New Forest Ponds plus Lepe then River Itchen

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Thursday 30 January 

A beautiful clear, calm and sunny day with not a cloud in sight albeit rather cold following a light frost overnight.  Picking up friend Richard Osman at 9.30 we were at Eyeworth Pond by just after 10am for a 25 minute stay to check what was about. Song Thrush, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Starling and Dunnock all recorded as we approached the site and all but the first two seen again on site.  More than a score of hungry Blue Tits feeding on the deposited seed around the gate and they were joined by a small number of Great and a couple of Marsh Tits.  Also present a Nuthatch along with a few Chaffinch and couple of Robin.  On the water itself 18 Mallard but no Mandarin Duck on this occasion.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Moving less than a mile over to Janesmoor Pond we found a small number of Blackbirds plus a Mistle Thrush and exploring the far side of the pond not only came across another Mistle Thrush and more Blackbirds but also a lone Fieldfare.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Cadnam, our third pond of the morning and less than a mile away, produced a different set of birds as we made a clockwise walk around the water.  Plenty of Robins to be heard and seen with all the other species congregated on the water and bank nearest the car park, no doubt awaiting some food! A good number of Mallards accompanied by a pair of Canada Geese and a single Muscovy Duck.  In the nearby bare trees both House Sparrows and Chaffinches and then, at the back of the car park in the nearest trees, a small number of Blue and Great plus a single Coal Tit taking advantage of the seed put down by a visiting birder.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Approaching mid-day so we decided on a quick visit to Lepe shore on the Solet opposite the Isle of Wight with a picnic stop at Exbury on the way.  The local playing field produced a good-sized flock of Jackdaws along with Carrion Crows and both Blackbirds and a couple of Mistle Thrushes.  Our twenty minute stop at Lepe shore gave sufficient time to scope the lagoon where we found a couple of Mute Swans, Canada Goose and a Heron on the distant bank.  Nearer to us on the southern shore a Shelduck a handful of Lapwing followed nearby by a number of sleeping Curlew and two Redshank. A few Black-headed Gulls were flying over or resting on the water and making our way back to the car we also encountered a Magpie and trio of Pied Wagtails.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Time to move on and head back to Southampton so that we could park at the Swan Hotel in Mansbridge and take a lovely walk downstream alongside the River Itchen as it passed through the park. A lovely 90 minutes spent here in the sunny afternoon as we walked as far as Woodmill and back with an immediate sighting of the first of many Long-tailed Tits. A few House Sparrows flitting around the trees behind the hotel and then a pair of Mute Swans graceful floating south downstream of the appropriately named hotel. Having passed under the road bridge to continue our walk we came across a most handsome Grey Wagtail on a branch resting atop the river and then the first of the three score Mallard we were to encounter.  Whilst under the bridge we watched a couple of local Rock Doves depart from their resting place.  And on the opposite side of the river the fist of the very many Black-headed Gulls we were to encounter on the walk.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Great Tit, Woodpigeon and Magpie were recorded before finding a pair of resting Greylag Geese under the opposite bank.  The approach a sharp bend to the left we found both a Moorhen and a pair of Little Grebe working the wider stretch of the river.  Towards the end of the outward walk we came across a pair of Canada Geese and a Pied Wagtail and once, having crossed the road to Woodmill itself, found scores of Black-headed and a single Herring Gull on the large lagoon in front of us.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Time to start the return walk and, apart from more Long-tailed and Great Tits, we also found Robin, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff plus the Grey Wagtail we had seen on the outward walk.  A beautiful birding day in Richard's pleasant company and a final total of 40 species.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Muscovy Duck, Little Grebe, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Blue Tits P.caeruleus with a Marsh Tit P.palustris

