Cabo de Gata & Ramble Morales

 Wednesday 29 May

Once again Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group were at my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata.  Whilst the group may not have seen as many species at they expected, nevertheless, good weather and company and at lest they can see white-headed Ducks and Iberian Grey Shrikes, unlike me back in Blighty!

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales Wednesday 29th May

I was in the truck when I picked up Peter from La Alfoquia and Juda from Los Gallardos.  The weather was sunny with a slight refreshing breeze.  Our count started as we came off the motorway near to Retamar Sur.  We clocked Magpie, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Bee-eater, House Sparrow, House Martin and a Juda spotted Blackbird before we passed through Pujaire.  Alan and Trevor were already at the first hide when we arrived.  There were far more Greater Flamingos present than our last visit.  Alan and Trevor had already seen Avocet, Shelduck, Black-winged Stilt, Redshank, Kentish Plover and Grey Plover.  We were joined by Kevin.  A Red-rumped Swallow flew by.  Also seen were Mallard, Thekla Lark and Spotless Starling.  Kevin found more than one Iberian Grey Shike on the fences to our right. Some Common Swifts flew by as did a Sardinian Warbler.  A scan by Alan to the far right shoreline produced some Ruff and a Ringed Plover . The final bird seen from the first hide was a Yellow-legged Gull.

Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After a coffee at the village cafe we headed to the beach opposite the second hide.  There was nothing out to sea.  As we walked past the shrubs, Trevor spotted a pair of Greenfinch.  From the hide we saw more of the same.  Greater Flamingos, Yellow-legged Gulls and Shelducks.

At the public hide, the same as before plus some Avocets.  Interestingly we saw three Gull-billed Terns fly in over one of the islands.  A pair of Ringed Plovers went mental and harassed the terns as they flew over as if they were raptors.  Do Gull-billed Terns take chicks or eggs?

Kevin left as he had an appointment in Almeria.  We convoyed towards the Rambla Morales.  Juda spotted a White Wagtail near the first beach cafe.  Due to walking tourists there was nothing at the estuary  end.  There were more Greater Flamingos.  On the far reed line sand beach there were some Common Pochard.  A walker caused panic amongst the Flamingos and some resting Slender-billed and Black-headed Gulls. 

Black-necked Grebe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A glamorous Black-necked Grebe glided by.  Alan found a Turnstone opposite.  Next he found some White-headed Ducks down the far end.  A flotilla of 10 Sheldducklings came into view.  En route back through the greenhouses Juda, Peter and I added some Barn Swallows.

Row of ten Shelduckling (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Lovely outing in good company.  The birding could've been better.  We saw 34 species.

Regards

Dave

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New Forest Birding

Monday 27 May

With probably at least three hours to go before the rain id expected, time to drive into the New Forest and visit Blashford Lakes via Eyeworth Pond. Lovely country road route and on site at Eyeworth, passing a couple of Starlings as I approached, by 11.30 but what a disappointment.  Other than a lone Mallard duck not a bird in sight! A slight walk u the track just past the barrier and look back to the pond and a sudden movement caught my eye and revealed a Nuthatch foraging low down.  Then a Blue Tit followed by a handful of House Sparrows.  There were birds about!  

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Soon a few Chaffinches and a Robin with a Song Thrush behind me as a Blackbird flew in. Then , looking at the shaded area of the water below me I realised that a moulting Mandarin Duck had paddled close in.  Moving back out into the (still) sunshine the Madarin was now moving off towards the centre of the pond and looking most bedraggled as it worked its way through the moulting situation.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

At the same time, a second Mallard duck ha appeared in font of me with their respective 5 and 6 well-grown ducklings.  Finally, as I made my departure, a Pied Wagtail put in an appearance.

Mallard Anas platyrhnchos with her ducklings

Then it was on to Blashford Lakes via Fordingbridge arriving at the Tern Hide at 12.15 to be welcomed by both House Sparrow and Greenfinch.  Not too much on the water other than raft of Lesser Black-tailed and Herring Gulls towards the back with more Black-headed Gulls, many still with nests either on the shore or rafts, towards the front. A Tufted Duck flew in from the other side of the road to join the handful of Mallards present on site. In the meantime, overhead, a handful of fishing Common Tern and a small number of Sand Martins. A dozen Mute Swans were spread along the back of the water plus a couple of resting Cormorant and a few Canada Geese.

