Workmans Lane, Warsash

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Friday 30 May 

A beautiful warm, sunny day with hardly a breeze so up to Workmans Lane at the southern end of the village with a walk down to the Solent coast, including a side deviation along the bottom of the horse field, and then along the cliff top to Chilling Head before taking the path back up to the bottom of Workmans Lane and back to the car. The first part of the walk produced both a female Blackcap and a Dunnock before checking the field to the right where I found a trio of Magpies and a couple of woodpigeon.  Once inside the horse field on the right a Blackbird and a quartet of Canada Geese plus the same number of Rooks towards the top of the field.  As I walked along the bottom I noticed a couple of distant Roe Deer and the then the flock of about thirty Carrion Crows.  

Distant Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

On the path in front of me a half-dozen Linnets preening and drinking from a puddle and above a quartet of Barn Swallows.  A male Stonechat was resting on the donkey field fence and above a Skylark. At the far end, near the pond, one of the adults from the Egyptian Goose family.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Returning to the road a Blackbird on the hedge and a couple of nearby Jackdaws at the edge of the horse field.  Passing along the narrow path a Song Thrush in the adjoining garden with a beak full of food for its offspring.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Once on the Solent shore a single Mallard on the pond to my left and on a spit just off shore a score of resting Herring Gulls and nine Oystercatchers.  Further along the shore to the the north a foraging Little Egret. But, most surprisingly of all, a Black Swan on the open water, presumably from the swan flock at the Meon harbour near Hill Head.

making my way back up to Workmans Lane a pair of Stock Doves on the path in front of me and no sooner back on the lane than I came across a very friendly Wren posing in a small bare tree. Towards the top of the lane a dozen Starling passed over the road and into the top end of the horse field and just round the corner a House Sparrow to give a final tally of 26 species for the walk.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Black Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Linnet.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

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Pig Bush and Fishlake Meadows

Thursday 29 May 

Very windy and cloudy but just about dry as I set off for Pig Bush in the New Forest, relatively close to Lyndhurst, and out amongst the trees before 7.30 in my search for a first Common Redstart of the ear. Lots of Wrens and Robins and soon also many Blackbirds about before hearing my first Redstart.

A walk through the trees and out into the open then approaching the smaller, more tightly packed trees where I discovered Willow Warblers.  A cock Pheasant of to my right and a lone heron flew over which drew my attention to a number of Woodpigeons and a single Carrion Crow. A few hundred yards in front of me a Cuckoo was calling then a quick sighting as it moved across the heather and disappeared.

Distant  record shot of the male Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Back into the tall, mature trees in front of the car park and, once again, the almost deafening sound of singing Wrens and Robins.  And this time not only Blackbirds but a couple of Song Thrushes.  Again, a few more redstarts before, around 8.30, I called it a day and made my way back to Romsey for a walk round the Fishlake Meadows reserve.

Setting off along the canal path at 9.15 now brighter but still very windy for the walk to the screens on the far side before returning to the car over two hours later.  Immediately Wren, Robin, Blackcap and Blackbird and as I looked up into the canopies my first Magpies, many Woodpigeon and a Carrion Crow.  Continuing on down along the canal very many Cetti's Warblers along with Chiffchaff and the first Reed Warbler and Whitethroat.  Looking across the reserve towards the water I could pick out a Cormorant, Mute Swans and a Common Tern.  (I had already noted both Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls from a hurried stop at the roadside viewing area.)

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Next up the first Sedge and Reed Warblers with a Collared Dove resting on top of the chimney of a house beyond the canal. Then on round the back to take the path to the screens with a trio of Mallard and a Little Egret on the small pond to the left.  The area in front of the right-hand screen was completely covered in tall reeds but it did not prevent the Water Rail from making itself known.  From the left-hand screen overlooking the water more Mallards but mainly Gadwall and a couple of Tufted Duck. Whilst approaching the screen I finally heard the Cuckoo then located the male atop a lone bare tree and able to obtain distant record shots.

