Hayling Island and Titchfield Haven

Friday 13 September

A beautiful sunny day with a cloudless sky and quite warm when out of the shade. Arriving at Hayling Island at 10 am we started in the car park overlooking the bay and recorded a single Curlew along with an Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow and a few Black-headed Gulls. Moving on the the "Billy Line" we added many Oystercatchers and a Great Crested Grebe before concentrating on the pond on our left.  here we found a handful of Black-tailed Godwits plus a a few Common Redshanks, a single Dunlin and one of our target birds, a Spotted Redshank still showing many spots albeit no longer in its breeding black plumage.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus with Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa on left 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Time to check the distant island over towards Farlington Marsh where we noted the lone resting Peregrine Falcon on the shingle but no sign of the local Osprey.  The nearby bushes along the track produced Robin, Linnet, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow and Starling.  Eventually we were to see a huge flock of Starlings well exceeding 300 in number.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus (Bottom) with Heron Ardea cinerea

The walk alongside the oysterbeds produced many more Starlings and on the oysterbeds a number of Curlew and many Oystercatchers.  Another three Curlew plus eight Little Egret and a Heron added to the morning's observations. A Cormorant flew over and Richard picked up a couple of Magpie before a (true) pair of Sparrowhawks were seen inter-acting above us as they moved westwards. Turning north to head back along the Billy Trail towards the Car park we encountered another Magpie before stopping to watch both a Chiffchaff and Spotted Flycatcher in the bushes ahead of of us.  Whilst photographing the Chiffchaff our second target bird, a Lesser Whitethroat, landed immediately above the former.  Nothing else added as we headed back to the car.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Richard wanting to see where I had seen the Wryneck yesterday, we set off for a short stop at Titchfield Haven on our way home arriving at 1pm. First a look at the shore where the receded tide produced good number of both Black-headed Gulls and Oystercatchers.  A couple of Redshank a handful of Herring Gulls were also noted.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Just the three of us on site and a couple of very high Buzzards pointed out.  Nothing seen and as we made our way back on the small path running parallel to the road we stopped as the Wryneck flew overhead and landed atop a nearby bush showing a rear view.  Almost immediately it moved to the nest bush and this time showing a front elevation as I indicated to other birders to come and join us.  As we finally decided to move on and take a look at Titchfield Haven's South Scrape the Wryneck disappeared into the vegetation below a small tree in the reedbed.  By this time over twenty birders were on site trying to find the bird!

Wryneck Jynx torquilla

A short stay in the hide provide a number of species including two very close Common Sandpipers.  Most of the Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits were at the back of the water along with  handful of Teal and a similar number of Canada Geese plus a couple of Greylag Geese.  Also on the water and islands a number of Mallard and Lapwing plus a Heron and many Coot and Moorhens. Both Woodpigeon and Magpie passed overhead and then the arrival of a small flock of Starling.

Common Sandpiper Actitis macularius

Finally, a look at the lagoon as we approached the car produced both Shoveler and Gadwall along with resting Cormorants and a number of Black-headed Gulls.  Then, passing through Titchfield village on the way home, once again the sight of many local Jackdaws.

Wryneck Jynx torquilla

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Wryneck, Robin, Blackbird, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Linnet.

Common Sandpiper Actitus macularius

Common Sandpiper taking off

Common Sandpiper Actitus macularius

Curlew Numenius arquata

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Wryneck Jynx torquilla

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Titchfield Meon Shore

Wryneck Jynx torquilla (PHOTO: Becky Hitchcock)

Thursday 12 September

Lovely sunny day  with clear skies but still a cold breeze blowing in as I set off to the Meon shore at Titchfield haven once more in search of the long-staying Wryneck, albeit only seen by a few. On site by 10.45 and a short stay with other birders failed to produce any results so continued on up to Cliff Road, park the car and walk back down checking the shore east of the harbour on the way. Below me many Oystercatchers on the mud and the shingle with the tide almost fully out along with a handful of Redshank and a couple of Turnstone.  Good numbers of gulls, mainly Herring but also a Lesser Black-backed a a dozen or so Black-headed Gulls.  Just the one Little Egret on show but the Mute Swan family was out on the water and this time seven cygnets noted with the two adults.  Away to the east a half-dozen Cormorants sunning themselves.

