevin Borman)

The Dual Carriageway was a major disappointment. At first sight the wetland was literally empty. Gradually, I found a few Teal and a roost of about twenty distant Cormorants looking very ethereal in the sun-haze. Goldfinch and Stonechat but not a single wader. Next stop was the ‘Other Tower’, namely the one nearest to the dual carriageway. Jackdaws flew over, and there were lots of Shelduck but the main entertainment was a Cormorant with a huge fish, at least fifteen inches long (38 cms for our Spanish viewers). It finally managed to manoeuvre it into position and gulped it down but its neck was twitching and writhing until I finally gave up watching. So not a single wader at Salar de los Canos. Strange and worrying!

Estuary, usual stop on the south bank: nothing new. Still no waders to be seen. We seem to be seeing much less on the estuary than we used to, or am I just imagining better birding times? Next, to the Ford. On arrival I saw vans and building materials down in the rambla, and the sound of heavy machinery, so I didn’t hold out much hope. Two Blackbirds immediately flew over and then, bird of the day, I had a superb view of a lovely female Blackcap. I walked up to the Sewage Works in the desperate hope of waders and found a single Black-winged Stilt. Finally, the Beach. Nada! So only two waders all morning. In addition, seen en route were Spotless Starling, Magpie and Collared Dove, so just a modest total of 32 species or thereabouts, but with encouragingly good numbers of some birds – Shelduck, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, for example.

White-headed Ducks (PHOTO: Kevin Borman)

I put my Euro in the fund-raising pot and raised my virtual glass to Dave and his understudy Alan for co-ordinating this year’s outings, and to all those – you know who you are - who have provided good company and humour and helped me improve my birding skills over the past twelve months. Best wishes to one and all for the Solstice, Christmas and the New Year. Un saludo, maybe even un abrazo,

Kevin

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Thursday 11 December

Just received the latest report from Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group so before anything else may I wish a peaceful Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year to all.  May 2025 bring you all those birds you have been dreaming to see!  Looking at the bird list and the weather situation you could well have been back in dear old Blighty, well, apart from the Red-billed Chough unless off down to Cornwall or maybe Bardsley Island where I saw then back in the late sixties!  And thanks for all who have been contributing to the Andalucia Bird Society's bird research project; that brought back many happy memories of my stint as Membership Secretary for over ten years.

Sierra de Maria: Wednesday 11th December

Hi all,

A short version today as I'm all out of sorts, what with various things going on.

We met at the La Piza forest cafe.  Trevor, Val, Kevin, Paul, Pat, Seamus and Linda.  There was ice on the cars as we passed through Maria Town.  Kevin had ice in his campervan overnight!  Fox was nicking some bread as we arrived.  I filled the bird feeders up.  We saw Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird and Robin.  On the loop we saw Stonechat, Black Redstart, Mistle and Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Crested Lark and the first of many flocks of Goldfinch.

At the village we saw another fox.  Carrying on with the loop we added Magpie, White Wagtail, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Raven, Linnet and Red-legged Partridge.  At the cliff there was a stream of 12 Ibex climbing the ridge and disappearing over the top.  No birds.

En route to the hamlet we saw vast flocks of Linnet and White Wagtails.  At the hamlet a pair of Red-billed Chough flew into a barn.  Kevin found his Little Owl.  A Hoopoe was also seen.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorx pyrrhocorox (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

Didn't stop at the trough as the sheep and goats got there first.  Paul, Pat and I went home from La Piza, not stopping for lunch.  The others added Crossbill, Long Tailed Tit, Crested Tit as well as Robin and Blue Tit.  Paul spotted our only Griffon Vulture after we'd passed Maria.

Apologies for me having an off day.  No birding now till the New Year so hopefully I can sort out the camera....as a friend once said.....RTFM......Read the ******* manual!!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A word from Kevin who collects the monies for the Andalucian Bird Society's bird research projects :-

  Re our fundraising, if it's not too late to include in your report, we
have €66.20 in the tin, to add to the €175 that we raised before the
summer break, so a total for the year of €241. Thanks to everyone who
contributed.

