Warsash and Solent Shore

Thursday 30 October

Dry, a little cloudy and calm as I set off for the Warsash shore leaving the morning Dunnock feeding in the garden.  A quintet of Brent Geese and a Black-headed Gull plus a few Oystercatchers as I passed the slipway and once up to Strawberry Fields with  two dozen Woodpigeon and a few Carrion Crows over head, chance to look down on the shore and see the many Brent Geese along with scores of Redshank, Turnstone and Oystercatchers.  Also present a small number of Black-tailed Godwit and a single Curlew.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla with Turnstones Arearia interpres and an Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Once past the navigation pier chance to see a few Herring and the main flock of Black-headed Gulls along with many more Redshank and, especially, Brent Geese.  At the end of the Spit a lone Cormorant and the first of two Herons seen during the morning.  A lone Little Egret was working the Spit itself and held approximately 140 Wigeon.

A few of the many Wigeon Anas penelope

On down to the Scrape where just a single Little Grebe present but on the way I did record five Stonechats and a Robin.  Overhead the quartering female Kestrel entertained both myself and Paul Willis who I came across at the same time.  Continuing on down to the the Meandering Pool I found many Skylarks in the gorse area along with a couple of Meadow Pipits.

Female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

A look in again at the Scrape on the return journey found the arrival of eight Mallards and a single Teal on the small island to the right front.  The photograph well illustrates the difference in size between the two duck species.

Teal Anas crecca (left) with male Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Back at the Spit with the tide now on the turn many Wigeons again and on the muddy shore between the water and the navigation pier about fifty resting Black-headed Gulls and a lone Greenshank. A pair of Pied Wagtails were on the grass at entrance to the navigation work area but nothing new from there till back home.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Birds seen:

Bent Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Back-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Magpie, Jackdaw, Starling, Goldfinch.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Little Egret Egrett garzetta

Turnstones Arenaria interpres (left) with Redshanks Tringa totanus 

 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.

Arboleas Birding Group visit to Villaricos

 Wednesday 29 October

Osprey, Wood sandpiper and Purple, what was not to like about today's visit of the Arboleas Birding Group to Villaricos.  Not so many participants this morning but, nevertheless, some really good birds on show and many thanks to Nigel for the photographs.

Villaricos Birding Report 29 October

 [Brief note: from about 4pm on Tuesday 28^th I drove along the levee of the Río Almanzora all the way from Cuevas del Almanzora to the estuary.  This produced 27 species, best among which were Green Sandpiper and Teal, plus a nice mixed flock of 13 Glossy Ibis and 12 Cattle Egrets and, a slight surprise, a couple of Greater Flamingos well up the rambla.]                      

***

When I woke up this morning above the Villaricos ford in the campervan and looked out I was immediately greeted by five Glossy Ibises flying past.  I had time to drive a quick circuit of the lower rambla of the Río Almanzora before our meeting time.  This provided Spotless Starling, Wood Pigeon, Iberian Grey Shrike, Magpie, Collared Dove, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, White Wagtail, Mallard and Crested Lark.

            Back at the ford I was joined by Nigel, Richard and Peter S. Richard promptly added Zitting Cisticola.  A walk up to the sewage works produced Cetti’s Warbler, Robin, Jackdaw and Moorhen en route.  At the top pond, Peter found Little Grebe and Shoveler.  In the rambla there were pools and a small flow of water.  Despite heavy machinery operating very close by, the birds didn’t seem fazed. Nigel saw Coot and Green Sandpiper, Peter had Gadwall and Black-winged Stilt and I added Little Ringed Plover and Stonechat.  When we got back to the cars Richard, who had waited there, reported Coal Tit, Blackbird, Goldfinch and a flock of Chaffinches.

Little Egret (PHOTO: Nigel White)

            After the usual Tiburón coffee we headed to the beach.  Peter was first to scan the rocks and find a Grey Heron and a Little Egret.  Looking back inland from the beach across the large flat area towards the rambla I found an Osprey in the top of a tall tree.  I wasn’t entirely surprised because Emilio Aramburu, a superb local bird photographer who posts amazing photos on Facebook, had been putting up many pictures of an Osprey – presumably this bird -over recent days.  But, adding icing to the Osprey’s cake (???), as we watched, a Purple Heron flapped across lazily just above it.

