tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82766161145301016672024-03-19T02:47:03.267-07:00Birding AxarquiaWith the Axarquia BirderBob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.comBlogger1868125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-87277261473036743802024-03-19T02:45:00.000-07:002024-03-19T02:46:20.171-07:00El Fondo Reserve with David Elliott-Binns<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcuT6KKKItNlRoBckaxYKZeAn6wN3yAhP8scou5imeL06JFlr15qtv3ujijExy8cJE3s3NHyI8l6Syycv7MwRvPJ2TCeFat75YPfgWQTOMPGV64IG-ahyphenhyphenWQPqG8L-DTexxro5bXPOWmz5hz3AZwbL5xFisi12Hiw3eRtg1ktiRsKLKNoLL16Rz8H7kju2/s3564/018.JPG" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2383" data-original-width="3564" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcuT6KKKItNlRoBckaxYKZeAn6wN3yAhP8scou5imeL06JFlr15qtv3ujijExy8cJE3s3NHyI8l6Syycv7MwRvPJ2TCeFat75YPfgWQTOMPGV64IG-ahyphenhyphenWQPqG8L-DTexxro5bXPOWmz5hz3AZwbL5xFisi12Hiw3eRtg1ktiRsKLKNoLL16Rz8H7kju2/w400-h268/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Glossy Ibis</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe;"><b>El Fondo - Monday 18th March</b></span></span></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Gilly was arriving at Alicante airport at about 14.30, so I left home early, getting to the <i>El Fondo</i> bird reserve Information centre car park at about 12. En route from the motorway I logged Collared Dove, Crested Lark and House Sparrow. The car park was virtually full, including a couple of coaches. Sitting having a coffee and two cheese scones, I scanned the shallow waters in front of me. I could see Greater Flamingos, Glossy Ibises, Moorhen, Coot and Black Winged Stilts. I moved around to the Information Centre observation area. The viewing area was littered with small backpacks. I assume the primary school was on a day out prior to Easter holidays. Picking my way through the assault course, I scanned the enclosed pond. Presumably due to the noise from the kids might be the cause for the lack of birds. I did manage to see a Red-knobbed Coot and a Purple Swamphen.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow3x_Zv3UqICXDJ8a3_IOCHdWNSfEOQ_BWvVnbaKCidIn6k3Rdot0_D-4TLlU4_swtcuPVjB8id98-A6yjct2qCLwD9fqeRJkUUx3jkQXu4ujc1OU5ydE8DCY-E0txp12sUIk-iqS3QurasomFjCD1bWV6MMs8HIxx5lgF1JQFDBKkIVKoFb_NIGztFO-/s3040/022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2721" data-original-width="3040" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow3x_Zv3UqICXDJ8a3_IOCHdWNSfEOQ_BWvVnbaKCidIn6k3Rdot0_D-4TLlU4_swtcuPVjB8id98-A6yjct2qCLwD9fqeRJkUUx3jkQXu4ujc1OU5ydE8DCY-E0txp12sUIk-iqS3QurasomFjCD1bWV6MMs8HIxx5lgF1JQFDBKkIVKoFb_NIGztFO-/w400-h358/022.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Purple Swamphen</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">I moved round to the wooden walkway. I checked the shallow waters in front of me. I counted 110 Glossy Ibis and some Greater Flamingos . I also saw Little Grebe and Little Egret. As I made my way to the observation platform I saw more Red-knobbed Coots. I heard Cetti's Warbler. I had distant views of three Marbled Ducks. I found an Iberian Yellow Wagtail. The Black Winged Stilts had begun to nest.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BmBlNBVtnb8ciIqcBGLgBvcZyqu1HrKiecVVbEdV16YYxu0McBpi-Z_X4zdg10KssyRdkCfabxLJOb_YljRThkCHVjllHnA4rjwN6vlNhP_rGD4XFMslBFkkyQ45oTFENLRrLgiw1Po4TaveFBV6oePDD78971WCszZEdpqPFySJan6jiVthmVyY70bB/s2431/038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="2431" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BmBlNBVtnb8ciIqcBGLgBvcZyqu1HrKiecVVbEdV16YYxu0McBpi-Z_X4zdg10KssyRdkCfabxLJOb_YljRThkCHVjllHnA4rjwN6vlNhP_rGD4XFMslBFkkyQ45oTFENLRrLgiw1Po4TaveFBV6oePDD78971WCszZEdpqPFySJan6jiVthmVyY70bB/w400-h375/038.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Iberian Yellow Wagtail</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">I moved to the far hide as the next one was full. Here I found some Shelduck, a Mallard and another Marbled Duck, which thrilled a Spanish birding couple who hadn't noticed it. I retraced my steps to the other, it now being empty. I added Red-crested Pochard and Cattle Egret to the list. As I walked back to the car a Woodpigeon flew over. The last bird on the list was a Linnet perched on a roadside fence en route back to the motorway.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3XR_hPlXtsr8IpyTPzSLUEdICf5k4AKarAfz6IrfMSL1qVfe6m5s89BvH3np7CeKPXZNeGoBdbg19cDNIM5O-ifbOJsqfz4MNvObie1kdhNO_v9NU9obPT9YXv2YDuWtJauQ4mFbtrx8rDKXVxFlvILrXwj4Y4WoffJRiK0V7PUv-HciO-PCkuEBHJ_q/s3091/034.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2163" data-original-width="3091" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3XR_hPlXtsr8IpyTPzSLUEdICf5k4AKarAfz6IrfMSL1qVfe6m5s89BvH3np7CeKPXZNeGoBdbg19cDNIM5O-ifbOJsqfz4MNvObie1kdhNO_v9NU9obPT9YXv2YDuWtJauQ4mFbtrx8rDKXVxFlvILrXwj4Y4WoffJRiK0V7PUv-HciO-PCkuEBHJ_q/w400-h280/034.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Distant <b>Marbled Ducks</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">El Fondo always produces good birds. Also a lot are not fazed by humans on the walkway that they come very close. The nesting Black-winged Stilts were 5 metres away.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6seDSpEg__YmpHMfXZOx2DLGrZ9RXq7yvCzypgPMVpxk1DyKiD12ORd7kFQVWbh-ceWV-BjBwh4zo0qQP4Y2cNjXTPOkttCVZXI13Mvkr0-kVWdQ9L0w6hgylRoUtcDA2U7fOEPV1X-8YCAGuvRVtkvjJIMxfDgglt0Y4ERShCrVefZ9g-p4v4LKGkeA6/s4000/030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2196" data-original-width="4000" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6seDSpEg__YmpHMfXZOx2DLGrZ9RXq7yvCzypgPMVpxk1DyKiD12ORd7kFQVWbh-ceWV-BjBwh4zo0qQP4Y2cNjXTPOkttCVZXI13Mvkr0-kVWdQ9L0w6hgylRoUtcDA2U7fOEPV1X-8YCAGuvRVtkvjJIMxfDgglt0Y4ERShCrVefZ9g-p4v4LKGkeA6/w400-h220/030.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nesting <b>Back-winged Stilt</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Another additional bird photo from my back garden....A Black Wheatear.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRCwcQUQ74mGVm6bknfkbxch_0QSv8yGWlistImmSXb-K_Ke6yLEguMBHdaDaDBNeflU9Qi4yu5apUXd33MYGLUWNiJy3xi7OtrJFZXc-Ckp5lhxM2q2k1qIF9ibUr1XVz64-nIUjAIee-x_c_nSiEQ9m5lQ1gtkBq61GBfLssMvOsfdLywcPzlGOgmCq/s3000/007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2438" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRCwcQUQ74mGVm6bknfkbxch_0QSv8yGWlistImmSXb-K_Ke6yLEguMBHdaDaDBNeflU9Qi4yu5apUXd33MYGLUWNiJy3xi7OtrJFZXc-Ckp5lhxM2q2k1qIF9ibUr1XVz64-nIUjAIee-x_c_nSiEQ9m5lQ1gtkBq61GBfLssMvOsfdLywcPzlGOgmCq/w325-h400/007.JPG" width="325" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Garden shot of <b>Black Wheatear</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Would also like to mention David & Myrtle Green. They celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary yesterday. I'm sure you'll join me in sending them best wishes!</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg89_WsOtCYBHPNKbgsR6694DDEShmRKDFUcIKu0ZzkC2lFXgJMuDvvyA8F0IZkBcD1KgqPhsvJkgeTxAMRnQXTNBN885KRU7YD4DSOYpFTTkdiP0PR8rEwZ6OgbAiMTfK0tHYC5F2Oc5qJHMjYgtt_SGApDEVYK2aUCH3Q6Km1s_Y8L9LfvaK_s8giv_/s4000/008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="4000" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg89_WsOtCYBHPNKbgsR6694DDEShmRKDFUcIKu0ZzkC2lFXgJMuDvvyA8F0IZkBcD1KgqPhsvJkgeTxAMRnQXTNBN885KRU7YD4DSOYpFTTkdiP0PR8rEwZ6OgbAiMTfK0tHYC5F2Oc5qJHMjYgtt_SGApDEVYK2aUCH3Q6Km1s_Y8L9LfvaK_s8giv_/w400-h236/008.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">David & Myrtle Green celebrating their 62nd Wedding Anniversary</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-20933997964303927162024-03-15T06:30:00.000-07:002024-03-15T06:30:54.826-07:00Lower Hamble River<p><b>Friday 15 March</b> </p><p>Just a short pause outside the house to let the final shower cease and dry weather take over before taking a walk up the <i>Hamble River</i> to the conservation area and back with friend Richard Osman. Cloudy and lots of standing water on the footpath but no lack of birds albeit in small numbers. No sooner at the waterside that a core of <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b> accompanied by a handful of <b>Dunlin,</b> <b>Oystercatcher</b>, a few resting <b>Brent Geese</b> and a lone foraging <b>Turnstone</b>. Many more <b>Brent Geese</b> as we worked our way up river and also additional <b>Dunlin</b> and <b>Oystercatchers</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V1Hhl7WBeeZVtoz75Iy4aof_pIirpzCKdwaN_X2xI3RKItcCwKPKN2DMnTvZDtUmkUYZ_8ELV3noDulapIJ7Lal6z-TeIB-fzsyBn3Rdc9awovczp-Hv8UUlFuhxWoh1aymhZIpN1SF2gQHnu9Iq7hjNXrQceXuTJmkKGfwIgNtJurest1MrQXpqKRtr/s1409/BlackTailedGodwit012328%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1409" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V1Hhl7WBeeZVtoz75Iy4aof_pIirpzCKdwaN_X2xI3RKItcCwKPKN2DMnTvZDtUmkUYZ_8ELV3noDulapIJ7Lal6z-TeIB-fzsyBn3Rdc9awovczp-Hv8UUlFuhxWoh1aymhZIpN1SF2gQHnu9Iq7hjNXrQceXuTJmkKGfwIgNtJurest1MrQXpqKRtr/w400-h266/BlackTailedGodwit012328%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black-tailed Godwit</b> <i>Limosa limosa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once past the ferry pier the first <b>Curlew</b> and <b>Redshank</b> and then a score of <b>Knot</b> and a dozen <b>Grey Plover</b> at the water's edge. On the meadow side of the path a <b>Greenshank</b> and then we were amongst the remaining <b>Wigeon</b> and a half-dozen <b>Teal</b>. At the back the first of four <b>Shelduck</b> seen during the walk and a lone <b>Little Egret</b>. More <b>Herring</b> than <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> at first although more of the latter towards the conservation area.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-HWqjFawr252IHlaMJIVgTyOWV9o0hneqxdBs6DGT8ppBagVJAlRLRmLDIMinjg62idAhZB0bPCxb_83febphcrDJ8ZzqrUTwS7w-71Ls2wpHF9LXVoyrRkQT6-7Ylh0f12ajG0G2SrtvFn8SEWT00otDW4_OYJ7LhW0VmG7eI4xwfdzFcM7OWDVHMZe/s2073/Greenshank010117%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="2073" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-HWqjFawr252IHlaMJIVgTyOWV9o0hneqxdBs6DGT8ppBagVJAlRLRmLDIMinjg62idAhZB0bPCxb_83febphcrDJ8ZzqrUTwS7w-71Ls2wpHF9LXVoyrRkQT6-7Ylh0f12ajG0G2SrtvFn8SEWT00otDW4_OYJ7LhW0VmG7eI4xwfdzFcM7OWDVHMZe/w400-h266/Greenshank010117%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Greenshank</b> <i>Tringa nebularia</i> with <b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i> behind </td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the water itself a <b>Cormorant</b> was seen flying down towards the confluence with Southampton Water and not far off shore a fishing <b>Black-throated Diver</b> and, a little nearer to the shore, a lone <b>Great Crested Grebe</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKtXKTyvX2jWbKiyOWjbGI0bx3NijPKg0nhiyzcV115H0MiMpa543-hCWH0_1Y8X88qZlMBWDMYsytNuGj7jy_fRC4kT2C_0F_KIro8a7UkQzgRapPnRLa-w2KNLTFh6-eIGjenDkDFyFztVMRBuSqNiBMAEGPFdAbS9VaOF5ygjLXETRmDTamdNCP-kI/s2982/GreatCrestedGrebe032905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="2236" data-original-width="2982" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKtXKTyvX2jWbKiyOWjbGI0bx3NijPKg0nhiyzcV115H0MiMpa543-hCWH0_1Y8X88qZlMBWDMYsytNuGj7jy_fRC4kT2C_0F_KIro8a7UkQzgRapPnRLa-w2KNLTFh6-eIGjenDkDFyFztVMRBuSqNiBMAEGPFdAbS9VaOF5ygjLXETRmDTamdNCP-kI/w400-h300/GreatCrestedGrebe032905.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Great Crested Grebe</b> Podiceps cristatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once at the conservation area the first of three <b>Carrion Crow</b> came to rest on the hulk to our right and making our way back down river we recorded both <b>Rock Dove</b> and <b>Magpie</b> with a single <b>Woodpigeon</b> atop an electricty pole near the car park.</p><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen: </span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Black-throated Diver, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</span></b></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-61996872921018227272024-03-14T02:26:00.000-07:002024-03-14T03:26:34.207-07:00Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group<p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 13 March </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">fabulous weather and fabulous birding for this week's <span style="color: #800180;"><b>Arboleas Birding Group's</b></span> visit to the Sierra de Maria. An early Woodchat Shrike, Great Spotted Cuckoo and Barn Swallow would confirm spring is well and truly on its way. Then, of course, lots of great sightings to please all participants and help make such wonderful day's birding. Amazing how you take for granted the birds seen in Spain and then realise, try as you may, you're very unlikely to see many of the species back in the UK. Even a Red-legged Partridge is becoming a challenge nevermind such exotics as Short-toed Eagle and Griffon Vulture. And o for the joy of a Woodchat Shrike! Feeling most envious.</span></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><b>Sierra de Maria - Wednesday 13th March</b></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3_wZUhr1Nk6kSmZ2oL5j8AtPo9jbCZWwZ7eVLLcQTHjelEDabSdFHq2R6Q3TEdqJVrrjd1Xdanbx6jKY6DIibZCOfc0IRy7zktuCsbdXVLN3WOwPROoUu4xC1jUQzsl5M4digrWCESlQn84FtSiNknjV7eLPugQzX_rcVwuy5eZ98a5ndXOrPT8mBxg_/s4000/010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2070" data-original-width="4000" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3_wZUhr1Nk6kSmZ2oL5j8AtPo9jbCZWwZ7eVLLcQTHjelEDabSdFHq2R6Q3TEdqJVrrjd1Xdanbx6jKY6DIibZCOfc0IRy7zktuCsbdXVLN3WOwPROoUu4xC1jUQzsl5M4digrWCESlQn84FtSiNknjV7eLPugQzX_rcVwuy5eZ98a5ndXOrPT8mBxg_/w640-h332/010.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beautiful weather and scenery with the s</span></span>now-topped <b>Sierra de Maria </b>(PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">After Richard and Juda had arrived at mine, I drove them in Richard's car up the motorway towards the Sierra de Maria. Once we had passed Velez Blanco our list began. By the time we'd reached Maria we'd seen Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Mistle Thrush and Spotless Starling. Leaving the town we added Greenfinch and Blackbird before we got to the La Piza forest cafe. As Juda and I replenished the empty bird feeders Richard noted Coal Tits and Chaffinches waiting for us to finish. As we had our coffees, we were joined by Trevor, Val and Phil who had seen a Jackdaw en route. News had got out that the feeders were full. We saw Crested, Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits. Richard saw a Jay. I found a Robin. A female Crossbill came for a drink. The Collared Dove was interested in the bread pile.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2czSQcj-QXL1vB4eU3G0Ol73fCIgbHyQk-RXwPdTueAfHZKojTr6uT-kcApH2yx8O06POuqY6j3kWIB79zRKS9TeSSidua_AgQ3T1TBOiNYAkFPOeT0K5V8eB5LixnTa_3dE7jlbzoxphJMWbV9eEJJjkimrOymMzWo0jmVa23VGsPHevvCCYo8cF5SKc/s3000/004%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2904" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2czSQcj-QXL1vB4eU3G0Ol73fCIgbHyQk-RXwPdTueAfHZKojTr6uT-kcApH2yx8O06POuqY6j3kWIB79zRKS9TeSSidua_AgQ3T1TBOiNYAkFPOeT0K5V8eB5LixnTa_3dE7jlbzoxphJMWbV9eEJJjkimrOymMzWo0jmVa23VGsPHevvCCYo8cF5SKc/w388-h400/004%20(1).JPG" width="388" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Jay</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We convoyed along the loop. We only saw Chaffinch and Carrion Crow in the forest. Once we got to the fields we added Crested Lark, Magpie and a Calandra Lark doing a display flight. As we parked up outside the village a pair of Mallard flew by. Moving on we saw Thekla Lark, Black Redstart and a large flock of Linnet. Next was a White Wagtail and a pair of Hoopoe. As we reached the ruined building on the left, I spotted a Little Owl on a rock pile. We saw another two further along. The Red-legged Partridges had paired up. A charm of Goldfinches settled on the dead thistles. A Raven flew by.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6eZAcDKjjAAcZKIaWUEIvz41PzpL_ZZCJrkqIrDxu5yIymPX8oxOLJv2uiNigz_-qVNBaq2rWMKH5zsy2JWlNFGT_0CNbgz9JDikwmwMnulOZ9ogKmoYP-UhU8-LUd5uYrg6p4VWOIViUeYlO8S2H0-gXaxUr2mS5KRsbr3bvh6F6kheN82stYarzmbZ/s2372/009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="2082" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6eZAcDKjjAAcZKIaWUEIvz41PzpL_ZZCJrkqIrDxu5yIymPX8oxOLJv2uiNigz_-qVNBaq2rWMKH5zsy2JWlNFGT_0CNbgz9JDikwmwMnulOZ9ogKmoYP-UhU8-LUd5uYrg6p4VWOIViUeYlO8S2H0-gXaxUr2mS5KRsbr3bvh6F6kheN82stYarzmbZ/w351-h400/009.JPG" width="351" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Red-legged Partridge</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">A number of Carrion Crows were seen, I added a Stonechat as we reached the reeded brook . We were amazed to see a male Marsh Harrier glide by. Reaching the cliff I spotted two Black Wheatears on top. A Kestrel flew off. Stock/Rock Doves were beginning to check out nest holes . I didn't know this, but apparently the difference between a dove and a pigeon is that in the South West of the UK a dove is "more posher" than a pigeon! Ummmm? Val was first to hear a distant Red-billed Chough. I found some distant Griffon Vultures. Moving on I spotted a bird flying across afield, landing on the side of a tree. An Iberian Green Woodpecker. In the tree behind it was another one seen entering a nice hole. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgff_HfzhjtFoVZhbKdXlrjDQrOCytFWD17crvLDY4ErAzUD58HOMwxCMDE5S9nNEyFmp7PzxQrpcXwlh9FTAWAwG6ds74_o4DH7Cgi0t3i50Eru_bLY4nL65r5iurCqzGMszaUthn0izARiXo8ugIXGg89Pns_xA_Qa2qq9kcTP4WxrqysR5Ahu2pYOxXt/s3000/012%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2379" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgff_HfzhjtFoVZhbKdXlrjDQrOCytFWD17crvLDY4ErAzUD58HOMwxCMDE5S9nNEyFmp7PzxQrpcXwlh9FTAWAwG6ds74_o4DH7Cgi0t3i50Eru_bLY4nL65r5iurCqzGMszaUthn0izARiXo8ugIXGg89Pns_xA_Qa2qq9kcTP4WxrqysR5Ahu2pYOxXt/w318-h400/012%20(1).JPG" width="318" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Iberian Green Woodpecker</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">As we passed the farm buildings Richard saw a couple of Northern Starlings with a group of Spotless cousins. En route to the hamlet we saw another Little Owl. I added a Barn Swallow. Moving on to the water trough there were a few White Wagtails. Richard thought one was dark enough to be a Pied. Trevor found another Barn Swallow. Carrying on, I saw a raptor to our left. Our first Short Toed Eagle of the year. Behind it were more Griffon Vultures. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEqQGXLAz9jRwaobDj5TIIFn6VRzzL4vhiJ5qSK1ewD49OmrLeYoHqtReiU8-WMCgtsF9bhZET7gQX7fmli6X6KH4V4hPpPJZ3snbSA0vF9p02TV1m5nqQKvuEENoO6uWDJOKlsORboq7pjP7ZC6DgxeTKhHbZCviLHlEHaOuXiHY8ywU_O1-b1oPQ89G/s2523/015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2523" data-original-width="2081" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEqQGXLAz9jRwaobDj5TIIFn6VRzzL4vhiJ5qSK1ewD49OmrLeYoHqtReiU8-WMCgtsF9bhZET7gQX7fmli6X6KH4V4hPpPJZ3snbSA0vF9p02TV1m5nqQKvuEENoO6uWDJOKlsORboq7pjP7ZC6DgxeTKhHbZCviLHlEHaOuXiHY8ywU_O1-b1oPQ89G/w330-h400/015.JPG" width="330" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Distant <b>Short-toed Eagle</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We returned to the La Piza forest cafe. As we ate our lunch (Yes, the lamb chops were delicious!) we saw many of the previously seen birds. Phil added a male Blackcap.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU2nXI-kaupQi4GpzNqizZ95csbkoEF3jLICCTiktXfA32BDC2Sb95-qxlcx7pmuPtP75GrbAcqG9mc0yBqpxvD8kExXRGoLYiPDDIgHxTSxrCLEJ9AZ-iKAE302Iz-gB_e_xg4WVLdcfnb3GW6XxWWP41jMbgKhW_3qU02w1Txwn1l-anoMDYcsFqzwZ/s3000/002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1949" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU2nXI-kaupQi4GpzNqizZ95csbkoEF3jLICCTiktXfA32BDC2Sb95-qxlcx7pmuPtP75GrbAcqG9mc0yBqpxvD8kExXRGoLYiPDDIgHxTSxrCLEJ9AZ-iKAE302Iz-gB_e_xg4WVLdcfnb3GW6XxWWP41jMbgKhW_3qU02w1Txwn1l-anoMDYcsFqzwZ/w260-h400/002.JPG" width="260" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Long-tailed Tits</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Having done a recount, I can confirm 45 species. Great weather, birding and company!</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">An additional photo taken in my back garden a few days ago attached.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXxqfJhhq2PyPGg6f09SOsFl-_OmH19DnUUEmmYfCNpjjhg-Oacg2KqUzElLfjdTomQcnOK3UUSMXjdFYNa2R_iWyihlYThRtMADZGP8qDau8ryIMyG4pTNsWFhz1I3jExYrQFgwZN5EpYciy-KZ-N32R1IlMxWGKTeR3_kbByQGp9snfn0rS0Pzj8Kql/s3000/004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2008" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXxqfJhhq2PyPGg6f09SOsFl-_OmH19DnUUEmmYfCNpjjhg-Oacg2KqUzElLfjdTomQcnOK3UUSMXjdFYNa2R_iWyihlYThRtMADZGP8qDau8ryIMyG4pTNsWFhz1I3jExYrQFgwZN5EpYciy-KZ-N32R1IlMxWGKTeR3_kbByQGp9snfn0rS0Pzj8Kql/w268-h400/004.JPG" width="268" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Great Spotted Cuckoo</b><br />(PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)<br />in rear garden!</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</span></b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-2337139617278867972024-03-12T13:04:00.000-07:002024-03-12T13:04:11.094-07:00Dorset Birding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2jXKwlcpdvQUf-hpKPeLNhmCUJw4ZI1LJA_ElnwjQHoQljUQth6HSJ5D0dqagdujKaUX7cpoTMtKo7KJFdKI7U0Qa5Mw26D658Chs_I1_i66hOKCMTHb44NgZCHulZoCyWY5Fq1XMXz2jc5KEQxlxD5Ty82oIRDr4RJVSXEU3nZy_URPApZKcUSkV9iG/s1750/MandarinDuck041128%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1750" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2jXKwlcpdvQUf-hpKPeLNhmCUJw4ZI1LJA_ElnwjQHoQljUQth6HSJ5D0dqagdujKaUX7cpoTMtKo7KJFdKI7U0Qa5Mw26D658Chs_I1_i66hOKCMTHb44NgZCHulZoCyWY5Fq1XMXz2jc5KEQxlxD5Ty82oIRDr4RJVSXEU3nZy_URPApZKcUSkV9iG/w400-h268/MandarinDuck041128%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male <b>Mandarin Duck</b> <i>Aix galericulata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Sunday/Monday 10/11 March</b></p><p>The original plan was to spend Sunday morning at RSPB Arne before working our way back o Poole harbour for our overnight having also visited a few of the sites around Lytchett Bay on the final journey. Come Sunday a sail over to Brownsea Island on the ferry or a cruise round the greater harbour before working our way back to Warsash with a possible visit to Blashford Lakes to check if the Bittern was still present as we passed through Ringwood. What could go wrong? Almost everything evidently.</p><p>Leaving home in time to arrive at <b>RSPB Arne</b> by 10 o'clock we were welcome by a noisy group of <b>Jackdaws</b> and the occasional <b>Carrion Crow</b> to commence an anti-clockwise tour of the reserve in dry, overcast skies but neither rain nor wind. The initial feeding station was very active with many <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b>, <b>Chaffinches</b> and <b>Siskins</b> plus the occasional <b>Goldfinch</b> and foraging <b>Robins</b>, <b>Dunnocks</b> and <b>Blackbirds</b>. Heading up and through the trees before dropping down to the <i>Shipstal shoreline</i> we added <b>Woodpigeons</b> and then the sight of a fifty <b>Oystercatchers</b> and a lone <b>Curlew</b>. Further out a relatively nearby <b>Red-breasted Merganser</b> with a further five in deeper water. Working round to get a closer view and a photograph we were most disappointed to have a pair of jet skis come closer inshore and drive everything away. All that was left were a pair of <b>Herring</b> and <b>Black-headed Gull</b>. At that point a flock of seventy <b>Brent Geese</b> flew past and headed further into the harbour.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlpyB9TzkSxVQf89XI2TtS6JAmAWvZg3upUOjKrj3f-0XhHNZVTxo1kui3HM0ZsI7HSWs2j9JvyA3mH2q2YTOziyGiSqV3ON0jS3b3_crsudxstx0rdqIasaM-TXjEPenIGsHWwMDpsp-d2FIa_cN3vDiTX1WWp-lktTgFxg-CTg0WZ4x3DD3MGelt7uQ/s5335/PooleHarbour041078%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="5335" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlpyB9TzkSxVQf89XI2TtS6JAmAWvZg3upUOjKrj3f-0XhHNZVTxo1kui3HM0ZsI7HSWs2j9JvyA3mH2q2YTOziyGiSqV3ON0jS3b3_crsudxstx0rdqIasaM-TXjEPenIGsHWwMDpsp-d2FIa_cN3vDiTX1WWp-lktTgFxg-CTg0WZ4x3DD3MGelt7uQ/w640-h284/PooleHarbour041078%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Poole Harbour</b> from Shipsal Hide with Brownsea Island just visible extreme right at top</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Moving on round to the <i>Shipstal Hide</i> we noticed another pair of <b>Red-breasted Mergansers</b> on the open water and then distant views of <b>Wigeon</b> and the <b>Brent Geese</b> in front of us. Using the scope we found a pair of <b>Avocet</b> plus <b>Dunlin</b>, <b>Redshank</b>, <b>Curlew</b>, <b>Black-tailed Godwit</b> and <b>Canada Geese</b>. To the far left a party of seven <b>Cormorant </b>were preening and bathing and the nearby <b>Heron</b> flew away and past me to the delight of others present in the hide, and also revealing a distant <b>Little Egret</b>. Time to make our way back to the <i>Visitors Centre</i> and car park to complete the circuit. Passing through the <i>Big Wood</i> a distant <b>Green Woodpecker</b> and then the heavens opened leaving us to cover the final fifteen minutes in drenching rain and so leaving us to try and recover over a hot coffee and cake.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wO4h0ZLb4okXNp6Ljbaquk6l5xC3Cojxi-Tqd1hn4d_MGm8hiD7rWXk53J52Y8u6bUYyf_P4OR6BrLw-gAKVVchDRZ6tSRFHkTer_SkTdhU6Vc7ZeMDMPZx-lCh4jQr_fiQHkH-TrmRzuZr52cg0M3Z9Ijim4F7nRmyQKMYmVOuhKT6260S1WMSqxeC4/s2598/BrentGeese041077%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="2598" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wO4h0ZLb4okXNp6Ljbaquk6l5xC3Cojxi-Tqd1hn4d_MGm8hiD7rWXk53J52Y8u6bUYyf_P4OR6BrLw-gAKVVchDRZ6tSRFHkTer_SkTdhU6Vc7ZeMDMPZx-lCh4jQr_fiQHkH-TrmRzuZr52cg0M3Z9Ijim4F7nRmyQKMYmVOuhKT6260S1WMSqxeC4/w400-h266/BrentGeese041077%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brent geese</b> <i>Branta bernicla</i> with a <b>Shelduck</b> <i>Tadorna tadorna</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>With the rain lasting a wetting 75 minutes no point in any more birding so made our way back to <i>Poole</i> harbour and our hotel where we were able to check-in early and change into dry clothes. So much local flooding with very high water levels and many <b>Mute Swans</b> making use of the new facility. Indeed, even a walk along the harbour quayside revealed scavenging <b>Herring Gulls</b> checking the fish boxes and a dozen <b>Turnstone</b> looking for scraps on the quayside.</p><p>Awake very early on Sunday morning and away from the hotel before 7.30 to visit the <i>Turlin Bird Screen</i> overlooking <i>Lytchett Bay</i> but, in the event, very disappointing even though attending at the recommended high tide. As I arrived a <b>Black-headed Gull</b> flew over and there were <b>Starlings </b>resting on the nearby houses. Walking to the screen a number of <b>House Sparrows</b>, <b>Blue Tits</b> and <b>Chaffinches</b> were in the bushes and a little further away both <b>Carrion Crow</b> and <b>Magpie</b>. From the screen away to my left twenty resting <b>Oystercatchers</b> which were joined by a dozen <b>Redshank</b> and even further away a handful of <b>Shelduck</b>. A <b>Blackbird</b> few past and looking at the opposite bank I could make out a small number of <b>Wigeon</b> along with a pair of <b>Canada Geese</b> and a <b>Mallard</b>. making my way back to the car a few <b>Woodpigeon</b> were recorded.