Regards

Dave

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Hamble River, Warsash

Tuesday 10 December

Back from our fortnight's cruise to Madiera and the Canaries and a first opportunity to get outside now that the storms have died down.  A mid-morning walk up the Hamble River approaching low tide in a very gentle breeze but very cold so, fortunately, I had put on many layers - albeit no gloves!

Wigeon Anas penelope

Leaving the house a fond farewell from a feeding Dunnock in the garden and once at the riverside a couple of Black-headed Gulls and a Curlew.  Very few birds to add as I made my way up to the conservation area other than the first flock of 45 Wigeon and a passing flight of approximately thirty Dunlin.  In between a handful of Herring Gulls and a few more Curlew along with a handful of Redshank.  Two feeding Brent Geese on the shore line as a further eighteen made their way upriver.

Curlew Numenius arquata

A single foraging Black-tailed Godwit drew my attention before it was joined by the first of four Carrion Crows seen during the walk.  Only two Grey Plover but eleven resting Shelduck on the muddy meadow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Once at the conservation area I noted the single Little Grebe fishing in the river and near the ruined boat a further flock of 55 resting Wigeon plus a bout forty Teal.  As I made my way back the Little Grebe had moved on but a single Oystercatcher was walking the water's edge.  About to cross one of the footbridges when a Rock Pipit landed for  a few seconds on the hand rail before moving on.  Finally, away at the water's edge a lone Great Black-backed Gull and a single Cormorant flew up river low above the water.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Dunnock, Rock Pipit, Carrion Crow.

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Cabo de Gata

 Wednesday 4 December

As promised a few minutes  ago, this morning's report from Dave and is Arboleas Birding Group comes hot on the heals of last week's account so time to enjoy both rather than sitting out of the sun as I prepare to leave the warm weather behind and head back to a dull and damp UK!  Ans whilst at my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata, you managed to find some Trumpeter Finches but, presumably, no Dotterel hanging around and waiting to be seen by the group.  Meanwhile, seems a shame not to show a photo of the Trumpeter Finch so have added a couple I took at Cabo de Gata a few years ago.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 4th December 2024

Paul, Pat and myself drove down towards Cabo de Gata being followed by my near neighbours, Seamu, Linda and their well behaved dog, Lottie.  The first birds we saw were Collared Doves, Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows in Retamar.  Paul added a Magpie and Seamus and Linda a White Wagtail before we got to the 1st hide where Alan and Trevor were already on the birds.  Alan had seen a pair of Ruff, a Black-tailed Godwit, an Iberian Grey Shrike and a Stonechat.  I quickly found Greater Flamingos and a feeding raft of Slender-billed Gulls.  There was a Little Egret and a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls on the causeway together with some Black-winged Stilts.  Kevin arrived and pointed out some distant Spoonbill.  A Black Redstart was on the power line behind us.  Also there, spotted by Trevor, was a Kestrel.  A flight of about 7 small waders flew in.  After much discussion, Alan and I went for Curlew Sandpipers, a rare winter sighting!  We did have a Dunlin nearby to make the comparison.  Kevin heard a Blackbird.  He'd also seen a Jackdaw by the Guardia Civil tower.

After a cup of coffee in Cabo village we headed for the 2nd hide.  Due to my bad back and hips I stayed by the vehicles and did a sea and savannah watch.  Out to sea, quite close in, a pair of adult Gannet flew by.  On the savannah I had Stonechats, a Kestrel and a Chiffchaff.  The others didn't fair very well.  They had closer views of the Spoonbill.  Also seen were Iberian Grey Shrike and Stonechats.

Driving on towards the public hide, a Cormorant flew over.  Just by the track to the hide I spotted a pair of Trumpeter Finch on the wooden fence.  Coming to an abrupt halt, most saw them before they flew off.  We walked to the hide.  Kevin had seen some Greenfinch earlier.  From the hide we spotted Shelduck, Shoveler and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Also seen were Avocet, Redshank (Kevin) and Black-headed Gulls.  Kevin also found a line of Black-necked Grebes he'd seen earlier.  Alan added a Kentish Plover and a Little Stint.  We departed via the church track seeing a Goldfinch, some Greenfinches and Thekla Larks.

