Cabo de Gata

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

Saturday 21 February

At last, back in Andalucia on my drive south to Malaga Province.  But fist a morning stop at Cabo de Gata in Almeria where I met p with my friend Dave Elliott-Binns and my hosts for the next four days, Steve and Elena Powel who had driven up from Frigiliana to meet up with us.  Clear blue skies and very warm sunshine as the temperature rose well into the twenties centigrade and time to explore the Salinas.

Approaching the first hide at the entrance to the village House Sparrows, Collared Doves and Spotless Starlings on the wires then, from the hide, a small number of Flamingos on the water accompanied by the occasional Lesser Black-backed and Slender-billed Gulls.  Below us in the vegetation and nearby pools Thekla Lark and Stonechat with a quartet of Mallard and couple of Black-winged Stilts on the water.

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

Time to move on round to the second hide where we had a clearer view of the many Flamingos on the water.  Also present a Crested Lark and Sardinian Warbler.  First a Jackdaw flew over the hide then we saw a departing Curlew heading towards the village.

Moving on to the Public Hide I noted the resting flock of mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls before the nearer individual Black-tailed Godwit and a single Redshank.  Further out on the main eater to our left just a single Avocet and more Shelducks. A handful of resting Cormorants, with the occasional departure, were also recorded. Then what a surprise as we left the hide with first the appearance of a Dartford Warbler on the fence in front of us quickly followed by a trio of Trumpeter Finches.

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

At this point Dave had to make his departure back up to Arboleas and the three of us took the road over the hill to the lighthouse.  However, a slight diversion just past the salt storage took us near to the end salina where, amongst the resting gulls, we also found at least twenty Audouin’s Gulls.

Once at the coast a walk around the immediate area produced first a Black Wheatear quickly followed by Stonechats, White Wagtail and a Skylark.  Even a kestrel on the wires as we made our way out of the village and back towards our final destination in Frigiliana.  A most enjoyable visit in great company and some excellent sightings.

Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Flamingo, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin’s Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Skylark, White Wagtail, Black Wheatear, Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Trumpeter Finch.

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

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Navasaca, Daimiel

 Friday 20 February

Up early and off to the Laguna Navasaca in Daimiel, arriving at 8 just as the cold mist was starting to lift and a low sun rising in the east. Approaching the water I managed to record a Buzzard followed by a resting Little Owl atop a small ruin.  Also in the parking area a number of Spotless Starlings and Woodpigeon with a couple of Magpies at the hide.

Shovelers Anas clypeata in the early morning mist

In the gloomin’ many Shoveler on the water along with a distant group of Flamingos.  Off to the left in the reeds a single Greylag Goose and then a couple of White-headed Ducks appeared out of the mist. A pair of Mallard and Coot then appeared in sight.

Distant Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus at first light

Meanwhile, just below the hide to the right, the arrival of a mixed flock of (mainly) Spanish and House Sparrows.  Out on the small island a handful of resting Cormorants.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

Moving on down to the roadside screen to take a closer look at the resting Flamingos and then off round the back where I found both a Cetti’s Warbler and a passing Marsh Harrier.  On the wires a score or more Feral Pigeons.  As I moved off to take the farm track back to the main road more House Sparrows a few Jackdaw.  The last bird recorded was a passing Kestrel to take the total species for the hour up to 19.

Resting Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

 Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mallard, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, Cormorant, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Little Owl, Cetti’s Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow.

Passing Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

White-headed Duck Oxyura  leucocephala  in the morning mist

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Farlington Marshes

Saturday 14 February

After all the wet and gloom (and more of that from tomorrow), it was lovely to wake up to a beautiful sunny day with bright blue skies even if somewhat cold.  Time to wrap up warm, fish out the walking boots and with friend Adrian Enzner drive over to Farlington Marshes for a clockwise circuit of the site.  Arriving on site at 10.15 to face the high tide just on the turn we setoff for the viewing point overlooking the lake on the western boundary.  Goldfinches as we walked through the wooded area and then, once on the sea wall, time to view the roosting Black-headed plus at least one Common Gull and a dozen Oystercatchers on a slip of an island just off the present shore.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Arriving in the lake area the first of a number of Stonechats below us whilst out on the water many Pintail, Teal and distant Shelduck along with Mallard, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.  A lone Heron off to the left and a Cormorant resting with a few Lapwing and handful of Redshank.  But no other waders to be seen. At least a quartet of Little Grebe and at the back of the water a passing Marsh Harrier looking for a slight snack!  beyond the fence we could easily identify the scores, if not hundreds, of Canada and Brent Geese.

