RSPB Pagham Harbour

 Saturday 13 June

Interesting Saturday morning at RSPB Pagham Harbour with friend Richard. Lovely warm day but tired from lack of sleep then overcome with exhaustion as we finished the woodland circuit and headed off for the raised path towards Pahgam Harbour itself. At this point we had record 26 species with most on the pond, including many resting Black-tailed Godwits, family of Shelduck and plenty of Avocets with well-grown youngsters.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Also noted alongside the river now at almost full tide, Little Egret, Reed Warbler, Chaffinch and usual small birds plus Richard had seen the rising Skylark.  Not too many Woodpigeon but both a passing Collared Dove and a Magpie.  On the flooded marsh a few Mallards and then, as we rested overlooking the reeds and bushes opposite, a number of Reed Warblers plus a trio of Linnets. Lovely to see a fishing Common Tern over the river.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna family with visiting Avocet 

Then it was back past the Ferry Hide and on to the narrow path leading eastwards towards the harbour itself.  Richard saw and heard a Skylark in the field to our right as took a short rest on the narrow-planked seat.  And for the next minutes and more, feeling exhausted which was very unlike me, everything shut down until I realised I was lying on the path in the recovery position.  Poor old Richard even thought I was a "gonna" but you don't get shot of me as easily as that!  However, I can's thank Richard enough for taking care of the situation and staying with me till Jenny arrived at the hospital good eight hours later when we were in a better situation as to what next.  Likewise very grateful to the two RSPB wardens who happened to be present, Ron and Alison, and always good, and very welcome, to have a pretty ex-nurse hold your hand whisper whatever it was she was whispering to me.

I eventually heard the Skylark whilst on the ground in the recovery position having passed out on a resting bench and landed on the dry path. Next I know I am in an ambulance with flashing blue lights and headed about ten miles into Chichester, where I was admitted to A&E at St Richard's Hospital. Excellent service, despite what tends to be reflected on news channels, and undergoing various test where confirmed I had very high blood pressure and an irregular heart beat. At least the following MRI scan revealed no blood spots on my longs which were, evidently, expected by the recovery team. In the end retained for 2 nights so that the heart could be monitored over 24 hours then discharged into Jenny's care for the return drive to Warsash. Loads of pills to be take at various intervals but, evidently, the betablocker and blood thinners are to be taken daily until my feet re pointing upwards. More painful was the bruising I suffered on the original fall but, there again, there are many people out there in a far worse situation than I, so still get to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary in 5 weeks time.

And as my dear friend in Spain, Derek Etherton said, now learn your lesson about taking more drink on board and resist from birding alone miles away from anywhere. Yes Daddy, message received loud and clear - and many thanks to all my other friends who have passed on best wishes, etc.

Resting Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

10 June 2026

A very low number of species recorded by the Arboleas Birding Group today but, on the other hand, they did see Dartford Warbler, Red-rumped Swallows and those large Gull-billed Terns.  Plus, of course, the increase to their vocabulary!

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 10th June

Thankfully the weather was cooler today.  As Nigel drove me down to Cabo de Gata there were lots of clouds and a few spots of drizzle.  Between the motorway and Pujaire we encountered the usual suspects :- Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling, Barn Swallow, House Sparrow and Collared Dove.

Wendy and James were already at the first hide having stayed overnight nearby.  They had already seen House Martin.  Wendy also had seen a Yellow Wagtail.  Scanning the salinas before us we saw Greater Flamingos, loads of Black-winged Stilts and Avocets.  In the distance I spotted a Yellow-legged Gull. We were joined by Peter (2).  I saw a pair of Red-rumped Swallows.  Also seen were Kentish Plovers and Shelducks.  James then spotted a Dartford Warbler which flitted around the hide.

After a well deserved drink we headed towards the second hide.  We stopped for a seawatch.  I spotted a Scopoli's Shearwater and Wendy added a second.  Due to my dodgy knee I stayed with the vehicles as the others bimbled * towards the hide.  I added a pair of Cormorants before sitting down in Nigel's air conditioned car!  The others added Gull-billed Terns, Thekla Lark and a Yellow-legged Gull.