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

We made our way towards Rambla Morales.  The beachside track was blocked by civil works.  There was a diversion via the sand beach.  We were not going to risk getting bogged down so that was the end of our birding day.

We ended up with 38 species.  Sorry, still no photos.  Great days birding in good company.  Weather was sunny with a few clouds. A  bit windy.  Sending best wishes to Val & Peter 2 who both had sick notes today!

Regards

Dave

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 4 December 

Apologies to Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group but I have been visiting Madeira and he Canaries since 23 November and very restricted access to the Internet.  Now at our final port of call, Lisbon before completing our voyage in Portsmouth this Saturday.  Means the first report, without photos but some great sightings, is a full week behind schedule but will be quickly followed by this morning's visit to Cabo de Gata,

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 27th November

Gilly and I are finally back from the land of Red Kites, Common Buzzards and one Merlin, all seen from the car touring around England!

I picked Juda up from the garage in La Alfoquia and headed to the Rambla de Almanzora, joining it just past the Desert Springs golf complex.  I didn't know what state it would be in after the recent downpours but to be honest it looked as it did before.  In the first pool by the concrete weir there were Mallard, Moorhens, a Teal and a Little Grebe.  We saw the first of about 100 Chiffchaffs for the day!  As we moved further towards the sea we added Stonechat and Goldfinch.  The scattered pools gave us views of more Mallards, Teal, Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, and Little Ringed Plover.   Also seen were Magpie, White Wagtail and Northern Starling.  As we approached the ford, there was a Green Sandpiper at the base of the concrete embankment.  The ford had no water in it.  A building was being built just past it in the rambla.  A pump house?  What's going to happen to it when the rambla is in full flow? Ummmm?

We met Richard, Peter and Alan in the parking area.  Alan had already seen Black Redstart and a Common Sandpiper.  We were joined by Trevor and his friend, Paul.  We heard, then saw a pair of Red-billed Chough flying along the hillside behind us.  We drove partly up the rambla towards the little shallow lake.  Alan was first to spot Crag Martins flying around.  He also added a Ringed Plover.  I had a Snipe.  A Black-winged Stilt flew in as did a Black-headed Gull.  We heard a Cetti's Warbler.

We moved to the beach.  There was a Sanderling on the rocks as were some Cormorants.  Sadly no Shag which the group had seen whilst I was away.  We then drove round to the estuary.  The sun was against us so the views were not that good.  A Grey Heron arrived.  There was a group of about 15 Cormorants at the beach end.  Alan found some Sandwich Terns.  I'm positive I saw a female Blue Rock Thrush fly over.  Later in the day Jacky came here and added Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail.

After a refreshing cup of coffee in Villaricos we headed for the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  The water level was only slightly up, but it covered some of the mud flats.  Alan was first to pick out one of the Shovelers.  I found some Shelducks.  We were joined by Jacky.  A Little Egret was seen.  We moved beyond the mound.  Alan did well to find a lovely male Marsh Harrier high up to our right.  He then found a Cattle Egret on the distant sand spit and some Mediterranean Gulls amongst the numerous Black-headed cousins.

We moved around to the viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  There were some Greater Flamingos there together with Black-headed Gulls with a couple of Mediterraneans.  Alan added a Black-necked Grebe.  Also seen were Little Grebe, Woodpigeon and Yellow-legged Gull.  Jacky added a Barn Swallow flying with the Crag Martins after we all had left.

41 species seen.  Not bad!  A good days birding with good friends.  Good to be back!

Sorry no photos.  Technical issues.  I only took a couple, both of Coot. Whilst away, our Windows 7 computer was upgraded to Windows 10 (thank you, Richard).  Apparently it doesn't yet like my camera downloads.  By trail and error I will try to sort it out by next week!

Regards,

Dave

Just a thought Dave and sorry to bring you some bad news.  Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in 2025 so you have to upgrade, once again, to Windows 11.  And it could be worse as, when you do the check, you may well get a message that you are unable to upgrade the existing system!!  I'm going to have to consider replacing both desktop and laptop.  (Cries quietly into pillow!)