Osprey (PHOTO: Nigel White)

            We drove round to the south side of the estuary.  The Osprey was still there.  The estuary itself was disappointing, giving us only Cormorant and Turnstone.  Next, the short drive to the dual carriageway at Salar de los Canos (Consum Lagoons).  Apart from the obvious Greater Flamingos there was not much about’ although Nigel did find three Shelducks and I eventually conjured up a Wood Sandpiper.  ‘Beyond the Hump’, nada!  Final stop, the Aquaparc Tower, was also disappointing. Just a Yellow-legged Gull flying over.

Wood Sandpiper (PHOTO: Nigel White)

            A good morning in fine company with one or two special birds. 39 species in all.

 Next week I am unavailable due to a commitment in Almería city.  There will definitely be a trip though.  It’ll be to María, meeting at La Piza forest cafe at 09.30.  James and Wendy, plus Nigel and Richard have all told me they are planning to go, and obviously others are most welcome to join them. There may not be a list or a report unless someone is happy to undertake that task but the birding will still happen.  Nigel, could you collect the €1 donations, please? TIA, as they say. 

Kevin

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.

Titchfield Canal

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Wednesday 29 October 

Steady light rain forecast from around 9.30 so out and over to Titchfield Canal just before 8 and managed to get in 90 minutes birding and on the way home before the rain arrived. Not many birds but lots of good news - eventually.

Walking down the canal path towards the Barn Owl sighting area (and no seen) a Blackbird and Great Spotted Woodpecker in the tree on my right and a Water Rail on the other side. Also present a number of Woodpigeon and Carrion Crows but looking over to the almost dry Bridge Street Flood a gathering of over 40 Jackdaw, 50 resting Black-headed Gulls and a lone Lapwing.  Beyond them a handful of Rock Doves (Feral Pigeon).

Continuing on down the path to the avenue many Blue and Great Tits plus a quintet of Magpies and a single Jay.  Once alongside the canal in the avenue the first Wren and a number of Robins.  the Posbrook Flood area was completely dry but I did observe a couple of Herons resting in trees on the far side.  Nothing else to record other than a single Chiffchaff and many more tits as I made my way back to the car.

Leaving the scope I the car I decided to take the short walk up the canal path on the other side of the road.  Just part the stables a pair of Moorhen and, almost at the footbridge over the can, no less than five feeding Glossy Ibis in the horse field on my right.  What a wonderful sight and still convinced that two were young of the year.

Could the Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus on the left and right be juveniles?

Back to the road noting a Dunnock in the garden on the opposite side of the canal and crossing the road to walk down to the river bridge I looked up to see the five Glossy Ibis in flight over the stables.  A couple of circles and the birds decided to land on the bare tree to the river side of the stables, so pushing away the resting Carrion Crow.  However, only two of the Glossy Ibis actually landed and the other three disappeared from sight below me.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus in the tree

Moving on down towards the bridge I noted the female Kestrel on the wires crossing the horse field but nothing other than Jackdaws, Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon in the mucky field to the right.  Then, as I returned to the car park, the Kestrel had been replaced by a Grey Wagtail but, although it was present for a time, not quite long enough for me to retrieve the camera from my rucksack - but still a lovely sight.

Female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Birds seen: 

Glossy Ibis, Heron, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

More of the Glossy Ibis showing, I think, the two youngsters

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.

Oxey and Normandy Marsh, Lymington

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Sunday 26 October 

Away from Warsash at 8.15 with friend Richrd Osman to join the HOS meeting and walk he 7.5km around both Oxey and Normandy Marshes including the finish at Normandy Lagoon.  30 members present and a very enjoyable walk in pleasant conditions apart for the occasional cold, strong wind.  Arriving early I had chance to wander down to the side of Acre Pond and record Canada Geese, Mallard and Little Grebe o the water with both Redshank and Turnstone in the ditch on the opposite side of the path.  Continuing on to the end to check the exposed island in Maiden Dock I found more Redshanks along with a small number of Black-tailed Godwit, a Curlew and pair of Ringed Plover.  Then it was back to the cars, recording both Robin and Chaffinch, to join the main group before we set off on our anti-clockwise walk behind Acre Pond and on towards Salterns Marsh.

