Farlington Marshes and Titchfield Meon Shore

Sunday 14 December 

A lovely clear start to the day, somewhat on the cold side but the sun trying its best to increase the warmth.  Farlington Marshes for a two hour clockwise tour of the site and on the way back to Warsash a chance to call in at two further sites for a short stay.  Arriving just before 9 o'clock few birds to be seen as the tide was only just on the turn and very little of the estuary uncovered.  Both Woodpigeons and Carrion Crows in the trees as I made my way to the sea wall and then the sight of very many Brent Geese along with Black-headed Gulls and a small gathering of Oystercatcher, Redshank and a couple of Curlew exploring the recently revealed mud.

A small group of Pintail noted as I made my way down the viewing point where I found scores of Shelduck along with a similar number of teal and many Coot.  A handful of Mallard and a few Cormorant and beyond the far fence the sight of many Canada Geese grazing in the field.

Continuing on around the sea wall I first came across the handful of Mallard followed by both a Cormorant and Magpie along with a Little Egret and many more Brent Geese plus Redshanks and Oystercatchers on the shore.  On the land side of the wall so many Canada Geese but no sight, on this occasion, of the single Barnacle Goose that has been hanging out with its cousins.  But, a little beyond the Canada Geese a trio of cock Pheasants.

Reaching the Deeps many Wigeon plus more Shelduck and a dozen or so Shoveler plus a few Mallard.  On the field beyond a number of Lapwing whilst, flying upstream on the channel between here and Hayling Island, a hundred plus Dunlin.  Also on the shore line more Oystercatchers and Curlews and a single Whimbrel flying out towards the water and beyond.  A couple of Rock Pipits foraging amongst the seaweed and then, as I approached the old barn, the first Moorhen of the morning.  Once at the pool in front of the barn, a number of Teal, Mallard and Moorhens behind the barn but noting on the water.  However, scores of Coots on the grass to the side and another cock Pheasant resting in a small paddock.   Finally, two Pied Wagtails and then a male Blackbird as I made my way back to the car.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Thirty minutes later I was parked up in the mudy Chilling Woods on Meon Road and walking to Brownwich Pond where, eventually, I did find the recently arrived Ferruginous Duck, albeit right at the back of the pond against a wire fence and difficult to photograph other than showing what looked like a whit spot on the end of a dark "blob."  But, out on the water, a pair of Mute Swans, eight Tufted Duck, a couple of Coot and a handful of Mallard.  But right in front of me at the outlet when I arrived a pair of Grey Wagtails but, unfortunately, they were taking off before I could lift the camera. making my way back to the lane for the walk to the car a pair of Pied Wagtails on the muck heap.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Having come so close the the sea at Hill Head, I decided to make the short journey to the Meon Estuary at Titchfield Haven to check the beach, with the tide now well out.  Right in front of me a score of Sanderling along with half-dozen Gadwall on the water itself.  Nearby a few Brent Geese but the main flock along with hundreds of gulls, including the nearby Herring Gulls, was further away and I did not bother to take out the scope as I had found the small waders I hoped to see, but also a handful of Turnstone and Oystercatchers.  As expected, both Lapwing and Cormorant on the island in the lagoon on the inland side of the road.  So ended a most enjoyable morning with a finally tally of 38 species.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Sanderling, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, 

Sanderling Calidris alba

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus with sanderling

Gadwall Anas strepera

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Villaricos & Vera Playa with the Arboleas Birding Group

Friday 12 December

My word the Arboleas Birding Group sound as if they had a fabulous birding morning producing 54 species!  Good to note the sightings of both Iberian Grey Shrike and Purple Swamphen. (How do headless Swamphens even manage to breed?)  It always amazes me that Cattle Egrets, unlike Little Egrets, are taking so long to colonise the UK, especially in the south, albeit I do record individuals each year down on the Hampshire coast.  Sad news received from Barrie this Wednesday telling me about Jan's unexpected death but pleased to report to all that Jenny and I will drive over to Folkstone for Wednesday's funeral.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa; Wednesday 10th December

Nigel picked up myself, Richard and Paul from my house.  He drove down to the parking area above the "ford" overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora, seeing some Woodpigeon en route.  Kevin was already there having stayed overnight in his motorvan.  We had a scan around.  Paul saw a distant Cormorant over the sea.  A Black Redstart was flitting around. I heard a Cetti's Warbler.  Nigel found a flock of Spotless Starlings and I added a Northern Starling.  Kevin, Nigel and Paul walked up towards the sewage works.  Richard and I added Magpie, White Wagtail, Collared Dove, Iberian Grey Shrike and a Sardinian Warbler.  A pair of Cattle Egrets flew past.  The wanderers returned.  They had added Mallard, Shoveler, Chiffchaff, a Subalpine Warbler and a Grey Wagtail spotted by Paul, Black-necked Grebe, Teal, Greater Flamingo, Moorhen, Robin, Little Egret and Ringed Plover.  Nigel added Little Grebe and Green Sandpiper.  Kevin saw a Common Sandpiper.  We were joined by Trevor, Michael, Karen and Mollie, their dog. 

