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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Wednesday 22 April

A sort of ever-increasing roll for today's turn out of the Arboleas Birding Group but, in the end, a good number of species to enjoy.  Particularly liked the Purple Heron and all those Red-rumped Swallows.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 22nd April

I went round to Peter 1's and drove him towards the Rambla de Almanzora.  Being a bit early we had a small drive further up the valley.  At a ford, with water(!) we found a male Mallard and also 14 ducklings.  Also seen on our tour we saw Serin, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Magpie, Spotless Starling and Woodpigeon.  We returned to the parking area where Kevin's campervan was parked.  He was on his walk up to the sewage works.  We heard at least three Nightingales singing from the reeds and shrubbery.  We added Blackbird and White Wagtail before Phil, Jen, Kevin and Trevor arrived. Kevin's list included House Sparrow, Zitting Cistacola, Common and Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed, Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Dunlin in breeding plumage, Moorhen and Little Grebe.

We headed to the beach.  There was a Grey Heron on the harbour rocks together with a Yellow-legged Gull.  A wader was spotted on the beach which turned out to be a Turnstone.  Phil saw a Little Egret.

We moved round to the estuary.  I have never seen it so devoid of birds.  There was a Mallard.....yes, that was it!  A pair of Goldfinch flew over.  We retreated to the "Shark" cafe in the village  As we were about to leave, Steve and Carolyn arrived.  They would join us on the dual carriageway.  As we headed that way I saw some Red-rumped Swallows.

Sleeping Spoonbill with Black-winged Stilt (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We arrived on the dual carriageway and scanned the shallows below us.  There were a few Avocets, Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos, a sleeping Spoonbill and a pair of Shelduck.  Kevin found some Common Pochards, White-headed Ducks and three Ruff.  There was a very vocal Sardinian Warbler perched on a bush.  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn and Jacky.  A Heron was circling above the opposite bank.  When landed it was obviously a Purple Heron.  Above us we could see numerous Common Swifts.  Kevin found a pair of Black-necked Grebes.  I spotted four flying Red-crested Pochard.  Jacky heard some Greenfinch.

Purple Heron (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove round to the pool opposite the Aguaparc.  The water was beginning to get covered in weeds. Some male Mallards were asleep on the concrete below us. Red-rumped Swallows were nesting in the gully.  We saw Red Crested and Common Pochard, White-headed Ducks and Little Grebes.  A House Martin was our last addition to our list.

Sleeping male Mallard (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We saw 42 species.  A good days birding in great company.  Great to see Phil and Jen after a 4 year gap!

Regards

Dave

Shelduck (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Weston Shore, Southampton

Tuesday 21 April 

Bright and sunny but quite cold as I spent about an hour at Weston Shore which is at the top of Southampton Water as you approach the port.  No sign of a Whimbrel this morning but, as expected, scores of foraging Carrion Crows and Herring Gulls along with a single Great Black-backed Gull and Little Egret plus  handful of Rock Doves.  Also present five resting Mute Swans and a similar number of Great Crested Grebes on the water.  As I departed a couple of Starling flew past.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 

Moving a mile south to Netley at the entrance to Victoria Park I picked up the Black-headed Gulls then walked across the road to check Sophie's Pond.  here I found a number of Mallard plus a male Mandarin Duck acting as foster father/guardian to a Mallard with seven ducklings, keeping all the other ducks and gulls well away from the youngsters.  

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata with Mallard ducklings

Also on the pond a single Mute Swan and Moorhen with a Woodpigeon watching the proceedings.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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Hamble River, Warsash

Sunday 19 April 

The sun was shining in a clear blue sky so took a very quick walk up the neighbouring Hamble River to the conservation area and back.    Not so many birds about but numbers gradually increased as I added my final, 16th, species when almost back.  A very different Turnstone a the summer plumage develops.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

The outward journey started with a few Black-headed Gulls along with the occasional Herring Gull and then a small group of Black-tailed Godwits with the tide just over half-way in.  On the exposed western edge of the first island a pair of Oystercatchers and in the channel both a Redshank and a Shelduck.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Both Carrion Crow and Blackbird noted along with more Black-tailed Godwits as I made my way to the conservation area.  Just the one Curlew noted and at the back of one of the neighbouring gardens a single Canada Goose.  Once at the conservation area, now rapidly filling with water, a few Black-headed Gulls and a single Curlew on the eastern bank.  A Pied Wagtail flew across the water.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

As I started back a few Woodpigeons in the trees at the back of the meadow and then a pair of resting Mute Swans in an inlet on the shore.  The next beach area produced a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls before noting eleven Starlings on the lawn of a large house.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus

Finally, as above, approaching the ferry pier a Turnstone working the water's edge.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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Edenbrook Country Park, Fleet

Red Kite Milvus migrans

 Saturday 18 April

Promising to be a lovely sunny morning as friend Richard Osman collected me at 8.30 for our drive up to Edenbrook Country Park, Fleet at the north of the county for the organised HOS meeting at 10am.  A total of ten members present under the guidance of John Blithe as we set out on our three mile circuit of the park including ponds, fields and wooded areas.  Even as we started we had first a couple of Red Kite overhead followed by a pair of passing Mute Swans and a lone Black-headed Gull.  Nearby both Blackbird and Robin before we found the singing Blue Tit.  naturally, there had to be Woodpigeons in the trees and then a Carrion Crow.  With regard to the Red Kites, we were never to be without at least one for the whole morning, often at very close quarters above us.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Setting off on our clockwise circuit a pair of Mallard flew over and a nearby trees held a quartet of Goldfinch.  Approaching the first reed-covered pool with its two viewing platforms we saw Blackbirds then Chiffchaff and Cettis's Warbler calling and once at the platform, having already heard them, we found our first Reed Warbler.  Overhead at least three House Martins and then, as we moved off, our first Sedge Warbler of the morning.  Well exposed and often returning to the same small tree, the Sedge Warbler was very easy on the eye for all present.  Indeed, whilst standing in the same area we then made contact with both Linnet and more Goldfinches.  Almost right on cue a Willow Warbler put in an appearance as did a male Stonechat.

