Farlington Marshes

Friday 18 September

Another dry day so over to Farlington Marshes arriving at 9.30 for an anti-clockwise circuit plus walk up the river n the return stretch.  A cool breeze blowing when exposed but lots of birds to be seen starting with a Magpie in the car park and followed by both a Black-tailed Godwit and Moorhen in the small pond as I approached the sea wall.  Once on the wall with the tide fully out, numerous Black-headed and a few Herring Gulls on the mud flats along with a quintet of Curlew and a number of Lapwing. Also present a couple of Little Egret, three Mute Swans and a pair of overflying Grey Herons.   Even a trio of Carrion Crows to add to the collection of feeding birds.

Curlew Numenius arquata

On the meadow in front and alongside the main lake a number of Lapwing and Meadow Pipits plus both Pied Wagtail and Robin.  On the water many Teal and Coot plus a handful of Shelduck and a solitary Avocet sleeping on the nearside bank.  However, in addition to a handful of Black-tailed there was also a single Bar-tailed Godwit.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Continuing on past the viewing point, where I also picked up a lone Oystercatcher, a small flock of linnets in the bushes on the corner then anther Lapwing on the mudflats.  All the very quiet until across to the far sea wall where, meeting another couple of birders, we first confirmed a Lesser Whitethroat and then found a Whinchat atop a low bush next to a resting Woodpigeon and at the now dry Deeps a pair of Wheatear.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Across the water towards Hayling Island a Cormorant was resting atop a large post and above the trees towards Langstone a quartering Osprey which was then mobbed by a Peregrine Falcon. All very exciting!  The dry Deeps, apart from the Wheatears, only produced a couple of resting Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons).  On the other hand, the walk on towards the path turning inland did suddenly present a passing Goldcrest which spent a minute or so in the tree in front of me and more Little Egrets out on the mud flats.  At this point a trio of Barn Swallows put in a brief appearance.

Canada Geese and Redshanks but what is the mystery bird hidden in the centre?

Once at the old barn and the lagoon and a number of Mallard plus a pair of Shoveler on the water and accompanied by a few Lapwing and Coot. Art the far corner at least eighty resting Redshank and more Canada Geese which were then to be seen all the way up the river towards the main lake.

Taking the grassy path to the river I cam across more teal and mallard and a stop at the first bench provided a couple of Willow Warblers, Pied Wagtail and more Linnets.  

Record hot of visiting Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Ahead of me at least sixty resting Redshanks at the waterside amidst the Canada Geese plus probably a dozen Dunlin.  One strange birds was, I imagine, a Black-tailed Godwit still in full "ginger" colouring asleep between a pair of Canada Geese but unable to get close enough, or the bird take an interest in what was going on around it, to make a definite identification.  Certainly, much larger than the Redshanks. A couple of Cetti's Warblers to my left and then a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull amongst the other gulls and before moving away from the water to return to the car noted a handful of recently arrived Pintails, still to moult out of their juvenile feathers.

Mainly Redshanks Tringa totanus but at least five Dunlin Calidris alpina at front

A very rewarding morning that eventually produced 40 species and still able to make my departure by 12.30.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Whinchat, Wheatear, Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

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Titchfield National Nature Reserve

Thursday 17 September

With the weather much improved this afternoon with warm sunshine and almost clear skies, albeit a little on the windy side, I took myself over to nearby Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve for a couple of hours before the site closed at 4pm.  Certainly no shortage of Canada Geese with at least 700 present along with about seven Greylag Geese.  Making my way to the entry point I managed to find eleven sleeping Sanderling on the beach and almost thirty Turnstones wondering what to do next with the water approaching high tide. 

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Also present in the harbour and on the river a number of Mallard plus Cormorants, Redshanks and a lone Little Grebe.  Even eighty Starlings congregating in the harbour and making use of the masts of the moored yachts.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Also in the river both Moorhen and Coot plus a couple of Cormorants and a small number of Mallards. A handful of Redshank were working the edges and all the gulls were Black-headed.

Redshank Tringa totanus

First a walk up the eastern side of the reserve where not only all the Canada Geese but a very distant, resting Buzzard and a pair of Stonechats.  This area also produced a few Herring Gulls and a single Little Egret and a Mute Swan.  Making my way back to the road I recorded Magpies and both a Green Woodpecker and a couple of Robins.