Great Tit Parus major

Very hungry Blue Tits Parus caeruleus

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Greylag Geese Anser anser

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 29 January 

Sounds like a great morning's birding by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group and especially impressed with the number of White-headed Ducks seen.  An early Little Ringed Plover suggests that Summer, never mind Spring, is on its way.  Probably at least another three months before I see my first LRP of the year.  Back here in the UK we still have all our winter visitors albeit yet to see either Redwing or Fieldfare this Winter.  And no nearby sightings of brambling so, perhaps, plenty of food back home.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 29th January

Having survived the high winds over the past few days, (Albox recorded a 116km gust, the highest in Spain!) I headed to the Rambla de Almanzora. I joined at the usual place, just past the Desert Springs golf complex.  The first weir and about a kilometre beyond were dry  I then came across some large pools.  First bird seen was a Green Sandpiper, followed by Black-winged Stilts and the first of many Teal.  White Wagtails were flitting about.  A Stonechat perched on a thistle.  A large flock of Jackdaws flew over.  Further pools supported Mallard, Moorhens and lots of Teal.  The final pool contained many Mallard and a few Gadwall.  On the edge were some Little Ringed Plovers.  A Magpie flew by.

I reached the dry ford and backtracked up the rambla to the newly formed pool.  More Teal, Black-winged Stilts together with a Snipe, Kentish Plover and Common Sandpiper.  I made my way to the parking area to await the others.  There I added Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Spotless Starling, Blackbird and Blackcap.  Kevin arrived.  He'd also seen a Woodpigeon.  We added Chiffchaff and a flying Kestrel together with some prey in its talons.

Teal (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A Guardia Civil Helicopter started to circle the area.  Sadly an elderly Spanish man ha s recently gone missing.  The helicopter then landed on the rough land between us and the main road. The pilot got out and relieved himself.  When one has to go, one has to go!  He returned to the chopper and took off. Later we saw Civil Protection personnel with civilian volunteers doing land searches.

Once Trevor had arrived we moved to the beach.  Kevin eyed a Cormorant on the harbour rocks.  He then spotted some Sandwich Terns.  On the rocks I saw Turnstones and a Whimbrel.  An adult Gannet passed close to shore closely followed by a Little Egret.  We drove over to the estuary.  There we added Black-headed Gulls, Coot and Grey Herons.  Lots of Cormorants swimming around.  Kevin then spotted a red billed juvenile Spoonbill.  We adjourned to Villaricos village for a coffee.  We were joined by House Sparrows!

Juvenile Spoonbill (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We then made our way to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow water behind Vera Playa. Trevor found some Shelduck as well as numerous Shoveler.  We counted 10 Greater Flamingos.  Small number of Crag Martins were flying around.  I then spotted a fast walking Water Rail.  Kevin added Little Grebe.  Trevor found a Snipe.

Teal (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Seeing lots of sitting gulls on the sandy spit we made our way to the first elevated viewing point. Amongst the numerous Black-headed Gulls we found 3 Mediterranean Gulls.  There were also 3 Common Pochard resting there.  I found a Black-necked Grebe on the water.

I departed to the Iceland supermarket as Kevin and Trevor went to the other elevated platform.  There they added 50 White-headed Ducks.

Gadwall (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A great days birding with the two other amigos!  44 species in total.  Was a bit chilly to start with.

Regards

Dave

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Weston Shore, Southampton

Wednesday 29 January

The stormy weather continues but with regular interludes of calmer weather and in Warsash we seem to have missed the worst.  Each day, either morning or afternoon, we get some dry hours with hazy sunshine albeit heavy train and thunderstorms yesterday with more rain this afternoon before the arrival of the next storm on Friday.  So at least we get a sunny day tomorrow and I get to visit the New Forest again.  But for today, out straight after breakfast to visit relatively nearby Weston Shore at the top of Southampton Water to check on our winter visits, but no waders as high tide.

Arriving at 9.20 for an hour's birding I was immediately greeted by dozens of, mainly, Black-headed but also Herring Gulls along with at least 40 Brent Geese and Carrion Crows and nine Mute Swans, all to be seen right in front of me.

