Las Norias with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 21 October. 

Interesting; I certainly remember visit to Las Norias and all the disgusting plastic and, often, general waste.   Sounds like no hirundines still hanging around for the Arboleas Birding Group but are the cattle Egrets still gathering, along with Night and Squacco Herons, up at the top next the road with Purple Swamphens on the small end pool?  Also used to be plenty of Slender-billed Gulls along with Flamingos on the left as you entered the road leading up to the lighthouse.

Cañada de Las Norias and Punta Entinas-Sabinar: Wednesday 21 October

Peter Sloan and Peter Williams met me in the car park at Venta del Pobre at 08.15.  Peter S kindly

offered to drive, so the three of us headed west together along the A7.  We logged Spotless

Starling and Yellow-legged Gull en route, before stopping for coffee at the Repsol gasolinera

where we used to gather in the old days, at salida 809 (formerly 420).  Then on by the traditional

route to the Las Norias lakes among the plasticos.  The surroundings were as depressing as we

remembered, plastic everywhere, but the birds were there: Great-crested Grebe (lots), Chiffchaff,

Coot, Red-crested Pochard, Cormorant, Cetti’s Warbler, Grey Heron, Shoveler, Moorhen, Little

Grebe, Mallard, White Wagtail, Robin, Jackdaw, Collared Dove and Magpie.

After a distinctly chilly start to the day, it was now warming up as we drove south to the

small parking area by the track that leads to the lighthouse at Punta del Sabinar.  The track is

closed to vehicles but easily walkable, initially through very tall reeds before the view opens out.

There was some heat haze but Peter S found a Marsh Harrier in flight to the left then instantly

spun round and found a Purple Swamphen in the vegetation fringing a pool to the right.  How did

he do that?  We added Kentish Plover, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Whinchat (after discussion),

Black-necked Grebe and Blackbird . One or two very distant waders remained unidentified.  The

long walk to the lighthouse through scrub and dunes produced only Sardinian Warbler and

Stonechat.  Back by the car, a few House Sparrows showed up.

Purple Swamphen (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

As we motored on eastwards we passed an Iberian Grey Shrike on the roadside wires.  Last

stop was the large lagoon opposite the westernmost buildings of Roquetas de Mar, let’s call it

Laguna Serena.  Tall fringing vegetation left only a very short stretch were it was possible to see the

water but it was worth the effort, with White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull

and a huge number of Pochard all present.  We finished with 34 species at the end of a thoroughly

enjoyable outing in good company.

Kevin

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Titchfield Haven

Sunday 18 October

Anther lovely sunny start to the albeit breezy and much colder and with the eastern side of Titchfeld Haven National Nature Reserve closing tomorrow for two months for restoration work on the first hide, decided I would pop down early to look at the low water beach and walk the boardwalk before returning home to welcome guests for the day.

Jackdaws as I approached the shore then looking at the beach with the low sun in my eyes only able to pick out a Little Egret so straight on to the observation area to check the River Meon and the island below me.  Lots of Shoveler and Gadwall with the dozen plus Lapwing resting on the island.  Nearer the back on the water more Little Egrets along with a Grey Heron, pair of Little Grebe and many Coot. A couple of Cormorant were resting then flying back to the pen sea.  Closer inspection found both a Snipe and a single Redshank on the far bank.  Then I notice, in amongst the resting Gadwall both a couple of Teal and a quartet of Wigeon.

Male Pintail Anas acuta

Moving on to the harbour I stopped at the bridge and in time to see the arrival of Marsh Harrier and a Kingfisher few up and over my head.  In the harbour itself the family of the three Mute Swans and the main Mallard flock along with a couple of Coot.  From in front of the sailing club I was now able to check the shore with the sun behind me and found a dozen Ringed Plover below along with a mix onf Black-headed and Herring Gulls.  At the water's edge a single Great Black-backed Gull and just off shore near the buoy a quintet of male Eiders.  But only two Turnstones note along with another handful of Redshank.