Pintails Anas acuta

Back a 100 yards and down the steps to take the waymarked path across the meadow alongside the river to reach the old barn.  On the field in front first a Moorhen then a pair of Pied Wagtails followed by a trio of Meadow Pipits. On the river more Shelduck and Black-headed Gulls along with a few Coot. A large flock of Starlings passed over and in the wooded area we fond both Wren and Greenfinch. Towards the end of the path we also came across both Blue and Great Tits plus a male Blackbird and a Chiffchaff.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Whilst at the old barn many Brent Geese on the water whilst the Coots were resting on the bank.  A Robin was seen, quickly followed by a pair of Magpie and as we started off up the track with scores of Canada and Brent geese in the meadow to our right also a single cock Pheasant.  Meanwhile, in the field to the left of the right-hand turn, at least 60 feeding Curlew. and a handful of Herring Gulls. Off to the distant left near the motorway we picked up a couple of Woodpigeon in the trees and near the water below the second Little Egret of the morning.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Just as we approached the eastern sea wall, with now much more mud exposed, we came across a Dunnock in the hedgerow and then many more Brent Geese in the main channel. A gentle stroll along the pathway and a stop on the first straight stretch where, sheltering with a dozen or so Canada Geese, we found a pair of resting White-fronted Geese.  Joy of joy for all concerned, including the many birders who were making the most of the sunshine to visit this favourite site.

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons resting between Canada Geese Branta canadensis with Shelduck Tadorna tadorna in front

Once at the Deeps very many Wigeon and more Teal, Mallard and Shoveler with scores of resting Shelduck in the background. Also present a few Lapwing and the occasional Coot and Moorhen.

Resting Redshank Tringa torquatus with Wigeon Anas penelope on water

On round the path until back at the start of the western sea wall where we found a pair of Mute Swans.  More Curlew and Oystercatchers found out on the mudflats along with a handful of Redshank.

Distant photo of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Much time spent just beyond the viewing point as we made our way back to the car to check the meadow below where we found lots of active Stonechats and Pied Wagtails along with the trio of Meadow Pipits.  On the distant river a Great Black-backed Gull and then, as we were about to depart, a male Kestrel came to rest on a small tree.  

Resting male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Finally, back at the car and preparing to remove our muddy boots, a couple of Long-tailed Tits flew into the adjacent bushes.  And so ended a very pleasant morning in wonderful company and very many pleasant birders encountered on our circuit of the marsh which resulted in our finding 46 species.

A few of the large Pintail Anas acuta flock

Birds seen:

White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan. Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Back-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Female Pintail Anas acuta

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons between Canada Geese

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Hamble River, Warsash

Monday 9 February

A lovely sunny morning and only a slight, cold breeze so a quick walk up to the conservation area and back whilst the tide was ell out.  Not so many species about but a good occasion to try out the new settings on the camera.  Approaching the ferry pier a dozen Brent Geese along with three resting Mute Swans.  Just beyond the first of many Black-headed Gulls and a Curlew.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor

Making my way upriver more Brent Geese and then the first small flock of Wigeon accompanied by feeding Dunlin, Redshank and a couple of Grey Plover.  Lovely to find a Greenshank also feeding in a shallow bay.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

The larger temporary island off to the left held more Curlew, a Grey Plover and a couple of Shelduck.  Behind the Grey Plover a resting Lesser Black-backed Gull.  On the muddy meadow a couple of Carrion Crow and in the inlet the first of two Little Grebes to be seen.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Arriving at the conservation after seeing more Brent Geese at the water's edges the main Wigeon flock along with eight Teal.  Making my way back I came across two Little Egrets before finding a Cormorant near the ferry pier.  A quartet of Starlings passed over and in the tall trees eight Woodpigeon and a Blackbird. Final bird of the morning a Robin as I approached the exit path.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Grey Plover Pluvialis sqatarola

Curlew Numenius arquata between Wigeon Anas penelope

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Dunlin flock

Teal Anas crecca

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Hayling Island and Farlington Marshes

