Fishlake Meadows and Casbrook Common, Romsey

Wednesday 30 April 

Another, even hotter, day and definitely short-sleeve order as I was away early to be back at Fishlake Meadows by just after eight in the hope that I might finally catch up with the local Cuckoos and Hobby.  Upon arrival lots of bird song which then accompanied all round the reserve. Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Blackbird and Wren immediately and then a constant supply of Cetti's Warblers closely followed by both Sedge and Garden Warbler as I stopped at the first bench to check out the overall area from canal on my right to the main water away to my left.

A Carrion Crow overhead and nearby Magpie whilst away towards the lake both Canada and Greylag Geese in the sky with a Little Egret and pair of Mute Swans seen on the water followed by a passing Heron.   No sign of the resident Grasshopper Warbler nor either a Cuckoo or Hobby so decided to continue on round the reserve and do another check upon my return.  Moving on down the canal path I quickly came across Robin, Blackbird and more Wrens, Sedge and Garden Warblers.  Both Great and Long-tailed Tits put in an appearance and then a Tree-creeper flew low below the bank to a nearby tree to start its foraging climb.

Finally on and around the corner to take the path to the screens where Reed Warblers became the dominant species, albeit a lovely sight of a male Reed Bunting. On the small pond to the left a Greylag Goose and a couple of Gadwall.  Similarly, at the screens the water only offered more Greylag Geese, Mallards and Gadwall plus a pair of Common Tern.  On the other hand, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was busy drumming away to my right.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

As I made my way back along the narrow path, at last, my first Cuckoo could be heard calling away to my right.  I did eventually find the bird in a distant tree but, as I looked almost directly into the Sun, it appeared as a dark silhouette.  Hopefully, the bird might still be present when I eventually reached the canal path and had the Sun behind me.  And so it proved.  However, a second Cuckoo was now calling from the electricity pylons that I had just passed but either that or the original bird was found, albeit with its back towards the camera.

Distant Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Once back at the seat I was able to find a pair of Whitethroat along with the regular Sedge and Garden Warblers as I awaited the arrival of the Grasshopper Warbler.  Fortunately, it did arrive but only for about a minute in its favourite dead bush so, as before, not good for photography as the bird was hidden by a mass of branches.

Hidden Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Above me, those present looked up to see the passing Red Kite.  Then it was time to make my way back to the car park and head five miles up the road to Casbrook Common along Rudd Lane above the village of  Upper Timsbury.  Driving along Rudd lane at the northern side of casbrook Common I came across Magpie, Blackbird and Robin before seeing the Grey Partridge on the nearside verge which casually wandered away into the scrub.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Once parked up in Casbrook Road, I entered the common through the lower gate and paused in the bush-filled meadow to check the bird life.  Lots of Chiffchaff and Whitethroats along with a number of Woodpigeon. Both Carrion Crow and Wrens were noted and "Merlin" reported hearing a Willow Warbler but I could not find the bird. Time, therefore, to continued through the wood up to the high common and finding both Song Thrush and Blackcap. Almost out into the open when a Green Woodpecker took off from almost in front of me with a very loud alarm call.

Only a Chaffinch to add on the top common and making my way back to the low meadow I noticed the bird, assuming it to be another Chaffinch, atop one of the tall open trees to my left.  The bird moved away as I approached but only to a further tree where I was able to take record shots. But as I looked at the bird I had to immediately ruled out Chaffinch as the bird was not only slimmer but had a definite slender bill.  It was not until back home and able to enhance the photograph that I was able to confirm that the second "Merlin" identification was correct, I had found my first Willow Warbler of the year!

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Partridge, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Moorhen, Coot, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Tree-creeper, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 30 April 

What a fabulous day's birding for Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group. Bee-eaters, Black-eared Wheatear, Red-rumped Swallow, Golden Oriole; what's not to like amongst the group's 51 species. If only I could find some of these species back in the UK.  On the other hand, further west and Ireland seem to have been inundated with arriving Hoopoes this month.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 30th April

I drove Richard in his car together with Gilly and Nigel.   We headed towards the Sierra de Maria.  As we passed Velez Blanco I spotted the first bird of the day in the count zone, some House Martins near the castle.  En route to Maria town Richard saw Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, and a Blackbird.  Gilly added Common Swift and Spotless Starlings.  In town we saw House Sparrow and on the way to La Piza we clocked White Wagtail and Goldfinch.  Just after turning into the La Piza forest cafe approach road Nigel saw a Woodlark on the "football field".  As we were parking, Gilly found a Jay.  I discovered two Crossbill having a drink on the ramp in the water deposit.  Whilst having coffee Nigel spotted Blue, Coal and Crested Tits taking peanuts from the replenished bird feeders.  Gilly added Serin, Short-toed Treecreeper and Chaffinch.  The Jay returned for nuts.  A Collared Dove was also seen.  We were joined by Alan and Trevor.