Distant  record shot of the male Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Back to the car with more of the same plus a second Cuckoo calling from the north of the reserve and a Dunnock foraging on the path in front of me.  At this part on the return journey, not only more Whitethroats but also Garden Warblers plus a lone Song Thrush and Redstart.  29 species here compared with only 11 in the New Forest itself albeit "Merlin" identified a further 8 species at the latter.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Water Rail, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch. 

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 28 May 

Looks like Dave had a long day yesterday with Stefaan and Eli and ended up "all birded out" so many thanks and appreciation to Barrie and Alan for leading the Arboleas Birding Group's visit to the Sierra de Maria. And my word they seem to have found some good birds as well as the heat after the recent poorer weather.  Back in Blighty having had our long, hot spell, a few damp days but the hot(ter) weather seems to be returning once again.

Sierra de Maria: Wednesday 28 May: Sierra de Maria (Report from Alan)

As Dave was all birdied-out after his guiding yesterday, Barrie and I arranged for the group to meet for a trip around The Loop.  The group comprised Nigel, Seamus and Linda, Peter 1, Richard, Kevin, Trevor, Barrie and Beryl, and me. We met at La Piza cafe-bar and, when I arrived with Trevor, several species had been seen, either on the journey in or at La Piza itself.  These included Jackdaw, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Jay, House Sparrow and Wood Pigeon.  Barrie had also heard a Firecrest.  While we finished our coffees, a Blue and a Crested Tit put in an appearance.

As a point of interest, Kevin had spent the previous night 'up the road', a few kilometres going west, at Manantial de Fuencaliente.  He recorded Golden Oriole, Nightingale and Corn Bunting singing.  He also saw a pair of Lesser Kestrel, at the farm buildings where we normally see them, as he journeyed to La Piza. 

Golden Oriole (PHOTO: RN Wright)

We set off on The Loop and, as usual, the stretch through the wooded section near the start produced nothing visible although Barrie did record the calls/songs of Chaffinch and another species that I didn't note (was it Great Tit?) using the Merlin app on his phone.  Further along we saw Common Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Rock Sparrow, Linnet and many Corn Buntings and Crested Larks.  A Mallard in flight was seen as well as a couple of Magpies.  Then, perched on a low bush, perhaps rather unusually, I spotted a Roller which, in the perfect light and direction of the sun, showed that species' brilliant colours.  It flew off a short distance but everyone was able to see it.  A single Turtle Dove was briefly seen and Greenfinch, Red-billed Chough, Zitting Cisticola, and Reed Warbler (heard only) added.  Near The Cliff Face a Nightingale was heard, Kevin saw a Black Wheatear before it disappeared from view. It may have been Linda who first spotted a Griffon Vulture soaring high above, the first of several seen during the day.  On the way back to the cars, a pale morph Booted Eagle gave good views and Nigel and others saw a second one before we left.

Quite a bit further along near the airfield, two Ravens were circling using the thermal upcurrents. Goldfinch was added and Richard saw a Spotted Flycatcher.

We returned to La Piza, seeing only one Lesser Kestrel at the farm buildings on the way but also another Roller in the fruit trees newly planted on the plain.  We had lunch and I noticed just the head of a bunting as it stood in the shallow concrete drinking pool.  As it flew up Barrie saw the yellowish tinge on the underside - a Cirl Bunting.

After lunch, Barrie and Beryl, Trevor and I decided to visit the botanical garden.  We parked by the chapel and within minutes Barrie had logged Serin, Common Cuckoo and heard and then seen a Western Subalpine Warbler, closely followed by a Western Olivaceous Warbler, aka Isabelline Warbler, perched high in a tree from whence it started singing as well.  We had a brief look around the gardens and heard a Western Bonelli's Warbler, our final bird of the day.

Fort-two species seen during a very hot morning and early afternoon, up to 30 degC.  Thanks to all for contributing to a very pleasant day.