Reaching the Meon harbour a good number of Mallards and a score more Turnstone. Then to the observation area overlooking the lagoon to find seven basking Cormorant and a few Black-headed Gulls.  On the water  a good number of Coot along with a Moorhen,  pair of Shoveler and a single Gadwall.  Both Woodpigeon and Magpie flew over before my departure.

Resting Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Making my way round to the western entrance to Titchfield Haven I walked as far as the first hide to see what was really on the water rather than the odd Avocet flying over. Over a score of Avocets present plus, probably, twice as many Black-tailed Godwits. On the nearest island a Lapwing and the grassy island to the left held a pair of Snipe with a third individual way over on the far left bank.  A handful of Moorhens were moving around and right at the back of the water a quartet of Canada Geese and a Heron.  Carefully checking the feeding Black-tailed Godwit I found the Curlew Sandpiper that had been previously seen nearer to the hide and next to it a Common Sandpiper. Further back in the next pool a resting Great Black-backed Gull and a pair of Tufted Duck. Also present a flock at least forty Starlings. Finally, as I left the hide to make my way back to the road and on to my parked car, a Cetti's Warbler was added to the morning's list.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

However, reaching the road I decided to take once last walk along the parallel narrow path to the road to see if anyone had actually seen the visiting Wryneck this morning.  Three birders present and replied in the negative.  On mention the Curlew Sandpiper the couple departed to see if they could find the bird and I explained to the remaining birder where the Wryneck was more likely to be rather than in the long, grassy reeds.  Would you believe it, almost immediately I located the bird low down on the bare branches of a small tree just the other side of the stream.  Having quickly retrieved my camera for a record shot I then help my fellow birder, Becky Hitchcock, to find the bird, finally taking over her camera to try for her.  However, she almost immediately found where I was indicating and took back her long-range camera for a shot.  No time for me to have a second try as the bird departed westwards low over the reeds and out of sight.  Not until I reached home did I discover that I had been successful and Becky also kindly forwarded a copy of her shot.  What a way to end the morning and my first sighting of a Wryneck in the UK.

Wryneck Jynx torquilla

Needless to say  the resident Jackdaws were still to be seen atop the roofs as I got to the end of Posbrook Lane on my home; same as on the outward journey.

Gadwall Anas stepera with Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Curlew Sandpiper, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Wryneck, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Fox in, Avocets up!

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Immature Herring Gull Larus marinus

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Wryneck Jynx torquilla uncropped, etc)

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 11 September

Welcome back the Arboleas Birding Group.  Looks like normal service has been resumed following the summer break and straight on to some cracking birds for the first outing of the new season.  Amazing to think that we now take Cattle, Little and Great Whited Egrets for granted back here in the UK along with Glossy Ibis and Yellow-legged Gulls.  Even Bee-eater and Hooper noted this summer!  Hopefully, some rain coming soon to you as I expect to be visiting El Hondo around 8 October followed by either/both Cabo de Gata and Roquetta de Mar on the following two days as we make our way south to Malaga for the rest of our stay in Spain.  Even Tablas de Daimiel on the return journey to Bilbao for the 24 October ferry to Portsmouth.  Looking forward to reading about more exciting birds in the weeks to come.

Greater Flamingo (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 11th September

Having dried out from my two weeks dog sitting in East Sussex for my sister, I was glad to be back for the belated start of the autumn birdwatching trips.  As the weather forecast hinted at a chance of rain I decided we'd stay local and head for the Rambla de Almanzora.  Richard came and picked up me and new birder, Seamus, who conveniently lives just round the corner from me.  I drove Richard's very silent hybrid SUV to the rambla joining near the Desert Springs Golf Complex.  This section has the only water.  We were not disappointed.  On the first weir were Mallard and Moorhen.  Insect feeding around the pool were Common Swift, Sand and House Martin and Barn and Red Rumped Swallow.  A Jackdaw flew by.  We carried on checking the pools and puddles.  We added Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Ruff and Green Sandpiper.  Other birds seen were House Sparrow, Goldfinch and Woodpigeon.

Little Grebe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

 

There is an accessible pool close to the dry ford.  We drove up towards it. It contained 4 Grey Heron, Black-headed Gulls, Mallard, Teal and Little Grebe.  We parked up at the meeting place where we added Collared Dove.  We heard a Blackbird.  We were joined by Trevor.  We headed for the beach where Kevin joined us.  He'd also come down the rambla route and had also seen Snipe, Little Egret, Hoopoe, White Wagtail and Kentish Plover.  With swimmers and numerous motorhomes there we didn't add anything to the list so made for the far side of the estuary.  Here we were pleased to find an Oystercatcher and a pair of Turnstone.  Also seen were Audouin's and Yellow-legged Gulls and Coot.

