Normandy and Pennington Marshes

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

 Wednesday 6 May

Cloudy but dry with a light, cool breeze as I arrived at Normandy Lagoon south of Lymington on the Solent shore opposite the Isle of Wight. No sooner out of the car than I recorded Dunnock, Blackbird, Woodpigeon and Chaffinch. then it was out across the field to the sea wall where upon reaching the lagoon I noted the decrease in both water and birds.  Lots of Shelduck plus a number of Canada Geese along with many Oystercatchers, a Little Egret and a few Mallards.  Mainly Black-headed but also a few Herring Gulls along with a plentiful supply of Avocets.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

A Pied Wagtail was on one of the nearer islands and then the sight of the first Little Terns plus a few Common Tern albeit the majority of the latter were on the larger (C) island. Also on island C a pair of nesting Sandwich Terns in amongst the Common Terns.  At the western end a score of resting Dunlin.

Resting Dunlin Calidris alpina with Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Continuing on along the sea wall I found a pair of Lapwing, a quartet of Redshank plus a handful of Tufted Ducks and a lone Great Crested Grebe.  Just a couple of Ringed Plover but at the very back behind an upturned boat a pair of Egyptian Geese.  meanwhile, the fence below me suddenly produced a Linnet and on the path in front a couple of House Sparrows.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

On the outer land towards the main river a Great Black-backed Gull and as I made my way back along the sea wall I came across a lone Bar-tailed Godwit resting close to a single Oystercatcher and Dunlin.  Then a male Reed Bunting alighted on the fence below me.  making my way back to the exit from the sea wall I came across both male and female Stonechat and a number of Reed Warblers in the corner bed of reeds.  Once back in the field the nearby hedge produced a Lesser Whitethroat and Magpie.  A lone Barn Swallow flew past and looking up I noted the calling Buzzard.  before leaving the rea I did check out the area near Acre Pond and found Wren, Blue Tit and Heron.  A single Cormorant flew past over the main water whilst making my way back to the car I also noted both Chiffchaffs and Starlings.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Time to move on to nearby Pennington Marsh at the end of the lane bearing the same name.  An hour and a quarter undertaking an anti-clockwise circuit produced 30 species commencing with Robin, Blackbird and Woodpigeon as I set off towards Fishtail Lagoon.  Lots of Black-headed plus a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the nearly dry lagoon whilst the water itself held a number of Shelduck and over fifty Avocets. Also noted on this outward journey Greenfinch, Song Thrush and Linnet.

Resting Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

Along with the gulls there were very many Canada Geese and Shelduck plus more than a score of Mallard. Approaching the drop down to the water and short path to the steps up to the se wall I managed to find Cetti's and Reed Warblers plus a Whitethroat and, at the water, a Redshank and pair of Mute Swans.  Looking at the lagoon from the sea wall apart from the many Avocets also a passing Barn Swallow and a distant Heron.  Another Heron was seen on Butts Lagoon where there were also a number of Coot.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Moving on to Pennington Lagoon I found eight Gadwall, about a score of Black-tailed Godwits along with more Mallard and a single Oystercatcher plus a male Reed Bunting on the fence below.  Out at sea a passing Common Tern and Cormorant. In addition, the end of the "pier" held a pair of Turnstone.  Finally, making my way back to the car I observed both a single Lapwing, more Little Egret and a first Common Redstart of the year, so ending a very enjoyable morning's birding which produced 54 species.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (left) with Oystercatcher

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat,  Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica with Dunlin Calidris alpina

Canada Goose Branta canadensis with goslings

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Gadwall Anas strepera

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis  (Black head)

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus (male above, female below)

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 6 May

What a fabulous day's biding for the Arboleas Birding Group.  Some many great species seen; Woodchat Shrike, Bee-eater, Whinchat, etc and all supported by some absolutely gorgeous photographs.  Well done everyone and you probably had the same number of species as I did whilst visiting the Pennington and Normandy Marshes on the south coast of the New Forest below Lymington and immediately opposite the Isle of Wight.  My specials probably included the Little, Common and Sandwich Terns plus a range of warblers and male Common Redstart.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 6th May

Nigel, being back in good health, picked myself and Michelle up in Arboleas and we headed north in glorious sunshine and some clouds towards the Sierra de Maria.  Passing our bird count starting point in Velez Blanco we logged House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow and Serin before entering Maria town. Here we added Collared Dove, Common Swift and Spotless Starling.  Before we got to the La Piza forest cafe we'd also seen Goldfinch. 

The bird feeders were replenished with peanuts and seeds.  As we drank our coffee we were delighted to see Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal and Great Tit having breakfast.  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn, Jenny, Ab, Phil and Carol.