Alan

NOTE:  "Merlin" is a fee app available for either Android or iPhone.  There are a few errors but now probably in excess of 90% accurate.  Indeed, speculation suggest that most errors are down to wrong identification by the individual recoded.  Back in the UK on organised birding trips with HOS (Hampshire ornithological Society), I find that over half, and growing on each subsequent visit, of members are using their Merlin to identify bird song.  If like me and age is taking its toll on your hearing, I use merlin to inform me what is about and then search out the individual, only recording birds that I have then actually heard and identified.  For example, an early morning visit to a specific spot in the New Forest to locate Common Redstart today resulted in a final tally of 11 species but my Merlin also recorded a further 8 species!  A great help to birders especially when the trees are in full leaf.

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Cabo de Gata with Dave and Friends

 Wednesday 28 May

I think my friend, David Elliott-Binns's introduction to the following report is self-explanatory re the make up of birders for Tuesday's visit to my favourite site in Almeria, Cabo de Gata.  And what a splendid day it turned out to be as you will see for yourself as your read on.

Kentish Plover (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Cabo de Gata, Rambla Morales & Roquetas Tuesday 27th May

Kevin passed my details to someone who'd contacted him regarding a day's birdwatching at Cabo de Gata.  I was very happy to put my hand up to Stefaan & Els from Belgium.  I left home in a very good mood as I could hear the call of a Red-necked Nightjar coming from our rambla.  I headed south on the A7/E15 and came off at the Retamar Sur exit.  I made my way through the suburb seeing the usual suspects...House Sparrow, House Martin, Blackbird and Collared Dove.  En route to the Pujaire meeting place I disturbed a breakfasting Magpie picking morsels from a snake roadkill.  I arrived at the cafe in plenty of time for a large coffee.  Stefaan & Els arrived shortly afterwards and also had a coffee.  Our first item on the itinerary was to travel round the rear of the Cabo de Gata bird reserve.  Leaving their vehicle there, they joined me in my cleaned out truck.  Passing the first hide we saw the bird I'd guaranteed we'd see...Greater Flamingo!  That box ticked, I drove the length of the beach front to the far end and joined the rear track.  We had good close views of both Kentish and Ringed Plover.  Also seen were Yellow-legged Gulls and Avocets.  There were numerous gulls sitting on the raised causeways behind the village.  These turned out to be Audouin's Gulls.  Smaller land birds included Spotless Starlings and Thekla Larks.  We spotted a bird on the power line.  An Iberian Grey Shrike.  At the hide we had reasonably close views of Greater Flamingos and Avocets.  Some Shelduck were seen plus a Zitting Cistacola, White Wagtail and Barn Swallow.

Flamingo (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove to the first hide.  We saw more Greater Flamingos and Avocets.  Amongst the latter were some Black-winged Stilts.  There was a Little Egret on the rocky causeway.  On the water we saw a few Slender-billed Gulls doing their dipping movement.  I then spotted movement on the right hand side steppes.  We had good views of at least two Stone Curlews.

Avocet (PHOTO: Stefaan)

En route to the second hide a Kestrel landed just to our left.  A seawatch didn't produce anything of note.  The sea was very calm.  The second hide didn't add anything to the list so we made our way to the public hide.  On an island to the left were numerous Little Terns.  Stefaan found a pair of Redshank to our right.  A Gull-billed Tern flew past the front of the hide and dropped onto the causeway.  A pair of Ringed Plovers went ballistic, chasing it off.

Ringed Plover (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I now decided we'd go to the lighthouse.  Going up the hill after the last village we saw a Black-eared Wheatear on a post.  Traffic following me prevented a stop.  At the lighthouse we saw Yellow-legged Gulls.  As we were observing a small raft of them out to sea we found a Scopoli's Shearwater.

We adjourned to Cabo village for drinks and tostadas!  A pair of Jackdaws flew by.

