Blashford Lakes

Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus

 Thursday 27 November

A miserable damp, overcast day and by the time I arrived at Blashford Lakes in the New Forest the weather had not improved, and now also a slight, continuous drizzle.  late arrival as my first stop had been in Bournemouth to collect new camera; extra special as when I arrived it coincided with mass Canon reductions as part of "Black Friday."  Meant I could but a decent shoulder strap for the camera but as yet to be fitted.   Tried out the supplied new 18-150 lens (see pictures below) but also bought the new RF 100-400mm lens to attach once back home.  Now back to the birds.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Surprising number of birders in the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water given the weather outside and mainly Coot, Cormorants and gulls on view so time to undertake a more specific study of the water.  A good number of Great Crested Grebes seen along with a dozen Mute Swans.  Ducks were mainly Tufted Duck but a few Gadwall off to the right along with a handful of Teal and the far back a few Wigeon.  But off to my left almost parallel with the hide a single male Goldeneye.  Looking at the many roosting and water-resting gulls, mainly Lesser Black-backed but also a good number of Herring Gulls.  One of the far islands also held a single Magpie and as I left to cross over the main reserve. 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Very little from Ivy North Hide save for a Moorhen, Canada Goose and more Tufted Ducks.  Ivy South Hide had, as well as Tufted Ducks, many Mallards and Cormorants plus a few Black-headed Gulls.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Not many species from the Woodland Hide now that the feeders were once again in situ but numerous Blue, a couple of Long-tailed, single Coal and a handful of Great Tits.  Also present a few foraging Chaffinches , Blackbird and Robin.  Whilst here a Sparrowhawk swept through the feeding area in front of the hide but no prey taken on this occasion. Making my way back to the car for the return journey home, both Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon recorded.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Roosting Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 26 November

Lots of birds seen by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group on their visit up the mountain and judging by his final remark, presumably the temperature improved - unlike the frost here back in the UK. Now gone warmer but likely to be continuous rain for a couple of days.  Not every day you get a pair of Jays pose for you in close proximity and what good fortune to come across the Dartford Warbler.  Strange how a call of nature always brings a sighting just when it's not necessarily convenient!

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 26th November

Richard came to my house and I drove to the Sierra de Maria.  We came across a group of 11 Griffons circling prior to the town and also added a pair of Mistle Thrush.  In the town Richard saw some Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe.  A tad chilly, but it was sunny with blue skies.  Whilst filling the empty bird feeders with peanuts I broke the thin ice on the concrete pool.  Richard had also brought some mealworms which I spread around.  Drinking a couple of warming coffees we waited for the birds to realise their breakfast was available.  First to come were the Chaffinches, House Sparrows and Collared Doves.  A Raven flew over.  We eventually had most of the Tits: Long Tailed, Blue, Great and Crested.  A Pair of Jays arrived.  We were joined by Kevin and a Spanish Red Squirrel!

Spanish Red Squirrel (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop, Kevin unknowingly leading the way as we followed behind.  Richard glimpsed a Little Owl on the edge of the pine forest.  Once driving through the arable land, we saw flocks of Linnet, a few Corn Buntings and a Magpie.  A Marsh Harrier was a surprise.  Stonechats weren't!  We caught Kevin up at the village.  He'd also seen White Wagtails.

Little Owl (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We carried on along the track, Richard and I leading now.  We added the odd Black Redstart. There were large flocks of Goldfinch and Linnets together with a few Corn Buntings.  Before we reached the cliff face we'd seen Crested Lark, Kestrel, Hoopoe, Woodpigeon, and Carrion Crow.  Kevin had seen a couple of Red Billed Chough.  There was nothing on the face.  Kevin and I walked to the far side. "Merlin" had picked up a Dartford Warbler.  No hear, no sight = no record!  Kevin began to walk back to the vehicles.  I needed a call of nature.  As I walked back I spotted the elusive Dartford Warbler.  I directed Kevin to see it as well.  We carried on, seeing more flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets.  On the airfield fence was a perched lark.  It had a very small crest.  I think it was a Skylark? ( See photo). Richard had a Jackdaw.  As we approached the hamlet a Little Owl was on one of the roofs.  