Sunday 8 February  

What could only be described as a cloudy, dull and miserable day, albeit dry and and calm, as I arrived at the Hayling Island Reserve based on the old "Billy Line" and Oysterbeds just after 9.30.  Again, not helped by the fact that a sea mist had crept in very much restricting visibility out on the water until it started to lift about an hour later.  Notwithstanding, Robin, Dunnock and Carrion Crows as I made my way to the old Billy Line and the signal to check both the inland estuary and the open water.  In the harbour a couple of Brent Geese along with a handful of Redshank and a score or more Dunlin.  Both Black-headed and Herring Gulls were also noted.  On the nearby open water beach a lone Curlew plus both Grey Plover and Oystercatcher.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Moving on down to the path to the former oysterbeds I picked up more Redshanks, Curlews and Grey Plovers plus a couple of Turnstone.  A pair of Mute Swans were noted out on the open water and then both Blackbird and Goldfinches in the bushes adjacent to the path.  A pair of Mallards were recorded as was the Shelduck and a quartet of Shoveler.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Passing the main inland pool with its mid-water bank there were hundreds of Black-headed Gulls staking out their nesting territory and amongst them four Mediterranean Gulls.  The majority of he latter's breeding birds appear not to have arrived yet.  Behind me I found both Woodpigeon and Magpie plus a couple of Blue Tits.

Then on to the path leading out to the main water's edge where time with the scope, and especially when joined by three fellow birders, we eventually found not only the visiting Red-necked Grebe but also a single Great Northern Diver.  I had already found a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and four more were to be discovered along with another couple of Goldeneye to add to that already seen by myself.  To complete the picture, also a couple of Great Crested Grebes.  The muddy bed of the now empty pool held at least ninety Brent Geese and a few Curlew and Redshank.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla grazing at the Deeps

Making my way back to the car park along the former railway track I came across more Blue and a couple Great Tits plus another Blackbird and a Greenfinch. A single Coot was on the inland pool and from the car park itself I noted the handful of Wigeon on the opposite side of the harbour.

Departing Hayling Island I made a stop at Farlington Marshes, arriving just before noon, so that I could take a clockwise circuit of the reserve.  Lots of Coot, a few Oystercatchers and a couple of Mallard in the lagoon near the old barn the onwards noting the hundreds of Brent and Canada Geese.  A little Egret was seen at the other side of the field on my left and on my right a half-dozen Pied Wagtails feeding near the Brent Geese.

Blackbird, Herring Gull and Carrion Crow were noted as I made my way up to the sea wall and then it seemed to be a continuous stretch of feeding Dunlin until the path turned right at the far end, well beyond the Deeps, here must have been thousands.  Not only Dunlin but also a few Curlew, a Turnstone, more Oystercatchers and even a handful of Grey Plover.  Out on the water a Great Crested Grebe and a single, female Pintail.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

At the Deeps itself  good number of Shoveler plus a score of Teal, many Wigeon and, of course, many more Brent and Canada Geese.  On the edges the first couple of the seven Moorhen I was to see between here and the viewing point on the western side of the reserve.  At this point a flock of well in excess of 100 Starlings flew over and into the area.

Pintail Anas accuta

Reaching the viewing point on the western track leading back to the car park at least 50 Pintail on the open water with the tide almost right in plus a small number of Teal.  From the viewing point I noted the Wigeon and large resting flock of Lapwing and scores of Shelduck resting in the field beyond the lake.  Just the one resting Heron behind the Lapwings and then the arrival of a cock Pheasant, appearing to be collecting dropped feathers and down so, presumably, nest building in the area. At last, finally, I came across a trio of Woodpigeon to take the sites total of species up to 31, the same as that at Hayling Island.

Cock Pheasant  with Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Goldeneye, Pheasant, Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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Hamble River, Warsash

Saturday 7 February

Been busy with paperwork during a damp morning but in need of some fresh air so took a quick walk after lunch up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back in dry, if somewhat cold, weather  with wind and heavy cloud.  Given it was also high tide, what birds that were on the flooded meadow area were all at the back and at a distance of almost 100 yards.

A Carrion Crow flew over the path as I started the walk up river and once in the meadow area discovered a small flock of seven Canada Geese along with ten Shelduck and a score of Brent Geese.  More Brent Geese and Wigeon as the walk continued with a Woodpigeon and a pair of Carrion Crows in the nearby garden.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Brent Geese Branta bernicla in front

On the flooded area a score of resting Black-headed Gulls with another three on arriving at the conservation area along with a couple of Herring Gulls.  More Wigeon and the far back a pair of Mute Swans.

Wigeon Anas penelope

A flock of about a hundred Dunlin had swirled across the sky above as I made my way up river and, presumably, a few had landed to rest in the conservation area along with almost twenty Grey Plover.  All, basically, very quiet and given the cold wind it was very much a quick walk more for the exercise than the birding.

Roosting Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus (2nd from right ) with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Mute Swans Cygnus olor (at back)

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