We commenced the loop . It was great to see a pair of Rock Bunting as we drove through the forest section.  Once into the field section we spotted Raven, Crested Lark, Magpie and Calandra Lark.  We stopped at our usual place below the village.  Barn Swallows were quartering the meadow in front of us. Steve and Carolyn found a Little Egret.  I found a distant Woodchat Shrike on some reeds, my first of the year.  Also seen were Linnet and the first of many Corn Buntings.

Corn Bunting (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We carried on along the track seeing more Goldfinch, Linnets and Corn Buntings.  We added Red-billed Chough and Carrion Crow before spotting a magnificent, very obliging male Whinchat!  A Moorhen made an appearance by the reeds.  As we passed some shrubbery we heard at least two Nightingales singing away.  Behind us, Jenny and Ab were lucky enough to see them.  Also seen was a Woodpigeon. 

As we approached the cliff face, I could see a "lump" sitting on its crest.  A perched Griffon Vulture.  We stopped a distance away so the others could catch up and see the spectacle.  A Black Wheatear was also on the crest, a suitable distance away  from his enormous cousin!  Steve and Carolyn had seen a Red-legged Partridge.  The cliff face was "alive" with Rock Sparrows.  I spotted a Stock Dove.  Nigel, I think, found a spiral of 7 Griffon Vultures.

Male Whinchat (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Moving on, we approached the airstrip where I saw a Short-toed Lark, showing off its brown crown.  A Thekla Lark was on the fence.  Above us a Carrion Crow was harassing a large Raven with five other Ravens circling round.   As we drove through the two villages we saw Bee-eaters on the power lines.  Jenny and Ab also saw a Spotted Flycatcher.  En route to the hamlet we added Hoopoe and White Wagtail.

Bee-eater (PHOTO: Nigel White)

On the roof of the barn we saw a female Lesser Kestrel.  I missed the nearby Little Owl seen by Steve and Carolyn.  Three or four Lesser Kestrels were seen.  We managed to get Carol to see a pair of Red-billed Chough which had eluded her earlier.

Female Lesser Kestrel (PHOTO: Nigel White)

As "someone" was peckish, I got Nigel to head for the La Piza forest cafe.  Whilst eating our lunch we added Blackbird, Crested and Blue Tit. Carol found a Short-toed Treecreeper.  Also seen were Jay, Collared Dove, Chaffinch, Great and Coal Tit.  The Great Spotted Woodpecker returned for a snack.

What a great day.  46 species seen.  Great company as usual!

Dave

Griffon Vulture (PHOTO: Nigel White)

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Warsash and Solent Shore

Sunday 3 May 

A cloudy but completely calm start to the day so a walk along the shore past the harbour at Warsash and on down to the Spit and continue along the Solent as far as the meandering Pool before returning.  Al, it seemed, very quiet yet by the time I reached home I had recorded 35 species. Once past the harbour a couple of Black-headed Gulls on the shore along with a handful of House Sparrows nearby and a passing Woodpigeon.  Continuing on down to the navigation pier a dozen Herring Gulls, Carrion Crows and at least 22 Starling foraging on Strawberry Fields.  Blackbird, Robin and Great Tit were recorded on the path edges as I passed by.

Once at the pier a Pied Wagtail on the shore just beyond and a couple of Oystercatchers nearer the water's edge.  I could see a lone Heron resting on the lee side of the Spit and behind me, in he vegetation, both a Wren and Cetti's Warbler.  Reaching the Spit a Common Tern was passing southwards close to the shore and in the reeds behind me a quartet of Mallard along with a single Reed Warbler.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

On down towards the Scrape and the bushes on the far side of the canal produced both Whitethroat and Linnet and once at the pool a small number of Black-headed Gulls along with a pair of both Canada Goose plus a Gadwall, Shelduck and Moorhen.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Making my way past the gorse area to the Meandering Pool a passing Little Egret and the first of two Skylarks.  A Magpie in the trees at the back and overhead five Barn Swallows. Another Little Egret on the Meandering Pool then a few more Linnets a I made my way back to the Scrape where I came across a pair of Pochard a the back of the water along with a single Mediterranean Gull.

Sky Lark Alauda arvensis

Continuing on to the Navigation Pier and just beyond the first of two Dunnocks then, what a lovely surprise, a  most handsome male Wheatear suddenly on the fence in front of me.  meanwhile, a pair of Rock Doves on the slipway and out on the river a lone Great Crested Grebe.  Even more to my surprise a Curlew had arrived on the shore and finally a Blue Tit as I arrived home.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Rock dove, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Linnet.

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Almeria Birding with Kevin Borman

Friday 1 May 

Nothing like following u a good sighting with a fresh outing to look for more!  And as for Carol, I'm sure she will be wanting more so time to start think of "Where next?"  I've included a couple of my shots of a Caspian Tern from Spain, just for Carol!

