The Visiting Night Heron

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Monday 13 July

Reports appeared on the "Going Birding Hampshire" site last Thursday that a Night Heron had been seen on Miller's Pond on the southern end of Sholing, one of the eastern suburbs of Southampton close to Weston Shore at the top of Southampton Water.  Reports of early morning sightings then continued until yesterday so after an unsuccessful visit in both morning and afternoon on Saturday I decided, if awake in time, I would have another go this morning.  Awake just after 4 I was able to creep out of the house for the fifteen minute ride to Miller's Pond where I duly arrived at 4.55.  Already one birder present for twenty minutes and he immediately pointed out the bird that was happily resting on lily pads about 20 yards away to the right.  The bird stayed for a further five minutes before flying left across the pond to come to rest on more lily pads tucked away at the far back below the willow trees.  Fortunately, still able to be seen by the two additional birders who arrived a couple of minutes later.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax with Coot Fulica atra in foreground

Having remained for fifteen minutes I then departed and a made a brief stop at Weston Shore at low tide to confirm the presence of scores of Carrion Crows along with both Herring and Black-headed Gulls.  A Little Egret put in an appearance as I was about to move on and behind me a number of Woodpigeon.  As I left the southern car park a Jay was foraging at the road side.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Another short stop at Sophie's Pond outside the entrance to Victoria Park in Netley found a dozen Mallard on the pond and a couple of Woodpigeon plus, now on the shore opposite, a female Mute Swan with her three cygnets.  Also on the shore mainly Black-headed but also a few Herring Gulls and, of course, more Carrion Crows.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with her 3 cygnets

Great experience with first sighting of a Night Heron in the UK and back home and in bed by five past six!  Certainly a good way to start the week and with the back seeming to get better every day, now looking forward to venturing a little further way from home later in the week,.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Birds seen:

Mallard, Mute Swan, Night Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jay, Carrion Crow

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Night Heron still visible at the far side of the pond

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Tidgrove Warren Farm near Kingsclere, Hampshire

 Saturday 4 July

Three weeks to the day since my "hearty hiccup" followed by the broken back discovered a week later (cracked vertebrae but not dislodged) and the one HOS (Hampshire ornithological Society) mee that I have looked forward to for the past two to three months or more.  Visitors to our home, a couple of shorts outings taken by Jenny driving but, on the other hand, no pain-killers taken for 5 days and everything seems to be on the mend.  But should I attend the field meeting at Tidgrove Warren Farm near Kingsclere to the north of the county?  With water already in the car and a further three bottle from Jenny I decided I would try and allowed myself plenty of time so need ned to hurry and a final message to Jenny to say I would be home somewhere between 10am and 1pm.  Sensible enough to know if the driving was too much then simply turn round and return home.

HOS members all set for off in search of the Stone Curlews

Hardly any traffic about on either the M3 or A34 and that I did meet rapidly overtook so giving me a leisurely drive and arriving onsite just after 9am. Time for more drink before meeting the those already present where coffee and biscuits on hand and Woodpigeons, House Martin, and Barn Swallow overhead with a Moorhen on the other side of the large pond.  Nearby, both Chiffchaff and Linnets.  Eventually, following an introduction the breeding Stone Curlews on site from our Chairman, Keith Button we set off on an anti-clockwise circuit of the area with a stop near the a nesting pair.  We had been warned that once we rounded the corner we would likely have no more then fifteen seconds to see the sitting bird move away from her stony scrape but once well beyond and above the site a good chance to get views of at least one of the Stone Curlews using scopes.  And so it proved albeit, on this occasion no Stone Curlew present but a quartering Kestrel flying very low over the field.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus at nest (PHOTO: Keith Betton)

As we made our way down the slope towards a created pool area to attract small waders a Mallard made a hasty departure and once on the other side climber a little higher to try and find the Stone Curlews.  One distant individual quickly found and later a second.  Many lucky folk managed to get a digi shot of the bird through Keith's Scope but not me.

