Hamble River, Warsash

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

Friday 25 September

Mid-afternoon and the tide now just about out so took w walk across the road and on down to the Hamble River for a walk up to the conservation area and back to see if the recently visiting Lapland Bunting might still be about.  A few Black-headed and even fewer Herring Gulls about along with a number of Redshanks as I made my way past the ferry landing stage.  Stopping to check the resting Cormorant and then a handful of Ringed Plovers I noted, up ahead of me, the small group of birders which would seem to indicate that the Lapland Bunting had been located.

Yes, the bird was happily foraging in a very small area of vegetation of no more than a square metre right next to the main path and so giving wonderful, if obstructed, views which would require a lot of patience if wanting a half-decent photograph.  (If checking your relevant "Bird Guide," please remember that this bird is also often referred to as a "Lapland Longspur."

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

With the bird still foraging amidst the undergrowth I took the walk up to the  conservation area, noting the Curlew that passes overhead, where I found the first Wigeon had arrived for the winter to join the two score Teal.  Also present a lone Greenshank and six resting Grey Herons.  On the sheltered water beyond the old wreck a single Little Grebe.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Eight Canada Geese were also resting in the area and a couple of Carrion Crows were also seen.  IAfter the six Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) had arrived I started on my way back and finished with twenty species sighted as I recorded both an overflying Rook and a couple of Magpies as I left the site.

A mixed group of (from back left): Greenshank Tringa nebularia, Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus, Wigeon Anas penelope, Teal Anas crecca, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Lapland Bunting.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia 

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

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Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Thursday 24 September

Time for an hour at Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve on my way home from Gosport and certainly no shortage of visitors in the Meon Hide overlooking the south scrape. Sores of Canada Geese, Teal and Black-headed Gulls then chance to identify the other 25 species recorded during the visit.

Right in front of the hide seven feeding Snipe and a couple of Redshank along the first of many Black-tailed Godwits that seemed to occupy the whole scrape.  carefully checking the very many gulls I eventually found a handful of Herring Gulls and then it was the turn of all the "black birds" with, maybe, thirty plus Carrion Crows and, probably, just as many Jackdaws occupying both the islands and banks.   In amongst them all, but mainly in the trees at the back, the Starling flock.

Jackdaws Corvus monedula with Black-headed Gulls and Spoonbill (at back)

Taking a closer look at the larger islands I was able to locate a number of "hidden" Oystercatchers plus a few Little Egrets but, on Island "D", a pair of resting Spoonbill.  Out on the water between the many Teal at least a quintet of Moorhen and ,eventually, I managed to find a handful of Mallard.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (Centre back)

Both a Woodpigeon and a single Magpie were seen at the back of the scrapes and a Grey Heron flew away towards the neighbouring lagoon so revealing a second individual resting behind a number of Canada Geese.  It was whilst checking this far group of geese that I also found the lone Barnacle Goose.

Departing Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Returning to the car opposite the entrance gate I was able to take a closer look at the lagoon where not only three Mute Swans but a number of Coot and resting Cormorants.  From the roadside observation area I discovered both a Pied Wagtail and a Cetti's Warbler but just the one Turnstone seen in the harbour with the water at almost high tide.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Birds seen:

Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Coot,  Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Redshank Tringa totanus

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa (above) Snipe (below)

Little Egret Egretta garzetta (right of centre) with company

Incoming Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Many of Lapwing Vanellus vanellus flock (on top scrape)

A few of the very many Canada Geese Branta canadensis

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Rambla de Almanzora and vera Playa

Wednesday 23 September

Good to see the Arboleas Birding Group back into birding with a vengeance and recording almost fifty species.  But not just any old species, with some excellent sightings as will be seen below.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 23rd September

Green Sandpiper (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

It was my turn to be "Billy no mates" but only on the journey to the Rambla de Almanzora.  It gave me a chance to check out the upper rambla before getting to the ford.  I joined the rambla just past the Desert Springs golf complex.  The rambla was dry so only saw small flocks of Woodpigeon and Cattle Egrets.  Once I got to an area containing pools, puddles and flooded vehicle tracks this improved no end. Hundreds of Barn Swallows flying around.  In the water there were Mallard, Green Sandpipers, Black-winged Stilts, Ringed Plovers and a couple of female Shoveler.  Small birds included Chiffchaff and a couple of Yellow Wagtails.  There was no water at the ford.

Yellow Wagtail (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As I waited for the others to arrive I logged Collared Dove, Blackbird, Magpie , Spotless Starling, Red-rumped Swallows amongst their Barn cousins and House Sparrow.  I was joined by Barrie and Beryl. He was first to hear a Cetti's Warbler.  He spotted a Kestrel on a distant pylon and a passing House Martin.  After Mike and Keirsten arrived we headed for the beach.

Barrie soon added Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull and White Wagtail, followed by Turnstone and Yellow-legged Gull.  I spotted a small hovering bird above the shore line.  A Kingfisher!  The sun made it difficult to identify a sitting tern on the harbour rocks.  Eventually we agreed it was a Common Tern. Trevor saw a Spotless Starling on the tower.

We moved round to the far side of the estuary where we were joined by Steve and Carolyn.  Coot, Moorhen, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover were seen.  Probably the same Common Tern was seen with .3 Sandwich Terns.  Barrie added Crested Lark, Greenfinch and a juvenile Greater Flamingo.  Another (or the same?) Kingfisher was seen.  We adjourned for coffee.

Ringed Plover (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Suitably refreshed, we made our way to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow waters opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Barrie had soon spotted some Sanderling and Kentish Plover.  I added a Squacco Heron as it made a short flight above the shrubs.  We heard then saw some Bee-eaters heading south.  Barrie picked out two Great White Egrets, a Shelduck and Wood Sandpiper. Also seen were Little Egret and Little Grebe.  

Wood Sandpiper (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Keirsten found two Glossy Ibis on a small island.  Barrie added an Iberian Grey Shrike.  As we left a Marsh Harrier appeared.

Glossy Ibis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

At the pond the blanket had thankfully nearly gone.  We saw Coot, Moorhen, another Kingfisher and Greater Flamingo.  Barrie spotted the Purple Swamphen in the far reed line.

A great days birding in good company. 47 species seen.

Dave

Great White Egrets (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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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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