Possible Skylark (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A Thekla Lark was walking around near us.  As we drove along the plain we saw a couple of Ravens and a Meadow Pipit.  The water trough produced more Linnet and Goldfinch.  Kevin went off to explore another possible route as Richard and I went for lunch at La Piza.  We saw the same birds as before until we were just about to leave.  A Short-toed Treecreeper climbing up a tree and a Nuthatch coming down one!  I heard later that Kevin had added a covey of Red-legged Partridge.

Jays (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 35 species.  Good company.  You could not have asked for better weather.

Sending our best wishes to both Peters and to Carol, Alan's wife, who's been under the weather.

Regards

Dave

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Weston Shore, Southampton

Tuesday 25 November

With many recent recent reports of Velvet Scoters and Red-necked Grebe off-shore at the top of Southampton Water near Weston Shore, I made a relatively early drive over to the site in bright sunshine but still very cold following overnight slight frost.  Upon arrival with the tide just after the turn and limited foreshore, very many local Carrion Crows and roosting Herring and Black-headed Gulls. Also present a pair of Mute Swans, a very small flock of Rock Doves and a handful of Oystercatchers.  Just off-shore at least three Great Crested Grebes.

Roosting Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

Fortunately, another birder on site with his scope in full action had already found the trio of Velvet Scoters so, having first checked with the bins, able to quickly find the trio with my scope.  All very distant in mid-water and at least 200 metres off the shore.

Very distant record shots of the Velvet Scoters Melanitta fusca

Left on my own I scanned the breakwaters nearer the docks and found a few more Oystercatchers and a couple of Brent Geese.  But having scoped the distant mid-water towards the docks I not only found another two Great Crested Grebes but then the "missing" Red-necked Grebe showing very well, albeit very distant. Very dark on the throat and head plus the slightly different profile form the nearby Great Crested Grebes.  I imagine my companion will be most annoyed that he had failed to find the Red-necked Grebe!

Mute Swan Cygnus olor on Southampton Water

A walk through the woods on the other side of the road produced only Dunnock and Great Tit plus many more Carrion Crows. Then, walking back along the road to the car park checking all the resting gulls on both shore and water, I found a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Homeward bound with a brief stop at Sophies Pond near the entrance to Victoria Park to check both the sea and pond itself, the latter produced a pair of both Mute Swan and Mallard along with an adult and juvenile Moorhen.  Lots of resting Black-headed Gulls enjoying the bright sunshine.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Out on the beach amongst the roosting Black-headed Gulls a quintet of Oystercatchers and a similar number of Turnstones.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus enjoying the sunshine 

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Velvet Scoter, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Dunnock, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Scores of Carrion Crows Corvus corone

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

19 November 2025

Dave's back home and the Arboleas Birding Group are out and about once again save for the "sick and injured."  Get well soon again Richard and the two Peters.  And a good morning's total with 47 species and especially the Iberian Grey Shrike as also are marsh harrier, Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher.  As for the mechanical Chinese invasion presently taking place in Dave's absence, I drive an electric MG and brother-in-law, Chris purchased a new BYD hybrid in September.  Looks and feels huge once inside - and I was sitting in the back with the lady wife!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 19th November

It's great to be back home.  Thank you to Kevin for holding the reins in my absence.  

In glorious sunshine, but a tad chilly, Nigel drove me down to the Rambla de Almanzora in his new car. A BYD...very nice!  We actually didn't see anything en route to the parking area above the ford.  Kevin's motorvan was already there.  Kevin was out walking.  We were joined by Steve and Carolyn in their new MG car!  Has the group won the lottery and not told me!  We logged Spotless Starling, Blackbird, Black Redstart, Sardinian Warbler and an Iberian Grey Shrike on a telegraph pole.  A Whinchat was a good find.  Also seen were Great Tit, Stonechat, Chiffchaff and a Magpie.  A Cetti's Warbler was heard. By this time we had been joined by Trevor, Seamus and Linda.  Kevin had already returned from his wanderings, going beyond the sewage works.  His comprehensive list included White Wagtail, Green and Common Sandpipers, Black-winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo, Mallard, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Teal, Kentish Plover, Shoveler, Moorhen, Little Grebe and Robin.