Very distant Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Whilst in the area we had a number of Skylarks and Yellowhammers close to hand along with a long-staying Corn Bunting, albeit at a distance and partly obscured by leaves.

Record shot of Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

Above us a continuous display by at least three Red Kite along with distant Marsh Harriers on the skyline and then a solitary Buzzard off to our left.  And, once again, our friendly Kestrel put in an appearance.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Having moved to the top of the ridge and made a left turn we stopped to admire the ruins of the previous Hunting Lodge of King Henry 11. The build was eventually demolished by King Richard III and materials used to build/repair the local church at Kingsclere.  However, whilst undertaking archialogical digs organised by Southampton University, a large key to the wine cellar was discovered and is still kept by the present owner, Raleigh  Place.  (But no wine!)  Raleigh also added that other monarchs to stay  at the lodge included King John John and, I believe, Henry III.

Site of Henry II's Hunting Lodge

Whilst overlooking the site and being observed ourselves by the passing Red Kites we also managed to find a third Stone Curlew, albeit, again, very distant and best seen seen through the scope.   At this point I made an early exit to walk slowly back to the car having probably stayed longer than I intended.  I continued to be accompanied by a Red Kite or two and once near the highest point good views and song from another Yellowhammer.

A most enjoyable morning and well worth the occasional slight discomfort.  I'm sure we, almost forty, members had a thoroughly good time in good company and so well led by our Chairman, Keith Betton.  Special thanks must also be made to our host, Raleigh Place.  No ton only for permitting and welcoming us to his home but also the additional support e offered to any needing car assistance; a most kind and generous man to a fault.

Distant preening Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Stone Curlew, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Ban allow, House Martin, Skylark, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting.

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Hamble River, Warsash

Tuesday 30 June  

After all the excitement and drama a fortnight ago when I passed out and also later learnt that I had broken my back whilst visiting RSPB Pagham with friend friend Richard, it was time I, thought, that I actually got out of the house for the first time and took a gentle walk up Hamble River to the conservation area and back, albeit at mid-morning the tide was already almost full in.  As to be expected, not much to be seen but certainly surprised to find a trio of resting Black-tailed Godwits in full summer plumage at the conservation area along with a lone Grey Heron.

Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa

The outward walk had produced the expected gulls with five Herring and almost thirty Black-headed Gulls along with a couple of Oystercatchers.  A Pied Wagtail pass by as I walked above the now flooding Bunney Meadow and in one of the distant gardens both a Magpie and Woodpigeon.  Making my way back a Carrion Crow now in one of the larger gardens on my left and on the last remaining (small) island a foraging Curlew.  Not only had I reached double figures in the 55 minutes but walking the short path between shore and road a male Blackbird to complete the sightings.

Curlew Numenius aquata

The walk has been good for me to go with the last three days free of a pain-killer and a question of making a full recovery as the heart settles down and the cracked vertebrae heals itself, fortunately not having been displaced.  All being well, longer walks next week and, hopefully, driving again.

Blackbird Turdus merula

Birds seen:

Heron, Oystercatcher, Black-tiled Godwit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 24 June 

Good to see the Arboleas Birding Group well represented on the last visit of the season at relatively nearby Sierra de Maria.  Not only a delightful report full of great birds but, yet again, some supburb illustrations from both Dave and Nigel.  For me, reading the report back in the UK, that standouts must surely be the Short-toed Lark, Roller and Bee-eater.  But there again, you also managed to record Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Hoopoe, Crested Tit and many Rock Sparrows, the birds seemed to be just coming and coming.  All very frustrated as I passed last week whist walking the marshes at RSPB Pagham and then express delivery in the yellow van with the flashing blue lights to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester itself.  50 hours lying on a bed before allowed home and now have an irregular heart bear that needs monitoring so welcome to my new life of daily betablockers and blood thinners.  Naturally, until sorted unable to drive.  That's the good news as I was not happy why my back was in such pain that I got myself over to Portsmouth on Friday for both an x-ray and CT scan and it turns out I broke my back when falling off the back of the bench I chose to rest upon.  More pills, more pain but I think all now seems to be on the mend as (at last) a quiet night last night but it could still be weeks before able to get out and about.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 24th June

Chauffeur Nigel picked myself and Peter (1) up and we headed north towards the Sierra de Maria.  After passing Velez Blanco the bird count started.  By the time we'd got to Maria town we had seen House Martin, Common Swift and Collared Dove.  In the town we added Spotless Starling and House Sparrow.