Off to my right a couple of Lapwing and a few foraging Jackdaw, one of the latter disturbing the Little Ringed Plover which gave a few brief appearances.  Whilst a Carrion Crow flew over I noticed the quintet of Egyptian Geese on the bank and a few more on the distant edges of the water.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving over the road to the main reserve I headed off to Ivy Lake North Hide but little if anything to be seen so made my way through the trees to the Woodland Hide. Wren, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush and Blackbird recorded then, checking the feeders before entering the hide, I found a feeding Great Spotted Woodpecker on the nearest.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

Once inside the hide I soon added Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch but, mainly, feeding Siskins. On the ground both Dunnock and Robin and ere long a continuous movement of both Blue and Great Tits. As an added bonus, a very brief visit from both a Nuthatch and the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Siskins Carduelis spinus (female in the middle)

Next it was down to the Ivy South Hide, noting the sing Reed Warblers in the reeds on the small pond to my right, where just a few Black-headed Gulls and a couple of Common Terns seemed to be present.  Finally, a Great Crested Grebe was seen off to my left and then, almost out f the blue, a handful of sand martins accompanied by a quartet of Barn Swallows arrived to feed over the water.  Above the trees on the far side a couple of Swifts were noted in the sky and a Heron made its leisurely flight over the water.  Finally, a young Little Grebe paddled by in front of the hide painfully calling its parents, which were nowhere to be seen.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Other birds identified by "Merlin":

Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit.

Male Chaffinch Fingilla coelebs

Dunnock Prunella modularis

The moulting Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

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Casbrook Common

 Monday 27 May

An interesting an enjoyable visit to this new site of Casbrook Common slightly north of Romsey but, on this occasion, neither Nightingale nor Lesser whitethroat.  Indeed, not even a Common whitethroat nor Redstart. However, plenty of Blackcaps and Garden Warblers and a lone Willow Warbler to accompany the many Chiffchaffs.  Upon arrival, first the House Sparrows, Jackdaws and a passing Carrion Crow before encountering the Woodpigeons as I made my way though the open are and up through the woods to the open common above.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

No shortage of either Wren or Robin plus the occasional Blackbird and once back in the higher, open area more close sightings of the resident Linnets. A Song Thrush was singing away before I followed a grass pathway to my right and was suddenly surprised to come across a couple of Guinea Fowl.  Where had they come from?  Presumably, escaped from a local game or farm rearing area.

Guinea Fowl Numida meleagris

Back in the initial open area near the road I came across a couple of Starlings and more Jackdaws before stopping to listen to the singing Willow Warbler and photograph the Chiffchaff on my opposite side who seemed to be in direct competition with his fellow warbler.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Birds seen:

Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet.

Other birds identified by "Merlin":

Dunnock, Whitethroat, Nuthatch.

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Fishlake Meadows

Monday 27 May

A lovely start to the day and at Fishlake Meadows, Romsey before 7.30 at the start of a mass birding site visit in the immediate area.  No sooner out of the car and greeted by Song Thrush and Wren followed by Robin, Chiffchaff and Woodpigeon.  Continuing on down the canal path past the singing Song Thrush I soon found the first of many Cetti's Warblers along with Blackbird and Great Tit.  Over to my left a Great White Egret was landing at a distant water and above me over twenty feeding Swifts.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Keeping an eye to the water on my left I noted both passing Greylag and Canada Geese with, nearer to me, the first Magpie.  As the sound became even more persistent, I soon found the calling male Cuckoo plus a second individual further away in front of me.  A couple of distant Mute Swans were also noted before a group of a dozen Tufted Ducks flew over and away to the back of the site as Common Tern moved in the opposite direction to the main water.  Meanwhile, continuing along the canal path I recorded Blue Tit, Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat.

Male Cuckoo Cuculous canorus

Just before turning left towards the path leading the the screens I found the first Reed Warbler of the morning and half-way along this joining path stopped to follow a breeding pair of Reed Warblers along with a number of Sedge Warblers.  The Tree-creeper was still very active near the nest discovered on a previous visit and was now, presumably, feeding young in the nest on he old, dead tree. 