I thought I'd try the route to Rambla Morales . Still work going on, but I took the plunge and gingerly drove along the beach.  Got to the parking area safely.  At the sea end there were black bellied Dunlin, Ringed Plovers and Black-winged Stilts.  Gull-billed Terns were patrolling the skies.  We walked down to the hump.  There were Greater Flamingos in the water with Coot and White-headed Ducks.  Avocets were on the sand beaches on the far side.  We heard a Reed Warbler calling.  We saw a Bee-eater.  Els found another one perched.  Three Cattle Egrets flew towards the sea end.  Two Squacco Herons flew on the far side landing in a shrub.  I walked back for the truck.  A Goldfinch posed well.  I also saw a pair of Common Swifts.  When I returned Stefaan was getting some good shots of the still perched Goldfinch.  I tried to get out by the campsite but the route was blocked by three very large rocks.  By a roundabout route I eventually got to the main road.  I dropped Stefaan & Els at their vehicle and they followed me to Roquetas.  As we passed through Retamar I saw a Monk Parakeet.

Goldfinch (PHOTO: Stefaan)

It's a long haul to Roquetas but we eventually got to the large lake by the hotels. We immediately heard a Great Reed Warbler shouting its call only metres from us, but never saw it!  There was not a lot on the water.  I found Great Crested and Black-necked Grebes.  Stefaan later got a Little Grebe.  Above us there were House Martins, Barn Swallows and a single Red-rumped Swallow.  I found a pair of resting Red-crested Pochard to our left.  A Squacco Heron flew into the low reeds immediately below us and vanished.  We also saw a Common Pochard and a Whiskered Tern.  We drove to the entrance to the reserve itself.  Disaster!  Access to unauthorised vehicles denied with a heavy duty chain to enforce the order.  Could possibly due to it being the breeding season and a lot of birds ground nest here.  We parked up and walked to what we used to call the Red-knobbed Coot pond.  Alas no coots but Stefaan did spot a Marbled Duck before it flew off.  There were a few eclipse Mallard and a sleeping Common Pochard in the undergrowth.  Els found a Zitting Cistacola as we walked back to the vehicles.  Turtles and Terrapins were keeping an eye on us!

Little Grebe (PHOTO: Stefaan)

We ended, I think, with 51 species ( I made a list for each location!)  A good day's birdwatching in good company.  I hope Stefaan & Els come back next year for some more birdwatching.

Great Crested Grebe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I hope you will all join me in sending our best wishes to Juda, who is currently in Almeria Hospital.

Regards

Dave

Tarrapin (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Durlston National Park, Dorset

Saturday 24 May

Just the five of us present, including leader Julian Mosely of HOS for the walk along the cliffs at Durlston Park a mile south of Swanage.  However, with my knees paying up and reaching the steep and rugged decline just before the lighthouse I chose to return and, collecting jenny made an early departure for Devizes to send the week end with middle son, grandchildren and great grand-children, hence the low bid count during the short period I was wit the group.

Woodpigeon and Blackbird as we made our way to the cliff top then a rest to check the rocks and sea below.  Scores of Guillemots on the water and much flying between water and cliffs.  The occasional Razorbill and Fulmar and even both a Shag and a handful of Cormorants.

Three Guillemots Uria aalge with a single Razorbill Alca torda (2nd from top)

A pair of nesting Great Black-backed Gulls and  a handful of Herring Gulls noted before finding a few Black-headed Gulls resting on the water.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Whilst most of the Guillemots were either on the water or in flight, we did find a couple of nesting sites including one which appeared to be inside a small cave.  One way to keep the rain off your back!

Guillemot Uria aalge breeding ledge

Lots of Jackdaws making use of the cliffs plus the occasional overflying Carrion Crow and even a few Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) resting on the grassy banks.  The return journey to the car park also produced a couple of Robin.

Guillemots Uria aalge

Birds seen:

Fulmar, Shag, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Guillemot, Razorbill, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Robin, Blackbird.

