Meon Shore, Titchfield Haven

A few of the 60+ Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

 Monday 29 April

Approaching the Meon shore at Titchfield Haven along the Meon Road both a Jackdaw and Linnet noted.  Then, once parked up on the front next to the sailing club a few Black-headed Gulls on the shore itself but hundreds on the other side of the road in the reserve itself.  Only a few in the "lagoon" but there was a pair of both Shoveler and Gadwall. beyond the lagoon a single Canada Goose along with the Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Coot plus a number of both Shelduck and Avocet.  A Woodpigeon was resting on the far fence and a pair of Mute Swans on the river.

Crossing the road back to the wall of the harbour, not so much the dozen Mallard but over sixty resting Turnstone with many now coming into their summer plumage. Another Mute Swan in the harbour and a fourth of the visit out on a sand bar just off the water's edge.  Then, as I set off, a Starling on the first house and a couple of House Sparrows at the top of the hill before leaving the site.  Not too bad for a twenty minute stop on the way to Porchester.

Turnstone coming into summer plumage

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Coot, Avocet, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Starling, Linnet

Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Coot, Avocet, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Starling, Linnet

Maybe a third of the resting Turnstones Arenaria interpres in the harbour

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Canaries and Madeira

Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomdea

Sunday 28 April 

Just back from a twelve-day cruise to the Canaries and Madeira from Southampton.  Not a bird-watching expedition but I did expect to see at least ten species during the voyage!  First up Aricife on Lanzarote on Saturday 12th where a handful of Yellow-legged Gulls put in an appearance as we docked.  then, walking from the cruise landing to the town alongside the shore of the inner harbour a lone Little Ringed Plover followed by up to a dozen foraging Turnstone.  A couple of Barn Swallows flew over the water (we actually had a couple fly over the ship approaching the islands) and then at least  dozen Feral Pigeons hanging around the water's edge.  And little did we realise at the time that this was to be our best birding day in terms of recorded species!

Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomdea

The next day saw us landing in Las Palmas, Grand Canaria. A walk to the cathedral produced a Blackbird along with more Feral Pigeons and then, high above the cathedral, a small number of Common Swifts.  Tenerife was no better the following morning.  A few Yellow-legged Gulls in the Santa Cruz cruise port then we took a local bus ride across to Puerto de la Cruz where, once again, more Feral Pigeons and a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls.  However, on this occasion we actually also saw a Collared Dove!

A few of the many Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomdea

Finally, on the last of the four consecutive stops in Funchal on Madeira, following advice form fiend Derek Etherton back in mainland Spain, I was first off the ship and straight along the quayside to take a three-hour dolphin and whale spotting tour on one of the "Magic Dolphin" catamarans. And well worth the €35 it was as after cruising for about an hour westwards along the southern coast of the island towards Ribeira Brava we came across a large raft of resting Cory's Shearwaters.  No sooner seen than I spotted the distant spout of a whale with the binoculars and was able to pass on the message.  Ere long we were amongst no less that twenty resting Sperm Whales.

One of the few gathered pods of Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus

Once the boat crew were on the job the animals were quickly identified as female Sperm Whales accompanied by a number of calves.  Quickly informed that male of the species lived a more solitary life and only met up with females for mating.  After maturing, all male calves would be sent on their way to live their own more solitary life.  However, whilst on three tails were seen during the whole time we were present as adults dived and managed to create a spectacular splash, I am sure that I saw some rather large dorsal fins among the animals so, possibly, was there an Orca or two (Killer Whales) also in the area looking for an isolate and/or sick or injured calf on which to prey?  Nevertheless, it was a thrilling experience for all aboard the catamaran with telephone cameras clicking away like there was no tomorrow.

Sperm Whale - splash or blow!

I did notice the occasional shearwater around the area so would that suggest that food might be in the offing if, indeed, Orcas were present amongst the resting pod?  And then, making our way back to port, a further short stop to watch a pair of Pilot Whales making their way way westwards.

