Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve

Sunday 10 April

Distant record shot of Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Beautiful birding day this morning with next to no wind, lovely sunshine in a mainly blue sky and, even if on the cold side, not too cold.  With that in mind I drive a mile or so to park at the top of Cowes Lane at the southern end of Warsash and then walked down Workman's Lane to the coast, almost at the confluence of Southampton Water and the Solent, before walking along the shore as far as The Scrape then back a little way to take the path back up to Cowes Lane. Almost 7 kms in about two and a half hours.  And what a magnificent morning it was.

No sooner had I left the car when I was being "blasted" by the singing Chiffchaffs and a couple of Blackbirds. Both Great and Blue Tits joined in the entertainment accompanied by a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker which then flew over the road above me and, looking into the meadow on my right, a couple of Roe Deer.  Time to take a couple of photos before the deer moved further away and then I realised they had joined a further three individuals.  

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

Meanwhile, both Carrion Crow and Wood Pigoen were to be seen and then a couple of Magpies. On the other side of the lane in the horse fields more Carrion Crows and Magpies along with Blackbirds and a Pied Wagtail.  The nearby bushes held both Robin and Dunnock and ere long I had found a trio of Wrens.  Continuing on down the track beyond the paved lane I had Greenfinches and Jackdaws plus some very voluble Song Thrushes.

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus and note the Sanderling Calidris alba

Finally, I reach the shore and just to my left on a small pond in the holiday resort a Moorhen and a pair of Gadwall.  The tide is working its way it and revealing some appetizing mud to the Oystercatchers, a single Redshank and a handful of Sanderling.  Only a few Black-headed Gulls at the moment but as I start to walk along the pat above the beach five Brent Geese fly on and more Black-headed Gulls are seen. To my right I stop to watch a Reed Bunting on the fence below and then spot my first new "tick" of the year as a singing Willow Warbler welcomes me to its territory.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus but is there also a Mediteranean Gull L.melanocephalus?

The, approaching the Meandering Lake, I see my first of two Sandwich Terns fishing within ten metres of the shore. On the lake itself a single Little Egret along with a pair of Avocets, a couple of Shelduck and a quartet of Shoveler.  A closer look also notes both Mallard and two pairs of Teal. Next the narrow path next to the fence that leads towards The Scrape and here a couple of Shelduck resting on the grass between the flowering gorse bushes.  But then a Dartford Warbler puts in a most welcome appearance followed a small flock of Linnet.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta and Mallards Anas platyrhynchos

Reaching The Scrape I see that the nesting Mute Swans are still present along with a pair of Shelduck, Coot and a lone Heron.  As I am about to start the return journey along the beach a single Great Black-backed Gull flies over towards Warsash and a Little Grebe appears in the centre of the water. At the same time away to my right a Cetti's Warbler is calling.

Record shot of Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

Almost back to the meandering lake and I stop to watch a second, closer, Dartford Warbler as I meet a couple of birders walking in the opposite direction.  At that point, a female Ring Ouzel landed to the right of a grassy patch in the middle of the gorse field and remained seconds before wandering out of sight. But not before being noted! With a very large smile on my face I reached the path leading away from the shore to the bottom of Cowes Lane.   Just before the end I stop to watch a dozen House Sparrows and a few Greenfinches in the tree in front of me and follow the male Blackcap that takes off to the next tree before pausing long enough for a photograph.

Male Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

In the field to my left up to a dozen Starlings, a pair of Magpies and, at the very back, a foraging Fox. What a way to end the walk.

Male Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Sanderling, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Redshank Tringa totanus

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Blashford Lakes and Eyeworth Pond

Drake Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Thursday 7 April

The weather promised rain, even more so away from the coast, and cloud but as it was dry and sunny just after seven I decided on an early morning visit to the New Forest.  I need not have worried as the day turned out to be bright and sunny albeit with a strong wind when out in exposed areas.  Arriving at Blashford Lakes, a little north of Ringwood, at 8.45 I then discovered that the gates do not open until 9 o'clock.  What to do? A short drive along the road and back produced a dozen Jackdaw and couple of Magpies and parking in a layby outside the gate took a short walk into the adjacent wood and crossed a small bridge over the stream as a Kingfisher flew away from me.  Chiffchaffs were calling all around me and continued to do so for the rest of the visit.  Now that makes for a good start to the day.  At the same time I heard the rattling of metal and realise that the gates leading to Ibsley Water were being opened so moved the car open to the car park and check out same form the Tern Hide.

