Warsash and Solent Shore

Wednesday 28 January

A beautiful, sunny morning with next to no breeze and warming up as the morning progressed.  Time to tale along the shore from Warsash to the Meandering Pool off the Solent shore before returning three hour later having recorded 37 species including three for the year.  What really stood out was the number of Brent Geese, slightly lower than of late and the much reduced Wigeon flock in the Spit at the mouth of the Hamble River.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

No sooner past the harbour than the first Brent Geese along with Oystercatchers, Turnstone and the occasional Redshank.  Then came the first massed flock of Dunlin, hundreds of them, as the tide made its way out.  A couple of Herring and a single Great Black-backed as well as the many Black-headed Gulls.  Approaching the navigation pier a Woodpigeon flew over and a singe Meadow Pipit on the path in front.  Out on the water a couple of Shelduck as two Mallards flew away and a lone Little Egret foraging under the pier.

Hundreds of Dunlin Calidris alpina

Once past the pier and looking out over the now well exposed mud flats many more Brent Geese and Oystercatchers plus another large flock of hundreds of Dunlin.  However, this time there must have been a score of more Knot feeding/resting with the Dunlin.  Best of all there was a single Barnacle Goose in with a group up of Brent Geese near the mouth of the Spit.  Also present a singe Bar-tailed Godwit and out on the main water a pair of Mute Swans.  The first Carrion Crows of the morning along with a handful of Cormorant were seen on and over the Spit.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis with the Brents

Once at the Spit and looking back towards the Hamble River I found a pair of Pintail in with the Brent Geese and in front of me on the mud two score of more Ringed Plovers.  Even a Little Grebe put in an appearance.

Male Pintail Anas acuta

On down towards the Scrape and Blackbird, Robin and Great Tit were recorded as I walked through the small spinney.  Once at the Scrape itself very little bird life but with the two resting a Shelduck a male Goosander taking up the centre spot on the only island due to the excessive recent rain.  At the far end, on the pontoon, another Shelduck along with a couple of Black-headed but also a single Mediterranean Gull.

Male Goosander Mergus merganser between two Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Carrying on down past the gorse area to the Meandering Pool I noted five Skylarks singing and hovering on the grassy patch and upon arriving found a single Little Egret and five Snipe.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Time for the return walk and in the gorse area came across a pair of Linnet and more (or the same) Skylarks. A Moorhen in the canal alongside the Scrape and on the island the Goosander had finally lifted his head for a few seconds to prove who he was!

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Back in the Scrape a couple of Common Gulls in with the Black-headed and a single Grey Plover walking the edges.  Near the Brent Geese a half-dozen Teal on the water.  Finally, in the trees alongside Strawberry Field both Blue and Great Tits to complete the morning's observations.

Common (Mew) Gull Larus canus

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Birds seen:

Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Linnet.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Knot Calidris canutus

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (below)

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Lots of Dunlin Calidris alpina with a few added Knot Calidris canutus

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New Forest Birding with 6 New Species

Male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Sunday 25 January 

A dull start t the day but finished at Ripley Farm Reservoir arrived and missed most of heavy showers when in the hides at nearby Blashford Lakes.  Then the rain set in and stopped as I arrived back in Warsash - and even the Sun is trying to put in an appearance.

Arriving at the entrance track to Ripley Farm Reservoir I face the 3 km return walk past the pig fields and in the hedges and neighbouring area recorded Robin, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit and Woodpigeon.  Even a pair of Brown Hares in the field on my left.  However, once at the reservoir itself I was soon shown where to find the visiting Killdeer.  Next to the bird a couple of resting Shelduck and also five Herons on the bank along with a couple of Greylag Geese.  On the water a small, mixed flock of ducks including Wigeon, Shoveler and Mallard and very close a sleeping Little Gull.

Making my way back to the car before leaving the reservoir area I stopped aside the larger pig field and found a trio of Red-legged Partridge at the back and near the feeding pigs a single Pied Wagtail and Herring Gull along with a small flock of foraging Starlings.  Further along the return journey I also cam across a number of Carrion Crows and a single Dunnock.

