Rutland Water

With friend Bryan Stapley at the Smew Hide, Rutland Water

Wednesday 10 May

Arriving at Rutland Water by 10 o'clock we thought we ought to have a dry morning whereas in fact not a drip of rain and by mid-afternoon the sun was out and temperatures had reached the mid-twenties and we were by now definitely in shirt-sleeve order.  But first a brief stop at Burley Fishponds so that Bryan could see the site that holds so very many wintering ducks, especially Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Common Pochard.  Not just the many Wood Pigeon but on the water Cormorants and Greylag along with Canada Geese, a couple of Little Egrets and many Black-headed Gulls.  A couple of Heron were found and, of course, mallards were regularly seen.  Bryan manged to find a single Little Grebe to add to the local Great Crested Grebes and a couple of Carrion Crows were very active on the far bank.  As we made our way towards Egleton and the Visitors Centre the first field on the connecting lane held well over an hundred Greylag Geese whilst the third and final field had three Egyptian Geese waiting to be seen.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Arriving at the car park we quickly added Blackbird and Collared Dove and on arriving at the feeding station were met by a feeding female Pheasant and a regular supply of both Goldfinch and Chaffinch and, on this occasion, also Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Robin.  So lovely to then also find a foraging Dunnock, nevermind the local Jackdaws.  After a visit to the Visitors Centre we found Coot and Tufted Duck on Lagoon 1 we set off for Lagoon 2 and the Redshank Hide.  Upon arrival we added Moorhen, Commion Tern and Sand Martin before continuing on to the Grebe Hide.  Lovely to take the woodland track rather than the [path along the field boundary and we were rewarded by not only seeing Willow Warbler but also finding a Garden Warbler.

Dunnock Prunella modularis at the feeding station

From here it was up to the Sandpiper Hide overlooking Lagoon 4.  Still a lot of Little Egrets in the vicinity and also lapwing and Black-headed Gulls.  As expected, more Greylag Geese but also a small number of Canada Geese.  On the water Mute Swans, Mallards and Great Crested Grebe whilst we found a couple of Pied Wagtail and a trio of Oystercatcher on the sandy islands.  Common Terns were both resting and feeding and then a single Little Ringed Plover put in an appearance on the far side of the nearest island.  Just a couple of Great Black-backed Gull at the  back of the water on this occasion.  However, right at the back of the lagoon in front of the trees separating the water from Burley Fishponds a dark, over-large swift shape was undulating its way against the tree line.  Scope eventually on the bird as I watched it move back and forward in a much calmer flight and the penny dropped as I realised I was watching a quartering Hobby.  A rather lovely result on which to take our departure.

2019 Juvenile Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Lagoon 3 seen from the Shoveler Hide confirmed that the growing duck numbers were now much closer to the hide on the near side of the water compared with my last visit.  Almost exclusively Mallard before picking out a couple of Gadwall.   Nearer to the hide we had a trio of Shelduck away to our left plus more Coot and a Moorhen but most of our effort was concentrating on the reeds and undergrowth immediately to the far end of the hide as we watched both Sedge and Reed Warbler.

View of Lagoon 1 seen from the Mallard Hide

In addition to more Mute Swan, a look at the same lagoon from the Buzzard Hide also produced a couple of Pochard.  And having paid a brief visit to Crake Hide and then more time watching the breeding Common Tern on Lagoon 2 as seen from the Smew Hide before making our way back to the car park for lunch.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Suitably refreshed it was off towards the south with first a visit to the Mallard Hide overlooking Lagoon 1 where we found very much  large numbers of birds already recorded and on reaching the Snipe Hide overlooking Lagoon 6 in the scrape to the left both solitary Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit in addition to Moorhen, Black-headed Gull and Mallard.  Even a couple of Barn Swallows flying overhead.