A strong wind blowing creating much disturbance n the water so grateful to be inside the shelter of the hide.  A trio of Redshank were working the edges below the hide and front, left and right numerous resting Black-headed Gulls.   A couple of Mallards nearby then, using the scope to cover the far sides, I soon added scores of Tufted Ducks and a pair of Mute Swans.  A Great Crested Grebe put in an appearance whilst way back I also picked out good numbers of both Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  The very distant island held eight Cormorants, a number of Coot and a just visible male Goosander.  last, but not least, a pair of Wigeon were seen in the small bay to my right, the only Wigeon to be seen all morning whereas on my last visit they were being counted by the score.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Moving over the road to the main site as a Jay flashed by and a couple of Carrion Crows above me, I made my way to the Ivy North Hide. No shortage of Blue Tits and singing Robins but first up both a male and female Blackcap before seeing a Nuthatch move away to my right.  Approaching the hide the song was ever so loud coming from the Song Thrush sitting atop a tree just outside the building.  Whilst the bird refused to move on, no point taking out the camera as it was well masked by a number of small twigs.  Once inside the hide all seemed very quiet with just the sitting Mute Swan and her partner just off to the right of the nest on open water.  There were some very distant gulls away to the far right but these would be better seen from the Ivy South Hide.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla (male above, female below)

So on through the trees to the Woodland Hide noting both Robins and Chaffinches on the ay along with the occasional Great Tit.  Before entering the hide I checked the feeders from the outside and pleased to note that there were still some Siskins to be seen.  All quiet and the hide to myself as I settled down at the only opening window facing the feeders and adjacent bushes.  Soon rewarded with the arrival of more Siskins and Blue and Great Tits along with a couple of Blackbirds. Not a Chaffinch but a pair of Bramblings arrived and these were soon followed by many more plus occasional Chaffinches.  Indeed, the Bramblings far outnumbered the Chaffinches by maybe as many five to one ad I recorded at least six of the latter!  The feeders also attracted a handful of Goldfinch and a couple of male Reed Buntings came to forage on he ground below.  All the while this activity was watched by occasional visits from both Robin and Dunnock.  A Long-tailed Tit made a very brief visit and I stayed long enough to finally see a visiting Lesser Redpoll.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret

Nothing to be seen on the water to my right as I made my way to the Ivy South Hide and once inside, apart from two pairs of Great Crested Grebes the water was a mass of Black-headed Gulls.  It took some searching to eventually find  a small flock of a dozen Gadwall off to the far right and, at the same time, a Heron flew overhead to alight near the wooded spit.

Male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Making my way back to the car park I encountered a Wren and the first Wood Pigeon of the morning.  So on towards Fordingbridge to take the forest road towards Fritham for my visit to Eyeworth but not before a circular exit form Blashford to circumnavigate the Mockbeggar Lake so finding both Starlings and more Wood Pigeon on the way.  At the northern edge of the site I stopped at Ibsley where the country lane crosses the Hampshire Avon and found a number of Mute Swans plus a single Little Egret at the water's edge.  On two pools in the meadow to the right of the road a total of seven Greylag Geese.  Also of note as I approached Fordingbridge itself was that the local rookery which was now well occupied with Rooks also in the neighbouring fields.

Arriving at Eyeworth Pond I immediately noticed the pair of Canada Geese and a couple of Moorhen.  there seemed to be about four pairs of mallards on and around the water and parking the car I could see that the "feeding station" was sill attracting birds although no food present.  Mainly Blue Tits but also at least eight House Sparrows and then the occasional Robin and Dunnock.  Great Tits were also noted before the arrival of the Chaffinches.  But where were the Mandarin Ducks that I had specially come to see?  Not a sign of any, no matter how carefully I scanned the far banks and trees at the edge of the water. 

Blue Tits Parus caeruleus

Time for a short walk through the trees and as I returned I could see a couple of ducks foraging under the wooden barrier where normally the small birds feed on seed placed atop the barrier and posts. I did think something looked wrong with their shape if they were Mallards, even though in very shady conditions, so using my bins was delighted to discover that it was indeed a pair of the local Mandarin Ducks.  A couple of quick photos before advancing any further but the birds were happy to remain on site and eventually I was able to get very close for the range of photographs that appear here and even more so on the "Axarquia Birds and Wildlife" Facebook page.  And just when I though nothing else could happen a Marsh Tit joined the feeding small birds.  A great way to end he morning and a total of 46 species.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata: male and female

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mandarin Duck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Kingfisher, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Brambling, Goldfinch, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting.