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New Forest Birding

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Wednesday 20 November

A rather late departure for the New Forest as I had a 9.so hearing appointment and road works near Lymington meant that Richard Osman and I did not arrive at Normandy Lagoon on the Solent coast opposite the Isle of Wight until 11.40. On the the hand, a perfect day for birding (and the only one this week) with a dazzlingly bright sun and hardly a hint of cloud in the clear blue sky.  But it was cold with a starting temperature of zero, as in OC, albeit quickly warming up to a maximum of about 8C.

Blackbird, Dunnock and a couple of Mute Swans on 8 Acre Pond as we approached Normandy Lagoon then a couple of Redshank working the water's edge on the sea wall.  A Magpie flew over the neighbouring garden and back on the lake a handful of Little Grebe and the first Little Egret of the day. A Buzzard circled over the trees as we continued along with a passing Carrion Crow overhead.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (left and lower)

Arriving at the main water we stopped to check the inland area and quickly noted the large number of both Lapwing and Wigeon on the islands. To the back  resting flock of Canada Geese then the search for what might be different.  And just beyond the Canada Geese we found our only Turnstone at this site.  A pair of Spoonbills feeding almost in font of us drew our attention and two more were noted.  Lots of Teal in the nearest water and at the back of this pool a lone Curlew and a Greenshank.as  a pair of Pintails drifted away.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (right) with mainly Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Teal Anas crecca

Further away to the right a large number of resting Cormorants and the occasional Black-headed Gull flying over. This area also provided the small number of Tufted Duck and then a couple of resting Herring Gulls.  Just the two Shelduck noted but once at the first corner chance to stop and admire the large, probably well in excess of 300, Dunlins. Checking out the nearby island we found a couple of Ringed Plover and then, at last, the first sighting of Spotted Redshanks with three feeding close to one of the Spoonbills.  No sooner the first seen and we had a fourth and even nearer to us.

Spoonbill with 3 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

From the long sea wall we were able to look back at the massed flocks of Dunlin and then also a Little Grebe and the next two target birds with both a male Goosander and a Red-breasted Merganser fishing close together between us and Tern Island. 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Time to make our way back to the car for part two of day's birding with a male Stonechat happy to pose for us not more than three metres distant.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Arriving at Lower Pennington Lane to park the car at 1.15 pm we immediately noted the many Canada Geese and in front of them a large scattering of Lapwing and about 350 resting Golden Plover. A few Woodpigeon were feeding on the nearby grass and then the first of a number of small flocks of Brent Geese arrived to feed towards the back of the meadow.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Deciding to take an anti-clockwise circuit of the immediate area we stopped to check the water to our right and the northern end of Fishtail Lagoon produced more Canada Geese and a good number of teal.  A Linnet quickly followed by a Pied Wagtail flew over us and then we were able to check out the rest of the damp area before concentrating on the water.  mainly Shoveler near us along with a distant Heron and a single Cormorant.  nearby a small group of Herring Gulls and a handful of Redshank.  A little to the right a pair of Oystercatchers and then, in the bushes next to us, the arrival of both a Chaffinch and a Great Tit.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

We enjoyed a short lunch break sitting on  bench overlooking Butts Lagoon to the south where we noted a pair of Mute Swans and a half-dozen Mallard. Moving on down to the steps up to the sea wall another Carrion Crow overhead and once on the top a lone Dunnock in the nearby bushes to our left. A Marsh Harrier flew over the Old Tip behind us towards Fishtail Lagoon but checking the water we were unable to  find the reported visiting Long-tailed Duck.  (It seemed to have moved on but was recorded as returning around 2.30 pm.) Butts Lagoon then produced a pair of Gadwall.  Once on the sea wall at Butts Lagoon we noted the group of 18 Turnstones foraging on the sea side of the wall and further along an even larger group were resting at the end of the pier. 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Once past the lagoon and overlooking the next lagoon we recorded many more Shoveler along with a few Mallard and Pintail. At the back of the water a few Coot and then near the far end a small island and whilst checking the Shovelers and Pintails we also found a quartet of feeding Snipe.