Red Admiral butterfly Vanessa atalanta

The walk up to the 360 Hide overlooking Lagoon 5 produced no Sand Martins despite the large artificial nesting bank but a good numbers of Mallard and Lapwing along with a handful of Jackdaw.  However, pride of place must surely go the lone Wigeon that was feeding immediately in front of us.  Was this to be the first of the thousands that will be seen at Rutland Water come the winter?

Wigeon Anas penelope

Returning to the car we then drove over to the Lyndon Visitor Centre, encountering a Red Kite as we drove out of the car park and with a brief stop at the bridge to check that there was an Osprey occupying the original Manton Bay nest, there was with one chick on the nest and the female resting on top of the camera support.  Once at the centre the feeding station held both Goldfinch and a couple of Tree Sparrow.  Taking the long walk west to the Waderscrape Hide, with the briefest stops at both the Deep Water and Tufted Duck Hides, first we came across a male Reed Bunting and then we were very well received the volunteer warders.  With such close views of the Manton Bay nest we were not only able to see the resting female Osprey but also all four chicks, two on the nest, one in the tree opposite and the fourth on a branch close to the water.  The male eventually returned to be warmly welcomed by his family but, alas, he was fish-free and one got the feeling he had been banished to a nearby tree!

The Osprey Pandion haliaetus family

Whilst that was an absolutely splendid way to end our birding day, we had hardly left the site when a Kestrel crossed the road in front of us to give a total of three raptors and a final tally of 51 birds for the day.

Unknown dragonfly with prey

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Osprey, Red Kite, Kestrel, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin,  Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Garden warbler, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

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RSPB Frampton Marsh, Boston

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Tuesday 9 July

My birding friend Bryan Stapley returned to the UK just on two years ago with his wife, Paula to take up residence in Darlington.  I was delighted, therefore, that he was able to travel down and stay with me in Stamford for a couple of nights so that he could experience birding on my local patch.  The only downside was that rain was forecast for both days with Wednesday having a 94% chance of the wet stuff.  With visits scheduled to both Frampton Marsh near Boston and nearby Rutland Water which to visit first?  In the end it was left till the very last minute and having prepared picnics for the pair of us I met Bryan at Stamford railway station and we headed off to Frampton Marsh, arriving a few minutes after mid-day in the hope that, at least, we might get a couple of hours of dry weather.  Dry weather; not a singe drop of rain all day albeit it was cloudy calm and cool most of the day apart for an hour or so in the afternoon when the sun tried its best to break through and it became very warm and humid.  The end result was a very enjoyable day's birding with lots of species but on much smaller scale than the previous Wednesday when I visited with Chris Bell.  Could it have been down to the low tide during our visit with many of the waders on the shore or had hundreds and both Black-tailed Godwit and Knot simply moved on?

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (male above)

With both Kestrel and Pheasant seen as we approached the entrance followed by the first of many Magpies, we thought we might be in for a good day and so it proved to be.  Straight into the Visitors Centre and the lake in front produced numerous Black-headed Gulls along with Mallard, a quartet of Spoonbill, many Coot and the occasional Moorhen.  Further detailed study the found Lapwing, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Little Egret and a good number of Black-tailed Godwit plus a single Bar-tailed Godwit.  However, at the far side of the water near the Spoonbills a small inlet had a single wader which proved to be a Reeve, our only Ruff of the day.  No sooner had we found the wader than a Common Sandpiper walked across the entrance.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Meanwhile, outside the side window on the feeding station were a good number of Goldfinches and Great Tits which were then, eventually, joined by a single Greenfinch, Blackbird, Dunnock and a few Blue Tits.  Scoping to the right we eventually found a pair of Gadwall along with a similar number of Teal and the very far end of the water the Black-necked Grebe and youngster put in an appearance whilst, once ensconced in the 360 Hide, we had Canada Geese, Tufted Duck and a number of Shelduck to the rear. As with the previous water there were plenty of Greylag Geese to be seen, indeed just about everywhere along with the many Lapwing.  Naturally, there were Great Crested Grebes to be seen and in the far distance a couple of Oystercatcher.  An ideal opportunity to eat our picnic before continuing on a clockwise circuit of the reserve and wondering weather or not the rain might arrive and catch us well exposed up on the high bank overlooking the saltmarsh.