Hoopoe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We reached the La Piza forest cafe where the staff had kept the nut feeders supplied.  We added our peanuts to the feeders.  A waiter was filling the pool with water.  They are well trained now!  We were joined by Carolyn and her mother, Ros.  It's been 10 years since she last came out with us having returned to the UK.  Also with us was Trevor.  We saw at least 4 Jays, Chaffinch, Great, Coal and Crested Tits.  An Iberian Red Squirrel paid the pool a visit.  I spotted a Long-tailed Tit using the flowing water of the fuente. 

Red Squirrel (PHOTO: Nigel White)

For a change I travelled with Trevor, Peter with Nigel and Carolyn with her Mum.  Commencing the loop, a Jay flew across in front of us in the forest section. Various unidentified LBJs also crossed our path.  Crossing the fields we saw a couple of Magpies and some Crested Larks.  Near the village we added some Corn Buntings.  Stopping below the village we only added some Barn Swallows.

Jay (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We carried on along the track (Lots of road graders and rollers in evidence....hope they are going to tarmac the middle section!)  I spotted a large pale bird sat atop a tree.  As we approached a Short-toed Eagle took flight.  Further along we saw a single Bee-eater, then Trevor spotted a distant Grey Heron. There was still no sign of Rollers at the farm nest box, but we were thrilled to find one on a traffic sign. After chalking off some Woodpigeon, us in the front caught sight of a flight of 6 Black-bellied Sandgrouse.  Unfortunately an articulated low loader was coming the other way.  The sandgrouse disappeared behind a cloud of dust!

Bee-eater with large breakfast (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We arrived at the cliff face.  I glimpsed a pair of Black Wheatears shooting round the far side.  Distantly, above the face we saw about 6 circling Griffon Vultures.  Another Roller appeared. (Confirmed as Ros's new favourite bird!).  The cliff face was alive with the sounds and sights of Rock Sparrows.  We walked to the far side.  Was glad to see the Black Wheatears there.  We heard a Nightingale..."Merlin" heard a lot more!  Nigel added a Goldfinch.  Moving on I spotted a Black-eared Wheatear.  Just past the first farm buildings a small obliging flock of Short-toed Larks stood on the road.  (A first for Trevor).  Near the airfield a Carrion Crow flew by.  On the power lines going through the cave house village there were many Bee-eaters and a Hoopoe.

Short-toed Lark (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

The hamlet produced some Lesser Kestrels and another Roller sat on a TV aerial.  As it was getting hotter we adjourned to the La Piza Forest cafe, not adding any additional birds from the mornings visit.

We ended up with 31 species.  A brilliant days birding in great company to end our bird trips for the summer!

Roller (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Sending best wishes to all our members especially Les, Michael and Peter (2) who called in sick today.

We're back in September!  Have a great summer everyone!

Juvenile Griffon Vulture (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Regards

Dave

P.S. Congratulations to Nigel White for having two of his photographs chosen for the Walk For Life 2027 calendar!

