Rutland Water

Thursday 4 April

Following last night's stay in Nottingham to attend the Andre Rieu concert, we travelled back to Warsash in glorious bright sunshine and clear blue skies but the warm weather offset by the strong cool wind.  However, time to make a brief thirty minute stop at Rutland Water to introduced family to this marvellous site.  And rewarded we were, too, with a good sighting of a quartering Red Kite as it checked out the far side of the lake outside the Visitors Centre for, perhaps, a mid-day snack.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Jackdaws on the field and trees to our left along with a Chaffinch as we approached the Visitors Centre and before stopping at the feeding area we noted the Rooks at their rookery behind the far hide.  A number of Blue but mainly Great Tits were visiting the feeders and then joined by a male Reed Bunting.  Immediately below the feeders a foraging cock Pheasant with the female right in front of the hide.  

On the water a few Mallard but more Tufted Duck along with a Cormorant, handful of Coot and about a dozen Canada Geese.  Resting atop the "Osprey Pole" on the far side a pair of Egyptian Geese.  Black-headed Gulls were moving about the site and the occasional Woodpigeon. A pair of Mute Swan were seen to our left.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving on from the main car park we made our way to Manton Bay, passing a number of Blackbirds and a Robin on the way, the regular visiting Ospreys were back at their nest platform with and the female already sitting but, as yet, no eggs laid.  On the water around the Osprey very many Black-headed Gulls along with a good number of Great Crested Grebes, a few Mallard and the occasional Coot. More Woodpigeons seen along with a Carrion Crow and on the water at the other side of the road from the bridge a feeding Little Egret.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Moving on towards Duddington to stop for lunch, taking the narrow country lanes to connect to the A47 we slowed to admire the single Grey Partridge crossing the road and within ten minutes also had a passing Sparrowhawk gliding slowly over the tall hedge to our left. naturally, a number of magpies and more Rooks and Carrion Crows seen.  Then, parking up in car park for our lunch a pair of Greylag Geese landed on the small lake below and a handful of Greenfinches in the trees at our side.  Wonderful end to the Rutland bird spotting!

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Osprey, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 2 March 2025

Sounds like a fabulous birding day by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group; especially all those raptors.  Then you add on a variety of tits and wheatears and you wonder what's coming next!, 

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 2nd April

Nigel had recovered enough from his heart procedure to be able to come with me to the Sierra de Maria. I picked him up just before 8am and headed north.  En route from Velez Blanco to Maria town I spotted a Collared Dove and Nigel, a Woodpigeon.  In town we added Spotless Starling and House Sparrow. The House Martin nest site under the Repsol Garage canopy was still unoccupied.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe.  Nigel went and got the coffees as I replenished the bird feeders.  Nigel spotted both Blue and Long Tailed Tits.  Some Crossbill flew over.  A Jay appeared.  On the ground there were Chaffinches picking up crumbs of peanuts.  Coal, Great and Crested Tits arrived as did Trevor, Mike, Kirsten, Peter and Richard.  The latter had seen a Barn Swallow.  Nigel added a Blackcap.

Crossbill taking a drink. That's a hosepipe, not a rare python!! (PHT: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop.  We saw nothing going through the forest zone.  The agricultural zone had a blanket of mist which was beginning to burn off.  We saw Crested Lark, an Iberian Grey Shrike, Rock Sparrow and a Black-eared Wheatear.  We parked up by Canadas Canepla village where we were joined by Kevin who'd ventured further north.  Amongst other birds he'd seen Red-billed Chough.  Nigel spotted a Corn Bunting on the far reed line.  Barn Swallows were quartering the fields.  We moved on seeing a plethora of corvids....Carrion Crow, Magpies and a Jackdaw.  A Hoopoe flew over.  We passed the farmhouse where Rollers nested in a box last year but saw nothing....Richard and Peter near the rear of the convoy did see a Roller!

As we passed another farm building Nigel shouted for me to stop.  A Little Owl was on the roof.  It had gone by the time I'd exited the car, but I did spot a distant Booted Eagle briefly before it disappeared behind a ridge. 

We stopped at the cliff face.  Another Black-eared Wheatear was seen.  A Red-legged Partridge flew off. Mike and Kirsten saw another three on a field.  We walked to the far side and got glimpses of Black Wheatear, Linnet and some Rock Sparrows.