A few spots pf rain as I drive north to nearby Blashford Lakes and decided to make my first port of call the main reserve knowing that the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Water was next to the car park. Straight to the Woodland Hide and inside to beat the coming light rain and , with nobody else inside, able to take the opening window position.  Rain easing to nothing and eventually slightly brighter so a good opportunity to even use the camera.  During the next forty minutes or so a continuous supply of Blue accompany by a few Great and the two Coal Tits.  On the other hand, lots of visiting Long-tailed Tits to join the many feeding Chaffinches and sole Goldfinch.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

As all began to settle down a trio of Blackbirds and a couple of Dunnocks below the feeders and then the arrival of the first Siskins.  Lovely to see the one Nuthatch but best of all to find the lone, visiting male Brambling.  At first well concealed on a thick branch of the small trees to the left of the feeder but, eventually, made a move out into the open for all, including a small visiting group, to see the bird.

The first sighting of the Brambling Fringgilla montifringilla

Brambling Fringgilla montifringilla

Moving on down to the South Ivy Hide, compete a room full of birders, nine resting Cormorants along with many Tufted Duck.  At the far end the main Wigeon flock, about eight Gadwall, a single Coot and Great Crested Grebe plus a pair of Mute Swans.  Not many Mallard and only the one Black-headed Gull.  A short visit to Ivy North Hide produced very little  apart from the odd Mallard and Cormorant but then a Kingfisher flew in and posed right in front of the hide the minute I had put my camera away!  Back to the car park where a Song Thrush was singing away in the tree next to the car.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Time to move over to Tern Hide at Ibsley Water and, in the dull weather, note all the Coots and Wigeon.  Scanning with the scope I eventually found the Black-necked Grebe that my neighbour had been watching at the very far end of the water.  A detailed study of the ducks to my fare left then found the dozen or so Pintail plus a Goldeneye and a small group of Shoveler.  Moving my attention to the ducks towards my right I had the pleasure of a second Goldeye accompanied by a male Goosander.  Further back resting on what was now the flooded island a single Great Black-backed Gull and into shot flew and settle a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Wigeon Anas penelope with a few Pintail Anas acuta at the back

Finally, as I started off towards Ibsley village an the forest road over towards Fritham, the corner field held a good number of feeding Carrion Crows and Jackdaws plus a quintet of Magpies. Even a Pied Wagtail amongst them, and a watching Rock Dove from the roof of the nearby house.

Coal Tit Parus ater looking at Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Time to head off ack to Warsash but first a very short stop at Cadman's Pool near Fritham to check the natural feeder and water.  A number of mallards on the water and island but the stump feeder seemed to be very active with many Blue, Great, Coal and Marsh Tits plus Chaffinches, a Blackbird and the late arrival of a Nuthatch. 

Chaffinch (right) looking at Blue Parus caeruleus and Coal Tits

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Coot, Killdeer, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Brambling, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and with Blue and Coal Tits

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis and with Siskin Carduelis spinus

Coal Tit Parus ater looking at Great Tit Parus major

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Siskins Carduelis spinus (male below)

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Farlington Marshes

Wednesday 21 January 

Left my visit till 10 this morning as the forecast suggested dry and cloudy.  It may have been when I left home but a few spots of rain upon arriving so over-trousers on and well wrapped up against the strong, cold wind when I set off.  No sooner through the gate than the first drops started to fall.  Lots of Brent Geese on the mud flats which were quickly succumbing to the incoming tide.  Indeed, many Pintail as well along with a few Shelduck and Teal.  Not too many gulls about and almost all Black-headed save for a couple of Herring Gulls.  Also on the shore a couple of Curlew and a distant Great Black-backed Gull.

Off down to the lake and its viewing point which in the gloom presented many more Teal and Pintail along with the resting Wigeon.  Rather than face the open exposure to the elements, I retraced my steps to take the track across the meadow alongside the river where I came across more Shelduck, Brent Geese and a Mute Swan on the open water. A couple of Moorhen and a tight flock of about fifty Coot made a dash from grass to water as I approached.