Bramblings ringilla montifringilla

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Our resident Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Roquetas de Mar with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Tuesday 5 April

Whether it's the regular day or a new day of the week for the Arboleas Birding Group at this week's site, the old salinas and pools at Roquestas de Mar, Dave and his birding friends continue to upset me and rub in all that I am missing by not being in Spain at this moment!  Why is it that everyone is seeing garganey apart from me, and that also applies to the UK?  But what birds seen by the Arboleas Birding Group; not just the Garganey but both Audouin's and Slender-billed Gulls along with newly-arrived hirundines, Glossy Ibis and Red-crested Pochard to name but a few.  Shame about the weather and no consolation for you that in a week of promised rain back here, today has ben beautifully sunny and warm, albeit still a strong wind.  Only three weeks now and I, too, will up to Roquetas de Mar and the Charca de Suarez in Motril!

Roquetas de Mar -   Tuesday 5th April

Paul and Kath had another meeting in Roquetas this lunchtime.  We were going to go to Las Norias first, but as it was pouring with rain, we decided to birdwatch from the truck at Roquetas.  As we passed through the gates onto the very bumpy and puddle strewn track we saw a Marsh Harrier flying over the reeds to our right, putting a Glossy Ibis to flight.  Checking the pools further along we added Red-crested Pochard, Greater Flamingo, Coot, Shoveler and Gadwall. 

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A flight of immature Yellow-legged Gulls moved past to our left.

The next pool produced Common Pochard, Mallard and Shelduck.  Waders included Black-winged Stilt, Dunlin, Redshank and Kentish Plover.  There was a pair of Audouin's Gull and some Slender-billed Gulls as well.  A few Great Crested Grebes were also observed.  Paul spotted some Common Swifts and a Hoopoe as we made our way down to the disused pumphouse.  There was only a pair of Ringed Plovers on the exposed sandbank. 

Audouin's Gulls Larus audouinii (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As we still had plenty of time I carried on a short distance further, getting closer to the sea.  I spotted a diving 3rd Yr. Gannet.  Paul spotted a Little Egret near a small pool.  He also saw a Little Owl.

Heading back towards the exit we added Thekla Lark.  We re-checked the pools.  I found a sole male  Garganey which was nice.  We had a quick look at the "Red Knobbed Coot" pool.  We disturbed an Avocet in the parking area as we arrived.  More Red-crested Pochards were seen as well as my first Sand Martin of the year.  The final bird was a Barn Swallow.

male Garganey Anas querquedula (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A not bad tally of 30 species despite the inclement weather.  The other group members were correct in their decision to postpone the trip to Las Norias!

Regards,

Dave

Slender-billed Gull Larus genei (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Workmen's Lane, Warsash

 Monday 4 April

The overnight and early morning rain had ceased by just after nine so able to drive up to the far end of the village and take an hour's return walk down Workmen's Lane, Warsash to the shore and back. Cloudy and damp but dry with the occasional drops falling from the avenue of trees.  Almost immediately a Song Thrush atop the first large tree and then regular sightings and calls of the many Great Tits in the area.  A Magpie feeding in the neighbouring field and ere long more to be seen.  Carrion Crow was an obvious sighting but then a small party of seven Starlings flew over the road.  In the same way, no shortage of Wood Pigeons and even regular appearances from the local Blackbirds.

Continuing on down to the end of the lane the occasional Black-headed Gull either on the fields or in the air above plus more and more Blue Tits.  Both Robin and Dunnock were added when I stopped to check the lower end of the horse field and on the far side a couple of Canada Geese.  At the far end of the lane as I reached the shore the small pond on the left just inside the caravan park held a pair of resting Gadwall.