We carried on, seeing a Kestrel on the farm building prior to the airstrip and a Raven after it.  Peter and Richard spotted a distant Griffon Vulture over towards the still snow covered mountain.  The only Griffon of the day.  Very odd!

At the hamlet there was a pair of Lesser Kestrels.  Nigel added a White Wagtail.

We headed to the La Piza forest cafe.  Peter, Richard and Kevin decided to do a quick stop at the goat farm water trough.  Kevin disturbed a Short-toed Eagle having a drink!  Peter and Richard saw a pair, Mr and Mrs, Hen Harrier!  Triple drat!!  And the latter saw a Northern Wheatear as well.  Sulking at La Piza we only added a Serin coming for a drink.

What a great day's birding in good company.  39 species seen.  Next time we might venture north to see what's up there.  Sounds interesting!  Not a good day for photos for me.  Just as I focused the birds seemed to fly off!!

Regards

Dave

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Southsea Castle and Farlington Marshes

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Sunday 30 March

Leaving Warsash just after 9am with fiend Richard Osman, almost an hour was spent working the shore between Southsea Castle and and Blue Moon Aquarium to the the north in search of a Purple Sandpiper without any success.  However, able to record both Herring and Black-headed Gulls along with Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Starling and House Sparrow; just the six species.

Then it was on to Farlington Marshes to undertake an anti-clockwise circuit of the boundary along the shores and track leading back to the shed and car park.  Arriving at 11.05 we sent  glorious 2 3/4 hours in very bright sunshine but with a strong wind.  First a quartet of Greenfinches and a Wren before reaching the seawall where the tide was almost fully in and just a few Black-headed and a lone immature Herring Gull on view.  A little further along a trio of Mallards just off the seawall and a single Oystercatcher.  A pair of Carrion Crows were foraging beneath the wall. On the reserve itself lots to be seen on the main pool in front of the viewing point.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta and Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

From the viewing point we could see a large resting flock of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwits in the middle of the water with a few individuals beyond.  Over to the far left a group of eight Little Egret and resting under the lip of the far shore more then two score Redshank along with a handful of Dunlin.  On the far left embankment a lone Heron and immediately in front of us a quartet of Coot plus a dozen or more Teal.  beyond the water in the meadows  the widespread Canada Geese flock with a pair of Mute Swans.  A distant wader on the far side was confirmed as a Curlew by using Richard's scope, which also revealed the first of the Lapwing seen during the morning.

Resting Teal Anas crecca

A stop midway along the back path revealed a Skylark and pair of Meadow Pipits on the meadow with a singe Great Crested Grebe on the water to our right.  A couple of Moorhen were noted between the canal and meadow and in the distance we could see so may resting Shelduck.  Indeed, as we continued our walk round to the Scrape we were to find many, many more resulting in about 130 individuals. Whist checking the distant Shelduck e came across a handful of Wigeon and a pair of Greylag Geese.

Distant Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Turning left towards the Scrape we stopped to check the large Black-headed Gull colony on the long, narrow island just off the shore and then watched as many as thirty Mediterranean Gulls pass overhead and into the reserve for their roost.  A  lone Cormorant flew towards the open sea and then we picked up a handful of Red-breasted Mergansers drifting towards the mainland with regular dives. A the Scrape there were very many Black-headed along with a number of Mediterranean Gulls.  Another Mute Swan and eight resting Shoveler plus a pair of Gadwalls.  Yet more Mallards and in the background the sight of many Canada Geese and all those Shelduck which seemed to be spread far and wide.  Then all was chaos as a Marsh Harrier passed over and lifted most of he birds.  When resettled, we could count a roosting flock of around120 Oystercatchers.

Roosting Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

Moving away from the Scrape we came across a couple of Brent Geese with two more just before turning towards the shed.  Once at the shed a Chiffchaff in the adjacent tree and on the lagoon and edges many more Moorhen and Coots.  making our way back to the car we came across a Blackbird in the hedge to our left and then it was time to make our way back to Warsash but not before a refreshment stop in Titchfield.  Approaching and in the village we came across both Red Kite and Kestrel along with a Magpie, Jackdaws and more Woodpigeon.  Finally, back home on Warsash and welcomed by my resident Robin and Dunnock.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus - and they need to move soon!