The Reedbed Hide produced nothing new and it certainly seemed as if there were fewer birds about compared with last week.  However, interesting to watch the continuous movement of the Starlings from one are to another.  Once at the back of the reserve we found a male Reed Bunting and then a very exposed Sedge Warbler that delighted us with its song from the top of a small tree; beautiful!

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Approaching the East Hide we were very much aware of the good number of Avocet and young on display and then we were joined by a very active Reed Warbler who obviously had a nest of youngsters somewhere close by before the pair of Shelduck as we entered the hide.  From the hide itself we picked up a Pied Wagtail and then set off to walk the high bank noting the Sky Lark as we approached the steps.  Looking down on the reserve we soon found a single Redshank and then a small flock of Dunlin.  Just the one Little Ringed Plover before, close by on the saltmarsh, a quartet of Brent Geese.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Before reaching the steps down to the road we found our Knot, maybe a couple of hundred but nothing like the thousand plus of the previous week.  Rather than descent to the road we continued on for a short while and picked up a distant Carrion Crow, our only one for the day where we would expect to see double figures.  Also on the marsh a Lesser Black-backed Gull and to our great delight we had excellent views of the Spotted Redshank in its black uniform on the water to our right.

Record shot of Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus (right) with Black-tailed Godwits

Once back at the car park we could hear the local Turtle Dove singing away and back in the Visitors Centre enjoyed the visit of a couple of Common Tern whilst Collared Dove and Great Tit had come to visit the feeders.  Outside, as we made our way to the car a couple of Barn Swallows were feeding around the area and no sooner had we reached the end of the entrance/exit road we finally saw our first House Sparrows of the day.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Sky Lark, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunlin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.
 

Huddled Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta on the meadow with a few Shelduck Tadorna tadorna for company

C
heck out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Rutland Water

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Sunday 7 July

No rain, just lovely warm sun, a little light cloud and no wind so no need to have carried my mac on an early morning visit to Rutland Water, arriving about 7.45 and staying a couple of hours or so and just covering the northern end of the reserve.  In reality, probably making the most of the weather as my scheduled visit mid-morning Tuesday with friend Bryan Stapely, now moved back from Spain to Hartlpool, is coming to stay for a couple of nights and see my local birding sites.  Could be damp but at least next Wednesday the hides are much nearer the car park and far more birds to be seen if last week's visit is anything to go by.

A few of the 32 Little Egrets Egretta garzetta counted on l;aggon 4

Approaching the water along the top road it was obvious looking at the reservoir that there were plenty of Mute Swans about along with both Carrion Crow and Wood Pigeon.  The lane up to Egleton had a field full of Greylag Geese feeding on the grass and in the village itself a couple of Barn Swallows feeding above me.  Both Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove as I got out of the car but the Feeding Station was very quiet with just  single female Chaffinch and a couple of Jackdaws in the trees behind me.  Walking down to Lagoon 4, first a Pheasant before reaching the first field then a Bullfinch in the trees near the Badger Hide and a couple of Robins looking for food on the footpath.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Once at the Sandpiper Hide it appeared to me that the water level had receded a little since my last visit and there was certainly no shortage of Coot, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan and both Canada and Greylag Geese.  However, what quickly drew my attention was the number of Little Egrets present at the site.  Unfortunately, many moved across before i could take a photo of the main flock but I was able to make a count of 32 - and there may have been more in some of the concealed ares.  One Great Crested Grebe still on its nest with others on the water along with both a Little Grebe and a handful of Moorhen.  the only waders to be sen were the many Lapwing until I found a couple of Oystercatcher. 

Greylag Goose Anser anser parents with to of their four chicks

Also present were Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Teal plus a few Great Black-backed Gulls.  There were a few Common Tern but fewer than a fortnight ago.  What I did notice in the hide, and I seemed to follow the pair from hide to hide, the increasing number of photographers who just carry  long-lens cameras; no binoculars or scope between them.  Is this a sign of the times?