Male Eiders Somateria mollissima

On down to the boardwalk on the eastern side of the reserve with a Rook flying overhead and Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren and Great Spotted Woodpecker noted. From the Meadow Hide I found a trio of Canada Geese along with another Grey Heron and the still active Marsh Harrier, albeit it then found a resting place low down in well-leafed tree.

Resting Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

I finally moved on to the Knights Bank Hide at the end of the footpath and noted the hundreds of passing Woodpigeons that arrived in the area.  Form this hide not only the resting Marsh Harrier but also a distant Buzzard and a Kestrel that came to rest nearby alongside the cattle.

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Time to return to the car and head home but also noting a Blue Tit as I made my way back along the boardwalk. Stopping to check the river and island from the road I found that more Redshanks had arrive to rest on the island along with a single Glossy Ibis. Then, putting away the scope, a look out to the Solent saw the two fishing Sandwich Terns.  Finally, passing through the top end of Titchfield, as expected found not only more Jackdaws but a few Starlings.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail Eider, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Great Sotted Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Wren, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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Longparish with the Hampshire Ornithological Society

Saturday 17 October

A beautiful morning with clear blue skies and lovely sunshine but very cold following the recent warm weather.  Fifteen Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS) members gathered in the village car park for a walk around Longparish under the guidance of Geoff Sharp, continually crossing the River Test and its tributaries ad various channels.  Absolutely wonderful scenery and a very good morning's birding in such pleasant company.  Collected by friends Richard Osman and Adrian Enzner at 8.15, we were on site by 9.15 having just passed a massed flock of Starlings and ready to start the walk as numerous Rooks, Jackdaws and Carrion Crows flew round overhead.

Moving rod to the nearby church car park we soon found Long-tailed, Blue, Coal and Great Tits along with many Chaffinch and a Goldcrest. Woodpigeons and Rock Dove about in the village as we turned  follow a stream alongside the road to the first bridge over the Test.  A Grey Wagtail on the lawn in front of us and a Heron resting slightly downstream on a further small bridge.  Overhead a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers with one conveniently resting atop the nearby tree.  No sooner spotted than four Little Egrets flew over with a few seeing the Cormorant and both Jay and Kestrel also seen by some.

Ere long we were at the pond near the trout farm with a couple of Coot and Mallard on the water and  Pied Wagtails and Robin on the banks.  A couple of Moorhen seen off to the side.  Moving on down the narrow road at the back of a field a trio of cock Pheasants and then through the hedge to take the foot path across the fields full of grazing sheep.  Amazing to see a flock of thirty Redwing fly over and many Magpies about along with a second Jay of the morning.  Seeing the activity above in the mixed Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Rooks we managed to pick out the lone Raven making its way through all the mobbing.

Restored Upper Watermill on the River Test, Longparish

Eventually alongside the river to reach the restored upper watermill.  Here and nearby we found Cetti's Warbler and Blackbirds. Then it was on along the road and passing one of the coarse fishing ponds found both a pair of Canada Geese and Little Grebes.  Those at the back also picked out a Gadwall  and a Pied Flycatcher in a nearby small tree. For me, near the front, we had a Dunnock fly off from the verge and then the departure of a Great White Egret.  Both Black-headed and Herring Gulls flew over along with a few more Goldfinches as we moved on towards the end of the walk.

Finally, no sooner had we seen the distant pair of Red Kites than we had a pair of Buzzard immediately overhead.  After three and a half hours covering a delightful five plus miles we were back at our cars and preparing for the return journey home.  A beautiful morning's birding in great company.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Redwing, Cetti's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit,  Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Pied Flycatcher, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.                      