The feeding Tree-creeper Certhia familiaris

Behind me an approaching Buzzard landed on the nearby pylon and on the other side of the path a Kestrel rested on the same wires. More Mallards and a pair of Mute Swans on the small pond at the start of the path to the screens but too wet and muddy to make it worthwhile continuing so started on the return walk back to the car.  Once back on the canal path  it was obvious that there were at least thirty feeding Swifts along with as many as a dozen House Martins.  In the far distance above the trees a Red Kite was observed.  A Black-headed Gull was noted over to my right and nearer to the car I came into contact with the local Chaffinches.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Leaving the car park I stopped on the main road to check the main water from the roadside viewing areas and noted a further fourteen Mute Swans along with a couple of Cormorant, a Coot and a Great Crested Grebe.  Right at the back a resting Little Egret above a couple of Greylag Geese and to their right a handful of Canada Geese.  But looking closer though the scope I could also make out a quartet of Egyptian Geese.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta abve two Greylag Geese Anser anser

Canada Geese Branta canadensis with Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca to the right

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Swift, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch.

Other birds identified by "Merlin":

Moorhen, Dunnock, Spotted Flycatcher, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting.

Cuckoo Cuculous canorus

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Acres Down, New Forest

 Saturday 25 May

A beautiful, ever warming and sunny day for the meeting of the Hampshire Bird Society (HOS) meeting at Acres Down near Minstead in the New Forest. 29 of us ready for the five mile circuit led by fellow member and local birder Ian Hampson.  And even more rewarding to note that few members had travelled from as far away as Basingstoke and Petersfield plus even Poole across the Hampshire/Dorset border to the west.  The target birds were Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Honey Buzzard and possibly a Goshawk, so no pressure there! Whilst waiting for all to arrive, some of the earlier attendees had heard both Cuckoo and Wood Warbler in the near vicinity.

As we gathered and set off up the hill to the first observation area, we noted Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin and both a Firecrest and pair of Coal Tit. A number of Chaffinches were also singing away. Once at the summit with views over the distant trees and valley we found our first raptors of the morning with a couple of Common Buzzard.  Close by a Song Thrush and moving off recorded both Wren and Willow Warbler.  Approaching the main viewing point for finding soaring raptors I was surprised to find another score of birders waiting patiently for the same purpose.  Close by a couple o Meadow Pipits and then two Wood Lark.  Reward indeed, as not only a trio of Buzzards off to our left but in the far distance to our right, in and out of the cloud, a Goshawk.

Well concealed, distant Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Time to move on and ere soon we came across a couple of Greenfinch and a pair of Goldfinch came down to drink from the large puddle immediately in front of us. Havin found the first Stonechat of the morning no sooner had we taken a track off to our left when two more were quickly located along with a quartet of Linnet.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Continuing on round and making our way to a small pond we came across the first Chiffchaffs of the morning along with more Willow Warblers. Next it was back to the woods after our picnic stop and, almost immediately, a Mistle Thrush flew up into the tree in front.  No sooner had we all seen the bird than a Spotted Flycatcher was seen as it briefly landed immediately above the Mistle Thrush. Behind us a Stock Dove with its iconic call.  Continuing on we found both a Marsh and Long-tailed Tits before taking the final, long, path back towards the car park. This final stretch proved most rewarding as not only did we find both Goldcrest, more Firecrests and a Great Tit but, at last, our first Redstart. A juvenile Song Thrush was on the grass in front of us and not quite sure how to escape as it hopped away into the undergrowth!  And it was as we made our way home from the car park that we quickly added Dunnock, House Sparrow and Magpie.

Fledgling Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Birds seen:

Goshawk, Buzzard, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Wood Lark, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Wood Warbler,  Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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New Forest coastal birding

Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii (centre)

Thursday 23 May 

Off to Normandy Lagoon and Pennington Marshes by 8am but arriving at the M27pproach the motorway was absolutely solid and going nowhere, so a quick diversion to travel via Southampton centre.  This resulted in an extra thirty minutes driving but, approaching Lyndhurst, a large flock of feeding Rooks on the left and finally arrived at my usual parking spot next to the Normandy Lagoon entrance gate by 9.30 to be greeted by Blackbird, Robin, Wren and Blackcap as I prepared to set off to the seawall.

Pleasant birding weather with increasing sunshine but still a very cool breeze.  The initial field past the gate held both Magpie and Woodpigeon and the I was up onto the seawall overlooking the lagoon. My first view of the lagoon presented two pairs of Canada Geese, each with goslings, and a handful of Shelduck.  Just the one Avocet along with a trio of Cormorant and a single Redshank. 

Redshank Tringa totanus

The, a most pleasant surprise as I came across an old friend from back in Spain and, at last, I had made contact with a relatively nearby birder, Peter Ashley.  Peter confirmed that the Roseate Terns were still present and kindly offered to walk back and show me their favoured resting place of "Tern Island."

