Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 24 March 2023

In Dave's absence, Kevin Borman kindly produced the following report confirming that the Arboleas Birding Group had a most successful and enjoyable visit to the Sierra de Marie last week.  I wonder what they will find come tomorrow?

Sierra de Maria: Wednesday 18th March

I stayed over in the campervan at my usual spot by the picnic site on the western edge of María village. Over an early morning mug of tea I had a very promising start to the day with Goldfinch, Crested Lark, European Starling, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Rock Sparrow and Chaffinch.

A brief stop at the old ‘Aduana’ ruins produced four more species, all of which were seen later so I will record them there. I arrived at la Piza at about 9am and, having invested heavily in a kilo of bird food, I partly filled several of the feeders. First bird seen here was a Long-tailed Tit. I was soon joined by Phil, John and Stella, and Trevor. It was also good to welcome Valerie back for the first time in a while, and meet her new partner Paul. Val reported Wood Pigeon. Last but not least, Peter S arrived and upstaged my birdseed efforts with a magnificent triple feeder containing fat balls, peanuts and seeds, which he proceeded to hang prominently to the astonishment of the local birds (probably).

Over coffee Phil was particularly on the ball and found at least some of the following: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Crossbill and Crested Tit. John added Serin. We talked about Richard and the shock we had at hearing of his passing. It seemed strange that he wasn’t sitting there amongst us in one of his favourite birding spots.

We then headed for ‘The Loop’ in a convoy of three cars. Seen en route were several Griffon Vultures, Calandra Lark and a couple of Carrion Crows. At our usual stop at Cañada de Cañeplas we were treated to superb and prolonged views of both Short-toed Eagle and Marsh Harrier. Corn Buntings were also seen here. On the next stretch I was in Peter S’s car and was impressed to see that he has the same skill as Dave, the ability to drive and see birds at the same time including, on this occasion, a Magpie chasing a Great-Spotted Cuckoo, followed soon after by a Hoopoe. As we approached ‘The Crag’ there was a lot of water in the reedy stream on the left. Mallard and Red-legged Partridge were logged along here. At the crag I saw a Kestrel and Phil, I think, was first to see a Black Wheatear on the skyline.

Great Spotted Cuckoo (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

By the airstrip we saw Linnets. A somewhat gruesome and large item on the road brought the comment from Peter: “One of my former hobbies was roadkill!” He got out, briefly inspected the hefty skull with scraps of hide and what may have been the remnants of legs (I didn’t look too closely) and pronounced: “Wild boar!”

At ‘the hamlet’ on the Granada/ Almería provincial border, we were delighted to see Red-billed Choughs and three Lesser Kestrels. Further along the road, at the water trough, there was a huge flock of sheep/goats, and a brief look as we passed produced nothing new. Back at La Piza, over more coffee and lunch for some, we found nothing new until, just as I was about to leave, I heard both Iberian Green Woodpecker and Greater-spotted Woodpecker. I went back to the others, who confirmed both.

I later received an email from Nigel who, with Peter W, had arrived late after a (happily successful) session at the bank. They had also done the circuit and been at the cafe and their list added Short-toed Treecreeper and Siskin to the tally.

An excellent morning in good company with some outstanding sightings. 35 species in total. Next week, Villaricos, says Trevor, who knows about these things. No doubt Dave will confirm in due course.

Kevin 18.03.26

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Titchfield Haven Shore and Canal

Sunday 22 March

Lovey sunny start to the day and reasonably warm and little breeze as I headed off to the shore at Titchfield Haven for an hour before returning to Titchfield Canal.  Upon arrival lots of Black-headed Gulls on the lake from the observation platform along with six Mute Swans and a similar number of Gadwall.  To the far left bot h a Redshank and a Shoveler whilst, from the road bridge, I found a single Great Crested Grebe with its recently caught morning breakfast. beyond the fence in the reserve proper a good number of Avocets along with both Teal and Wigeon then the Shovelers close to a resting group of Oystercatchers  handful of Canada Geese.  In the neighbouring bushes Dunnock, Blackbird and Robin.

Drake Gadwall Anas strepera

Next on to the harbour where, apart from a few Mallards, there was a collection of over 80 Turnstones, most resting in he shade of a stranded yacht on the mud.

