Fishlake Meadows, Romsey

Sunday 6 April

Yet another bright, sunny start with clear blue skies but, as with previous similar days, quite a cool nip in the air.  Arriving at Fishlake Meadows at 8.45  I was welcomed by Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Chiffchaff.  And setting of down the canal path into the reserve I was soon being bombarded by the constant songs/call of numerous Cetti's Warblers along with similar call from the diminutive Wrens.

Looking over the reedbed, where "Merlin" was recording the calls of a Sedge Warbler, a couple of Mute Swans on the far water and a resting Great White Egret whilst a couple of Greylag Geese flew away to my right. Certainly no shortage of Woodpigeons before the appearance of the first Magpies and Carrion Crows before the arrival of a Collared Dove.  Meanwhile, above me, I note the passing of a handful of Barn Swallows.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Both Chaffinch and Blue Tits were recoded as I made my way down from the canal path to take the path towards the screens overlooking the water.  A Buzzard was resting atop a pylon and then, taking the narrow path, on the small pond to my left a pair of Mute Swans accompanied by Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and a pair of Canada Geese.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Once at the screens, the pond to the right held a single Great White Egret whilst on the main water more Greylag Geese plus Mallards, Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler.  Even a couple of Coot.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Time to head back towards the car park but continued on to the main road, encountering both a Wren on the path and a male Blackcap in the low bush to which it fled as I approached.  Once at the observation point alongside the man road, a few Tufted Duck and Coots along with the many resting Cormorant and more Greylag Geese.  A the back of the water at least three Great Crested Grebes and resting on or near the few trees mid-water, a few Herring plus a single Lesser Black-backed Gull.  Just as I was about to depart I noticed the Moorhen that slipped out from the reeds at the back.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Departing Great White Egret Egretta alba

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Titchfield Canal

Saturday 5 April 

At Titchfield Canal by 8.20 on a lovely sunny start to the day with clear blue skies but still the strong, cold wind. A pair of Canada Geese flew over the car park as I was about to start my walk along the canal and then quickly followed by the sight of Robin, Blackbird, Great and Blue Tits.  making my way around the copse at the back of the car park I soon added Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff and Pheasant and then off down the canal walk.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Lots of calling Cetti's Warbler as well as the Chiffchaffs and then time to check Bridge Street Flood where I found mainly Mallards but also a few Pintail, Teal and a couple of Shelduck accompanied by a good-sized flock of Black-tailed Godwits.  Also present a number of Canada Geese plus the occasional Coot and a handful of Cormorants.

Mute Swans, more Shoveler and Teal on Posbrook Flood but no sign of the "resident" Glossy Ibis. At the back a couple Little Egret and three Herons.  Most of the Canada Geese were on or around this water but still the single Greylag Geese resting on the grass as I approached the water. Both Magpies and Carrion Crows seen overhead and then the first sighting of the many singing Wrens.  At the far end of the avenue a handful of Jackdaw and more Robins along with a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.  

Greylag Goose Anser anser

As I started my return journey to the car park a male Kestrel was hunting at the northern end of the water and once back at Bridge street Flood I noticed the pair of Stock Doves resting to the side of the former barn Owl's nesting nest.

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Leaving the scope in the car I then took the short walk further up the canal to Titchfield Church recording both Chaffinch and Greenfinch along with a pair of Mallards on the canal itself.  Starting to make my way back a couple of Magpies to the left and then a raptor hire above the wires which looked very much like a Sparrowhawk but, especially after checking the record shots, able to confirm a s a Goshawk.  back at the car park a resting Starling on the roof of the first house.

Distant, high Goshawk Accipiter gentillis

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Coot, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker,  Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

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Rutland Water

Thursday 4 April

Following last night's stay in Nottingham to attend the Andre Rieu concert, we travelled back to Warsash in glorious bright sunshine and clear blue skies but the warm weather offset by the strong cool wind.  However, time to make a brief thirty minute stop at Rutland Water to introduced family to this marvellous site.  And rewarded we were, too, with a good sighting of a quartering Red Kite as it checked out the far side of the lake outside the Visitors Centre for, perhaps, a mid-day snack.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Jackdaws on the field and trees to our left along with a Chaffinch as we approached the Visitors Centre and before stopping at the feeding area we noted the Rooks at their rookery behind the far hide.  A number of Blue but mainly Great Tits were visiting the feeders and then joined by a male Reed Bunting.  Immediately below the feeders a foraging cock Pheasant with the female right in front of the hide.  