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRegylzOmAsgYuxghjQfGWiTGMKAeUtBRK2aCsik5Dn-DGBxGJAxFNBj-j3C_jcURIf2xj1eNYmzXuTtw-oToJoeio0NLskQ2nl-NVctuTAXG-8ZZSlFwnkjcQzeOz2HZwvtshIKjRt9xpK1Av2YIxOZ_NMCUd6q0hTj7VuYAKWG-eKCX3VKNT2hv5zx0b/s2031/Pheasant041194%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2031" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRegylzOmAsgYuxghjQfGWiTGMKAeUtBRK2aCsik5Dn-DGBxGJAxFNBj-j3C_jcURIf2xj1eNYmzXuTtw-oToJoeio0NLskQ2nl-NVctuTAXG-8ZZSlFwnkjcQzeOz2HZwvtshIKjRt9xpK1Av2YIxOZ_NMCUd6q0hTj7VuYAKWG-eKCX3VKNT2hv5zx0b/w400-h266/Pheasant041194%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cock <b>Pheasant</b> <i>Phasianus colchicus</i> with two hen Pheasants</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So on to <b>Lytchett Bay View</b> to the eat of the bay. Much the same as the first stop but immediately in front of me two <b>Snipe</b> upped out of the reeds to lass in front of me before dropping out of sight to the right. A handful of <b>Blackbirds</b> plus <b>Great Tits</b> along with a closer view of a <b>Little Egret</b> and, returning to the car, a <b>Collared Dove</b>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrmsVUIj7FjkIDnz9N-RnBFzmGyUYoz-yu-E3X4r2MOLrbFcsuHr5yesOWb2__FTT8nV9EoqILnGAj744dGi40zkGfLpResm18mQPA09Gr4cAEVLKotOieasoxCdI1b4wFwwZn5U_fMx2g6nveRB7Pfhvl3_FQeKbqUl6pIpCOHgcT329vtRbBj8iRQT7/s4411/Teal041195%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="4411" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrmsVUIj7FjkIDnz9N-RnBFzmGyUYoz-yu-E3X4r2MOLrbFcsuHr5yesOWb2__FTT8nV9EoqILnGAj744dGi40zkGfLpResm18mQPA09Gr4cAEVLKotOieasoxCdI1b4wFwwZn5U_fMx2g6nveRB7Pfhvl3_FQeKbqUl6pIpCOHgcT329vtRbBj8iRQT7/w640-h272/Teal041195%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i> with a couple of <b>Black-tailed Godwit</b> <i>Limosa limosa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Taking the advice of a local birder who joined me in time to see the <b>Snipe</b>, I decided I would drive on round to the top of the bay so that I could walk through Lytchett Fields to Rock Lea View. More flooded roads on the way and then a walk along the lane to <i>Lytchett Fields</i>, seeing both <b>Dunnock</b> and a lovely singing <b>Song Thrush</b>, where I stopped to both look at the flooded field with bird life at the back a a feeding station to my left alongside the hedge. A dozen or more <b>Brown Rats</b> feeding on the dropped seed below the feeders (and some where very large indeed!) but seemed not to bother the feeing birds. Mainly <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> but also a few <b>Chaffinches</b> and more <b>Reed Buntings</b> than I had seen for many a month. On the other side of the field near the flood water, a small flock of <b>Teal</b> along with a dozen <b>Redshank</b>, <b>Black-tailed Godwit</b> and <b>Little Egret</b>. Also present on the field <b>Blackbird</b>, <b>Carrion Crow </b>and <b>Woodpigeon</b> but, right in front of me, a (true) pair of <b>Pheasants</b> possibly sizing up a potential nesting platform. So on tot he final short walk to the <i>Rock Lea View</i> platform. A <b>Mallard</b> on the water in front of me along with a resting <b>Cormorant</b> and a lone <b>Lesser Black-backed Gull</b>. More tits, <b>Blackbirds</b> and <b>Robins</b> as I made my way back to the car for the journey back to the hotel.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC_eUjs3-9nN2GM4RJGCygibevc-hTR3NDGS6rkruge1HwPZ3N4xoxXpOskNR0BaNFUD8i0WvY7Oa1g-fyxuy6OYLaoAUL-61Qv22mjM25VtcjpbDPulnG2Hr2gpM_Q6gtH6V8IDm0_U4of19BO-P-64A2UyZuPW9JCRkScqxm0eSGZ7B2VBYDA5CSpHV/s1490/SongThrush041180%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1490" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC_eUjs3-9nN2GM4RJGCygibevc-hTR3NDGS6rkruge1HwPZ3N4xoxXpOskNR0BaNFUD8i0WvY7Oa1g-fyxuy6OYLaoAUL-61Qv22mjM25VtcjpbDPulnG2Hr2gpM_Q6gtH6V8IDm0_U4of19BO-P-64A2UyZuPW9JCRkScqxm0eSGZ7B2VBYDA5CSpHV/w400-h266/SongThrush041180%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Song Thrush </b><i>Turdus philomelos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back at the hotel so that we could check out by 9.30 and head of to the Quayside only to discover that there are no harbour cruises and the Brownsea ferry does not recommence until next Saturday! So a drive into Bournemouth and then on down to Christchurch and a visit to <i>Stanpit </i>overlooking the harbour. Horrendous flooding on the Avon in this area so more <b>Mute Swans</b> about and mainly <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> and <b>Wigeon</b> seen at Stanpit.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7zVkRbKCz_feGod7QkIaFwd_qnYiJE1EGFrBG31jUOlOki3CAAeqoIhLpLYFRrqdSdFndtOwrq6tBfpzl6XNMfC-U_ZtSPqlbayuyL1c753fvKD6gfP1jRFpNL-MP1soNyRaqVx8EI0PEZb8NBf5RL9iWF9sivhFkTMMrHDKlBUpQ0tIl0I74VzxyyeH/s1902/LesserBlackBackedGull041122%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1902" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7zVkRbKCz_feGod7QkIaFwd_qnYiJE1EGFrBG31jUOlOki3CAAeqoIhLpLYFRrqdSdFndtOwrq6tBfpzl6XNMfC-U_ZtSPqlbayuyL1c753fvKD6gfP1jRFpNL-MP1soNyRaqVx8EI0PEZb8NBf5RL9iWF9sivhFkTMMrHDKlBUpQ0tIl0I74VzxyyeH/w400-h266/LesserBlackBackedGull041122%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lesser Black-backed Gull</b> <i>Larus fuscus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Time to move on and pay a visit to <i>Blashford Lakes</i> which was less than a dozen miles away. Having passed the active rookery with its colony of <b>Rooks</b> as we approached, straight to <i>Ivy North Hide</i> but no sighting (or sound) of the Bittern today. On the water plenty of <b>Wigeon</b> along with <b>Shoveler</b>, <b>Mallard</b>, <b>Teal</b>, <b>Gadwall</b> and <b>Tufted Duck</b>. Also present, <b>Great Crested Grebe</b>, <b>Cormorant</b>, <b>Moorhen</b>, <b>Canada Goose</b>, <b>Black-headed Gull</b> and <b>Carrion Crow</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK7i6_GO9Um-Aw4W31TDcp0sUlmNWI7xJ74slv2a8eIHyQn3ldt4wUCljIJmEBY7JT6iMVej-iB8-aYG9pbMP2F4wrPOHdX_hxpLVf8Ne8Ax-UtK5QnczndiauO11aPENzYMRZuRihtczKztVBB9pSm4D7dmBOTYMZXlQXmLj6FfATazTRKOelHPBi5DU/s1766/Pintail041120%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1766" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK7i6_GO9Um-Aw4W31TDcp0sUlmNWI7xJ74slv2a8eIHyQn3ldt4wUCljIJmEBY7JT6iMVej-iB8-aYG9pbMP2F4wrPOHdX_hxpLVf8Ne8Ax-UtK5QnczndiauO11aPENzYMRZuRihtczKztVBB9pSm4D7dmBOTYMZXlQXmLj6FfATazTRKOelHPBi5DU/w400-h266/Pintail041120%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pintail</b> <i>Anas acuta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Moving on down through the trees to the <i>Woodland Hide</i> I was surprised by the number of <b>Siskins</b> to be seen along with both <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b>, <b>Chaffinch</b>, <b>Greenfinch</b>, <b>Goldfinch</b>, <b>Blackbird</b>, <b>Robin</b> and <b>Dunnock</b>. Even both a <b>Chiffchaff</b> and a <b>Long-tailed Tit</b> present. Then, observing the pair of <b>Collared Doves </b>as we made our way back to the car, it was over to <i>Ibsley Water</i> to check what might or might not be present. Hundreds of <b>Pintail</b> along with scores of both <b>Shoveler</b> and <b>Tufted Duck</b> plus a few <b>Cormorant</b> and a small number of <b>Lesser Black-backed Gulls</b>. A <b>Pied Wagtail</b> was seen on the bank to my right and then, upon leaving the water, both <b>Jackdaws</b> and <b>Rock Doves</b>. Finally, driving away form the site a pair of <b>Stonechat</b> on the moor as we headed eastwards through the New Forest.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtqM03L-SnlLv5Xh1UEfhpSIz-HCQJSZjpxEIIpoVdESAJilKrLvgZWwxhUZYZEhy6zbhDSeNVHIvTcTyztyobiVXmM_kQLna2CVXD0YQQGnbrxL7N_JYrjvEtWTS5tPx8T5ETwropcU_MuvvT30TZZmq7_ji7b7wYercKWYDEEqlBfRA14ipdtQXpRMP/s2852/MandarinDuck041125%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1903" data-original-width="2852" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtqM03L-SnlLv5Xh1UEfhpSIz-HCQJSZjpxEIIpoVdESAJilKrLvgZWwxhUZYZEhy6zbhDSeNVHIvTcTyztyobiVXmM_kQLna2CVXD0YQQGnbrxL7N_JYrjvEtWTS5tPx8T5ETwropcU_MuvvT30TZZmq7_ji7b7wYercKWYDEEqlBfRA14ipdtQXpRMP/w400-h268/MandarinDuck041125%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mandarin Duck</b> <i>Aix galericulata (female left)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Chance for one last stop at <i>Eyeworth Pond</i> where we found no less than seven <b>Mandarin Ducks</b>, five male and two females. Just the one pair of <b>Mallard</b> and a lone <b>Moorhen</b> but plenty of<b> Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> along with a number of <b>Chaffinches</b> and a <b>Dunnock</b>. A pair of <b>Canada Geese</b> were at the back of the water and nearby both <b>Blackbird </b>and <b>Carrion Crow</b>. As we were about to set off for Warsash and home a <b>Marsh Tit</b> visited the feeding station and we said our final goodbyes with the sight of both <b>Rock Doves</b> and <b>Starlings</b> so giving a final tally of <b>55 species</b> for the two days.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBY6C3b7VAGRLOgDiZRwKxN86LqSOtsb1XyIN7A4qn3I_qGjF7FaGMy_Lxt6RNSVaJERTB5Ttr3DCy3iOO7eFlEjUqNSs46GmGPAhRf9h3pgGfbLXIiC1d-ZZ23cuSSQJZ_rlnei78llkWPtIJ93p8WOKsTnJABolaIOrTgtdnzS81AOQIR31bZGnLXRg/s1717/BlueTit041130%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1717" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBY6C3b7VAGRLOgDiZRwKxN86LqSOtsb1XyIN7A4qn3I_qGjF7FaGMy_Lxt6RNSVaJERTB5Ttr3DCy3iOO7eFlEjUqNSs46GmGPAhRf9h3pgGfbLXIiC1d-ZZ23cuSSQJZ_rlnei78llkWPtIJ93p8WOKsTnJABolaIOrTgtdnzS81AOQIR31bZGnLXRg/w400-h266/BlueTit041130%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blue Tit</b> <i>Parus caeruleus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b style="color: red; font-size: small;">Birds seen:</b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D00J8ugk1YtGWXqmTjT_r_xBiMgFftR_fz4xaopwD-loAdP6ZPiFllGwc54nAB_GaFn5iWjwSuX1pWQpjYXHUkCJO4HaWc61wuwqfa9IkBMb7_2rRHsf5klx6vnN8iGUuFcP-tzndVH7fVy9twqjhQZPnQ7FLieeMiQ0UbUXlqSxg750EmGLITJCCD2V/s1591/Greenfinch041115%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1591" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D00J8ugk1YtGWXqmTjT_r_xBiMgFftR_fz4xaopwD-loAdP6ZPiFllGwc54nAB_GaFn5iWjwSuX1pWQpjYXHUkCJO4HaWc61wuwqfa9IkBMb7_2rRHsf5klx6vnN8iGUuFcP-tzndVH7fVy9twqjhQZPnQ7FLieeMiQ0UbUXlqSxg750EmGLITJCCD2V/w400-h266/Greenfinch041115%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Greenfinch</b> <i>Carduelis chloris</i> with <b>Siskins</b> <i>Carduelis spinus above</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmIM8gJEasEwH7_YmJHS9akhGEACVDRmhX6mfUeYB6v7FNUumhAYKbcbWwRltFnSFhik8QY8G2fFi-xYToEz359sZH8meGy_pWAZ87RMT4EMQO-GIlYuOAG2PTqTLci-4Wc3g8R_zRqBEFZayzG1wA0iwjvVzmNINttr0mtQAYqqPAlnP4OC4jLkK0VPf/s1819/Siskin041108%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1819" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmIM8gJEasEwH7_YmJHS9akhGEACVDRmhX6mfUeYB6v7FNUumhAYKbcbWwRltFnSFhik8QY8G2fFi-xYToEz359sZH8meGy_pWAZ87RMT4EMQO-GIlYuOAG2PTqTLci-4Wc3g8R_zRqBEFZayzG1wA0iwjvVzmNINttr0mtQAYqqPAlnP4OC4jLkK0VPf/w400-h266/Siskin041108%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male <b>Siskin</b> <i>Carduelis spinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0Wx80MZcwNsdRGFpIKRqzbA5nuhdi7kXkGLHVZOV0MTDcqt5XIZuwXL0-okXd05QVion9dY85UOFDxJUMWwshUQB4-6ARM9oU74rqj21LT4jlr9aKNuvCWKYK8y-XCHT8ZIrBqyMubVDULPGDAAD0yd6vG0rqeay2NdmnBMdrWZDWQUR6de3MeRcpDaB/s1833/Siskin041112%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1833" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0Wx80MZcwNsdRGFpIKRqzbA5nuhdi7kXkGLHVZOV0MTDcqt5XIZuwXL0-okXd05QVion9dY85UOFDxJUMWwshUQB4-6ARM9oU74rqj21LT4jlr9aKNuvCWKYK8y-XCHT8ZIrBqyMubVDULPGDAAD0yd6vG0rqeay2NdmnBMdrWZDWQUR6de3MeRcpDaB/w400-h268/Siskin041112%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female <b>Siskin</b> <i>Carduelis spinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-44036280126320938552024-03-09T04:42:00.000-08:002024-03-09T04:42:33.231-08:00Warsash and Solent Shore<p><b>Saturday 9 March </b></p><p>Out just after 8 for an early walk, noting both <b>Carrion Crow</b> and a pair of <i>Great Tit</i> as I left the house, down to the <i>Solent shore</i> with the hide almost in. Passing the slipway at <i>Warsash</i> a handful of <b>Brent Geese</b> and <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> with over a score of <b>Turnstone</b> and a couple of redshank on the shore below <i>Strawberry Fields</i>. Posing on a bush to my left as I continued on a lone, singing <b>Robin</b> and then, approaching the <i>School of Navigation</i> pier a <b>Curlew</b>, more <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> and a dozen <b>Wigeon</b> in the company of three <b>Oystercatchers</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv6D9wOheLfFRUsDm_IG9ZuUZgosDl-lfnsmzMb88QNafVScpkN1i06s_q97GpcK8IP6w0X_jrR0fzdoq6f74uNURUdDU_L7pefNJxcq_alCjXqx2iFIADWzkYJysH9uR5U8G76b_mEc5_RE0KQ4QCOPd5SklgYH4OTJQQjSud7Y4qDIwuCMwgtidfuI6/s2025/Turnstone010192%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="2025" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv6D9wOheLfFRUsDm_IG9ZuUZgosDl-lfnsmzMb88QNafVScpkN1i06s_q97GpcK8IP6w0X_jrR0fzdoq6f74uNURUdDU_L7pefNJxcq_alCjXqx2iFIADWzkYJysH9uR5U8G76b_mEc5_RE0KQ4QCOPd5SklgYH4OTJQQjSud7Y4qDIwuCMwgtidfuI6/w400-h266/Turnstone010192%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turnstone</b> <i>Arearia interpres</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Looking across the water to the end of the Spit I could see a flock of fifty resting <b>Oystercatchers</b> and behind me, on the small pond, a lone <b>Little Egret</b>. So on down tot the Spit itself confirming more <b>Black-headed</b> and a single <b>Herring Gull</b> I recorded a pair of <b>Carrion Crow</b> and another <b>Curlew</b> resting on the high ground. Lower down and in shelter of the bank a party of 22 <b>Ringed Plovers</b>, a pair of <b>Redshank</b> and many more <b>Wigeon</b>. From the shore side I was able to lock on to the resting/feeding <b>Black-throated Diver</b> out on the Solent.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefP-FOYwI2kti2hK4DOHvyHcvmzfLymF-agNGQW7xt3-guWvajfrDaK32o6nH8-ONeS9fvGtHC3z2PoQpXw5x10eeO4x7BG92DDJCd1Bg-tLqadhosMzzqmx4mTzBx6IfGZBhUlkbM2N9sKBqiDN_yai3vBt12ATe3y5saF0tj6HVZu7s8THKHT0gba0o/s2496/Turnstone011944%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2496" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefP-FOYwI2kti2hK4DOHvyHcvmzfLymF-agNGQW7xt3-guWvajfrDaK32o6nH8-ONeS9fvGtHC3z2PoQpXw5x10eeO4x7BG92DDJCd1Bg-tLqadhosMzzqmx4mTzBx6IfGZBhUlkbM2N9sKBqiDN_yai3vBt12ATe3y5saF0tj6HVZu7s8THKHT0gba0o/w400-h266/Turnstone011944%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Curlew</b> <i>Numenius arquata</i> with <b>Turnstone</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p>A walk along the shore almost as far as the Scrape produced a pair of <b>Mute Swan</b>, four <b>Canada Geese</b>, six <b>Shelduck</b> and more <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> on the water. having exercised the acing leg, time to make my way back before the expected rain. A couple of <b>Cetti's Warbler</b> in the reed bed to my right and close to shore near the pier a <b>Great Crested Grebe</b>. Walking back along the path below Strawberry Fields first a pair of <b>Collared Dove</b> followed by a trio of <b>Woodpigeon</b> and, finally, a <b>Magpie</b> foraging in the small dinghy storage yard in Warsash.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvuL-MiTq1r6DDVQ7nuYaSprH_VvvqxjEHrd8FRWW0iXJO2XkDZAis_vRueAwq6XEIpQpjwgvyw5Do9BOdu8KfZ8t4gksBOaiHQq1Ge7G46OQP9C3bvYtf6N0cnh0T_9hTgVEtixydL9JRSu-nFvIZCZLMaz6937CviB0TUIC_Swlz0nG9Cl72HRuRXD6/s2284/Shelduck010540%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="2284" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvuL-MiTq1r6DDVQ7nuYaSprH_VvvqxjEHrd8FRWW0iXJO2XkDZAis_vRueAwq6XEIpQpjwgvyw5Do9BOdu8KfZ8t4gksBOaiHQq1Ge7G46OQP9C3bvYtf6N0cnh0T_9hTgVEtixydL9JRSu-nFvIZCZLMaz6937CviB0TUIC_Swlz0nG9Cl72HRuRXD6/w400-h268/Shelduck010540%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shelduck</b> <i>Tadorna tadorna</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">Birds seen: </span><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Black-throated Diver, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-10679146210964351082024-03-06T11:37:00.000-08:002024-03-06T11:37:35.157-08:00<p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 6 March</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good to see Dave and his <b><span style="color: #800180;">Arboleas Birding Group</span></b> out and about and a good bay's birding with many interesting species. Stand-outs to me would appear to be the Iberian Grey Shrike and the Audouin's Gull but, there again, I am still waiting to see my first Sandwich Tern of the year back in the south of England.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 6th March</span></span></b></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">With the boss being away in the UK, I left early to head towards our local birdwatching spot, the rambla de Almanzora. Thankfully the high winds had at last passed. It was sunny but a bit chilly. Not quite shorts weather yet! I joined the rambla just passed the Desert Springs complex. I stopped overlooking the first concrete weir. There was a pair of Teal and a Mallard on the muddy water. A White Wagtail was on the water's edge. Moving further along I scanned each shallow pond. I soon had Shoveler, Little Ringed Plover, Black-winged Stilt and Dunlin in the bag. Also seen were Black Redstart, a Serin and an Iberian Grey Shrike posing well on the power line. At the ford I only saw a Mallard and a Moorhen.</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">I parked up and waited for the others to arrive. I noted Woodpigeon, Collared Dove and Magpie. I was joined by Richard and Peter, the former soon seeing some Spotless Starlings. We were joined by Trevor, Phil(2), Phil and Sue and Kevin. As there were workers at the Sewage works we decided to skip the walk and head to the beach. As we were getting into our cars we heard a calling Eurasian Curlew. En route Richard saw 3 Barn Swallows.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkxJ1LmUah1NQtyFXuQDR5sLS7ldDwM5kXvEYLPeSw8-epKeYXh7ltua2zzdPvT4DGY58ZgGss8uBtWhlyOL_PkQ8kv4CWZ5zhdcOCxivMWbJ8MUWyON15YyiqT5t_WlMHIkHZAuPad3uNsICQboKBK8f1KLqiJgnAwTYrsx7m89bWu5JuuZDZHlwl3h8/s2067/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="1925" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkxJ1LmUah1NQtyFXuQDR5sLS7ldDwM5kXvEYLPeSw8-epKeYXh7ltua2zzdPvT4DGY58ZgGss8uBtWhlyOL_PkQ8kv4CWZ5zhdcOCxivMWbJ8MUWyON15YyiqT5t_WlMHIkHZAuPad3uNsICQboKBK8f1KLqiJgnAwTYrsx7m89bWu5JuuZDZHlwl3h8/w373-h400/003.JPG" width="373" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Iberian Grey Shrike</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">At the beach Phil (2) tried to claim the Cormorant on the harbour side rocks, but I'd already seen it! There were a couple of Audouin's Gulls present as well as a Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gull. Sue was first to spot a Gannet out to sea. A flight of 5 birds flew by. I spotted three Balearic Shearwaters heading west. Sue added a Sandwich Tern and then a Kingfisher on one of the rocks. I found a Turnstone.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPo7iD3gjyGv4RSUwlCHKzMBDoL1vaLPsQXAHYuTJaqau9xod6moK9IdKUnbfGt29We89qKm1v7PWjBxM7lQZTAiWv-sVsP5s__kUIR5g5DvRM2E43Ov9V1OpYQR0xzzO9rma0pxvkG4t5Vq2a0ipFyble6k0YxNz5KjTSo4kuhSYkdXpIU53ErdBSz1R/s2597/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="2597" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPo7iD3gjyGv4RSUwlCHKzMBDoL1vaLPsQXAHYuTJaqau9xod6moK9IdKUnbfGt29We89qKm1v7PWjBxM7lQZTAiWv-sVsP5s__kUIR5g5DvRM2E43Ov9V1OpYQR0xzzO9rma0pxvkG4t5Vq2a0ipFyble6k0YxNz5KjTSo4kuhSYkdXpIU53ErdBSz1R/w400-h358/006.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Audouin's Gull</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We moved on to the far side of the estuary apart from Kevin who checked out the near side. En route I saw a Crested Lark. On the water's edge we saw Ring Plovers. There was a sheltering group of Dunlin on the beach. A charm of Goldfinches flew by. Kevin joined us. He'd seen the same us but also Kentish Plover and Coot. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We adjourned to the Tiburon cafe in Villaricos. We were joined by House Sparrows. Richard added a House Martin.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We convoyed our way to the salinas opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa, seeing a Blackbird on the way. The Phils and Sue saw a Kestrel. There was the usual plethora of Moorhens feeding on the right hand mud flat. They were joined by a Little Stint. Scanning the shallow waters in front and below us we added Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, loads of Shoveler, Avocet and Three Ruff. Also seen were Chiffchaffs, Little Grebe, Common Pochard and Redshank. Sue added a Sardinian Warbler. There were numerous Mediterranean Gulls on the water. Trevor spotted a Stonechat. Some Teal were seen.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOxDOi8buB-SUk0F-jAyTVWRZDXpSlAR4W30kwAJal7Inm8ooy5jMC9rD12yLZS8cQXo9HzFq3Cyw2Rq6tI77ldcH4VW_mMQ5PsNXlXaqC3ijN207O2oT686ar3KuDsmFEb3eYB_WU-h83FhX9KPrpWzWmzW2bRznbYyAKKagtfkElXJ9e5gXn97c8CfI/s2454/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="2263" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOxDOi8buB-SUk0F-jAyTVWRZDXpSlAR4W30kwAJal7Inm8ooy5jMC9rD12yLZS8cQXo9HzFq3Cyw2Rq6tI77ldcH4VW_mMQ5PsNXlXaqC3ijN207O2oT686ar3KuDsmFEb3eYB_WU-h83FhX9KPrpWzWmzW2bRznbYyAKKagtfkElXJ9e5gXn97c8CfI/w369-h400/011.JPG" width="369" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>White-headed Duck</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We moved on to the hide opposite the Aguaparc. Kevin had Purple Swamphen, White-headed Duck and Black-necked Grebe before I was out of the car. Also seen was a pair of Red-crested Pochards. Phil(1) spotted a flying Yellow Wagtail which eventually gave goodish views in an area of sparse reeds. We said our goodbyes as Kevin stayed on talking to a Spanish birder. He had good views of a Marsh Harrier. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCjFldMmmKLShFgc-6ijxo_gsPqOx8oyfItUnqlYrWxm-em0PXlUI_aHXLmp1JjgI1UBsJUP_uOdQ9cqDNTn2brT6E5lQ7OoMU6AlCXONXCI2HYbNqSCRlkB7JNUIsHLeRbl4mP8T5XzyuTcOKuw9lCAWk0J5Q5zFfX1WAJD8HWwvqSAnOU4yAIvjIgt1/s2575/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2084" data-original-width="2575" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCjFldMmmKLShFgc-6ijxo_gsPqOx8oyfItUnqlYrWxm-em0PXlUI_aHXLmp1JjgI1UBsJUP_uOdQ9cqDNTn2brT6E5lQ7OoMU6AlCXONXCI2HYbNqSCRlkB7JNUIsHLeRbl4mP8T5XzyuTcOKuw9lCAWk0J5Q5zFfX1WAJD8HWwvqSAnOU4yAIvjIgt1/w400-h324/007.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Male <b>Red-crested Pochard</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We ended up with a respectable 54 species for a mornings bird watching. Good weather and great company.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsSRWl8BOwyFiYbrXD8E0SoG1ZbbnBIpzZ5oh4yrBeGWHE8m_yewRS3hCaS3aF24jfrAhdJ09XIvKXLXcWdUW30zKURl8ihz_aTAeLJuO4cyk5ObMhDwkVtYKl2jwBgTtG4hKtmiLcjePQnL5YBx19Yi9uxQyZb2WhoO43dNjQ8Djg13cvxaYZ2iSeL1F/s2450/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="2450" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsSRWl8BOwyFiYbrXD8E0SoG1ZbbnBIpzZ5oh4yrBeGWHE8m_yewRS3hCaS3aF24jfrAhdJ09XIvKXLXcWdUW30zKURl8ihz_aTAeLJuO4cyk5ObMhDwkVtYKl2jwBgTtG4hKtmiLcjePQnL5YBx19Yi9uxQyZb2WhoO43dNjQ8Djg13cvxaYZ2iSeL1F/w400-h272/012.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Little Grebe</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">From Kevin :- Also, for Sue and anyone else interested, here's the link to the</span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Andalucian Bird Society: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.andaluciabirdsociety.org/&source=gmail&ust=1709839053701000&usg=AOvVaw2rxjzo9qhP7vFNW1oXx42E" href="https://www.andaluciabirdsociety.org/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>andaluciabirdsociety.org/</a></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></span></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-88626638418190017002024-03-04T04:59:00.000-08:002024-03-04T04:59:48.917-08:00Warsash Hamble River<p><b>Monday 4 March</b></p><p>After another frost night clear, bright sunshine but, again a very cold wind. A walk up the <i>Hamble River</i> the conservation area and back resulted in 19 species at low tide but including a flock of 17 <b>Red Knot</b> accompanied by a couple of <b>Dunlin</b>. But more <b>Dunlin</b> were feeding elsewhere.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8viiXxT87ZWdVf40QQQlFoLO4OjOInYxwWWkO0yumMyNaXkJ39_48HAyYLlaSWSx7bY-RCzlwi4IJ0qJ8j3lxOzbHz5k08KL6uuJRAkaQdwywNlLvX4kx1oX6ZwATbayx5mWajR99h7mm2CJVi2yhl5lRe0Ibbv9VKfZV4PawM08rsnGpuRi8yc3Z6Zk/s4419/Knot030451%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="4419" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8viiXxT87ZWdVf40QQQlFoLO4OjOInYxwWWkO0yumMyNaXkJ39_48HAyYLlaSWSx7bY-RCzlwi4IJ0qJ8j3lxOzbHz5k08KL6uuJRAkaQdwywNlLvX4kx1oX6ZwATbayx5mWajR99h7mm2CJVi2yhl5lRe0Ibbv9VKfZV4PawM08rsnGpuRi8yc3Z6Zk/w640-h228/Knot030451%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red Knot</b> <i>Calidris canutus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Upon starting the walk, very quickly <b>Black-headed Gulls</b>, <b>Redshank</b>, <b>Oystercatchers</b> and a <b>Curlew</b>. Once beyond the ferry pier the start of the <b>Brent Geese</b> sightings along with the main <b>Wigeon</b> flock. Amongst these sightings at least eight <b>Grey Plover</b> and then a small group of resting<b> Teal</b>. On the water a pair of <b>Shelduck</b> and, on this occasion, far more <b>Herring Gulls</b> to be seen.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zHj4pWU5ftbBx68TiOBNUXaCPxPWnxKvY41yh0qX-qiMFnNL6xtPVH_5fq5dXiU3QhNn6H-bfj4WskGgFmDHx_SaMWMgpvZ_MRHFRmNhMjem0mFrNTuWGCVX-HZv8PyT8nOwUbWS-hn5hDH4_KD40ZsIJqeZjy8AAe82cVOpQVi4c-ecnBjUupd1ngV6/s1748/Curlew030457%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1748" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zHj4pWU5ftbBx68TiOBNUXaCPxPWnxKvY41yh0qX-qiMFnNL6xtPVH_5fq5dXiU3QhNn6H-bfj4WskGgFmDHx_SaMWMgpvZ_MRHFRmNhMjem0mFrNTuWGCVX-HZv8PyT8nOwUbWS-hn5hDH4_KD40ZsIJqeZjy8AAe82cVOpQVi4c-ecnBjUupd1ngV6/w400-h266/Curlew030457%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Curlew</b> <i>Numenius arquata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Continuing on up the river to the conservation area I found more <b>Brent Geese</b>, <b>Redshank</b>, <b>Grey Plover</b> and <b>Curlew</b>. Across the other side of <i>Bunny Meadow</i> a lone magpie was foraging in one of the large gardens along with a dozen Woodpigeon. Then came the moment when I found the feeding <b>Red Knot</b> at the water's edge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGu9rpReAqL-WzQtWWpQ1vOvLgIkt8UcrndRAVa42OQtM5RMUDKd6NvxrzkKwlrdGhUu_X_kTUIaGO0DyPwGzRxMz2PTGmhceuXpDnvAc3pSD1lUZBdu5k1ICB2kIzIJS2oLnzYmVMdqPfGrIijUBo_lGhtAEG8okimXxeXnM5EYlGfdPXScHPZsLP70n/s4809/Knot030454%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1743" data-original-width="4809" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGu9rpReAqL-WzQtWWpQ1vOvLgIkt8UcrndRAVa42OQtM5RMUDKd6NvxrzkKwlrdGhUu_X_kTUIaGO0DyPwGzRxMz2PTGmhceuXpDnvAc3pSD1lUZBdu5k1ICB2kIzIJS2oLnzYmVMdqPfGrIijUBo_lGhtAEG8okimXxeXnM5EYlGfdPXScHPZsLP70n/w400-h145/Knot030454%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red Knot</b> <i>Calidris canutus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once at the conservation area mainly resting <b>Black-headed</b> along with a few more <b>Herring Gulls</b> plus dozen or so <b>Wigeon</b>, a couple of <b>Shelduck</b> and a handful of <b>Teal</b>. On the river side a trio of <b>Black-tailed Godwits</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkhFVnnhGqQx93a-m0HOUiDPcqqRMnzXuzdLGrXXPnjcibEh_8FK585bueVOKdKGGuYhd86ixZwWMzWSYh7ylaIDgZcYi8qqZholVdaE3FB0VH5gVwABDXK5lQC_BQvTQ2ekqIvVBClQCu0pPlqJlSTHI2xtutKA4CaGtm9q0dfwn1Y6g6P_VamLJSTxD/s1592/Shelduck030449%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkhFVnnhGqQx93a-m0HOUiDPcqqRMnzXuzdLGrXXPnjcibEh_8FK585bueVOKdKGGuYhd86ixZwWMzWSYh7ylaIDgZcYi8qqZholVdaE3FB0VH5gVwABDXK5lQC_BQvTQ2ekqIvVBClQCu0pPlqJlSTHI2xtutKA4CaGtm9q0dfwn1Y6g6P_VamLJSTxD/w400-h266/Shelduck030449%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shelduck </b><i>Tadorna tadorna</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Making my way back I found more <b>Grey Plovers </b>and the first <b>Turnstone</b> of the morning. A <b>Little Grebe</b> was resting near one of the islands and on the final shore of the river before taking the footpath home another couple of <b>Turnstone</b>. A pair of <b>Carrion Crows</b> crossed the river and another pair as I made my way home I was greeted by a departing <b>Blackbird</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblKnXcrBFhaxM7RkbwU8j6FnFKSnpMdHPsklig-5pM6Qy58x4mPVyOwKxzaLqEEWySu23__3nFeJz9nruhAncQB7xHxlZKe8pPb2Ica7FIboiSw-2i9KYMRCkMFadXK0bf0u79KMmVsJuxpiXN0iHZDjbE8yS46c-3nbhh0MiLxWQZc9uYfeDFLOVV8Vm/s1129/GreyPlover030473%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1129" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblKnXcrBFhaxM7RkbwU8j6FnFKSnpMdHPsklig-5pM6Qy58x4mPVyOwKxzaLqEEWySu23__3nFeJz9nruhAncQB7xHxlZKe8pPb2Ica7FIboiSw-2i9KYMRCkMFadXK0bf0u79KMmVsJuxpiXN0iHZDjbE8yS46c-3nbhh0MiLxWQZc9uYfeDFLOVV8Vm/w400-h266/GreyPlover030473%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey Plover</b> <i>Pluvialis squatarola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Red Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8u4Zyy3a_k-_AJXhJul29yOa7eCwczP-_E4kmBeBR-5cJk4BRDJfvhga2cYEAPJLX8-9gs4hk4ymfIu1RkgAFlygkB-G0th57ILn8Gl7mYOpAG-fOHyTFJK-JU7ZWYg2WTtRU9d6ZaXPcJWZR51vaJl4ea68RulBTF5fCR_TxpA1fRg7xGGjhQZY6dYJ7/s1613/BlackTailedGodwit030470%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1613" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8u4Zyy3a_k-_AJXhJul29yOa7eCwczP-_E4kmBeBR-5cJk4BRDJfvhga2cYEAPJLX8-9gs4hk4ymfIu1RkgAFlygkB-G0th57ILn8Gl7mYOpAG-fOHyTFJK-JU7ZWYg2WTtRU9d6ZaXPcJWZR51vaJl4ea68RulBTF5fCR_TxpA1fRg7xGGjhQZY6dYJ7/w400-h266/BlackTailedGodwit030470%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkCqFvQBbZVwfLmF0dgZuF9_e6iCMcE7klK0ccN9KGCnQsyWXjDsOAtOIXG0yacJI8FvveTbRDbreCVWIzlT3-ywuwXIPmsSnuUkbOwaScW8Dda2w3_Yh92nl1P3P8LC7QL1_VP65b66LnZg-QB-3L_VPAu0IfP7vP-P-F8tCA9VEOzx0RiqkcEoZA_Oy/s2996/BlackTailedGodwit030471%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1999" data-original-width="2996" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkCqFvQBbZVwfLmF0dgZuF9_e6iCMcE7klK0ccN9KGCnQsyWXjDsOAtOIXG0yacJI8FvveTbRDbreCVWIzlT3-ywuwXIPmsSnuUkbOwaScW8Dda2w3_Yh92nl1P3P8LC7QL1_VP65b66LnZg-QB-3L_VPAu0IfP7vP-P-F8tCA9VEOzx0RiqkcEoZA_Oy/w400-h268/BlackTailedGodwit030471%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black-tailed