Very distant Buzzard Buteo buteo

Back to the main road and time for thirty minutes on the western side of the reserve viewing the scrapes from the Meon Hide.  Again, more than a hundred Canada Geese plus overt forty Black-tailed Godwits, fifty Lapwing a few Redshanks and at least five Snipe.  In addition to the Mallards there were scores of Teal.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Sleeping Sanderling Calidris alba

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Sanderling, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Robin, Stonechat, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca with Canada Geese Branta canadensis behind 

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Weston Shore, Southampton

Thursday 17 September

A few spots of rain as I set off for a quick visit to Weston Shore at the top end of Southampton Water as it meets the city's old dock.  Tide almost full out but very limited for birds.  From the southern car park mainly many Carrion Crows and Herring Gulls along with a couple of passing Cormorant, a dozen or so Mallard, handful of Little Egrets and a few Oystercatchers.  From the northern car park near the cafe mainly Black-headed Gulls plus a few more Oystercatchers and Little Egrets.  Strange to say but just the one Rock Dove (Feral Pigeons) and also a single Woodpigeon but  couple more in the trees behind the shore.  However, from this vantage point mainly Black-headed plus a single Great Black-backed Gull.  But out a the water line I did note a pair of feeding Black-tailed Godwits.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Moving down the coast a mile to the entrance to the Victoria Park in Netley at least fifty Black-headed Gulls on the shore and on entering Sophie's Pond on the other side of the road a trio of Moorhens making their way back to the water.  On the water itself a pen Mute Swan with her three well-grown cygnets and a quartet of Mallard.  All must have assume that I was one of the regular feeders as suddenly all the Black-headed Gulls along with Mallards and Mute Swans were either immediately in front of me or in the air above the water of this small pond.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow.

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Arboleas Birding Group all over the place!

Wednesday 16 September

All happening up in Almeria with members of the Arboleas Birding Group all seemingly chasing their own tails!  Didn't know whether to laugh or cry seeing the exploits of Kevin chasing around Cabo de Gata with then Barrie and Beryl enjoying what Villaricos had to offer bird-wise.  But my word, between them they managed to see some good birds so not all to waste and, no doubt, they enjoyed being back out amongst the local bird life. With a bit of luck and good wind perhaps the whole group will turn up in the same place next week, s good luck with that Dave and co!

Cabo de Gata and Villaricos: Wednesday 16th September

We have two reports today. I had to work so Kevin, "Billy no mates," returned to Cabo de Gata. Meanwhile, Barrie and Beryl landed at Almeria airport and headed straight to Villaricos thinking the group would be there!  Illustrations from Bob Wright's personal collection.

First is Kevin's report :

Rambla Morales and Cabo de Gata: 15-16 September

Preparing the campervan before I left home late on Tuesday afternoon, I could hear Bee-eaters passing over and then, as I came out of the front door, there was one sitting on a wire above the front garden. An auspicious start!

Bee-eaters (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

Arriving just beyond the Cabo de Gata campsite at about 6pm, I discovered I had forgotten my binoculars. Clearly, after the long summer break, I was unfamiliar with this birding lark. Or maybe I can blame the Bee-eaters. Fortunately, I did have the ‘scope.

A walk across the steppe eventually brought me to the ‘charco’, the pool. The air was alive with hirundines which, as far as I could tell, were all Barn Swallows. I made my way towards the seaward end, logging Coot, Common Sandpiper, Slender-billed Gull, Greenshank (4), Greater Flamingo (71), Black-winged Stilt, and singles of Redshank, Black-necked Grebe and Dunlin. I thought I could hear (but not see) Dartford Warbler so I put Merlin on, which confirmed it.

Dartford Warbler (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

Disruption from cyclists meant there were no waders at the beach end, though I did have flying Yellow-legged Gull over the beach. On the way back I added Moorhen, Sardinian Warbler, Thekla Lark and Wood Pigeon.

Racing against sunset, I drove to the Lay-by Hide at the Salinas and managed to add Little Egret, Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. Just 19 species so far. A sea dip at Cabo de Gata village just as the sun was setting prepared me for an evening in the van.

In Cabo de Gata village first thing on Wednesday, I added Collared Dove and Spotless Starling. The renovation of the old Guardia Civil tower looks to be almost finished but I fear the new rendering on the outside means the hole-ridden masonry favoured by Jackdaws is a thing of the past. Certainly no Jackdaws there today.

Back to the Lay-by about nine o’clock in hope of more species. 09.30 came and went and I remained Billy No-Mates (as Dave had predicted, haha!). I added Kentish Plover, Spoonbill and, in the usual place, a Southern Grey Shrike. Inside the hide was a Spanish bird photographer. I was outside when I saw a Marsh Harrier flying high from the direction of the village. I rushed into the hide, pointing to the right and saying: “¿Has visto este rapaz?” He swung his lens round as it came into view and rattled off a motor-drive sequence as the bird swung in front of us and landed, to then be unfortunately hidden among the vegetation. We’d had good enough views though and he was suitably grateful.