A few of the Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Continuing on to the shore proper with the tide well out, a massed huddle of Sanderling resting at the water's edge and totalling just about an hundred.  A little further out a lone drake mallard and well out on the Solent a singe Common Scoter.  Returning to the car I checked the lake once more and noted 8 Shoveler along with both Coot and Lapwing.

The huddled mas of resting Sanderling Calidris alba

So back to Titchfield Canal by 10.20 where finding a parking place was proving most difficult with so many visitors, all seemingly on a dog walk.  Having succeeded, I first took a walk upstream past the stables and found all the usuals including Woodpigeon, Magpie and Carrion Crow along with a handful of Mallards and both Blue and Great Tits.  But sign of the Glossy Ibis.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collubita

Collecting the scope from the car I then proceeded down the canal path to the trees at Posbrook Food before returning.  No sooner under way than both Blackbird and Robin plus the first pf many Chiffchaffs to be seen and heard.  A Nuthatch visited the tall tree behind the pumping station and a small flock of Jackdaws flew over.  Once at the Barn Owl field a pair of Stock Doves at the Barn Owl nesting site. next a passing Buzzard alighted in the trees behind me and, after recording the nearby Wren, checked Bridge Street Flood where I noted many Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Geese and Teal before finding a handful of Shelduck.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Continuing on down to the bridge and avenue I also added Lapwing and the first of four Herons to be seen during the visit. Also lovely to hear the calls once again of at least four Cetti's Warblers. A pair of Herring Gulls in the field to my left and then, once at Posbrook Floods a single Mute Swan and many Shoveler plus Wigeon and Teal.  More than a handful of Coot present along with a single pair of Tufted Duck and two Little Egrets.  Then, just by chance, fortunate to see the single Glossy Ibis in a gap in the tall grass in front of the water before it disappeared from sight.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Making my way back to the car park, first a Kestrel flying past as I left the avenue and hen stopped to watch a Red Kite being harried by a Herring Gull before it was joined by a second Red Kite and the pair circling above my head.  Off to the far right beyond the water a very continuous calling Green Woodpecker which was then answered from a second individual behind in the trees close to the barn Owl field. Then, with the last sighting being that of a Dunnock I was back at the car at exactly 12 noon.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

An enjoyable morning's birding which resulted in 43 species being recorded.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Eider, Common Scoter, Great Crested Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Sanderling, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus - Well, that's breakfast taken car of!

Gadwall Anas strepera

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Herring Gull takes on Red Kite Milvus milvus

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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Farlington Marshes

Wednesday 18 March 

A lovely, warm and sunny start the day but still a cold, strong breeze for the first couple of hours. As soon as I passed through the gate on to the track leading to through the spinney to the sea wall a Carrion Crow, Mallard and Dunnock then, approaching the end gate, both a lone Woodpigeon and handful of Goldfinches.   Once on the sea wall with the tide almost in, an Oystercatcher and single Curlew plus a couple of Black-headed Gulls on the remaining small island of uncovered beach.

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

A check on the lake from the viewing area produced any Teal and Avocets along with scores of Shelduck.  Also present three Redshank and at the back of the water a handful of Coot and the occasional Mallard.  Out on the main water of the harbour more Black-headed plus a few Herring Gulls. Back to the steps down to the meadow coming across five Linnet drinking near the gate and then follow the path alongside the "river" to the old barn away in front of me.  The first of many Moorhen plus more Coot and noted the numerous Canada Geese and scores of Shelduck and small groups of both Mallard and Teal.  To my right many Black-headed Gulls and the first of the scores of Brent Geese to be seen during the morning plus alone Little Egret.  Also recorded during the riverside walk both Blackbird and Greenfinch.

Male Teal Anas crecca

Once at the old barn to check the lake in front nothing new but a number of Canada Geese, Coot and Moorhen.  In the hedge a Robin then a pair of Reed Buntings arrived followed by a pair of Great Tit and a Wren.  As I moved away to walk up the eastern sea wall a Lapwing took off from the field on my right and a Little Egret caught the sun to my left.  Many feeding and resting Canada and Brent Geese in the main field.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

The lovely, rewarding sight on reaching the sea wall with the tide almost fully in was to discover a flock of at least 60 resting Grey Plover on the opposite, rocky bank.  Nothing else of note, other than more Moorhens, until I reached the Deeps where I found the main Black-headed Gull colony plus a good number of Mediterranean Gulls.  At the back a trio of Shoveler and a pair of resting Gadwall near the island to my left.  Out on the water itself a pair of Tufted Duck and a single Mute Swan on the nearest island.  From this area and the next few ponds very many Wigeon.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Continuing on along the western wall I came across another pair of Gadwall and then a pair of Meadow Pipits.  Almost back to the path through the spinney and back to the car when I saw the lone Great Crested Grebe on the now full tide at the far end of the sea wall. Walking through the small trees another male Reed Bunting seen on my right.  By now quite warm with the breeze having died down and a most enjoyable morning's birding  resulting in 36 species.