Scoping the far side of the water in front of Hythe, I found five Great Crested Grebes and then successfully found the visiting Slavonian and Red-necked Grebes. A passing ferry disturbed the feeding Great Northern Diver which then flew a couple of hundred yards south before resettling, still on the far side.  Also on the far side a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena (from Internet)

Eight Feral Pigeons on the beach to my immediate left and a Pied Wagtail at the far end of the car park.  Behind me both Magpie and Woodpigeon recorded before coming across a male Blackbird.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer (from Internet)

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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Titchfield Meon Shore

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Saturday 25 January

Calm and sunny this morning even if only creeping up to 1C! What with off late this afternoon for an overnight visit to St Malo as part of the pre-maiden voyage of Brittany Ferries new hybrid ferry from Portsmouth (well, somebody has to take part in the free trial!) and the next storm expected tomorrow afternoon and heading straight up the Channel, best to take an early morning visit to the Meon Shore at Titchfield Haven to see if any sea ducks are about. Not a sausage never mind a duck.  On the other hand, resting on the roof of a house on the other side of the road, Starling, Rock Doves and a couple of Woodpigeon.

Approaching the shore a resting Kestrel and a pair of Greylag Geese flew over away from the reserve.  From the cliff top overlooking the Solent no ducks or divers to be seen so back to the car park on the shore and a look at both the waters of Titchfield haven and the Meon harbour.  The lagoon seen from the viewing area produced a couple of Shoveler and Gadwall plus a trio of Little Grebe and a Coot.  Plenty of immature and a few adult Herring Gulls but it needed the scope to look beyond the lagoon and into the reserve proper to find a couple of Canada Geese and Shelduck plus a small number of Lapwing and Teal.  on the far bank below the hide a score of grazing Wigeon, handful of Black-tailed Godwit and a single Snipe.

Moving on to the road bridge for a different angle of the reserve I picked up the trio of Mute Swan below me plus a pair of Magpie.  An Oystercatcher flew over from the beach and into the reserve. In the trees beyond the hide a resting Buzzard at the top of a tall tree. Next a walk through the Visitors Centre back yard to the marina, noting more Starlings and House Sparrows trying to protect their nest boxes plus a pair of Blue Tits.  As I was leaving a pair of calling Brent Geese flew up river.

Sanderling Calidris alba

From the marina sea wall a good view of the roosting Sanderling and Turnstones.  At least a couple of score of both.  In the harbour itself many Mallard and a few more foraging Turnstone plus a score of more Black-headed Gulls.  Stopping for a last look at the Solent before heading back to Warsash a lone Cormorant fishing in mid-water and near the toilet black a trio of Carrion Crows. 

Most of the main Sanderling Calidris alba flock

One last sighting as I headed back through Posbrook towards Titchfield village the local Rooks were foraging o their usual field and it would appear this was first sighting this month so taking my annual species total up to 99.  Just one to go and only a week let in January! And the final sightings cam e just round the corner as I turned onto the Titchfield - Warsash road with a tree holding a dozen Jackdaw and on the opposite side of the road another tree holding a score of Starling.  Amazing what you can see in a minutes over an hour.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow.

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Warsash and Solent Shore

Friday 24 January

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Strong overnight wind and heavy rain had eased by morning and with the improving weather getting even better by lunch time I decided on an early afternoon walk along the Warsash shore and on down to the Solent to reach the Meandering Pools before returning.  Extra layers on for warmth and comfort as I completed the two and a half-mile walk, but with fewer birds than expected in two hours.  Once past the slipway I encountered my first Black-headed Gull of the afternoon quickly followed by both Redshank and Oystercatcher. 