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Titchfield Haven

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Thursday 15 October 

Titchfield harbour by 8.30 where I met up with Richard Osman to check both shore and river before entering Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. Carrion Crows flying around as we first found both Herring and Black-backed Gulls along with Little Egrets.  The occasional Oystercatcher and then a few Redshank.  Over to the observation area and on the river a couple of Little Grebe plus more Little Egrets, Grey Heron and Little Egret plus scores of Lapwing on the island.  Nearby many Gadwall and Shoveler along with a few Mallard.  Many Coot further up the river and both Magpie and Woodpigeon recorded.  

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Passing the harbour we saw the pair of Mute Swans with their surviving cygnet and once at the sailing club able to check the main beach where we confirmed the twenty-seven Brent Geese and over forty Turnstone along with nine resting Eider Ducks on the distant spit.  Also a closer sighting of the Great Black-backed Gull.   Making our way back to the entrance to the reserve proper a second look at the river produced a single Grey Wagtail on the far bank and, on the sea wall opposite the entrance gate, a Pied Wagtail  Two more Pied Wagtails were then seen on the scrape once inside the Meon Hide.

Eider Ducks Somateria mollissima

Initially no Canada geese but when they eventually arrived they came by the score along with thirty-six Black-tailed Godwits.  Already present scores of both Lapwing and teal plus very many Shoveler and more Mallards.  Just the single Snipe, the second having been flushed away by by a passing female Sparrowhawk.  An additional visitor was a young male Marsh Harrier looking for its morning meal. A Cetti's Warbler was a calling from our right before Richard left for another appointment and recorded a Wren as he left the hide.  For me it was a reminder to move on and visit the eastern side of the reserve before it closes next Monday for repair works to be undertaken.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Once at the Meadow Hide a quartet of Stonechat and a male Reed Bunting out on the meadow before a flock of twenty plus Linnets flew over. As scores of Canada Geese headed towards the scrape, a pair of Egyptian Geese dropped in on the river to join the Gadwall, Mallards and Grey Heron.  A couple of Cormorants flew upstream.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving on the Knights Bank Hide the wandering Marsh Harrier was still to be seen in the distance and then a Jay off to the right in a small tree. A male Kestrel arrived and rested on the gate post in front and remained for a considerable time enjoying whatever prey it had found,  Amusing to see the arrival of a Magpie checking to see if their were any scraps available. On the meadow to the right a few Meadow Pipits and away in the distance approaching the tree line a Red Kite.

Kestrel Falco tinnunulus with Magpie Pica pica

Making my way back to the car park both a Robin and Goldcrest noted and then as I made my way back up Meon Road towards Titchfield, first a pair of Dunnocks on the right and then both Rooks and Jackdaw foraging on the recently harrowed fields on both sides of the road.  A very pleasing morning with a final total of 45 species.

Shoveler Anas clypeata (on water) with resting Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Eider Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Goldcrest, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Linnet, Reed Bunting. 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Kestrel Falco tinnunulus with Magpie Pica pica

Distant Jay Garrulus glandarius

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Distant record shot of Marsh Harrier Circus aerugnosus

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 Wednesday 14 October

Kevin continues to lead the Arboleas Birding Group in Dave's absence and they certainly seem to have ended with some splendid sightings today. Southern (Iberian) Grey Shrike and Blue Rock Thrush immediately stand out and always great to see a marbled Duck, never mind adding a Booted eagle.

Villaricos and Salar de los Canos: 14 October

On my way to the meeting point I used the levee to drive along the lower rambla of the

Almanzora. Not much to see as there is still a lot of work going on there but I logged House

Sparrow, Collared Dove, Mallard, Magpie, Crested Lark, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail and

Sardinian Warbler. Arriving above the Ford, I saw a Stonechat a few metres away before I even got

out of the car.

It was quite cloudy with a chill wind but the next two sightings livened things up: atop a

nearby telegraph post, a Southern Grey Shrike and, bizarrely, on a wire leading down from the

same post, a Blue Rock Thrush, the first here for quite a while. Trevor joined me and we set off

towards the sewage works. This is a regular cycling route of his and he told me the main lagoon at

the sewage plant currently has no water. So it was. In the main rambla Trevor found three Dunlin.