Redshank Tringa totanus with Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

The initial walk through the trees produced Rook, Blackbird, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow before coming across a trio of Pheasants, a number of Woodpigeon plus a Green Woodpecker then the first of six Roe Deer to be seen in the next fifteen minutes, most simply resting on the grass and soaking up the sunshine. A couple of Great Tits were feeding in the neighbouring trees and then, overhead, a pair of very late Barn Swallows.  Five more were to be seen once out in the open making our way along the western side of Oxey Marsh.

One of the resting Roe Deer Capriolus capriolus

The walk down to the sea wall produced a range of good birds including a gently soaring Buzzard, Heron the first of very many Little Egrets, lots of Lapwing plus Linnet and a House Sparrow. Approaching the sea wall I finally came across a Meadow Pipit and off to the back of Pennington Lagoon on the right, a Mute Swan.  Once on the sea wall we soon found the first of the many Teal seen during the morning and a flight of 6 Brent Geese flew over. In Oxey Lagoon below the sea wall our first Teal and also a pair of Oystercatchers on a low island just off shore.  Making our way round the edge of Oxey Lagoon our first, brief, sighting of a departing Kingfisher and then a Great Crested Grebe out on the Solent.  And foraging below us on the sea wall two dozen Turnstone.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Finally, before taking the left turn into Moses Dock, a Spotted Redshank at close quarters and showing very well as it first swam towards us then rested on a small bank immediately below.  Just north of the bird I came across a sleeping flock of six Greenshank and almost immediately, after another couple of Black-tailed Godwit, another pair of Spotted Redshanks. 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Then it was on to Normandy Lagoon and as we passed along the lower edge of Acre Pond the sight of three Little Grebe and a pair of Egyptian Geese. A male Kestrel passed over and in the process was mobbed by a pair of Goldfinch.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca with a Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Arriving at the Normandy Lagoon we had a pair of Stonechat and then chance to scan the back end of the water.  A good number of Teal in the nearest water but at the back we could clearly see 6 Spoonbill and three Avocet.  Just behind the birds a Pintail led us to to find the female Long-tailed Duck at the very back.  Also present here a flock of Rock Doves plus both a Herring and more Black-headed Gulls. Reaching the end of the path to turn left and along the Solent shore we stopped for our picnic  lunch, but continued to watch the island birds and even had a nearby Kingfisher working the western channel.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia with 3 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Our attention now turned to the small, rocky island at the eastern end of the lagoon where we found not only a large Dunlin flock but also a handful of Golden Plover, plus more Redshanks and Lapwing. A flight of 7 Greylag Geese flew over and, having found the tight flock of Tufted Duck I also saw my only Shelduck of the morning.  Back on the rocky island a couple of Grey Plover to add to the flight of same plus a Bar-tailed Godwit that passed overhead.  However, closer inspection with the, initial, use of scopes also found another Bar-tailed Godwit in with the Golden and Grey Plovers.  Before moving on we also found a pair of Shoveler resting near the bank of the large, grassy island.

Dunlin Calidris alpina with (right) a few Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Stopping at the end before turn left we were able to take in the number of birds below us on the grassy heather type ground.  Always much movement of the flocks of both Linnet and Meadow Pipit but also very many Lapwing and a large flock of Ringed Plover.  A Wheatear was found just the other side of the lagoon fence and then a Snipe arrived to revealed a second Wheatear.  Also ever present a very large flock of Starling.  Overhead a singing Sky Lark which then dropped into the mixed flock below.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Our final stop at the far d of the lagoon to try and get a closer look at the Long-tailed Duck produced the previously seen Pintail plus more Common and another Spotted Redshank.  Also many more Teal and Wigeon in the is area.  Even the Spoonbill took to the air with half moving west and the remaining trio circling and coming back to rest in almost their original position.  And yet another Kingfisher. What a fabulous way to end our visit with, for me, a total of 64 species in the five hours.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Buzzard, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Redshanks Tringa totanus

Greenshanks Tringa nebularia

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Mainly Dunlin Calidris alpina

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Very many Linnets Carduelis cannabina

Mainly Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Spoobills Platalea leucorcodia in flight

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Teal Anas crecca

Turnstones Arenaria interpres

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.