On to the Second Hide. A sea-watch produced just gulls and the only new species from the hide itself was a Lesser Black-backed Gull. From there I drove slowly towards the saltworks, scanning the seaward fences. Seeing a couple of LBJs, I pulled in fifty metres beyond and got the scope out. Just as I was finding the birds, they flew. You’ll have guessed what I thought they were but my view had been too fleeting to be certain. I drove on and again saw two LBJs some distance away. Another careful stop. Scope out, and this time I locked on to them. Definitely two, no, three Trumpeter Finches, then more, further along the fence, and flitting up from the ground. Nine in total. Great to see these again.

Trumpeter Finch (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

At the Original Hide the water level was much higher than last week. I had to search hard to find anything new and finally only spied four Shelduck. Also notable, in the usual area, the raft of Black-necked Grebes had increased to about 100 birds. Driving back, I added Blackbird and Magpie. A total of 30 species, not a great quantity but definitely some quality and as for the Trumpeter Finches, that made up for my "Billy No-Mates status."

Barrie's Report Villaricos: Wednesday 16 September

Thought I would produce a report of the birding session from this morning.

Beryl and I landed at Almería airport at 09:25 this morning and collected the hire car from Goldcar. Managing to get away just after 10 and seeing that the previous two Wednesday birding trips were to Maria and Cabo de Gata, I assumed that this week's trip would be to Villaricos.  So we drove to Salar de los Canos in order to catch up with the group.  But alas there was no sign.  

Undeterred I started looking over the pools starting with the dual carriageway.  First birds noted were Greater Flamingos, good numbers but mainly juveniles.  Also present were Black-winged Stilt, Coot, Moorhen and Little Egret in good numbers.  Other waders were Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and 4 Dunlin while a Water Rail made its way through the vegetation behind the open area of water.  Overhead were a mixture of Sand Martins and Barn Swallows with the odd Swift.  A pair of Marsh Harriers were then seen quartering the reeds and Kingfisher flashed past.  Moving passed the “hump” I encountered a single Wood Sandpiper, a few White-headed Ducks, Black-necked Grebe and Pochard. An Iberian Shrike then launched itself from a perch and caught a large dragonfly which it proceeded to eat. Not something I had seen before.  As we returned to the car a flock of 36 Bee-eaters flew over moving slowly towards Garrucha.

White-headed Duck (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

We then drove round to the Aquapark and viewed from the concrete sluice.  The only new birds there were a Cattle Egret, Cetti’s Warbler and a second Kingfisher.
A good 90 minutes birding with 27 species seen.

Thanks to Kevin, Barrie & Beryl.  They both seemed to have good outings. Hopefully we will all meet up next week.

Regards

Dave

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Hamble River, Warsash

12 September 2026

Dry and calm so another chance to take a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back at about mid-tide and before all the dog walkers descend on the area.  Once across the road from home and at the riverside a couple of Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits plus a handful of foraging Turnstones. But just a couple of Black-headed and a single Herring Gull.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once past the ferry landing stage more Black-headed Gulls and Black-tailed Godwits along with a couple of  Little Egrets.  Ten, opposite the first of the exposed islands, many more Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks pus scores of Ringed Plovers running around the island. Just the one Curlew noted at this point and no Great Black-backed Gull this morning.  The Greenshank on the island's near shore had now been joined by a second individual first seen on the meadow.  Alone Woodpigeon passed over and then immediately overhead a score of Canada Geese making their way up to the empty Bunny Meadow where I eventually found a resting flock of forty-four.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Towards the far end of the main island, apart from a Carrion Crow, a came across a pair of Little Stint amongst the many Ringed Plover.  Looking at the distant end of Bunny Meadow I picked out the only Oystercatcher of the morning but much nearer to me a lone Common Gull with a few Blacked-headed and a pair of Herring Gulls a little further away.

Little Stint Calidris minuta

Once at the conservation area a quintet of Teal around the wreck plus a couple of Redshank. On the river's edge behind me four Dunlin and forging around the conservation area a single Pied Wagtail.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Time to make my way back home and stopping at the main island I managed to find a pair of Grey Plover.  A Collared Dove was on the beach next to the ferry pier and on the land side of the path a lone Lapwing on the last stretch of mud.  Finally, a Magpie in a garden at the back of the meadow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Teal, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Redshank Tringa totanus (rear) with Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

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Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Thursday 10 September

An interesting couple of hours at Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve this morning concentrating on the "Boardwalk Trail" on the eastern side of the reserve.  Leaving the car I first called in at the public viewpoint overlooking the mouth of the River Meon where I found many Mallard and Gadwall plus Cormorants, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot and Redshank.  As I made my way to the road bridge I also picked up the feeding Glossy Ibis on the far bank.  In the harbour itself, now full of water as it approached high tide, many Mallard plus a handful of Turnstone.  Also present the adult Mute Swans with their two well-grown cygnets.