On the water a few Mallard but more Tufted Duck along with a Cormorant, handful of Coot and about a dozen Canada Geese.  Resting atop the "Osprey Pole" on the far side a pair of Egyptian Geese.  Black-headed Gulls were moving about the site and the occasional Woodpigeon. A pair of Mute Swan were seen to our left.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving on from the main car park we made our way to Manton Bay, passing a number of Blackbirds and a Robin on the way, the regular visiting Ospreys were back at their nest platform with and the female already sitting but, as yet, no eggs laid.  On the water around the Osprey very many Black-headed Gulls along with a good number of Great Crested Grebes, a few Mallard and the occasional Coot. More Woodpigeons seen along with a Carrion Crow and on the water at the other side of the road from the bridge a feeding Little Egret.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Moving on towards Duddington to stop for lunch, taking the narrow country lanes to connect to the A47 we slowed to admire the single Grey Partridge crossing the road and within ten minutes also had a passing Sparrowhawk gliding slowly over the tall hedge to our left. naturally, a number of magpies and more Rooks and Carrion Crows seen.  Then, parking up in car park for our lunch a pair of Greylag Geese landed on the small lake below and a handful of Greenfinches in the trees at our side.  Wonderful end to the Rutland bird spotting!

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Osprey, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 2 March 2025

Sounds like a fabulous birding day by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group; especially all those raptors.  Then you add on a variety of tits and wheatears and you wonder what's coming next!, 

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 2nd April

Nigel had recovered enough from his heart procedure to be able to come with me to the Sierra de Maria. I picked him up just before 8am and headed north.  En route from Velez Blanco to Maria town I spotted a Collared Dove and Nigel, a Woodpigeon.  In town we added Spotless Starling and House Sparrow. The House Martin nest site under the Repsol Garage canopy was still unoccupied.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe.  Nigel went and got the coffees as I replenished the bird feeders.  Nigel spotted both Blue and Long Tailed Tits.  Some Crossbill flew over.  A Jay appeared.  On the ground there were Chaffinches picking up crumbs of peanuts.  Coal, Great and Crested Tits arrived as did Trevor, Mike, Kirsten, Peter and Richard.  The latter had seen a Barn Swallow.  Nigel added a Blackcap.

Crossbill taking a drink. That's a hosepipe, not a rare python!! (PHT: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop.  We saw nothing going through the forest zone.  The agricultural zone had a blanket of mist which was beginning to burn off.  We saw Crested Lark, an Iberian Grey Shrike, Rock Sparrow and a Black-eared Wheatear.  We parked up by Canadas Canepla village where we were joined by Kevin who'd ventured further north.  Amongst other birds he'd seen Red-billed Chough.  Nigel spotted a Corn Bunting on the far reed line.  Barn Swallows were quartering the fields.  We moved on seeing a plethora of corvids....Carrion Crow, Magpies and a Jackdaw.  A Hoopoe flew over.  We passed the farmhouse where Rollers nested in a box last year but saw nothing....Richard and Peter near the rear of the convoy did see a Roller!

As we passed another farm building Nigel shouted for me to stop.  A Little Owl was on the roof.  It had gone by the time I'd exited the car, but I did spot a distant Booted Eagle briefly before it disappeared behind a ridge. 

We stopped at the cliff face.  Another Black-eared Wheatear was seen.  A Red-legged Partridge flew off. Mike and Kirsten saw another three on a field.  We walked to the far side and got glimpses of Black Wheatear, Linnet and some Rock Sparrows.

We carried on, seeing a Kestrel on the farm building prior to the airstrip and a Raven after it.  Peter and Richard spotted a distant Griffon Vulture over towards the still snow covered mountain.  The only Griffon of the day.  Very odd!

At the hamlet there was a pair of Lesser Kestrels.  Nigel added a White Wagtail.

We headed to the La Piza forest cafe.  Peter, Richard and Kevin decided to do a quick stop at the goat farm water trough.  Kevin disturbed a Short-toed Eagle having a drink!  Peter and Richard saw a pair, Mr and Mrs, Hen Harrier!  Triple drat!!  And the latter saw a Northern Wheatear as well.  Sulking at La Piza we only added a Serin coming for a drink.

What a great day's birding in good company.  39 species seen.  Next time we might venture north to see what's up there.  Sounds interesting!  Not a good day for photos for me.  Just as I focused the birds seemed to fly off!!

Regards

Dave

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Southsea Castle and Farlington Marshes

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Sunday 30 March

Leaving Warsash just after 9am with fiend Richard Osman, almost an hour was spent working the shore between Southsea Castle and and Blue Moon Aquarium to the the north in search of a Purple Sandpiper without any success.  However, able to record both Herring and Black-headed Gulls along with Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Starling and House Sparrow; just the six species.