Part of the Oystercatcher roost accompanied by many Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

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Kilmeston with Hampshire Ornithologial Society

Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella

26 March 2026

Fifteen of us present for the Hampshire Ornithological Society's (HOS) latest meeting under the leadership of Nick Willey, stating a clockwise circuit of the fields and woods around the quaint little village of Kilmeston  just south of Alresford.  Whilst still in the village sightings of Blackbird, Robin, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw and Rook before setting off at 10.30 on our 3 mile circuit concluding at 2pm following a picnic lunch.

The first path heading northwards produced many Chiffchaff and Chaffinches along with a Bullfinch, Blue and Great Tits.  In the adjoining fields we continued to find many Pheasants plus a few Carrion Crows.  A Kestrel was resting atop a nearby tree and then we were out in the open and able to search the edges and skies.  A Raven flew over to or left and high ahead of us a Red Kite. A Magpie flew over the distant trees.  But best of all, we found a quartet of Yellowhammers and just a shame they seemed like silhouettes, given that we were facing the Sun and the birds were partially hidden by the branches of the trees in which they were settle.

Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella

Moving on we stopped to watch a couple of Blackbirds and a Song Thrush and then the handful of Blackbirds foraging near a water trough at the bottom the field in front of us and noticed that there was both a Mistle Thrush and Starling present.  Maintaining of observation we then saw a dozen Redwing slightly further to their right which came as a bit of a surprise!

Moving on to the next path we spent some time checking the fields in front of us and apart from more Pheasants found a handful of Lapwing being harried by the Carrion Crows.  A Green Woodpecker was "yaffling" close by and a female Stonechat sat on the fence just ahead of the group. Checking the nearby fields we found or first, distant and not too clear, Red-legged Partridge. And off to the right a pair of Stock Doves feeding alongside a couple of Woodpigeon.  Above us a quartet of circling Buzzards and yet another Kestrel not so faraway.  The small copse at the turn in the track we walking revealed both Nuthatch and both Blue and Great Tits. A Jay flew over. 

The next stretch of path between tall hedges either side produced a handful of Long-tailed Tits and as we looked round the corner into a field a Marsh Tit was recorded in the hedge.  More Chaffinches continuing to be seen but almost all very high in the trees.  Fortunately, the next stop led to as finding a much nearer and clearer Red-legged Partridge.

Distant preening Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

In addition to the birds, as well as a few Grey Squirrels we came across a trio of distant Roe Deer and then a much nearer individual later on.  Lovely to see a couple of Brown Hares, the first on the open grass and very close where it remained for a long spell giving excellent views before making its departure.  All in all an excellent morning's birding in great company and lovely birding weather.

Birds seen:

Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Lapwing, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arbo0leas Birding Group

 26 March 2025

Another great day's birding with the Arboleas Birding Group resulting in 41 species including many "specials" such as both Iberian Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Spotted Redshank, Slender-billed and Audouin's Gulls and, of course, that stunning male Montagu's Harrier.  Jacky's Wryneck and Kevin's list from the evening visit to the Rambla Morales the previous evening also very impressive.

Spotted Redshank (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 26th March

I was billy no mates today...more later...so I headed off early in the truck to do the rear track of the Cabo de Gata bird reserve.  I arrived at about 0800hrs having seen Collared Dove and a Barn Swallow as I passed through Retamar Sur.  I added Spotless Starling and Jackdaw as I drove past the Guardia Civil tower.  I commenced the journey along the rear track.  After recent rains it was muddy in some parts with large puddles.  The first salina was empty of birds, but after that there were numerous individuals and flocks.  Greater Flamingos, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Dunlin and Sanderling.  There must have been at least 100 Shelduck in various flocks.  Next came Little Stint, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Black-winged Stilts plus some Slender-billed Gulls. Sardinian Warbler and a Zitting Cistacola were added to the list.  Also seen were Thekla Lark, Corn Bunting, Common Swift in good numbers followed by both Iberian Grey and& Woodchat Shrikes.  So far I'd seen 25 species!  A very good start.

Woodchat Shrike (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I made my way to the first hide where I was met by Trevor, Phil, John and Stella.  Phil spotted a Mallard as Kevin arrived.  He'd seen many birds I had but also Greenfinch, Yellow-legged and Audouin's Gulls and Yellow Wagtail, Black-necked Grebe and Cormorant at the public hide.  I found some Spoonbill and a Little Egret. Phil then said,

 " There's a bird of prey over there!"  Good eyesight but not so good on directions!  We eventually found it.  A stunning male Montagu's Harrier. ( I'd seen a female over our lemon groves a few days ago).  I found a Kestrel on a distant pylon.  John spotted a Black-tailed Godwit.