Crested Tit on the nuts (PHOTO: Gilly)

Suitably refreshed we commenced the loop, Alan and Trevor following behind.  Richard opened the sun roof which gave us good views of an adult Booted Eagle Gilly had spotted.  Also seen were Carrion Crow, Magpie and Thekla Lark.  Gilly then spotted a single Griffon Vulture.  As we approached the village I spotted a couple of pairs of Calandra Larks.  As we parked up there were Greenfinch on the road. Gilly added a Red-rumped Swallow, but I trumped her with a male Golden Oriole flying along the front of the houses.  Alan and Trevor had seen a Corn Bunting and Richard, a Crested Lark. 

Corn Bunting (PHOTO: Gilly)

There were many Corn Buntings seen along the track.  As we approached the farm building with the nest box, low and behold there was a Roller on top of the box and another on the roof.  Two Red-billed Chough flew by.  Following behind Alan and Trevor added a Rock Sparrow.  En route to the cliff face we had Linnet and Black-eared Wheatear.  The cliff face produced Jackdaw, Black Wheatear and a Kestrel.  We could hear a number of Nightingales singing from the shrubs.  Moving on we found another Rock Sparrow.

Black-eared Wheatear (PHOTO: Gilly)

Driving through the cave village we came across some obliging Bee-eaters.  Driving towards the hamlet Gilly heard a Zitting Cistacola.  The hamlet had some Lesser Kestrels in residence.  Along the plain we disturbed about 7 Turtle Doves in a roadside Bush.  A Raven flew by.  At the water trough we saw a Hoopoe, Linnets, Serins and Gilly photographed a Turtle Dove.  

Bee-eaters (PHOTO: Gilly)
[Richard had a similar photo but couldn't download it. Sorry!]

We adjourned to the La Piza where we lunched inside as although the weather was sunny with clouds there was a bitterly cold breeze!  As we were leaving Trevor spotted some Griffon Vultures.  En route to Los Velezes we encountered two or three flumes of further Griffons.

Trevor and Alan visited the Botanical Garden.  They heard then saw a Western Bonelli's Warbler.  They heard a Great Tit, added a Woodchat Shrike and possibly a Western Orphean Warbler.

We ended with 48 species.  A really good days birding in good company!  Photos by Gilly.

Best wishes to Juda, Seamus and Linda

Regards

Dave

Turtle Dove with Goldfinch (PHOTO: Gilly)

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Hamble River

Tuesday 29 April

What a brilliant sunny, cloudless and warm morning and time for a quick walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back as the incoming tide approached the the higher levels.  Not a lot to be seen apart form the gulls where, for a major change, the Herring out-numbered the Black-headed Gulls by almost three to one.  In addition, a single Great Black-backed Gull resting with the Herring Gulls.

Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

A pair of Mallard were resting on the right as I approached the first footbridge and once at the muddy meadow a single Whimbrel feeding on the green growth whilst at the water's edge a pair of Oystercatchers.  At the back of the meadow a single Shelduck.  At the bottom of a neighbouring garden a Magpie was being harried by a trio of Carrion Crows. 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Nothing to add at the conservation area and on the return walk I cam across a Little Egret sheltering in the reeds and back a the first bridge a pair of Shelduck.

Female Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Male Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

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Testwood Lakes

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Sunday 27 April

A beautiful, sunny start to the day with clear blue skies and warm sunshine so before 9.30 I was on site at Testwood Lakes to the north-west of Southampton. As I walked from the lower car park to the Visitors Centre Blackbird, Magpie, Robin and Song Thrush noted along with the many Blackcaps and Wrens.  On the main lake to my left a trio of Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Mallard. 

Then it was on the the path through the tree to the two hides.  Stopping at the Sand Martin Hide there were dozens of Sand Martins feeding over the water and on the grasses between the water pools a number of Lapwing plus a trio of Egyptian Geese and a single Oystercatcher.

Checking the water itself I noted the occasional Moorhen plus a couple of Coot and a quartet of Gadwall plus a few more Mallard.  Just the single Greylag Goose immediately in front of me and off to the right a single Canada Goose.  Further away three feeding Little Egrets.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Looking more closely and taking distant record shots to confirm or otherwise I also caught sight of the visiting Wood Sandpiper but, in contrast to the weather above me, much inn shadow and poor light making recognition more difficult but eventually succeeded.  I also had a single Redshank to my right in almost similar conditions to add to the confusion!  Meanwhile, resting on a pole next to the hide the only Cormorant to be seen.  At the other extreme, on the furthest pool a Heron could just be made out below the nearside bank.