Then it was on to Farlington Marshes to undertake an anti-clockwise circuit of the boundary along the shores and track leading back to the shed and car park.  Arriving at 11.05 we sent  glorious 2 3/4 hours in very bright sunshine but with a strong wind.  First a quartet of Greenfinches and a Wren before reaching the seawall where the tide was almost fully in and just a few Black-headed and a lone immature Herring Gull on view.  A little further along a trio of Mallards just off the seawall and a single Oystercatcher.  A pair of Carrion Crows were foraging beneath the wall. On the reserve itself lots to be seen on the main pool in front of the viewing point.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta and Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

From the viewing point we could see a large resting flock of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwits in the middle of the water with a few individuals beyond.  Over to the far left a group of eight Little Egret and resting under the lip of the far shore more then two score Redshank along with a handful of Dunlin.  On the far left embankment a lone Heron and immediately in front of us a quartet of Coot plus a dozen or more Teal.  beyond the water in the meadows  the widespread Canada Geese flock with a pair of Mute Swans.  A distant wader on the far side was confirmed as a Curlew by using Richard's scope, which also revealed the first of the Lapwing seen during the morning.

Resting Teal Anas crecca

A stop midway along the back path revealed a Skylark and pair of Meadow Pipits on the meadow with a singe Great Crested Grebe on the water to our right.  A couple of Moorhen were noted between the canal and meadow and in the distance we could see so may resting Shelduck.  Indeed, as we continued our walk round to the Scrape we were to find many, many more resulting in about 130 individuals. Whist checking the distant Shelduck e came across a handful of Wigeon and a pair of Greylag Geese.

Distant Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Turning left towards the Scrape we stopped to check the large Black-headed Gull colony on the long, narrow island just off the shore and then watched as many as thirty Mediterranean Gulls pass overhead and into the reserve for their roost.  A  lone Cormorant flew towards the open sea and then we picked up a handful of Red-breasted Mergansers drifting towards the mainland with regular dives. A the Scrape there were very many Black-headed along with a number of Mediterranean Gulls.  Another Mute Swan and eight resting Shoveler plus a pair of Gadwalls.  Yet more Mallards and in the background the sight of many Canada Geese and all those Shelduck which seemed to be spread far and wide.  Then all was chaos as a Marsh Harrier passed over and lifted most of he birds.  When resettled, we could count a roosting flock of around120 Oystercatchers.

Roosting Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

Moving away from the Scrape we came across a couple of Brent Geese with two more just before turning towards the shed.  Once at the shed a Chiffchaff in the adjacent tree and on the lagoon and edges many more Moorhen and Coots.  making our way back to the car we came across a Blackbird in the hedge to our left and then it was time to make our way back to Warsash but not before a refreshment stop in Titchfield.  Approaching and in the village we came across both Red Kite and Kestrel along with a Magpie, Jackdaws and more Woodpigeon.  Finally, back home on Warsash and welcomed by my resident Robin and Dunnock.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus - and they need to move soon!

Part of the Oystercatcher roost accompanied by many Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

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Kilmeston with Hampshire Ornithologial Society

Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella

26 March 2026

Fifteen of us present for the Hampshire Ornithological Society's (HOS) latest meeting under the leadership of Nick Willey, stating a clockwise circuit of the fields and woods around the quaint little village of Kilmeston  just south of Alresford.  Whilst still in the village sightings of Blackbird, Robin, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw and Rook before setting off at 10.30 on our 3 mile circuit concluding at 2pm following a picnic lunch.

The first path heading northwards produced many Chiffchaff and Chaffinches along with a Bullfinch, Blue and Great Tits.  In the adjoining fields we continued to find many Pheasants plus a few Carrion Crows.  A Kestrel was resting atop a nearby tree and then we were out in the open and able to search the edges and skies.  A Raven flew over to or left and high ahead of us a Red Kite. A Magpie flew over the distant trees.  But best of all, we found a quartet of Yellowhammers and just a shame they seemed like silhouettes, given that we were facing the Sun and the birds were partially hidden by the branches of the trees in which they were settle.

Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella

Moving on we stopped to watch a couple of Blackbirds and a Song Thrush and then the handful of Blackbirds foraging near a water trough at the bottom the field in front of us and noticed that there was both a Mistle Thrush and Starling present.  Maintaining of observation we then saw a dozen Redwing slightly further to their right which came as a bit of a surprise!

Moving on to the next path we spent some time checking the fields in front of us and apart from more Pheasants found a handful of Lapwing being harried by the Carrion Crows.  A Green Woodpecker was "yaffling" close by and a female Stonechat sat on the fence just ahead of the group. Checking the nearby fields we found or first, distant and not too clear, Red-legged Partridge. And off to the right a pair of Stock Doves feeding alongside a couple of Woodpigeon.  Above us a quartet of circling Buzzards and yet another Kestrel not so faraway.  The small copse at the turn in the track we walking revealed both Nuthatch and both Blue and Great Tits. A Jay flew over. 