Impressed with this photo of a Kentish Plover! (Photo: David Elliott-Binns)

We adjourned for a coffee in the Cabo village cafe.  Suitably refreshed we made our way to the second hide beach.  There was nothing to be seen birdwise out to sea but there was a Spanish aircraft carrier anchored out there.   Kevin scanned the steppes for Stone Curlews without luck.  More or the same Spoonbills were seen.  An immature Audouin's Gull flew by as did some Goldfinch.  On our way back I heard the sound of spring!  Up above us was our first flock of about 10 Bee Eaters!  Wow!  The public hide produced 3 Black-necked Grebes, a Yellow Wagtail and Barnsley Penguins ( Cormorants! )  We parted company.  Safe journeys to Phil, John and Stella on their return to the UK.  I added a Magpie as I drove through the plastic greenhouse shortcut, making the days total to be 41 species.  Great to see more migrants passing through or arriving.  Jacky was thrilled to see a Wryneck on her local patch north of Albox the other day!

Iberian Grey Shrike (Photo: David Elliott-Binns)

Best wishes to Nigel and Juda who are both under the weather.  Wishing them both a speedy recovery.

Kevin visited the Rambla Morales last evening.  He walked there from the campsite end.

Here is his list :-

Here's my Rambla Morales list from last night, between about 5.30 and 7pm: Sardinian Warbler, Crested Lark, House Martin (quite a few), Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow (quite a few, my first of the year), Swifts (lots, also my first of the year in this area), White-headed Duck (maybe 25 in total), Mallard, Greater Flamingo (60), Moorhen, Pochard, Shoveler, Shelduck, Avocet, Coot, Yellow Wagtail, Sanderling (18), Kentish Plover, Black-necked Grebe (just 1), Lesser Black-backed Gull, Hoopoe, Collared Dove, Blackbird, House Sparrow.

Thank you, Kevin. I must see if I can drive there from that end as it would obviously be worth it!

Dave

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Hayling Island

Sunday 23 March 

calm and overcast with a few breaks in the cloud for my short visit to Hayling Island this morning.  With the northern car park full I pulled up in the lower Billy Trail car park next to the travelling refreshment van with the tide well out.  A good-sized flock of about forty Brent Geese on the mudflats along with a number of Black-headed Gulls, a dozen Oystercatchers and a few Redshank.

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Moving on to the main breeding lagoon I passed both Woodpigeon and magpie to find hundreds of noisy gulls taking up territory including over a hundred Mediterranean Gulls with the remainder, apart from a quartet of Herring, being Black-headed Gulls.  Off to the left a lone Little Egret.  Continuing on along the path, a few more Redshank and a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Once t the top bay next to the northern car park another Little Egret plus a small number of Dunlin along with 45 Black-tailed Godwits, most now in summer plumage, and a couple of Oystercatchers. Off in the main main a single Mute Swan.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Walking back along the now tarmacked main trail both Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff before finally coming across a Robin.  And back at the car and chance for a finally check on the Brent Geese on the mudflats below I also found more Curlew and two Whimbrel.  Time to head back home and both Rock Dove and Jackdaw noticed on the roofs of the neighbouring houses.

Curlew Numenius aquata

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-baked Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus (top) with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus (centre and below)

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Fishlake Meadows, Romsey

Friday 21 March 

Picked up just after 8.30 by Richard Osman and off to Fishlake Meadows, Romsey on a cool but calm morning with slightly overcast cloud and hazy sunshine.  Arriving at 9.20 in time to hear and find a number of Chiffchaff plus Robin, Goldcrest, Blue and Great Tits along with  Starling, Carrion Crows, Magpies and Woodpigeons. Ere long we added both Long-tailed Tit and Cetti's Warblers.  A Wren was seen then a distant Cormorant flying over the site.

Moving on down the canal a couple of Carrion Crows passed over along with the sighting of many Woodpigeons. A couple of Dunnocks and a Blackbird on the other side of the water and then the turn towards the back path, where we recorded a pair of Stonechats in courtship display, leading to the left turn to the viewing screens. On the small pool to the left after passing through the gate a pair of Mute Swans accompanied by a pair of Greylag Geese, a couple of Teal and a pair of Shoveler.  A Coot was foraging on the far side of the water. As e moved on down the narrow path a pair of Jays flew across from the woods to our right.

