Titchfield Haven

Thursday 1 October

Double visit to Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve this morning.  First arrival for forty minutes before the parking charges commence at 10 then back to Lockswood Health Centre for a blood test.  Returning to the site just after 11, the low tide was now approaching the high water mark and the next couple of hours was spent inside the nature reserve.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

The initial visit was the most impressive with 28 species recorded including a range of ducks and waders. As soon as out of the car a half-dozen Sanderling on the shore along with a few Turnstone and a Black-headed Gull.  Heading off to the observation area on the main road plenty of ducks to be recorded including Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal plus many Coots and a trio of Cormorants.  On the island over a dozen Lapwing and at the near edge a foraging Glossy Ibis.  

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus on the island

On the far side the waders.  Mainly Black-tailed Godwits but also a few Redshank. A Water Rail was leisurely walking along the edge passing a number of Moorhen on its wat eastwards.  A Mute Swan was slowly making its way westwards.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Crossing the road to the harbour itself I found forty plus resting Mallard along with the pen Mute Swan and her remaining cygnet.  Just a few Turnstones to be seen.  Out on the empty shore at the mouth of the river many Black-headed and Herring Gulls but I also managed to find a single Mediterranean Gull.  Waders included a few Ringed Plovers, the bulk of the Turnstone flock and further out many Oystercatchers.  Also noted a couple of Little Egret and further out on the sea five Eider Ducks.

Returning to the car a look over the bridge produced a Little Grebe and also the score of Canada Geese on the upper part of the river.  Also here a number of Gadwall and more Coots.  A Kestrel flew over me an away to the inland reserve and both Magpie and Woodpigeon also recorded.

Lagoon at the mouth of the River Meon with its island

Time for the birding interruption but once back straight to the Meon Hide to check the scrapes, having had a Jay fly cross the road just as I approached the site. Apart from the hundreds of Canada Geese and scores of both Teal and Black-tailed Godwits, not a lot else on offer and area looked very quiet compared with last week.

South Scrape from the Meon Hide

In front of me two resting Snipe on the small island and Redshanks both to the left and right.  At least ten Little Egrets on the islands towards the back of the scrape and many foraging Moorhen along with a few Carrion Crows.  Just a handful of Mallards near the right-hand bank but at the back I did find a lone Greylag amongst the many Canada Geese.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

With so little about I left the site and moved over the bridge to take the boardwalk to the eastern side of the reserve.  Making my way down to the Meadow Hide I encountered both Great Tit and Robin and from the hide many Canada Geese on the river and a Grey Heron in the distant tree, quickly followed by an arriving individual who decided to rest on the fence post immediately in front of me.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Moving on to the end of the trail at the Knights Bank Hide much the same on view as from the previous hide.  However, searching the Canada Geese on the river I did find at least four Greylag Geese and a pair of Tufted Duck.  Eventually time to call it a day and on my return walk to the car park I recorded a Cetti's Warbler but the final birds of the morning, as I passed through Titchfield itself, was a small party of Rock Doves on roofs.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Eider Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (right) with Glossy Ibis

Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

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Normandy and Pennington Marshes

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

Wednesday 30 September

A light overnight rain but lovely and sunny for my morning visit to Normandy Lagoon and Pennington marsh, albeit a little on the breezy side.  Arriving at Normandy Lagoon just after 10am I was greeted by both Robin and Chiffchaff and then the walk down to the sea wall.  Amazed to find, at first sight, that the whole area seemed devoid of bird life so a question of using the scope to check the back of the water.  A lone Cormorant and a couple of Oystercatchers then a single Redshank on the near shore off to my right.  A Woodpigeon flew over as I made my way to the outer wall to have the strong, bright sun behind me.

As a Curlew departed overhead and I had chance to check the larger islands where I did find many resting Ringed Plovers with a number of Dunlin.  The more I scoped, the more I found so quite so a large mixed flock.  Just a couple of Black-headed Gulls about but moving further along more resting, and well concealed, birds were found. A distant Greenshank, more Redshanks and then the first of five Little Egrets.