Iberian Grey Shrike (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved on to the beach, Nigel spotting a Kestrel as we came off the main road.  Apart from Kevin, whose vehicle couldn't get under the height restriction barrier, we parked on the beach.  There was a Little Egret on one of the harbour side rocks.  Kevin arrived by foot and had seen some Cormorants.  I then spotted a Grey Wagtail on one of the rocky islands.  Small numbers of both Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls were seen.  After a search I eventually spotted a couple of Gannets out near the tuna fish farm.  Carolyn and Trevor both spotted the Kentish Plover on the shore line.  Nigel added a pair of Sandwich Terns.

We drove round to the estuary.  First birds seen were a pair of Coots and a Little Egret (See photo). Linda found a Grey Heron perch on top of one of the rambla shrubs.  I added a Redshank and Kevin, a Greenshank.  A charm of Goldfinch flew over.  Nigel found a Ringed Plover.  We adjourned for coffee in Villaricos village where we were joined by House Sparrows.

Little Egret (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As most of you know, we each donate a euro to the charity pot.  This year the donations are going to the Wetlands Restoration project Guadalquivir Donana.  I had received an email to inform me of the passing of one of our visiting members, Bill Dickinson.  In it his wife Jennifer had asked for any donations be forwarded to the same charity.  This year's donation will be sent to them in his memory.

We drove down to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  We spotted some Woodpigeon en route.  There had apparently been much there recently.  There were lots of Moorhen and Greater Flamingos.  Also saw Coot, Shelduck and Black-winged Stilts.  Carolyn then found a Marsh Harrier flying near the Aguaparc.  Kevin added a Spotted Flycatcher.  Also seen were Stonechat.  We moved on to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  It was good to see some White-headed Ducks.  I added a Black-necked Grebe and a Common Pochard.  Nigel found some Red-crested Pochard.  People who were quick enough saw the rapid to'ing and fro'ing of a Kingfisher!

A great days birding in good company.  We ended up with 47 species.

On our sick list week are Peters 1 & 2 and Richard.  We wish them all a speedy recovery

regards

Dave

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Warsash; Lower Hamble River

 Sunday 16 November

The rain may have passed but this morning we greeted a massive drop in temperature and most cold as I took an hour's walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back.  The tide was on its way out but Bunny Meadow sand its adjoining footpath still covered but the off shore islands starting to appear and more exposed, including the former, on the return journey.  All seemed quiet on the way out but certainly some exciting birds noticed o the lower river as I made my return and back home in an hour.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

The first sighting of the shore produced single Black-headed Gull and Redshank along with a quartet of Brent Geese.  However, by the time I reached the conservation area 120 Bren Geese had been recorded but only a further 19 Black-headed Gulls.  A Little Egret appeared as I made my onwards closely followed by a Greenshank on the meadow side of the path.  More Redshanks and then the first of a quartet of Curlew.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

On the inland side a small number and a flock of 20 Woodpigeons on the move before reaching the main islands where I started to count Brent Geese by the score and accompanied  by a couple of Oystercatchers and the main Dunlin flock, probably at least 120.  Feeding with the Dunlin about a score of Ringed Plover plus a resting Cormorant.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Over on the still flooded meadow six Shelduck and a handful of Wigeon. Approaching the conservation area the grassy banks at the back of the meadow held seven of the nine Grey Plovers recorded. Once at the conservation area not only more Brent Geese but the main Wigeon flock along with about a dozen Teal.  A single Jackdaw was resting at the edge of the bank and more Carrion Crows and Woodpigeons noted.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Making may way back with more mud now exposed on the shore side of the path, I came across the single Great Black-backed Gull noted on the way up along with three Great Crested Grebes on the water close to the shore. passing the final inlet a Spotted Redshank put in a brief appearance on the inland side and then a Rock Pipit made a rapid departure form its shore foraging. As the smaller bird departed eight Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) landed on the shore. And, finally, as I made my way back to the road a Magpie on a roof top to give a final tally of 25 species.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

13 November 2025

With Dave yet to return from his family visit back in the UK (I can vouch he is doing very well and lovely to meet up again after so many years) this week's Arboleas Birding Group visit once again led by Kevin and to talk of so many Whinchat, as if they were as common as Stonechats, makes one most envious! And still Iberian Grey Shrike and Subalpine warbler so lots for me to look forward to when, unless some major upset occurs, I return to Spain for art least a fortnight in late February.