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Brownsea Island, Dorset

Little Gull Larus minutus

Friday 23 May

The weather remained dry and sunny as we made our way to Poole harbour to take the ferry across to Brownsea Island this morning arriving just before 10.30.  Lots of Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns, along with a single Sandwich Tern, as we made our way along the eastern shore to the dock. As we neared the dock with the the lagoon on the other side of the harbour wall we could see the resting and breeding sea birds with a few Herring Gulls closer to the exterior wall.  As soon as we landed we immediately headed along the boardwalk to the newly opened The Lookout.  Very impressive with good sightings of birds from behind the large glass windows.  Lots of nearby nesting Great Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls with many Shelduck on the open water.  Also present at least a trio of Cormorant plus two pairs of Canada Geese. nearby both Oystercatcher and a couple of Little Egrets.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Moving on along the boardwalk we recorded many Blue and Great Tits, all making use of the numerous bird boxes in the trees to the left.  Lots of Chiffchaffs and Wrens with a couple of Carrion Crows and regular Woodpigeon sightings.  Jenny found the first cock Pheasant before I arrived on to the two hides, stopping briefly at the tent manged by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.  Approaching the Avocet Hide a couple of cock Pheasants walking the path in front of me and happily strolling along as I overtook them without any reaction.  However, It was to the Tern Hide, situated at the far end of the path, that I first made my way to.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Once inside the hide the noise of the breeding birds increased dramatically and right in front of me a number of small islands, all protected by a fence that hindered photographs but still gave excellent views of the breeding Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls, but mainly of the former.   A little closer study then found the small island that held the breeding Sandwich Terns. On the water to the right more Shelduck.

Mainly Common Terns Sterndoa hirundo

Forcing myself to move on as we were booked on the 11.40 electric bus tour of the island, I next stopped at the Avocet Hide after noting a few passing Jackdaws and more Chiffchaff.  Much the same as the Tern Hide in terms of the breeding Black-headed Gull and both Common and Sandwich Terns but this time without the fencing, so giving even clearer views of the birds.  within minutes of arriving a Little Gull landed on the water within five yards of the hide and giving excellent views.  What a privilege.

Breeding Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Time to head back to the start to catch the electric bus and finding many more Wrens and Chiffchaffs along with Blackbirds on the way. With just we two as passengers for the hour's informative tour it was a real treat.  Experienced and knowledgible guides and most happy to stop and let us take photographs of the area as well as the birds.   Both Dunnock and Goldfinch as we started our ride and a first stop to admire the two Greylag Geese families before a stop at the far end of the island where I noticed a Mistle Thrush which obligingly stopped as it reached the first tree away from the grass upon which it had been feeding.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Almost back at the start and we were able to leave the bus at the church to explore the area favoured for its Red Squirrels (but not seen) and as we ate our picnic lunch we had both Greylag Geese families plus a lone adult in attendance. 

Greylag Goose Anser anser with one of its three goslings

The Greylag Goose family

Then, approaching from my left, a single Sika Deer made its way into the area before passing right in front of me.  Lovely sight.  Also present more Carrion Crows and Jackdaws but no Magpie.

Sika Deer Cervus nippon

Arriving back at Poole we called in at the local ASDA superstore and, sure enough, the local Peregrine Falcon was resting atop the building watching over its nest with three newly hatched youngsters.

Male Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Peregrine Falcon, Oystercatcher, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch

SandwichTern Sterna sandvicensis

Little Gull Larus minimus

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

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RSPB Arne, Dorset

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Thursday 22 May

Wanting to attend this coming Saturday's HOS (Hampshire Ornithological Society) field meeting at Durlston National Park on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset it seemed a god idea to make a week-end of the date and spend a couple of nights in Poole so avoiding the long journey on the day itself.  As a result, it meant that we could visit, with a short detour, the RSPB reserve at Arne on the way and then, the following day, take a ferry trip over to Brownsea Island.  Given three different sites, better, therefore to report as separate visits than lump all together in one long missive.

RSPB Arne.  The weather is forecaster is for a change from the long spell of warm, sunny weather with rain and/or showers expected this week-end.  Dry and sunny for the outward drive and remained so for the afternoon.  Arriving just after 11am we were greeted with  trio of Jackdaws on the car park and soon after a number of Blackbirds and Robins along with Woodpigeons as I made my way into the reserve via the trees and, for the first time, took the southerly track to make a circuit  of Coombe Heath. Los of Chiffchaffs and Chaffinches as I made my way to the first view point with a Carrion Crow overhead.  In the far distance I could make out a couple of Canada Geese and a handful of Shelduck on the muddy banks of the Middlebere Channel leading into Poole Harbour at low tide. Off to the west above the trees a Buzzard and the first Lapwing of the day flew overhead.