Canada Geese Branta canadensis with goslings

Moving a little further along to get a better a view of the nearby islands and a few Oystercatchers plus more Avocets and a good number of Black-headed Gulls.  Taking the left-hand bend to walk to the far end of the lagoon I noticed the foraging House Sparrows below and then we were opposite Tern Island and looking amongst the massed Common for the one or both of the Roseate Terns.  Having finally found one we realised that the partner was lying almost next to it in the longer grass and nesting appeared to be underway.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Whilst Peter departed to continue on back to his car I took a longer look around the lagoon and soon added the very many Avocets along with Lapwing, more Redshank and a Great Crested Grebe.  On the edge of the far island I found a couple of Dunlin and  a similar number of Turnstone on the next island.  A nesting Oystercatcher was nearby  and finally more Shelduck along with both Mallard and Tufted Ducks.  

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

On the water at the far end a Mute Swan and a handful of Starlings whilst immediately below me a resting Ringed Plover and a Little Egret feeding in the flooded ditch in front of the fence. making my way back to the start I eventually found a couple of Little Tern and then a much closer look at the visiting Bar-headed Goose.

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus

Walking back to the car the long way via Acre Pond a passing Carrion Crow and then a couple of Chiffchaffs and more Robins as I walked along Normandy Lane to the car.

Fifteen minutes later I was at the bottom of Lower Pennington Lane and stopped at the gate on the right-hand bend to check the flooded field.  Mainly Canada Geese and Lapwing but a lone Magpie foraging and the arrival of a Starling and quartet of Jackdaws before checking the far end of the lying water.  A small number of gulls, mainly Black-headed but a couple of Herring and  single Lesser Black-backed Gull.  But even further back on the water, a lone male Gadwall.  Both Shelduck and Redshank were also noted. Meanwhile, at the back of the grass in front of me and under the hedge, I was being watcher by the resting Fox!

Fox Vulpes vulpes

On to the end and parking the car to start a short anti-clockwise walk across the field to Butts Lagoon and back to the car by crossing the area to follow the eastern path to the gate. Leaving the car I first stopped to appreciate the singing Greenfinches and Whitethroats atop the hedge in front and a Dunnock slipped in lower down the vegetation.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Woodpigeons and Robin to my right as I set off and soon added a number of Blackbirds, I had a view across the water of Fishtail Lagoon and noted a number of Little Egrets, Avocets and Shelduck. Also on the water a small number of Canada Geese and both Mallard and Tufted Duck but right at the back the distant remaining single Spoonbill could be seen stretching and then feeding.  nearby a pair of feeding Black-tailed Godwits.

Distant Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Climbing the steps to take a look at Butts Lagoon I soon found a Coot, and more this end of Fishtail lagoon, and numerous singing Reed Warblers.  A pair of Mute Swans with three cygnets and another pair both on Fishtail Lagoon and distant Pennington Lagoon. A Raven flew over me and landed at the far end of the seawall before retracing its flight within a couple of minutes and once more immediately overhead and away.

The passing distant Raven Corvus corax

As I walked along the path across the northern edge of Butts Lagoon I first recorded a trio of Linnet before hearing the Cuckoo behind me, possibly surveying the reed bed below and its many breeding Reed Warblers.  Above me a quartet of Common Swifts passed over and then, once back on the path towards the gate, time to top and check the small pools to my right.  Not just a couple of Canada Geese but a pair of Egyptian Geese on the bank.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

And as I approached the exit gate to the car a Carrion Crow flew over and I stopped to admire the half-dozen New Forest ponies along with four young foal.  Back at the car, the Whitethroats were still singing from the bushes in front.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Swift, Sky Lark, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow,  Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

New Forest ponies with their foals

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 22 May

What a amazing day's birding with the Arboleas Birding Group, especially the mixed heron family nesting sight.  Not just House Martins but, I see, the Bee-eaters and Spotted Flycatchers are back, always good news.  And summer may have arrived in Almeria but back in Blighty we are back to the wet stuff!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 22nd May

As the Vauxhall Insignia was still in the garage with a knackered gearbox, I was driving the truck which meant Juda and I could drive alongside the Rambla de Almanzora.  We joined it just past the Desert Springs complex.  The first concrete weir contained some water.  We saw Mallard, Little Grebe, Black-winged Stilt and Moorhen.  Further shallow pools contained more Mallard and Stilts.  En route to the ford we added Bee-eater, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Magpie and House Martin.  The ford pool was devoid of any bird life as it was virtually dry.  There was lots of work going on by the sewage works and the Water Desalination complex.