Peter S joined us at this point, accompanied by canine birder Ruby. He promptly added Ringed

Plover, Green Sandpiper and four Cattle Egrets.

At the beach we found Kentish Plover and several Audouin’s Gulls. We drove over and

clambered up the sandy slope to the overlook on the north side of the estuary. Trevor was first to

see Coot, Peter added Black-headed Gulls and I found a Sandwich Tern and a Grey Heron. We also

saw Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-back Gull and, after discussion, a Curlew Sandpiper. Cetti’s

Warbler was heard.

Over coffee at the Tiburon, I spied a couple of Barn Swallows flying past and on the drive to

the far side of the estuary, a Spotless Starling. At the south side overlook Peter added Kestrel and

we logged Moorhen, Little Egret and Goldfinch. We then drove to the dual carriageway to scan

Salar de los Canos. The water level was high and initially we added only Black-winged Stilt, Little

Grebe and a single Greater Flamingo. As the only one with a ‘scope, I eventually found two very

distant Black-necked Grebes.

Jacky then arrived and revealed what she had seen: Kingfisher, Spoonbill (10), Dartford

Warbler, Shoveler, White-headed Duck and Chiffchaff. She then promptly found a Wood

Sandpiper in the shallow water to the right and also added Greenfinch. We moved the short

distance to ‘beyond the hump’. Not much here except for a distant duck which, after much

looking, checking of apps and discussion Peter, Jacky and I were 98.3% convinced was a Marbled

Duck. We stopped in at the first tower. Nothing new but we had excellent views of Jacky’s

Spoonbills.

At the second tower/weir, again nothing new at first, apart from good views of White-

headed Duck. Then an elderly couple of English birders alongside us locked on to a very high

raptor. Prolonged discussion between them and Jacky resolved it into a Booted Eagle. We went

our separate ways at this point but Jacky emailed me later. She had gone on to the Almazora

Estuary and seen Purple Heron, Whimbrel and three Cormorants.

So although we didn’t see a great deal in any one place, overall we ended very satisfied

with a total of 48 species.  A good morning in excellent company!  Details for next week will be

posted via Dave at the weekend.

Kevin

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Big Bird Day"

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Saturday 10 October

Saturday 10 October when members of eBird set out to see who can record the highest number of species in one day, either individually or as a member of a team.  Having lived in Spain for 20 years until recently, I had the pleasure and privilege of being invited to join my birding friends from Andalusia.  This meant that the provinces of Malaga, Cadiz and Granada were covered along with my contribution from the south of England.  Meanwhile, we were also joined by two friends from Sweden and Scotland respectively.  At the end of the day it looks like we managed a final total of 188.

My contribution included visiting sites east and west of Warsash. Starting at Titchfield shore at the mouth of the river Meon, arriving at 7.50 I then moved on to Farlington Marshes. Once completed, it was the westward journey to Fishlake Meadows in Romsey followed by Eyeworth Pond in Fritham. My final destination was Blashford Lakes, a little north of Ringwood in the New Forest.

13 resting Little Egrets Egretta garzetta and a lone Grey Heron Ardea cinerea at Farlington Marshes

As soon as at Titchfield, having passed a couple of Blackbirds as I rounded the last corner, Turnstones on the shore with Ringed Plovers and a flock of eighteen newly-arrived Brent Geese. Also present Black-headed and Herring Gulls before moving on to the observation area overlooking the Meon.  Lots of Lapwing on the island plus a Great Black-backed Gull with nearby Mallard and Shoveler and at least five Little Egrets.  A couple of Glossy Ibis in the water next to the island and Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks on the far bank.  Apart from the scores of Coot, the most populous duck was the Gadwall.  Moving on to the bridge I noted the single Little Grebe and then past the harbour with its Mallards and Mute Swan family to check the main shore where I found Oystercatchers.  Both Woodpigeon and a Rock Dove at the side of the road and Carrion Crows and Magpie overflying.  In front of me both Robin and Cetti's Warbler recorded.