  We headed for the beach.  On the rocks were a pair of Cormorants, three Sandwich Terns and later some Sanderling.  Out to sea I found a Gannet and a Yellow-legged Gull.  We moved round to the estuary.  Immediately we saw Coot and a couple of Grey Heron.  Kevin added some Dunlin and a Kingfisher which spent some time in the hover.  A flight of Goldfinch flew over.  Kevin heard a Great Tit.  Also seen were Black-headed Gulls, House Sparrows and a Kestrel.  A Stonechat was seen when we were en route to a well deserved cup of coffee.

Sandwich Terns (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

  Suitably refreshed, we made our way to the dual carriageway above the shallow waters opposite the Consum Supermarket behind Vera Playa.   Jacky was waiting for us . She had seen a Barn Swallow flying with the numerous Crag Martins.  Paul glimpsed a Water Rail with the numerous feeding Moorhens.  Nigel spotted an Avocet.  Also seen were Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler and Teal.  Paul added a Wren, a rare find here!  We went past the hump, Jacky adding a Snipe.  Kevin spotted both Common Pochard and White-headed Duck.  There were some Mediterranean Gulls intermingled with some Greater Flamingos.   Our first Black-winged Stilts of the day were seen.  Lots of Chiffchaff flitting around the shrubs. Michael & Karen (and Mollie) left us here.  Very sad that they are returning to the UK.  Hopefully they will be back in a few years time.

At the pool opposite the Aquaparc Nigel added our final bird, a Purple Swamphen.  Also seen were White-headed Ducks, Black-headed Gulls, Black-necked and Little Grebes and Greater Flamingos.  And a Ladder snake on the ramp below the "bridge"!!

Ladder Snake (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

What a great final trip for 2025! 54 species seen.   Great company.

(With its head tucked in) looks like a
Headless Purple Swamphen (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

Sending best wishes to both Peters for continuing recovery.  I heard from Barrie Avis, now back in the UK.  Sadly his wife, Jan, has passed away.  I'm sure you'll join me in sending our sincere condolences.

Kevin, unofficial treasurer, has counted our donations to the Andalucian Bird Society Donana fund. €270 in memory of Bill Dickinson.  Thank you all for your support.

Merry Christmas and good birding in 2026!

Dave

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Boat-tailed Grackle

 Saturday 6 December

The New Forest Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major

I was on the site for thirty minutes; twenty minutes waiting for the bird to arrive having been seen here at 11.330am.  The house owners came out and made us feel welcome and stated that the bird usually arrives early morning but has been a regular feed since first arriving a few days short of a month ago. I should image that by now every local birder, and very many others from far and wide, have visited this property in Holbury to see the Boat-tailed Grackle.

All reports state that the bird is a ship-assisted vagrant from America and, presumably, hopped (flew) ship at Calshot as the vessel entered Southampton Water.  The bird remained on site for a week happy to forage on the shore and neighbouring car park before, as suggested, it was chased by a dog and made its departure.  Within four days is had been located once again at its present preferred site in Holbury.  Given the small bungalow with little front garden but holding both a bird bath and feeding tray, offered not only food, water and shelter but, perhaps a sense of home or familiarity.  Could it be, therefore, that the bird was not a wild vagrant individual but, perhaps and escaped pet?  Cetainly lots of strange behaviour and not concerned about the nearness of many people.  Indeed, as well as wandering about the drive, including under the parked car, and checking out the front door for a means of access it then hopped onto the front gate immediately in front on me and less then two feet away. My birding neighbour was even closer.  I'm sure if I had food in my hand t would have been quite happy to land on same for a free feed!

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

New Forest Birding

 Saturday 6 December

Broken cloud and, on occasions, bight sunshine as I made my way to the New Forest, with a Buzzard overhead as I passed junction 5 on the M27, and finally arrived at Normandy Lagoon by 9.55.  Much more cloud now and less sun but the wind was rapidly heading towards gale force and rain promised by2.30 so onwards and upwards to the sea wall.

Hundreds of Dunlin Calidris alpina

Mainly Wigeon Anas penelope with a couple of Pintail Anas acuta

Arriving on the wall above the lagoon almost impossible to stand up and no chance with the scope, try as I might. Lots of birds sheltering down below on the water and islands including scores of Lapwings and hundreds of Dunlin.  Similarly, scores of Starlings moving about and ducks included Shoveler, Shelduck, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal and Tufted Duck.  I could seen a group of Spoonbill at the far side so moved on to the corner to take the steps down to the lower path and some protection from the very strong wind.

Teal Anas crecca

Now chance to get the scope of the groups of Pintails and Wigeon plus the sixteen Spoonbills who had eleven Avocets looking for shelter next to their legs.  At the far end a single Little Grebe.  Closer study found a small group of Grey Plover and a number of Oystercatchers plus the occasional Cormorant.  But just the one Herring Gull noted and no other gulls present.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorcodia sheltering 11 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta plus 4 Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

On the far back I found a singe Greenshank and then a Goosander flew past to land on the canal in front of me before working its way to my left. Moving on I had a quick sight of a Dartford Warbler as it flew up from the path side into the adjacent brambles.