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RSPB Pagham Harbour

 Saturday 13 June

Interesting Saturday morning at RSPB Pagham Harbour with friend Richard. Lovely warm day but tired from lack of sleep then overcome with exhaustion as we finished the woodland circuit and headed off for the raised path towards Pahgam Harbour itself. At this point we had record 26 species with most on the pond, including many resting Black-tailed Godwits, family of Shelduck and plenty of Avocets with well-grown youngsters.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Also noted alongside the river now at almost full tide, Little Egret, Reed Warbler, Chaffinch and usual small birds plus Richard had seen the rising Skylark.  Not too many Woodpigeon but both a passing Collared Dove and a Magpie.  On the flooded marsh a few Mallards and then, as we rested overlooking the reeds and bushes opposite, a number of Reed Warblers plus a trio of Linnets. Lovely to see a fishing Common Tern over the river.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna family with visiting Avocet 

Then it was back past the Ferry Hide and on to the narrow path leading eastwards towards the harbour itself.  Richard saw and heard a Skylark in the field to our right as took a short rest on the narrow-planked seat.  And for the next minutes and more, feeling exhausted which was very unlike me, everything shut down until I realised I was lying on the path in the recovery position.  Poor old Richard even thought I was a "gonna" but you don't get shot of me as easily as that!  However, I can's thank Richard enough for taking care of the situation and staying with me till Jenny arrived at the hospital good eight hours later when we were in a better situation as to what next.  Likewise very grateful to the two RSPB wardens who happened to be present, Ron and Alison, and always good, and very welcome, to have a pretty ex-nurse hold your hand whisper whatever it was she was whispering to me.

I eventually heard the Skylark whilst on the ground in the recovery position having passed out on a resting bench and landed on the dry path. Next I know I am in an ambulance with flashing blue lights and headed about ten miles into Chichester, where I was admitted to A&E at St Richard's Hospital. Excellent service, despite what tends to be reflected on news channels, and undergoing various test where confirmed I had very high blood pressure and an irregular heart beat. At least the following MRI scan revealed no blood spots on my longs which were, evidently, expected by the recovery team. In the end retained for 2 nights so that the heart could be monitored over 24 hours then discharged into Jenny's care for the return drive to Warsash. Loads of pills to be take at various intervals but, evidently, the betablocker and blood thinners are to be taken daily until my feet re pointing upwards. More painful was the bruising I suffered on the original fall but, there again, there are many people out there in a far worse situation than I, so still get to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary in 5 weeks time.

And as my dear friend in Spain, Derek Etherton said, now learn your lesson about taking more drink on board and resist from birding alone miles away from anywhere. Yes Daddy, message received loud and clear - and many thanks to all my other friends who have passed on best wishes, etc.

Resting Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

10 June 2026

A very low number of species recorded by the Arboleas Birding Group today but, on the other hand, they did see Dartford Warbler, Red-rumped Swallows and those large Gull-billed Terns.  Plus, of course, the increase to their vocabulary!

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 10th June

Thankfully the weather was cooler today.  As Nigel drove me down to Cabo de Gata there were lots of clouds and a few spots of drizzle.  Between the motorway and Pujaire we encountered the usual suspects :- Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling, Barn Swallow, House Sparrow and Collared Dove.

Wendy and James were already at the first hide having stayed overnight nearby.  They had already seen House Martin.  Wendy also had seen a Yellow Wagtail.  Scanning the salinas before us we saw Greater Flamingos, loads of Black-winged Stilts and Avocets.  In the distance I spotted a Yellow-legged Gull. We were joined by Peter (2).  I saw a pair of Red-rumped Swallows.  Also seen were Kentish Plovers and Shelducks.  James then spotted a Dartford Warbler which flitted around the hide.

After a well deserved drink we headed towards the second hide.  We stopped for a seawatch.  I spotted a Scopoli's Shearwater and Wendy added a second.  Due to my dodgy knee I stayed with the vehicles as the others bimbled * towards the hide.  I added a pair of Cormorants before sitting down in Nigel's air conditioned car!  The others added Gull-billed Terns, Thekla Lark and a Yellow-legged Gull.

Gull-billed Terns (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove up to the public hide.  It had been decorated and a wheelchair ramp had been added.  Two wardens/maintenance men were working in the compound . The first thing I noticed was a dead Greater Flamingo on a sandy spit.  In these days of bird flu I thought you had to report such finds.  I pointed the body out to the wardens but they weren't interested.  Again there were plenty of Avocets (some on nests), Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos and a cotchel of Kentish Plovers.  There were Little and Gull-billed Terns flying around the islands.  Peter found some Ringed Plovers and Nigel added a Common Tern.  Better mention that James saw another Yellow Wagtail!