Snipe Gallinago  gallinago (top right)

Mote Wigeon and Teal to the eastern side of the path along with a quartet of Little Egrets as we made our way back to the car along with a distant Heron. A quartet of Starlings flew over and with many Woodpigeon noted on the fields to our right and we were soon seeing the massed Lapwings and distant Canada Geese along with a good number of Brent Geese.  A Robin pose in a tree watching our progress.  However, the Golden Plover had moved on to pastures new.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Now well after 2.30 as we set off through the New Forest for a short stop at Blashford Lakes on our way home. Approaching our destination we passed small flock of feeding Rooks to our right and then arrived outside the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water at 3.20pm. For our thirty minute stay we had the hide mainly to ourselves and quickly noted the many Coot and Wigeon as, by now, the light started to rapidly disappear.  A number of Mute Swans at the back along with a single Heron and many Tufted Duck nearer to us.  Lots of Cormorants and an island full of Lesser Black-backed plus a handful of Great Black-backed and a smaller number of Black-headed Gulls.

Record shot of the female Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (right) in the fading light

Much nearer to us we found a pair of Goldeneye then both Mallard and Gadwall.  The scope enabled us to find the long-staying female Red Crested Pochard but not the Maccoa Duck.  Just the one Great Crested Grebe seen but we did have both single Egyptian and Greylag Geese towards the back left of the water. Then surprise, surprise as Black-necked Grebe was found towards the Cormorant's favourite perch in front of us and no sooner seen than both a Goosander and a Red-breasted Merganser also passed by giving us a good view albeit the light was rapidly fading.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Just time to take the car across to the main reserve car park and a quick walk down to the Woodland Hide where in the disappearing light we managed to catch the late feeders.  Mainly Blue but also Great Tits along with both a Goldfinch and a few Chaffinches. On the ground both Dunnock and Blackbird but the bonus was seeing the disappearing Jay at the back as we arrived in the hide itself.  And so ended a perfect birding day in great company and a finally tally of 58 species.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Curlew Numenius aquata (above) with Magpie Pica pica and Lapwing Vanelus vanelus

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

A few of the hundreds of Dunlin Calidris alpina

Male Pintail Anas acuta

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Ringed Plover Pluvialis hiaticula

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (right) with mainly Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Spoonbill with 3 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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Titchfield Shore and Canal Path

Sunday 17 November

A few of the 220 Brent Geese Branta bernicla facing the incoming tide

With the long period of dry weather about to end and high tide due by mid-morning, time t make an early morning visit to the Meon shore at Titchfield Haven ion the hope that there might still be some activity on the beach. Driving along Meon Road from Posbrook I can across a flock of over thirty feeding Rooks on the field to my left and quickly followed by a couple of Magpies and the occasional Blackbird.  Arriving  at 8.45 I was greeted by the last "island" of shingle before the whole area was underwater to discover over two hundred resting Brent Geese and, on closer inspection, a few Ringed Plover and a small flock of Sanderling. The scope eventually also picked out a a small number of Turnstone and a couple of Oystercatchers.

Turnstone Arenaria interpress

Moving on to the end of the promenade car park adjacent to the sailing club compound at the side of the harbour, a small number of Black-headed Gulls and many Mallards along with a trio of Mute Swans, couple of Coot and many more Turnstones were on show.  From the bridge I could see a Heron and a large flock of Lapwing inside the nature reserve itself.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Checking the beach before it entered the harbour I found the roosting flock of 29 Ringed Plovers and 31 Sanderling.  Further away across the harbour entrance on the far beach a flock of 25 roosting Oystercatchers.

Roosting Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula and Sanderling Calidris alba

Finally, onto the viewing area where a small number of Shoveler, Gadwall and Mallard were on the water with a couple of Lapwing and handful of Black-headed Gulls on the small island.  More Black-headed Gulls and Coots were also on the water along with a couple of resting Cormorant.  Finally, a short drive up to the top of hill and look over the sea from from the cliff top revealed a solitary Great crested Grebe on the open Solent and behind me a quartet of Rock Doves atop one of the houses. 

