Hayling Island and Titchfield Haven

Redshanks Tringa totanus

Thursday 3 September

Cloudy but dry to start with sun breaking through and additional warmth by mid-morning.  First a visit to the "Billy Line" at Hayling Island where the tide was full out and fewer birds than expected on show.  In the top harbour from the car park a couple of Curlew plus both Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits along with a score of Black-headed Gulls.  Just the single Little Egret hiding away at the outer corner.

As I moved down to the line trail itself almost a score of Barn Swallows feeding low overhead and then the appearance of a at least a score of feeding Starlings.  Very few Black-headed Gulls working the oyster beds but many, many more out on the main shore beyond.  However, the second bed did produce another, double-ringed, Curlew.

Curlew Numenius arquata

From the main track before turning in towards the oyster beds I managed to find a trio of Whitethroats in the bushes along with a pair of Linnets and a couple of Goldfinches and a Dunnock on the path itself.

From beyond the bed on the shore two tightly packed groups of Sandwich Terns, maybe a total of forty individuals. A single Herring Gull flew overhead followed by a lone Great Back-backed Gull, both of which were picked up on the return walk resting in the first oyster bed.

The flock of Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Reaching the end of the walk a Cormorant flying in from the sea and on the mudflats many feeding Oystercatchers.  Also on the mud and near the water's edge another seven Little Egrets.  Then it was back along the old railway line to the car park and noting both four Carrion Crows and a trio of Magpies on the way.

Time to move on with a thirty minutes drive via Fareham to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.  From the outside I came across many Mallards a lone Mute Swan and a dozen Turnstones in the Meon harbour whilst on the Solent shore more Turnstones along with a number of both Redshank and Ringed Plovers.  In addition to more Black-headed there were also a number of Herring and at least three Great Black-backed Gulls.

Redshanks Tringa totanus

Next it was the walk to the Meon Hide inside the reserve where the whole water seemed to have been overtaken by 200 Canada Geese.  Still plenty of resting Black-headed Gulls and five fishing Common Tern.  Also to be seen very many Teal and Mallard and, hidden amongst the geese, a lone Greylag Goose and a number of Lapwing.  Off to the right a dozen feeding Black-tailed Godwits plus the occasional Coot and maybe a dozen Moorhen.

A few of the hundreds of Canada Geese Branta canadensis

Looking beyond the reeds to my left a quintet of moving Little Egrets and a small number of Starlings foraging on the islands between the Canada Geese.  Before leaving to make my way back to Warsash a Cormorant flew over the water and both distant Carrion Crows and a Woodpigeon were seen, making a final morning's tally of 30 species.

Lapwings Vanellus vanellus amongst the Canada Geese Branta canadensis

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Redshanks Tringa totanus resting between Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 2 September

May only have been 22 species for the opening visit of the new season for the Arboleas Birding Group but, my word, it included some very special species including Bee-eater, Woodchat Shrike and Black-eared Wheatear amongst others.  So, all looks very positive for the coming months and, all being well, Dave himself will soon be back to fully fit and well-recovered.  Looking forward to reading about the coming exploits.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 2nd September

Before I do the bird report I'll give you an update on my mobility.  Short precis...started having pain in left knee. After 10 days went to the GP. X-Ray.  He concluded I had a bone spur between the joint.  Put me on tramadol/paracetamol and anti inflammatory meds.  Sent report to the Traumatology dept.  Went back for results a week later.  Seen by locum.  Traumatolgy didn't want to see me.  Do be dealt with by medication and physiotherapy.  Still in pain.  Given stronger painkillers.  After 4 more days of increasing pain went to A&E. Doctor checked X-ray.  Said I had ripped my meniscus and ligaments.  New tablets. Got Physio appointment. Assessed.  I have damaged my right hand tendon.  Got scan in a couple of weeks.  Walking much better with heavy duty knee brace!

I met Trevor at the Overa hotel and he drove me up towards the Sierra de Maria.  Birds were very few and far between.  First bird was a House Sparrow in the town.  Arriving at La Piza I attempted to refill the bird feeders with peanuts....Not having Nigel's fancy funnel I lost half a bag onto the ground but managed to half fill one of them.  The 6 or so Jays were having a field day picking the nuts up off the ground!  Next to arrive was a Nuthatch!  As we sat drinking luke warm coffee/tea we added Great and Blue Tit.  We were joined by Steve and Caroline.  I'd say it was the dream team only because I'd only had one hours sleep!

Nuthatch (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop.  The only bird I caught a glimpse of was a Woodchat Shrike.  Behind us Steve and Carolyn had added Kestrel and Carrion Crow.  At the village we only saw Goldfinches.  Carrying on we spotted flocks of Woodpigeon and the odd Crested Lark.  I was elated to find two perched Bee -eaters on a shrub.  At the cliff face we added some Barn Swallow.  Trevor spotted a Black Wheatear. I stayed with the vehicles as the others ventured to the far side.  I heard a Red-legged Partridge.  Nothing else was added to the list.