For the uninitiated like me, bimble* means a slow, relaxed and aimless walk.  A cotchel* is a small portion.  Nigel was teaching us some unusual words!

We had a great day's birding in very good company.  "Only" 22 species seen.  Best wishes to Peter (1), Michael and Les.

Regards

Dave

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Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa

 Wednesday 3June

Another great day's birding for the Aboleas Birding Group at the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa under the guidance of Dave Elliott-Binns.  Always good to see all three small plovers together in order to compare size and colouration.  Similarly, Nightingale and Red-rumped Swallows are always a welcome sighting and then, of course, there was that fabulous Roller.  As for Dave's ringed Audouin's Gull we all await the outcome of the enquiry to see from where the bird originated.  Again, lovely photograph's to illustrate the report so many thanks to both Nigel and Dave.  Now, if only we in the UK could have a little more of your Spanish heat!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 3rd June

After yesterdays near 40c temperatures it was good to see some clouds with lower temperatures and a cooler breeze.

Nigel drove me down to the ford, overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora. Kevin's motorvan was parked up but he was wandering up the rambla towards the sewage works.  As we waited for others to arrive we saw Magpie, Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Red-rumped and Barn Swallows and House Martin.  Nigel spotted a distant Kestrel. Beryl and Barrie arrived.  He quickly heard Zitting Cistacola, Reed Warbler and Greenfinch.  (Note to self...need my ears syringing!!)  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn and a returning Kevin.  He had added Common Swift, Goldfinch, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Nightingale and Black-winged Stilt.  He stated that there was a great deal of work being done around the sewage works.  The only birds on the big pool were Mallards.  Nigel scoped the distant power cables and found not only a Blackbird but a Roller as well. Good spot!

We drove down to the beach.  There were about 5 Audouin's Gulls on the beach where we parked. Knowing they are sometimes ringed I snapped away.  Hit the jackpot with a ringed bird (CNXM).  Will let you know from whence it came at a later date! Barrie saw an overflying White Wagtail.  Steve found a pair of Gannet out to sea.  There were 7 bulk carriers anchored up awaiting Gypsum loading at Garrucha harbour.

Audouin's Gull (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved round to the estuary.  A sandbank blocked the water off from the sea so the water level was high, submerging the mudflats.  Barrie did manage to locate Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers and Crested Lark.  Steve added a Grey Heron. We were joined by Trevor.  (Some excuse about an alarm clock not going off!)  Barrie spotted a flight of 13 Glossy Ibis flying away.  He then found a Little Egret on the beach.  We adjourned for refreshments.  I added a Yellow-legged Gull.

Kentish Plover (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove round to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  A scan provided Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Avocets. Kevin found a Black-necked Grebe.  Barrie found a Marbled Duck.  We had Little Ringed, Ringed and Kentish Plovers all on the same small mudflat. Barrie found a Common Pochard. Kevin added a Shelduck.  A Little Bittern flew low over the water to the left.  Kevin spotted a White -headed Duck.

Common Pochard (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We moved round to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  The water was virtually covered by blanket weed.  This is the total list...One Moorhen, two Coot, One Little Grebe, One Common Pochard and one Mallard!!

The two Coot (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Thanks to everyone who came today.  Great company. 43 species seen.  Sorry to see Barrie, Beryl and possibly Kevin departing till September.  Best wishes to Michael and Les.

Kevin informs me the group has collected €142 so far this year for the ABS charity. Well done all!!

Dave

News just in:

Dear David,

The Audouin's gull CNXM was ringed as a chick in the colony of Salinas de Torrevieja (Alicante) on 14/06/2019. Metal ring 6001279 (ESI)

Thank you for the information!

Best regards,

Albert Bertolero

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