Godwit</b> <i>Limosa limosa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtdeVNJ7oj_Dq0Zh-ZCshnQHQJ1RnKkYl1as8woRnCUYH-qQnQRMCpi9y3ykWPOGzqq6b31296rm_yf4c3LO4uSHATPDz8NdiDtPGkQW8_eAw07BrCpNFzPvhm0O3JuVO3H3AXnajhyphenhyphenewQ41Fq9FU9cTxTd_6o2FvppSFTObzjrwqepXIpK0ot55ZlX1f/s3022/Dunlin030468%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3022" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtdeVNJ7oj_Dq0Zh-ZCshnQHQJ1RnKkYl1as8woRnCUYH-qQnQRMCpi9y3ykWPOGzqq6b31296rm_yf4c3LO4uSHATPDz8NdiDtPGkQW8_eAw07BrCpNFzPvhm0O3JuVO3H3AXnajhyphenhyphenewQ41Fq9FU9cTxTd_6o2FvppSFTObzjrwqepXIpK0ot55ZlX1f/w400-h266/Dunlin030468%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i> with <b>Dunlin</b> <i>Calidris alpina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS_pEuB7rge1m9GlpI6y3bm0Mlm7NVv2KVjuqv7fnfOChUjsp5FLkiQQo_WhK_qJ-tYNv7wMY_QvCz-KW-u3p28DkY6X1AvXSnaR9Axx2Ja-J7O_VBWFzdKXZgGSJWkVdMXdo5YKotxz8UZJFgFYnONnUqgy0L2pab_mqbAI4eAvVFebHgIaBVrleYulu/s1118/GreyPlover030456%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1118" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS_pEuB7rge1m9GlpI6y3bm0Mlm7NVv2KVjuqv7fnfOChUjsp5FLkiQQo_WhK_qJ-tYNv7wMY_QvCz-KW-u3p28DkY6X1AvXSnaR9Axx2Ja-J7O_VBWFzdKXZgGSJWkVdMXdo5YKotxz8UZJFgFYnONnUqgy0L2pab_mqbAI4eAvVFebHgIaBVrleYulu/w400-h268/GreyPlover030456%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey Plover</b> <i>Pluvialis squatarola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-9ceINpKHyLHRdpdZU_RkltRcBoUy93DAyh5BOGljNnE0QrSuAdOFsAnuKqnXhLlKdwqUE-0Wq5ae2cYzV_XCQD7H0AnZbfkiuoJ8zfv44yqPGoDCX7IH2viZ-f3fK_kdDmyN0sM94oA4Lnc3GwSA3WdAgzv-PjVZmFIcL2vpvusXZLLqQnkTdnVfPJd/s1261/Oystercatcher030445%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1261" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-9ceINpKHyLHRdpdZU_RkltRcBoUy93DAyh5BOGljNnE0QrSuAdOFsAnuKqnXhLlKdwqUE-0Wq5ae2cYzV_XCQD7H0AnZbfkiuoJ8zfv44yqPGoDCX7IH2viZ-f3fK_kdDmyN0sM94oA4Lnc3GwSA3WdAgzv-PjVZmFIcL2vpvusXZLLqQnkTdnVfPJd/w400-h266/Oystercatcher030445%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Oystercatcher</b> <i>Haematopus ostralegus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFZiMenqi8rwFFrrANh-mQg9_DOcbiElnCpHtmDWvgabXVcy3884serBdWR-PF-WPOQnWzfZ49ju50FZu1Lxkwhk8F0H4POwX167p2UAsl7yRC_EnOv_j6wQCl1ZR_-LCJHl3RJnt5g6g75RLBRkysm4iFlC8BPgg4LwGbnoNqDh6c9rB-DrS6AhCUui-/s1540/Redshank030447%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1540" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFZiMenqi8rwFFrrANh-mQg9_DOcbiElnCpHtmDWvgabXVcy3884serBdWR-PF-WPOQnWzfZ49ju50FZu1Lxkwhk8F0H4POwX167p2UAsl7yRC_EnOv_j6wQCl1ZR_-LCJHl3RJnt5g6g75RLBRkysm4iFlC8BPgg4LwGbnoNqDh6c9rB-DrS6AhCUui-/w400-h266/Redshank030447%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Redshank</b> <i>Tringa totanus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTpgFbURMTHkmwQq8OEgbaATCjW-2af_jcFChW8-h-aNfOSkhFnD5Fej0qaDDZivbcfkMTr1uOCfC75gxDWhSZqQSMfFNkKgoZFNPMEUb7uTsyEnf51cKxKYeonst0-QhA5wIOULowXSri7brmQ9556Gum6F9y2qttW891HLvdz_2cx0mxQ3F7V2PmgEw/s2587/Redshank030458%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="2587" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTpgFbURMTHkmwQq8OEgbaATCjW-2af_jcFChW8-h-aNfOSkhFnD5Fej0qaDDZivbcfkMTr1uOCfC75gxDWhSZqQSMfFNkKgoZFNPMEUb7uTsyEnf51cKxKYeonst0-QhA5wIOULowXSri7brmQ9556Gum6F9y2qttW891HLvdz_2cx0mxQ3F7V2PmgEw/w400-h266/Redshank030458%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Redshank</b> with <b>Turnstone</b> <i>Arenaria interpres</i> and <b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsmFPKQ2ttn2IIXfbs_IihXX7t2jwR7jIt2QOyjKt-MCv33Rr0PZEcteeHdUVtcz9H0CakzzffdEUj5H2TKEFxhmPfih-0Y819eXd-VH7ZMN5mWMsbEKgt8AIS2p4JkZJm1fkQ-SEi0WZ5-3CzvUQy88ymCHReiAKtL3fIoE22TQrS58jL9jfgB-XIcYc/s3899/Wigeon030475%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2601" data-original-width="3899" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsmFPKQ2ttn2IIXfbs_IihXX7t2jwR7jIt2QOyjKt-MCv33Rr0PZEcteeHdUVtcz9H0CakzzffdEUj5H2TKEFxhmPfih-0Y819eXd-VH7ZMN5mWMsbEKgt8AIS2p4JkZJm1fkQ-SEi0WZ5-3CzvUQy88ymCHReiAKtL3fIoE22TQrS58jL9jfgB-XIcYc/w640-h426/Wigeon030475%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wigeon</b> <b>Anas penelope</b> with a few <b>Dunlin</b> <i>Calidris alpina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-25328777581467639392024-03-03T10:22:00.000-08:002024-03-03T10:26:46.961-08:00Warsash Shore to Southampton Water<p><b>Sunday 3 March</b></p><p>Heavy overnight frost but a beautiful, clear, sunny morning without any wind at all making the temperature seem much warmer than previous days. Following the pains in my left leg over the past month, this was my first opportunity to test it out on a three mile walk along the shore from <i>Warsash</i> down to the Solent at <i>Southampton Water</i> and on along to the meandering pool before returning home; all accomplished without any major problems. But, just in case, I decided to leave both camera and scope at home and, as you might expect, I could well have don with them given the <b>32 species</b> recorded along with seven <b>Roe Deer</b> and a handsome dog <b>Fox</b> resting on the far bank of the <i>Meandering Pool</i>.</p><p>A quiet start at almost low tide given that a ass public exercise in litter picking was taking place so until the <i>School of Navigation</i> only a couple of <b>Black-headed Gulls</b>, <b>Redshank</b> and <b>Blackbird</b> recorded. Once at the pier the first of the scores of <b>Brent Geese</b> along with a few <b>Oystercatchers</b> and a small number of <b>Wigeon</b>. The small pool on my left held a <b>Little Egret</b> and approaching the <i>Spit</i> I noted the scores of <b>Wigeon</b> along with a <b>Cormorant</b> and <b>Herring Gull</b>. Many more <b>Brent Geese</b> and then eight resting <b>Sanderling</b> to be followed by the first <b>Ringed Plover</b> as I reached the end of the Spit inlet. Beyond the Spit on the Solent side scores of <b>Oystercatchers</b> and the resident <b>Yellow-legged Gull</b> often seen here at mid-water.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbw3dSS_3jvi9Lg7Rxr467UzWmfUCthsR_g-5wcJQb7dw5BLo2jMst8nht2RQREY9XV_iZRspz_FAsnqbE4FkHpFchEc1_eTTsPVo-vAJT2f2FJWOOJ7RrrVGcHXoB5nOSerRehviDCo_vuMBGmxfhnDUoTHu31geQd9Yv5gwxBOD8WIhGmwYQ9OXedbZ/s4470/BrentGeese030463%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2104" data-original-width="4470" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbw3dSS_3jvi9Lg7Rxr467UzWmfUCthsR_g-5wcJQb7dw5BLo2jMst8nht2RQREY9XV_iZRspz_FAsnqbE4FkHpFchEc1_eTTsPVo-vAJT2f2FJWOOJ7RrrVGcHXoB5nOSerRehviDCo_vuMBGmxfhnDUoTHu31geQd9Yv5gwxBOD8WIhGmwYQ9OXedbZ/w400-h189/BrentGeese030463%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brent Geese</b> <i>Branta bernicla</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Reaching the Scrape I immediately noted the pair of <b>Shelduck</b> along with more <b>Brent Geese</b> and <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> with a couple of diving<b> Little Grebe</b>. A pair of <b>Mute Swans</b> were making use of the canal between me and the Scrape and also giving me the opportunity to pick up the quartet of <b>Canada Geese</b>. As I moved away from the Scrape to take the walk alongside the gorse patch a distant <b>Woodpigeon</b> followed by a pair of <b>Linnet</b>. At the far end I also came across a long-waiting female <b>Stonechat</b>. Once at the Meandering Pool a pair of <b>Mallard</b> and <b>Gadwall</b> plus a lone <b>Little Egret</b> abut at the far side beyond the water a <b>Carrion Crow</b> disturbing a <b>Magpie</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXhXQo02XBK4a_YnjTEaRhY2D2KYxWxDxa182cqvdePlJD2g9OvsuE1X3KyMF3CFyXbV4NZzrHnzMRYXmRouqXxQt2C46PiBNWfJOYd-SeRcjxZ8N95GvC117pxKLXbogIwCQ_Ygrahv4T8_67rTuHScxyb9_yeYSE8MW2agO0b7NPUzk9J17Q6lNhGSy/s2662/LitteEgret022621%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="2662" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXhXQo02XBK4a_YnjTEaRhY2D2KYxWxDxa182cqvdePlJD2g9OvsuE1X3KyMF3CFyXbV4NZzrHnzMRYXmRouqXxQt2C46PiBNWfJOYd-SeRcjxZ8N95GvC117pxKLXbogIwCQ_Ygrahv4T8_67rTuHScxyb9_yeYSE8MW2agO0b7NPUzk9J17Q6lNhGSy/w400-h266/LitteEgret022621%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Little Egret</b> <i>Egretta garzetta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The homeward journey proved very rewarding with first the singing <b>Skylarks</b> and then on the Solent itself a <b>Great Northern Diver</b>. No sooner seen than a <b>Great Crested Grebe</b> also in view. Away in the reedbed I could hear at least one <b>Cetti's Warbler</b> and so back tot the Spit inlet where the incoming water was pushing the birds towards the shore line. Also resting on the banks or working the water's edge a pair of <b>Teal</b> along with eight <b>Ringed Plover</b> a handful of <b>Dunlin</b> and a single <b>Turnstone</b>. So back to the pier where a dozen <b>Turnstone</b> were working the seaweed and , at last, a sight of one of the many <b>Robin</b> heard during this part of the walk towards the <i>Strawberry Fields</i>. A most rewarding walk.</p><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Great Northern Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Red Kite, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Linnet.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div><p></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-77341269480083100012024-03-03T09:57:00.000-08:002024-03-03T09:57:04.992-08:00Blashford Lakes<p><b>Saturday 2 March</b></p><p>The sun presently shining but with the promise of rain later so took a chance and headed over to <i>Blashford Lakes</i> in the New Forest were, at least if the worst came to the worst, there was some shelter available. In the end, no rain and a lovely sunny morning. </p><p>All rather quiet on Ibsley Water as I was welcomed by a small number of <b>Jackdaws</b> in the tall trees overlooking the car park. Lots of <b>Tufted Duck</b> to be seen on the water but most birds at a distance. Checking the nearby spit to my right I found at least seven foraging <b>Meadow Pipits</b> and on the next protrusion a mass of resting <b>Pintail</b>. A closer look through the scope also revealed a number of <b>Wigeon</b> and <b>Shoveler</b> (with many more of the latter at the back of the water) a pair of <b>Canada Geese</b> and a little further away a couple of <b>Greylag Geese</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowhS9mUK6M7RX2HH1rph2V7XicZcgFhW-NjoBxFnr7c-r4nNjMPhtTZdePI1nUJcvDjGIJ_ItcWx3WfusgGLSxqvDEkWduvsAlnDzpTuNPzN3-biBScf5uCbGXBWY64kzZrVHTGB3cNbTaw-vkrUoxTs4Wa0vjlm81duVRpcyoXyfm8eAp7syeBOoU_if/s3724/Pintail030214%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="3724" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowhS9mUK6M7RX2HH1rph2V7XicZcgFhW-NjoBxFnr7c-r4nNjMPhtTZdePI1nUJcvDjGIJ_ItcWx3WfusgGLSxqvDEkWduvsAlnDzpTuNPzN3-biBScf5uCbGXBWY64kzZrVHTGB3cNbTaw-vkrUoxTs4Wa0vjlm81duVRpcyoXyfm8eAp7syeBOoU_if/w640-h222/Pintail030214%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainly <b>Pintail</b> <i>Anas acuta</i> with a few <b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i> and <b>Canada Geese</b> <i>Branta canadenis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Scoping further away I found a distant <b>Mute Swan</b> and at least five <b>Goldeneye</b>, On the far bank to my left a <b>Magpie</b> and to its left a <b>Great White Egret</b>. A few resting <b>Cormorants</b> but not a single Coot on show.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UZsL8kF4BkGz62uuD1PztZbK9edsE7Rrl8C-B7wVCPitF_d9gy9SmOFtYB887bRZw4cyWs2iIEPY79GzenajIAcKZ8oUTCeA2qbD6TrOTza2I6Ge9Zr-AANZO5p4erPK8K0cnPLf03CMWcyO4-qQlpJM-shW9Jw1_eUuyZDXYP4aZj4ZrG-DnsIwlO_G/s3178/Heron030221%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2119" data-original-width="3178" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UZsL8kF4BkGz62uuD1PztZbK9edsE7Rrl8C-B7wVCPitF_d9gy9SmOFtYB887bRZw4cyWs2iIEPY79GzenajIAcKZ8oUTCeA2qbD6TrOTza2I6Ge9Zr-AANZO5p4erPK8K0cnPLf03CMWcyO4-qQlpJM-shW9Jw1_eUuyZDXYP4aZj4ZrG-DnsIwlO_G/w400-h266/Heron030221%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey Heron</b> <i>Ardea cinerea</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Time to move across to the main reserve and straight to the <i>Ivy North Hide</i> where I had been informed a pair of Bittern were hiding in the dense reeds close to the hide. Not to be, one had moved away to the right less than thirty minutes ago and the other had completely disappeared in the dense reeds. On the way to the hide I had recorded both <b>Robin</b> and <b>Goldcrest</b> and once inside was able to add teal more <b>Cormorants</b>, <b>Shovelers</b> and <b>Wigeon</b> along with both a <b>Great Crested Grebe</b> and a <b>Moorhen</b>. Finally a pair of <b>Gadwall </b>and a flighty <b>Cetti's Warbler</b> with a <b>Carrion Crow</b> flying past over the water. On the far side a foraging <b>Green Sandpiper</b> and to me right a <b>Heron</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VBm-yYPPzI6-c71w3v2-SlSN_gTTfaott5NBUEKgS56zU4bO4geGzEy3tMHTn1qwEPQK5fI9xN5Okc5VN3lQMxaR2Sa19HvcpjwyauOzhjZr3YQBwKI_aU9a7qrTeDAEsPXHiuI-0jiTvIhLytWxHnsyHzfF8jXoFtz_uwcHtjBU555ORCdgkF5zDJZ8/s949/GreenSandpiper030215%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="949" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VBm-yYPPzI6-c71w3v2-SlSN_gTTfaott5NBUEKgS56zU4bO4geGzEy3tMHTn1qwEPQK5fI9xN5Okc5VN3lQMxaR2Sa19HvcpjwyauOzhjZr3YQBwKI_aU9a7qrTeDAEsPXHiuI-0jiTvIhLytWxHnsyHzfF8jXoFtz_uwcHtjBU555ORCdgkF5zDJZ8/w400-h266/GreenSandpiper030215%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Green Sandpiper</b> <i>Tringa ochropus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Through the trees to the <i>Woodland Hide</i> and numerous <b>Siskins </b>on show before I even entered the hide. once inside views of plenty of <b>Chaffinches</b> and <b>Siskins</b> along with a few <b>Greenfinch</b> and <b>Goldfinches</b> pus <b>Robin</b>, <b>Blackbird</b> and <b>Dunnock</b>. No shortage of either <b>Blue</b> or <b>Great Tits</b> but just the one <b>Long-tailed Tit</b> but then the sudden flash of of a <b>Sparrowhawk</b> landing immediately in front of us in search of a meal but up and gone, all within two seconds. Very exciting experience.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJw8FqhLUDP68HArNbjzSV96NJ2ct75ml6ME3c7EKDtPFmDe3zo4SYbGZHlfIkt8LMFibUJ3mFpJ_Sl4NzhpN53LznhJcLAUdJ76DXig_97ESyNaqQsG6GZM2kiZ3YGBQah2ZSoqIB8CH9XtbQUkb2ZgPEqs8IipqIJ-YzAZVCsSB1zLv6yplQcu7TxKb/s2528/Goldfinch030237%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="2528" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJw8FqhLUDP68HArNbjzSV96NJ2ct75ml6ME3c7EKDtPFmDe3zo4SYbGZHlfIkt8LMFibUJ3mFpJ_Sl4NzhpN53LznhJcLAUdJ76DXig_97ESyNaqQsG6GZM2kiZ3YGBQah2ZSoqIB8CH9XtbQUkb2ZgPEqs8IipqIJ-YzAZVCsSB1zLv6yplQcu7TxKb/w400-h266/Goldfinch030237%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Goldfinch</b> <i>Carduelis carduelis</i> (left) with <b>Siskin</b> <i>Carduelis spinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Arriving at the <i>Ivy South Hide</i> just the two <b>Black-headed</b> and a single <b>Lesser Black-backed Gull</b> but plenty of <b>Wigeon</b> on show along with the resting <b>Cormorants</b>. Again, no Coots to be seen but a few <b>Shoveler</b>. As I returned to Woodland Hide, where I managed to locate the resting <b>Kestrel</b> and a pair of <b>Woodpigeons</b>, a <b>Kingfisher</b> flashed across the water on my left and came to rest in a tree to the right.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXMpEiudZbotvYL7Ul-DJW5NUCLCf2W61ypQpzMsFlTdIY09X39hyphenhypheneHT9OlQ9jJXszV1v-zazkGo0Js9P9KoUAF8E_8-VaEG0-jld0GjvgJftDLaFgfV3aDiT3avHxFSgoMLATZOBGgdAlKHYOwOsbcRW5LXldWYJjTpmQ8qiD3XM9EiquFuC5v6c7fw1/s2313/Cormorant030229%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2313" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXMpEiudZbotvYL7Ul-DJW5NUCLCf2W61ypQpzMsFlTdIY09X39hyphenhypheneHT9OlQ9jJXszV1v-zazkGo0Js9P9KoUAF8E_8-VaEG0-jld0GjvgJftDLaFgfV3aDiT3avHxFSgoMLATZOBGgdAlKHYOwOsbcRW5LXldWYJjTpmQ8qiD3XM9EiquFuC5v6c7fw1/w400-h266/Cormorant030229%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of the resting <b>Cormorants</b> <i>Phalacrocorax carbo</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>And to round the morning's tally up to 40 a small flock of feeding <b>Rooks </b>as I made my way through the new Forest towards the main road and home.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62w_hDeGqIRdwbOC1v7eCGScmoBJfalV9mKrQrSwgS54Ybk2loYjO1DAzsTNZrkbfwFRblvpkeAAS2xorykj6qJVgYa51ceQSozM9gYI8DwHHqxZTVpAVSkI_K978Ej0BGBJi0mVrrwR35ne1SYH-WG8KJH2r2iY94xkQbaiWCcGc_iZc38pdo6snaExP/s2437/Wigeon030230%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1626" data-original-width="2437" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62w_hDeGqIRdwbOC1v7eCGScmoBJfalV9mKrQrSwgS54Ybk2loYjO1DAzsTNZrkbfwFRblvpkeAAS2xorykj6qJVgYa51ceQSozM9gYI8DwHHqxZTVpAVSkI_K978Ej0BGBJi0mVrrwR35ne1SYH-WG8KJH2r2iY94xkQbaiWCcGc_iZc38pdo6snaExP/w400-h268/Wigeon030230%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the many <b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i> on Ivy Water</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Log-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_B1jEDLh9INhTtn0GrUlmzZxN0NXZx3DIC521ySzi2BLeJByr5WoODHUUcR21T6F3a5u9Dhh_W5iQcwltPCdRP8W0y-0YsanQeC1uBt2aXh9-JlxJpeuxfzpWYg4_NQgw0DI7ui56ZPfWSJ_-cby3TK8xAbB_ppe2d4m0ShHCTo1454yLeYVgcO0H6QP/s2567/Siskin030238%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="2567" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_B1jEDLh9INhTtn0GrUlmzZxN0NXZx3DIC521ySzi2BLeJByr5WoODHUUcR21T6F3a5u9Dhh_W5iQcwltPCdRP8W0y-0YsanQeC1uBt2aXh9-JlxJpeuxfzpWYg4_NQgw0DI7ui56ZPfWSJ_-cby3TK8xAbB_ppe2d4m0ShHCTo1454yLeYVgcO0H6QP/w400-h266/Siskin030238%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Goldfinch</b> <i>Carduelis carduelis</i> (left) with <b>Siskin</b> <i>Carduelis spinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVfCXpIezihs5mWtim60FJkWcQXwbeHJZLqHHcBp7zv6TaqipV5cImiNwyVT4KgeVVOwD7-t5OVAo-1GbPhKeRbT3L2JQpXBPRpQfr9KV1WdnOL92LAqAq4F4AD49ZuUk6MTAVdH-a-evFPerQu6fwzCwSCd9NDTfWOUCXI8u6F2CdDdWAY3zUTv_C72w/s1773/GreatCrestedGrebe030240%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1773" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVfCXpIezihs5mWtim60FJkWcQXwbeHJZLqHHcBp7zv6TaqipV5cImiNwyVT4KgeVVOwD7-t5OVAo-1GbPhKeRbT3L2JQpXBPRpQfr9KV1WdnOL92LAqAq4F4AD49ZuUk6MTAVdH-a-evFPerQu6fwzCwSCd9NDTfWOUCXI8u6F2CdDdWAY3zUTv_C72w/w400-h268/GreatCrestedGrebe030240%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Great Crested Grebe</b> <i>Podiceps cristatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fq8cCZWG7FygxTw_s_JtusBKeoM_YMWGzlu48GVktYBZhIOZA0b0TBb0ndSJo8SHigCvoG8dITSi6NyZ1WkGKgp2kV8MWjOB5Cj32v0MTiMhyphenhyphent-tCb9Sx0kOoqVDqWgmXdqe1tWRyBMinPbdnl0umBDheXx6KKRE92nLgfj2OYknmNBn0EAlGJfiaUhj/s1274/LesserBlackBackedGull030232%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1274" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fq8cCZWG7FygxTw_s_JtusBKeoM_YMWGzlu48GVktYBZhIOZA0b0TBb0ndSJo8SHigCvoG8dITSi6NyZ1WkGKgp2kV8MWjOB5Cj32v0MTiMhyphenhyphent-tCb9Sx0kOoqVDqWgmXdqe1tWRyBMinPbdnl0umBDheXx6KKRE92nLgfj2OYknmNBn0EAlGJfiaUhj/w400-h268/LesserBlackBackedGull030232%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lesser Black-backed Gull</b> <i>Larus fuscus</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7HDTQ-V89F19KYwRLw9GjyMQTwePWFY5B8AeuF41N55BAz1rcQx8jEPF9m3ZFKwUBzYht7OzRE_5iUZZc7dV72YAx5W5PI6JKrRXKDcI5ua1HPrQEw05S4H_Zn4euIJE4FoqjKRzvW0ecv-JBsRBKbWoIxwiYtBFzpVpzBhTljbRLUsbkU0Os45YUh2D/s3750/MuteSwam030216%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7HDTQ-V89F19KYwRLw9GjyMQTwePWFY5B8AeuF41N55BAz1rcQx8jEPF9m3ZFKwUBzYht7OzRE_5iUZZc7dV72YAx5W5PI6JKrRXKDcI5ua1HPrQEw05S4H_Zn4euIJE4FoqjKRzvW0ecv-JBsRBKbWoIxwiYtBFzpVpzBhTljbRLUsbkU0Os45YUh2D/w400-h266/MuteSwam030216%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mute Swan</b> <i>Cygnus olor</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYvVirl_I-4Rl0OpZ009GDCreNR3Z3lPZsGMrFzWkk29p1q1E2pygIrPCK9ROFEZEw0V4-gYPF3Cw0rw-UYWTG8jxh6yABZ6d9ee2fYX0CMUzrkLlUHoW97aatAYBdv-QqbXx1LdJDZnhAwQB8o-qnV9RzbNFZSXBtBS4bbSthRV2iq3Gn43VL62wTP_A/s1677/Teal030223%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1677" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYvVirl_I-4Rl0OpZ009GDCreNR3Z3lPZsGMrFzWkk29p1q1E2pygIrPCK9ROFEZEw0V4-gYPF3Cw0rw-UYWTG8jxh6yABZ6d9ee2fYX0CMUzrkLlUHoW97aatAYBdv-QqbXx1LdJDZnhAwQB8o-qnV9RzbNFZSXBtBS4bbSthRV2iq3Gn43VL62wTP_A/w400-h268/Teal030223%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i> (male in front)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpWElKAsdRxEM0JygG8E397MR1kvKF7LTFPUYiAWsNLNdFsAlX42uuickrWCuXnwkLIyVuXlvscpPemD6XHbJZOLbfNPLD_HEGSjsYCg2cLwHbiTjjMBE0-G_wqLmfhx5w0AIIneQV1Hu6a36IiuavPN5GXUpdh-if0HLTiXO_ssri6hus_NMy0EHGij/s1573/TuftedDuck030228%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1573" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpWElKAsdRxEM0JygG8E397MR1kvKF7LTFPUYiAWsNLNdFsAlX42uuickrWCuXnwkLIyVuXlvscpPemD6XHbJZOLbfNPLD_HEGSjsYCg2cLwHbiTjjMBE0-G_wqLmfhx5w0AIIneQV1Hu6a36IiuavPN5GXUpdh-if0HLTiXO_ssri6hus_NMy0EHGij/w400-h266/TuftedDuck030228%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tufted Duck</b> <i>Aythya fuligula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-22894790353354673472024-03-02T01:51:00.000-08:002024-03-02T01:51:33.018-08:00Pagham Harbour<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0Rtys08zQmdBMLhUue9KSfU_4M_LZKWKspajl9TefOIRp0fOmtRoBnLqoseCqu-fluBQK8h-Kdrfa4q6qg0fvac1wx8oPdh-n4lsZ9jJ992nYoI_wUdbl3oMMZHswQn_1lajSYk3eWxj3w-N9FidHtuBRUc5fjuZ2kxRS-c0IJYi6nWvjJRMKYQceSqH/s2391/Spoonbill030111%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="2391" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0Rtys08zQmdBMLhUue9KSfU_4M_LZKWKspajl9TefOIRp0fOmtRoBnLqoseCqu-fluBQK8h-Kdrfa4q6qg0fvac1wx8oPdh-n4lsZ9jJ992nYoI_wUdbl3oMMZHswQn_1lajSYk3eWxj3w-N9FidHtuBRUc5fjuZ2kxRS-c0IJYi6nWvjJRMKYQceSqH/w400-h266/Spoonbill030111%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Spoonbill</b> <i>Platalea leucorodia</i> in flight</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Friday 1 March</b></p><p>St David's Day, so no way, despite my present walking difficulties, was I not going out birding. So, accompanied by friend Richard Osman we drove over to <i>RSPB Pagham Harbour</i> just inland from Selsey Bill. A mixture of sunshine and showers, and the latter often of heavy downpours of hail, and both accompanied by the strong, cold wind. Arriving at the reserve the rain stopped so time to check out the feeding station which provided <b>House Sparrow</b>, <b>Long-tailed</b>, <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> plus a <b>Sparrowhawk</b> patrolling the lower bushes in search of a tasty meal!</p><p>On down to the <i>Ferry Hide</i> overlooking the lagoon on the opposite side of the main road where a good number o birds were gathered and with the tide just starting to turn a number of <b>Redshank</b> feeding on the muddy banks of the river beyond the hide plus a pair of both <b>Moorhen</b> and <b>Coot</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7s3bymQQp56OgPFUk8ABSOfUIc_jpDKqom2DWmoT7aDWv0u-6IyIyG5IRiZ2Bg-xwEywysjqc_4d5c97JPp2VFTurJPFNYzE_V4coMT_HTxxBHQzwwqs8SwW8IGw0iBELnGQ6ZNUqcz4m1ij6RdCmInC94m4Rk7MCspuTP1eKeyX6Bsaxl1nAkHM9kYX/s4920/RSPBPagham030196%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="4920" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7s3bymQQp56OgPFUk8ABSOfUIc_jpDKqom2DWmoT7aDWv0u-6IyIyG5IRiZ2Bg-xwEywysjqc_4d5c97JPp2VFTurJPFNYzE_V4coMT_HTxxBHQzwwqs8SwW8IGw0iBELnGQ6ZNUqcz4m1ij6RdCmInC94m4Rk7MCspuTP1eKeyX6Bsaxl1nAkHM9kYX/w640-h304/RSPBPagham030196%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pagham lagoon from the hide<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Back on the lagoon the southern side held scores of <b>Shoveler</b> and <b>Teal</b> sheltering under the bank whilst on the opposite, northern side mainly <b>Wigeon</b> along with a few <b>Teal</b> and a small flock of <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> sheltering there. A lone <b>Little Egret </b>was also resting close by. On the water a trio of <b>Shelduck</b> but also almost thirty feeding <b>Avocets</b>.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO70CLw6rEQVR-UtWNF3eMnzgO86n7PzDWVGixXb3SXUe3x8_YizgQfekHtQOpOdJM-JjZ63PVmt8jHnGVOyRsNej_mv3nNDH0SkrgXu_h8NcWI0oCfQmV5EtYFcc81xccyQiGFmgJ4Wo-L9E9ZNKdfGqHYhDhCkf9_4DpJy8DAwbHiJA4zYnaolPi_seX/s1625/Avocet030198%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1625" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO70CLw6rEQVR-UtWNF3eMnzgO86n7PzDWVGixXb3SXUe3x8_YizgQfekHtQOpOdJM-JjZ63PVmt8jHnGVOyRsNej_mv3nNDH0SkrgXu_h8NcWI0oCfQmV5EtYFcc81xccyQiGFmgJ4Wo-L9E9ZNKdfGqHYhDhCkf9_4DpJy8DAwbHiJA4zYnaolPi_seX/w400-h266/Avocet030198%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Avocets</b> <i>Recirvirostra avosetta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Scanning the area a <b>Magpie</b> was noted at the back of the area and even further away a pair of <b>Mute Swans</b>. Off to the right a handful of <b>Woodpigeon</b>. Finally, the visiting <b>Spoonbill</b> was found feeding in the left corner in front of us but with a very restricted view. However, upon returning to the hide after walking out along the far bank towards the harbour itself, the <b>Spoonbill</b> had moved further out and now visible near the sheltering <b>Shoveler</b> before taking to the air, circling the water and finally returning to its hidden corner s before. Also noted on the water were a few <b>Coot</b> and a pair of <b>Mallard</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVlY2dl94HrCfywXLODR0JUr-V4KNnceq-jMrV-lYqSCj91h8DJnFuMSHjSNongGdducRpFenOK5UhPq2megHP5tkqU5wd3oQ0svJvMqd4JIQcq5b54qHZcq15qlpm67Voat3CjQyDK460-BLtyKrUu34ci7P6_pBxra_z0KBIC3iycQ9ILLttJfvHjs-/s3898/Shoveler030189%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="3898" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVlY2dl94HrCfywXLODR0JUr-V4KNnceq-jMrV-lYqSCj91h8DJnFuMSHjSNongGdducRpFenOK5UhPq2megHP5tkqU5wd3oQ0svJvMqd4JIQcq5b54qHZcq15qlpm67Voat3CjQyDK460-BLtyKrUu34ci7P6_pBxra_z0KBIC3iycQ9ILLttJfvHjs-/w640-h234/Shoveler030189%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shovelers</b> <i>Anas clypeata</i> and <b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i> sheltering below the bank</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The feeding station at the back of the hide was quite active with visits from, mainly, <b>Chaffinches</b> but also <b>Greenfinch</b>, <b>Robin</b>, <b>Blackbird</b>, <b>Dunnock</b> and <b>Great</b> and <b>Blue Tits</b>. In addition, upon arriving at the hide Richard noted the <b>Wren</b> resting on the lowest bar of the neighbouring fence.</p><p>The walk along the bank above the "empty" river produced scores of <b>Redshank</b> along with a distant small flock of <b>Wigeon</b>. On a small, reeded pool between the bank and the river a half-dozen <b>Tufted Duck </b>were recorded. On the sodden fields to our right a cock <b>Pheasant</b> and a pair of <b>Little Egret</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMomBS3y-Ru625-tdwVpt37pz9lAJ_q51fr6Javm7dkOUDEDme-eF7jlEQ6IGpQfuXJjLiLZ7yEigw_UtQ7OIsJhpqTS80QArUaIToI6jpGCUSZ6i79y6ZBmHnEzNuBs9kv-DuQ18xT4LcCkZerjuF1g9LDMM6R0GAGmmgO5top3HeqU1Qix_AtO20Xfn_/s4425/TuftedDuck030105%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="4425" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMomBS3y-Ru625-tdwVpt37pz9lAJ_q51fr6Javm7dkOUDEDme-eF7jlEQ6IGpQfuXJjLiLZ7yEigw_UtQ7OIsJhpqTS80QArUaIToI6jpGCUSZ6i79y6ZBmHnEzNuBs9kv-DuQ18xT4LcCkZerjuF1g9LDMM6R0GAGmmgO5top3HeqU1Qix_AtO20Xfn_/w640-h266/TuftedDuck030105%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tufted Duck</b> <i>Aythya fuligula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As stated at the beginning, we did indeed receive a couple of short, heavy showers but on both occasions managed to be safely sheltered in the hide! A most pleasant morning followed by a welcome pint in the local Crab and Lobster public house.