Poole Harbour from the Middlebere Hide

Making my way to the second view point both Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls noted and then on the next stretch a stop to admire the resting Woodlark seen by the birders ahead.  At this point the near call of a male Cuckoo and then the bird itself flew past us into the trees on the right where it continued to call before flying on, and seen, southwards.  In the meantime, I stopped to ask the quartet of birders heading towards me what they had been studying at the top of the small rise in front.  Dartford Warbler, the bird I had especially come to see (with the Woodlark as a terrific bonus). So, naturally I, too, made a stop twenty yards on at the same point to spend time watching for the bird(s) in the small pine trees off to the right.  Yes, eventually the male put in an appearance, some thirty yards away, and I managed o get a very clear view as it foraged on a low branch just above the ground. And as I was about to move on the noise above forced me to look up where I saw a pair of Carrion Crows mobbing the passing Raven.

Woodlark Lullula arborea

A short stop at the Middlebere Lookout hide led to me finding a trio of Redshank, Cormorant and a Little Egret along with a handful of Black-headed Gulls. Two Oystercatchers were on a bank off to my left with  a couple of Shelduck on the water.  On the bank to my left a total of eleven Canada Geese with one feeding next to a Lapwing.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis with Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Leaving the hide to start on the walk back to the Visitors Centre I stopped with a passing voluntary warden to look at the pair of Barn Swallows which were resting atop a couple fences around two young fir trees.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Nothing new to add before reaching the Visitors centre where I met up with Jenny and had a short refreshment break.  leaving the Centre both House Sparrows and a pair of Siskins on the feeder just off to the right., so ending our visit and time for the drive back to Poole and our overnight stay.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Cormorant, Little Egret, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Woodlark, Barn Swallow, Robin, Dartford Warbler, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Siskin.

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Wednesday 21 May

What a day, White-rumped Swift!  Just a shame unable to get a photo of the bird.  But not just this special bird but lot of other good spots by the members of the Arboleas Birding Group. As for Kevin's visit last week, I can see this becoming somewhat of a personal challenge as to who can do better!  

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 21st May

After Kevin's solo trip to the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa last week I decided we'd return there, not that I'm a competitive birder! (Ha, ha!)  I got picked up by Nigel and we made our way to the "ford".  We'd only seen a Barn Swallow before Kevin arrived.  He'd already popped to the river estuary and logged Grey Heron, Nightingale, Zitting Cistacola, Magpie, Collared Dove and Spotless Starling. Next to arrive was excellent birder, Barrie and his wife Beryl.  He soon added Common Swift, Goldfinch, Bee-eater, House Martin and heard Reed Warbler.  We were joined by Peter 1, Trevor, Peter 2 and wife, Linda.  Barrie saw a flying Hoopoe and Kevin found a distant Iberian Grey Shrike on a power line.  Barrie next spotted two flying Cattle Egrets and Peter 1 a House Sparrow.  Peter 2 had seen a Night Heron near Desert Springs on the way in.

Goldfinch (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved on to the beach.  The only birds we saw were House Martins, Barn and Red-rumped Swallows.  Nothing on the rocks or out to sea.  We convoyed round to the far side of the estuary where Kevin had been earlier.  His Grey Heron was still there.  Kevin found a number of Turnstone on the beach. Two pairs of Kentish Plovers were fighting it out on the estuary shoreline.  A Cetti's Warbler was heard.  Kevin found a Ringed Plover and Barrie, a Sanderling.  We adjourned for a drinks break in Villaricos village, well needed as the weather was warming up.  Hardly a cloud in the sky.