Purple Swamphen (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After a reviving coffee at the Tiburon cafe in Villaricos we made our way to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Trevor had said there was little to no water on the land side of the hump.  Sure enough there was only a pool which wrapped round the end of the hump. Glad we stopped to do a scan.  I found a feeding Water Rail out in the open on a mudflat.  It was distant but managed to get a record shot!  A first for Trevor!  Kevin spotted one or maybe two over flying Glossy Ibis.  Moving to the beach side of the hump we added Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint and Dunlin. Kevin found another Ruff.  We heard some overflying Bee-eaters.  A Blackbird flew by.

Distant record shot of Water Rail (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We made our way to the elevated viewing platform near the Aquaparc.  Views were better from the bridge.  Some Greater Flamingos were nearby as were a pair of Little Grebe.  Kevin found a Black-necked Grebe.  A handsome Grey Plover in breeding plumage was on a distant mud beach.  Kevin was first to spot the Purple Swamphen in the left hand reeds.  Also seen was a Little Egret.  Our final bird was a fast flying Kingfisher seen by Richard.

Grey Plover (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

What a good start to the season! 41 species seen.  Good weather albeit getting a bit hot by the end!

Good company.

Regards

Dave

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Warsash and Solent Shore

 Monday 9 September

Dry but cloudy with a strong breeze as I walked past the harbour and along to the Spit before continuing on down past the Scrape to the meandering Pool and back.  Not a lot about but plenty of Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwits.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A few Black-headed Gulls and a dozens of Black-tailed Godwits on the shore below Strawberry Fields plus the odd Turnstone a small feeding flock of Redshank.  Strange, as yesterday, to see the single Mallard amongst them.  Nearer to me a trio of Carrion Crows and on the path in front a Woodpigeon whilst up above a pair of Magpies in the large tree to the left.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Near the pier a Robin then far more foraging Black-tailed Godwits and a handful of Herring Gulls amongst the Black-headed Gulls.  Across the water near the end of the Spit I could see a couple of Little Egret along with a number of Oystercatchers.  Once at the Spit and looking on the Solent side the exposed shingle held over a hundred Oystercatchers and more Little Egrets.  Then, on an exposed "island" further out a couple of individual Great Black-backed Gulls.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Passing through the small copse to access the Solent shore both Chiffchaff and Blue Tit noted as well as another Robin and then on down to  the Scrape.  Not a lot on the water, probably given its high level following Sunday's heavy rain, apart from two Little Grebe and six Mallard. Half a dozen Linnets in the gorse area and once at the Meandering Pools just a small party of a dozen Mallard.  And so back home to Warsash with nothing new to report other than a Fox watching me from cover at the back of the gorse area.

Just too late, the Fox Vulpes vulpes turned and moved away

Birds seen:

Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

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Warsash Hamble River

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Sunday 8 September

Following immediately overhead thunder and lightening and the heaviest rain I had seen since returning from Spain almost three years ago, the weather eventually improved and the sun came out amongst the broken cloud.  Time to, therefore, take a short walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back just before 1pm to see what might be about with the approaching high tide.  The good news was that the incoming tide had pushed the birds up nearer to the path but, on the other hand, the heavy rain left me trying to navigate around the edges of the large puddles where the rain had multi-flooded the path.  So, noting the waiting Magpie outside the door, I set off for the river.

Herring Gulls Larus argentatus

A number of Black-headed and a handful of Herring Gulls before coming across a Little Egret and then the first of the very many Black-tailed Godwits. A solitary Mallard was also swimming just off shore.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

A lone Ringed Plover and then a couple of Redshank before reaching the conservation area.  But there had been many more Black-headed Gulls and Little Egrets, nine of the latter, in addition to the dozens of Black-tailed Godwits.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Once at the conservation area many resting Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks plus four Greenshank.  In addition, six Little Egrets and a quintet of Sandwich Terns resting on the fence.

The five Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Birds seen:

Mallard, Little Egret, Heron, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Redshank Tringa totanus

Roosting Redshanks T.totanus

More Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

A roosting mixture including 4 Greenshank Tringa nebularia at the back

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