Curlew Numenius arquata

By the time I had reached the School of Navigation many more Redshank and Oystercatcher along with a Curlew.  Just before the pier I found a score of Brent Geese and, on the other side almost under the pier, a handful of Wigeon and Teal.  Continuing on down to the Spit with the tide now over two hours on its inward journey, the first large group of Black-headed plus a few Herring Gulls.  A Carrion Crow rested on a fence.  this first part of the continuing walk produced many more Redshank feeding at the water's edge and once round the corner heading directly to the Spit I could look across the mudflats and find more gulls plus about fifteen Dunlin and and a handful of Grey Plover.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

On the water leading to the other side of the Spit a few dozen Wigeon plus another dozen Teal along with a couple more Curlew.  A Ringed Plover flew over this water to the far side and once I reached the end of the path I could see that the sea had yet to cover the mudbank on the sea side of the Spit so producing scores of Oystercatchers, dozens of Carrion Crows and more Herring Gulls.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Reaching the Scrape I was amazed to discover that not a single bird was present even if the high water had covered most of the islands. So, on down towards the gorse area where I found a couple of Magpie and a Skylark took off from the grass on my right.  taking a rest on the seat overlooking the deserted Scrape, I found a single Mute Swan in the  channel and later a passing pair of Mallard.  However, very pleasant to see the arrival of a Fox who stopped, looked at me for a while before deciding no food here and wandered back up the entrance path.  Nothing to be seen either passing through the gorse or at the Meandering Pools so a question of about turn and start on the return journey.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

As I came back along the Solent shore the occasional passing Herring Gull and a handful of departing Turnstones before seeing the a lone Cormorant making its way south as I reached the Spit.  It looked like it was going to be a very bird-short visit until I got back to the small pool next to the School of Navigation.  Having found the foraging Greenshank I had no sooner started my departure than I came across a trio of Moorhens on the grass next to the pond. 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Finally, making my way up towards Strawberry Fields, a Kestrel flying overhead and then a lone Woodpigeon high in a tree next to the narrow path.  Was that the end?  No. Reaching the front car park a Meadow Pipit was resting on the wall separating the slipway from the car park and as it moved away so a Pied Wagtail wandered casually along between the seats to enable me to finally with 24 species for the walk.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Kestrel, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Teal Anas crecca

Wigeon Anas penelope

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 22 January 

I noted immediately that the camera was back in action once more and what a bird to start with!  I think I will not be seeing a Griffon Vulture back in Blighty and a long drive to pick up a Red-billed Chough (Cornwall) but most of he others are always a possibility.  No Iberian Shrike this week for you but back here we area seeing a lot of Long-tailed Tits so many have survived the winter despite the snow, frost and floods.  For me, today was the sight of my first Hawfinch since back in Spain maybe five years ago but, I must admit, it seems a shame that you longer get to regularly see a Corn Bunting.

Sierra de Maria  - Wednesday 21st January

Was Billy no Mates again (Do I need to change my deodorant?) as I headed to the Sierra de Maria. There was high cloud and it was a bit hazy on the peaks.  The temperature wasn't too bad, 9c.  I only saw some Spotless Starlings before I reached the La Piza forest cafe.  I was greeted by a flock of about 12 Crossbills chirping away high in the trees. The bird feeders were empty and, when I arrived, there was no bread out.  After I got my coffee the barman brought out a load of waste bread which he dumped near the water pool.  Almost immediately some Chaffinches came to peck at the bread as did a Great Tit and Robin.  I was joined by Richard and Peter.  They had logged a Woodpigeon.  Next came Michael, Karen, Trevor and Val.  Richard kindly checked over my camera!

Having had our coffees, we convoyed around the loop with me leading and the others following.  I saw some Collared Doves as we passed through the forest zone.  On the agricultural area I spotted a large bird of prey flying low to my right.  An adult Golden Eagle.  It had disappeared over a ridge before the others caught up.  I carried on and my jaw dropped as a House Martin flew across in front of my truck. It was only about 5 metres ahead of me so there was no doubt.  I know some overwinter near the coast, but not up in the mountains!  I also saw a White Wagtail before we got to the village.  Michael and Karen had seen a Carrion Crow.  Richard added a Thekla Lark and Trevor a Raven.  There was a charm of Goldfinches feeding on the field margins.  Carrying on I saw a large group of Goldfinches in a tree together with at least one Corn Bunting.  At the ruined building on the left I spotted a Little Owl perched on a rock.