A long rest in the shelter of the old barn and a chance to use the scope from the drier back of the building.  Lots of Canada and Brent Geese on the Hay Field but, eventually, up and on along the main track up towards the sea wall.  Brent Geese and many Mallards in the fields each side of the track and in front of me as I approach the main gate of the right a departing Little Egret and a Kestrel had just landed in the tree further ahead.  Also noticeable the number of Moorhens that seemed to appear out of nowhere as I made my way along the main track.  Nearer the top I stopped under the shelter of the trees to scope the main marsh which held scores of both Brent and Canada Geese but also a good number of both Lapwing and Starling.

Should I carry on up along the sea wall.  The mater was finally settled when, at last, I found one of the visiting White-fronted Geese in amongst the geese, Lapwings and Starlings.  Good enough for me as I made my back to try and remove as many wet layers as well as boots before driving back to Warsash. Obviously no photographs taken as the camera stayed safely inside the rucksack, so the following is a previous shot of a White-fronted Goose.

White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons

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Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 21 January

Well what a day the Arboleas Birding Group had at may favourite Almerian site with all those lovely Trumpeter Finches along with Iberian Grey Shrike.  Great new and I trust at least one will be around when I visit on 20 February!  A bit windy you say, so be pleased with yourselves as not only cold but wet and very windy back in the UK when I made my, to be abandoned, visit to Farlington Marshes, near Portsmouth this morning.  Finally gave up and returned  home - but not before catching up with the visiting White-fronted Goose.  Perhaps I'll try again at the weekend when the weather promises to be a little better with some warmth (all very relative when compared with you out in Spain)

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 21st January

A cool, chilly day.  Bit windy, but clear blue skies.  I picked up Nigel in the truck and headed south on the A7/E15.  Near Sorbas the northbound was closed with a major lorry accident. I made our way to the first hide only seeing some Collared Doves as we passed through Retamar Sur.  The water level was quite high.  We scanned the salina in front of the hide.  Greater Flamingo, 5 Spoonbill on the rocky causeway, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard and Little Egret.  Nigel spotted a Redshank and Slender-billed Gull whilst I added Black-tailed Godwits.  We were joined by Trevor and Kevin.  Kevin soon picked out Dunlin and Greenshank.  Trevor found an Iberian Grey Shrike on the power line behind us.  Kevin had already seen Jackdaw, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.  A Yellow-legged Gull flew by. Numerous Chiffchaff were flitting around the shrubs.

We adjourned for coffee in Cabo village then headed along the beachside track towards Rambla Morales.  I'm very happy to report that all the infrastructure work has finished.  The track had been levelled and laid with compacted gravel so the going was good.  The last 50 metres prior to the parking area reverted to a soft sand layer on top but passable.  There were a few dog walkers around but they didn't seem to faze the small Coot, Moorhen and Sanderling flock at the estuary's end.  I found a Gannet out to sea.   Nigel spotted a Shoveler.  Kevin added a Shelduck.  Also seen were Greater Flamingo, Mallard, Chiffchaff and Stonechat.  A Cetti's Warbler was heard.  Disappointed...was hoping for more!

We drove to the beach opposite the second hide.  I decided I'd forego the walk to the hide and drive slowly along the roadside track to see if I could spot any Dotterel.  The lads headed to the hide and I commenced my slow drive.  I first added a Black Redstart, then a small flock of Greenfinch.  In the next area I spotted more finches on the ground.  At least 15 Trumpeter Finches.  I stopped the truck, rang Nigel with the news and waited some 15 minutes for them to come up behind me.  The Trumpeter Finches were still there but a bit further away.  Seen by all, a lifer for Nigel. 

Trumpter Finches (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

At the second hide they had seen Grey Heron, Little Grebe and heard a Sardinian Warbler.

I carried on to the public hide.  I parked in the usual place.  Recent rains had left a puddle nearby. Trumpeter Finches were arriving in good numbers to drink . Kevin counted at least 35.  Never seen so many at one time.  One was later seen on a photograph with a leg ring.  The observations from the hide were disappointing.  Dunlin, Avocet, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck and Cormorant.  Kevin had visited earlier in the morning and had seen Lesser Black-backed Gull and a pair of Black-necked Grebe.