Knot Calidris canutus

As I walked to the far end a couple of Grey Herons flew in and a large flock of Starlings and more Oystercatchers were noted on the dry land.  At the far end of the lagoon before starting my return walk I came across a resting flock of 140 Teal along, twelve Knot, a Little Egret and a few more Redshanks.  Across the open water towards the Lymington river a score of Grey Plovers resting on the island shore.  In the distant field in front of the trees a couple of Carrion Crows and a single Magpie.  Even a distant Herring Gull on the back water.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula with a few Dunlin Calidris alpina

Taking the lower path I was able to get a closer look at the Ringed Plovers and Dunlin which had now been joined by a Greenshank.  A birder in front of me pointed out the resting Ruff on island "B" and I also noted the wandering Pied Wagtail whilst immediately in front of me a single Meadow Pipit was disturbed by a landing Black-headed Gull.  Also present was a single Turnstone.

Ruff  Philomachus pugnax

Walking back alongside the western end of the lagoon a couple of Stonechats on the fence and a dozen Canada Geese had arrived at the back of the water. A lone Mallard was on Acre Pond along with five Little Egrets and as I wake back along the road to the car I encountered both Blackbird and Dunnock followed by a lone Chaffinch.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Moving on to nearby Pennington Marshes I recorded both Robin and Woodpigeon as I approached the large meadow followed by a score or more Carrion Crows and a flock of Starlings.  At the car park a couple of Goldfinches and half-dozen House Sparrows were bathing and drinking for a large puddle at the side of the road. Just as well a trio of Stonechats were on the bushes at the start of the walk as not another bird was seen until I reached the path alongside the stream between Butts and Fishtail lagoons.  here I was delighted to see a Bearded Tit flit across the top of the reeds at the edge of Butts Lagoon.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

Having ben told where the visiting scarcity had just been seen, I made my way to the far, western end of Fishtail Lagoon where I found a few Ringed Plovers and amongst the twenty Dunlin the long-staying Semipalmated Sandpiper, now present for almost a week.  Much time spent trying to find the Semipalmated Sandpiper and even more difficult trying to see the bird against the muddy backdrop when trying to photograph the bird from the the sea wall.  As a bonus a flock of thirty Golden Plover appeared overhead and even landed for a very short time on the drier land behind the Dunlin.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

When I finally departed to walk back to Butts lagoon a couple of Black-headed Gulls had arrived on what what little water there was along with a air of mallards.  Just the one Redshank on Butts lagoon but as I approached the "pier" to turn inland and back towards the car about twenty Turnstones foraging on the small area of exposed beach.  Making my ay inland I was able to record Cetti's Warbler and Wren and looking westwards noted the large flocks of Canada Geese heading inland whilst a flock of about fifty Herring Gulls made their way overhead in the opposite direction.  Three Magpies were in the field to my right with the cattle and the final bird of the morning was the single Coot I could make out on the distant fresh water lake.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

All in all, despite the lack of birds, a most enjoyable and rewarding visit.

Resting Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Semipalmated Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Ruff, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with Ruff  Philomachus pugnax (centre right)

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 30 September 

It's all excitement when out with the Arboleas Birding Group.  Not just quality birds but all sort of mal-functioning activity! It also sounds as if the UK weather this morning was better than Almeria in glorious sunshine and the temperature reaching into the upper twenties.  Just as well I had driven into the New Forest to visit the Solent shore south of Lymington where I managed to see and photograph the visiting Semipalmated Sandpiper in amongst the Dunlin.  Meant I completed the double having also recorded the visiting Lapland Bunting no more than a couple of hundred yards away from the front door on the lower Hamble River.

Black Wheatear (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Sierra De Maria  -  Wednesday 30th September

First of all a late report....Barrie and Beryl were at the estuary at Villaricos a day or two after our visit. In a large flock of resting Sandwich terns was an Elegant Tern! Not jealous at all.

Nigel picked me up and we headed towards the Sierra de Maria.  It was birdless until we were near to Maria Town when I spotted a couple of flying Griffon Vultures.  In the town we added Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, and Collared Dove.  Kevin was already at the La Piza forest cafe.  He'd already logged Chaffinch, White Wagtail, Crossbill and Blue Tit on his meanderings prior to his arrival.  Nigel quickly spotted a Jay.  We filled the empty bird feeders.  Soon a couple of Great Tits appeared...as did Wendy, James, Carolyn, Steve, Trevor , Barrie and Beryl!  Barrie picked out Long-tailed Tit and Woodlark.