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKZNa4W-XVQf3-qnpEZJXbvsfyYShUPAr4VgitCEkmVa9NUkVUYxM4CE3FHL_vx6WAOCMS-WBmhJChOL7-qDfN7Q3l_16G5anR1WoiJLqB7yDHS71Mq5ELH0-8pWnVaasFayBGiEqXHQFSwXS_Zp2HfK94IxFairkn2i4fTBiffJunh2HxoOWJFrCmf79/s2723/Wigeon030191%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1815" data-original-width="2723" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKZNa4W-XVQf3-qnpEZJXbvsfyYShUPAr4VgitCEkmVa9NUkVUYxM4CE3FHL_vx6WAOCMS-WBmhJChOL7-qDfN7Q3l_16G5anR1WoiJLqB7yDHS71Mq5ELH0-8pWnVaasFayBGiEqXHQFSwXS_Zp2HfK94IxFairkn2i4fTBiffJunh2HxoOWJFrCmf79/w640-h426/Wigeon030191%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i> with <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> <i>Larus ridibundus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEoG2d8FhD96rzlDc7FEcEQscjKd3OT9OPAKDmLDTvMtDyOROlZKnK8D9YlXKFbxJV2dTMofFcWTEsheKTy5AOipbdLUXYe4gzOuJlSkjtBgn_bmx1TjvjUDZRi6XJX_r7q5Orcta-F6t1Bkp-2LQEU10nFJPlFFwwSOp6lhj2hf5P7DEZzUSYNMzVoJG/s1695/Spoonbill030106%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1695" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEoG2d8FhD96rzlDc7FEcEQscjKd3OT9OPAKDmLDTvMtDyOROlZKnK8D9YlXKFbxJV2dTMofFcWTEsheKTy5AOipbdLUXYe4gzOuJlSkjtBgn_bmx1TjvjUDZRi6XJX_r7q5Orcta-F6t1Bkp-2LQEU10nFJPlFFwwSOp6lhj2hf5P7DEZzUSYNMzVoJG/w400-h268/Spoonbill030106%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Spoonbill</b> <i>Platalea leucorodia</i> with Shovelers</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD59U7SC6FXsDuI8l4kp80iNDeW_PLW66Yf9twI22tRP0KQkiWJaMMGL4jR8gYvcJmEPq5Ljd5HAnSsJarxsfAmetqO2XFbQgISkLEqYUo33o6toh-pTRoU88H-MH0Ol6UQZyetGDfEoSRLffBWefRJaq7dOnWfXrUKbTI8dwEp2j4MAoy2GZAOmG_lwdy/s1566/Shelduck030100%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1566" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD59U7SC6FXsDuI8l4kp80iNDeW_PLW66Yf9twI22tRP0KQkiWJaMMGL4jR8gYvcJmEPq5Ljd5HAnSsJarxsfAmetqO2XFbQgISkLEqYUo33o6toh-pTRoU88H-MH0Ol6UQZyetGDfEoSRLffBWefRJaq7dOnWfXrUKbTI8dwEp2j4MAoy2GZAOmG_lwdy/w400-h268/Shelduck030100%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shelduck</b> <i>Tadorna tadorna</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Diac2QTe603Kf0zbZaI7kPYOkB7kiSZEttCqucqvyL98vMbGEJn5KbxP19oflA0M9UhBglpcg5Lh3gamtB_WLRMYa6uH3mQxCOcstTT3HxFg1TYfMbsjB7izRIYZiiaiA1HA2HSv708hXK8-Gt56ZbayI0NnsFR9Z0oeJo95rELVbGRnnjIcP4398-8/s1812/TuftedDuck030101%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1812" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Diac2QTe603Kf0zbZaI7kPYOkB7kiSZEttCqucqvyL98vMbGEJn5KbxP19oflA0M9UhBglpcg5Lh3gamtB_WLRMYa6uH3mQxCOcstTT3HxFg1TYfMbsjB7izRIYZiiaiA1HA2HSv708hXK8-Gt56ZbayI0NnsFR9Z0oeJo95rELVbGRnnjIcP4398-8/w400-h268/TuftedDuck030101%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tufted Duck</b> <i>Aythya fuligula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-34080887987310576472024-02-29T02:45:00.000-08:002024-02-29T02:45:19.194-08:00Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales<p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday 29 February</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lovely day for the <b><span style="color: #800180;">Arboleas Birding Group</span></b> at my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata. Good to read that the Reed Warblers are back and still Curlews to be found. At lest you gad the sun as, once more, the rain has returned to southern Britain so now shore walking along the Solent for me today!</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 28th February</span></span></b></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Another windy day, but it was sunny. I drove Richard in his car in a southerly direction towards Cabo de Gata. As soon as we exited the motorway towards Retamar Sur I spotted a Marsh Harrier flying low over the scrubland. Richard saw a flock of Chaffinch before we saw a pair of Jackdaw. In the town we added Collared Dove and House Sparrow En route to Pujaire we added Spotless Starling and Thekla Lark. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa7sHbPqvjwNbytTfbR4OSahVQ6gVeB6UD9GDo48xGduKxJlpq8puPRR8AtoHWEZgFf4F8e2KiNoslMMD7JS2m8u9Aeq-_Rk5Ht90lyHeohynnfzK0GwmY1rlFCuFREMFSaSoTTNQmM3XSl1-GuSnEn0by5gkbycbkLiXAEE6L9vBIX5oHG55NW9jNY1X/s1962/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="1776" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa7sHbPqvjwNbytTfbR4OSahVQ6gVeB6UD9GDo48xGduKxJlpq8puPRR8AtoHWEZgFf4F8e2KiNoslMMD7JS2m8u9Aeq-_Rk5Ht90lyHeohynnfzK0GwmY1rlFCuFREMFSaSoTTNQmM3XSl1-GuSnEn0by5gkbycbkLiXAEE6L9vBIX5oHG55NW9jNY1X/w363-h400/008.JPG" width="363" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Eurasian Curlew</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We arrived at the first hide. Apart from the hundreds of Greater Flamingos we found Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets, and Black Winged Stilts feeding in the shallow water. A Sardinian Warbler flew by. There were Black-headed Gulls and Avocets on the rocky causeway together with a Kentish Plover. Richard added a Yellow-legged Gull and some Mallard. We were joined by Kevin who added White Wagtail seen near the Guardia Civil tower. He soon found a Redshank. Richard spotted an Eurasian Curlew flying to our right over the savannah. We were joined by Trevor, Val and Phil. Kevin found a group of Dunlin feeding in the bay to our right. I then found a single Oystercatcher nearby. There was a Stonechat on the fencing. I found a Grey Plover on the rocky causeway. As I was directing Kevin to its location, a Turnstone appeared. A Grey Heron landed on the shrubby causeway. Kevin found a Black Redstart. We adjourned for coffee to the cafe in Cabo village. We were glad it was open as it's the Dia de Andalucia bank holiday.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhXDYVCSMeNkcp7D0SSgvr8WZkSfgR4PiDeQc1xx66aKuHMzFNFZzpwfBfh_HeDqIygg7yQNk_FE1A2GRijso2lP-HVVG5wWGA11pU34Hpf5ttyCuypFs4bJH1LeUeO8nHSEmrajfOYz8Is1EJ3F9GnsWWpGO7lVkm0Xm-T6yyPpfq5tx3NtXxbw7P-A-/s4000/001%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhXDYVCSMeNkcp7D0SSgvr8WZkSfgR4PiDeQc1xx66aKuHMzFNFZzpwfBfh_HeDqIygg7yQNk_FE1A2GRijso2lP-HVVG5wWGA11pU34Hpf5ttyCuypFs4bJH1LeUeO8nHSEmrajfOYz8Is1EJ3F9GnsWWpGO7lVkm0Xm-T6yyPpfq5tx3NtXxbw7P-A-/w400-h300/001%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Oystercatcher </b>(PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We drove to the beach opposite the second hide. To my horror I realised I'd left my scope and tripod at the first hide some 35 minutes ago. I raced back and thank the lord it was still there leaning against the fence. PHEW!!</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0AkClptiYEEW4tlQrH9f4EMCC4HQw6MqMH0LrXlapid-RQLvCZFNtyXTOMK3lnWjiMLwj9wkG4Yllsqwz7PJb6KCxrignhDpYZm9A3e2c4WVTaMLdLYHuVRpHKRXepy-SBNC113EpEp86RjSRT2exYmInIg7bNyi3f2QngfxLkgRBsSgSxNia4AN6Ert/s3336/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="3336" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0AkClptiYEEW4tlQrH9f4EMCC4HQw6MqMH0LrXlapid-RQLvCZFNtyXTOMK3lnWjiMLwj9wkG4Yllsqwz7PJb6KCxrignhDpYZm9A3e2c4WVTaMLdLYHuVRpHKRXepy-SBNC113EpEp86RjSRT2exYmInIg7bNyi3f2QngfxLkgRBsSgSxNia4AN6Ert/w400-h195/011.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Greater Flamingos</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">I rejoined the group at the second hide. I found some Shelduck to the left. A pair of Reed Buntings were flitting about in the reeds in the gully. As we walked back towards the beach a group of Greenfinch flew past. Richard, who'd stayed in the car, had seen a diving Gannet.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">At the public hide, Kevin found some Cormorants on the causeway. I located some Lesser Black-backed Gulls.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ88vVuDxQyfNWziFgrJUGwqcGqpD7Z0AbwqG7Igzuq2fYmcDiuZHNwWoY1LJTWx5zbl8XKcLvi30biyMPOgWkTzPSHr1fi6-tFiYJ7pbhrbswoogpcoBo3QnUDMMzcXAUvslWfMqW3u9jhuqZ2S9nY9ExJgwAGITi2vzCkZLyzfJphk9HDSaWrxNF6gSf/s3363/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="3363" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ88vVuDxQyfNWziFgrJUGwqcGqpD7Z0AbwqG7Igzuq2fYmcDiuZHNwWoY1LJTWx5zbl8XKcLvi30biyMPOgWkTzPSHr1fi6-tFiYJ7pbhrbswoogpcoBo3QnUDMMzcXAUvslWfMqW3u9jhuqZ2S9nY9ExJgwAGITi2vzCkZLyzfJphk9HDSaWrxNF6gSf/w400-h166/013.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Lesser Black-backed Gulls</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We convoyed to the Rambla Morales. The only bird we saw en route along the beachside track was a Cormorant landing on the sea. Due to Richard's lack of mobility, I drove him to the hump as the others walked there. Kevin had seen a Shoveler. There was a large raft of White-headed Ducks and Common Pochard in front of us. Phil found a Little Grebe. A Black-necked Grebe with bright red eyes was seen. I found a Bar-tailed Godwit along the opposite reed line. Also seen were Coot and Moorhen. The reeds nearer to us we heard Cetti's Warblers. We saw Reed Warbler and Chiffchaff.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We said our goodbyes and headed home. Richard and I added Northern Starling and Iberian Grey Shrike en route back to the motorway.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEK_AMR4vLvksbK0TKh7v2Be4r_nptl5k3MyvORPxWJHAPMTUarHxoEN6ZhYDSJloKCv_8lEtPjD0gemNh_FxnUYzvsNufSMy-AbWK6I9qh3sotCK2iJp_erxtjFwr_SzXlbmtLWGACxfTosNqyk6155KQ7Z78Nx21ILXp_XSaavyi8u3oYqBpZpIBwYL/s4000/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="4000" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEK_AMR4vLvksbK0TKh7v2Be4r_nptl5k3MyvORPxWJHAPMTUarHxoEN6ZhYDSJloKCv_8lEtPjD0gemNh_FxnUYzvsNufSMy-AbWK6I9qh3sotCK2iJp_erxtjFwr_SzXlbmtLWGACxfTosNqyk6155KQ7Z78Nx21ILXp_XSaavyi8u3oYqBpZpIBwYL/w640-h274/014.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snow on the eastern slopes of the <b>Sierra Nevadas </b></span></span>(PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We ended up with 45 species for the day. Great birding and company. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">I'm very sad to report that Kath, Paul's wife, passed away last Sunday. I'm sure you'll join me in sending sincere condolences to Paul, Emma and Sarah.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-37406098982932914132024-02-26T10:28:00.000-08:002024-02-26T10:39:42.613-08:00Birding Somerset<p><b>Monday 26 February</b></p><p>A weekend down at Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare but a mixture of bad weather plus a very painful leg meant no chance of any birding. However, with the leg feeling much better today the return journey with Jenny and son John and his wife, Kim took a somewhat diverted route to enable a very brief visit to RSPB Greylake followed by a longer stop at RSPB Hamwall on the Somerset Levels where Kim and I walked as far as the first Viewpoint and neighbouring screens to check out the bird life before continuing on back to Devizes, then home here in Warsash.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZKZt1HzOyrbMsonDP8p-SXl0UjrgplU_FEu8CtxML2OOxlP4ydSlOkOBabFA3LvxnbdU8ntb0ZpRWNrIXW9ls_a2FS1XObe_PnbyPatNeNvCkSWNFFB5yqikeKNAkCl1KlpQATApCTez44XoCFPn9ABWKFQv84ZVluVOhfidQ9FE7U4n02PuJHaLcX0e/s5007/Wigeon022659%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2549" data-original-width="5007" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZKZt1HzOyrbMsonDP8p-SXl0UjrgplU_FEu8CtxML2OOxlP4ydSlOkOBabFA3LvxnbdU8ntb0ZpRWNrIXW9ls_a2FS1XObe_PnbyPatNeNvCkSWNFFB5yqikeKNAkCl1KlpQATApCTez44XoCFPn9ABWKFQv84ZVluVOhfidQ9FE7U4n02PuJHaLcX0e/w640-h326/Wigeon022659%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainly <b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i> at RSPB Greylake</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Arriving at <i>Greylake</i> we had large flock of <b>Rooks</b> in the filed almost opposite the entry long with scores of <b>Starlings</b> on the wires. All was very wet following the heavy, continuous rain of the previous day. A <b>Carrion Crow</b> was passing overhead s we set of to the two hides and a lone <b>Mute Swan</b> resting on the grass to our right. Once inside the hides scores of ducks, compared with the many hundreds at the start of the month, consisting of mainly <b>Wigeon</b> but also a good supply of <b>Shoveler</b> and a few <b>Teal</b>. Indeed, a single <b>Pintail</b> and a couple of <b>Mallards</b> were also noted along with a handful of <b>Lapwing</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v1cEXfu968zbMSYeNNgwS3CZK9OxG6wxdlqZMhuFDtOY-_-Or6-yX8HTQvv3z2N0a2k8zMpTcJiKP-QxA36leXF7xdiimVpJEGPhmudDxxxU9x6F1HkHEokrJsn80g8aFczQ2AwBz60HSdAGgRQT2rlx2055CVpIyRNjKnL8JoRemgS7bM-nHeiVN3GM/s3197/Pintail022660%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="3197" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v1cEXfu968zbMSYeNNgwS3CZK9OxG6wxdlqZMhuFDtOY-_-Or6-yX8HTQvv3z2N0a2k8zMpTcJiKP-QxA36leXF7xdiimVpJEGPhmudDxxxU9x6F1HkHEokrJsn80g8aFczQ2AwBz60HSdAGgRQT2rlx2055CVpIyRNjKnL8JoRemgS7bM-nHeiVN3GM/w640-h429/Pintail022660%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pintail</b> <i>Anas acuta</i> (top) with <b>Shoveler</b> Anas clypeata, <b>Lapwing</b> <i>Vanellus vanellus</i> and <b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The walk back to the car resulted in at least three <b>Cetti's Warblers</b> and then on the short journey over to RSPB Hanwall a <b>Kestrel</b> crossed the road in front of us.</p><p>Once at <i>Hamwall</i> we noted the <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> along with a few <b>Chaffinches</b> making use of the feeding station and a couple of <b>Blackbirds</b> were skirting the area. A number of calling <b>Cetti's Warblers</b> as made our way up to the main track, having first stopped to admire the <b>Robin</b> that appeared in front of us and refused to depart until we had taken its photograph, and on to the first View Point and its neighbouring hide screens giving view over the respective waters. However, first a stop to admire the <b>Great White Egret</b> that landed close to the reeds in front of us where it joined smaller <b>Little Egret</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2BbMR2gRLwvqEJeAN7NMnLQTAD3d7DxpsD_hGDUkUnyojHtxyTVkbsxLTIllMbdjSKa-8hDogylizJ2X3syqP-aiRASrmKN_bNPI6iXzkGr7sU_BAGNAaaXKpdehfkRmwD_YoDfrN__dG5smxBvo5v56uTMgQzqlfVCpCt_SCANWDkYmStQO1Izg30d5/s3008/Robin022661%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="3008" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2BbMR2gRLwvqEJeAN7NMnLQTAD3d7DxpsD_hGDUkUnyojHtxyTVkbsxLTIllMbdjSKa-8hDogylizJ2X3syqP-aiRASrmKN_bNPI6iXzkGr7sU_BAGNAaaXKpdehfkRmwD_YoDfrN__dG5smxBvo5v56uTMgQzqlfVCpCt_SCANWDkYmStQO1Izg30d5/w400-h268/Robin022661%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Robin</b> <i>Erithacus rubecula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The main water to our left held a number of <b>Wigeon</b> along with a few <b>Coot</b> and moving across the track the water produced many <b>Shoveler</b> along with <b>Coots</b>, <b>Teal</b>,<b> Gadwall</b> and <b>Mallard</b> plus more <b>Wigeon</b>. A single <b>Great Crested Grebe</b> to the right and a resting <b>Cormorant</b> and a few <b>Tufted Duck</b> plus a <b>Mute Swan</b> to our left. From here we also had a good view of the distant <i>Glastonbury Tor</i> albeit not the best of light.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoOOgqduJr-2JZZeHlA8VNcGC7cBxnAz7p7XG7cfDXFsB6pyvKSDM70Xxk3LmSv_o-CNodj_NIb5eB9kuXODZeFE2ULC_puQQDFYuM4lSccufCIWkCYPDZWzfeFd9fkBtT3q3NNMu7gnPlY4qe2bI93uLWQ98dn0Ae5M4U1PEDUrY6e2_2VgFH7kyaeV7/s2067/GreatCrestedGrebe022677%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="2067" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoOOgqduJr-2JZZeHlA8VNcGC7cBxnAz7p7XG7cfDXFsB6pyvKSDM70Xxk3LmSv_o-CNodj_NIb5eB9kuXODZeFE2ULC_puQQDFYuM4lSccufCIWkCYPDZWzfeFd9fkBtT3q3NNMu7gnPlY4qe2bI93uLWQ98dn0Ae5M4U1PEDUrY6e2_2VgFH7kyaeV7/w400-h266/GreatCrestedGrebe022677%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Great Crested Grebe</b> <i>Podiceps cristata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As we de our way back to the nearby track and return to the car park a distant <b>Marsh Harrier</b> in front of us followed by a passing pair of <b>Carrion Crows</b>. A <b>Magpie</b> in the trees as we approached our destination then a stop to watch the little <b>Firecrest</b> busy searching the dense bush for a little food and very difficult to get a clear photograph as it refused to fully expose itself on the outside of said bush.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikoxEx7gt_cNo_Cw0jql5XFEZoprlUKCZsuuG6KjBgKUIMvws7V6QB0IpZmIngf-adSbdy1ddHa4RHZHxV2NklD_OzkV50E06gcjecEkmZIj535hqmAXrehvvLoE7KkZTHIIXji3HfolWLd8cSvKS6eBmA0FyWVPxJ4OIIIYPzekwbKU211p2Qt_9unO0/s1657/Firecrest022681%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1657" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikoxEx7gt_cNo_Cw0jql5XFEZoprlUKCZsuuG6KjBgKUIMvws7V6QB0IpZmIngf-adSbdy1ddHa4RHZHxV2NklD_OzkV50E06gcjecEkmZIj535hqmAXrehvvLoE7KkZTHIIXji3HfolWLd8cSvKS6eBmA0FyWVPxJ4OIIIYPzekwbKU211p2Qt_9unO0/w400-h266/Firecrest022681%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IaFUxvKnfsVFAbAq0jK_a_91VdOp79WvYoPjeLKsz1Sz4vPhob54b9jsYSKpPNVT-wipoIqYO6OTcAcVqoF7sTm7So6gHhXTC8QdXf-mS1GAx3SIxCMNj6t3JTXw_j8Jgx79WLCTCEGVrSVcd9M-Obd_fAjiWGdm2oAMM8mofu9_rR9pNC_yLuykxZqI/s1417/Firecrest022687%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1417" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IaFUxvKnfsVFAbAq0jK_a_91VdOp79WvYoPjeLKsz1Sz4vPhob54b9jsYSKpPNVT-wipoIqYO6OTcAcVqoF7sTm7So6gHhXTC8QdXf-mS1GAx3SIxCMNj6t3JTXw_j8Jgx79WLCTCEGVrSVcd9M-Obd_fAjiWGdm2oAMM8mofu9_rR9pNC_yLuykxZqI/w400-h266/Firecrest022687%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the little <b>Firecrest</b> <i>Regulus ignicapilla</i> on the bush</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Only a relatively short stop at both sites but certainly lovely to see both the <b>Great White Egret</b> and <b>Firecrest</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH6jDo7OqnaJX_Jf_Qs4ZOP7y88cOsCy6ufjQ7Kx6tKuBcTGGLrEoeUU-eaiUK3yQftJHRFuXyQYKDZwKm3jwsvnH3AKTnl_cATTEEtUgxzUNpHHpWTJaFttAjEZMZSJ316k9cJcJi7DTZ9hyWirMFYSh29vkyBXYsYmDGPbEdMq3EEVYVj-vVL-Mbw5s/s3314/GreatWhiteEgret022663%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2211" data-original-width="3314" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH6jDo7OqnaJX_Jf_Qs4ZOP7y88cOsCy6ufjQ7Kx6tKuBcTGGLrEoeUU-eaiUK3yQftJHRFuXyQYKDZwKm3jwsvnH3AKTnl_cATTEEtUgxzUNpHHpWTJaFttAjEZMZSJ316k9cJcJi7DTZ9hyWirMFYSh29vkyBXYsYmDGPbEdMq3EEVYVj-vVL-Mbw5s/w400-h266/GreatWhiteEgret022663%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Great White Egret</b> <i>Egretta alba</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Coot, Lapwing, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsBRGDkiZOK06L_iq7fraQMY7uMjw3jf3ZnmtPxB7z3P5YB8oUhWmBGCMEMGki48qtxByRMOw8FtV3uMGnSIqKGVuBdkfjgHgGOg-ED7bIOHfhi05zhj_rn8RV7McNUf0mObQgLxYWYJSkXtWW3IkWMjU6aHdirv_-MKNifMAGlXoBi0uc8mjftqIMmvc/s3067/GreatTit022671%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3067" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsBRGDkiZOK06L_iq7fraQMY7uMjw3jf3ZnmtPxB7z3P5YB8oUhWmBGCMEMGki48qtxByRMOw8FtV3uMGnSIqKGVuBdkfjgHgGOg-ED7bIOHfhi05zhj_rn8RV7McNUf0mObQgLxYWYJSkXtWW3IkWMjU6aHdirv_-MKNifMAGlXoBi0uc8mjftqIMmvc/w400-h268/GreatTit022671%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Great Tit</b> <i>Parus major</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnoef69ydGhIe11KrN7IRDuywLY4UoMOB_p0SdW8kTpuM2MBclbFHqoUJA6kyJeUHWdHe_ud1GWcpfGxTWIqoFG14qhjpiGODIUJcLYFXVPHcbFha4aZTaIqfj54x2KE3oWcP_LRH_FiPleh7Lu7qMavY7aoRTH9SFf6slj5bmJNNP3B9obTgDm9aJbaK/s4106/Shoveler022678%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2347" data-original-width="4106" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnoef69ydGhIe11KrN7IRDuywLY4UoMOB_p0SdW8kTpuM2MBclbFHqoUJA6kyJeUHWdHe_ud1GWcpfGxTWIqoFG14qhjpiGODIUJcLYFXVPHcbFha4aZTaIqfj54x2KE3oWcP_LRH_FiPleh7Lu7qMavY7aoRTH9SFf6slj5bmJNNP3B9obTgDm9aJbaK/w400-h229/Shoveler022678%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shoveler</b> <i>Anas clypeata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFvRe9ySSgzMEsBL9CSyBjXokgJ4xUy8HyFuJ17uJ1wIgPoYFC1IBeWE-0AgT0V9c4PwxvF4G3spY1XbzloF6BcO9oQqC62Y33aARj63STtIeoN4AjuZfXIcWz4XD4Gl2P_o4m-x7ehj19bvjqHltjyMecsuyM1FU7dDgFW7A4YdgjU5BUuvmZzJFcwRZ/s2333/TuftedDuck022675%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="2333" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFvRe9ySSgzMEsBL9CSyBjXokgJ4xUy8HyFuJ17uJ1wIgPoYFC1IBeWE-0AgT0V9c4PwxvF4G3spY1XbzloF6BcO9oQqC62Y33aARj63STtIeoN4AjuZfXIcWz4XD4Gl2P_o4m-x7ehj19bvjqHltjyMecsuyM1FU7dDgFW7A4YdgjU5BUuvmZzJFcwRZ/w400-h266/TuftedDuck022675%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tufted Duck</b> <i>Aythya fuligula</i> (female and male)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUKIqRRrhm7SbyOjR_P44rSHDT_keJmHrbhcVrgDSVMBcbolfa01d7ZJsqOx5uMuMOgbe_TSzBf8iIzySliq2IublSKkePPutTU1QvUdFGuPZ_sGiXSbbNAQBecolFz33SYhAd0kuUPfyVCZdYg043apDbgdBxW_rVfoTyaGIiPRxxAHCJ1MWz4lD5J4Y/s3184/GlastonburyTor022673%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2126" data-original-width="3184" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUKIqRRrhm7SbyOjR_P44rSHDT_keJmHrbhcVrgDSVMBcbolfa01d7ZJsqOx5uMuMOgbe_TSzBf8iIzySliq2IublSKkePPutTU1QvUdFGuPZ_sGiXSbbNAQBecolFz33SYhAd0kuUPfyVCZdYg043apDbgdBxW_rVfoTyaGIiPRxxAHCJ1MWz4lD5J4Y/w400-h268/GlastonburyTor022673%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant <b>Glastonbury Tor<br /><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-17818617430794601712024-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:002024-02-24T09:10:32.256-08:00Birding Valencia<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw9fVHGFSZWFN7zZjknC5B6c5sDdbt6Xiom5t_1-78C0eje-jdZRCroQHnkXt7W-ufFjV-cDxu6hAemI5gRkNh_3sh3pIILGPk06P93NXBRAmX3xRfowMRMPWR5ZmJ_91IRjtyQNpVW52XFTGmi6rEodOOFuwIBtfAKsc0_rNZIkP4oUbYFmu8FMUUF47/s1665/BlackWingedStilt021423%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1665" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw9fVHGFSZWFN7zZjknC5B6c5sDdbt6Xiom5t_1-78C0eje-jdZRCroQHnkXt7W-ufFjV-cDxu6hAemI5gRkNh_3sh3pIILGPk06P93NXBRAmX3xRfowMRMPWR5ZmJ_91IRjtyQNpVW52XFTGmi6rEodOOFuwIBtfAKsc0_rNZIkP4oUbYFmu8FMUUF47/w400-h268/BlackWingedStilt021423%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black-winged Stilt </b>at <i>Marjal dels Moros</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Valencia 13 – 20 February</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now back in the UK I can finally complete my report on
eight bays in Spain but just the one birding visit on the morning of the 14<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the bird life was seen either in the
neighbouring scrubland and trees or on the walk down to the park at the
hermitage of St Vincent including the small lake. Lots of the common residents
were recorded within a few hundred yards of son Richard’s home in <i>Lliria</i>, about
ten miles inland from Valencia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
included <b>Crested Lark</b>, <b>Stonechat</b>, <b>Sardinian Warbler</b>, many <b>Magpies</b> and <b>Collared
Doves</b> and <b>Woodpigeons</b> plus a few <b>Spotless Starlings</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The walk down to the park produced <b>White Wagtails</b>, B<b>lackbirds</b>,
a <b>Crested Tit</b>, <b>House Sparrows</b> and <b>Sardinian Warbler</b> and on our last visit <b>Black
Redstart</b>, <b>Monk Parakeet</b>, <b>Hoopoe</b>, <b>Corn Bunting</b> and <b>Goldfinch</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the water itself we found <b>Mallards</b> and a
few <b>Muscovy Ducks</b>. Whilst in the town of Lliria we came across a handful of
<b>Serin</b> feeding on the rough ground at the edge of the car park and then, in the
city of <i>Valencia</i> itself, we recorded a couple of <b>Rose-ringed Parakeets</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVC-UorTW-IjMJQrccnrsMaATkRdWTELBaexQWBTAYSnDL75onwDV1m_hfu1C9vrJFsGMid9skq9wsT8M6vWzPhTg5OGaXnuAQnmSIAEMpc_ZFFCsVHkUN1fpAMg_KK40e1yi-27o1yMg0nty8US1crvqnDG4w2HNl50VZWy4G4NwkeQrglUfoxXdfL03H/s5388/Marjal021402%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2905" data-original-width="5388" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVC-UorTW-IjMJQrccnrsMaATkRdWTELBaexQWBTAYSnDL75onwDV1m_hfu1C9vrJFsGMid9skq9wsT8M6vWzPhTg5OGaXnuAQnmSIAEMpc_ZFFCsVHkUN1fpAMg_KK40e1yi-27o1yMg0nty8US1crvqnDG4w2HNl50VZWy4G4NwkeQrglUfoxXdfL03H/w640-h346/Marjal021402%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some water at <i>Marjal dels Moros</i> and holding <b>Shoveler</b>, <b>Teal </b>and <b>Heron</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">However, most of the birds were seen on the visit to
the coastal reserve of <i>Marjal dels Moros</i>, about five miles north of
Valencia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like much of Spain, following
the extremely prolonged dry weather there was a great shortage of water so many
birds not seen, including both Marbled and White-headed Ducks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, what little water that was
present had attracted a large number of <b>Shoveler</b> and many <b>Teal</b> plus a good
number of <b>Mallard</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0bat9CQBjnsxJzPrySg_Pg2jISiYOh6c3jEZHSFlye9DEaXa2e8RRcU_3_4oRxnIXWOSnILGhniqHlhu2tpRHONYJJe1eK-CF_zkGavhqn_c2iRgc-DihV4Q_PNONEcl0Og8JIhEsq9bf0ud7vafI27JRomMHZqNY5Uh0A_lpIUt3cCiL5qR1uOhrY0d/s2240/PurpleSwamphen021433%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="2240" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0bat9CQBjnsxJzPrySg_Pg2jISiYOh6c3jEZHSFlye9DEaXa2e8RRcU_3_4oRxnIXWOSnILGhniqHlhu2tpRHONYJJe1eK-CF_zkGavhqn_c2iRgc-DihV4Q_PNONEcl0Og8JIhEsq9bf0ud7vafI27JRomMHZqNY5Uh0A_lpIUt3cCiL5qR1uOhrY0d/w400-h266/PurpleSwamphen021433%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Purple Swamphen</b> with <b>Shoveler </b>behind right</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Greeted by a solitary <b>Little Egret </b>in the channel next
to the entrance I moved on to take a three mile circuit of the site and found
much reedbed and the occasional lake of shallow water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This habitat also produced a trio of <b>Heron</b>
and one pool held a quartet of <b>Black-winged Stilts</b> and a trio of <b>Purple Swamphens</b>
to add the pair already recorded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Similarly, it was lovely to see a resting flock of <b>Lapwing</b> and between
these birds and the <b>Teal</b> a passing <b>Black-necked Grebe</b> to add to the already
seen <b>Little Grebe</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbnuQMXGxrxC_Dlf9Xap7hF1UmqVFcCpD9Zbx7HOyljNZyZqSJzAtrygYLHIaBDJmWNbMG3DVU03kVXhVnA2YGrV7Hl2a-DBC_NCKAZi7qrFet4UZsGH1KkWN3ZnsxVzAVmxsH8P4eMKUJ5EzUOR9tlCa4LxDqjIfEzrmoAYuHxCTJHb9EKWY3b9ArgAk/s2530/BlackNeckedGrebe021406%20(1%20of%201)%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="2530" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbnuQMXGxrxC_Dlf9Xap7hF1UmqVFcCpD9Zbx7HOyljNZyZqSJzAtrygYLHIaBDJmWNbMG3DVU03kVXhVnA2YGrV7Hl2a-DBC_NCKAZi7qrFet4UZsGH1KkWN3ZnsxVzAVmxsH8P4eMKUJ5EzUOR9tlCa4LxDqjIfEzrmoAYuHxCTJHb9EKWY3b9ArgAk/w400-h266/BlackNeckedGrebe021406%20(1%20of%201)%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Teal</b> with a passing <b>Black-necked Grebe</b> in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Raptors consisted of a couple of female and a male
<b>Marsh Harrier</b> plus a hunting <b>Kestrel</b>. Below them the <b>Moorhens</b> and <b>Coots</b> were
keeping open a wary eye above whilst the many <b>Chiffchaffs</b> were busy flitting
between the reeds in search of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also present on the edges a few <b>Robins</b> and a <b>Black Redstart</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bITWQpU3qfTDG520dCIpCuMtEyNg_UEbPdN_mOP9QAmwK4IVSB2ElKcGwSEP2un_TnTwX34eJAN-9CNmqfgwBDbEzr3fjbs9hfOs4VqhAI3rm_mMee83Avm2Z6T3lhoXCtmsgXZ5P_UIB_ZohZ71Gn6RbJWK2_ECWZGOZnhHe19IHv5n16kzRg25kVvu/s1102/MarshHarrier021413%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1102" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bITWQpU3qfTDG520dCIpCuMtEyNg_UEbPdN_mOP9QAmwK4IVSB2ElKcGwSEP2un_TnTwX34eJAN-9CNmqfgwBDbEzr3fjbs9hfOs4VqhAI3rm_mMee83Avm2Z6T3lhoXCtmsgXZ5P_UIB_ZohZ71Gn6RbJWK2_ECWZGOZnhHe19IHv5n16kzRg25kVvu/w400-h266/MarshHarrier021413%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrourhyphenhyphenIg6hTetrIT81MbVjK4Op761_D3wCNPKKzdUUeFMmxxDCiLwPp_sRXwhAhIYy845whMqttcaU0RIHRIC2HPHiftez_topwJX3yMRZ2ma5dpo_5xfkfVRNWUAQnLS5Gvqde8trowM-OtX149nySHtZmYj3bJVGkk-h4oJD4dE115cEZwIE8y5_TK/s1070/MarshHarrier021431%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1070" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrourhyphenhyphenIg6hTetrIT81MbVjK4Op761_D3wCNPKKzdUUeFMmxxDCiLwPp_sRXwhAhIYy845whMqttcaU0RIHRIC2HPHiftez_topwJX3yMRZ2ma5dpo_5xfkfVRNWUAQnLS5Gvqde8trowM-OtX149nySHtZmYj3bJVGkk-h4oJD4dE115cEZwIE8y5_TK/w400-h266/MarshHarrier021431%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female (above) and male <b>Marsh Harrier</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Within the extensive reedbeds at least a dozen <b>Cetti’s
Warblers</b> were calling long with early <b>Reed Warblers</b> and a <b>Moustached Warbler</b>.