We ended up with 37 species.  Bit disappointed but seeing all the Trumpeter Finches overshadowed that feeling. 

Trumpter Finches (PHOTO: Nigel white)

Motorway still closed so diverted onto a windy A road! 

Best wishes to Jane, Carole, Peter 1, Seamus and anyone else with this dreaded lurgy! 

Regards

Dave 

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New Forest Birding

Saturday 17 January

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula (center) with Pintails Anas acuta (left) and many Dunlin Calidris alpina

Out whilst still dark to arrive at Normandy Lagoon on the Solent coast of the New Forest opposite the Isle of Wight south of Lymington before 8. Still cloudy and calm and the sun, at best, trying to make a belated entry but without much success.  But at least dry, only the slightest breeze and not too cold.  Even so, more than pleased to record 43 species during the 1 and 3/4 hours.

Whilst preparing to walk from the lane to the sea wall Blackbird, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Robin, Song Thrush, Woodpigeon, Magpie and Carrion Crow recorded. In the neighbouring fields mixed flocks of (mainly) Canada but also Brent Geese.  Even a lone Heron in the access field plus both Chaffinch and a handful of House Sparrows.

Once on the sea wall lots of Lapwing plus the odd Turnstone and Redshank and then the ducks, mainly Teal but also Shelduck, Gadwall, Pintail, Tufted and Wigeon.  In the distance a few Mallard plus a single Spoonbill and Little Egret along with a couple of Cormorant.  Obviously, not to be missed, the fifteen Avocet.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta near top

Once on the outer sea wall thousands of Dunlin to be seen rather than the hundreds from the previous viewpoint.  Not only many resting and feeding but out on the Solent near the exposed "islands" huge murmurations.  There might even have been many Knot but too distant and dull to be sure of their identification.  Also with the Dunlin scores of Ringed Plover, the odd Redshank and nearby Teal, Pintail, Wigeon and a couple of Brent Geese.  A Stonechat was seen n the fence below, first a female than a male, and at the back of the water many Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwit.

Pintails (top) plus a pair of Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Across the water on the grassy islands a group of 13 resting Spoonbill and a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls. As I made my way back another Great Back-backed Gull and a Black-headed Gull in the lagoon and then a pair of Mute Swans on Oxey Lake. leaving the lagoon I came across my first Meadow Pipit and as I crossed the meadow a couple of Redwing in the bushes and a Pheasant at the back of the field.  Once at the car a Wren foraging in the ditch opposite.

Ringed Plovers (centre) with Brent Goose (bottom) and Pintails (above left)

before driving on to nearby Pennington Marsh I stopped to check out Acre Pond and found both an Egyptian Goose and a passing Kingfisher.

Rest at last for the Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Arriving at Pennington Marsh at 9.45 I stopped at the bend in the road in front of the access gate but no sign of the visiting Bean Goose.  Lots of Lapwing and certainly no shortage of both Canada and Brent Geese.  However, also lots of Shoveler plus Teal, Wigeon and Shelduck on the flooded area.  Nearby I also noted Carrion Crows, Magpies and a Robin.

Moving on to the end of the lane to park up I noted a large resting flock of both Oystercatcher and Black-tailed Godwit in the field behind the caravans along with many Canada and Brent Geese. So on down to Fishtail Lagoon noting the many Teal, Shelduck, Mallard and Lapwing on my right.  Around me a number of Blackbirds plus a Song Thrush in the bushes in front.  Both Meadow Pipit and a group of forty resting Curlew seen. Up on the sea wall looking back I could also pick out Coot and a distant Heron.  A Meadow Pipit posed for me as I approached the steps up to said sea wall.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

However, at this point I received an urgent phone call to return home as guests had arrived so no chance of adding to my list or completing the usual circuit.  Cutting across the bushy are as the quickest way back I did check one of the larger pools and found a pair of Greylag Geese so a further two species in total to add to the day's total.  And no sooner in the car than the sun came out and the temperature shot up!

Greylag Geese Anser anser

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan. Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch.

Teal Anas crecca (center left) and Dunlin

Pintail and mainly Dunlin

A few score of the thousand plus Dunlin Calidris alpina

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