Sperm Whale on the turn

Birds seen:

Cory's Shearwater, Little Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Barn Swallow, Blackbird

More of the Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus  - including one very close to the catamaran

Now that's a close encounter with a Sperm Whale

Mother and calf?

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Dave and the Arboleas Birding Group at Sierra de Maria

Sierra de Maria  -  Tuesday 23rd April

Paul, Juda and myself headed towards Maria from Arboleas.  It was not particularly warm as it was cloudy.  As we passed Velez Blanco we drove into mist/low clouds.  It was not looking good.  Trevor in his car was in front of us.  I was considering turning back.  As we drove out of Maria town, the mist disappeared and we were in sunshine albeit a tad chilly (5c) and still some clouds.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe having only seen a Woodpigeon.  Juda and Paul sat at one of the solid tables in front of the bird feeders as Trevor and I went to order the coffee.  We missed the Great Spotted Woodpecker but did manage to see the Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinch, Jay and the Collared Dove the others had seen in our absence.  As we drank our coffee we added Crested Tit and House Sparrow.  As we walked back to the cars, Paul spotted a Griffon Vulture flying over.

Crested Tit (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced to do the loop.  Very few birds were seen.  Only Crested Lark to start with.  We then had good but fleeting views of perched Calandra Lark and Black-eared Wheatear before they flew away. We also had Magpie and Corn Bunting.  Trevor and Juda, who was now a passenger in his car, added a Linnet.  We stopped on the track just before the Canada Canepla village.  We saw two more Corn Buntings and some Barn Swallows. 

I scanned further along the track and could see a number of circling Griffon Vultures.  We headed in their direction.  We saw 6 Griffons as well as Spotless Starling, Goldfinch and Hoopoe.  At the farm buildings we saw both Carrion Crow and Red-billed Chough . As we passed the reeded area we heard a Cetti's Warbler.

We parked up at the cliff face.  Trevor spotted a Black Wheatear.  We could hear 2 or 3 three singing Nightingales in the large hedge, but, as hard as we looked, we couldn't see them.  We carried on.  I stopped near a large plume of 20 odd soaring Griffon Vultures.  In amongst them was a Carrion Crow and a Red-billed Chough.

Griffon Vulture in flight (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved on a few hundred yards when I spotted two Griffons on the ground.  We next came upon the goat farm.  There were 4 Griffon Vultures on the ground pecking at the skeletal remains of a goat.  I managed a few photos before they took off.

Griffon Vulture feasting on goat (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Griffon Vultures on the ground (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We carried on to the hamlet.  Was concerned that the Lesser Kestrels had not returned.  Along the plain, two Calandra Larks nearly became my bonnet ornaments as they chased each other.  At the water trough area we added Rock Sparrow.  Paul spotted a Whinchat on the water deposito fence.  Nice one!

We returned to the La Piza forest cafe for a snack lunch.  We could hear the yaffle of an Iberian Green Woodpecker.  Having ordered, we sat down apart from Paul who headed off to the loo.  He missed the Hawfinch that came for a brief wash at the end of a running hose.  Luckily for him the Hawfinch returned for rinse down.  Crossbills were coming down for a drink, as did a Serin.

We ended up with 31 species. Everyone agreed it was a cracking day!

Hawfinch having a bath (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Regards

Dave

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Saturday 27 April

Apologies to readers of Dave's reports on the activities of the Arboleas Birding Group but I have just returned from a cruise to the Canary Islands and back so now in the process of catching up.  But I have already read and enjoyed Dave's reports (2) so hope, likewise, that you all do the same.  The following is from last week and then I will copy separately this week's report.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 17th April

Paul and I picked up Neville from Los Gallardos and headed south on the A7/E15 towards Almeria. The further south we went, the better the weather looked, but as we came off the motorway, although it was sunny we could see the trees were swaying in the wind.  En route to the first hide on the Cabo de Gata bird reserve we logged Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Barn Swallow and Collared Dove.