Trevor and I both spotted some low level Griffon Vultures in the distance.  By the time we'd driven to the scene they had climbed a bit.  We counted 12 in total.   As I approached the cliff face I saw a Griffon Vulture land on the rocks to the left.  A pair of Jackdaw flew over.  We carried on.  I added Magpie, Greenfinch, Stonechat and a pair of Red-billed Chough.  Those two were completely overshadowed by the 100+ Chough feeding on a ploughed field enroute to the hamlet.  Also seen were large flocks of Chaffinch and White Wagtails.

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We didn't see anything at the hamlet until two birds flew over....Black Bellied Sandgrouse.  Then a Raven appeared.  The plain was virtually devoid of birdlife apart from a Black Redstart.  We stopped at the water trough.  Linnets were added to the list.

We adjourned to the La Piza cafe for lunch.  Saw the same birds as previously until we were on the point of heading home when Richard saw both Long-tailed and Crested Tit.

A good day was had by all. 26 species in all.  Very lucky with the weather!

Regards, Dave

And look what's below!!! Yay!!!

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Two New Birds for the Year

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

Wednesday 22 January 

Rain was promised today, 85% chance, and set to stay with us for a week. But, come 8.30 following an overnight shower, it was dry albeit dull and cloudy but still. So off to Southampton Old Cemetery with friend Richard Osman to see if the Hawfinch was still about.

Blue and Great Tits as we walked to the right of the chapel and taking a clockwise circuit also found a pair of Nuthatches.  Just the one Carrion Crow but half-dozen Magpies continually on the move.  Eventually, a few Woodpigeons and Richard found a trio of Greenfinches whilst I made contact with a single Chaffinch and a couple of Herring Gulls passing overhead.  But still no Hawfinch.

Then a final walk around and down pat the chapel to meet a small family group who had one a single Hawfinch.  Distant and at the top of the tallest bare tree to the right so only possible to get  record photograph in the dull light.  

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes

Then, as I looked up to the top of the tall tree in front of me the outline of what looked like a possible Green Woodpecker so able, again, to get a record shot of the distant bird but which, upon checking the photograph and giving it a little more light, proved to be a Great Spotted Woodpecker so Richard still awaits that magic moment when he finds his first Green woodpecker!

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

Thirty-five minutes later we were on our way home so that we could stop near Bitterne Triangle to check the bank of the River Itchen to see f here were any Black Swans to be seen following the seven seen by Richard last Saturday.  A singe Carrion Crow on the grass and then, looking to the left of the large flock of Feral Pigeons feeding on the bank, presumably from bread thrown by visiting children and/or adults, four Black Swans slowly moving our way.  Beyond the Black another five Mute Swans plus a trio of Mallards paddling down river and a handful of Black-headed plus a couple of immature Herring Gulls.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Meanwhile, the Black Swans continued on past us to the bridge before returning to leave the  water immediately in front of us.  It would appear that at least two of the adults had paired up and were very busy interacting with each other.  Only necessary to remain on site for ten minutes before the fist spots of ran arrived so back to the car and the rain, if you could call it that, ceased.  Home, showered and shaved, etc by 11. 30 and still no rain and a brighter sky. What could be better?

Interacting Black Swans Cygnus atratus

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Black Swan, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch Hawfinch.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Immature Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

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Farlington Marsh

Sunday 19 January

Farlington Marsh from the mirador

The dry, cold and cloudy days continue as collecting friend Richard Osman we drove over to Farlington Marshes for the morning arriving at 9.30.  As we drove along the parking road to the far end a Raven flew up from the ground to a large traffic indicator, so what a way to start the visit.  As we prepared to set off on a clockwise circuit we were joined by two fellow HOS members, Ron , who we had met on previous occasions, and a new member, Laura Croucher who, like me on my first HOS meeting at this site, had mistaken the correct parking area to meet fellow members.  So the four of us set off on our own "Mini HOS" outing!