Nearing the end of the walk I came across a few <b>Chaffinches</b> and it was
certainly lovely to see the handful of <b>Reed Buntings</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, as I started out on the return drive
to Llira, I came across a dozen <b>Cattle Egret </b>feeding on a grassy
roundabout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, despite the lack
of water, an enjoyable visit and one to be repeated on my next visit to the
area.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrJ_ntTu0KbzZSBtXroXDfInqaQ3lzJPeUGUb8R9loBIJNOXYQGhlISC3UjfvzWx6b-fYZ6I4n7SNhs4H5cksSIkMNEv8FYG4UZmVuN0Uvm5ZUyf9mwYtLxibkzW1SZLUSU2ltpTQbIXtrLTWDb8prz2xxxHTN5bV121shusuxEjRS5mPnjeT12j_ret-/s4397/Lapwing021407%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2220" data-original-width="4397" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrJ_ntTu0KbzZSBtXroXDfInqaQ3lzJPeUGUb8R9loBIJNOXYQGhlISC3UjfvzWx6b-fYZ6I4n7SNhs4H5cksSIkMNEv8FYG4UZmVuN0Uvm5ZUyf9mwYtLxibkzW1SZLUSU2ltpTQbIXtrLTWDb8prz2xxxHTN5bV121shusuxEjRS5mPnjeT12j_ret-/w400-h203/Lapwing021407%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting <b>Lapwing</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Muscovy Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Moustached Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Crested Tit, Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RUeFOHKlRzjmEziF6tdwXP-N4OJlXzK9zHK_rXCDc7mzijG7cjXPeNArHn2txoPms0zDnk76R4FRpQmwN-xMogwf_YWq2pKyU5X1tSaKkhmFb_I6L7muDlrhiNl8hZ7G7ckrPLQpikZ2ASWdGZz3p5GEeInQJd9aiTY3C-AfkU-qa0y4nlQdIDHX_NX/s1186/Stonechat021402%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1186" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RUeFOHKlRzjmEziF6tdwXP-N4OJlXzK9zHK_rXCDc7mzijG7cjXPeNArHn2txoPms0zDnk76R4FRpQmwN-xMogwf_YWq2pKyU5X1tSaKkhmFb_I6L7muDlrhiNl8hZ7G7ckrPLQpikZ2ASWdGZz3p5GEeInQJd9aiTY3C-AfkU-qa0y4nlQdIDHX_NX/w400-h266/Stonechat021402%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Stonechat</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsx2W9FvzrHNWn_LVvH1OvMU5Awn2mgF2D8pInE6j4Qh0TnTgUgGUnblkmePQucbG88c6H91i9zgD_t68T0qAVjgmWePkgHzc9Nz7r86Es_1WCABE2xoV8zZzYcTY9bCS3Ips_pfeoSDzRdDjrOpceAx4LlQhqI3cbQcQ9-IYJV3Z0XJeBPR_HMQ2WRi2/s1650/Heron021429%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1650" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsx2W9FvzrHNWn_LVvH1OvMU5Awn2mgF2D8pInE6j4Qh0TnTgUgGUnblkmePQucbG88c6H91i9zgD_t68T0qAVjgmWePkgHzc9Nz7r86Es_1WCABE2xoV8zZzYcTY9bCS3Ips_pfeoSDzRdDjrOpceAx4LlQhqI3cbQcQ9-IYJV3Z0XJeBPR_HMQ2WRi2/w400-h268/Heron021429%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Heron</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6KWQPt79UKhGFON37VOEYXh4TsZpx_vXuvxW3Gjuq-bri_GIh4gjNcOpyD-NLH8B-M3XJk-4mYgQLw6p9SfdN731zbPamqzMPi2yBubjpIkfLERkn7JkZxRqEmQLFa1QPo8dD2lVtV3l9IX142t2B3t8Jc0OHf8bPdS2Gjj199uWlBd0R4Lc0MLaiFPP/s2035/cormorant021426%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2035" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6KWQPt79UKhGFON37VOEYXh4TsZpx_vXuvxW3Gjuq-bri_GIh4gjNcOpyD-NLH8B-M3XJk-4mYgQLw6p9SfdN731zbPamqzMPi2yBubjpIkfLERkn7JkZxRqEmQLFa1QPo8dD2lVtV3l9IX142t2B3t8Jc0OHf8bPdS2Gjj199uWlBd0R4Lc0MLaiFPP/w400-h266/cormorant021426%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cormorant</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL8gYwJEtTSrfBsOglyzYs8XzJ3cE5ltaNOgequmXXsS88azcjaGrGMQ-DX5Mg-vSWEnXQGzF19oa4o1P5Sx_zBtASql2JZCpKh0HVeXD8rJnRSafGmCTx_M__T6ebEraCK91rrMC_0vNCGFSgYz0l4ue9y4hmD5W5xmATR4zIa_-CeB_FufrkX4Y1syZ/s1676/CollaredDove021443%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1676" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL8gYwJEtTSrfBsOglyzYs8XzJ3cE5ltaNOgequmXXsS88azcjaGrGMQ-DX5Mg-vSWEnXQGzF19oa4o1P5Sx_zBtASql2JZCpKh0HVeXD8rJnRSafGmCTx_M__T6ebEraCK91rrMC_0vNCGFSgYz0l4ue9y4hmD5W5xmATR4zIa_-CeB_FufrkX4Y1syZ/w400-h266/CollaredDove021443%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Collared Doves</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXblDSEXSFK4QYb-pl7GRAADXMp1C3Pg2GoAat8GThyphenhyphenchWzWdj3Fvru2WvTC76RjpE2U6BlmV7loNGC2aJA7p69y096xsu9ej2FjnA3Wfso7OcHEDSuwV9Ii7WPRtvklT08ueGckq9TrpDe2loTL8fK8G813IIEU6D7PRy5W24uQ4F9uPsI2JlwWDjaTo/s1539/PurpleSwamphen021434%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1539" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXblDSEXSFK4QYb-pl7GRAADXMp1C3Pg2GoAat8GThyphenhyphenchWzWdj3Fvru2WvTC76RjpE2U6BlmV7loNGC2aJA7p69y096xsu9ej2FjnA3Wfso7OcHEDSuwV9Ii7WPRtvklT08ueGckq9TrpDe2loTL8fK8G813IIEU6D7PRy5W24uQ4F9uPsI2JlwWDjaTo/w400-h268/PurpleSwamphen021434%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Purple Swamphen</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoARtHyHGjfW96FrGWHkISb_lOs8tcOnm7QsjHQqq7dWkUaFvAC8DsufOVCiBaT9kpaniAKtyNxa-a4sGeKNhc2f6LX-fzpvmz4ZAzczDF9lBD3utnFqkhbt0rmAdtPLqTPGTXkF6PorqXCWIcg0eWTkbyAUXHnHd2PLtQ2VCzWRlCM9AB7lItqfIUB5-/s1748/Teal021405%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1748" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoARtHyHGjfW96FrGWHkISb_lOs8tcOnm7QsjHQqq7dWkUaFvAC8DsufOVCiBaT9kpaniAKtyNxa-a4sGeKNhc2f6LX-fzpvmz4ZAzczDF9lBD3utnFqkhbt0rmAdtPLqTPGTXkF6PorqXCWIcg0eWTkbyAUXHnHd2PLtQ2VCzWRlCM9AB7lItqfIUB5-/w400-h266/Teal021405%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Teal</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJdzv731QLjbecOE4DY5tKjIFJW5ROTo0MgIZt32LMhCU1duQsqSkF9Y4G5JsvUa9chQVd4Eyjcj5U0cjr39g6GKJEnNpAhtbi99L9_Y5JiYNhe_QeUqMKuOG19Onj5JlXY0nhH8sTKcmbRQYaErmAW2Swc1nFkSoasKtsLOUhhfp6AROecDRNUXUCSuE/s1090/MarshHarrier021412%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1090" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJdzv731QLjbecOE4DY5tKjIFJW5ROTo0MgIZt32LMhCU1duQsqSkF9Y4G5JsvUa9chQVd4Eyjcj5U0cjr39g6GKJEnNpAhtbi99L9_Y5JiYNhe_QeUqMKuOG19Onj5JlXY0nhH8sTKcmbRQYaErmAW2Swc1nFkSoasKtsLOUhhfp6AROecDRNUXUCSuE/w400-h266/MarshHarrier021412%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marsh Harrier</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrSE8laRZdPxDSvq78jaErI_Mt2UX_8m_3iWQDjHXNyMUqz8Mr3S4MyQ4sCYw-8FucG3WeFc428Dd74RvtVBwdF_IROW63m1BJDtoTzCMhSY3fwXF9i0k8GkL3_DpLdVgZKk5sTpfUuYXApy8UpTavP0G8B-e4ygi2C7niCFEc9Wa1cbC3rVo2p42KS7g/s1877/SpotlessStarling021441%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1877" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrSE8laRZdPxDSvq78jaErI_Mt2UX_8m_3iWQDjHXNyMUqz8Mr3S4MyQ4sCYw-8FucG3WeFc428Dd74RvtVBwdF_IROW63m1BJDtoTzCMhSY3fwXF9i0k8GkL3_DpLdVgZKk5sTpfUuYXApy8UpTavP0G8B-e4ygi2C7niCFEc9Wa1cbC3rVo2p42KS7g/w400-h266/SpotlessStarling021441%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Spotless Starlings</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-44482376513307892652024-02-23T09:29:00.000-08:002024-02-23T09:29:00.703-08:00Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Friday 23 February</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">A second report from the <b><span style="color: #800180;">Arboleas Birding Group</span></b> and I am still to write up about my (limited) birding adventure whilst out in Spain these past nine days. I must admit I quite miss seeing the regular Griffon Vultures and even a Red-legged Partridge has now become a once a year experience, if I'm lucky. But I do get to see scores of Carrion Crows which were never on my local Malaga birding list! Always good to see a range of tits, especially my favourite, the Long-tailed Tit and in that sense, usually regular sightings back in Hampshire. Also, Iassume you managed to miss the expected snow - which is promised this week-end for much of Britain and as far south as the Midlands!</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Sierra de Maria - Friday 23rd February</b></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">The weather forecast said there was to be 35km winds and a tad chilly so I dressed for the occasion. I drove Richard in his car towards Maria town. The only bird we saw was a Woodpigeon. Passing through the town Richard spotted both Northern and Spotless Starlings plus a House Sparrow. We arrived at the La Piza forest loaded with peanuts and mealworms. Richard saw a Jay and Chaffinch. The feeders were empty. We filled them up, ordered our coffees and observed who came to visit. First it was a Coal Tit, then Long-tailed Tits and finally Great Tits. Richard found a Mistle Thrush. We were joined by Trevor and Phil who'd seen some Griffon Vultures nearby. After a quick coffee we headed out onto the loop.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhLKneVwAAPUarU4PWGN4LoxJlpwDbHVvpWFJNMkRJUXgP7fYmwTn-aZqf8LZHyC4EVr311BfnamJ6I5_E9iIlLc-volviX15SrlB9dJnQQqehmnp2ONCmAwPh7U3sHFaBcATwP3ADYR-WQ8t6rUC_P1BNrh2EM0YNm451exusN3vy_TDIW9N_ZvipAs4/s2421/006%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2355" data-original-width="2421" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhLKneVwAAPUarU4PWGN4LoxJlpwDbHVvpWFJNMkRJUXgP7fYmwTn-aZqf8LZHyC4EVr311BfnamJ6I5_E9iIlLc-volviX15SrlB9dJnQQqehmnp2ONCmAwPh7U3sHFaBcATwP3ADYR-WQ8t6rUC_P1BNrh2EM0YNm451exusN3vy_TDIW9N_ZvipAs4/w400-h389/006%20(1).JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Red-legged Partridge</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We saw some Chaffinch as we passed through the pine woods. A Raven flew low through the trees. A Griffon Vulture was flying low to avoid the high winds. Also seen were Carrion Crows and Crested Larks.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFUxBOz1KgMC0MH2oUWkZd0odSYsvKdFRfkOeyDd5cqfpLs6C6_EX9o0DF8AAuPrEXN43SzAonpU_zJuA50Nn2gWyED1-B7Wtezw6fiYNJ_w28FVbTICTvvuLwwFnxYZC2czfh_MerNIKe5S7h4Hsruo497iI4U5LtiAMpAfZus-RyBAUG0feMys4RYfw/s2597/001%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2597" data-original-width="1446" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFUxBOz1KgMC0MH2oUWkZd0odSYsvKdFRfkOeyDd5cqfpLs6C6_EX9o0DF8AAuPrEXN43SzAonpU_zJuA50Nn2gWyED1-B7Wtezw6fiYNJ_w28FVbTICTvvuLwwFnxYZC2czfh_MerNIKe5S7h4Hsruo497iI4U5LtiAMpAfZus-RyBAUG0feMys4RYfw/w223-h400/001%20(1).JPG" width="223" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Griffon Vulture</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We stopped briefly by the village, but carried on as the outside temperature was 6degC with a lower wind chill. En route to the cliff face we added Goldfinch, Magpie and a pair of Red -billed Chough. As we approached the cliff face I could see Griffon Vultures perched on the top and sides. We think there were at least 8 of them. They eventually flew off low to our left. There were a number of Rock/Stock doves flying around plus a pair of Carrion Crows. Carrying on we found 4 Red-legged Partridge in an adjacent ploughed field. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsscElWuYbJ7gBitZUJeJIeXPZxrgDFj9pW7pGFcdB2WDDcWqIZBRaeT_ukJXOOSSfTVvPpmF1QiCIEbo99_X0C4X44A5Ut1z41d6BFqrYZKZQIwXbtz954YePz5OSalZKrRyT9xyWsZSj4gnCAo4swmN7KtqIwM0_wkTz6szdCcWOXgG3sEmzweNKnYH/s2597/004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2597" data-original-width="2289" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsscElWuYbJ7gBitZUJeJIeXPZxrgDFj9pW7pGFcdB2WDDcWqIZBRaeT_ukJXOOSSfTVvPpmF1QiCIEbo99_X0C4X44A5Ut1z41d6BFqrYZKZQIwXbtz954YePz5OSalZKrRyT9xyWsZSj4gnCAo4swmN7KtqIwM0_wkTz6szdCcWOXgG3sEmzweNKnYH/w353-h400/004.JPG" width="353" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(Another on on top)<b> Griffon Vulture</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">As we made our way to the hamlet we added a Serin and also saw small numbers of Griffon Vultures. There was nothing at the hamlet, I glimpsed a Little Owl on the plain. We returned to the La Piza cafe for an early lunch. We added Crossbill and Blue Tit. A Jay made an appearance as did Collared Doves and House Sparrows. </span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We said our goodbyes and headed back towards Maria. About half way there we saw a small plume of vultures to our left. I thought one of them wasn't the assumed Griffon Vulture. I stopped and checked them out. It was a Black Vulture! The first I've seen here. You could see its pale head, making it an adult. I knew they had some a bit further north. Unfortunately Trevor and Phil had driven off in front of us and were nowhere in sight.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We ended up with 25 species and glad the cars had good heating systems! A great day in good company.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-23070698856273680292024-02-21T11:54:00.000-08:002024-02-21T22:52:01.272-08:00Arboleas Birding Group visit to the Rambla de Almanzora<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wednesday 21 February</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apologies to the <b><span style="color: #800180;">Arboleas Birding Group</span></b> that this report is one week late! I, too, was in Spain having flown over with Jenny to spend nine days with youngest son and partner in Lliria, just east of Valencia. Just local birding but a morning at the <i>Marjal dels Moros reserve</i> on the coast slightly north of Valencia city confirmed the lack of recent train, so neither White-headed nor Marbled Ducks on site. On the other hand I did record both Purple Swamphen and Moustached Warbler plus an early Reed Warbler singing in the extensive reedbed so not all lost! All being well, I'll get that report plus a Spanish overview competed before the next Arboleas report wings its way my way later in the week - with or without snow.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Wednesday 14th February</b></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGstpfNaimSwg1AZhuG70wxtoU97jHl3xoGc6aMa4oEaBiEjxSDuVSS5p2SW9lE5iaCQ8CWT0PdaY0C6la7W7e5cEY3lYqbd8mtdF3agRmntzbDuajR96eBY68KznA2DlpdlKXIxb_NbbgD6ILHpZv4vyKIvb7meaBoEWy-rzFJf5Ip261SswRGemtH7rt/s4000/001%20(1).JPG" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2120" data-original-width="4000" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGstpfNaimSwg1AZhuG70wxtoU97jHl3xoGc6aMa4oEaBiEjxSDuVSS5p2SW9lE5iaCQ8CWT0PdaY0C6la7W7e5cEY3lYqbd8mtdF3agRmntzbDuajR96eBY68KznA2DlpdlKXIxb_NbbgD6ILHpZv4vyKIvb7meaBoEWy-rzFJf5Ip261SswRGemtH7rt/w640-h340/001%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Stunning sun rise in Arboleas</b> (PHOTO- <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">On a forecasted lovely day I picked Juda up from La Alfoquia and headed towards Villaricos for a day's local birdwatching. As I was in Gilly's posher car I avoided the rambla route and kept to the tarmac. As we approached the ford from the beachside we heard Cetti's Warbler in the reeds. Some Spotless Starlings flew over. At the ford pond we added Mallard and Moorhen. As we waited in the parking area, a Magpie and a Woodpigeon flew over. We were joined by Richard, Peter, Trevor and there was a welcome return from Richard and Maria. A Grey Heron flew up the rambla. Trevor stated that there wasn't much up by the sewage works so we headed to the beach. Richard saw a Blackbird en route.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">On the largest rocks near the beach there were numerous Cormorants sitting there. Juda counted 35. A Little Egret and a Yellow-legged Gull flew by. House Sparrows were in evidence. Trevor saw some Spotless Starlings on the Moor's tower. I spotted an adult Gannet out to sea. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaUFL2OuLmX1rJLRYRysNTa8GgSjVnvIsnufRoYRSP008AfOVCDhP9GbSPcYKKiTwZ4qJqsZR_SksZGvombNwyCfQxCaSkj09maEsTK2lU4LS1dRkkzVOGGKRW2qa2Sinu88N1z7TmArXXlprWrFbJtBKPbGFitNJZ6e_foRVzAx8ETr7eTHA048oWBjP/s4000/004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="4000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaUFL2OuLmX1rJLRYRysNTa8GgSjVnvIsnufRoYRSP008AfOVCDhP9GbSPcYKKiTwZ4qJqsZR_SksZGvombNwyCfQxCaSkj09maEsTK2lU4LS1dRkkzVOGGKRW2qa2Sinu88N1z7TmArXXlprWrFbJtBKPbGFitNJZ6e_foRVzAx8ETr7eTHA048oWBjP/w640-h316/004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cormorants</b> with the tuna farm in the distance</span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> </span>(PHOTO- <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We convoyed round to the far side of the estuary. From the embankment we looked down on Coots and Moorhens. A couple of Sandwich Terns were circling the shallow waters. Both Grey Heron and Little Egret were seen. Chiffchaffs were flitting in and above the reeds. I searched the shorelines for small waders. I found a couple of Turnstone, Ring Plovers and a single Grey Plover. Some Black-headed Gulls and Goldfinches flew by.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcbG6UPETTjeGlKYlgPjZ8WMGgbxc9bxU1OH7eImcqk-oBmgOwVhMfsKjbazsMITWQ_yPnozPDzTVzIJkzEDA1qaARdmTmJeCIAscBlTc_gQRRO0mIVDSPh0Kfw_skaRtRZ_uZjk3r6airA_SsJJ_Vpk1hwJTBoz12t0BBWBqUKDZfvfgu-zySrOVu-Rq/s4000/008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2098" data-original-width="4000" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcbG6UPETTjeGlKYlgPjZ8WMGgbxc9bxU1OH7eImcqk-oBmgOwVhMfsKjbazsMITWQ_yPnozPDzTVzIJkzEDA1qaARdmTmJeCIAscBlTc_gQRRO0mIVDSPh0Kfw_skaRtRZ_uZjk3r6airA_SsJJ_Vpk1hwJTBoz12t0BBWBqUKDZfvfgu-zySrOVu-Rq/w640-h336/008.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Some of the 300 <b>Mediterranean Gulls </b>(PHOTO- <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We adjourned to the Tiburon (shark) cafe in Villaricos village for coffee after which we headed to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow waters behind Vera Playa. The Moorhens were on the mudflats. In the water were Greater Flamingos, Shovelers, some Teal and Mallards. Richard saw the first Black-winged Stilts and I found some Avocets. Richard added a Kentish Plover. Trevor did well to find the perched female Marsh Harrier where it had been on our previous visit. Juda spotted a Little Grebe. I added Shelduck and a Cattle Egret. Moving to the Consum side of the hump we saw much of the same except a flock of over 300 Mediterranean Gulls which were put to flight by one of the possibly three Marsh Harriers seen. I did very well to find a Snipe just below us.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-g0EH93s5NUFvVJREloEa0xX53i9h7zV3bhD5NVl84K3bT9O8E9_Q4OZw4n-Rw0F2_OEhVDlaBebAcwL__ExFQ-U6ywcMHXmuM11p2nkkHg1GXeS47HqLW8TRb8mIQSG8nfHm1zn0iYHe1oLncb8qjZ-E2GFN-FuQLDmV1sKd2zNAQx-WNEMoWD4tjeX/s2527/005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="2527" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-g0EH93s5NUFvVJREloEa0xX53i9h7zV3bhD5NVl84K3bT9O8E9_Q4OZw4n-Rw0F2_OEhVDlaBebAcwL__ExFQ-U6ywcMHXmuM11p2nkkHg1GXeS47HqLW8TRb8mIQSG8nfHm1zn0iYHe1oLncb8qjZ-E2GFN-FuQLDmV1sKd2zNAQx-WNEMoWD4tjeX/w400-h369/005.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Distant female <b>Marsh Harrier</b> (PHOTO- <b>David Binns-Elliott</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We travelled round to the elevated hide opposite the Aquaparc. We had a better view from the bridge above the small weir. Trevor found a Red-crested Pochard amongst the 39 White-headed Ducks. I counted 6 Little Grebes. Juda did well to spot the Purple Swamphen by its red legs in the reed line. Some Crag Martins were flying over the reeds. Juda added a White Wagtail.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We ended up with 38 species. Great weather, company and birding.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Our best wishes go to Kath Groves, David Green and Tom Senior.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #222222;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-75533028269126004642024-02-11T03:29:00.000-08:002024-02-11T03:29:43.640-08:00Hamble River<p><b>Sunday 11 February</b></p><p>Lovely sun shining through the broken cloud as I undertook my last birding walk up the <i>Hamble River</i> to the conservation area and back before departing for Spain on the morrow. Still lots of <b>Wigeon</b> and <b>Brent Geese</b> to be seen the way up the river but first sighting was a <b>Little Egret</b> accompanied by a half-dozen foraging <b>Turnstone</b>. Then the <b>Brent Geese</b> and the <b>Wigeon</b> before encountering the hundreds of feeding <b>Dunlin</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOKQWeingLoC6QlQNJcbLwGn5-8X3yytJbYdNj8jloD9FvsCJnoY2nTCr9kZHstLEywybxLkKDdb2SiWho5oEUNkS8pinsr2maO6_phxc9dX9t-FtEE0AdTh6d_QD1ZaKzvS2_VC9kM-tzB96ufrcELJHSHCfEcuiOCIg05Q35arxfpLevHGJAuy12OKk/s4679/Wigeon021177%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="4679" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOKQWeingLoC6QlQNJcbLwGn5-8X3yytJbYdNj8jloD9FvsCJnoY2nTCr9kZHstLEywybxLkKDdb2SiWho5oEUNkS8pinsr2maO6_phxc9dX9t-FtEE0AdTh6d_QD1ZaKzvS2_VC9kM-tzB96ufrcELJHSHCfEcuiOCIg05Q35arxfpLevHGJAuy12OKk/w640-h196/Wigeon021177%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the scores of <b>Wigeon</b> <i>Anas penelope</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>There were certainly plenty of <b>Dunlin</b> feeding and large groups of the flock moving around as the tide crept ever closer to the shore and the birds sought pastures new. Not so many <b>Teal</b> to be seen but more than a score of <b>Redshank</b> even if only the two <b>Oystercatchers</b> and a trio of <b>Curlew</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9a21vRkQlYx4LRJO5ExoynIOsDuGistJvf7_S1tAJMj-hcNtKKyAq8xcYFpuu9UvqMJRQLjCuJ6NZQw-R7HQJXCkZ8w-qc4rd9rwm2GTuNGno2eC5PZjpxsiC5Iq3FiXn502XKxBueae_W5Gk0RyCgjRb-DZ9wYTvoAaxPIdzSXT0KTmd6lstzEdP2kr/s3379/Dunlin021188%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="3379" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9a21vRkQlYx4LRJO5ExoynIOsDuGistJvf7_S1tAJMj-hcNtKKyAq8xcYFpuu9UvqMJRQLjCuJ6NZQw-R7HQJXCkZ8w-qc4rd9rwm2GTuNGno2eC5PZjpxsiC5Iq3FiXn502XKxBueae_W5Gk0RyCgjRb-DZ9wYTvoAaxPIdzSXT0KTmd6lstzEdP2kr/w400-h210/Dunlin021188%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many <b>Dunlin</b> <i>Calidris alpina</i> with a male <b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As I moved further up river I started to come across the occasional <b>Grey Plover</b> along with more <b>Brent Geese</b> plus the resting flock of <b>Black-backed Gulls</b> on an off-shore exposed mud bank along with more <b>Dunlins </b>and a couple of <b>Herring Gulls</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmk67B6rV4jCd37oJ802v-8X7XS6CcSHOboKnrV36HH0CV9i1FC2QV5ZwVQGNVwWC1-WZ1kgzxQKSPlGf8W-NK1yzohWyp5pnMCiRFMJoIZVLCNtxl6y4C_q0awNIilhCNdG3etqHzGQiLr-geosxtqILF9EwA0E27kRkhCMOXU7jf05mcd9Cep9TAFxS/s1280/GreyPlover021196%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmk67B6rV4jCd37oJ802v-8X7XS6CcSHOboKnrV36HH0CV9i1FC2QV5ZwVQGNVwWC1-WZ1kgzxQKSPlGf8W-NK1yzohWyp5pnMCiRFMJoIZVLCNtxl6y4C_q0awNIilhCNdG3etqHzGQiLr-geosxtqILF9EwA0E27kRkhCMOXU7jf05mcd9Cep9TAFxS/s320/GreyPlover021196%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey Plover</b> <i>Pluvialis squatarola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the muddy meadow and edges beyond on the inland side of the path, first a dozen <b>Redshank</b> followed by a pair of <b>Shelduck</b> and nine <b>Canada Geese</b>. The neighbouring gardens held a couple of magpie and a trio of <b>Woodpigeon</b> along with a distant <b>Carrion Crow</b>. Once at the conservation area a distant sighting of the lone <b>Greenshank</b>. Nothing to add on the return walk until the footpath leading from the shore to home when I came across a single <b>Robin</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI-GCAVLKWb4PcO6QdC9q0KZtm5_GFwi-AdPCTytLdTxlemIGQr3yhv8atuzemQRJy_IFP1cm_01olTxmXzJKTidnJtJC2TVL6iOkVuv3htJevXcty_8B2zBYGTRJ7HhRtn4IXjI4YGDCt47AfFTOdRb7MU8Ymuwd3D__B69nbpOyRE80S63PLu4aY2DJ/s1924/Curlew021182%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1924" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI-GCAVLKWb4PcO6QdC9q0KZtm5_GFwi-AdPCTytLdTxlemIGQr3yhv8atuzemQRJy_IFP1cm_01olTxmXzJKTidnJtJC2TVL6iOkVuv3htJevXcty_8B2zBYGTRJ7HhRtn4IXjI4YGDCt47AfFTOdRb7MU8Ymuwd3D__B69nbpOyRE80S63PLu4aY2DJ/w400-h266/Curlew021182%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Curlew</b> <i>Numenius arquata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Magpie, Carrion Crow.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuJRoCVLzDN-bsfYaxrCaOZBwXEpqSPQXQmhyphenhyphenVL3SaY0hY2SkJtfflc7IeBPvDXMt3tiUg3QAsCuVnKVvKgwh8zTSaZnVRTNcamARRPqaFSpJX9QIReoBSy5MTV-arG11kg3i55Nj98Y686sWu8l8gZVtw-dUD95Haw8kp2L9Yd2wXQ7hT9v0OMRlDFPL/s1748/Turnstone021172%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1748" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuJRoCVLzDN-bsfYaxrCaOZBwXEpqSPQXQmhyphenhyphenVL3SaY0hY2SkJtfflc7IeBPvDXMt3tiUg3QAsCuVnKVvKgwh8zTSaZnVRTNcamARRPqaFSpJX9QIReoBSy5MTV-arG11kg3i55Nj98Y686sWu8l8gZVtw-dUD95Haw8kp2L9Yd2wXQ7hT9v0OMRlDFPL/w400-h266/Turnstone021172%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turnstone</b> <i>Arenaria interpres</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8mULgW3MOcNFGsy6flzvqnzQxdkEWIiazgYPo8Xog1nkGe0wYOzqdwtL7PzriglviguQ99IqeXKUT0JBxyyVmT2UegK-2Hfh2Jea2M-Odfz1t55Q2dvzEFQYNM81x9AQGeeHzbtI69uTKH74KBH0sVr9eIo134aDdBdD-R5OHOgSTot5b4GQvA8pv2UN/s968/GreyPlover021185%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="968" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8mULgW3MOcNFGsy6flzvqnzQxdkEWIiazgYPo8Xog1nkGe0wYOzqdwtL7PzriglviguQ99IqeXKUT0JBxyyVmT2UegK-2Hfh2Jea2M-Odfz1t55Q2dvzEFQYNM81x9AQGeeHzbtI69uTKH74KBH0sVr9eIo134aDdBdD-R5OHOgSTot5b4GQvA8pv2UN/w400-h266/GreyPlover021185%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey Plover</b> <i>Pluvialis squatarola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn9NIEzohW5rRruCdrW7GHK3AQwhd3QHvKOp1KIRLQAfjiSByMHxUFdNKvM1QbuQaAc0qtHgp3BZnOepJmXBEzkaiYzve8NJ_6QvI6qVndYtsM2UlFbUGqyt-hr9azgx1XLZwqv-A93N57u1b_mPRE9KkdeMRjbvGi-S8u4LWhkIIS0uZqCrsnrgYoel0/s1612/Teal021197%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1612" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn9NIEzohW5rRruCdrW7GHK3AQwhd3QHvKOp1KIRLQAfjiSByMHxUFdNKvM1QbuQaAc0qtHgp3BZnOepJmXBEzkaiYzve8NJ_6QvI6qVndYtsM2UlFbUGqyt-hr9azgx1XLZwqv-A93N57u1b_mPRE9KkdeMRjbvGi-S8u4LWhkIIS0uZqCrsnrgYoel0/w400-h266/Teal021197%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male and female <b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CHC2R3solc-4DqegPZPJrDHFXhaEQlx7YeQQPJHixeKg_AFRezdaz0j1d39-MPuV-_bpvUMq_taBU2tKlxNaDk5Xl-ZHBDyTz71pnnZZgruT3J8f_rklHquldegNRMd9kn85STINqY2EnkLDjSnIp4g1LlIfC0DTO7HTemvh6vC-IXcS-1VqB4dBKPO6/s2749/Dunlin021183%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="2749" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CHC2R3solc-4DqegPZPJrDHFXhaEQlx7YeQQPJHixeKg_AFRezdaz0j1d39-MPuV-_bpvUMq_taBU2tKlxNaDk5Xl-ZHBDyTz71pnnZZgruT3J8f_rklHquldegNRMd9kn85STINqY2EnkLDjSnIp4g1LlIfC0DTO7HTemvh6vC-IXcS-1VqB4dBKPO6/w400-h266/Dunlin021183%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more <b>Dunlin</b> <i>Calidris alpina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</span></b></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-58863446697363430462024-02-07T23:17:00.000-08:002024-02-07T23:17:48.437-08:00Somerset Birding<p><b>Wednesday 7 February</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhV9ot1tNRoKQutYlNnWezzk5UvcyfMVlU9sfEqJJIJj0AI9xj43mdRSJlmdnwg_-ptQOeZTlwd-82AiyJRwQ3XAU3h-9EWDi5fAymyp8kDX24M8mXnWvPioFGE4S-6IbxOOks3HEoJola6q1njFg3zTpAFhwbmuST0noGNb82nx4l8UVb65crx6Beway/s4534/Wigeon020737%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2056" data-original-width="4534" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhV9ot1tNRoKQutYlNnWezzk5UvcyfMVlU9sfEqJJIJj0AI9xj43mdRSJlmdnwg_-ptQOeZTlwd-82AiyJRwQ3XAU3h-9EWDi5fAymyp8kDX24M8mXnWvPioFGE4S-6IbxOOks3HEoJola6q1njFg3zTpAFhwbmuST0noGNb82nx4l8UVb65crx6Beway/w640-h290/Wigeon020737%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding a <b>Green-winged Teal</b> <i>Anas carolinensis</i> at Greylake was like for a needle in a haystack!