Kevin, Trevor, Val and newbies, Andy and Debs were in the hide checking out some terns.  Our first Gull-billed Terns of the year!  A great start.  Looking in front of us, it was quite noticeable how much the water level had dropped.  Kevin had been in his campervan overnight.  He'd already seen Avocet, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Kentish and Ringed Plover, Redshank, Yellow-legged and Audouin's Gulls, Dunlin, Turnstone and Mallard.  A scan with the scope picked up most of the list.  I did find some Slender-billed Gulls.  Also seen were Black-winged Stilts, Curlew Sandpipers and House Martins.  I found a distant Greenfinch.

The low water at Cabo de Gata (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After coffee and tostadas in a local cafe we made our way to the beach opposite the second hide. Unusually a Little Egret was flying up and down the shoreline.  At the hide, Kevin found some more.  I spotted two Spoonbills feeding along the far shore.  We also saw a Grey Heron and a Thekla Lark. Most of the birds were sheltering from the wind.

The public hide provided views of Avocet, Black-headed Gulls, Shelduck, Yellow Wagtail and a solitary Cormorant.  Unimpressed, we headed to the Rambla Morales apart from Kevin who headed home who, after reading this, might've regretted his decision!

White Headed Ducks, Black Winged Stilt and Common Pochard (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We travelled slowly along the beachside track hoping to catch sight of the recently reported Dotterels and the Cream Coloured Courser.  Alas no, but we did find a pair of Stone Curlews.  A Common Swift flew over and as we got out of the vehicles a couple of Sand Martins were seen.  We headed for the hump.  A Goldfinch flew past us.  From the hump we had good views of White-headed Ducks, Common Pochard and Black Winged Stilts.  There were a number of Greater Flamingos present.

Greater Flamingos and a Common Pochard (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Suddenly a Great White Egret took off, trying without success to fly inland.  Made a flight shot much easier!  On the water we added Coot and Little Grebe.  I scanned the savannah behind us and found a Northern Wheatear and an Iberian Grey Shrike.  Three wheatears were eventually seen.  As we walked back, Nevelle shouted, "What are those?" There were two Collared Pratincoles playing in the wind over the far side. The last bird was a Magpie en route to the motorway.

Great White Egret (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A great day's birding in good company. 43 Species in all.

Dave

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Keyhaven Marshes

Sunday 14 April

Twenty-four members of HOS (Hampshire Ornithological Society) under the leadership of the knowledgeable and ever enthusiastic Ian Packer gathered at Keyhaven at 9.30 for a six hour, five and half hours walk along and through the Keyhaven Marshes on the Solent shore opposite the Isle of Wight with both Hurst Castle and the Needles in view at the edge and across the water.  A dry day with cloud and hazy sunshine but still a cold, light breeze to keep us on our toes.

Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight's Needles

Whilst in the car park receiving updates and latest information from Ian we also managed to record Robin, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Jay and a first Barn Swallow of the year. Then, moving off a few yards to take a look at the Avon Water on the left from near the bridge and small hide we added a feast of water birds including both Little and Great White Egret, Heron, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Moorhen, Coot, Dunnock and, searching the back of the water also added a passing Marsh Harrier, roosting Buzzard, a cock Pheasant and overflying Magpie, Blackbird and Oystercatcher.  A most encouraging start to our walk.  Once across the road and entering the waterside path at the harbour at low tide we also added a number of resting Turnstone plus Herring Gull and Rock Doves.

Heron Ardea cinerea

The Cetti's Warbers first heard at the hide were to be a continuous accompaniment to our walk and also included brief sightings later on.  Departing the harbour to walk towards Keyhaven Lagoon we noted a small number of Brent Geese, but numbering over sixty upon our return walk, which were yet to depart to their northern breeding grounds.  A number of Linnets were active on the gorse bushes to our left and we also came across a departing Reed Bunting.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Once a the Keyhaven Lagoon we were delighted to first see a air of Gadwall and then  a resting Stock Dove at the back almost alongside similar Egyptian Goose plus a range of ducks including Mallard, Shoveler, Teal and many Canada and a Greylag Goose.  Obviously, more wader sightings of bids previously recorded, especially Little Egret, Heron, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher and Redshank.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptica

Continuing on to Fishtail Lagoon we added many Shelduck, the first Great Crested Grebe of over a score recorded during the morning, a Little Grebe, Avocet and a Little Ringed Plover.  Many Black-headed Gulls in the area but, perhaps even better, a couple of feeding Little Gulls showing well on he far side of the water. Also interesting to come across he air of Roe Deer feeding away to our right.