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus with the lone Redshank Tringa totanus

With the tide more than half-way in the three score plus Brent Geese had been pushed nearer the shore where they were joined by 21 Oystercatchers and a single Redshank.  In addition the few Black-headed Gulls I also found a couple of Herring and a singe Great Black-backed Gull on the stony isle just off shore.  Working my way back up the lane to the car I first encountered a Collared Dove near the above pond and at the very top a couple of Chaffinches.  Away in the distance on the field between lane and shore I also found another eight Canada Geese giving a total of 20 species for the short walk of just over 3kms.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla and Oystercatchers H.ostralegus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Warsash and Solent Shore

Sunday 3 April

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with feeding Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

Beautiful sunny morning and with an almost complete drop in the recent windy weather and not too cold led to a very enjoyable walk along the front shore of Warsash and on past the Spit to the Solent shore; almost ideal birding weather and the incoming tide pushing the shore birds much closer, especially on the outward journey past the Scrape and on to the meandering Lake.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once past the yacht compound and on to the path in front of Strawberry Field the first Black-tailed Godwits and the occasional Black-headed Gulls were noted quickly followed by a brace of Redshank. Approaching the School of Navigation a large feeding flock of Black-tailed Godwits and Brent Geese in addition to an Oystercatcher, a pair of Shelduck and the only Curlew of the morning.  The last leg of this shore before turning west towards the Spit produced the main flock of Brent Geese and a couple of Herring Gulls.  Meanwhile, walking along this former path both Blackbird and House Sparrow.

A few of the many Brent Geese Branta bernicla

The water on the inland side of the Spit produces aver a score of Wigeon along with more Black-headed Gulls and a single Ringed Plover.  In addition there were a few Mallards and a handful of Teal whilst a small pool in front of the reedbed held a pair of Gadwall.  The rapidly disappearing mudflats held a dozen or more Shelduck and a constant movement if Carrion Crows.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Making my way towards the Scrape I had a couple of Wood Pigeon and then a solitary Little Egret in the narrow steam stretching back from the stream alongside the shore.  Once at the Scrape I was able to add a second Little Egret, a pair of  Avocet and a lone male Tufted Duck at the northern end whilst also on the water and island were more Shelduck, Black-headed Gulls, Mallard and  a good number of Shoveler.  Even a Little Grebe put in an appearance before I picked up the pair of Mute Swans in the tall reeds.  At the back of the neighbouring field a male Stonechat posed on top of a gorse bush, a Cetti's Warbler started calling from below me and a pair of Linnets quickly arrived and departed carrying nesting material.

On the island: Oystercatchers, Shelduck, Mallard and Black-headed Gulls

Moving between the Scrape and Meandering Pool I noticed my first of five Magpies and a Sky Lark was ascending.  Once at the water, in addition to a pair of Teal also a pair of Canada Geese. Time to start the return journey and immediately both Chiffchaff and Robin arriving at the same bush. Then, best of all, immediately past the Scrape a Dartford Warbler upped and flew across a couple of gorse bushes before disappearing down below.  How do these birds manage to fly so close to the bush tops?  The final sightings of the morning were both Blue and Great Tits as I made my way back along the path between shore and Strawberry Field.

Resting Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Sky Lark, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Linnet.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Wigeon Anas penelope with Gadwall A.strepera

 Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Titchfield Canal Path

 Friday 1 April

Beautiful, bright sunny start to the day with almost clear blue skies but a biting wind to bring the temperature down to nearer zero and remind you to put on plenty of layers.  Off to Titchfield to walk the canal path and as soon as I arrived had Great Tits calling along with a Green Woodpecker to my left and nearby Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crows to my right.  The wooded field on the right provided a first sighting of the resident Barn Owl for almost a month and then both Wren and Blackbird as I moved down the path.

Barn Owl Tyto alba

On the floods at he bottom of the meadow on my left bird life was just getting underway with very many Black-headed and also a good number of Mediterranean Gulls.  Looking closer with the scope I also found both Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Mainly Shoveler along with Mallard and a few Teal plus a pair of Shelduck on the water.  A handful of Cormorants to the far right and both Lapwing and a Heron found at the near end of the water.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Before reaching the next water I had recorded Cetti's Warbler and, upon arrival, mainly the same as the previous water but also including both Gadwall and a quartet of Pintail.  In addition a single Little Grebe and two more Little Egrets and another Heron. 

Gadwall  Anas strepera

Robins were in and out of the surrounding bushes and trees and four Jackdaw were in the branches above me.  Starting to work my way back to the car park I stopped to admire a Jay and feeding on the meadow the long-staying Cattle Egret. before reaching the car I had also added both Blue Tit and Greenfinch and finally, another Jay and a Magpie. to give a pleasing morning's tally of 33 species.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Coot, Lapwing, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Barn Owl, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information