I was at Farlington Marsh by 8.50 and straight to the old barn to check the reed bed for Bearded Tits, but not before a quick look over the hedge to check the top of the empty harbour.  On the walk down the track both Stonechat and Blackcap seen.  Canada Geese, Herring and Black-headed Gulls, Mallard and Little Egret noted before seeing the flock of feeding Brents Geese.  Once at the reed bed the sight of a flock of eleven Bearded Tits on the road side of the track and constantly on the move with fifteen being the highest in flight count.  In the field next to the reedbed at least two Cattle Egrets in with the beasts.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Back to the small lagoon where I found Shoveler, Coot and Redshank. Cetti's Warblers constantly calling and a Little Grebe at the back of the water as a number of Carrion Crows flew across the area.  next the walk alongside the river and back to the sea wall.  Stopping at the bench I noted the scores, probably hundreds, of resting teal along with scores of Canada Geese and well over 100 Redshank and a Greenshank.  A Heron was resting in the reeds opposite and around me at least a dozen wandering Moorhens.  A large flock of Starlings flew over and Robins appeared in the nearby trees. A little further on I found a dozen Shelduck and the early Wigeons plus another Heron.  In amongst the Teal and Wigeon I was also able to identify a number of Pintail.

Resting mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa (mainly) and Redshanks Tringa totanus

Once up on the sea wall and at the the observation area I could see more teal on the lake along with a very large mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks.  Even another Greenshank and a couple of Curlew Sandpipers.  Eighteen Shelduck out on the water and off to the far left, sheltering below the bushy bank, thirteen Little Egrets and a solitary Heron.  At the back of the water a couple of Oystercatchers and then the arrival of six Meadow Pipits to the path behind me.  However, my attention was drawn to the single Barnacle Goose swimming towards a half-dozen Canada Geese.  The first, and only, Cormorant of the day so far flew across the water.  below me a number of resting Teal and nearby a few more Pintail.  Way out in the harbour with high tide approaching  a pair of Mute Swans.  Before heading back to the car I checked the grassy are between the trees next to the trees just inside the gate and pleased to see the wanted Green Woodpecker.

Mainly Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Now came the longer drive westwards to the New Forest with a first stop at Fishlake Meadows in Romsey, passing a field of Rooks near North Baddesley, but still on site by 11.30.  A walk down the canal path produced Chaffinch, Wren, many Cetti's Warblers, Robin, and Great and Long-tailed Tits.  Looking across to the water I could see both Mute Swans and a Little Egret plus unidentified ducks. The return walk and onwards to the road to visit the observation area overlooking the main water also produced Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackbird and more Long-tailed Tits.  Once at the roadside viewpoint lots of Mute Swans plus Great crested Grebe, Mallard, Gadwall and Herring, Black-headed and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Takin the cross country route to Fritham I saw a Jay fly up into a nearby tree as I passed through Bramshaw and was soon at Eyeworth Pond.  All looked very quiet with just a few Mallard and a trio of Moorhen on the water but as the cars departed the Blue Tits, Dunnock and Chaffinches began to appear on the track near the gate in search of food and were soon joined by a Nuthatch. As I left the pond and took the narrow lane up to the main road I cam across a resting Buzzard atop a pylon followed by Magpie and then a half-dozen Linnets and a Pied Wagtail.