Cabo de Gata: 12 November

As I drove from La Fabriquilla, where I had stayed overnight, to our usual meeting point, I logged

Spotless Starling, Crested Lark, Yellow-legged Gull and Jackdaw.  At the Lay-by, while waiting for

the others, I saw some of the usual suspects: Greater Flamingo, Little Egret, Avocet, Black-winged

Stilt and Ringed Plover.

Nigel arrived, and it was lovely to see Albert and Jenny from the Netherlands again.  Trevor

took the short cut and consequently arrived late.  He is still working towards his Navigation Badge.

There didn’t seem to ‘be much about’ but gradually a few species emerged.  Albert found Glossy

Ibis and Mallard on the causeway, Jenny heard a Redshank which was later seen, Nigel spotted a

Dunlin and I found an Iberian Grey Shrike by scanning the posts on the steppe which they tend to

frequent.  A Collared Dove flew past and Albert found a Stonechat.

Our usual cafe, El Rubio, was closed so we went to the place in the square which was very

busy with customers including a dozen Policia Nacional.   They seemed to be getting preferential

treatment but it was difficult to tell as we were almost fainting due to the lack of coffee by the

time we got served.  Thanks to those who were at María last week and didn’t then make their

usual voluntary contribution for putting double into the tin this week.  Meanwhile, we managed to

add House Sparrow while we were at the cafe, Trevor spotting one which had a white wing

feather, on the lookout for crumbs.

We drove on to the Second Hide.  Albert soon found a Greenfinch.  I was first to the hide

and locked on to a group of about eight partly-hidden Spoonbills (see Nigel’s photo of them).  After

a long search I found a Grey Heron. Nigel had a Sardinian Warbler.  We also logged Whinchat,

Chiffchaff, Slender-billed Gull, Cormorant and a sizeable flotilla of Black-necked Grebes.  I also had

good views of what I thought was a Subalpine Warbler but as I’m not a good enough birder to be

sure I haven’t put it in bold type or added it to the total.

Spoonbills (PHOTO: Nigel White)

At the Original Hide we arrived just after a mini-coachload of other visitors so, to give them

time in the hide, our initial search was through the hole in the fence to the right.  This produced

Shelduck, Shoveler, Lesser Black-backed Gull and, after some discussion, Curlew Sandpiper and

Little Stint.  Nigel added Kentish Plover.  We had previously seen Whinchats and Stonechats but we

got more excellent views of both from this hide.  Further careful scanning of the causeway in the

right-hand lagoon produced a single Sandwich Tern.

By this time it was hot and the longish walk in to Rambla Morales was not an enticing

prospect, so we said our goodbyes and scattered to the four winds.  I went back to Cabo de Gata

village and had a bracing swim.  I mention this only because as I finally drove out past the Lay-by

hide again a little while later, there was a fine Kestrel perched on the wires and, just a little further

on, a couple of White Wagtails.

Not an outstanding day in terms of what we saw, 35 species, but a thoroughly enjoyable

morning in excellent company.  I think Dave is due back in a few days and will send out final details

for next Wednesday when he will be back in charge.  I believe it will be Villaricos, meeting above

the ford at 09.15 as usual.