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

In the next meadow area we found a family of well-grown Egyptian Geese with their parents and, at the back of the field, a mix of both Jackdaw and Rook.  Moving round the bend to the next field we found, in the long grass, a further score of resting Egyptian Geese along with about ten Canada Geese. beyond the geese we could hear the "yaffling" Green Woodpecker.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Continuing on, having already seen at least three male Reed Bunting, we recorded more Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits plus Wren, Robin and Blackbirds.  At the open water a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls plus both Coot and Moorhen with yet another male Reed Bunting.  To the left of the water more Mallards. passing the nearby houses on the now developed Edenbrook estate, the rough area produced more Reed Buntings and another Stonechat whilst the Red Kite above was joined by a circling Buzzard.  At this point we recorded our first Starling of the morning.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

As we approached the end of our walk we finally got to see, rather than just hear, a Dunnock.  Having, according to "Merlin" heard numerous Whitethroat, I returned to a suitable thick hedge near the car park, listened to the Whitethroat singing and finally caught sight of the bird as it moved away.  Job done I was very happy as I, personally, recorded my 35th species of the morning.  We said our goodbyes to pleasant company and as Richard and I ate our picnic lunch at the leisure centre, we watched a quartet of Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) put in an appearance.

Male Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Red Kite, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, House Martin, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Red Kite Milvus migrans

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Romsey and Testwood Lakes

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

 Friday 17 April

Away early and on site at Fishlake Meadows, Romsey by 9 o'clock. Woodpigeons as I left the car and immediately the first of the many calling Cetti's Warblers. Stopping for a while opposite the entrance overlooking the bushes on the other side of the canal path I immediately recorded both many Blackcaps and Long-tailed Tits.  In the same area the first of many Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Blue and Great Tits and a pair of Mallard on the canal itself.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus (left) with male Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Continuing on down the path to the bench I had a Marsh Harrier overhead and then a pair of Bullfinch in the small tree in front of the seat.  Greylag Geese were flying past over the distant water and I could make out a number of Mute Swans.  The occasional Black-headed Gull few over and the Wrens were noted in the bushes below the path on the reserve side.  Nest my first Sedge Warbler of the year.  No sooner seen than I was to see three more, all giving photo opportunities.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

No sign of the reported Cuckoo seen earlier in the morning but a Garden Warbler was identified along with Dunnock and a Song Thrush. Moving on down to the path leading to the screens I only ventured as far as the first water on my left where I found a Coot, Mute Swan and a pair of Pochard.  Then the first Reed Bunting of the morning and soon another. Whilst there I noted the resting Kestrel on the distant pylon and a Sparrowhawk moving south above the wires.  then it was back to the car park seeing many of the previously seen species but also a Magpie and a Nuthatch.

Moving on to nearby Casbrook Common I first stopped at the roadside viewpoint to check the main water and noted fifteen Mute Swan plus a pair of Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, more Coots and six Cormorants. Also present, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a singe Common Tern.

Casbrook Common was very quiet but it did produce a couple of Pheasant, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Starling and House Sparrow. And having gone so long with out seeing a Bullfinch, another male to add to the pair seen at Fishlake Meadows.

Record shot of male Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

With time to spare I then made my way back to the motorway and across to Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve where I was able to spend almost a couple of hours walking the trails and concentrating both on the screens overlooking the scrape and the the first hide with its elevated observation room giving excellent views over the whole wet area.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Black-headed and Lesser Back-backed Gulls, a Mallard family and Chiffchaff as I approached the screens and then the appearance on many Little Egret plus a few Coot and a number of Lapwing. A pair of Greylag Geese and about a dozen Canada Geese.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Just as I was about to move on a Great White Egret suddenly appeared to my (close) right and a Heron to the left.

Great White Egret Ardea alba

Many Chiffchaff along with Blue Tit and Blackbird as I made my way to the first hide and there, in front of me, a closer view of the resting gulls and Canada Geese plus a number of Lapwing and a pair of Oystercatchers.  Just visible, a Little Ringed Plover between a couple of Lapwing and a second at the far end of the water in front of me.  To the right, on the gravelly spit, a Common Sandpiper. Also a male Shoveler and more Coot.  Off to the far left, almost out of sight from the hide, six resting Cormorant.

Distant Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

But more intriguing, the activity of the many Sand Martins which have found the newly-built artificial nesting bank and were now busy collecting small items to nest their chosen holes.  Absolutely fascinating to see the birds fly straight to their chosen hole given that there are no natural features to help the birds locate their chosen nesting site.

Sand Martins Riparia riparia at the artificial nest bank.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Sand Martin, House Martin, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler,  Blackcap, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow,  Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch,

Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla

Blue Tit  Parus caeruleus gathering food/nesting material

Male House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with Little Ringed Plover between

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Who is this mystery bird?

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