The final site of the day was Blashford Lakes and I took the scenic drive through the forest via Ibsley passing a flock of Starlings and a few Carrion Crow as I approached the car park outside the Tern Hide. A very busy Ibsley Water confronted me; full of Coot and Tufted Duck along with many Great Crested Grebes.  Near the edges a few Mallard with many Mute Swans at the back with one island holding over sixty resting Cormorant and another with over forty Egyptian Geese.  Lots of gulls present; mainly Herring but also Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls. Off to the distant right and a Great White Egret at the water's edge.  A couple of Woodpigeon on the bank and then I was off to the main reserve.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

First to the Ivy North Hide where I found mainly Gadwall and Teal with a few Wigeon.  Nothing at the Woodside Hide but the nearby tree held a foraging Tree-creeper.  walking on down to the Ivy South Hide a Jay in the bushes to my left and then both Blue Tit and Goldcrest.  Once arrived more Gadwall, Coot and a Moorhen on the water and resting Cormorants atop the nearby trees.  No Firecrests as I checked the trees near the car park  but a second Green Woodpecker for the day put in an appearance.  Them, as I set out for home, a small flock of Rooks near their traditional rookery in the adjacent trees.

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Tree-creeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Linnet.

Teal Anas crecca (in water) with resting Black-tailed Godwits

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Titchfield Haven

Thursday 8 October

Booked to visit the theatre in Southampton this afternoon so just time for nearly morning visit to Titchfield to check the Meon shore, noting the Blackbird at the side of the road as I reached the shore, before spending time first on the eastern boardwalk side followed by the Meon Hide overlooking the scrapes.  With the tide well in and approaching the high water mark, a score or more Turnstone resting on the furthermost eastern groin from the roadside car park along with a single Ringed Plover on the shingle beach.

Resting Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Then it was on the observation area overlooking the lower river with a dozen Lapwing resting on the island along with a few Black-headed Gulls and nearby Mallards and Shovelers.  Foraging at the western end of the island a single Glossy Ibis.  In the general are six Little Egrets, and two more further up river, along with over thirty Coot.  At the back a Grey Heron and, again, two more further up river.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

The far banks produced two Black-tailed Godwits but no other waders.  However, a Moorhen put in an appearance as a Mute Swan drifted into view.  As I walked towards the road bridge I noticed a single Snipe on the far bank and both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow flew over. Looking down at the river itself found a pair of Little Grebe just as a Cormorant flew in to take rest on the island.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Walking up to the Meadow Hide I was able to record Cetti's Warbler and Robin and once n the hide a dozen Canada Geese on the river and a couple of Grey Herons.  A Magpie flew across the meadow and then I was made aware of the dozen or more Barn Swallows flying around above the tree tops.  Also seen in the meadow a handful of Meadow Pipits and three Stonechats.  Also noted the number of Mallard and a few Gadwall on the river.

Leaving the hide to make my way to the Knights Bank Hide a managed to record a couple of Linnet and a number of Chiffchaff and once settled noted the distant Herring Gulls on the far river along with a few more Canada Geese. A Stock Dove came to rest on the wooden rail in front of the hide and later a couple of Woodpigeons with Carrion Crows moving across the general area.  Lovely to see the trio of departing Egyptian Geese then a circling Marsh Harrier above to the trees to the front right.

Making my way back to the main road Great Tits to my left as I continued on to the car a flock of Starling flew over the road.  Nothing to be seen on the choppy water of the Solent so straight to the Meon Hide where I found the water looking quite deserted and with only a dozen Canada Geese present.  Still very many Teal but nearly all resting on the banks or edges with just a few on the open water.  No Snipe seen (and the nearby tall grasses recently trimmed back) but I did note a couple of Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits.  On the other hand, there were scores of Lapwings resting on the nearer islands and at the very back. It took some searching but I also found a number of Oystercatchers sheltering among the resting Lapwings and Little Egrets with three more Grey Herons at the back of the scrape.

So, all concluded and free parking time expired I made my way back to Warsash noting the resident Jackdaws on the roof tops as I passed through the western outskirts of Titchfield.