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 11 March

Shame the Arboleas Birding Group missed out on the Trumpeter Finch which, along with a Dartford Warbler were my "birds of the day" when I visited Cabo de Gata with Dave on Saturday 21 February on my way to Malaga and more birding.  But I did dip on the Kentish Plover, a bird not likely to be seen back in the UK.  Shame I might not be back to see the  result of the local improvements with the fencing, restored hides and a working public telescope to encourage more birders.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 11th March

     Nigel kindly picked me up from home and we headed south on the A7/E15 with the sun shining.  We came off at the Retamar turn.  I saw a Thekla Lark on a power line.  Driving through Retamar we added Spotless Starling, Collared Dove, a high flying Yellow-legged Gull, Barn Swallow, House Sparrow and Blackbird.  Kevin was already at the first hide's layby.  He'd already seen Cormorant, Jackdaw, Avocet, Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Shelduck, Little Egret, Slender-billed Gull and Magpie.  The water level was very high.  There were work signs and red/ white tape beside the hide.   A man was working on the public telescope.   Apparently €1 million has been allocated to a project to replace the fencing round the whole of the reserve, create new islands and refurbish/replace the hides.  We were joined by Trevor, John, Stella and Phil 2.  A Sardinian Warbler flew across the scrubland.   We then had a small influx of Pallid Swifts flying around and above us.  Nigel then located the Spoonbills asleep in their usual area near the small island.  Kevin added a Ringed Plover.

Avocet (PHOTO: Nigel White)

     After a reviving cup of coffee in the village cafe, we headed to the second hide.  I stayed with the vehicles and had a very unsuccessful seawatch.  I only saw a distant pair of Yellow-legged Gulls.  At the hide, John spotted some Black-necked Grebes.  Park rangers were already replacing some of the fencing!

Greater Flamingos and Slender-billed Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

     We carried on to the public hide.  No Trumpeter Finches unfortunately but did see some Greenfinch. Kevin checked out the rocky causeway to the right and saw Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls.  There were also numerous Shelduck and Greater Flamingos.  A Corn Bunting was perched on a shrub in the compound . About a further dozen Black-necked Grebes were seen.  Phil spotted some skulking Kentish Plovers on one of the islands.  A Little Stint was also on the island in front of us.  The first Yellow Wagtail of the year appeared behind it.  A Kestrel was perched on a post just to the right of the hide.  We said our goodbyes.  A slightly disappointing total of 31 species with the White Wagtail I logged going through the plastic greenhouses!  Great company as usual.

Dave

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El Fondo, Elche

 Sunday 1 March

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris

Leaving Malaga to join my son at his home in Lliria, some 24 km north-west of Valencia, I arrived at my overnight stop in Crevillent at 16.45 with still some bright sunshine so went straight to the nearby El Fondo Reserve.  Always a delightful reserve to visit with, as I was soon to confirm, its three "specials" on the shallow pools and with good visibility.

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata

Approaching the car park I noted the feeding Cattle Egret on a field to my right and then, once in the car park, a number of White Wagtail.  A large flock of Glossy Ibis took off from the water in front of me and soon I was out of the car and looking at the same pool from inside the reserve proper.  Lots of Shoveler along with a number of Teal plus a few more Glossy Ibis and juvenile Flamingo.

Shoveler Anas cypeata

Moving across to the picnic area and the screen overlooking the small lake behind the Visitors Centre I saw many Moorhen and a Marbled Duck sitting atop a nest box.  Mallards to the right and a couple of sleeping Teal.

