Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 30 September 

It's all excitement when out with the Arboleas Birding Group.  Not just quality birds but all sort of mal-functioning activity! It also sounds as if the UK weather this morning was better than Almeria in glorious sunshine and the temperature reaching into the upper twenties.  Just as well I had driven into the New Forest to visit the Solent shore south of Lymington where I managed to see and photograph the visiting Semipalmated Sandpiper in amongst the Dunlin.  Meant I completed the double having also recorded the visiting Lapland Bunting no more than a couple of hundred yards away from the front door on the lower Hamble River.

Black Wheatear (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Sierra De Maria  -  Wednesday 30th September

First of all a late report....Barrie and Beryl were at the estuary at Villaricos a day or two after our visit. In a large flock of resting Sandwich terns was an Elegant Tern! Not jealous at all.

Nigel picked me up and we headed towards the Sierra de Maria.  It was birdless until we were near to Maria Town when I spotted a couple of flying Griffon Vultures.  In the town we added Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, and Collared Dove.  Kevin was already at the La Piza forest cafe.  He'd already logged Chaffinch, White Wagtail, Crossbill and Blue Tit on his meanderings prior to his arrival.  Nigel quickly spotted a Jay.  We filled the empty bird feeders.  Soon a couple of Great Tits appeared...as did Wendy, James, Carolyn, Steve, Trevor , Barrie and Beryl!  Barrie picked out Long-tailed Tit and Woodlark.

After a cup of coffee we commenced the loop.  Nigel and I only saw Woodpigeon and Crested Lark whilst Barrie added Crested Tit, Calandra and Skylark.  At the village stop a number of Corn Buntings and House Sparrows were perched on the shrubs.  I spotted a passing Barn Swallow. 

Crested Tits (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Carrying on along the track Nigel and I saw 3 Northern Wheatears, a large flock of Goldfinch, a few Magpies and some Carrion Crows.  It was about this time when Nigel spotted 8-10 Ibex moving up the hillside to our right...a first for Wendy and James following behind us.  Moving on I spotted some birds in the road...Red-legged Partridge.  As we watched more and more appeared totalling at least 30 before scurrying away.  Stopping at the cliff face Barrie said he'd also seen Stonechat and Linnet.  Kevin had gear problems with his vehicle (only 3rd gear!!).  He dropped off Trevor to travel with us and headed off.  A search of the cliff only produced Black Wheatear.  Travelling on we came across a huge flock of Red-billed Chough..at least 100!   Nigel spotted a bird on the runway fence.  A Whinchat...first winter? 

Whinchat (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Along the road we unfortunately came across Kevin.  He was unable to climb the hill out of the village so would have to call a grua!  There was nothing we could do to assist him...at least he could make himself a cup of tea!

Ibex (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

En route to the hamlet Nigel and I added a Hoopoe . Wendy, James and Barrie had all seen a Kestrel. Barrie also saw a Griffon Vulture, Greenfinch and Sardinian Warbler whilst Wendy and James saw a Booted Eagle.  Steve and Carolyn saw an Egret, species unknown.  We headed for the trough, but the Sheep/ Goats were in residence.  Barrie saw a White Wagtail.  Wendy, James, Carolyn and Steve headed home whilst the few left headed for La Piza.  Barrie added a Rock Sparrow en route and a Robin at the cafe before he and Beryl headed home, leaving Nigel, Trevor and I to enjoy our lunch.  A few more birds had discovered the nuts.  Great Tits, Crested Tits and Chaffinches.

8-legged Ibex! (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A good days birding in cooler weather.  Heard from Kevin much later to say he and the vehicle were on the grua!

Regards,

Dave

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Farlington Marshes

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus

Monday 28 September

Up early and over at Farlington Marshes before 8am in the hoe that I might see the local Bearded Tits.  I was not to be disappointed.  First the hearing of the "pings" then a first sight, first photograph and it suddenly seemed almost at one that at least seven were moving backwards and forwards across the track to the opposite reed bed.  What a wonderful sight and so disappointing that the photographs do not do justice to these beautiful little birds.  With no intention of walking the outer circuit of he site I stayed put for almost an hour enjoying the fabulous sight.  Who knows hen next I might get a similar opportunity. Not only Bearded Tits as within an hundred yards six Cattle Egrets were foraging amongst the cows.

Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

To give an insight as to what was happening at the time we had a handful of Reed Buntings and at least seven Stonechats immediately in front of us and just off to the side had recorded Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaffs, Dunnock and many Robins. Many Mallards, a few Coot and Gadwall on the pond area and Carrion Crows and Magpies behind us as a Little Egret flew across and on over the Canada Geese flock and up river.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

When the time came for me to move on I took the riverside path noting the very many Teal, Mallard and a few Wigeon.  Scores of Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Redshank resting at the edges.  Further on up a number of resting Shelduck amongst the Canada Geese.  A short rest at the bench half-way up the river helped me find first a Blackcap then both Great and Blue Tits.  Needless to say, so many Black-headed but only a handful of Herring Gulls.  A second cock Pheasant was seen as I made my way along the grassy path.  No less than five Grey Herons noted during this walk and as I approached the sea wall I found a large mixed flock of approximately forty Goldfinch and 20 Linnets.  Just the one Chaffinch had been seen all morning and no sight of a Blackbird.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

From the observation point overlooking the lake I noted more Black-tailed Godwits, Teal and Coot whereas on the harbour side a single Curlew and over three hundred recently-arrived Pintails.  Before leaving a Kingfisher landed below the seats giving a very close and clear view.  Making my way back to the car for the homeward journey I once again saw the female Kestrel noted as I crossed the meadow towards the sea wall.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Kestrel Falco tinnunulus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Curlew Numenius arquata (Front left) with Pintails Anas acuta

Well concealed Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Linnets Carduelis cannabina

Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis

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Warsash Shore and Southampton Water

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Sunday 27 September

The promise of dry weather for the morning so out of the house just before 8.30 to walk along the Warsash shore to the Spit and then on down to the Meandering Pool and back.  Two hours birding produced 30 species with seven coming as I made my way back from the Spit.