RSPB Titchwell Marshes, Norfolk

 Wednesday 22 October

Freshwater pool at Titchwell Marshes

With jenny to the southern end of Lincolnshire for three days so a perfect opportunity to drive over to RSPB Titchwell Marshes in Norfolk for the day, remembering to top up the battery in Kings Lynn on the return journey.  A ix of bright sunshine and broken cloud with a light wind but feeling very cold in the early morning as I arrived at 9.45. Exiting the car in the car park I was surrounded by Chaffinches and Woodpigeon and even a couple of over-flying Carrion Crows. Once dressed off straight away to the Fen Trail and Fen Hide via the feeding station outside the Visitors Centre where a Moorhen was picking up spilt seed along with a nearby Robin.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Arriving at the Fen Hide, having observed a handful of Long-tailed Tits in the trees to my left, nothing to be seen so, after a very brief stop, on up to the screen overlooking on Patsy's Reedbed.  Here a couple of Little Grebes plus a pair of Tufted Duck and a handful of Shelduck.  Also present a pair of Coot and a few Black-headed Gulls.  Away in the distance towards the sea and main hide a quartering Marsh Harrier.

Quartering Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Making my way back to the main path to the beach via the Meadow Trail I had a couple of Red Kite overhead and a Cetti's Warbler in the reeds to my left. But reaching the path a Pheasant behind the trees in front of me and "Merlin" picked up a calling Yellow-browed Warbler, and although a couple had been seen in the area recently, I was unable to find the bird. Whilst making my way down the path to the Island Hide hundreds of Pink-footed Geese seen and heard overhead as they moved about the immediate area.  And the smaller Reedbed Pool on the right held a few Gadwall, Mallard, and Greylag Geese.

Pink-footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus

From the Island Hide lots of water birds to be seen including many Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal and Gadwall plus a few Shoveler and then lots of Lapwing.  Further away many feeding Black-tailed Godwit and then, at the very far end of the freshwater marsh, a single Snipe feeding at the water's edge.  Also present on the edge of the small island to my left a handful of foraging Starling.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

From here it was a walk on down to the shore but first a stop to take a look at the Volunteer Marsh where I found a few Dunlin and a number of Redshank plus both a Little Egret and another Curlew.  The first Curlew, plus a few Redshank and Wigeon, had been found on the marsh to the left of the sea wall path.  More Redshank were found in the Tidal Marsh which was now at low tide along with a couple of  Herring Gull.  So on to the shore itself with lots of exposed sand.  Here scores of both Oystercatcher and Brent Geese plus a single Whimbrel.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Making my way inland to pay a visit the the main hides I came cross a Stonechat plus more Little Egrets and Curlew on the marshes to the right. Once at the Parrinder Hide (south) I was able to take a closer look at the birds occupying the freshwater pool.  So many Teal and Wigeon and then, looking to the far end, over 500 roosting Golden Plover on a long, thin island.  Immediately in front of me a Reed Bunting dropped into the reeds and as I looked across the far bank a flight of Avocet dropped into the water in front of the Island hide. A closer check to the far end also produced a Cormorant in the water and the separating strip in front of me with its low bushes produced some smaller birds.  First a couple of Pied Wagtails then a handful of Linnet in and around the vegetation. Meanwhile, a small group of Meadow Pipits came to bathe in the shallow water to the right of the strip.  Noticing the movement on the bank of the strip I found a foraging Snipe.  Meanwhile, in the shallow water to the left of the strip another Curlew and more Black-tailed Godwits.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Time to make my way back to the Visitors Centre for a coffee before starting the return journey home and as I left the path for the Visitors Centre a Magpie in the trees and making use of the feeders many Blue and Great  plus a single Coal Tit.  Leaving the reserve a Dunnock in the hedge at the side of the exit road and to finish the day's birding both Jackdaws and Rooks on an island as I approached Kings Lynn, so giving a final tally of exactly 50 species for the day.

About half of the Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria roosting flock

Birds seen:

Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shelduck, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Curlew Numenius arquata

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

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.