Occasional Birding: Salar de los Canos 01 May 2026

Hola birders, 

Our friends Phil and Carol are visiting at the moment.  Carol in particular has got into birding in a big way recently and is keen to see new species.  Dave’s group’s visit to Cabo de Gata two days ago produced a few of those and since Tuesday 13 new birds have been added to Carol’s list.  This morning I suggested a trip to the ‘Consum Lagoons’ to see what else we could find.  Troy presented an absence note, explaining that she has many garden tasks to do before she makes a UK visit next week, so it was just the three of us.

It was late morning but still overcast when we arrived.  Starting at the dual carriageway we made the usual stops but also included the ‘First Tower’.  We had Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Coot, Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Pochard, Avocet, Goldfinch, Little Grebe, Blackbird, Shelduck, Mallard, Grey Heron, Black-necked Grebe, White-headed Duck, Chiffchaff, Barn Swallow, Swift, Yellow-legged Gull, Kestrel, Caspian Tern (three), House Martin, House Sparrow, Red-rumped Swallow and White Wagtail.  Regarding the terns, we were in the First Tower and I was just computing what I thought I’d seen when a couple turned up and the guy (who turned out to be a knowledgeable birder from the Wirral) asked what we’d seen and said, “Did you see the Caspian Terns?”  Good to have confirmation.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

At the estuary w e added only Little Egret.  A stroll along the front at Villaricos produced Spotless Starling and Turnstone. There were no limits to the recording area today, so we were able to add a few more species as we travelled: Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Jackdaw, and Magpie.  The ‘Silver Road’ over the top of the Sierra Cabrera from Turre to Gafarillos produced Northern Wheatear and Red-legged Partridge.  Almost home, we had a fly-by Hoopoe.  From today’s ‘garden list’, we added Great Tit and Bee-eater.  37 species, of which four were new for Carol, highlighted in bold.  A successful and enjoyable few hours in excellent company.

Kevin

Sometimes you see more than one!

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 29 April

The Arboleas Birding Group led by my friend David Elliott-Binns were back at my favourite Almeria site today, Cabo de Gata.  Seemed somewhat strange to read about the small number of Flamingos on show but at least they did find a great spot with the Caspian Tern, never mind the Gull-billed Terns and both an Iberian Shrike and a Sone Curlew.  Lucky them; I'm most envious.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 29 April

With Nigel having the dreaded lurgy, I drove round and picked up holidaying birder Michelle and Peter (1) and headed south on the motorway in grey overcast weather conditions.  We came off at the Retamar Sur exit, seeing a Magpie before we hit town.  We saw Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon and Spotless Starling.  A pair of Mallard flew over and Michelle added two Yellow-legged Gulls on a lamppost.  We reached the first hide.  As Nigel had informed me a few days ago, the water levels were down but OK.  Not many birds.  Only saw probably 70 Greater Flamingos, down on the usual 400+ hopefully meaning the remainder were somewhere like Fuente de Piedra nesting.  The rocky causeway exhibited a Common Tern and a Yellow-legged Gull.  We were joined by Trevor, Kevin, Troy and their two friends, Phil and Carol. Michelle spotted a Black-winged Stilt.  The first of many Gull-billed Terns for the day flew over, followed by a Stone Curlew.  Steve and Carolyn arrived.  I found some Shelduck, Avocets and a passing Barn Swallow.  Kevin added some distant Slender-billed Gulls and a Ringed Plover.  We adjourned for a coffee and a tostada for some in the village cafe.

Painted Lady Butterfly (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Suitably refreshed, we made for the beach opposite the second hide.  Steve found a Gannet.  Michelle, Peter and I made our way to the village to check out the salinas for gulls, but there were no birds in sight but a Painted Lady butterfly showed well.  The others walked towards the second hide but it was closed for works.  Hence they got to the public hide before us.  Kevin had already found a Caspian Tern on the right hand salina with Audouin's Gulls.  They also had Dunlin and Kentish Plover.  I added a Grey Plover and Thekla Lark before Kevin spotted a Curlew Sandpiper.  Carol found a Yellow Wagtail. Troy spotted a Sardinian Warbler.  Michelle, Peter and I headed home, picking up Jackdaw and Common Swift through the greenhouse shortcut.  The others ventured to the lighthouse where they added Cormorant, Corn Bunting and an Iberian Grey Shrike.

Record shot of the Caspian Tern (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

32 species in total.  Numbers down but some good birds seen.  Great to see so many Gull-billed Terns, the Common Tern and of course the bird of the day, the Caspian Tern!