Greylag Geese Anser anser

Arriving at the the viewing screens the first produced a Moorhen and then the larger water a number of Greylag Geese plus a couple of Shelduck, six Pintail, eight Gadwall and a trio of Shoveler.  A Little Egret was hiding in the reeds in front of us and a single Great White Egret flew across the water from left to right in front of us.

Shoveler Anas clypeata (left) and Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

The return walk produced another Moorhen plus many of the smaller birds seen on the way out plus a trio of very high Buzzards.  However, half-way back along the canal path we found two resting Buzzards in nearby trees. Continuing on past the car park and under the road bridge to access the main road, we stopped at the two viewing points to check the birdlife on the main pool.  Gulls included a single Black-headed, eight Lesser Black-backed and a couple of Common Gulls.  Out on the water a good number of Tufted Duck along with a couple of Coots and a pair of Canada Geese.  Two Great Crested Grebes also recorded at the back of the pool along with more Greylag Geese and a dozen resting Cormorants.  Meanwhile, we had a handful of Long-tailed and a couple of Blue Tits foraging in the hedges and trees in front of us.

Female Mallard Anas platyrhynchos with 2 of her 6 ducklings

Back to the car park and having been informed that a pair of Peregrine Falcons had retuned to last year's nesting site atop the tower of Romsey Abbey we made the four minute journey to check out the site.  Fortunately, we were able to have a distant view of the male Peregrine resting atop the ladder leading to the tower roof before it made its departure.  Meanwhile, a half-dozen Jackdaws on the grass below and a couple of Blue Tits in the hedge next to us.  What a way to end the morning an even a pub within a couple of hundred yards to help both refresh and reward ourselves!

Distant record shot of the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus atop the ladder

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting.

Shovelers Anas clypeata but note the Pintail Anas acuta in the background

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Warsash and Solet Shore

Wednesday 19 March

A five km walk along the Warsash and Solent shores as far as the Meandering Pool and back to coincide with an incoming tide proved most worthwhile with 30 species recorded in the two and a half hours.  Not as cold as previous days with a mixture of cloud and sunshine and plenty of birds to be seen starting immediately with a large flock of Brent Geese and equal numbers in three following flocks giving a cumulative total of 320 individuals.  Feeding with the first flock a number of Black-tailed Godwits and a few Redshank and Curlew plus a single Mute Swan.  And all the time a regular supply of Black-headed and the occasional Herring Gull.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Moving on down to the School of Navigation pier more Brent Geese and a couple of Shelduck along with a small flock of Dunlin.  Just the one Little Egret but a pair of Teal beneath the pier and a handful of Wigeon along with more Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks. Again, many more Brent Geese to be seen on both the open water and mud flats along with a few Oystercatchers.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once at the Spit the main flock of about thirty Wigeon along with a pair of Ringed Plovers and another Dunlin.  On the Solent itself a feeding Great Crested Grebe.  Walking through the small spinney reach the Solent shore both a Chiffchaff and Blue Tit as well as a singing Cetti's Warbler.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula with Dunlin Calidris alpina

And so to the Scrape where I immediately found a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with six Pintail and a trio of Mallard.  More Black-headed Gulls, a Cormorant and a trio of Shelduck. Continuing on along the coast to the Meandering Pool a handful of Linnets and a quintet of Skylarks. Once at the pool, a single Heron and Little Egret plus a pair of Teal.  Having met fellow birders at the far end, they directed me to the recently-arrived Long-tailed Duck that was mid-Solent. Time to make my way back to Warsash and home and able to add a pair of Stonechats and, finally, a Magpie to join the previously seen five Carrion Crows.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Long-tailed Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

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Rambla Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 19 March 

It looks as if the Arboleas Birding Group finally found some sun for their visit to the Rabla Almanzora and Vera Playa!  Obviously worth the wait having found Kentish Plovers and Little Stints not to mention the Red-crested Pochard and Iberian Grey Shrike.  All the mention of barn Swallows, House martins and Little Ringed Plovers suggest that, at last, thy may also be on their way to dear old Blighty; I'll have to keep my eyes peeled these coming days.  Also pleasing to note that the group continues to prosper with new members and long may it do so.  Good luck and best wishes to all.

