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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Workmans Lane, Warsash

Wednesday 9 September

Dru and sunny after yesterday's rain so a quick visit to Workmans Lane at the other end of the village and check out the horse fields in the hope that there might still be foraging Yellow Wagtails.  On site by 8.50 and both Carrion Crow and Magpie recorded on the ay to the horse field at the bottom of the lane.  Now that most of the horses have returned as the grass recovers from the dry summer, the Yellow Wagtails were on site and appeared to be in two small groups of five each feeding around and below the horses. 

Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flavisima

Off to one side the occasional Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow and a couple of Rooks flew over.  Whilst watching the feeding Yellow Wagtails a single Starling joined the smaller birds seeking sustenance. Moving over to the former donkey paddock I picked up a single Stonechat and, at the same time, noticed the arrival of a handful of Barn Swallows feeding low over the fields.  Away in the distance beyond the riding area a Buzzard put in a brief appearance just above the trees.

Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flavisima

Making my way back to the gate a Robin was in the field on my right and, as I rejoined Workmans Lane, the number of Barn Swallows had greatly increased with now at least thirty individuals, including many juveniles, swirling around and resting on the wires above.  Indeed, to my surprise the flock also included a single House Martin.  A pair of Mallards flew in above me from the Solent, presumably heading for the pond at the back of the horse field.  Finally, at the top of the lane, both a Collared Dove and Jackdaw noted on a couple of houses.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flavisima

Birds seen:

Mallard, Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flavisima

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RSPB Ham Wall

Sunday 6 September 

RSPB Ham Wall from the Avalon Hide

A weekend in east Somerset including Glastonbury, Shepton mallet and the East Somerset Railway so how could I possibly miss out on a visit to the Somerset levels and RSPB Ham Wall ?  Even a beautiful, warm and sunny morning on Sunday.  Driving over from relatively nearby Shepton Mallet many Rooks and Jackdaws, plus a single Magpie, foraging amongst the stubble on the recently harvested fields.  And no sooner had we arrived in the car park than a Carrion Crow flew over.

Resting Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Moving off towards the first viewing point and nearby hides we stopped at the canal bridge to find a pair of distant Mute Swans and their two cygnets on the water below whilst at the far back of the nearby water many Mallards and Coots.  Arriving at the View Point a quartet of resting Cormorants, handful of Mallards and three Great Crested Grebes.

Great White Egret Egretta garzetta

Then it was across the track and check the opposite pool where I found a Moorhen, Mute Swan and quartet of Gadwall.  Also a lovely view of the distant Glastonbury Tor from the furthest hide.  Returning to the View Point a Hobby arrived from over my shoulder and disappeared behind the bushes in front of the water.  Within minutes, a Great White Egret flew in from over the reeds and paused a while atop the artificial Sand Martin nesting arrangement.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Time to move on to the Avalon Hide where a Purple heron had been reported.  Passing the reed bed on the right a pair of Bearded Tits suddenly flew up in front of me as the Coots continued their feeding.  On to the hide itself and once ensconced, with many other birders already present, time to check what was out on the reduced water level now offering more mud.  A good number of resting Mallards accompanied by a handful of Teal.  Off to my left a few more Mallards plus a single Common Sandpiper and the first of nine Little Egrets.  Looking to my left I found another Great White Egret plus a second that came in to my right.  Almost in front of me a couple of resting Lapwing along with five Snipe whilst at the back a pair of feeding Black-tailed Godwits.

Great White Egret Egretta garzetta

Then it was time to concentrate on the three visiting Glossy Ibis, looking quite dull in the she of the reeds rather than their usual glossy black coats.  However, sad to say, no sighting of the Purple Heron which had moved further back into the reeds les than ten minutes before my arrival.  Not to worry, we had had a lovely and rewarding visit to this well-known site.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Osprey, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow.

Great White Egret Egretta garzetta

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Gadwall Anas strepera

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Glastonbury Tor seen from Ham Wall

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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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