After a cup of coffee we commenced the loop.  Nigel and I only saw Woodpigeon and Crested Lark whilst Barrie added Crested Tit, Calandra and Skylark.  At the village stop a number of Corn Buntings and House Sparrows were perched on the shrubs.  I spotted a passing Barn Swallow. 

Crested Tits (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Carrying on along the track Nigel and I saw 3 Northern Wheatears, a large flock of Goldfinch, a few Magpies and some Carrion Crows.  It was about this time when Nigel spotted 8-10 Ibex moving up the hillside to our right...a first for Wendy and James following behind us.  Moving on I spotted some birds in the road...Red-legged Partridge.  As we watched more and more appeared totalling at least 30 before scurrying away.  Stopping at the cliff face Barrie said he'd also seen Stonechat and Linnet.  Kevin had gear problems with his vehicle (only 3rd gear!!).  He dropped off Trevor to travel with us and headed off.  A search of the cliff only produced Black Wheatear.  Travelling on we came across a huge flock of Red-billed Chough..at least 100!   Nigel spotted a bird on the runway fence.  A Whinchat...first winter? 

Whinchat (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Along the road we unfortunately came across Kevin.  He was unable to climb the hill out of the village so would have to call a grua!  There was nothing we could do to assist him...at least he could make himself a cup of tea!

Ibex (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

En route to the hamlet Nigel and I added a Hoopoe . Wendy, James and Barrie had all seen a Kestrel. Barrie also saw a Griffon Vulture, Greenfinch and Sardinian Warbler whilst Wendy and James saw a Booted Eagle.  Steve and Carolyn saw an Egret, species unknown.  We headed for the trough, but the Sheep/ Goats were in residence.  Barrie saw a White Wagtail.  Wendy, James, Carolyn and Steve headed home whilst the few left headed for La Piza.  Barrie added a Rock Sparrow en route and a Robin at the cafe before he and Beryl headed home, leaving Nigel, Trevor and I to enjoy our lunch.  A few more birds had discovered the nuts.  Great Tits, Crested Tits and Chaffinches.

8-legged Ibex! (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A good days birding in cooler weather.  Heard from Kevin much later to say he and the vehicle were on the grua!

Regards,

Dave

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Farlington Marshes

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

Monday 28 September

Up early and over at Farlington Marshes before 8am in the hoe that I might see the local Bearded Tits.  I was not to be disappointed.  First the hearing of the "pings" then a first sight, first photograph and it suddenly seemed almost at one that at least seven were moving backwards and forwards across the track to the opposite reed bed.  What a wonderful sight and so disappointing that the photographs do not do justice to these beautiful little birds.  With no intention of walking the outer circuit of he site I stayed put for almost an hour enjoying the fabulous sight.  Who knows hen next I might get a similar opportunity. Not only Bearded Tits as within an hundred yards six Cattle Egrets were foraging amongst the cows.

Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

To give an insight as to what was happening at the time we had a handful of Reed Buntings and at least seven Stonechats immediately in front of us and just off to the side had recorded Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaffs, Dunnock and many Robins. Many Mallards, a few Coot and Gadwall on the pond area and Carrion Crows and Magpies behind us as a Little Egret flew across and on over the Canada Geese flock and up river.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

When the time came for me to move on I took the riverside path noting the very many Teal, Mallard and a few Wigeon.  Scores of Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Redshank resting at the edges.  Further on up a number of resting Shelduck amongst the Canada Geese.  A short rest at the bench half-way up the river helped me find first a Blackcap then both Great and Blue Tits.  Needless to say, so many Black-headed but only a handful of Herring Gulls.  A second cock Pheasant was seen as I made my way along the grassy path.  No less than five Grey Herons noted during this walk and as I approached the sea wall I found a large mixed flock of approximately forty Goldfinch and 20 Linnets.  Just the one Chaffinch had been seen all morning and no sight of a Blackbird.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

From the observation point overlooking the lake I noted more Black-tailed Godwits, Teal and Coot whereas on the harbour side a single Curlew and over three hundred recently-arrived Pintails.  Before leaving a Kingfisher landed below the seats giving a very close and clear view.  Making my way back to the car for the homeward journey I once again saw the female Kestrel noted as I crossed the meadow towards the sea wall.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Kestrel Falco tinnunulus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Curlew Numenius arquata (Front left) with Pintails Anas acuta

Well concealed Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Linnets Carduelis cannabina

Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis

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