Many Canada Geese Branta canadensis with a resting Woodpigeon Columba palumbus in the foreground

Walking the path to wards the Meadow Hide I recorded Blue Tit, Robin and Cetti's Warbler and once in the hide scores of Canada Geese along with three Herons and six Little Egrets.  Woodpigeons and Carrion  Crows were moving about the site and a pair of Collared Doves rested in a bare tree to my front right. Both Magpie and Woodpigeon took the opportunity to rest on the fence in front of the hide.

Resting Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

Moving on to the Knights Bank Hide I found many more Canada along with six Greylag Geese.  On the far bank of the water at least thirty resting Lapwing which then took to the air as a passing Red Kite was mobbed by a couple of Carrion Crows.  Even better, a female Sparrowhawk quietly gliding below the front of the hide as it was "chased" by a Magpie.

Lapwings Vanellus vanellus take to the air

Time to return to the road and move on to the western side of the reserve.  However, with work taking place at the back of the South Scrape where it joins the Northern Scrape, at first not a bird in sight.  But then I located a trio of Oystercatchers followed by a pair of Common Sandpipers on the far island to my right.  Informed that a couple of Cattle Egrets were to be found with the handful of cattle not fifty metres away, off I went in search of the beasts.  However, by this time the animals had retreated to the shade and long grass but patience paid off as I caught sight of two adults and a juvenile Cattle Egret in the long grass between the animals.  Time to call it a day and as I departed a small flock of Linnets were moving around the small trees and bushes outside the Meon Shore Hide.

Now where's the Red Kite?

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 9 September

Well, well, well! Looks as if the Sun came out to play and even if only the three of you the Arboleas Birding Group found not only some master birds in Golden Eagle and Iberian Grey Shrike but also a little bit of adventure with off-road rescues.  But, Cabo de Gata is still my favourite site in Almeria.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 9th September

I drove myself in the truck down to Cabo de Gata.  Yet again I'd had a bad night so was slightly comatosed.  The knee is a little better, but I've run out of the medication so the pain is returning.  There were areas of sea mist/fog en route but by the time I was at the first hide the sun was out.  I hadn't logged any birds on my way from the motorway.  As I relaxed and came to my senses in the truck there was a steady stream of south bound Barn Swallows passing by. 

I commenced the real birdwatching when I was joined by Trevor.  A scan of the salinas in front of me from left to right produced Greater Flamingo, Mallard, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet and Slender-billed Gull. 

Visually I had now reached the rocky causeway.  There were 11 Grey Herons there and on the shrubbed causeway together with Little Egrets and a single Spoonbill.  A solitary Eurasian Curlew was stationed at our end of the rocks.  We were joined by Kevin.  He soon picked up a Marsh Harrier to our left and a Kentish Plover.  I added a Greenshank.  Kevin scanned the shrubland behind us and found the Iberian Grey Shrike he was looking for plus Collared Dove and Spotless Starling.

Iberian Grey Shrike (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We adjourned for liquid refreshments as it was beginning to get hot and humid.  House Sparrows joined us.  We drove to the beach opposite the second hide.  I had already decided I'd not walk to the hide and Kevin concurred with my decision because of the heat.  I scanned the relatively calm sea  and found a single Cory's/Scopoli's Shearwater.

We carried on to the public hide seeing a Thekla Lark en route.  From the hide Kevin found a Dunlin and I spotted a 40+ line of Black-necked Grebes.  Kevin found some Shelduck. There were a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the right hand salina.  I saw a distant "black" bird flying over the far side.  Kevin locked onto it with his scope to confirm a Glossy Ibis.  We decided enough was enough so left the parking area.  Just down the road I did my good deed for the day.  A Spanish couple had dropped their vehicle's front axle into soft sand and were spinning the front wheels to no effect.  With Trevor's help, my truck in 4x4 and my ever ready steel hauser we dragged them out.  You think it's all over but no.  As the Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket used to say, " And there's more!"  Trevor was following me through the plastic greenhouse shortcut.  We were approaching the main road at the far end when I spotted a large bird of prey perched on an electricity pylon.  A Golden Eagle.  As it flew off there were no white markings suggesting an adult.

Golden Eagle (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A great finish to the day.  24 species seen with two mates.

Regards, Dave

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