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Calshot & Lepe, New Forest

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Saturday 8 November

A dry, sunny day forecast and my first opportunity to visit Calshot Spit and see if, after three days, the Boat-tailed Grackle was still about.  The area is, probably less than a mile away from home but that would mean either a long swim or a boat ride!  Hence the hour long drive up and around the north of Southampton before heading down through the New Forest to the mouth of Southampton Water opposite the Isle of Wight.  So, leaving early and not too much traffic about I was on site just after 8.30 and the tide still out exposing lots of mud on the northern inside of the Spit. Greeted on arrival in Calshot by Magpie, Woodpigeon and a cock Pheasant I then found the inner shore full of waders with about 120 Dunlin and 70 Ringed Plover along with maybe 50 Oystercatchers, 30 Turnstone and 8 Curlew.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Parking the car and making my way to the castle and RNLI boathouse a couple of Pied Wagtails foraging around the parked boat trailers and an immature Herring Gull resting on the pier gate but no sign of the Grackle.  A search of the shores both sides of he area also failed to find the bird so, unfortunately, had to conclude that the bird had made its departure.  Not surprisingly really, given the number of watchers, especially the camera brigade who despite their long lenses always want to almost stand on their target, that had actually been able to visit the site during the week.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Making my way back to the inland shore a small flock of ten House Sparrows and once at the grassy area above the shore chance to see the rest of the foraging and resting birds.  A Little Egret plus eight Black-headed Gulls and even a few Starlings.  Nineteen Brent Geese had arrived in the past fifteen minutes so very much cackle rather then grackle! And at the back of the area three Redshank.  As I made my way back to the end of the Spit alongside the canal on my right a Moorhen lifted itself out of the water and up the shallow bank.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Still only 9.30 so decided on a slight detour home by moving a little along the coast to Lepe beach. Collared Dove, Pheasant and Woodpigeon as I passed through the trees to the shore and then able to park in the only small space on the road to check both the sea and the inland pool behind the road, which also reflected the low tide situation.  Only a couple of Oystercatchers on the water below me but, on the other hand, well over 200 Brent Geese close to the shore.

Great White Egret Ardea alba

Checking the inland pool I had a very close Little Egret and three more towards the back.  Also at the very back a single Great White Egret.  Further away to the left three Redshank and close by six Greenshank, which also drew my attention to both a Moorhen and hen Pheasant at the edge of the reeds.  Nearer to me, a handful of Turnstone at the pool's edge.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

The grassy (closed) parking area held both a Pied Wagtail and a Blackbird and making my way round I also found both Robin and a Cetti's Warbler.  In the trees at the back  Magpie and passing Carrion Crow and returning to the road near the outflow gully I was suddenly surprised to see a small brown bird appear in front of me and rather than a Dunnock, the bird remained a few moments to let me get a closer look and delighted to discover it was a Water Pipit, first of the year.  Great way to end the visit and as I departed a quartet of Chaffinches on the road.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Pheasant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Water Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, 

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

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RSPBS Pagham Harbour and Medmerry

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Thursday 6 November

Rather a case of Mohammed and the mountain this morning as I left home just after 7.30 to drive over to RSPB Pagham Harbour for a 9am meet!  After all, if I cannot go to Spain then Spain had to come to me in the form of my dear friend Dave Elliott-Binns from Arboleas in Almeria, Spain who was over here with Gilly to spend a few weeks with family.  And despite the very light rain on the drive from Warsash to Chichester, the actual visit was in perfect birding weather and even some bright sunshine.  However, having arrived just after 8.30 I was able to make a quick walk over to the hide and check the water levels as high tide expected around 11.30.  Lots of Teal and Shoveler on the pool the other side of the man rad plus a couple of Mallard and a few Black-headed Gulls.  The low level basin held a Little Egret, Redshank and a pair of Moorhen and a trio of Greylag Geese passed over head.  Even Collared Doves on the feeders outside the Visitors Centre and a Wren on the initial walk.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

back to the car park to meet Dave and by 9 we were on our way to the the river at the back.  The feeders now played host to visiting Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits plus a dozen or so House Sparrows.  Before reaching the riverside path we had encountered Carrion Crows, Magpie, Goldfinch and a pair of Pheasants.  Taking the path to the hide we recorded a Heron, Curlew, Oystercatcher and both the Little Egret and an additional Moorhen. Then a pleasant sight as we watched a Great Spotted Woodpecker fly over the river to the far trees.