Rambla Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 19th March

After many days of rain it was nice to get out and about.  Nigel picked me up from home and Seamus and Linda, near neighbours, followed us down to the ford parking area overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora.  There had obviously been a torrent of water down the rambla as the ford was a muddy mess and much of the rambla vegetation had been up rooted.  Kevin's motorvan was there but he was out.  As we waited we saw Magpie, Goldfinch and Woodpigeon.  By the ford we could see both Green and Common Sandpiper as well as a White Wagtail.  We were joined by a plethora of members.  Richard and Peter 1, Peter and Linda 2, Phil with new members, John and Stella and Trevor.  We saw Spotless Starling and a smart male Serin.  Kevin arrived back from his wanderings.  He'd seen Barn Swallow, Shoveler, Crag Martin, Moorhen, Ringed Plover and Mallard.  Nigel found an Iberian Grey Shrike on a distant power line.  A few Barn Swallows flew by.  A Little Ringed Plover was also seen.

Kevin had been down the beach road and said it had deep gullies across the entrance so we headed to the far side of the estuary.  En route we saw a Collared Dove and a Yellow-legged Gull.  The end of the estuary had been breached by the rain torrent so small waves were entering the brackish waters.  Linda 2 spotted the first of three Sandwich Terns seen.  Peter 2 added a Cormorant.  Birthday boy, Kevin, spotted Audouin's Gull, Little Egret, Sanderling and a Gannet out to sea.  Nigel added a Black-headed Gull.  I had a Redshank whilst Kevin added Kentish Plover and Dunlin.  Peter 1 saw a Grey Heron.  We were joined by Val.

Kentish Plovers and Little Stint (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As we had a cuppa in Villaricos village we were joined by some House Sparrows.  We convoyed to the dual carriageway which overlooks the shallow waters opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  We saw Kentish Plover with some Little Stints.  House and Crag Martins together with some Barn Swallows were flying in front of us.  Also seen were Greater Flamingos, Shelducks, Black-winged Stilts, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Common Pochard.  Four Grey Herons flew over us.  Nigel found a White-headed Duck while I found a Red-crested Pochard.  Linda 1 saw a Chiffchaff.  Kevin found a Wigeon.

Female White-headed Duck (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved to the pool opposite the Aquaparc.  There were White-headed Ducks, Shoveler, Mallard, Common and Red-crested Pochard, Coot and Moorhen so nothing new to the list.  Peter 2 & Linda 2 saw our final bird, a Kestrel.

Male Red-crested Pochard and White-headed Duck (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended with 42 species seen.  Great to be out in the sun with good company.

Sending our best wishes to Juda and Les, hoping they improve their health soon.

Regards

Dave

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Hamble River, Warsash

 Tuesday 18 March

Clear, bright and sunny if somewhat cold as I took an early morning walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back at low tide.  Seen off by a Magpie and a trio of Blue Tits in the tree immediately outside the gate followed by a Woodpigeon as I made made my way down the path to the river shore.  A good selection of species around the ferry pier including Black-tailed Godwits (many in advanced summer plumage), Wigeon, Herring and Black-headed Gulls.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Moving on towards the first outlet bay more Wigeon plus Teal and the first of a half-dozen Curlew plus a couple of Redshank. A lone Shelduck nearby plus a further three on the mud flat on on Bunny Meadow.  In a gully next to the causeway inland a feeding Greenshank whilst back on the shore a score or more Dunlin until the whole flock took to the air and probably 80 individuals.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Dunlin Calidris alpina

On the exposed islands no less than four Grey Plovers still in full winter plumage and more Curlew, Teal and Wigeon.  Then the first couple of Brent Geese and by the time I had reached the conservation area then number had reached 41.  A lone Jackdaw put in an appearance.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Continuing on up to the conservation, noting the above Brent Geese, a pair of Canada Geese flew over the meadow from one of the large houses at the back and a couple of Carrion Crows were foraging on the shore.  In the large pool next to the bridge a pair of Mallards and at the back a score of resting Wigeon.

Wigeon Anas penelope

Making my way back I found the second Greenshank and a pair of Oystercatchers on the shore feeding alongside a Herring Gull.  Finally, back near the ferry pier, a third Oystercatcher and, at last, a single Turnstone.

Herring Gulls Larus argentatus with Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Curlew Numenius arquata

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Teal Anas crecca (left) with 5 Wigeon Anas penelope

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