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My last day of birding Somerset before retuning to Warsash. Dull and cloudy as I drove west to <i>Steart Marshes</i> on the coast north of Bridgwater and even rain showers as I drove along the M5, However, upon arrival, damp but dry and this was to remain the case throughout the day, I had hoped to spend all morning or longer at this site but upon arrival found it very quiet with only limited birds on view. Indeed, just the one decent bird sighting from the <i>Quantock Hide</i> which revealed a large<b> Lapwing</b> flock of around 500 plus a decent number of ducks, mainly <b>Shoveler</b> and <b>Wigeon</b> but also <b>Teal</b>, <b>Mallard</b> and thirty <b>Shelduck</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohV_25u73DR0ig3GcHYvitlifyuwEFg-24v5GEr2xGSSjEhDqByVeXHkDCq6Zo61tlc47qzL61bjZfmAvUop2AFLnPRHw9JSWyrKreVTaNGOrrGSR8kWtg_o9lmevJr015L3Aho0nDY4FMYFu-Z6INFUV-HUQkkpw-Fv7dWhpAMC1Hs_k9LMFleQZeJ9e/s1455/MeadowPipit02073%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1455" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohV_25u73DR0ig3GcHYvitlifyuwEFg-24v5GEr2xGSSjEhDqByVeXHkDCq6Zo61tlc47qzL61bjZfmAvUop2AFLnPRHw9JSWyrKreVTaNGOrrGSR8kWtg_o9lmevJr015L3Aho0nDY4FMYFu-Z6INFUV-HUQkkpw-Fv7dWhpAMC1Hs_k9LMFleQZeJ9e/w400-h266/MeadowPipit02073%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant <b>Meadow Pipit </b><i>Anthus pratensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The morning had started well enough with many <b>House Sparrows</b>, <b>Blackbird</b>, <b>Robin</b> and <b>Carrion Crow</b> and as I walked through the reserve many good sightings of <b>Wren</b>. There had already been a number of <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> on the feeder but that was it, save for the distant mixed flock of <b>Black-headed</b> and <b>Herring Gulls</b> at the back of the water from the above hide. I, therefore, made my way over to the opposite hide overlooking the meadow and all that produced was a trio of <b>Meadow Pipit</b> resting on the adjacent gate. So on back to the car park, noting the <b>Moorhen</b> on the pond as I passed, to consider my options. First a drive to the end of the lane followed by a wet walk to the pebble embankment to look down on the muddy beach with the water's edge somewhere in the far distance. Just about twenty feeding <b>Oystercatchers</b> so a good job I noticed the female <b>Greenfinch</b> on the rocks as I parked the car.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48tVYXCTwqA8jyonjuHJkp8UH9sNhEfPtgkp_SDEEEN64a5-_iNqR-ncePpQaWgTXgK16vzfjNe8UfLM0Xi5wkMGh1wnvcI-qjDWTXln1UddVdeIyT1TJ5q8tCfzRtNWJIpbnpVQiuUoHpaSqlW-iX48t0AnmxwaihiB5taiQAlYW1PPqJ6019QGlBUYb/s1455/Greenfinch02074%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1455" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48tVYXCTwqA8jyonjuHJkp8UH9sNhEfPtgkp_SDEEEN64a5-_iNqR-ncePpQaWgTXgK16vzfjNe8UfLM0Xi5wkMGh1wnvcI-qjDWTXln1UddVdeIyT1TJ5q8tCfzRtNWJIpbnpVQiuUoHpaSqlW-iX48t0AnmxwaihiB5taiQAlYW1PPqJ6019QGlBUYb/w400-h266/Greenfinch02074%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female <b>Greenfinch</b> <i>Carduelis chloris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Having found plenty of birds yesterday at <i>RSPB Greylake</i> I decided to make the half-hour trip and, hopefully, might find the missing rarity from yesterday. Upon arrival greeted by a number of <b>House Sparrows </b>and <b>Robin</b> with a <b>Mute Swan</b> on the far field. Straight to the elevated hide and pleased to note the stream of exiting birders all reporting that both visiting teals had been seen. Once settled in was amazed to see the great reduction in numbers, especially <b>Lapwings</b>. Still many <b>Wigeon</b> and <b>Common Teal</b> but only a couple of <b>Shoveler</b>. Towards the back we had gained a good number of <b>Pintail</b> and the Snipe were still to be seen.</p><p>Yesterday's <b>Green-winged Teal</b> was now at the far back of the muddy terrain but the neighbouring birder found it with his cope and I had a good profile view as the bird paddled left showing the vertical rather the horizontal stripe on its wing. With positions reversed the <b>Baikal Teal</b> was now very close to the hide and resting with a trio of Wigeon and couple of <b>Lapwing</b>. Difficult to trace originally as the bird had its head down and facing away from me so just showing what looked like a black balaclaver with ta horizontal while ring round the shape. However, it did on a couple of occasions look up so showing the rather splendid colouring of its head,</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r1PWyGfIO26IvCmn1_Hgy6TodjV9xFRjhCOO4LWD7jUiSmxqOCAZZZK5ccnTcL86u4rqT09DCoZGJmWVE0kgc-UM6GG13yQhd06d0pin12fthrDZ39U7AMoGxATavFXBiAV1ODZKXEtoTOFQDt3x44xY_Z2QcVqyCuywj6WyrQmt6Sexy0KuN-7rveR_/s1787/BaikalTeal02074%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1787" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r1PWyGfIO26IvCmn1_Hgy6TodjV9xFRjhCOO4LWD7jUiSmxqOCAZZZK5ccnTcL86u4rqT09DCoZGJmWVE0kgc-UM6GG13yQhd06d0pin12fthrDZ39U7AMoGxATavFXBiAV1ODZKXEtoTOFQDt3x44xY_Z2QcVqyCuywj6WyrQmt6Sexy0KuN-7rveR_/w400-h266/BaikalTeal02074%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find the Baikal Teal?</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ZJVUfC0pL4qUZvwSM8D64fKj3qgwWYIUsLp0YukeSVNkwPQfLQFbFCm0aVmvUcTV1-534kdRY6mIEpkJHSYlGzoeAtmqq0nOJ0VLEgzsliaDHQvCJBRoC5dTLUXLSc6vJtEmHpQePu8gfwpVZGIj-7pMfjoZZ_ldxVE_G0EfgYf8g8SCfiTIdZ1jjlQ/s2019/BaikalTeal02036%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="2019" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ZJVUfC0pL4qUZvwSM8D64fKj3qgwWYIUsLp0YukeSVNkwPQfLQFbFCm0aVmvUcTV1-534kdRY6mIEpkJHSYlGzoeAtmqq0nOJ0VLEgzsliaDHQvCJBRoC5dTLUXLSc6vJtEmHpQePu8gfwpVZGIj-7pMfjoZZ_ldxVE_G0EfgYf8g8SCfiTIdZ1jjlQ/w640-h426/BaikalTeal02036%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Baikal Teal</b> <span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sibirionetta formosa</i><span style="font-style: inherit;"> surrounded by <b>Wigeon</b>, <b>Common Teal</b> and <b>Lapwing</b></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Also present a couple of <b>Great White</b> and a single <b>Little Egret</b>. As yesterday a <b>Water Rail</b> was recorded behind me and on this occasion a couple of calling <b>Cetti's Warblers</b>. Apart from a handful of <b>Mallard</b>, looking to the back left I found a resting female <b>Sparrowhawk</b> on the fence which brought up quite a little excitement from my neighbouring birders. Having shown local birder, Chris where to find the <b>Baikal Teal</b>, he informed me that he was now heading up to Swell Wood to look for a <b>Marsh Tit</b> and with the promise of a likely <b>Tree-creeper</b> I, too, decided I would pay a visit to this new site before heading back to Sand Bay and a lovely warm shower.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRW_8YI7eQn0XASrVwgkw3azIGe6Q1EVGJSnuSrkcJjD6BMKS3EQgKCOX-YfBJZvTEHGBAgkEK9cu3VBPPiwQWkJmcpy_UrPuFrIzseG9lX28j3ca0t0y5tN62VJM_d6jyLZ7RVaz-W6uvMgg0Iso39yzLcLloA94qCDf3Aml1Jychk3sylPbyQwuNwCv/s1566/GreatWhiteEgret02030%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1566" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRW_8YI7eQn0XASrVwgkw3azIGe6Q1EVGJSnuSrkcJjD6BMKS3EQgKCOX-YfBJZvTEHGBAgkEK9cu3VBPPiwQWkJmcpy_UrPuFrIzseG9lX28j3ca0t0y5tN62VJM_d6jyLZ7RVaz-W6uvMgg0Iso39yzLcLloA94qCDf3Aml1Jychk3sylPbyQwuNwCv/w400-h266/GreatWhiteEgret02030%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Great White Egret </b><i>Egretta alba</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Making our way back to the car park we followed the antics a of a feeding flock of <b>Long-tailed Tits</b> and upon arrival more <b>House Sparrows</b> along with <b>Woodpigeon</b>, <b>Carrion Crow</b>, <b>Chaffinch </b>and a couple of male <b>Reed Buntings</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU102eVmufRHHGjOwU9dgoMEWeH4xu_HIFm1pDtVwlOlVDu4Voq9ZZnHPt_kwi0cJdTwHkcpo5EWrkA5z17ym8nkUzZSXRcj_3H4RHP5Yg0Gvsqc2jbPXvLJp7qLsDNEi_XgcBOzmk9UXV0w1hfb4gEa5OJNwM-zgoZnidNQ-q_G9Kqja9VTNQpibw45F/s1450/LongTailedTit020738%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1450" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU102eVmufRHHGjOwU9dgoMEWeH4xu_HIFm1pDtVwlOlVDu4Voq9ZZnHPt_kwi0cJdTwHkcpo5EWrkA5z17ym8nkUzZSXRcj_3H4RHP5Yg0Gvsqc2jbPXvLJp7qLsDNEi_XgcBOzmk9UXV0w1hfb4gEa5OJNwM-zgoZnidNQ-q_G9Kqja9VTNQpibw45F/w400-h266/LongTailedTit020738%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Long-tailed Tit</b><i> Aegithalos caudatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Almost thirty minutes later having followed a very bendy and narrow lane up the into the hills I arrived at <b>Swell Woods</b>. The feeder immediately produced <b>Blue</b>, <b>Great</b> and many <b>Coal Tits</b>. These were later joined by both <b>Marsh Tit </b>and a couple of <b>Tree-creepers</b> on the neighbouring trees. A <b>Nuthatch</b> came to join in the feeding rush and we made our way to the nearby hide where we had close views of both <b>Robin</b> and <b>Wren</b>. Above us at least a dozen <b>Herons</b> setting up home in their traditional heronry, Whilst watching their antics a <b>Kestrel </b>flew over. A <b>Dunnock</b> came to visit the feeding area as we prepared to depart and a <b>Mistle Thrush</b> put in very brief appearance behind us, The last bird recorded was a male <b>Chaffinch</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49MTB8i4yVZjqXRT1p77FPiJ_SrouHc5u2dLDXBgoGjXlHVchuHf15MC3ajMATlzBdHK99t9umaTjWAKZ08GUpT7CDiqjKH3wDEl0tS-9MzNg9lhjgS54RcGr-gSTfYGf215t9Vleu5twti1sav8-5sT1KSoVET2N2P9_EHMtafVS41ULrbme4otXffZH/s2757/Heron020752%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="2757" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49MTB8i4yVZjqXRT1p77FPiJ_SrouHc5u2dLDXBgoGjXlHVchuHf15MC3ajMATlzBdHK99t9umaTjWAKZ08GUpT7CDiqjKH3wDEl0tS-9MzNg9lhjgS54RcGr-gSTfYGf215t9Vleu5twti1sav8-5sT1KSoVET2N2P9_EHMtafVS41ULrbme4otXffZH/w400-h268/Heron020752%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Herons</b> <i>Ardea cinerea</i> at the heronry</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Common Teal, Green-winged Teal, Baikal Teal, Pintail, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tree-creeper, Nuthatch, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoEAq-VJJqOcEtqGE32NT4XcT-IL1IGACTpARxvKi1TXECracqqrU7XRoVeOlsDzdZTTCg-aXBSEn4H4odn79gxFgeRHHf8iF2Ip2njQxxsLfWv71oSuVjhSy6jidV2hvdtnvVQWLlOfBDQpBhJziwN7IqfYnOLZFQlHkuwiS-v21IqHJDXHK8JyyX1mC/s2994/Wren020744%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="2994" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoEAq-VJJqOcEtqGE32NT4XcT-IL1IGACTpARxvKi1TXECracqqrU7XRoVeOlsDzdZTTCg-aXBSEn4H4odn79gxFgeRHHf8iF2Ip2njQxxsLfWv71oSuVjhSy6jidV2hvdtnvVQWLlOfBDQpBhJziwN7IqfYnOLZFQlHkuwiS-v21IqHJDXHK8JyyX1mC/w400-h266/Wren020744%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wren </b><i>Troglodytes troglodytes</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bRz0fwpbEt49GrWoTEh7n3BxZJ88HeHKxMf-PXcqOLEfpVZwjs2IchhIENIHzg61oC6m_AWQ-kKFDdUOM5mV-LSJwxu_c0XuZD10VFUxs2FTox_VbCbDoKMo3O7uvn51fZLkrJLIU6eRMYzmuVbaqtoSlVTehgidVnPS3c-fuXFfOhnGKlktsn1a2jXh/s1803/CoalTit020741%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1803" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bRz0fwpbEt49GrWoTEh7n3BxZJ88HeHKxMf-PXcqOLEfpVZwjs2IchhIENIHzg61oC6m_AWQ-kKFDdUOM5mV-LSJwxu_c0XuZD10VFUxs2FTox_VbCbDoKMo3O7uvn51fZLkrJLIU6eRMYzmuVbaqtoSlVTehgidVnPS3c-fuXFfOhnGKlktsn1a2jXh/w400-h266/CoalTit020741%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coal Tit</b> <i>Periparus</i> ater with <b>Great Tit</b> <i>Parus major</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhLZBGtL3UHc_4ATe32QcI4EVHar7rfXDIOgOWySQqRka4PTmWm-wCThEWONg9gtHlcgkfeZebjfj7qiF_-U6qa92H1WxdJMrQ8p9R4ZLhyfHBm9UpwDG-8z5a4X4iAKu_BaTq2K2z7M_cm3GHI3YxjJA6zM4dOfjhR5F2gdp-FUOvQRT_3ZYb8DHaHNW/s1434/CoalTit020760%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1434" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhLZBGtL3UHc_4ATe32QcI4EVHar7rfXDIOgOWySQqRka4PTmWm-wCThEWONg9gtHlcgkfeZebjfj7qiF_-U6qa92H1WxdJMrQ8p9R4ZLhyfHBm9UpwDG-8z5a4X4iAKu_BaTq2K2z7M_cm3GHI3YxjJA6zM4dOfjhR5F2gdp-FUOvQRT_3ZYb8DHaHNW/w400-h266/CoalTit020760%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coal Tit</b> <i>Periparus</i> ater with <b>Nuthatch</b> <i>Sitta europaea</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvEndMRVazQfBhybLH-E-E9xb7r5AdTjXWvloEJx7kHQrTWVh2ksne4Ut91hymgUBY5_hhmRBTZ4ctJuZHkOsykbWzVoH06KBjuAXaKEnnIYiUBcWOIzjrSiSitvUXFjI_hGCVwn5xu-2TbRmnJYLtckL2iXY3q6RxA0XowvSvtWzNSfZCtwrsFbo1zDD/s1518/Blue020765%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1518" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvEndMRVazQfBhybLH-E-E9xb7r5AdTjXWvloEJx7kHQrTWVh2ksne4Ut91hymgUBY5_hhmRBTZ4ctJuZHkOsykbWzVoH06KBjuAXaKEnnIYiUBcWOIzjrSiSitvUXFjI_hGCVwn5xu-2TbRmnJYLtckL2iXY3q6RxA0XowvSvtWzNSfZCtwrsFbo1zDD/w400-h266/Blue020765%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blue Tit</b> <i>Parus caeruleus</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3mRE7FGtRT8HaRblZxRxjKRk8P2duzIWtDd05S1cEyLm2EYy-XmnHkeig2Ev0-lXLkDsFzi3LeUEL4o7GWvl9fdw-hSbMS0Y7z87QgMdn8rE2IIjCa27EQPk1jIb7LZXfyqcqtQ70o3X6ld6VA47qjc4d5H8ZJVK2hTQbLKvUDCkcv8HnCkmgcuvUR5r/s3390/Lapwing020728%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="3390" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3mRE7FGtRT8HaRblZxRxjKRk8P2duzIWtDd05S1cEyLm2EYy-XmnHkeig2Ev0-lXLkDsFzi3LeUEL4o7GWvl9fdw-hSbMS0Y7z87QgMdn8rE2IIjCa27EQPk1jIb7LZXfyqcqtQ70o3X6ld6VA47qjc4d5H8ZJVK2hTQbLKvUDCkcv8HnCkmgcuvUR5r/w400-h268/Lapwing020728%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lapwing</b> <i>Vanellus vanellus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAAUTfOTK8m3BYVw2OehqIGjnlZzew-wxzbvxeeHBdXczTQP4CR06udMz9H7Dzb0ZH9PknDqgCMhithprQVK9Bj23D4AxX3xpIWLcL_rWCDQpVAV6TKppGqb8kSOlp35ajPtwxLyVjWtHEq0TGO0io4zGpy8b0EfoLYlhsuvDfXvhpDFAlrHYwxBm57-N/s4750/Wigeon020733%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2483" data-original-width="4750" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAAUTfOTK8m3BYVw2OehqIGjnlZzew-wxzbvxeeHBdXczTQP4CR06udMz9H7Dzb0ZH9PknDqgCMhithprQVK9Bj23D4AxX3xpIWLcL_rWCDQpVAV6TKppGqb8kSOlp35ajPtwxLyVjWtHEq0TGO0io4zGpy8b0EfoLYlhsuvDfXvhpDFAlrHYwxBm57-N/w640-h334/Wigeon020733%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainly <b>Wigeon</b><i> Anas penelope</i> with <b>Pintail </b><i>Anus acuta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_0DJlFTV__sEX1wradHUA_B8K11dgL_TanZ8CNmFtg3Hhdg6zmCZokly7HhAz57MkxTlI9jisSJ_ZWbSd7xL7jmhYpXoakjD2FrUho7aRtD2e0-QuKtl4Yy5M5Cy6fwSStb6n_68PLaccHNPkuWr_9thmdIhubGEFt529oJuNnasEepDLmlBfiHCaUje/s2499/Wren020746%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="2499" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_0DJlFTV__sEX1wradHUA_B8K11dgL_TanZ8CNmFtg3Hhdg6zmCZokly7HhAz57MkxTlI9jisSJ_ZWbSd7xL7jmhYpXoakjD2FrUho7aRtD2e0-QuKtl4Yy5M5Cy6fwSStb6n_68PLaccHNPkuWr_9thmdIhubGEFt529oJuNnasEepDLmlBfiHCaUje/w400-h266/Wren020746%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wren </b><i>Troglodytes troglodytes</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</span></b></div></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-71837590304204202352024-02-07T09:17:00.000-08:002024-02-07T09:17:39.491-08:00Cabo de Gata<p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 7 February</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looks like Dave and his <b><span style="color: #800180;">Arboleas Birding Group</span></b> had a great visit to Cabo de Gata and in lovely sunshine. Meanwhile, this week I am down n Somerset for a dance week but have gone AWOL to explore the various sites on the Somerset Levels - and with much cold and cloudy weather including heavy rain showers. Lots of new and exciting birds including both Green-winged and Baikal Teal so more to come once that blog is completed, hopefully by tomorrow, In theory back home Friday but probably go back to Warsash tomorrow afternoon to give more to prepare for our flight o Valencia on Monday.</span></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 7th February</span></span></b></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">On a nice sunny day, albeit a tad chilly, I picked up Peter from the Overa Hotel and headed south towards Cabo de Gata. vComing off the motorway we saw pairs of Jackdaws on the power lines. Getting towards Retamar we added Collared Dove, Spotless Starling, Thekla Lark, House Sparrow and Magpie.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We were first to arrive at the first hide. The first bird I spotted was a female Kestrel on a pylon. There were hundreds of Greater Flamingos scattered all over the salinas. To our left in the little bay were a pair of Mallard and some Redshank. On the right hand side beyond the rocky causeway we saw Slender-billed Gulls, Black-winged Stilts and a Yellow-legged Gull. By this time we had been joined by Trevor, Val and her Swiss friend, Michelle. A Sardinian Warbler chuttered away in the shrubs. I then spotted a bird flying in our direction over the opposite savannah. It was being mobbed by a couple of smaller birds. Ah, I thought, a raptor. But no, it swung to the right showing us its long downward curling bill. An Eurasian Curlew. Never seen or heard of birds mobbing the species. We saw the first of many Stonechats. Also seen were two Black-tailed Godwits.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5yONqY28nBYE8IsP0BGc3TZypFNR6olPRCi2CVG1z1TuumFmXEvXtiGjzdXCsLuH8faCdGAKzhcqBwud_boNzjassmxR1dtrG1l_PtJyptu-kNDyxPt3_GTLbn9-9aG7P1MB3oXDz7ADUNKyJHbEUbdyg-ELRv-40tu3XGBF2GgVgR7rbUpLP-SM62gi/s2190/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1977" data-original-width="2190" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5yONqY28nBYE8IsP0BGc3TZypFNR6olPRCi2CVG1z1TuumFmXEvXtiGjzdXCsLuH8faCdGAKzhcqBwud_boNzjassmxR1dtrG1l_PtJyptu-kNDyxPt3_GTLbn9-9aG7P1MB3oXDz7ADUNKyJHbEUbdyg-ELRv-40tu3XGBF2GgVgR7rbUpLP-SM62gi/w400-h361/008.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Male <b>Stonechat</b> (PHOTO:<b> David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We adjourned to the Cabo village cafe for a coffee break. Suitably refreshed we headed to the second hide. From the beach a brief seawatch I spotted an adult and an immature Gannet. As we walked to the hide, both Michelle and Trevor found different Stonechats. A savannah scan didn't reveal any Stone Curlews sunbathing... 24c, Kevin, not like in the Cairngorms! On the opposite bank I found three Spoonbills. A flight of three Shelducks flew by. On the distant causeway I found a line of wing drying Cormorants. There was a steady stream of Lesser Black-backed Gulls heading towards the public hide.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We followed them there. They were standing on the right hand side rocky causeway. Surveying the salina in front of us we only added Avocets to the list. A Thekla Lark showed well on the gravelly bank. A rabbit was sunbathing. The drive along the track to the church only produced a Greenfinch.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK6lrQijq35_KjRp95Aa9zMWyduwz4j6jE7pGRqPWHpaX7W8CXzaS4Ht1vkNmOilbl7jI08RdroSs2WAIuxRRn-E-LjUSqq2sE3acdE7V0Q9NBJoRL6UEd6MKDrbzuw7WZQ-YEEiyjhicbgD2cB8Om0oVRz-Xyc4Rpq-S7dsMm_kChE6RHGsF8ZSj2YWw/s3314/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="3314" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK6lrQijq35_KjRp95Aa9zMWyduwz4j6jE7pGRqPWHpaX7W8CXzaS4Ht1vkNmOilbl7jI08RdroSs2WAIuxRRn-E-LjUSqq2sE3acdE7V0Q9NBJoRL6UEd6MKDrbzuw7WZQ-YEEiyjhicbgD2cB8Om0oVRz-Xyc4Rpq-S7dsMm_kChE6RHGsF8ZSj2YWw/w400-h221/001.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Spoonbills</b> (PHOTO:<b> David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We made our way towards the Rambla Morales using the beachside track. Saw a flight of Cormorants. There were a number of people hanging around the estuary, so no birds there. As we walked towards the hump we saw Chiffchaffs flitting in the reeds. We heard Cetti's Warblers. Through the sparse reeds we saw some Greater Flamingos with a raft of White-headed Ducks, a first for new birder, Michelle. There was a plethora of birds visible from the hump. Apart from the Cormorants and Greater Flamingos there were numerous small waders. Dunlin, Sanderling, Little Stints, Kentish and Ringed Plovers. There were a couple of pairs of Shoveler and some Mallard, Coots and Moorhens. We saw both Little and Black-necked Grebes. A single Audouin's Gull was seen. We headed back to the cars. En route back to the motorway Peter and I saw Red-legged Partridge and White Wagtail. We saw a total of 40 species. Lovely weather and great company.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIPHHwonCwbkM-fr-rdoRKbeX_3PHzf26FfjFK2kbaeS-njce5kni5VXaU01ktACXvnkU6kqMe4dayCyyKSbD8RC_m-KSrGF4hPaARLkSV8_uf72H_QnapIcgbXVkX_lSqREZz6y55rhHMexrvDmIXD3h7prUgfkEe7IqqpfPi6CSsM9tWBJpuE2_tSEE/s2725/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2061" data-original-width="2725" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIPHHwonCwbkM-fr-rdoRKbeX_3PHzf26FfjFK2kbaeS-njce5kni5VXaU01ktACXvnkU6kqMe4dayCyyKSbD8RC_m-KSrGF4hPaARLkSV8_uf72H_QnapIcgbXVkX_lSqREZz6y55rhHMexrvDmIXD3h7prUgfkEe7IqqpfPi6CSsM9tWBJpuE2_tSEE/w400-h303/013.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Thekla Lark</b> (PHOTO:<b> David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Encouraging news from Les. His son Tom's health is improving. Sending our best wishes to him, Kath and all the Groves family.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JXhDCZEA5KFayg6em82MaCfVHV7yGy5GwFKPIKAcj8d8Pu1Is5RGz4HpRISCYiCPIL3vA_hVOJHI6iLRTRL8a8HnNXmYlCVqldpO3jEtaCJvGi7EEHX_ExBVJokRkaDZFzei1tns6NlZDAlHSxvYoBWlSc3GMI2m8A3MXfiqu3NZfXkqFSwl3J2EjJAZ/s2233/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1933" data-original-width="2233" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JXhDCZEA5KFayg6em82MaCfVHV7yGy5GwFKPIKAcj8d8Pu1Is5RGz4HpRISCYiCPIL3vA_hVOJHI6iLRTRL8a8HnNXmYlCVqldpO3jEtaCJvGi7EEHX_ExBVJokRkaDZFzei1tns6NlZDAlHSxvYoBWlSc3GMI2m8A3MXfiqu3NZfXkqFSwl3J2EjJAZ/w400-h346/005.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sunbathing <b>Rabbit</b> (PHOTO:<b> David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</span></b></div><p></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-58583745036233931202024-02-06T14:16:00.000-08:002024-02-06T14:16:12.579-08:00Somerset RSPBs Hanwall and Greylake<p> <b>Tuesday 6 February</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30bfY4IROW3GSL58dKr8s8l5vp5wERnmOYSa_I7OYNyx_eBmNYXBN5gG2pBcLy5ZU-1oHKlXMkNUOT0VaXPHniP5namqShb50Bp23_XYQ4MdbEYqLasqX3Y7xROMfFNRNEB9QUOmUPtIQ6fIMEMbHcpdygYpLyUjcVDBiD5ewi-iy6mtzYt8UZsJOu5DY/s4122/GlastonburyTor020683%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2746" data-original-width="4122" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30bfY4IROW3GSL58dKr8s8l5vp5wERnmOYSa_I7OYNyx_eBmNYXBN5gG2pBcLy5ZU-1oHKlXMkNUOT0VaXPHniP5namqShb50Bp23_XYQ4MdbEYqLasqX3Y7xROMfFNRNEB9QUOmUPtIQ6fIMEMbHcpdygYpLyUjcVDBiD5ewi-iy6mtzYt8UZsJOu5DY/w640-h426/GlastonburyTor020683%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Glastonbury Tor</b> seen from the hide at <i>RSPB Han Wall</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Dull, windy but dry and occasional breaks in the cloud improving the light a little. At Ham Wall by 9.30 and local <b>Blackbirds</b>, <b>Robins</b> and <b>Woodpigeons</b> waiting to be recorded. The feeding station held a ready supply of <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> along with a number of <b>Chaffinches </b>and a couple of <b>Goldfinch</b>. Making my way pas the little ponds I noted <b>Long-tailed Tits</b> before starting on the track.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQFGSJyOf9tAsG0GZbcmf48zo8A2XbmiKARSBKFGVun9RxnQWyfD1HKCNZbpuQpWct0UzYv6z6WqDHAzofOouPapYGFXyhhyXNuVS0wzTHS0LrdHI7NMaqqW8GRVi1d9SXusbqvNzSywo_lj1rIFZ2hKOVn1e3gBL3dZiPGJWI9UsQhJdmuL4Sslgd92j/s1861/Chaffinch020678%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1861" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQFGSJyOf9tAsG0GZbcmf48zo8A2XbmiKARSBKFGVun9RxnQWyfD1HKCNZbpuQpWct0UzYv6z6WqDHAzofOouPapYGFXyhhyXNuVS0wzTHS0LrdHI7NMaqqW8GRVi1d9SXusbqvNzSywo_lj1rIFZ2hKOVn1e3gBL3dZiPGJWI9UsQhJdmuL4Sslgd92j/w400-h266/Chaffinch020678%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chaffinch</b> <i>Fringilla coelebs</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Over the bridge and a <b>Little Egret</b> in the canal below on the right and once at the first observation station on the left a view of many <b>Shoveler</b>, <b>Mallard</b>, T<b>ufted Duck</b> and <b>Teal </b>along with a number of <b>Coot</b> and a single <b>Great White Egret</b> at the back of the water. Noting the frequent <b>Robins </b>and <b>Great Tits</b> as I moved along the track I then visited the series of hides on the right overlooking the lakes and also giving a distant view of <i>Glastonbury Tor</i>. In addition to good population of <b>Gadwall</b> also a couple of <b>Pochard </b>to add to the <b>Coots</b> and <b>Mallards</b> with very many <b>Shoveler</b> on the back pool to my right. Both of the two anchored platforms held a pair of <b>Common Terns</b>; early arrivals back from their winter wanderings.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEwUbd5gB8-eu7zFH9we2KHNDbsyUQp1_OdVP_ocRLt4HXNN7wKKoApsVwZo-tNg9iyXuN4z78uao_G_iWFjMXp0FvCoGbZNoZPHJpI1XQKg2MlsNn7KuL0lkFN9VTP6x39C-hC57-2TYMAF1DagE81GI0nqiNXa92lTuIZ56PfypRfgDKNR5gSS6OoIs/s1481/CommonTern020682%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1481" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEwUbd5gB8-eu7zFH9we2KHNDbsyUQp1_OdVP_ocRLt4HXNN7wKKoApsVwZo-tNg9iyXuN4z78uao_G_iWFjMXp0FvCoGbZNoZPHJpI1XQKg2MlsNn7KuL0lkFN9VTP6x39C-hC57-2TYMAF1DagE81GI0nqiNXa92lTuIZ56PfypRfgDKNR5gSS6OoIs/w400-h266/CommonTern020682%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Common Tern</b> <i>Sterna hirundo</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As I made my way further along the track the first <b>Marsh Harrier</b> of the morning and a couple more off to the left when I reached the second viewing point. Walking below the bank on the path alongside the stream a <b>Kingfisher</b> suddenly took off in front of me from its perch on a low branch of a mature tree. On a low hedge below me in front of the water a quartet of <b>Dunnock</b> were actively make a play for one another and a handful of <b>Carrion Crows</b> passed overhead. Other than the occasional wandering <b>Black-headed Gull </b>nothing else to add to the sightings.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aARwLjnwvEdkwvJqo_P3CGtfBjK_vo2YnLaICeoNRO9aMVz6vP65hndo8SproUMgzM2PBLWYUsyQ3KJ78Bj8LF1neGWBctKkz3sviYO8hmP6onDPQSxgdc9jW-ZC9z6yjfWkTRBqKSQ1fJTJO0Xmc58-enaWCTGXP16SFRS2vuYn41XAf7ps8EZvKOhZ/s1639/Dunnock020672%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1639" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aARwLjnwvEdkwvJqo_P3CGtfBjK_vo2YnLaICeoNRO9aMVz6vP65hndo8SproUMgzM2PBLWYUsyQ3KJ78Bj8LF1neGWBctKkz3sviYO8hmP6onDPQSxgdc9jW-ZC9z6yjfWkTRBqKSQ1fJTJO0Xmc58-enaWCTGXP16SFRS2vuYn41XAf7ps8EZvKOhZ/w400-h266/Dunnock020672%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dunnock</b> <i>Prunella modularis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Time to move on the short distance over to <i>Grey Lake</i> and within a mile was passing a flock of over 100 Rooks feeding on a grassy field to my right. On arrival I came across many birders making use of the two adjacent hides. Whilst still in the car park I noted a number of both <b>Chaffinches</b> and <b>House Sparrows </b>feeding on the seed put out on small trays near the trees and in the distance, before I even left the car park never mind reached the hides, I watched a beautiful male <b>Hen Harrier</b> glide over the distant reeds and water.