Once at the coast just beyond the village's slipway, Black-headed Gulls, Turnstones, many Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks could be seen between here and the navigation pier.  As I walked alongside Strawberry Fields, looking down I could still these waders along with the occasional Oystercatcher and then approaching the pier itself a good number of Herring Gulls along with twenty-one Mallards foraging on the mud.  Near the pier at the water's edge a couple of Little Egrets.  Both Woodpigeons and Robin were seen as I walked along the path and Carrion Crows alongside the Mallards.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

On the other side of the pier more Redshanks plus a single Greenshank.  Still plenty of Black-tailed Godwits but also a couple of Curlew.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Continuing on down to the Spit I found Black-headed Gulls but only three recently-arrived Wigeon.  A pair of Cormorants passed inland overhead.  As I walked down to the Scrape a number pf barn Swallows overtook me overhead but upon arrival fount e area completely empty and the only bird life a couple of Magpies on the exposed bottom.  Continuing on a Linnet in the gorse area and arriving at the Meandering Pools found plenty of water - but n birds.  Time to retrace my steps and as I started back a Meadow Pipit and a total of fourteen Canada Geese heading northwards.   A Kestrel was hovering overhead and then I was back beyond the Scrape when I found the first of three Stonechats and a single Blue Tit.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

A Chiffchaff as I passed through the spinney and I was back in the lee of the Spit.  With the much further in the birds were being pushed towards me and her, on the still exposed green flats I first found a handful of Ringed Plover and then a half-dozen Dunlin.  In amongst the resting Black-headed Gulls a small group of Sandwich Terns and then a couple of Greenshanks.  Also close by a trio of Little Egrets and a Curlew.

Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Finally, back at the navigation pier and stopping to check the gulls on the homeward side finally found the "local" Yellow-legged Gull being photographed by another birder. Still both Redshanks and Black-tailed Godwits around as well as many Black-headed Gulls and just off the water's edge a single Great Crested Grebe.  The final bird of the day was a House Sparrow inspecting the stacked crabbing pots back at the slipway.

Redshanks Tringa totanus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Linnet.

Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

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Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

Friday 25 September

South Scrape from the Meon Hide

Parked up on the Meon shore a Titchfield Haven by just after 9 and a Turnstone on the sea wall to greet me.  Checking the roadside observation post plenty of Black-headed Gulls on the lagoon along with a quartet of Cormorant and on the water itself a number of Mallard and Gadwall.  On the far side edges a Little Egret and Heron along with both Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks. 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta with Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Nearer the bridge the flock of Coot and a quartet of Shoveler.  And the first of the wintering Wigeon had arrived on the river alongside a small flock of Canada Geese.  In the harbour itself a number of Mallards, Mute Swans and fifty plus Turnstones.  Also see in and around the trees Carrion Crow, a number of Woodpigeon and the first Magpie of the morning.

A few of the 50 Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Time to enter the Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve and start with a walk down the eastern side of the river along the boardwalk.  On the way to the Meadow Hide I recorded Robin, Chiffchaff and a passing Great Spotted Woodpecker. Once in the hide plenty of Canada Geese on show along with a handful of Greylag Geese and more Black-headed and Herring Gulls.  A pair of Egyptian Geese sat on a post in the water looking up at the newly-arrived Grey Heron.  Over the trees at the back scores of feeding and resting Barn Swallows plus a good number of House Martins.  Once at the Knights Bank Hide more of the same plus a Moorhen and a Jay flew by the hide.  In addition to the carrion Crows a handful of Jackdaws was also seen.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca wondering what the Grey Heron's doing up there!

Back to the main road and on to the western side of the reserve with an hour in the Meon Hide overlooking the South Scrape.  Here, still hundreds of Canada Geese plus scores of Teal, Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwings and Black-headed Gulls.  Still at least eight Snipe present in front of the hide along withe up to a dozen Redshank.  

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

On the islands, in addition to the many Canada Geese and Black-headed Gulls, a small number of Oystercatchers and Moorhens and, especially on "D" island, a few Little Egrets plus two Spoonbill.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (centre back) with 3 Little Egret Egretta garzetta in front

Off to the right bank a single Glossy Ibis put in an appearance to feed at the water's edge.  It was also in the reeds to my right that those present picked up the Cetti's Warbler and then I found a lone Sandwich Tern which made the very briefest appearances before disappearing to the back of the small island.  Notwithstanding, the bird reappeared and conveniently came to rest atop the "F" sign.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis atop sign post

Similarly, one of the larger islands also produced a couple of Mediterranean Gulls which were resting on its right-hand edge.  The small flock of Starlings arrived for a short stay but, at the far back over the trees, just in time to see the Marsh Harrier arrived and disappear below the trees. And there ended my visit, albeit as I left the parking area and turned inland I found a resting Kestrel atop a pylon, so bringing up a total of 40 species for the morning.

2 Mediterraean Gulls Larus melanocephalus (at front)

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Robin, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca (centre)

Record shot of Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

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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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