On to the Shoveler Hide overlooking Lagoon 3 bu a very short stop as the photographers had the favoured windows with the remainder looking straight into the bright sun.  From the Buzzard Hide I picked up my first Reed Warbler and Pochard and very obvious, judging by the large numbers on the far bank of Lagoon 3, that some of the wintering ducks are beginning to return.

Just a handful of the hundreds of ducks on the far side of lagoon 3

From the Smew Hide overlooking the northern end of Lagoon 2 I had good views of the breeding Common Tern and on a large tree just outside I was able to watch the movement of a Sedge Warbler.  During my stay at the Smew Hide I also saw my first Gadwall of the day.  Time to return to the Shoveler Hide for a longer stay which gave me close views of the very active Reed Warblers as they fitted between the reeds in front and large trees behind the hide. before leaving my only Heron of the day flew in to rest on the water's edge in front of me.  And all the time a continuous supply pf feeding Sand Martins over both water and fields.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo on the nesting platform

Walking back to the Visitors Centre to meet up with Mike in In Focus for a check on a fault with the eye piece of my scope, I had first more Robins on the paths and then a Whitethroat. Out on the water in Lagoon 1 the usual gathering of sunbathing Cormorant.  The final stop before setting off back to Stamford was to once more check out the Feeding Station where I was rewarded with many Great Tit and a smaller number of Blue Tit.  A Robin was actively feeding and a couple of male Blackbirds put in an appearance but no sign of a Dunnock and this not helped by the ever-presence of a trio of Rats Rattus norvegicus.  On the other hand, it was pleasing to see a visit to the tree holding the feeder of a Chiffchaff and just beyond the Woodpecker Hide I could hear then see a few Rook.  Finally, as I drove out of the car park a Pied Wagtail was sitting on the roof of the barn opposite and House Sparrows were active in Egleton village so making a total of 41 species for the morning.

One-year old male Blackbird Turdus merula moulting out of his 2018 feathers (note the brown primaries0

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch.

Distant Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Just a very brief visit form this particular Little Egret Egretta garzetta

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RSPB Frampton Marsh, Boston

Wednesday 3 July

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

A beautiful clear, warm and sunny start to the day as I met Chris Bell off the 9.11 train at Boston station.  Straight to the RSPB Frampton Marsh Reserve where we arrived just after 9.30 and started the day with a refreshing cup of coffee.  Leaving the station we had already noted both the Common Swifts and Herring Gulls in the town and as we neared the reserve we were also able to add many Wood Pigeon along with Collared Dove and Magpies.

House Sparrows around the car park and the first sight of the large flock of Starling.  A Turtle Dove was calling quite loudly and a couple of Barn Swallows were feeding around the building and from the Visitors Centre windows we could see large numbers of Black-headed Gull plus Mallard, Tufted Duck and Mute Swan. Also present were both Coot and Great Crested Grebe on the water plus a number of Lapwing on the islands.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

On the feeders outside the side widow were Goldfinches, Blue and Great Tits, many being young of the year. Checking out the whole of the water we also noted the first of many hundreds of Black-tailed Godwit and even a couple of Dunlin.  Indeed, right at the very start of our visit we saw the first of probably at least eight Little Egret which were noted during the day.

 

A few of the very many Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Now it was time to take a clockwise circuit of the reserve.  Turning left towards the 360 Hide we stopped to admire a posing Sedge Warbler having listened to numerous Reed Warblers on the walk down from the Visitors Centre. A Couple of Sky Larks were singing from on high, very high, and a lone Whimbrel took off in front of me and away to the marsh.