Gull-billed Terns (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove up to the public hide.  It had been decorated and a wheelchair ramp had been added.  Two wardens/maintenance men were working in the compound . The first thing I noticed was a dead Greater Flamingo on a sandy spit.  In these days of bird flu I thought you had to report such finds.  I pointed the body out to the wardens but they weren't interested.  Again there were plenty of Avocets (some on nests), Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos and a cotchel of Kentish Plovers.  There were Little and Gull-billed Terns flying around the islands.  Peter found some Ringed Plovers and Nigel added a Common Tern.  Better mention that James saw another Yellow Wagtail!

For the uninitiated like me, bimble* means a slow, relaxed and aimless walk.  A cotchel* is a small portion.  Nigel was teaching us some unusual words!

We had a great day's birding in very good company.  "Only" 22 species seen.  Best wishes to Peter (1), Michael and Les.

Regards

Dave

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Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa

 Wednesday 3June

Another great day's birding for the Aboleas Birding Group at the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa under the guidance of Dave Elliott-Binns.  Always good to see all three small plovers together in order to compare size and colouration.  Similarly, Nightingale and Red-rumped Swallows are always a welcome sighting and then, of course, there was that fabulous Roller.  As for Dave's ringed Audouin's Gull we all await the outcome of the enquiry to see from where the bird originated.  Again, lovely photograph's to illustrate the report so many thanks to both Nigel and Dave.  Now, if only we in the UK could have a little more of your Spanish heat!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 3rd June

After yesterdays near 40c temperatures it was good to see some clouds with lower temperatures and a cooler breeze.

Nigel drove me down to the ford, overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora. Kevin's motorvan was parked up but he was wandering up the rambla towards the sewage works.  As we waited for others to arrive we saw Magpie, Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Red-rumped and Barn Swallows and House Martin.  Nigel spotted a distant Kestrel. Beryl and Barrie arrived.  He quickly heard Zitting Cistacola, Reed Warbler and Greenfinch.  (Note to self...need my ears syringing!!)  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn and a returning Kevin.  He had added Common Swift, Goldfinch, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Nightingale and Black-winged Stilt.  He stated that there was a great deal of work being done around the sewage works.  The only birds on the big pool were Mallards.  Nigel scoped the distant power cables and found not only a Blackbird but a Roller as well. Good spot!

We drove down to the beach.  There were about 5 Audouin's Gulls on the beach where we parked. Knowing they are sometimes ringed I snapped away.  Hit the jackpot with a ringed bird (CNXM).  Will let you know from whence it came at a later date! Barrie saw an overflying White Wagtail.  Steve found a pair of Gannet out to sea.  There were 7 bulk carriers anchored up awaiting Gypsum loading at Garrucha harbour.

Audouin's Gull (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved round to the estuary.  A sandbank blocked the water off from the sea so the water level was high, submerging the mudflats.  Barrie did manage to locate Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers and Crested Lark.  Steve added a Grey Heron. We were joined by Trevor.  (Some excuse about an alarm clock not going off!)  Barrie spotted a flight of 13 Glossy Ibis flying away.  He then found a Little Egret on the beach.  We adjourned for refreshments.  I added a Yellow-legged Gull.

Kentish Plover (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove round to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  A scan provided Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Avocets. Kevin found a Black-necked Grebe.  Barrie found a Marbled Duck.  We had Little Ringed, Ringed and Kentish Plovers all on the same small mudflat. Barrie found a Common Pochard. Kevin added a Shelduck.  A Little Bittern flew low over the water to the left.  Kevin spotted a White -headed Duck.

Common Pochard (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We moved round to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  The water was virtually covered by blanket weed.  This is the total list...One Moorhen, two Coot, One Little Grebe, One Common Pochard and one Mallard!!

The two Coot (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Thanks to everyone who came today.  Great company. 43 species seen.  Sorry to see Barrie, Beryl and possibly Kevin departing till September.  Best wishes to Michael and Les.

Kevin informs me the group has collected €142 so far this year for the ABS charity. Well done all!!

Dave

News just in:

Dear David,

The Audouin's gull CNXM was ringed as a chick in the colony of Salinas de Torrevieja (Alicante) on 14/06/2019. Metal ring 6001279 (ESI)

Thank you for the information!

Best regards,

Albert Bertolero

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