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (bottom centre) with gulls and ducks

Given it was not yet 10 o'clock I decided to call in at Titchfield Canal on the way back to see if the Glossy Ibis were still about as seen in the past few days.  Walking the canal path east of Bridge Road no sign of the birds but I did record a Buzzard moving towards me and into the trees on my right along with a Magpie further back.  Collecting the small scope from the car I then walked along the canal path from the car park and paused as a female Kestrel passed me and came to rest on the wires.  At the same time a Green Woodpecker was "yaffling" from the trees behind the raptor.

Female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

The Barn Owl nest hole is gradually coming into view now that the leaves area falling but no sign of the bird.  Meanwhile, on the opposite of the path, Bridge Street Floods held scores of resting Black-headed Gulls and using bins and scope was able to pick out resting Pintails along with many Teal, a few Coot, Mallard and Black-tailed Godwits plus a couple of Moorhen.

Roosting Teal Anas crecca and Pintails Anas acuta

Moving on down the path towards the bridge I also added Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Magpie and a Goldfinch.  Naturally, there were regular sightings of Woodpigeon and even a few Jackdaw in the field to the right.  It was also from this field that the continually calling Pheasant was heard.

Once at Posbrook Floods I discovered very little bird life other than a Heron at the eastern end.  However, scoping the far bank of the exposed water produced a handful of Shoveler and another couple of Coot.  The to the amazement of both myself and a fellow birder, who had seen the Ibises near the horses around nine o'clock where they were chased off by a loose dog, the three Glossy Ibis flew low over the reads from the east and dropped into the deep reeds beyond the water immediately in front of us.  Not only  sighting as the trio circled before descending but, having watched their landing, I was able to pick up the three birds taking cover in the deep reeds. A great end to the morning's biding and as I made my way back to the car a Cormorant few across Bridge Street Floods and a lone Starling was seen on the chimney of a neighbouring house.

The 3 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus coming in to land

Just able to pick out the resting Glossy Ibis left of centre in the reeds

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Great Crested Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch.

Teal Anas crecca with a couple of Gadwall Anas strepera

Roosting Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula to the left and Sanderling Calidris alba to the right

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Hamble River, Warsash

Saturday 16 November

Redshank Tringa totanus, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola and Dunlin Calidris alpina

A calm, overcast and dull start to the day so out of the house just after 8.30 and across the road, noting the departing Robin, to the River Hamble for a walk up to the conservation area and back. With the incoming water approaching high tide in about two hours lots of waders and Brent Geese being pushed up towards the shore and giving good views in the dull light.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Immediately on reaching the river a number of Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank along with the first dozen Turnstone but also a single Oystercatcher.  Just beyond the ferry landing a pair of mallard, more Brent Geese and a score of Teal.  A little further away a lone Black-headed Gull and the first of the morning's Wigeon.  Finding the first score of Dunlin I also noted the first Curlew of the morning feeding at the shore line.

A few of the many Turnstone Arenaria interpres (at back)

carrying on up the river another Curlew and many more Dunlin, Brent Geese and Turnstones.  A Little Egret to my right and as a Carrion Crow flew over I looked down to find a small flock of Grey Plover.  Indeed, many more were to be found as I made my way up towards the conservation area.

Curlew Numenius arquata

A good sight of the first Greenshank and I caught up with the second near the flooding meadow alongside a Little Egret. Towards the back eight grazing Shelduck whist out on the river itself a lone Great crested Grebe.  A handful of Black-headed and also a single Herring Gull resting on the meadow.  Another couple of Curlew and then the finding of a pair of Ringed Plover towards the back close to more Grey Plovers.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Reaching the conservation area upwards of a dozen Black-headed Gulls and the remainder of both the Teal and Wigeon flocks.  At the back seven resting Heron and even a Magpie resting on one of the posts normally occupied by a Sandwich Tern during a high tide roost.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Making my way back I came across a pair of Rock Pipits foraging the sea wall on the river side and right at the end of the path before heading inland and home a Little Grebe fishing just off shore.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rock Pipit.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Redshank Tringa totanus with Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Curlew Numenius arquata

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with Greenshank in background

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Heron Ardea cinerea

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with Greenshank in background

Male Teal Anas crecca

Male Wigeon Anas penelope

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