The next stretch of path between tall hedges either side produced a handful of Long-tailed Tits and as we looked round the corner into a field a Marsh Tit was recorded in the hedge.  More Chaffinches continuing to be seen but almost all very high in the trees.  Fortunately, the next stop led to as finding a much nearer and clearer Red-legged Partridge.

Distant preening Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

In addition to the birds, as well as a few Grey Squirrels we came across a trio of distant Roe Deer and then a much nearer individual later on.  Lovely to see a couple of Brown Hares, the first on the open grass and very close where it remained for a long spell giving excellent views before making its departure.  All in all an excellent morning's birding in great company and lovely birding weather.

Birds seen:

Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Lapwing, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arbo0leas Birding Group

 26 March 2025

Another great day's birding with the Arboleas Birding Group resulting in 41 species including many "specials" such as both Iberian Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Spotted Redshank, Slender-billed and Audouin's Gulls and, of course, that stunning male Montagu's Harrier.  Jacky's Wryneck and Kevin's list from the evening visit to the Rambla Morales the previous evening also very impressive.

Spotted Redshank (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 26th March

I was billy no mates today...more later...so I headed off early in the truck to do the rear track of the Cabo de Gata bird reserve.  I arrived at about 0800hrs having seen Collared Dove and a Barn Swallow as I passed through Retamar Sur.  I added Spotless Starling and Jackdaw as I drove past the Guardia Civil tower.  I commenced the journey along the rear track.  After recent rains it was muddy in some parts with large puddles.  The first salina was empty of birds, but after that there were numerous individuals and flocks.  Greater Flamingos, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Dunlin and Sanderling.  There must have been at least 100 Shelduck in various flocks.  Next came Little Stint, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Black-winged Stilts plus some Slender-billed Gulls. Sardinian Warbler and a Zitting Cistacola were added to the list.  Also seen were Thekla Lark, Corn Bunting, Common Swift in good numbers followed by both Iberian Grey and& Woodchat Shrikes.  So far I'd seen 25 species!  A very good start.

Woodchat Shrike (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I made my way to the first hide where I was met by Trevor, Phil, John and Stella.  Phil spotted a Mallard as Kevin arrived.  He'd seen many birds I had but also Greenfinch, Yellow-legged and Audouin's Gulls and Yellow Wagtail, Black-necked Grebe and Cormorant at the public hide.  I found some Spoonbill and a Little Egret. Phil then said,

 " There's a bird of prey over there!"  Good eyesight but not so good on directions!  We eventually found it.  A stunning male Montagu's Harrier. ( I'd seen a female over our lemon groves a few days ago).  I found a Kestrel on a distant pylon.  John spotted a Black-tailed Godwit.

Impressed with this photo of a Kentish Plover! (Photo: David Elliott-Binns)

We adjourned for a coffee in the Cabo village cafe.  Suitably refreshed we made our way to the second hide beach.  There was nothing to be seen birdwise out to sea but there was a Spanish aircraft carrier anchored out there.   Kevin scanned the steppes for Stone Curlews without luck.  More or the same Spoonbills were seen.  An immature Audouin's Gull flew by as did some Goldfinch.  On our way back I heard the sound of spring!  Up above us was our first flock of about 10 Bee Eaters!  Wow!  The public hide produced 3 Black-necked Grebes, a Yellow Wagtail and Barnsley Penguins ( Cormorants! )  We parted company.  Safe journeys to Phil, John and Stella on their return to the UK.  I added a Magpie as I drove through the plastic greenhouse shortcut, making the days total to be 41 species.  Great to see more migrants passing through or arriving.  Jacky was thrilled to see a Wryneck on her local patch north of Albox the other day!

Iberian Grey Shrike (Photo: David Elliott-Binns)

Best wishes to Nigel and Juda who are both under the weather.  Wishing them both a speedy recovery.

Kevin visited the Rambla Morales last evening.  He walked there from the campsite end.

Here is his list :-

Here's my Rambla Morales list from last night, between about 5.30 and 7pm: Sardinian Warbler, Crested Lark, House Martin (quite a few), Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow (quite a few, my first of the year), Swifts (lots, also my first of the year in this area), White-headed Duck (maybe 25 in total), Mallard, Greater Flamingo (60), Moorhen, Pochard, Shoveler, Shelduck, Avocet, Coot, Yellow Wagtail, Sanderling (18), Kentish Plover, Black-necked Grebe (just 1), Lesser Black-backed Gull, Hoopoe, Collared Dove, Blackbird, House Sparrow.

Thank you, Kevin. I must see if I can drive there from that end as it would obviously be worth it!

Dave

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