Little Gull Larus minutus

A single Lesser Back-backed Gull flew over and out towards the sea whilst, meanwhile on the muddy shore on the opposite side of the path, a Whimbrel along with Avocets and Redshanks.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

Then, not just the Buzzard and Kestrel overhead, but the arrival of a Common Tern which stayed long enough for all to have a good sighting. Time to stop for our picnic lunch at the corner before turning right and seek a little shelter.  Also chance to watch the foraging Meadow Pipit and Dunnock as a few Black-headed Gulls came to join us in the hope of some free refreshment!

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Lunch over we moved on the check Butts Lagoon which held a couple of Cormorant, Coot and a handful of Tufted Ducks.  But in the "Tufties" a single male Scaup still present and showing well - when he wasn't submerged in feeding mode.  Reed Warblers were heard calling and, in the nearby bushes a small flock of Greenfinches and a Stonechat. As we turned inland to head up towards Pennington Lane a second Reed Bunting showed well to many.

Scaup Aythya marila

Scaup A.marila with Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula (below)

The walk up to the lane proved very rewarding as we finally managed to find the singing Whitethroat along with Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch and another Stonechat.  A Skylark was heard and seen above us and then a Cetti's Warbler finally revealed itself in the ditch below us to the left.  Across the marsh beyond we noted the first Lapwing along with many Canada Geese.  It was also in this area whilst continually checking the overflying Black-headed that we found our first Mediterranean Gull. In addition, looking across the marsh we also note the pair of resting Great Black-backed Gulls.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Walking along Pennington Lane we stopped at the sharp left-hand bend to look at the resting Lapwing and Shelduck on the marsh to our right o giving a splendid opportunity to note the sexual differences between the latter.  Also present a pair of Magpies and more Canada Geese. taking the narrow footpath towards Oxey Barn we saw a second Barn Swallow overhead and then made a brief comfort stop near the Old Salt Buildings for some to visit the nearby inn.  Whilst waiting Wren, Starling, Goldfinch and a Red Kite were recorded before moving on.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Approaching Oxey Lagoon we stopped to watch a newly-arrived Little Tern fishing in the  water ahead and then it was once more up onto the path along the sea wall.  No sooner had we started off than a Raven flew over us being mobbed by a Carrion Crow. As we made our long way back to Keyhaven with the tide now almost in we seemed to concentrate on trying to find a first Curlew for the day on the remaining small sections of mud.  Lots of Great Crested Grebe on the sea side of the path along with a few more redshank before stopping to scope the distant, isolated spits out towards the sea. First a couple of Ringed Plovers than a small flock of Dunlin flew in to rest among the Oystercatchers and occasional Turnstone.  The next group produced a Grey Plover and then, drifting the shore almost hidden by the grass,  male and two female Eiders.  Another handsome male was then seen resting a little further along the spit.  Finally, a distant roosting Curlew accompanied by a couple of Whimbrels.

Distant male Eider Somateria mollissima

Back at Avon Water for a last look before the car park and making our departures, a very close Lesser Black-backed Gull and still a good selection of waders including Greenshank, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits along along with Little Grebes and Herons.  Records updated and as we made our way out of the car park saying goodbye to to the still present House Sparrows a Collared Dove sitting atop a pole waiting to bid us farewell and bring the species total up to 73. We also noted the many Jackdaws as we pass the church in Lymington but, sadly, could not reach 75 species before arriving back in Warsash.

Courting Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Eider Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Little Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Avocets Reurirostra avosetta

Soaring Buzzard Buteo buteo

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus and gulls

Mute Swan Cygnus olor coming in to land

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

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