Great company as usual Regards

Dave

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Fishlake Meadow and Testwood Lakes

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

 Friday 24 April

A beautiful, warm, sunny day for the morning visit to Fishlake Meadows, Romsey with friends Richard Osman and Adrian Enzner before then continuing on to relatively nearby Testwood Lakes on the other side of the M27. No sooner out of the car than our first Magpie having already recorded a Collared Dove as we approached the site.  Immediately to the fence beyond the canal path entrance to check the bushes but nothing seen other than Woodpigeons.  However, in this opening area many Chiffchaff and  Robin but, also, looking up into the sky Adria noted the passing Mediterranean Gull whilst I manage to recognise the passing Hobby at a great height.  But we all saw the pair of Common Swifts.

Record shot of Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti

Continuing on down the canal path we were constantly in the presence of the many Cetti's Warblers and Chiffchaffs along with the occasional Wren, Dunnock and Blackbird. Soon we had also added both Whitethroat and a singe Garden Warbler.  A handful of Long-tailed Tits were also foraging on our left.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Away over the meadow on the water were a number of Mute Swans and a regular passage of Greylag Geese as they moved around the site.  then a quartet of Egyptian Geese flew away and I managed to pick up a distant Common Tern.  Whilst in the area six Gadwall flew over.  Continuing on with long stops at the two viewing points we found Blackcaps and, eventually, a number of Sedge Warblers but no clear views re photographing of the latter. However, the soaring Marsh Harrier was a welcome sight.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Reaching the path down to the entrance to the hide walk we came across first  a foraging Blue Tit then a Stonechat. The small pool jut inside the entrance gate was devoid of bird life but plenty of singing Sedge Warblers in the nearby vegetation.  Then it was back to the car park to start our drive across to the Testwood Lakes but first a stop, once back on the main road, to check the viewpoint overlooking the main water.  here we found many Mute swans and a mall number of Greylag Geese along with seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Also on the water a small number of Tufted Duck and Coot along with a single Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Pochard.  Not many resting Cormorant but we did have a passing Heron and Richard and Adrian saw the Kingfisher flash past the hedge immediately in front of them.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Arriving at Testwood Lakes at 12.30 first time for our picnic lunch before walking across the field in front of the Visitors Centre to take the path to the right and visit the screens overlooking the Scrape. Lots of Canada Geese and Lapwing to be seen along with a Heron and Black-headed Gulls. A Barn Swallow flew past and to our left we found a Pied Wagtail.  of the distant right a Great White Egret an then a pair of Mute Swans to our extreme right. Just before leaving one of the other birders found the male Wheatear on the gravel nesting area in front of us but no decent photograph to record the bird.

Canada Geese Branta canadensis with Lapwing (centre middle) and blurred image of Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe immediately to the right

Time to make our way back along the path and then continue on through the wood to the main hide overlooking the water and just visited Scrape now below us to the right. First a Blackbird then Chiffchaff and Blue Tits plus a Jay seen by three three of us to add to the individual that was was resting on the entrance gate back towards the Visitors Centre and a few Blackcap.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo 

Once ensconced upstairs in the hide a good view of the water in front and the artificial Sand Martin bank to our right which was being regularly visited by the now-arrived Sand Martins. Lots of Lapwing and both Canada and Greylag Geese to be seen plus a pair of Moorhen.  On the grass in front of us a resting Egyptian Goose and a Common Tern atop a fence pole in the water.  

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegytptiaca

The area between the two waters held a lone Redshank and on the pol to our left we found a quartet of Gadwall plus four more Common Tern. A second Great White Egret put in an appearance as it flew across the pool to our left.  Having seen the lone Great Crested Grebe we finally, having noted the Magpie at the far side of the water, also saw our first Woodpigeon in the area.  Time to set off home having recorded almost fifty species during the morning.

Record shot of  Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobanus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Kingfisher, Sand Martin,  Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow. 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

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Workmans Lane, Warsash

 Thursday 23 April

Another sunny morning and even a little warmer as the breeze died down.   Arriving at the top of Workmans Lane, Warsash by 9.40 and no sooner out of the car and a Wren observed.  Within fifty metres the first Whitethroat of the morning and carrying on down to the entrance to the horse field added Dunnock, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Magpie and even a Cetti's Warbler.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Setting off across to the horse field to the stable and back at least a dozen Carrion Crows present plus a couple of Linnet.  A pair of Barn Swallows flew past my face and were then gone.  Meanwhile, the Chiffchaffs kept singing and, once back on the lane to continue on down to the shore, the first Robin and a male Chaffinch.  A rather smart Blue Tit put in an appearance along with a few Woodpigeon and at the bottom of the path a pair of Mallards on the small, private pond to the left.

Blue Tit Parus Caeruleus

With the coast footpath closed I walked along the beach to Chilling Head before continuing on to the track through the tress and then Cowes Lane back up to the car.  On the shore itself just the lone Oystercatcher and a half-dozen Herring Gulls.  Whilst walking up the last lane a Collard Dove noted.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Birds seen:

Mallard, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn wallow, Wren, Dunnock,  Robin,  Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow,  Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

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