Island refuge for Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and Shoveler Anas clypeata with the Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (lower left)

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 7 October       

All quiet on the Almeria front today with Dave away and just Kevin and Trevor able to make it my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata.  Not too many species recorded but they did find the local speciality, Trumpeter Finch.  And still a Red-rumped Swallow in the area, albeit thy had to wait until the end of the visit to record.

Cabo de Gata:  07th October

I was at the Lay-by Hide by about 9a.m., having driven down by car, the campervan still being off

the road waiting for a new clutch.  I had already logged Collared Dove and House Sparrow as I

drove through Pujaire.  At the lay-by I added Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Black-headed Gull, Black-

winged Stilt, Yellow-legged Gull, Spoonbill (a group of 11), Slender-billed Gull, Little Egret, Dunlin,

Mallard, Ringed Plover and Redshank.

Trevor arrived, having been delayed by roadworks.  We increased the list with Spotless

Starling, Sardinian Warbler, Jackdaw and, on the ridge over towards the village, a Northern

Wheatear.  Nigel sent me an apologetic email to say that, for the first time ever, his alarm clock

had failed him.  This was such a predictable excuse for a no-show that it just had to be entirely

genuine.  Sorry you couldn’t be with us Nigel: see you next week!

After coffee we drove to the Second Hide.  A sea-watch produced four distant and

distinctive birds, then another the same, much closer in, giving good views: Scopoli’s Shearwaters.

On the walk to and from the hide we added Thekla Lark and Barn Swallow but nothing new from

the hide itself.  I told Trevor I was going to motor slowly towards the Original Hide, scanning the

low wooden fences.  This paid off.  I found a Trumpeter Finch and Trevor saw a couple more.

Trumpeter Finch (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

At the Original Hide the water level was high so waders were conspicuous by their absence.

Through the ‘scope I found Black-necked Grebes in their favoured area, as well as a group of

Shelduck on the far shore.  Trevor found an Iberian Shrike showing very well on a prominent bush

close to the hide.  The lagoon to the right held a Lesser Black-backed Gull and, on the long rocky

causeway, after prolonged study, I was 99% sure I had a row of Audouin’s Gulls with four

Sandwich Terns interspersed.  We called it a day at that as Trevor had to go to Almería airport.  As I

began my drive home a single Red-rumped Swallow flew over, final bird of the day.  Just 29 species

but a very enjoyable morning’s birding.

Kevin

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Titchfield Haven and Brownich Farms

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Monday 5 October

Dental appointment at 9.10 this morning but seen and finished with by the same time so able to drive down to Titchfield Haven and enter the Nature Reserve by 9.40. From the Meon Hide all looked relatively calm with out the hundreds of Canada Geese with just three on the site.  On the other hand, no shortage of Lapwing, Teal and Black-tailed Godwits.  Also present six Snipe, and a few Redshank.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Further back a trio of resting Little Egrets with a good number of Oystercatchers and in the distance a good number of both Carrion Crows and Moorhens.  Off to my right three Stonechats in the reeds along with a Cetti's Warbler.  A Heron was resting at the back.  Lovey to see the Marsh Harrier fly over the scrape, no doubt in search of its breakfast.

Little Egrets Egretta garzetta with Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus and singe Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Ere long I made my exit to check the Solent from the roadside car park and noted the twenty-one Eider Ducks calmly making their way northwards in a long line.  Just to the right on a wide spit a number of resting gulls and over a score of Oystercatchers included a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Moving to the eastern end of the cat park I could see many Mallards in the harbour along with the pen Mutes Swan and her remaining cygnet with the cob in the lagoon on the other side of the road.  On the beach a half-dozen resting Ringed Plovers and a couple of Turnstone.

Crossing the road to check the lagoon from both the observation area and beach I noted many Black-headed Gulls plus a quartet of Cormorants and a single Little Grebe.  A few Shoveler and Mallards also present plus very many Coot.  A Kingfish made a speedy departure in a flash of blue as it exited the lagoon for the reserve proper.  In the bushes near the roadside observation point a Robin and many Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tits.  Before leaving the area both Magpie and Woodpigeon were seen.