Bee-eaters (PHOT): David Elliott-Binns)

Moving on we had a fleeting sighting of a Black-eared Wheatear and a Hoopoe.  At the cave village we added Collared Dove.  The hamlet produced a second Kestrel, seen by Carolyn.  Stopping at the trough we saw three Turtle Doves.  Heading back to La Piza, a Griffon Vulture flew over our car, only seen by Steve and Carolyn who were behind us.  They headed home as Trevor and I had lunch.  We added Chaffinch to the list.

Turtle Dove (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

"Only" 22 species seen, but some good birds in there.  It was a cool 22c when we arrived and rose to 31c later on.  A great day birding to start our autumn series off.

Best wishes sent to Peter (1), Les and Carol

Please find below an email I received from Jennifer Dickinson.  What an amazing donation.  I'm organising a plaque to be put up next to Adrian's in the Botanical Garden for Bill Dickinson, Juda Hudson and Richard Hirons. 

Regards,

Dave

Attached is some information regarding the money raised in Bill's memory which was donated to the Andalucian Bird Society, and the very nice response from them and Salarte.  I know that you were intending to donate your field meeting's collection for 2025 to them in Bill's name, and thought you and your members would like to see a photograph of the plaque which Salarte has sited at the main entrance to the Trebujena Marshes.

It is comforting to know that some good has come from Bill's very very sad passing and that he will still have a small presence among the birds and salinas that he cared so much about.

Best wishes

Jennifer

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Hamble River, Warsash

Sunday 30 August

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

A very pleasant two-hour walk up the Hamble River to the conservations area and back with friend Hazel Croft-Phillips; even missing most of the heavy shower at the start and light shower over the last five minutes. Once at the riverside a number of Black-headed Gulls and the the first of many Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.  A handful of Turnstones on the water line near the ferry pier and even a Carrion Crow on the handrail.

Moving on past the pier more Black-tailed Godwits and then the first of the very many Ringed Plovers that were to be seen all the way up the river.  On the bank at the water's edge a pair of Grey Plover and then the first of four Curlew.  On the meadow side of the path a number of Woodpigeons seen near the gardens and a single Magpie whilst a Little Egret flew overhead down river.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Moving on to the flat mud of Bunny Meadow six Mute Swans flew in and came to rest at the river's edge and more Canada Geese, the latter's final number totalling twenty-two.  Finally, the first and only Herring Gull of the morning flew past.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Arriving at the conservation area we found seven resting Little Egrets along with no less than five Grey Herons.  Just a handful of Black-headed Gulls but also two distant, sleeping Greenshank.  Fortunately, the Greenshanks awoke so giving better views but no additional photographs taken.

Distant Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Finally, whilst check the resting Canada Geese before starting the return walk home, a pair of Oystercatchers were seen in the long grass at the back of the geese and whilst I noticed a Pied Wagtail on the bank near the old wreck, Hazel had a very close view of the second Pied Wagtail.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Curlew, Back-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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New Forest Birding

Friday 27 August

Dull as with friend Hazel Croft-Phillips we drove over to Normandy Lagoon on the Solent coast south of Lymington arriving for a 9.40 circuit of the lagoon.  As we set off Robin and Dunnock on the road and both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow as we crossed the field to the sea wall and picking up both House Sparrow and Blackbird as we approached the gate.

Once up on the sea wall very obvious that virtually no birds to be seen but a distant Cormorant. Scoping the area we found a handful of mallard and then the first flock of Ringed Plovers.  At least forty individuals accompanied by a few Dunlin but then checking the neighbouring islands found another two resting flocks, but this time also including a couple of Redshank.

A mix of Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula and Dunlin Calidris alpina

A large flock of Starlings flew in and across the lagoon and then we found a Great Black-backed Gull off to the far right and close by a trio of Grey Plovers.  Nearby the handful of Oystercatchers were suddenly joined by scores more.  On the far right back island not just a few more Dunlin but also a score or more resting Lapwing.  But only one Little Egret on the lagoon.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

No sooner had I found the first Pied Wagtail of the morning than Hazel managed to find us a single Meadow Pipit.  At this point fifteen Canada Geese flew in off the Solent and alighted on the water.

Redshank Tringa totanus (left) with mainly Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Having found the missing Little Egret we also noted the resting Grey Heron behind the bird.  Making our way back to Acre Pond and then the car we encountered a couple of Black-headed Gulls and a Magpie before another Pied Wagtail.  Once back on the road we then found a pair of Chaffinches and a Great Tit.  The final bird here was a Buzzard atop a pole as we set off for neayby Lower Pennington Lane and the Pennington Marshes.