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris

Time to take the boardwalk across the water where I found more Flamingos and many Red-knobbed as well as Common Coots. No shortage of Black-winged Stilts along with all the Chiffchaff feeding in the exposed reeds. Towards the end of the walk I came across a single Glossy Ibis before finding a couple of Purple Swamphen to complete the hoped for trio of sightings.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

More Common and Red-knobbed Coots at the far end along with a single Little Grebe.  A Reed Bunting was also seen in this area.  Moving on to the first hide I found a pair of Common Pochard along with a single White-headed Duck.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Moving across the the second hide overlooking the main laguna, lots of Flamingos plus more Black-winged Stilts and a small number of resting Shelduck on the distant banks.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Making my way back to the car park I also added Blackbird, House Sparrow and Jackdaw and checking the field just beyond the car park now saw that the Cattle Egrets had been joined by scores of Glossy Ibis and a small number of Little Egrets.  Finally, sitting atop a pylon a Collared Dove and a handful of Serin in the grasses below so giving a final total of 27 species in just the one hour before setting off my nearby overnight hostal.

Mainly Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Flamingo, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Common  Coot, Red-knobbed Coot,  Black-winged Stilt,  Collared Dove, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Serin, Reed Bunting.

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata

Commopn Pochard Aythya ferina

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Departure of the Glossy Ibis P.falcinellus, Cattle Bubulcus ibis and Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

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Osuna "Triangle", Sevilla Pprovince

Saturday 28 February

Great Bustards Otis tarda

Up nice and early and, with Derek and Barbara Etherton, off to Osuna to travel the "triangle" in search of Great Bustards and, hopefully, some raptors, etc.  No sooner had we left the motorway to take the nearby country road than we found Spotless Starlings near the factory units then both Blackbird and Song Thrush in the first olive trees.  Ere long we also saw our first Stone Curlew.   Continuing past the olive grove we added Greenfinch, White Wagtail and Crested Lark before coming across a large flock of Spanish Sparrows.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Continuing ion to the first overhead bridge we encountered Collared Dove and Red-legged Partridge and as we drove to the bridge apex a Raven flew away. From our scoped observations from the bridge we saw a Buzzard to the right and on the other side of the rail track a resting Hoopoe.  Both Great Tit and Blackcap were also seen below us but the main attraction was the distant score of Great Bustards resting/feeding on the ploughed fields away to our right.  Much time spent looking at these magnificent birds as they moved about either individually or in small groups but, given the distance, photographs very much just for the record. Before leaving to follow the farm track, finding a pair of Calandra Larks,  we also recorded both Woodpigeon and a Marsh Harrier.

Calandra Lark Melanocorpha calandra

Calling at a local farm site we managed to see a trio of passing Stone Curlew along with a good number of Barn Swallows.  Chaffinches in the trees to our right and then a Black-winged Kite took to the skies from a nearby small tree.  A little further on along the farm road we came across a Red Kite on the field adjacent to the road and then noted a Common Starling amongst the resident Spotless Starlings.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Stopping atop the next rail bridge a Common Kestrel was seen hovering and then a couple of Red-rumped Swallows.  Amazingly, we then saw a passage of 113 Black Kites, presumably newly arrived back from their winter quarters.  Time to move on and just before reaching Lantejuela we came across Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler and Serin before seeing a good number of Lesser Kestrels in the old ruins just of the road.

leaving Lantejuela where the pool, seen from the roadside fence, produced Coot, White-headed Duck, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler and Corn Bunting we headed for the Laguna Ballestera.  Approaching the water we stopped to observe a gorgeous male Hen Harrier and a lone White Stork before finding we could not pass the laguna as the farm track was under water.  Having stopped we admired the Flamingos along with a few Shelduck and many resting Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls on the water. 

Making our way back to the main road to Osuna we made a short stop opposite the Laguna Calderon to note the many Flamingos, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, Coot, Crested Lark and Marsh Harrier and also saw a female Hen Harrier.  Continuing on to Osuna we took the cross-country road back to Campillos rather than the motorway and just beyond El Saucejo came across a pair of Little Owl sitting on a stone wall at the roadside.  Approaching Campillos we also noted House Sparrow and Spotless Starling to end the day with 46 species.  Fabulous day in fabulous company.

Male Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Flamingo, White Stork, Black-winged Kite, Red Kite, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier,  Griffon Vulture, Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Coot, Great Bustard, Stone Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull,  Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, White wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Great Tit, Raven, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Serin, Linnet, Corn Bunting.

Distant shots of the Great Bustards from the rail bridge:

Great Bustards Otis tarda

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