Distant record shot of Curlew Numenuius arquata

Once at the hide chance to take a proper look at the large pool on the other side of the main road.  Over 30 Shoveler and Teal plus three Lapwing and a pair of Shelduck.  A handful of Pied Wagtails on the beach to our right and at the very back able to pick out the lone Common Sandpiper. The feeders behind the hide next to the trees produced a Chaffinch and then both Chiffchaff and Dunnock whilst a Cormorant overflew towards the pool. Back at the pool a pair of Avocets flew in to take a rest.

Sleeping Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Time to take a walk across the harbour end and along the southern path out to the viewing point on the bend overlooking the main water. A quartet of Stonechat plus Robin and Blackbird noted and lovely to see a Reed Bunting in the reeds to our left and a further three Curlew.  Out on the main water a number of Wigeon along with more Teal and Mallard plus a Great Crested Grebe and a distant Mute Swan.  Then, away to our right at lest eight Brent Geese.  Making our way back to the hide we discovered that not only was the tide now fully in but had risen to cover the footpath so necessary to take evasive action, climb over the fence and descend to the min road before walking back to the car park.  On the other hand, it did give us a closer look at the main pool and note that there were now 30 roosting Redshank at the back of the water, the Avocets were fast asleep and there five rather than three Lapwing on the main island.

Roosting Redshank Tringa totanus with two Shoveler in foreground

After saying our goodbyes around noon, I drove over to the nearby RSPB Medmerry reserve for a very short visit where I the recorded 21 species including six new sightings for the morning.  A Kestrel almost as soon as I arrived and the small, reeded pool on the other side of the track held a Coot whilst on the main water 26 sleeping Black-tailed Godwits.  Further away in the taller trees the rookery still held a number of Rooks.

Resting Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Back to the main water with a number of Teal and in the distance what looked like a handful of Egyptian Geese and confirmed as two more flew over me to join their friends.  Then, making my way back to the car park along the main track below the bank, but nearer the hedgerows, a sighting of more Dunnock, Wren and Blackbird before a movement to the left drew my attention to a large bush which held a Yellowhammer at its summit.  Finally, a last Blue Tit as I entered the car park to start my journey home.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

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Warsash, Workmans Lane

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Sunday 2 November   

Bright and sunny with a light to moderate wind but much colder then previous days as I arrive at the top of Workmans Lane for a walk down to the Solent shore including a diversion along the two sides of the horse field before carrying on.  Once at the shore, with the tide only just on the turn so no mud yet exposed, a walk along the cliff top to Chilling head then back up to Workmans Lane and on the car before driving home.  Just and hour and a quarter but very well worth while having seen a very close hovering male Kestrel and a resting Red-necked Grebe off shore on the Solent cliff path.

No sooner had I set off then a Robin low in a small tree to the left and looking over the hedge into the top of the horse field a half-dozen Rooks making their way to the nearby trees and a flock of over 30 Jackdaws above the trees.  Naturally, there were a few Carrion Crows also in the field.  As I approached the entrance to the horse field two Starling on the wires and then a third individual in the bust a few meters further on.  Checking the field on the shore side of the road a couple of distant Magpies.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Walking along the bottom of the horse field I could see a couple of Pied Wagtails and then, at the far end near the open stable, five Linnets.  Lots of water following the recent rain and at a large pool not o far away a number of Carrion Crows plus five Herring Gulls.  Also present in addition to more Carrion Crows was a flock of approximately 80 Starlings.  Continuing on down to the shore I came across a Wren as well as more Robins.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

No sign of any mallards in the pool next to the shore but no sooner on the coastal path then a male Kestrel hovering above me.  Beautiful. Then, what I thought, a distant Great Crested Grebe resting about 50 metres out on the water.  However, having taken a couple of record photographs, upon returning home and increasing the size I could confirm the the bird was actually a Red-necked Grebe.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

Making my way up the path from Chilling Head to Workmans Lane a single Black-headed Gull in the paddock along with two more Pied Wagtails. Then it was back up Workmans Lane, where I also added both Blackbird and Dunnock, to the car and home.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Birds seen:

Red-necked Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

Hovering male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

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