Redshank (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Alan was waiting for us as we parked up.  He'd found a Spotted Flycatcher in the shrubs just below the embankment.  Very active and constantly on the move!   Whilst waiting for Trevor to arrive we added Common Swift, Barn Swallow and Collared Dove.  Two Bee Eaters flew by.  With no sign of Trevor we moved off towards the beach, seeing a Red-rumped Swallow as we left.  There was no birdlife on the rocks or out to sea so we drove round to the far side of the estuary.  There was a group of eight Audouin's Gulls on the far side.  Alan found Turnstone, Ringed Plover and  Dunlin. I added a Little Egret, Grey Heron and a Kentish Plover.  Doing a scan around I spotted a very distant circling bird of prey being mobbed by smaller birds.  Alan managed to get his scope on it.  He's pretty certain it was a Sparrowhawk....it was VERY distant!  As we left for the cafe Alan heard a Nightingale in the reeds.

Spotted Flycatcher (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Whilst having a coffee, I rang Trevor.  He answered but I couldn't hear what he was saying. We moved on to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  There were numerous Greater Flamingos, nesting Black-headed Gulls and Shelducks.  Alan added a Greenshank and some Common Pochard.  I'd just found a Red-crested Pochard when Trevor turned up.  He'd had a late night and slept through the alarm.  We moved to the other side of the hump where Trevor spotted a Redshank.  I saw a Cormorant landing over the far side.  Two Glossy Ibis flew over.  We drove round to the Aguaparc car park and crossed the road to the elevated viewing platform. There was a raft of Common Pochard and a Great Crested Grebe spotted by Juda.  To our left on a penisular of reeds was a small collection of nesting birds.  A pair of Little Egrets were building a nest on the top.  Below them there were three Cattle Egret nests, three Glossy Ibis nests and just next to them a virtually hidden Squacco Heron nest.  Wow! View the attached photo to test your powers of observation!

Nest building Little Egret (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 36 species.  Great birding in good company.  Summer has arrived...it was a tad warm!

Regards

Dave

Right....starting at 12 o'clock you have two nest building Little Egrets.

Bottom right you have a nesting Cattle Egret. A foot above his head 

and slightly to the right is a Glossy Ibis nest. Along the bottom slightly 

left of centre is another Cattle Egret nest. Between that nest and the 

far right nest is another Glossy Ibis nest. Far left, dead centre is the 

third Glossy Ibis nest. From that Glossy Ibis on a direct line to the 

higher left hand Little Egret, dead centre is a pale yellow patch in the 

reeds. That is the Squacco Heron on its nest!

(PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Titchfield Canal

Sunday 19 May

Western end of Posbrook Flood

Lovey sunny day but a little on the cloudy side with a cool breeze when I arrived at Titchfield Canal to start my walk at 9 o'clock. Wren, Robin and Greenfinch in the car park as as soon as I reached the canal the first of four Cetti's Warblers recorded during my ninety minutes on sight. Both Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon passed overhead as I started down the path towards the bridge.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Checking the Bridge Street flood to my  left I found four Mute Swan along with a similar number of Shelduck plus Mallard and Coot.  Off to the far eft in the muddy area a couple of Little Egret and  handful of resting Black-headed plus a couple of Herring Gulls. The wires above me held a singing Whitethroat and then the first of a number of Blackbirds during the morning. A pair of Canada Geese flew over towards Posbrook floods and, upon reaching that site, found another dozen along with a quartet of Greylag Geese. To the back at least three Herons recorded.

Rear view of Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Once just beyond the bridge having added Great Tit to the morning's list, a good view of Posbrook flood which held another pair of Mute Swan and a pair of Great Crested Grebe.  In addition to more Mallards, a pair of Gadwall at the back of the water.  Feeding above the water a couple of House Martins and a handful of Barn Swallows.

Moving along the avenue Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Jackdaw noted until reaching the seat at the end where I stopped to admire the distant circling Red Kite. A Song Thrush in the neighbouring tree and as I made my way back a lone Lapwing feeding on the mud close to the path.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Continuing along the gravel path back towards the car park a Buzzard off to my left and high above a couple of Common Swifts.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Once the scope left with the car a short walk up the canal path on the other side of the road past the stables produced a trio of Magpies and another Buzzard.  Then, as I exited the car park, a House Sparrow on a roof on the opposite side of the road next to the upper canal.

Magpie Pica pica

Birds seen: 

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Common Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.

Male Blackbird Turdus merula

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

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