Mudflats from the mirador

Passing through the bushes at the start f the track we soon encountered both Robin and Blackbird with a couple of Cormorants passing overhead and a resting female Kestrel atop a tree on our left.  A pair of Mallard were on a small pool to our left and, looking up, we watched a handful of Greenfinches fly over us.  The next "pond" produced a Moorhen and and an Oystercatcher on the bank. Then, through the kissing gate and up onto the sea wall with the tide almost fully out time for a long stop to take in the foraging birds on the mudflats.  Lots of Pintail and Teal along with Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatchers.  Away on the far right as many as sixty Brent Geese and further left a number of Black-headed Gull with a Great Black-backed Gull resting on what seemed like an upturned boat.  Behind us in the direction from which we had come a Carrion Crow was resting atop a road sign.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Stopping at the mirador gave us chance to take a really good look at both the mudflats to our left and the large lagoon, no much reduced in size from my last visit, to the left.  On the mudflats more Redshank and Curlew plus very many Pintail but also a couple of Shelduck and a few Teal.

A few of the many Pintail Anas accuta

Meanwhile, on the water a flock of Lapwing on the extreme left followed by a Black-tailed Godwit that flew to the far bank revealing the sleeping Snipe.  Next came a good-sized flock of Teal plus a couple of Herring Gulls. Just  couple of Canada Geese plus the handful that flew over the water, then more shelduck and finally, on the right-hand edge, a massive flock of resting Lapwing totalling perhaps as many 300 individuals.

Scores of resting Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Moving on and round the corner to continue our walk we continued to find hundreds of Brent Geese plus the occasional Mallard before our first Magpie found by Laura.  A very distant Little Egret then before making our final turn to take us back towards our exit point from the sea wall we came across a large mixed flock of Canada Geese and Wigeon.

Time to take a stop as we approached the Deeps to check the sea line where we found a large flock of Dunlin.  But  not the couple of Shelduck in their company it was the pair of Red-breasted Mergansers just a few metres away on the water itself.  And whilst Ron was finding a nearby quartet of Great Crested Grebes in trying to locater the former, I eased my scope in his direction and picked up three male Goosanders between to the two sightings.  Whilst all four of us were checking the birds it became obvious to me that another small diver was in the vicinity and, eventually getting the scope focused on the bird, was delighted to discover a Black-necked Grebe.

As for the waters around the islands in the Deeps, mainly Shoveler with more Teal and a few Pintail.  In the distance more Brent Geese and then the visit of a lone Raven followed by a pair of Carrion Crows giving a good comparison between both size and tail shape. Off to the left a Little Grebe.  Laura was first to pick out the Heron flew across the back and time to move on before stopping as I spotted the little brown bird flitting around the weeds and inside of the sea wall where I was able to confirm that we had our first Rock Pipit of the morning.

Before reaching the turn inland we stopped once again to check the shore line and found a huge flock of about 400 Dunlin accompanied by the occasional Curlew and Oystercatcher and out on the water many more Pintail.  Looking back across the marsh at least two more Little Egrets.

Curlew Numenius aquata

So onto the old barn and the lagoon now with too little rather than too much water.  A few on the water but about 70 Coot on the grassy bank.  Behind the barn another dozen Moorhen. leaving the barn we took the field path alongside the water finding more teal plus another resting Kestrel.  Then, juts before take a small track on the right to regain the sea wall walk a Marsh Harrier flew over us and on into the reserve.  A Buzzard was resting atop a distant tree and probably one of the pair seen on a fence on out outward walk three hours previously. No sign of the Green Woodpecker spotted by the birder we met but as we made our way back to the car we did find yet another resting Kestrel, probably the previously seen female, along with a couple of Woodpigeon and more Robins and Blackbirds.

Distant Buzzard Buteo buteo

A most enjoyable morning's birding and in good company.  So pleased that Laura was happy to join us and hope we meet up again at a future birding event.

Resting female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Goosander, Red-breasted merganser, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, Greenfinch.

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