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHILDpI_tnf8T2zkLr0E78RpTEU0Ts20ZZBoxOnFhmMvaaaIhRzVXyr-gJiLI15hSz9lnjUS0EnmoPLbDzOzrLrrTCmj3KXPP-80Zo_KeWqry66fQlwdgVnUZZUFqVXoizj0MaPkDKbtVJApDi-QfNOY8NgNE14BUghgY_jWDIHA9kg5_2Xlq9V3A4mT0/s5377/Wigeon020612%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3052" data-original-width="5377" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHILDpI_tnf8T2zkLr0E78RpTEU0Ts20ZZBoxOnFhmMvaaaIhRzVXyr-gJiLI15hSz9lnjUS0EnmoPLbDzOzrLrrTCmj3KXPP-80Zo_KeWqry66fQlwdgVnUZZUFqVXoizj0MaPkDKbtVJApDi-QfNOY8NgNE14BUghgY_jWDIHA9kg5_2Xlq9V3A4mT0/w640-h364/Wigeon020612%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the mixed winterers - rising as a result of a passing Hen Harier</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So down to the hides noting a couple of <b>Mute Swans</b> on the way. Told to use the far hide, a mere ten metres further on overlooking the same muddy and waterlogged waste, I found the area absolutely packed solid with mainly <b>Teal</b>, <b>Wigeon</b> and <b>Shoveler</b> plus hundreds of <b>Lapwing</b>. And every time either the <b>Hen Harrier</b> or a <b>Marsh Harrier</b> drifted over all the <b>Lapwings</b> would rise and circle before returning. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygD6cOecmc2DNP_ZyyRsEudKU9Ih-NeQpVV1OSZJK7cdBcDx5_i8Dush97jj71Gvfw6ujca7PVEL_-rxbhZRqDSDTP1uNwR49Fx0EIyUs7ddmp2V7mF6nqN83PW-jYv4O3w57LMyyQefnsXt1MRgbZAjxo5MVq0imkwJitplv5-RSEcg8pcmgub1o7qF3/s2963/Lapwing020604%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1977" data-original-width="2963" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygD6cOecmc2DNP_ZyyRsEudKU9Ih-NeQpVV1OSZJK7cdBcDx5_i8Dush97jj71Gvfw6ujca7PVEL_-rxbhZRqDSDTP1uNwR49Fx0EIyUs7ddmp2V7mF6nqN83PW-jYv4O3w57LMyyQefnsXt1MRgbZAjxo5MVq0imkwJitplv5-RSEcg8pcmgub1o7qF3/w400-h268/Lapwing020604%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lapwing </b><i>Vanellus vanellus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Fortunately, the visiting <b>Green-winged Teal</b> either remained settled or returned to the same site almost in front of the hide though, sadly, spent its time looking away from me. In addition the above there were many <b>Snipe</b> about bit I only managed to find four individuals. A couple of <b>Starling</b> were happy to feed on the bank immediately on front of the hide and upon returning to the first hide noted the pair of <b>Greylag Geese</b> and away to the far right a lone <b>Great White Egret</b>. Another bonus was the visiting <b>Water Rail</b> behind the second hide and as I made my way back to the carpark I was able to add <b>Magpie</b>, <b>Carrion Crow</b> and <b>Robin</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdwr8QhiDY3BQ6-ZzJ80VAvextY-NkaieUegDgoQ05hXBMUkDulzDGLxSTW4C35VYJlpMm7wh_HPExk-DbbilrqjLt3Fm4yEZ3U1BV1nXnMsAeLcOrt_T9WIYiv5tCcV7Hp9LKGCLUtAFHL7vB-SX4ZGknWYd-k7wkbrOQhEbIoSxfl7oqDda-Y3wNMJ0/s1697/GreenWingedTeal020617%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1697" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdwr8QhiDY3BQ6-ZzJ80VAvextY-NkaieUegDgoQ05hXBMUkDulzDGLxSTW4C35VYJlpMm7wh_HPExk-DbbilrqjLt3Fm4yEZ3U1BV1nXnMsAeLcOrt_T9WIYiv5tCcV7Hp9LKGCLUtAFHL7vB-SX4ZGknWYd-k7wkbrOQhEbIoSxfl7oqDda-Y3wNMJ0/w640-h428/GreenWingedTeal020617%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Male <b>Green-winged Teal</b> <i>Anas carolinensis</i> - note the vertical rather than horizontal white strip on the wing (see Teal below)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>A most enjoyable five hours despite the weather and as I complete this report at 5 o'clock the heavens have opened and it is absolutely tipping down the wet stuff!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzxKAXp4n19ydlOyz7tKtvuDeD9lSWufc8Q1HD7FrFxUr-WKtm9ZoJ3xm5Nf5O-A6leLQ-ZaXXSb86Wauv9ez5VCjJLo55SJYHN-CJFSWUVJXA-1qzNHdf00s4cCRKnnDar2JASwQVMFn6NsdxDearhsX9RU9PjX6QzEpwPBbMKU5W-7fIQVrswS_8b9Z/s2636/GreenWingedTeal020699%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="2636" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzxKAXp4n19ydlOyz7tKtvuDeD9lSWufc8Q1HD7FrFxUr-WKtm9ZoJ3xm5Nf5O-A6leLQ-ZaXXSb86Wauv9ez5VCjJLo55SJYHN-CJFSWUVJXA-1qzNHdf00s4cCRKnnDar2JASwQVMFn6NsdxDearhsX9RU9PjX6QzEpwPBbMKU5W-7fIQVrswS_8b9Z/w400-h266/GreenWingedTeal020699%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With female <b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca </i>(left)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Common Teal, Green-winged Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Water Rail, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Blue </span><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.</span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeM4qIJZ3VRxymaGni0h0KEHcl8vPRzc6Z5EJnWYEOeWjM8RzFTerWQ85e-zMTI1pOShxx-AkydrMV2_SFO5Io1GbQaKfbcqgmuBzPJ7lhRp4GAeSEFTNa9yLA7KSeLSd3vWjyYKM8G8EW-WKm37y20RgCufeY0idDbxx3xcX_Bko3eH-nqodCKclS-dY/s2088/GreenWingedTeal020616%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2088" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeM4qIJZ3VRxymaGni0h0KEHcl8vPRzc6Z5EJnWYEOeWjM8RzFTerWQ85e-zMTI1pOShxx-AkydrMV2_SFO5Io1GbQaKfbcqgmuBzPJ7lhRp4GAeSEFTNa9yLA7KSeLSd3vWjyYKM8G8EW-WKm37y20RgCufeY0idDbxx3xcX_Bko3eH-nqodCKclS-dY/w400-h266/GreenWingedTeal020616%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Green-winged Teal</b> <i>Anas carolinensis</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG14-P1DgvgRekg6ncj0OtExLNSVL2p0W8W8jf48_iKc7SgeAxIsuw8G_dzeKlU19RDxVB0L_cqOCgq6l0BH8G4S2wS6RV65wARwnRBXWTyjHYSQ0GhkXUw-DXnspjXGOb0MFXHOh7HwP8tzmL_Q_PmyqCTqjQu8VvHQu63hc_Y6DrbZF75q_zwdFVI0g/s2272/Snipe020618%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="2272" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG14-P1DgvgRekg6ncj0OtExLNSVL2p0W8W8jf48_iKc7SgeAxIsuw8G_dzeKlU19RDxVB0L_cqOCgq6l0BH8G4S2wS6RV65wARwnRBXWTyjHYSQ0GhkXUw-DXnspjXGOb0MFXHOh7HwP8tzmL_Q_PmyqCTqjQu8VvHQu63hc_Y6DrbZF75q_zwdFVI0g/w400-h266/Snipe020618%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Snipe</b> <i>Gallinago gallinago </i>(centre)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsGiwgQzda75wqw1jp91_2qjUbS0Oyh-y1gy83yt3LUA3Vbo5SvAwAeCkwZk2iCC5SgVqpnTounQT79DTLkpkCV4XQMTu4gom1rxRL8onvcLfDF1tf6s7DA3yvA7F-MyNcBgLsQwcwA1Fe0fg0CG3Gvn3jO82RBfcdIq1DsSwPebn3ILkXKuHvFZJ6_K-/s1128/GreatWhiteEgret020674%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1128" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsGiwgQzda75wqw1jp91_2qjUbS0Oyh-y1gy83yt3LUA3Vbo5SvAwAeCkwZk2iCC5SgVqpnTounQT79DTLkpkCV4XQMTu4gom1rxRL8onvcLfDF1tf6s7DA3yvA7F-MyNcBgLsQwcwA1Fe0fg0CG3Gvn3jO82RBfcdIq1DsSwPebn3ILkXKuHvFZJ6_K-/w400-h268/GreatWhiteEgret020674%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant Great White Egret Egretta alba</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOFR0vzb4cGmanBqS2rbGV1Z6kVMFzTOMJ_y8bGu_lBNoYg660OvjPpLAZUHiDEZa5RMytm_mVUUIFN7QRCnjAqpW6y9K5KzIkyAGGiHgqhIC2qEFOI_IAK5Zmppm__iIcjoFC-n7P5J5pu8diRZN-Pzzsdv8WVkKnKKi7AziVeQt69mUtSGJJ4jxRklF/s3353/GreylagGoose020697%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2235" data-original-width="3353" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOFR0vzb4cGmanBqS2rbGV1Z6kVMFzTOMJ_y8bGu_lBNoYg660OvjPpLAZUHiDEZa5RMytm_mVUUIFN7QRCnjAqpW6y9K5KzIkyAGGiHgqhIC2qEFOI_IAK5Zmppm__iIcjoFC-n7P5J5pu8diRZN-Pzzsdv8WVkKnKKi7AziVeQt69mUtSGJJ4jxRklF/w400-h266/GreylagGoose020697%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Greylag Goose</b> <i>Anser anser</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERHvcprkJqLwocDNhvpmMwOmjDwF0cRe2vae1vaWwQdKghr1pmqVd5O-osOK6oamFChPs1ipQgDIYq1s5F8C2yMq8EkTi-0xx5iiTqyJ0K3QmbH9fy-DqPI6b5RVOMJokggsutm-OrDYqsGIuCx6tRyJ3Q5pNZN72Hs9qnk89ml75BS4mZptrsyDhyphenhyphenwWq/s1260/MarshHarrier020684%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1260" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERHvcprkJqLwocDNhvpmMwOmjDwF0cRe2vae1vaWwQdKghr1pmqVd5O-osOK6oamFChPs1ipQgDIYq1s5F8C2yMq8EkTi-0xx5iiTqyJ0K3QmbH9fy-DqPI6b5RVOMJokggsutm-OrDYqsGIuCx6tRyJ3Q5pNZN72Hs9qnk89ml75BS4mZptrsyDhyphenhyphenwWq/w400-h266/MarshHarrier020684%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male <b>Marsh Harrier</b> <i>Circus aeruginosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDAZSG5egSikfG14fD9YcWYHEIg6wRb1AqMkYjvIDH1Z9GKEOiNDofJUEcXKobFIFctyqWuY5vjhsOdwd5iQZWVVH0zY5JXiR2IhYTi-jTHK77guhbAYiLOAZM1DTKS4N4IVvnMu1MasHbsCvmTs0tijsCCys3Yop11_vbU8vZyDjDx4xrLHBwnehDHFD/s1977/Teal020600%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1977" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDAZSG5egSikfG14fD9YcWYHEIg6wRb1AqMkYjvIDH1Z9GKEOiNDofJUEcXKobFIFctyqWuY5vjhsOdwd5iQZWVVH0zY5JXiR2IhYTi-jTHK77guhbAYiLOAZM1DTKS4N4IVvnMu1MasHbsCvmTs0tijsCCys3Yop11_vbU8vZyDjDx4xrLHBwnehDHFD/w400-h266/Teal020600%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female <b>Teal </b><i>Anas crecca</i> and with male below</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo2HeGFgrw5JHWTC0FyvXHmA0sJCX3dX3G6rjxGOG7zbw7UjyNLS4XSb1b3Bie5V8mV-o-A3QXDQaGjgjGijW_foMGIGjARgqweaV7vzQKw5OpJtENpF8B_e8WmJFLEDY6Bd6Xo5Wh00q20W8L6SC9zyg48eBv8PR7cOf4sU48naWVqvica24jCafj7J4/s3100/Teal020605%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="3100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo2HeGFgrw5JHWTC0FyvXHmA0sJCX3dX3G6rjxGOG7zbw7UjyNLS4XSb1b3Bie5V8mV-o-A3QXDQaGjgjGijW_foMGIGjARgqweaV7vzQKw5OpJtENpF8B_e8WmJFLEDY6Bd6Xo5Wh00q20W8L6SC9zyg48eBv8PR7cOf4sU48naWVqvica24jCafj7J4/w400-h266/Teal020605%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-92086497828586251592024-02-05T12:43:00.000-08:002024-02-05T12:43:59.937-08:00Langford Lakes, Wiltshire & Chew valley Lake, Somerset<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_iwq8H30HGZxOnAIcB1GTkM7duwzUEncFqLAmJ9QNKLS5E8uVAgVV81kGJ7lH6Scycj51s8BT-iS-MT5rBBialm4iiizgwSPZ9qnfKy5tMJK8Dg_owvYWHRsmaZlnKlI_u5qzsZawrOg6_Q7XFWG8TuaBcV-sAA2KTy9YA6Rmv3pmH4LjIuYZ14-yvpc/s3420/HerringGullk020561%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2282" data-original-width="3420" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_iwq8H30HGZxOnAIcB1GTkM7duwzUEncFqLAmJ9QNKLS5E8uVAgVV81kGJ7lH6Scycj51s8BT-iS-MT5rBBialm4iiizgwSPZ9qnfKy5tMJK8Dg_owvYWHRsmaZlnKlI_u5qzsZawrOg6_Q7XFWG8TuaBcV-sAA2KTy9YA6Rmv3pmH4LjIuYZ14-yvpc/w400-h268/HerringGullk020561%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Herring Gull</b> <i>Larus argentatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Monday 5 February</b></p><p>Dull and cloudy and a hint of light drizzle as I set off for Sand Bay near Weston Super mare in Somerset. A <b>Pheasant</b> as I cam off the M27 to take the A36 westwards and a first stop at <i>Langford Lakes</i>, west of Salisbury, arriving just on 1 o'clock and staying for just under the hour.</p><p>Mainly <b>Canada Geese</b> on these waters plus a small assortment of ducks including <b>Gadwall</b>, <b>Mallard</b>, <b>Shoveler</b>, <b>Teal</b> and <b>Tufted Duck</b>. Both <b>Moorhen</b> and <b>Coot</b> along with six <b>Little Egrets</b> and seven Mute Swans. Lovely to see a <b>Wren</b> as I started out on the walk to the far pool where, in addition to a male <b>Blackbird</b>, I came across a quartet of <b>Snipe</b>. Corvids were represented by <b>Jackdaw</b>, <b>Rook</b> and <b>Carrion Crow</b> along with a few <b>Woodpigeons</b>. But, perhaps, vest was the sighting of a pair of <b>Red Kite</b> as I left the A36 to drive down to the reserve and almost immediately, in the lane, came across a <b>Yellowhammer</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqzlj2zkEt22xqOMK1W7C9zuOo8llKhL3-Tv6dt0x7DMbcGv_qGDIvdej2D2gN4MxgiTGPKxATdb6rCUEA-M8OWBDbDhtHZHntjdGlaZVVZaxPtznwRZagyE8iaT7bO6_F8QMlZUfv9W7Ial_nG2u81kL9LjJsWw51_jCV8_S5HNzsxEHCLX7VLpcnEOa/s2936/TuftedDuck020566%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="2936" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqzlj2zkEt22xqOMK1W7C9zuOo8llKhL3-Tv6dt0x7DMbcGv_qGDIvdej2D2gN4MxgiTGPKxATdb6rCUEA-M8OWBDbDhtHZHntjdGlaZVVZaxPtznwRZagyE8iaT7bO6_F8QMlZUfv9W7Ial_nG2u81kL9LjJsWw51_jCV8_S5HNzsxEHCLX7VLpcnEOa/w400-h266/TuftedDuck020566%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tufted Duck</b><i> Aythya fuligula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Continuing on for the next sixty miles to <i>Chew Valley Lake</i> I concentrated on the <i>Herriott Valley Pool </i>at the south-earn end of the water. Here, numerous duck and heron family members resulting in 25<b>Mute Swans</b>, <b>Shelduck</b>, <b>Mallard</b> (over 40), <b>Tufted Duck</b>, <b>Teal</b> and <b>Shoveler</b>. At the back of the water five <b>Great White Egrets </b>and a <b>Heron</b> plus a huge raft of gulls, mainly <b>Black-headed</b> but also many <b>Lesser Black-backed</b> and <b>Herring Gulls</b>. More Coot than Moorhen but so many resting Cormorants.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8eStPukxbFRmsRRlw1JHnv9dhoIV8A8zZTw59_-Uzmx3QC5-MTdwbm-1C8LEnvTonQ2-Ajo-xVkYweW3dN2JKZO9UhA04GgvZmsn7jVr4Q7HgFnCkW149B2Ep0CgSwViSZ6RnQkTV-No1jcuP5pbd2tQOUYhqInAmw_FcHubwQ0kzrkEG_uWLn11u-89/s1692/GreatWhiteEgret020562%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1692" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8eStPukxbFRmsRRlw1JHnv9dhoIV8A8zZTw59_-Uzmx3QC5-MTdwbm-1C8LEnvTonQ2-Ajo-xVkYweW3dN2JKZO9UhA04GgvZmsn7jVr4Q7HgFnCkW149B2Ep0CgSwViSZ6RnQkTV-No1jcuP5pbd2tQOUYhqInAmw_FcHubwQ0kzrkEG_uWLn11u-89/w400-h266/GreatWhiteEgret020562%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Great White Egret</b> <i>Egretta alba</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As expected, a number of <b>Magpies </b>seen on the final part of my journey and even a pair waiting to greet me upon my eventual arrival at Sand Bay!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHOr14aeXQAySRco49WzrGtjV3Itj4yakVRMmXgxoD7uVm-delMFLIqIxrAiO-G-2GV9LAfTffBD3IJE9lkUjQ9NKLDp_eJb8mFoPKYx9Eh4PVEjueeQGbxlsLwNe993TNZHIybO5UOuTaNpUY-saLxQB1U0AJo6lWROnQOQX0Ovj5Nih4jcWw953Jm6n/s3558/BlackHeadedGull020567%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="3558" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHOr14aeXQAySRco49WzrGtjV3Itj4yakVRMmXgxoD7uVm-delMFLIqIxrAiO-G-2GV9LAfTffBD3IJE9lkUjQ9NKLDp_eJb8mFoPKYx9Eh4PVEjueeQGbxlsLwNe993TNZHIybO5UOuTaNpUY-saLxQB1U0AJo6lWROnQOQX0Ovj5Nih4jcWw953Jm6n/w400-h266/BlackHeadedGull020567%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black-headed Gull</b> <i>Larus ridibundus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>Birds seen: </b> </span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Moorhen, Coot, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Yellowhammer.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9XpZ-RwE7oCq6sl31ILfNhq51iSR90gM9R7CGKMfNew_EphxL-aSlsFGz5XOYdWYdfasVLpCtou6yvsT7Yi9NEWr68QoeMVmE7mPFwt1Nd4ejmoNcvn6W6G8oXIHekeyTEvAnX-xPKznkh7ni1mXeRccr1N0S0XwtowCQUPRlBS9RJG8uT2Pg5uBYYdH/s2620/BlackHeadedGull020568%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="2620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9XpZ-RwE7oCq6sl31ILfNhq51iSR90gM9R7CGKMfNew_EphxL-aSlsFGz5XOYdWYdfasVLpCtou6yvsT7Yi9NEWr68QoeMVmE7mPFwt1Nd4ejmoNcvn6W6G8oXIHekeyTEvAnX-xPKznkh7ni1mXeRccr1N0S0XwtowCQUPRlBS9RJG8uT2Pg5uBYYdH/w400-h266/BlackHeadedGull020568%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black-headed Gull</b> <i>Larus ridibundus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVjPaHNl7p4rJ8DXo408-gU-4MxdDRR4n0JU_IVKbdAgu4pIrv2g2pMp1KvtJ_AhxzuAotytd1PdFT1OEuXBxEQCJE_xRzk6RNxg_Dtl6Bm6gg18VvHb5JXAI0cvLbHQtYTpLrVB9l9w63c9ZQsKzGMVPUcz3HD3_QVIkQ95bYzgFunJsN47zTJHaaaBy/s1613/GreatWhiteEgret020565%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1613" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVjPaHNl7p4rJ8DXo408-gU-4MxdDRR4n0JU_IVKbdAgu4pIrv2g2pMp1KvtJ_AhxzuAotytd1PdFT1OEuXBxEQCJE_xRzk6RNxg_Dtl6Bm6gg18VvHb5JXAI0cvLbHQtYTpLrVB9l9w63c9ZQsKzGMVPUcz3HD3_QVIkQ95bYzgFunJsN47zTJHaaaBy/w400-h266/GreatWhiteEgret020565%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great White Egret with <b>Cormorant</b> <i>Phalacrocorax carbo</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO16TowN2Wyh6WWRT_g4jB2ME4oJvVbTLg1-07NbXdIi0GuDw2LxZjtc8MTxPRJUL8yJs5-ZwPpm6d9nw8o_Ma6wtSIhUuUI7b-AtF0ABEKkvw5cFU2LpQxW_LU9KyI3fLxMar4IJ0cmE4MddEezfsBbJV5ElPcaHTQVsUJYlm2Ax3YCk4doJyekz3ykc1/s5469/LesserBlackBackedGulls020563%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="5469" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO16TowN2Wyh6WWRT_g4jB2ME4oJvVbTLg1-07NbXdIi0GuDw2LxZjtc8MTxPRJUL8yJs5-ZwPpm6d9nw8o_Ma6wtSIhUuUI7b-AtF0ABEKkvw5cFU2LpQxW_LU9KyI3fLxMar4IJ0cmE4MddEezfsBbJV5ElPcaHTQVsUJYlm2Ax3YCk4doJyekz3ykc1/w640-h170/LesserBlackBackedGulls020563%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny portion of the many gulls in the raft</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-19397747480471613592024-02-04T06:07:00.000-08:002024-02-04T06:07:16.307-08:00El Fondo, Elche with Dave Elliott-Binns<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheROdeP_etXbloZ3aIe60GGi7hkFqAZ0VElWs9-eMldGkJ5YNt6n9hTlbmhtXjGtU1wSgd6kuHqPwoYVYTgupRP0I7Ujk7B2AkcbT7kdltTXejCpkU2ZOrze352sV8i56R-6IdgPNrXr8RqIFkQ1P4jB3RaIbyW_WPIUT3l7RRfRH4oSaYzQ51RBQcNGqD/s2546/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2457" data-original-width="2546" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheROdeP_etXbloZ3aIe60GGi7hkFqAZ0VElWs9-eMldGkJ5YNt6n9hTlbmhtXjGtU1wSgd6kuHqPwoYVYTgupRP0I7Ujk7B2AkcbT7kdltTXejCpkU2ZOrze352sV8i56R-6IdgPNrXr8RqIFkQ1P4jB3RaIbyW_WPIUT3l7RRfRH4oSaYzQ51RBQcNGqD/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red-knobbed Coot</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">El Fondo, near Elche</span></b></span></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><b>Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd February</b></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">My birding mate, Paul, arrived at Alicante airport around 4pm so we headed straight for the El Fondo bird reserve information centre. On the road up to the gate we saw Spotless and Northern Starling and Collared Doves. As we drove into the quite full carpark we added a Stonechat. The rangers had been busy, cutting down the reeds, so we had a good view across the shallow waters with patches of reed stubble. These areas were being used by Coot, Moorhen and Black-winged Stilts to feed on as were three Purple Swamphens. I spotted a reasonably close Snipe having a rest. Further out there were numerous Shoveler. Above us there were a large number of Crag Martins. White Wagtails were chasing flying midges. We walked towards the Information Centre adding House Sparrow to the list. We saw the first of many Chiffchaffs flitting in the reeds. Scanning the shallow water area from this angle we saw three more Purple Swamphens and added Teal.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-JDGzq3taHQ_DzAcFbsT4Hofz_4vXFF6tqqn4vRnNX0yKuln7Qb-BP3wpogBdtGlD21AG6hemrETV-ZZzZt5QQslRR_uCKfHfIjFuRqbdEepoz2XOzaemRQ4Dx6JbT6RaXyHRnGGRjvs9MzBWNSdi5azManek0I53Tj65DZ3HIgH6ixnaJtMmIxFFoVs/s3436/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2366" data-original-width="3436" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-JDGzq3taHQ_DzAcFbsT4Hofz_4vXFF6tqqn4vRnNX0yKuln7Qb-BP3wpogBdtGlD21AG6hemrETV-ZZzZt5QQslRR_uCKfHfIjFuRqbdEepoz2XOzaemRQ4Dx6JbT6RaXyHRnGGRjvs9MzBWNSdi5azManek0I53Tj65DZ3HIgH6ixnaJtMmIxFFoVs/w400-h275/012.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Purple Swamphen</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We moved over to the enclosed pool by the picnic seating area. Paul was first to spot a Red-knobbed Coot. There were two there, but unfortunately no sign of any Marbled Duck. We walked upon the raised wooden walkway seeing more Red-knobbed Coot, common Coots, Moorhens and Black-winged Stilts. Another two Swamphens were seen. We also had a Little Grebe and heard a Cetti's Warbler.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We made our way towards the first hide. We were given a good view, albeit a brief one, of a first winter Bluethroat. At the hide we added Greater Flamingo and Shelduck.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM5ZkDUqHppLjedDUMyvNMZHYnCFNWbhYnmC2F82TEFrfhtT2a0yvZM_qfWrHp3wpTirNNXv4iP4CxPuc9KyrDsEpXEhob04wW-AQa4AiG3r7xHXJeE8SWcnr9xsmRWkzpixySw1G-zUoSxNQ7hdwkhpdHnljSINRXmPeUBnTPyPVdEm07jWAsxAZFYDt/s2889/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="2889" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM5ZkDUqHppLjedDUMyvNMZHYnCFNWbhYnmC2F82TEFrfhtT2a0yvZM_qfWrHp3wpTirNNXv4iP4CxPuc9KyrDsEpXEhob04wW-AQa4AiG3r7xHXJeE8SWcnr9xsmRWkzpixySw1G-zUoSxNQ7hdwkhpdHnljSINRXmPeUBnTPyPVdEm07jWAsxAZFYDt/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Red-knobbed Coot</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We returned via the raised wooden walkway seeing a Grey Heron and a female Black Redstart to finish off.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We saw 23 species. We'd booked a holiday chalet at the nearby Alannia campsite for an overnight stop.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Lovely andclean but a tad chilly.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We were up with the larks in the morning, glad to get a mug of tea down us. For info, don't book an included breakfast as they serve from 9am and we had to leave at 8am to get to El Fondo's North Gate by opening time of 8.30. Being so close we were there by 8.15. I had a chat with a couple of the local birders I'd met before. Although they hadn't been there last week, someone had reported seeing a Spotted Eagle. I asked about "Tonn", the original satellite tagged Spotted Eagle from Estonia who'd been migrating here for many years for the winter. I was shocked and very angry when they told me Tonn had been shot and killed by a local farmer a few years ago. I hope they got the bas***rd!</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">The ranger arrived and let us in. As Paul is disabled we are allowed to use the car. Normally you have to park by the gate and walk. We'd already seen Marsh Harrier and Cormorant flying over. As we drove down towards the far elevated viewing platform we saw Moorhen, Coot and a Grey Heron by the trackside channel. We parked up and walked the short distance to the hide. As we passed the end of the reeds we came into view of three Great White Egrets, perched on the wooden walkway's hand rail.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmOyTBOiFrTTweL_lh57zKk4zQ7k7_aKvK55jGP3B1ZNhy2Xbby9EgICYblCRswZQfEy704b4d1ejZ43HT5czF5isTGzDsGbARa1dsrFEJZ97_jTOD1AMCCjtPYa9kR8eB0edDkM8wFHjyApCZAWmBbBE-4JGjB8__0Zi9B6zrxsDsxWI766w8fKtBcum/s3000/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2142" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmOyTBOiFrTTweL_lh57zKk4zQ7k7_aKvK55jGP3B1ZNhy2Xbby9EgICYblCRswZQfEy704b4d1ejZ43HT5czF5isTGzDsGbARa1dsrFEJZ97_jTOD1AMCCjtPYa9kR8eB0edDkM8wFHjyApCZAWmBbBE-4JGjB8__0Zi9B6zrxsDsxWI766w8fKtBcum/w285-h400/022.JPG" width="285" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Distant resting <b>Marsh Harrier</b><br />(PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Apart from Chiffchaffs, Coots, Moorhens and House Sparrows we saw very little there except numerous quartering Marsh Harriers. We walked towards the next hide seeing Mallard, Northern Starling and Great Tit. Sadly it wasn't a Spotted Eagle that flew over, but a Booted one! From the hide we had a good view of a large expanse of shallow water. There were hundreds of Shoveler swimming there. It took us some time to spot some Shelduck, Common Pochard and a pair of Red-crested Pochard. We also saw Little Grebe, Stonechat, White Wagtails, Chiffchaffs and heard Cetti's Warbler. We found a distant Marsh Harrier perched on a post.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCS0eTkcFpk9igBj3X0GNtA96Ql7aKcdEjXpg2h-DPUjlrAFJlZysmQKOKOsoQmrQ4Hd0GlmPBJlDrFSxtw3NbogfXT4ADP6IjofJh5jrDjQwXSghKjrVPP03ToarHIK22tnE1lkY1_dVqxfs5MR1cPiih3g-iFKqsgjhKD_LnZmT949lG0HweU3bAwyE/s3022/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="3022" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCS0eTkcFpk9igBj3X0GNtA96Ql7aKcdEjXpg2h-DPUjlrAFJlZysmQKOKOsoQmrQ4Hd0GlmPBJlDrFSxtw3NbogfXT4ADP6IjofJh5jrDjQwXSghKjrVPP03ToarHIK22tnE1lkY1_dVqxfs5MR1cPiih3g-iFKqsgjhKD_LnZmT949lG0HweU3bAwyE/w400-h291/006.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Snipe</b> (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">It was about this time that Paul realised he'd left his hearing aids in the chalet. We managed to find the ranger who met us at the exit gate. Whilst waiting for her we added Goldfinch, Magpie, Robin and Sardinian Warbler. Luckily we retrieved the hearing aids okay.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We ended up with 24 species for this mornings birding. As Paul had never seen a Long-eared Owl, I'd been in contact with my friends near Lorca. They confirmed there were three there. We popped in and had good, but fleeting views of them. Unfortunately I was not able to get any photos this time!</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">A great couple of bird outings. A good start to his holiday!</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-16501106659620007342024-02-04T05:44:00.000-08:002024-02-04T05:44:36.113-08:00Meon Shore, Titchfield haven and the lower Hamble River<p> <b>Sunday 4 February</b></p><p>At the <i>Meon shore<b>, </b>Titchfield Haven</i> by 9 o'clock but a very windy morning with heavy cloud and a dampness, almost light drizzle, in the air. The ide well on its way out so having noted the very large number of <b>Brent Geese</b> at the water's edge accompanied by many <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> and a few <b>Oystercatchers</b> I made my way to the public viewing point overlooking the lagoon. A good number of lapwing on the island but on the other side of the fence these birds could be counted in hundreds as hey rest and flew around. Also present on the first water a few <b>Gadwall </b>and <b>Coot</b>.</p><p>Continuing on round to the harbour wall and walk in front of the sailing club I had a better view of the many <b>Brent Geese</b> and noted more <b>Oystercatchers</b> along with many <b>Redshank</b>. In addition to the <b>Black-headed</b> there were also a number of <b>Herring</b> and four <b>Great Black-backed Gulls</b>. Passing the feeders at the <i>Visitors Centre</i> on the way back to the viewing point I noted the male <b>Greenfinch</b>, <b>Blackbird</b> and a trio of <b>House Sparrows</b>. Upon retrieving my scope from the car I was able to take a closer look at the water within the reserve and recorded the trio of <b>Spoonbill</b> along with many <b>Shelduck</b>, <b>Shoveler</b> and a few <b>Teal</b>. The majority of the <b>Mallards</b> were in the harbour along with a pair of <b>Mute Swans</b> and returning to the car I also found the "missing" <b>Turnstones</b> on the beach.</p><p>A drive up to the cliff top to checkout the Solent simply proved how rough the sea was so no sign of ant Eiders or other sea duck.. Making my way back to prepare for the journey back to Warsash (where I saw the large <b>Rook</b> flock feeding in a field on my right), I noted that a <b>Cormorant</b> had arrived on the little island on the nearby lagoon. And on the far side a pair of <b>Magpies</b> were resting on dead tree.