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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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Long-tailed Tits (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Wednesday 15 April

Well, with Dave back with his Arboleas Birding Group it looks very much like the boys and girls had a great day's birding up in the Sierra de Maria with lots of good birds seen by all.  I especially liked the Black-eared Wheatear, not a bird of the UK.  I smiled at Dave's photo of the road-loving sheep and, judging by the rear view, all the recent rains seemed to have done wonders to the vegetation as so often when I lived in Spain the sheep always seemed so skinny and you wondered how thy found any meat on the bone!  And certainly congratulations to Nigel for some wonderful photos.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 15th April

Apologies for my absence last week.  Nigel picked me up from home, picked Peter up from his house and then carried on towards the Sierra de Maria.  The weather was great. Sunny with a few clouds and some wind.  Between Velez Blanco and Maria town we only saw a Woodpigeon.  In Maria town we added House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Collared Dove and House Martins nesting under the Repsol Garage canopy.  Nigel spotted Magpie and Jay en route to the La Piza forest cafe.  Crossbills flew over us as we walked to the cafe.  Kevin, who had stayed overnight in his motorvan, had already logged Serin, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Chaffinch on his wanderings prior to his arrival at the cafe.  Nigel had kindly bought some seeds and nuts which he used to fill up some of the empty feeders.  We were joined by Trevor, Carolyn and Steve.   A Coal Tit was the only titmouse  to arrive on the feeders.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker came for a look around  I heard a distant Raven.

Chaffinch (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove along the loop with Nigel driving Peter and I in the lead car, followed by Steve and Carolyn then Trevor, passenger, in Kevin's van.  Didn't see anything in the forest section.  Passing through the fields we saw small flocks of Linnet, a Hoopoe, Carrion Crows, Thekla/Crested Larks, a number of displaying Calandra Larks and a Skylark.

Ibex (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We stopped in the usual place outside the village.  Barn Swallows were flying low over the fields. Goldfinches and Corn Buntings were on the shrubs.  I saw a distant Raven.  We carried on along the track, flushing a pair of Red-legged Partridge.  A Black-eared Wheatear showed well.  As we passed the reedbeds four Mallard took to the air.  I could hear a Reed Warbler singing away.  I then spotted our first Griffon Vulture of the day.  We reached the cliff face where Rock Sparrows were chirping away.  A plume of ten Griffons coasted over.  There was a smaller bird of prey but it disappeared without being identified.  Kevin led the way to the other side of the face, hearing a Nightingale in the shrubbery.  A Red-billed Chough noisily flew over us. 

Black-eared Wheatear (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We carried on towards the hamlet.  I was the only one to spot the Little Owl perched on a rock not 3 metres from the car before it flew off.  Everybody managed to see the four Ibex scrambling up the hillside.  Behind us, Steve and Carolyn saw Bee-eaters near the village and also a Little Egret.  At the hamlet we added two Lesser Kestrels and some more Red-billed Chough.  At the water trough a Red-rumped Swallow was collecting mud for its nest.  Kevin heard a Greenfinch then he and Trevor spotted a White Wagtail.  As we left we didn't see the Booted Eagle seen by Steve and Carolyn.  Back at La Piza, Peter added a Blue Tit.  The Great Spotted Woodpecker returned.  A Jay was taking nuts from the feeders.  Three Long-tailed Tits were also enjoying  them.

Jay (PHOTO: Nigel White)

It was a great day out. Good birds, weather and company.  42 species seen.

Regards

Dave

Traffic jam on the plain (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Workmans Lane, Warsash

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Sunday 12 April

Lovely sunshine and mainly blue skies but a very strong, cold wind making the 12C feel more like 5C as I took a walk down Workmans Lane, Warsash and called in at the horse field before continuing on down to the coast at Chilling Head.  As soon as I arrived a Wren singing away next to the car and ere long both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crows had put in an appearance.  Both Blackbird and Robin noted then the first of a quartet of Chiffchaffs to be seen.  

Entering the horse field confirmed the number of Carrion Crows to be at least a dozen plus a quintet of Magpies.  At the donkey paddock in a damp area just beyond their boundary fence, three resting Canada Geese, a quintet of Shelduck and a lone Black-headed Gull.  A dozen Starlings flew over and a first Dunnock of the morning in a nearby bush.

Leaving the field to continue on down the lane I stopped by the power station and watched a pair of Blackcaps.  Fortunately, the male posed long enough at the top of the nearby tree to enable a couple of quick photos.  Further along the track towards the main road a Greenfinch.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

On down towards the shore finding a couple of Chaffinches feeding on the track ahead of me but necessary to make a return walk as the coastal path now closed due to cliff erosion.  Therefore, the hard track down to Chilling Head with a stop on the way to observe the distant, feeding Curlew and another five Magpies in the nearby field.

Distant Curlew Numenius arquata

Starting my return walk back to Workmans Lane and on to the car a pair of Herring Gulls overhead and upon reaching the lane yet more Wrens. Half-way back and I stopped to watch and photograph the Dunnock singing from the top of a small tree on my right.  Lovely sight and image to complete the morning.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

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Warsash and Solent Shore

Male Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Thursday 9 April

Some sunshine but cooler than yesterday's very warm sunshine and today with a moderate, cool breeze as I walked along the Warsash shore and on down to the Solent.  Mainly Black-headed and seven Herring Gulls with a small number of both Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks on the muddy beach below Strawberry Fields. Also in the are both Robins and Carrion Crow and upon reaching the navigation pier an Oystercatcher and the sight of 35 resting Brent Geese.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

A Heron flew over the Spit and once near the lee side a pair of Mute Swans.  Passing through the small spinney both Wren and Great Tit and then on down to the Scrape.  On the way a pair of Linnet and at least three soaring and singing Skylarks.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor

Once at the Scrape many resting Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Shelduck.  But also resting behind the ducks a male Goosander.  Also seen a lone a Little Grebe and a pair of Mallard.

Continuing on down to the Meandering Pool I found my first Wheatear of the year as I passed through the gorse area.  A most handsome male.  Upon arriving at the pool both a Little Egret and another pair of resting Shelduck.  A lone Cormorant was fishing just off the shore.

Male Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

The return journey produced first a Moorhen and then a Blackbird along with a Curlew before arriving at the navigation pier.  A Cetti's Warbler was calling and, finally, the only Woodpigeon of the morning approaching Strawberry Fields. Approaching home, the very last tree on the walk produced a single Blue Tit.

Soaring SkyLark Alauda arvensis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Wren, Robin, Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

GreyHeron Ardea cinerea

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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