Just over the hour at Pennington with hardly a drop of water to be seen; no lakes nor puddles, just dried, caked mud.  Obviously, hardly a bird to be seen. As we started our anti-clockwise loop a large passage of Starlings above us and a couple of Woodpigeon, Herring Gull and Carrion Crow overhead.

Once at the dry Fishtail Lagoon a distant pair of Mute Swans then up onto the sea wall to check the open water. Here, bird life at last with a resting mixed flock of gulls along with nine Cormorant and six Eider Ducks.  On the water close by a further three Eiders and a single Great Crested Grebe.  Moving on a small flock of fourteen Lapwings flew over us and then on the old irons sticking up near the "pier" about ten resting Turnstones.

Turning inland to make our way back to the car a Jay took off from the bushes on the right and the left-hand side produced a single Whitethroat.  The final walk also produced a handful of Linnets and a pair of Magpies to take the morning's final tally up to 34 species.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Eider, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Workmans Lane, Warsash

Monday 24 August

Back again this morning at 8.20 and success with both Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail recorded, but just single sightings.  Also present three Whitethroat and Stonechats.  Out of the nearby bush a Blue Tit then a Blackbird at the back of the paddock.  On the walk down Workmans Lane I had seen a couple of Robins and once in the horse field both Rook and Carrion Crow.  As I left, a couple of Magpies, Woodpigeons and 14 Barn Swallows.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

As an extra treat, lovely to come across three Roe Deer in the field on the right just after setting off down the lane.  

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

Birds seen:

Kestrel, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Robin, Whinchat, Stonechat, Blackbird, Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

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Workmans Lane, Warsash

Sunday 23 August

Arriving back in Warsash just before noon following my visit to Blashford Lakes, I decided to make a slight detour and walk down Workmans Lane to check the horse fields for any Yellow Wagtails.  No sooner had I set off than I came across a Common Redstart quickly followed by a Chiffchaff.  A handful of Barn Swallows flew past overhead and on reaching the horse fields a quintet of Magpies in the nature reserve on the right.

Walking up the path at the bottom of the horse field I soon added Carrion Crow, Jackdaws and Rooks but no sign of either Yellow Wagtail or Whinchat on this occasion.  A pair of Linnets as I made my way back towards the road and off to my left a flock of at least 80 Starlings in the air. On the fence as  approached the gate a Whitethroat.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

back at the gate I could see fifteen Barn Swallows resting on the wires above and a couple of Woodpigeons moving across the field.  Then, walking back up the road, a Robin resting on the wires above.

Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica

Bird seen:

Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Common Redstart, Robin, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

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Blashford Lakes

Sunday 23 August

Up early and at Blashford Lakes near Ringwood in the western New Forest by 8.30.  Starting at the Goosander Hide I had almost an hour enjoying the birds on view including Mute Swans, Mallards and a few Coot.  On the edges, a few Lapwing plus many Egyptian Geese along with a lone Snipe off to my right.  Nearer to me, at least eight Common and one Green Sandpiper then, best of all, a couple of Grey Wagtails arrived right below the hide. Both Pied Wagtail and a single Heron were also recorded.  Before leaving the hide, also a Little Grebe to my right, a single Dunlin on the water's edge to my left and just the one Sand Martin put in an appearance.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Out on the main Ibsley Water a number of resting Cormorant could be seen on one of the islands off to the back right along with more Lapwing and very many Egyptian Geese.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Time to move round to the Tern Hide for a clearer view of the main water.  making my way back to the car I stopped to watch a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a tree to my immediate left along with Dunnocks on the path.   Approaching the car both Carrion Crows and Jackdaws in the trees ahead of me.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Once in Tern Hide, very many Coot plus a good number of Mallard on the water.  Off to my left a few Tufted Duck and then the count of the Great Crested Grebes.  At the far back a number of Greylag Geese and many more Egyptian Geese, a making a final total of 62.  Nearer to me a couple of Blackbirds foraging on the land out side the hide.  Then, finally, time to check the main island off to the far left which, in addition to Cormorants and Egyptian Geese held very many gulls, mainly Herring but also Lesser Black-backed and two Great Back-backed Gulls.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Arriving at the Centre's car park across the road I first went straight to the Ivy South Hide where I found more Coot and Cormorants along with a a dozen Gadwall. next t was back through the trees to Ivy North Hide which proved to deplete of birdlife.

Roosting Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Before departing for home I took the long walk through the trees to reach both the small viewing hide overlooking Ivy Lake, which produced more Mute Swans and a Moorhen, and Rockford Lake off to my left.  Here I found a couple of small, gravel islands close to the shore which contained resting Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Common Terns with their two well-grown chicks.  

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

The walk through the trees also produced three Nuthatches, Great Tit, Robin, Blue Tit, a couple of Chiffchaff and a Song Thrush.  All in all, a most enjoyable and rewarding morning and well worth the journey.

Record shot of the Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

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