</p><p>The <i>Hamble River</i> was very quiet with the tide almost fully out and very little bird life about compared to that I usually found on this site. A <b>Woodpigeon</b> at the start of my return walk to the conservation area and beyond the ferry pier my first <b>Herring Gull</b> and a few <b>Shelduck</b> on the water. A few <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> before coming across a score of feeding <b>Dunlin</b> and the first of four <b>Curlew</b> to be seen. Half of the forty <b>Wigeon</b> recorded were also present along with the first <b>Oystercatcher</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnocnuBSZPzUwRmOoq2yUBUoGvhutG7dY90ryJIEf9PSjdjlBYOikVUY6ETZOjBSUdrL0yON5IBcCYMrJd0hI6HtWz_ek5js4_-PB56FnAgobmIgh7oaragiTTQ-kkw3vfEqmLxFeOxKSLsD3BacTF5GYZ_jFdEz5TwDh1GmP6rYTyH1FeJefDS-CobmG/s1631/Curlew020458%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1631" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnocnuBSZPzUwRmOoq2yUBUoGvhutG7dY90ryJIEf9PSjdjlBYOikVUY6ETZOjBSUdrL0yON5IBcCYMrJd0hI6HtWz_ek5js4_-PB56FnAgobmIgh7oaragiTTQ-kkw3vfEqmLxFeOxKSLsD3BacTF5GYZ_jFdEz5TwDh1GmP6rYTyH1FeJefDS-CobmG/w400-h266/Curlew020458%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Curlew</b> <i>Numenius arquata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the other side of the path almost a score of feeding <b>Redshank</b> of the muddy meadow and then a quartet of <b>Carrion Crows</b>. More <b>Redshanks</b> and <b>Curlews</b> as I made my way up to the <i>conservation area</i> where I found the remainder of the <b>Wigeon</b> and up to a dozen <b>Teal</b>. Right at the back a single <b>Heron</b>. Finally, almost back to the start of the path and I came across the only <b>Little Egret</b>.</p><p><b style="color: red; font-size: small;">Birds seen:</b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Greenfinch</span>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-73646939405287416892024-02-04T05:11:00.000-08:002024-02-04T05:11:54.526-08:00Titchfield Canal<p><b>Saturday 3 February</b></p><p>Dry and cloudy with a hint of brightness as I headed off to Titchfield canal for a 9 o'clock start in my search for the recently arrived <b>Ferruginous Duck</b> plus the long-staying <b>Glossy Ibis</b>. And not only successful on both counts but the morning's total of 39 species also included the local <b>Barn Owl</b> and <b>Buzzard</b> but also a preening <b>Egyptian Goose</b> and a passing pair of <b>Raven</b>. But on this occasion no sign of any Lapwing.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRZGobUnC39OlERXnwlBvAlzTgE6iPOm7u6cceRb7tfwk6GGDOa6V-QQtOw56YAi2cWX4VCxrzXdp4aTOligFdzsTmu4BKv2Ol2dfRD7dMb7P7p0hmMD01NCG6AMCr4b_IPlDwWsmVlR1VkGfHMfGARbcv_cTDJLyILiJHQJ_NyUOtTBNQSiJlp2294Ft/s3073/FerruginousDuck020347%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="3073" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRZGobUnC39OlERXnwlBvAlzTgE6iPOm7u6cceRb7tfwk6GGDOa6V-QQtOw56YAi2cWX4VCxrzXdp4aTOligFdzsTmu4BKv2Ol2dfRD7dMb7P7p0hmMD01NCG6AMCr4b_IPlDwWsmVlR1VkGfHMfGARbcv_cTDJLyILiJHQJ_NyUOtTBNQSiJlp2294Ft/w640-h208/FerruginousDuck020347%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainly <b>Tufted Duck</b> <i>Aythya fuligula</i> but note the <b>Ferruginous Duck</b> <i>Aythya nyroca</i> at centre back with a single <b>Common Pochard</b> <i>Aythya ferina</i> in front</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Upon arrival immediate sightings of both <b>Robin</b> and <b>Blackbird</b> in the car park and then a couple of Woodpigeon as I made my way down the path to check out the <b>Barn Owl</b> nest site. Yes, the <b>Barn Owl</b> on show but soon retreated down into its nest when a pair of <b>Buzzards</b> passed with feet of the resting bird.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpoQ85Lf3iEjC5s0YDcABSQAyNPgXdFIZvPknOCcOMLWeJf_ut5kci78xPt-6NB8tRiDoPzdJgcQqnHW-BDe7LWjehhns2w4o2jfGU02IAPbkdg6FyXNueU3dNU-jeHM4QNUO8nZNNpvjLNHv1G5Mh4j9vU-yuTdf7ksdJgy4MOXX3VtObIwWKNAvFZRB/s1590/BarnOwl020341%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1590" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpoQ85Lf3iEjC5s0YDcABSQAyNPgXdFIZvPknOCcOMLWeJf_ut5kci78xPt-6NB8tRiDoPzdJgcQqnHW-BDe7LWjehhns2w4o2jfGU02IAPbkdg6FyXNueU3dNU-jeHM4QNUO8nZNNpvjLNHv1G5Mh4j9vU-yuTdf7ksdJgy4MOXX3VtObIwWKNAvFZRB/w400-h266/BarnOwl020341%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Barn Owl</b> <i>Tyto alba</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The water on the other side of the path held a couple of <b>Mute Swans</b> along with mainly <b>Wigeon</b> but also <b>Shoveler</b>, <b>Shelduck</b>, <b>Mallard</b>, <b>Gadwall</b> and <b>Coot</b>. Just a handful of <b>Canada Geese</b> but many <b>Black-headed</b> and a few <b>Herring Gulls</b>. At the far end a single <b>Egyptian Goose</b> was preening itself on the far bank. Moving on down to the <i>Posbrook Floods</i> a few <b>Carrion Crows</b> passed over and I found a small party of feeding <b>Long-tailed Tits</b>. The horse field to my right held a large mixed flock of feeding corvids, mainly <b>Jackdaws</b> but also a handful of <b>Carrion Crows</b> and at east eight <b>Rooks</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ExgPelalOGI19HH_mSr4W9n6DdPciscc5NTwqdWY1gyWzazYKnWG9jxGQrbWnsB_VXZfTm1tr2E4sc8gn2wT5ciaWS4OWc22avwuDZG_ihBpj5qKZzXpubxPL6L0UygQ12ADJNC9cMDeuJsYmcNjkdQUFMxHjD2pmkaJ20WnXLd_5vmXlCs0Fuol3-X3/s1020/Teal020353%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1020" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ExgPelalOGI19HH_mSr4W9n6DdPciscc5NTwqdWY1gyWzazYKnWG9jxGQrbWnsB_VXZfTm1tr2E4sc8gn2wT5ciaWS4OWc22avwuDZG_ihBpj5qKZzXpubxPL6L0UygQ12ADJNC9cMDeuJsYmcNjkdQUFMxHjD2pmkaJ20WnXLd_5vmXlCs0Fuol3-X3/w400-h268/Teal020353%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Teal</b> <i>Anas crecca</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once at the avenue a number of <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> along with <b>Robins</b> and <b>Blackbirds</b> were recorded and then a long study of the water itself. Another six <b>Mute Swans</b> and a few <b>Coot </b>but the ducks seemed to be equally represented by, mainly, <b>Shoveler</b> and <b>Pintail</b>. However, the main <b>Canada Geese</b> were in residence totalling over seventy individuals including one with a completely white head, plus three <b>Greylag geese</b>. A lone <b>Little Egret</b> was also feeding at the far end of the water and on the far side from my viewpoint at least three <b>Little Grebe</b>. But where was the reported <b>Ferruginous Duck</b> that arrived two days ago? Searching revealed one of the long-staying <b>Glossy Ibis</b> but no Ferruginous Duck. Finally, the <b>Ferruginous Duck</b> put in an appearance with the <b>Tufted Ducks</b> and a single <b>Common Pochard</b> as the flock paddled towards the centre of the long water. Given that at my local site when in Spain, the Charca de Suarez in Motril, the <b>Ferruginous Duck</b> and <b>Pochard</b> often inter-bred, had the pair on the water arrived to together or merely a coincidence?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggax7Rv9OhuH_qp9GUsgJa1OS22wb52HiPgy8qX_6DknJiD3CXV7rEgsIcBA1VISNSrCsYzgTYD-8os-vjmiuTEaE-H6jIAqSJy0s2ZvhBWzqKBUqbJKOPLRjW-x4ogMm1yvm1tLsPvllHOzD5HeAyAGQIcpDUmGoqurIVocbVQqJ3PqkY9jx3ppQ30pO4/s2060/MuteSwan020348%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2060" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggax7Rv9OhuH_qp9GUsgJa1OS22wb52HiPgy8qX_6DknJiD3CXV7rEgsIcBA1VISNSrCsYzgTYD-8os-vjmiuTEaE-H6jIAqSJy0s2ZvhBWzqKBUqbJKOPLRjW-x4ogMm1yvm1tLsPvllHOzD5HeAyAGQIcpDUmGoqurIVocbVQqJ3PqkY9jx3ppQ30pO4/w640-h426/MuteSwan020348%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Canada Geese</b> <i>Branta canadensis</i> with <b>Mute Swan</b> <i>Cygnus olor</i> and <b>Tufted Duck</b> <i>Aythya fuligula</i> plus the single <b>Common Pochard</b> <i>Aythya ferina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back to the car park as two <b>Raven</b> passed overhead and in a large tree behind the cars a <b>Song Thrush</b>. Straight over the road and along the canal path past the horse stables recording more <b>Robins</b>, <b>Blackbird</b> and both <b>Blue</b> and <b>Great Tits</b> towards the footbridge leading to the church. On my right four <b>Moorhen</b> then a <b>Magpie</b> with three more back at the stables. A handful of <b>Mallards</b> and a few <b>Teal</b> making use of the standing water when followed the arrival of a pair of <b>Pied Wagtail</b> to the damp ground. And so back to the car park for the return journey home and as I arrived I was greeted by a singing <b>Song Thrush</b> in the tree at the entrance to said car park, so giving a finally tally of <b>39 species</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuYQlwjSIzrPfYHfCUb0icYVELBQaGTVrO_yK8-wcq-HS4Q6WRaIGCgb8WAVrg0Xhbswe-hCwGyl0n-YpcLsp7J0znwh3jn_TFw_UBjmv4xpNcLXRuLBNdjAn_QhA8kngYL26NU3MBZPXifpuHSM4BMsqEA8IW8Z-IRfYv860nnQYq4jObKjX59N_bpD7/s1657/SongThrush020356%20(1%20of%201).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1657" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuYQlwjSIzrPfYHfCUb0icYVELBQaGTVrO_yK8-wcq-HS4Q6WRaIGCgb8WAVrg0Xhbswe-hCwGyl0n-YpcLsp7J0znwh3jn_TFw_UBjmv4xpNcLXRuLBNdjAn_QhA8kngYL26NU3MBZPXifpuHSM4BMsqEA8IW8Z-IRfYv860nnQYq4jObKjX59N_bpD7/w400-h266/SongThrush020356%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Song Thrush</b> <i>Turdus philomelos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Ferruginous Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-16728748441516322172024-02-02T07:56:00.000-08:002024-02-02T07:56:11.998-08:00Romsey and Fishlake Meadows<p><b>Friday 2 February</b></p><p>Dry and cloudy to start the day with a light breeze but not as cold as expected. Off to <i>Fishlake Meadows, Romsey</i> for the morning but first a slight detour to visit the nearby allotments to view the long-staying pair of <b>Waxwing</b>. And judging by the amount of berries still available they may well remain on site for another few days. Also present a <b>Goldfinch </b>on a neighbouring small tree plus more distant <b>Woodpigeon</b>, <b>Magpie</b> and few <b>Starling</b>. A handful of <b>Robins</b>, <b>Blackbird</b> and even a visiting <b>Black-headed Gull </b>were recorded before my departure to the nature reserve at Fishlake Meadows.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zeac0UYMyY0TywPLF-JfbZO7WOn8_4ecaXQW2XQ9lEVjc-vzrbTTE1wF_urfAR4rVtfgQkVZOdYsnHql9i_VztRetSOjj89K4BH00fc2q0MRKtByxFcUrxOaPMzmjjk-gypiLL_3-6F1_ffZUO6L9EbiPRuOmpXhyvN7mMGP-DrGVviQFVv7mFg7eiL3/s1430/Waxwing020285%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1430" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zeac0UYMyY0TywPLF-JfbZO7WOn8_4ecaXQW2XQ9lEVjc-vzrbTTE1wF_urfAR4rVtfgQkVZOdYsnHql9i_VztRetSOjj89K4BH00fc2q0MRKtByxFcUrxOaPMzmjjk-gypiLL_3-6F1_ffZUO6L9EbiPRuOmpXhyvN7mMGP-DrGVviQFVv7mFg7eiL3/w400-h268/Waxwing020285%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Waxwing</b> <i>Bombycilla garrulus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Hardly out of the car park, and wearing Wellington boots in readiness for the far footpath which is (and was!) bound to be a good few inches under water from the overflowing lakes, and I had already recorded <b>Magpie</b>, <b>Woodpigeon</b>, <b>Great Tit</b> and numerous <b>Robins</b>. Walking the canal side path towards the distant wood I also noted both <b>Blue</b> and <b>Long-tailed Tits</b>. A high <b>Buzzard</b> was seen in the distance and then a second resting atop an electricity pylon - and remained there for the whole morning. Looking over the reeds to the lakes I picked out both <b>Mute Swan</b> and <b>Cormorant</b> and then a <b>Great White Egret</b> flew to the water managing to excrete its waste whilst coming in to land. Not sure we humans could accomplish that fate! Finally, a pair of both <b>Canada Geese</b> and <b>Mallards</b> also made their way to water across the reedbed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zpX4V3bFr0oGnurrCxyZtYiLRcBvwz3iSyZq0WBxqTqUVhz9G5p5BUFlNRQeNH3-dSB-H9Q5TGkx2of-QL27ukMWs3wRFCLNTQJtJipjANd0Uw7Wkr25LuMXZdl9hn5E_gHPIg50_Cx5E-Iy32zR6y-7csCNcIWwUOWD-jI0NJwaEdGaocIrs-5cNjHP/s1287/Buzzard020201%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1287" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zpX4V3bFr0oGnurrCxyZtYiLRcBvwz3iSyZq0WBxqTqUVhz9G5p5BUFlNRQeNH3-dSB-H9Q5TGkx2of-QL27ukMWs3wRFCLNTQJtJipjANd0Uw7Wkr25LuMXZdl9hn5E_gHPIg50_Cx5E-Iy32zR6y-7csCNcIWwUOWD-jI0NJwaEdGaocIrs-5cNjHP/w400-h268/Buzzard020201%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Buzzard</b> <i>Buteo buteo</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Making way across the back of the reserve to the footpath leading to the viewing site I noted both <b>Heron</b> and <b>Carrion Crow</b> and as I waked the flooded path towards the hide screens first a female <b>Marsh Harrier</b> above me to my left and followed on the return walk by seeing the male. On the first pool a pair of <b>Mute Swans</b> and <b>Coot</b> and once at the larger screen on the left I counted two more adult and two cygnet <b>Mute Swans</b>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oDZs7AYUCaX-WP7iMBotkkD20EcuyevCNNLVd8RWq6Wd98Wi-2JcwzCV4k0ddqJE2ZupWjR9GM8nV-OVZZ1FB9vNV0cGp8A4ZJdIL-mkcXw4-NIB_73WoOimbKmam89kk8mcbQFvAiJh8idp-tndo4_vdk9CPR7wS_FCqFZTHP0BtDkr-gRWibVGF5tH/s1404/MarshHarrier020203%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1404" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oDZs7AYUCaX-WP7iMBotkkD20EcuyevCNNLVd8RWq6Wd98Wi-2JcwzCV4k0ddqJE2ZupWjR9GM8nV-OVZZ1FB9vNV0cGp8A4ZJdIL-mkcXw4-NIB_73WoOimbKmam89kk8mcbQFvAiJh8idp-tndo4_vdk9CPR7wS_FCqFZTHP0BtDkr-gRWibVGF5tH/w400-h268/MarshHarrier020203%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marsh Harrier</b> <i>Circus aeruginosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Making my way back to the car park by the same route I first encountered a lone <b>Pied Wagtail</b> whilst at least two <b>Cetti's Warblers</b> were giving the hearing a great test. A single <b>Chiffchaff</b> by the gate and then, looking up, first an over-flying <b>Kestrel</b> quickly followed by a quartering <b>Red Kite</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iNpNT65Nrmt-319O7HkipGUy9aiWJ0KRi0jf22wOSfiaK4-Uoex4tbVGfYxsSlNRHP8AeEbrQ-CyMx9jnRR5Voje32rH4kN2EOnbfp6m-3jcZQk7R_esH0G-ByZgPuKAgBh0llNN42fwGFgrV4xOJUmj2r3kOrqk_VZOyssSFvLear-rL9f6h21vkLSv/s1890/RedKite020210%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1890" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iNpNT65Nrmt-319O7HkipGUy9aiWJ0KRi0jf22wOSfiaK4-Uoex4tbVGfYxsSlNRHP8AeEbrQ-CyMx9jnRR5Voje32rH4kN2EOnbfp6m-3jcZQk7R_esH0G-ByZgPuKAgBh0llNN42fwGFgrV4xOJUmj2r3kOrqk_VZOyssSFvLear-rL9f6h21vkLSv/w400-h268/RedKite020210%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red Kite</b> <i>Milvus milvus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back at the car out of the "wellies" and back into trainers before collecting the scope and heading off along the canal and under the road bridge to access the main road and the two viewing points. At last plenty of birds to be seen. A dozen resting <b>Cormorants</b> and over two hundred <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> on the water. Also present were a pair of <b>Common</b>, a single <b>Lesser Black-backed</b> and a quartet of <b>Herring Gulls</b>. In addition to another Mute Swan, ducks were represented by a handful of <b>Gadwall</b>, a score of <b>Wigeon</b>, a few <b>Mallard</b>, probably a score of <b>Teal </b>and <b>Pochard</b> but nearer thirty <b>Tufted Ducks</b> and <b>Shoveler</b>. But just the one <b>Great Crested Grebe</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16dSof3SNpAAdT5PrMO5pheapGiDjclj5JQSzqipKUM4t1qmyW9rhu9Mnc431AwJEPEC7oLZqi21sWP2EAp6k8qb4yZHqaTd_93O6_hztM1xCIpw9-R7mcqvZ8aYdQe74hHbkK5YeD33xbITnpwkpClT10tKFWZoIuUk7OBUD-e9xikwlP8aeraSg4ewt/s1436/Siskin020219%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1436" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16dSof3SNpAAdT5PrMO5pheapGiDjclj5JQSzqipKUM4t1qmyW9rhu9Mnc431AwJEPEC7oLZqi21sWP2EAp6k8qb4yZHqaTd_93O6_hztM1xCIpw9-R7mcqvZ8aYdQe74hHbkK5YeD33xbITnpwkpClT10tKFWZoIuUk7OBUD-e9xikwlP8aeraSg4ewt/w400-h266/Siskin020219%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male <b>Siskin</b> <i>Carduelis spinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As I walked back to the car through the tees, first <b>Blackbird</b> and <b>Great Tit</b> followed a feeding flock of ten <b>Long-tailed Tits</b> and a half-dozen feeding <b>Siskins</b> in the branches above me. The last bird to be recorded was a <b>Dunnock</b> feeding on the path in front pf me followed by a second in a bush next to the exit gate.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEififrHg_BHjLxZimDupmhzfmwJV6RemDXEnANVTunhzIJspX-xB-C1-78q_nKKQStgcFwcV0D8OR9xw4Qoayy3PzasWxVEyZBZYkgV7MSbR5ssqZcxZrLRfBrDU5ve5uKtSgkWQu49sfh_MohEzuGV96V4As37g9aTXVTSFfEEROWIl8lkyq-KPeKMAfl9/s2313/Dunnock020231%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2313" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEififrHg_BHjLxZimDupmhzfmwJV6RemDXEnANVTunhzIJspX-xB-C1-78q_nKKQStgcFwcV0D8OR9xw4Qoayy3PzasWxVEyZBZYkgV7MSbR5ssqZcxZrLRfBrDU5ve5uKtSgkWQu49sfh_MohEzuGV96V4As37g9aTXVTSFfEEROWIl8lkyq-KPeKMAfl9/w400-h266/Dunnock020231%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dunnock</b> <i>Prunella modularis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>But how could I not resist returning home via the allotments to take a final look at the <b>Waxwing</b> as they are bound to have departed by the time I get back from Somerset next week-end and then, almost immediately, it s off o Spain to stay with youngest son and, hopefully, a little birding in Valencia.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o5iNbk731Q_O7t8kjFa3ndcLiJWnSfObwvpHGAfrTcwRwhkjUyyAkyYZQzfrkcvxl0PeNgwvFHg8it30yG4eiytpYgpVBMT3kt-50aalu2AyAlxYOfmgoTKDpBpTz6-YIrj6p4buhq60DMBSZouZJvgaJ1jPjeQtRQoEDj7an9BdYgQL1NFRLup_XfhU/s2437/Waxwing020279%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1626" data-original-width="2437" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o5iNbk731Q_O7t8kjFa3ndcLiJWnSfObwvpHGAfrTcwRwhkjUyyAkyYZQzfrkcvxl0PeNgwvFHg8it30yG4eiytpYgpVBMT3kt-50aalu2AyAlxYOfmgoTKDpBpTz6-YIrj6p4buhq60DMBSZouZJvgaJ1jPjeQtRQoEDj7an9BdYgQL1NFRLup_XfhU/w640-h428/Waxwing020279%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <b>Waxwing</b> <i>Bombycilla garrulus</i> pair</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Birds seen:</span></b></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Waxwing, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch, Siskin.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiUhQqIbZTRhEFpS2E817FoevMFdKp9-nO8mnC59cBY_QkvRGhFMMSnCTp9m97Cob_POCXW-yeJptAVoLUWZjimigpzsN4SsEGw5ekWxL8hfjo8naiAjrPwnV0cvYoMbpF7fdfC7nZ7jVHli0I3uyYd0m4_osH4gtMhy2qkpqEAQ4h9vhWhWszMR_O4kV/s3418/Robin020221%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2279" data-original-width="3418" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiUhQqIbZTRhEFpS2E817FoevMFdKp9-nO8mnC59cBY_QkvRGhFMMSnCTp9m97Cob_POCXW-yeJptAVoLUWZjimigpzsN4SsEGw5ekWxL8hfjo8naiAjrPwnV0cvYoMbpF7fdfC7nZ7jVHli0I3uyYd0m4_osH4gtMhy2qkpqEAQ4h9vhWhWszMR_O4kV/w400-h266/Robin020221%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Robin</b> <i>Erithacus rubecula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4zif50HdOUR0wlu961kqFVEVPzDrWT6CBy2-tgusI4exJPJO1xhklGrXWP08Dww7UBo3PR2LsGYTP8uWXLqr7QiHOZUnruhd84mj7dizZuKu5sRAGuQhcxuvhiOo51vNh-RaDALe6p3_Ae7L3j-MrNS_04vdc_PEsvFfRiYgmPuORj39QyjLtD9hwAw1/s1183/Waxwing020288%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1183" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4zif50HdOUR0wlu961kqFVEVPzDrWT6CBy2-tgusI4exJPJO1xhklGrXWP08Dww7UBo3PR2LsGYTP8uWXLqr7QiHOZUnruhd84mj7dizZuKu5sRAGuQhcxuvhiOo51vNh-RaDALe6p3_Ae7L3j-MrNS_04vdc_PEsvFfRiYgmPuORj39QyjLtD9hwAw1/w400-h266/Waxwing020288%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZnwWW1PT-KqeM2L3BbyXcyM6sorl1dzZnCIvTfRKwewyoLsxKuaqEsJ3I62Rcoi79QCDGLB0ytpXxDcV1b9ExxZSZrPE7y6dWh26pkZaFH54Pk2UbCSWnLGpA6voaVaT1fD28hjlvb9m9rtiadr7YRu2b_urkAzOoqrLg-ZNRys7rrD1SA5qPlD3-i-T/s1208/Waxwing020290%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1208" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZnwWW1PT-KqeM2L3BbyXcyM6sorl1dzZnCIvTfRKwewyoLsxKuaqEsJ3I62Rcoi79QCDGLB0ytpXxDcV1b9ExxZSZrPE7y6dWh26pkZaFH54Pk2UbCSWnLGpA6voaVaT1fD28hjlvb9m9rtiadr7YRu2b_urkAzOoqrLg-ZNRys7rrD1SA5qPlD3-i-T/w400-h268/Waxwing020290%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEily83_Uv-mujSCHDROVUNNzn98swIQKZpKUPxdGBHYRL99ziIMDpLikW-Ojd1HR5U2dM9FEWO6t1zRGlQhfccEjBCqVoY_TN7_pYMCQVk4_szjhKSsYpNFMewPlxupDOzvbHUIFcLksfD3I77U2XsxIth74U7x4soxBt1Mqv_MoFS7T0ynKee3-PIGx3KO/s1469/Waxwing020295%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1469" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEily83_Uv-mujSCHDROVUNNzn98swIQKZpKUPxdGBHYRL99ziIMDpLikW-Ojd1HR5U2dM9FEWO6t1zRGlQhfccEjBCqVoY_TN7_pYMCQVk4_szjhKSsYpNFMewPlxupDOzvbHUIFcLksfD3I77U2XsxIth74U7x4soxBt1Mqv_MoFS7T0ynKee3-PIGx3KO/w400-h268/Waxwing020295%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful <b>Waxwing</b> <i>Bombycilla garrulus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></p>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276616114530101667.post-83548263548356127972024-01-31T09:29:00.000-08:002024-01-31T09:29:55.938-08:00Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group<p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday 31 January</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">On a miserable drizzly end to the day just what I needed Dave, a little bi of humour. Which one is the raven - the one looking towards the Crow. Very droll indeed! Nevertheless, great report and just goes to show what happens when you reverse the order of journey! Lots of great sights and any number, that might have produced the one species to take me up to the round ton for the month and start of year. Almost guaranteed to see a Pheasant tomorrow!</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Sierra de Maria - Wednesday 31st January</b></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Richard came round to my house and I drove his car towards the Sierra de Maria, picking up Peter from the Overa hotel on the way. Driving along the Murcia to Granada motorway we could see the Los Velez mountain peaks were covered in clouds. The only birds we saw before reaching the La Piza forest cafe were Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling and House Sparrow. Upon arrival I reloaded the feeders with peanuts. Richard saw a Crossbill. We were joined by Trevor, Val, Kevin, David and Myrtle. Below the feeders where a large number of peanuts had fallen we saw Robin, Blackbird, House Sparrow and Chaffinch. I spotted a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the branches just behind where Kevin was sitting. It was joined by a number of Long Tailed Tits. The feeders brought in Blue, Great, Crested and Coal Tits.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVIEvrEDs9cVh9LoQThSdYdpwV7i8cGn9XHDV7WQghHy8VjdPb_OMSFNLqKqOm7ibBJrKmw7mWjYMnjeZaJjvuRaa49qA3JFtyrSwnYdWEGoonBqp9Uec7PiLe5UcDvztv5E1q67n8gwa5w8yOAhrXHukYeft-qxUoUFsw-fM1pF-AJ6cTRdDPUleulgg/s3000/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVIEvrEDs9cVh9LoQThSdYdpwV7i8cGn9XHDV7WQghHy8VjdPb_OMSFNLqKqOm7ibBJrKmw7mWjYMnjeZaJjvuRaa49qA3JFtyrSwnYdWEGoonBqp9Uec7PiLe5UcDvztv5E1q67n8gwa5w8yOAhrXHukYeft-qxUoUFsw-fM1pF-AJ6cTRdDPUleulgg/w199-h400/003.JPG" width="199" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Long-tailed Tit </b><br />(PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Kevin came up with the radical idea that we should do the loop in the opposite direction. So we headed down the plain, stopping at the water trough first. We saw Carrion Crows, Goldfinches, a large number of Rock Sparrows, some Mistle Thrushes and Crested Larks. Val added a White Wagtail whilst Kevin logged a Corn Bunting.</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We moved onto the hamlet. The Lesser Kestrels have not arrived yet. Trevor pointed out a Raven. Kevin had a search for Little Owls around the buildings without success. A Black Redstart was seen.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We left there and headed towards the cave house village. Going in the opposite direction was really strange. It was like a totally different birding experience. You see things that you have never seen from driving the other way. I found a pair of Red-billed Chough. Near the goat/sheep farm, we saw Collared Dove and Magpies. Passing the firefighters airstrip we saw a tractor ploughing in the distance creating a large dust plume. We began to see White Wagtails. I estimated there were hundreds, but Val thought in the thousands. There was also a large group of Linnets. We missed a possible Lapwing seen by Myrtle.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcyGHUFuiiPEBfRc9hYLIrZMLkeoYMAocYm2jQKZnsKM0w_Zg7nRHJYBfdRNfZssUnY-FWePwUgwQ9Ezorz_j0KpTpezzVDmsfOTXfQoVgLCmzw28Pgf5jqm5FPtgKZiNwcs4LhuZFZ3s81LbJ2VX52oE4UsoUpihLah4fwMpaPR2kC9oEq5ZVAKswWuq/s600/423516519_773989391434515_2610113630592315444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcyGHUFuiiPEBfRc9hYLIrZMLkeoYMAocYm2jQKZnsKM0w_Zg7nRHJYBfdRNfZssUnY-FWePwUgwQ9Ezorz_j0KpTpezzVDmsfOTXfQoVgLCmzw28Pgf5jqm5FPtgKZiNwcs4LhuZFZ3s81LbJ2VX52oE4UsoUpihLah4fwMpaPR2kC9oEq5ZVAKswWuq/w400-h358/423516519_773989391434515_2610113630592315444_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Who is looking at who?!!!! (PHOTOS: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">As we approached the cliff face a raptor flew by. A dark morph Booted Eagle. Trevor and Val had seen some Red-legged Partridges. We also saw a flock of Jackdaws, some Carrion Crows and a pair of Red-billed Choughs. Carrying on I added a Sardinian Warbler and then spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike. Richard found a female Kestrel which was joined by its mate.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We stopped by the village. En route Val had found a sitting Griffon Vulture. Trevor saw a Calandra Lark. As we left I spotted a Stonechat. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">We returned to the La Piza cafe. Whilst I was devouring some delicious lamb chops Richard added a Jay. We were joined by a thirsty Red Squirrel. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtRNdQncpDK1b_sELEC1IQqwo_2uMOISsSf0dGwG7Qw-14iPX0EnASzG4zAV6gZn3GxwXzo7xtzKwK_qmbQ7dVqeTfVBfkJ_QS5Tr65dMIn1IaIT0jzfsuc5Q3W2SruZTiHt1t-qMbjvVZ7FPtjWwTTuLvYyweD-yg8fNTtTLJV-idUSqoxt7NqaWOcFo/s2798/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="2798" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtRNdQncpDK1b_sELEC1IQqwo_2uMOISsSf0dGwG7Qw-14iPX0EnASzG4zAV6gZn3GxwXzo7xtzKwK_qmbQ7dVqeTfVBfkJ_QS5Tr65dMIn1IaIT0jzfsuc5Q3W2SruZTiHt1t-qMbjvVZ7FPtjWwTTuLvYyweD-yg8fNTtTLJV-idUSqoxt7NqaWOcFo/w400-h281/004.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(Dark) Red Squirrel (PHOTO: <b>David Elliott-Binns</b>)<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Although the weather was overcast to start with, by the end the sun was out. We ended with 37 species. </span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">A great day out in good company.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Last week a video was taken by Richard's cleaner of a Black-winged Kite near Albox. Not a rarity for you in the west who visit La Janda but for us easterners it certainly is! Hope the video downloads ok. First time I've tried it on here.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Sending our best wishes to Tom Senior, Les and Linda's son who's been very poorly in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Regards,</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;">Dave</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry Dave, computer refused to upload the video!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest news follow the <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Axarquia Birds and Wildlife</span> Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.</b></div></div>Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844818263100520785noreply@blogger.com0