With no need to rush home I decided to park the car just outside the are in the Thatchers Copse car park and then walked through the woods and lane down to Brownich Pond and back.  Many of the smaller birds, including Robin and Long-tailed Tit were seen again but I also had a quartet of House Sparrows on the wires and a cock Pheasant nearby. 

Once at the pond a Mute Swan along with both Mallard and Moorhen and in the trees at the edges Great Tit, Blackbird and more Long-tailed Tits.  As I tarted the return journey I stopped at the farm building to note the half-dozen Chaffinches and near the water trough no less than 26 Collared Doves.

Arriving back at the car I had a nearby Wren then approaching Titchfield at the top of Meon Road a number of Rooks in the recently harrowed field and both Jackdaws and Starling on the roof tops as I turned left towards Warsash.

Gadwall Anas strepera with 4 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Eider, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch. 

Lapwing Island!

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

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Farlington Marsh and Hayling Island

Female Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

Sunday 4 October 

Very misty as I set off but arriving at Farlington Marshes at 9am the mist had cleared giving a very warm and sunny start to the day.  Straight to the old barn and the reedbed where I quickly found Robin and many Chiffchaff before enjoying the sight of both male and female Bearded Tits.   A female Reed Bunting arrived behind me and then the lagoon presented a half-dozen Shoveler plus a number of mallards and Canada Geese plus Moorhens and a few Coot.  In the field next to the reedbed  six Cattle Egrets joined the beast and present good, but distant, views.

Male Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

Moving on and walking the length of the river to the sea wall I observed the very many Teal plus Mallards, Gadwall, Wigeon and Pintails.  Other than a few Lapwing no waders in site but more Moorhens and Coots along with both both Black-headed (mainly) and Herring Gulls.  On the grassy path ahead of me the second cock Pheasant seen this morning.  Lots of Robins and Cetti's Warblers calling as I walked along plus a few Woodpigeon and Carrion Crows.  A pair of Linnets, a Dunnock and more Magpies at the seat and a Grey Heron was hiding in a woody corner.

Cock Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Once on the sea wall chance to scope the extensive mud flats which provided many Black-headed and a number of Herring Gulls.  Also, well away, at least eighty Redshank in a feeding group and three Curlews.  A couple of Cormorant were resting in one of the empty channels.  Slightly nearer to me a single Bar-tailed Godwit and a couple of Little Egrets.

Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis

On the lake from the observation area a number of both Shelduck and Lapwing.  However, in the far left bay a lone Little Stint feeding next to ne of the Shelduck. More Coots and Teal nearer to the me.  A large flock of Starling was moving around the distant meadow near many Canada Geese.  Away to the right of me on the fence a resting female Kestrel and at least six feeding Meadow Pipits on the nearby ground.  Back to the car and time to mov on to Hayling Island but as I reached end of the narrow lane next to the exit, I looked to my left, stopped, and admired the tightly packed two hundred Black-tailed Godwits.

Distant Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Little Stint Calidris minuta to its left

I found the last space in the full car park upon arriving at Hayling Island just after 11 o'clock but found very few birds.  Maybe three Black-headed Gulls along with single Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Little Egret in the empty, muddy bay then off to the Billy Track to check both sea and oyster beds. A few gulls on the coast but very little else recorded and not a single Oystercatcher to be seen.  On the other hand I did find a single Grey Plover.

Reaching the main breeding lake the muddy expanse to the right held three Curlews and Grey Heron and a few Starlings had been seen moving around above the bushes.  Both Magpies and Woodpigeon noted and on the walk back along the main trail I came across a couple of House Sparrows.  Once back at the car park a Dunlin had arrived at the water's edge and as I made my way out of the car park a flcok of twenty-five Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) flew across the road.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Linnet, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting.

Female Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

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