Goosander Mergus merganser

Once at the far end I headed inland towards the marina and found the bulk of the Canada Geese flock along with  many Brent Geese and a single Egyptian Goose.  Out on the main water a lone Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Mute Swans.  Heading away from the lagoon I also recorded both Little Egret and Redshank and once closer to the mixed group of geese I noted the dozen or so Curlew and more Little Egrets plus many Jackdaw and a few Carrion Crows.   A Pied Wagtail moved across the field which then revealed a pair of Magpies.  Also present many more Teal along with a single Heron and a small number of Black-headed Gulls.  Moving through the trees to the yacht basin I also recorded Dunnock, Chaffinch and Blue Tit.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Eventually arriving back at the car I moved on over the the Pennington Marshes for my usual anti-clockwise circuit  passing both Fishtail and Butts Lagoons. Stopping at the tope end I recorded the massed roosting flock of Black-tailed Godwits along with a good-sized flock of Golden Plovers.  Lots of Canada Geese to be seen but no Greylags. Also present over the whole field very many Lapwing.

Canada Geese Branta canadensis plus 3 Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Once parked up at the end of the lane I started my walk towards Fishtail lagoon and noted the lack of water in one are which held 40 Redshanks feeding on the exposed mud.  Lots of Shelduck, Mallard and Shoveler plus a handful of resting Great Black-backed Gulls.  Also both many Canada and Brent Geese present.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (back) with Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Very little time spent of the sea wall as the wind was now even stronger but I note the many Teal and Shoveler on Pennington Lagoon as I turned inland.  Meanwhile, on the small beach opposite, a handful of foraging Turnstone.  Moving on towards the car park  a couple of Turnstone and a Robin whilst a Cormorant struggled to fly westwards.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Just after 1pm when I finally departed towards home but with Holbury, near Fawsley, just thirty minutes away from Lymington I took the alternative route back via Beaulieu rather then heading directly north towards Lyndhurst and the M27.  Arriving at the small bungalow in Southbourne Road that has been the home to the vagrant Boat-tailed Grackle for the past two or three weeks I ate my picnic whilst, hopefully, waiting for the bird o put in appearance. Twenty minute slater the bird was suddenly in the garden and wandering around the drive and lawn foraging for tit-bits.  At last I had seen this wanderer and more information and photos will appear in a following report.

Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Dartford Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Black-tailed Grackle, Starling, Chaffinch.

5 Curlew Numenius arquata (centre)

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

River Hamble, Warsash

Thursday 4 December 

Hamble River at high tide with the water either side of the footpath

Still, dry and cloud breaking to give some bright sunshine later in the morning as I took a walk up the Hamble River to beyond the conservation area at full tide; indeed, midway between the double high tide.  Water lapping the bank on either side of the footpath so no slip either way as would end up in the wet stuff!  leaving the house with Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits on the feeders I even had a Blackbird cross the connect path from road to river and then on the through the massed puddles towards the ferry pontoon.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Sitting n the fence next to same a male Stonechat and once past a small flock of Brent Geese on the water on the meadow side of the path.  beyond then a handful of Wigeon at the back. Initially, just a couple of Black-headed Gulls to be seen and certainly less than a score the whole morning. n the river itself the first of three Great Crested Grebes.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Looking at the tree at the back of the meadow a massed roost of about 50 Woodpigeon and they were joined by a single Starling.  On the garden below a Carrion Crow and Magpie and near the back reeds a pair of Canada Geese.

Roosting Woodpigeon Columba palumbus but note the Starling Sturnus vulgaris top left

Continuing on up the puddled path and lapping water either side regular sightings of small flocks of Brent Geese and the a single Grey Plover perched atop one of the posts in the water. A sudden movement by a small bird ahead of me enable me to watch it alight near the conservation area and I thought Rock Pipit but "Merlin" was telling me Water Pipit and, sure enough, the enlarged photo confirmed the latter with the supercillium showing white beyond the eye.

Distant record shot of Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

At this point I stopped to take a quick photo of the departing Little Egret as it passed me by on the river side.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

At the conservation area, now completely flooded, more Brent Geese and the main Wigeon flock totalling over 50 individuals.  Hiding well down in the tall grasses on the far side a single Grey Heron and walking further on and just into the woods a Robin recorded.

Wigeon Anas penelope

Making my way Back I stopped at the conservation to tale a closer look at the seven Grey Plovers resting atop individua posts and a little further along came across my only wader of the morning, a single Redshank at the river's edge.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola with 2 Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Approaching the final water outlet bridge I managed to see the first of two Little Grebes feeding on the river and on the final inland pool more Brent Geese and Wigeons plus a half-dozen Teal.

Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Water Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Redshank Tringa totanus

Male Wigeon Anas penelope

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.