Little Bittern (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove round to the dual carriageway, overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  We were joined by Jacky.  Peter 2 found a pair of Avocet with long legged fluffy chicks.  On/in the water were Greater Flamingos, Common Pochard, Mallard, Shelduck and White-headed Duck.  Barrie found a single sleeping Spoonbill.  Also seen were Little Grebe, Red Crested Pochard and Black-winged Stilt.  Was very happy that Trevor found a perched male Little Bittern.  Alan logged a Jackdaw.  Jacky had seen a Kestrel, Greenfinch and Serin prior to our arrival and then added a Sardinian Warbler.  Amazingly, we only saw two Coot and one or two Moorhen.

I found a Little Egret.  A single Redshank flew in.

Sleeping Spoonbill (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved round to the far elevated viewing platform (not used due to very high reeds!) opposite the Aguaparc.  Barrie and Jacky got there first and incredibly found a White-rumped Swift amongst the Commons!  Sadly, despite much scanning into the skies it wasn't seen by the rest of us!  A Great Crested Grebe was a good find.  Also seen were Blackbird, White Wagtail and Black-necked Grebe.  The surface was beginning to get covered in blanket weed.  Jacky found not one but two Purple Swamphens to complete the day's list.   Sorry, Kevin....50 species seen, but we had a lot more eyes on the job!  Great day in good company.  White-rumped Swift...great spot and record round here.  Only seen them in Extremadura before.

Regards

Dave

Great Crested Grebe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Avocet (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Titchfield Haven

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Wednesday 21 May 

After yesterday's early morning visit to the nearby Titchfield Haven Reserve in dry, about to be, another sunny day when my short stay did not coincide with the arrival of the recent Hudsonian Godwit, I was back on site this morning by 10.30 with still a little drizzle following overnight rain.  Indeed, it continued to rain, albeit not heavy, for the whole of my hour's stay but, come afternoon and now back home, the sun is now once again out and shining brightly.  But, rain or no rain, it was a very successful morning with the Hudsonian Godwit showing very well when seen from the Meon Hide.

The visit started after parking the car up the hill on Cliff Road and a walk along the front past the sailing club.  On the beach with the tide now over half-way out, lots of Herring along with a smaller number of Black-headed and a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls.  Also feeding at the water's edge a small number of Oystercatchers.   In front of near the harbour entrance, the visiting Black Swan accompanied by almost a score of Mute Swans and very many Mallards. Checking the roadside lagoon from the viewing area many Coot and Black-headed Gulls along with a Common Tern, Great Crested Grebe and a number of Mallard.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Then it was on to the reserve entrance and straight to the Meon Hide overlooking the lake and its islands immediately in front.  Approaching the hide a Dunnock dashed across the path and once inside the sight of a mass of breeding Black-headed Gulls and Avocets.  Lots of nearby Shelduck along with Mallards and their recently fledged youngsters.  At the very back of the water a pair of Canada Geese.  Even a Common Tern came to visit.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Then it was time to concentrate on the visiting Hudsonian Godwit, now on its fifth day at the site.  Previously it had been associating, and presumably roosting, with a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits but this morning not a wader of any description on sight, never mind the Black-tailed Godwits. At first it was resting and preening at the front of island "D" before eventually taking to the water in front for some well-deserved refreshment.  Despite the occasional drizzle and overcast weather, the Hudsonian Godwit was giving excellent views to all, probably about fifteen of us at the time, before eventually moving to the back of the island as it continued to feed.

Island "D" with its breeding Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus and
the Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica on the far right

Leaving the hide I made my way along the shore to take the steps up to the cliff and back to the car parked on the nearby road.  Still the same birds present but passing the viewing area I was able to locate both the Shovelers and Tufted Ducks seen yesterday morning.  A Carrion Crows was also foraging on the shore along with a single Little Egret and a Pied Wagtail walked passed outside the former Visitors Centre.  Once at the top of the steps I cam across Robin, Blackbird and a Rock Dove before heading home.  Passing along Posbrook Lane I came across a few Rooks on the last field and then a pair of Barn Swallows on a wire over the road near the cemetery.  Naturally, there was no shortage of Jackdaws on the house roofs as I turned towards Warsash.

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Birds seen:

Canada Goode, Mute Swan, Black Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Hudsonian Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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.