Distant record shot of Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Making my way to the Heron Hide I came across a pair of Mute Swans with the cob resting at the water's edge and the pen sitting tight on her nest just inside the reeds three metres away to the right. The nesting float held a pair of Common Terns and a further two were busy hunting above the water. Away in the trees behind me a tapping Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Accompanied by the many calling Cetti's Warblers and Chaffinches, not to mention Wren, Robin and Blackbird, I made my way back through the trees to take the circular path round the site stopping at the first of the two screens overlooking the pools from the south.  Good sightings of the many Lapwing plus Moorhens and the distant Heron and Little Egrets plus a few more Mallard.  Then, right in front of me at the water's edge, a lone Little Ringed Plover.  The bid remained foraging for a while until it moved off up one of the channels.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

By now the Chiffchaffs were becoming very vocal and no shortage either of Blackcaps.  In the small section of reeds to my left a Sedge Warbler and the shallow pool on the far field was playing host to a dozen Back-headed and a couple of Herring Gulls.

This small wooded area with lots of bushes also produced a number of Garden Warbler with their delightful song and they were joined by a pair of passing Goldfinches.  Finally, as I rounded the last corner of the lake before heading towards the car park, a pair of Linnets passed in front of me resulting in a final total of 37 species for my two hours.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Wood Sandpiper, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Redshank Tringa totanus

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Fishlake Meadows, Romsey

Friday 25 April

A somewhat dull start to the day but dry and little wind as I made my way over to Fishlake Meadows in Romsey. Arriving just after 9 the birds were singing and I soon had a list including Wren, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Robin and Woodpigeon.  Moving off down the canal I quickly added both Blackcap and Garden Warbler before arriving at the first bench.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

A long stop near the seat eventually produced a good, long sighting of the singing Grasshopper Warbler plus another Garden Warbler and many Cetti's Warblers.  behind me a singing Chiffchaff and Dunnock.  Indeed, there seemed to be singing Chiffchaffs and Wrens all around me.

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Over towards the water I could see both a Little Egret and a number of Mute Swans plus the the very flighty Greylag Geese.  A couple of Cormorant were also noted and above the water at least a score of feeding Swifts plus a handful of Barn Swallows.  A Carrion Crow flew in front of me towards its nest and behind, sitting of a roof, a calling Collared Dove.  Not to be outdone, a pair of Magpies flew in from behind to explore the meadow. In the far distance a Great Spotted Woodpecker was foraging atop a tree.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

Moving on down the canal path many singing Sedge Warblers and stopping to find a couple I succeeded in watching the brief arrival of a pair of Whitethroat. On round and down to the path to the screen where I came across the breeding territory of the newly-arrived Reed Warblers and on the small pool to my left a pair of Greylag Geese along with a Coot.

Greylag Geese Anser anser

Once at the screens, on the main water a number of Gadwall and Greylag Geese along with a pair of Black-headed Gulls, single Teal and a quartet of Tufted Duck plus a number of Mute Swans. Both Coot and Moorhen also present.

Anas strepera

Making my way back towards the car park many more Sedge and Garden Warblers plus a departing Great White Egret and, on the Osprey platform, a pair of Common Terns. A short deviation took me to the roadside viewing point where, on the main lagoon, I noted a Great Crested Grebe, a number of Mute Swans, more Tufted Duck and a couple of Herring Gulls.  Even a Heron departed as I approached the viewing point and a Common Tern was resting atop a tree pole.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

I made a slight diversion on the way home to check on the breeding Peregrine Falcons at Romsey Abbey but they were not to be seen, albeit I did note the trio of Rock Doves, a quartet of Jackdaws and a single Starling to make a morning's total of 40 species.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

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Scilly Isles Birding

 Monday 21 April

The Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis colony

The second of three stops on our week's cruise from Tilbury, London was at St Mary's in the Scilly Isles.  Once again, a lovely sunny day and upon landing in the harbour we soon came across a single Redshank and a dozen Turnstones on the sandy shore.  In the harbour as we arrived a number of Herring Gulls.

Whilst the others went for a stroll around the town, I joined a two-hour bird and seal boat trip out to the Puffin colony beyond St Agnes.  Here, not only lots of Puffins on the water, flying and or near their burrows but also a number of Herring and a handful of Great Black-backed Gulls.  We did see a Fulmar and also a single Razorbill.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

But, on the outlying rocks and a few on the shore we also noted very many Shag, including those in flight.  Great to have the opportunity to compare the the identifying aspects when compered to the more -widely seen Cormorants.  making our way back to St Marys we came across more Great Black-backed Gulls and even a couple of resting Oystercatchers.

 Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus with Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Once back on land I took an anti-clockwise walk up to the Garrrison and and around the cliffs finding a few Starlings, House Sparrows and Blackbirds.  However, the biggest and most pleasant surprise was to come across a Red-billed Chough foraging on a grassy bank and as I looked on in almost disbelief a second individual flew over me to the cliff behind.  Most annoying to regret not having taken a camera with me and even more so when, having returned to the ship, discovered that the mobile had not taken the photographs I thought it had!!!

Continuing on down to Old Town I added Collared Doves and Robins to the birds seen during the day and as the ship set sail for Ireland, a good number of feeding Gannets just off shore.

Birds seen:

Fulmar, Gannet, Shag, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Turnstone, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Razorbill, Puffin, Collared Dove, Robin, Blackbird, Chough, Starling, House Sparrow.

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Woodchat Shrike (PHOTO: Gill Elliott-Binns)

Thursday 24 April

Well, not only back to "normal" for the Arboleas Birding Group but making sure that Gilly attended also drew the crowds and birds! And what fabulous photos Gilly; well done!

Marbled Duck, Woodchat Shrike and both Squacco and Night Heron, no wonder everyone must have been happy.  For me, I was on a week's cruise to Honfleur, France followed by St Mary's in the Scilly Isles and finally a very wet Cohb for Cork in Ireland.  But I did get to see many Gannets and whilst in the Scilly Isles, Puffins, Shags, Razorbill and Fulmar but, perhaps best of all and a great surprise to many locals when I reported in, a pair of Red-billed Choughs on St Mary's itself.  Now that's a species I did not expect to see this year.  But, still very pleased to read of such a good turn out for your visit to the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 23rd April

After two weeks of enforced absence it was good to be back!  Richard picked Gilly and I up from home and we headed to the Almanzora rambla, joining just past the Desert Springs golf complex.  To begin with there was no water to be seen, but we did see Magpie and a pair of Bee-eaters.  Next came Woodpigeon and Spotless Starlings before we came across lots of shallow pools.  All seem to have at least one pair of Black-winged Stilt thereon and some Mallard.  Also seen were Coot and Moorhen, Goldfinch and White Wagtail.  Gilly found a Little Grebe.  A few Little Ringed Plovers were seen before we saw a Woodchat Shrike perched in a shrub.  Gilly added a Shelduck.  Also seen were Red-rumped and Barn Swallow, House Sparrow, Sardinian Warbler and  Iberian Grey Shrike.

Shelduck (PHOTO: Gill Elliott-Binns)

At the parking area above the ford we met up with Ab, Jenni, Trevor and Alan.  Richard was first to spot a Marsh Harrier heading up the rambla.  Nothing new was seen so we made our way to the beach. The sea was as flat as a tack so we could've seen any swimming birds with ease.  Unfortunately there was none!  There was a single Cormorant on the harbour rocks.  A Yellow-legged Gull flew past as did a House Sparrow.  A Turnstone was also seen on one of the rocks.  Gilly heard then later saw a Zitting Cistacola.  Trevor found a Spotless Starling on the tower.  A pair of Common Swift flew by as did some Audouin's Gulls.  Alan spotted a Sandwich Tern.

Squacco Heron (PHOTO: Gill Elliott-Binns)

We drove round to the far side of the estuary.  We heard Reed Warblers and Nightingales calling from the reeds.  Gilly then spotted a Squacco Heron just below us.  She also added a Grey Heron.  We were joined by Val.  (Yes, Peter, I handed over the envelope!)  I found a Little Egret and was first to spot an immature Night Heron which flew over a few times before settling in the reeds.  Alan added a Kentish Plover.  We adjourned to the Tiburon cafe in Villaricos for coffee.

Kentish Plover (PHOTO: Gill Elliott-Binns)

We convoyed down to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum Supermarket behind Vera Playa  where we came across Jacky.  There were the usual Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts, Moorhens and Coots.  We added Common Pochard and Shoveler.  Jacky found an Avocet.  Some Redshanks were seen.  I found a single Spoonbill and a Black-headed Gull.  Gilly then found a Purple Heron.  Alan saw some Red-crested Pochard.  A Whiskered Tern was quartering over the water.  A White-headed Duck was seen before Jacky found the birds of the day...a pair of Marbled Duck.  Also seen were Blackbird, Greenfinch, Serin and numerous House Martins.  Beyond the hump, Alan added a Common Sandpiper. Kevin, Troy and two friends unexpectedly joined us.

Marbled Ducks (PHOTO: Gill Elliott-Binns)

We moved round to the elevated platform opposite the Aguaparc.  Jacky found a Black-necked Grebe.  I spotted an adult Night Heron in the reeds.

Well, what a great day we had!  Very good birds, weather and company.  A total of 53 species seen or heard.

Best wishes to Juda, Nigel, Seamus, Linda and Peter 2.  Hope you all get better soon.

Regards

Dave

Photos by Gilly

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