The rather delightful Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

From the hide itself we had splendid views of a number of duck including Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shelduck and Shoveler.  Lots of Coot and Crested Grebe plus a small number of both Greylag and Canada Geese to be seen but the main attraction was the very many waders.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus with one of her two chicks

Lots and lots of Black-tailed Godwit with many, if not most, still in their breeding plumage but this in turn were far outnumbered by the hundreds of Knot, again many in their breeding plumage.  However, careful searching duly produced a rather handsome Ruff.  A juvenile Pied Wagtail was working the path next to the hide and we also noted a number of Common Redshank and the first of probably a score or more Common Tern.

The arrival of hundreds of Knot Calidris canutus and very happy to rest alongside the Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

But can you find the resting Ruff Philomachus pugnax?

Then it was the short walk round to the Reedbed Hide where we immediately noted the many Common Tern and the first Little Grebe of the day.  The nearest island produced not only the first Avocet but also both Ringed and Little Ringed Plover.  A Moorhen strolled casually along the beach of the nearest island almost immediately after the sighting of a Common Sandpiper.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Leaving the hide and wandering on towards the East Hide Chris picked up a distant Buzzard and we had two male Reed Buntings and even a quick appearance by a Blackbird.  A Chiffchaff was singing and seen in the tree below the second Reed Bunting and once inside the hide good views of a Ringed Plover and lots of Lapwing and more Black-tailed Godwits.  A pair of juvenile Redshank were on the path to our left and certainly plenty more Avocet to be seen.

Young Common Redshank Tringa totanus

Next came a walk along the high embankment overlooking the saltmarsh were we found a couple of Oystercatchers and a lone Golden Plover.  Meadow Pipits were heard and a couple flew up from the reserve and over the embankment.  Walking a few hundred metres beyond the path back to the Visitors Centre we not only encountered a Marsh Harrier but also a Short-eared Owl quartering the marsh.

Two of the three visiting Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Time to take a closer look at the pools below and as well as the numerous Black-tailed Godwits and small number off Common Redshank we also found a trio of Spoonbill, Mallard, Tufted Duck and a quartet of Teal.  Much further on we also found our first Spotted Redshank of the day plus a small flock of Ruff including some white-headed.  Ruffs and Reeves together.  And just to add variety a Sand Martin flew over.

Distant record shot of one of three Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Working our way back to the Visitors Centre for our final coffee before making our way home, a single distant Cormorant was seem working its way up river.  At the Centre more Goldfinches and tits as in the morning plus the "resident" Blackbird and still a couple of Barn Swallows flying around the building.  From the Centre a look through the scope quickly found the visiting Mediterranean Gull looking in sparkling breeding plumage.

And so we took our departure back to Boston railway station, hearing the Turtle Dove calling and finding a Robin on the wires at the exit.  Just round the corner we also added a Kestrel but, as a result of a faulty barrier at the level crossing Chris missed his train.  No point hanging around for n hour or more so I took Chris over to Grantham railway station where, about half-way, we cam across a large flock of Rooks.  To finish the day a couple of Red Kite as I drove south on the A1 to Stamford.  An excellent day's birding which produced 62 species and wonderful company for me.  Many thanks Chris.

Now can you find the Ruff Philomachus pugnax?

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Common Swift, Sky Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Common Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

A last look at the Knot Calidris canutus and Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Bermejales with John and Jenny

Sunday 30 June

Lovely report from John Wainwright re his visit with lovely wife, Jenny to the large Embalse Bermedjales last Sunday.

Bermejales 30th June

A very hot sticky day with a slight breeze.

As it was Sunday morning and house jobs finished, we decided to take a picnic  down to the above Embalse, en route we saw Spotless Starlings, a few Woodpigeon and Collared Doves.

After coffee we drove down to our local spot, but I think everyone but the local vicar was there, so we drove back over the dam seeing House Martins and turned into the woodland by the overspill channel.

After parking we headed to the little footbridge and looking down to the embalse we counted four Little Ringed Plovers and three Grey Wagtails, then we walked down the track under the pines to the extremity of the embalse.  As we went down we could hear the Golden Orioles but no sign of them yet.  Plenty of Goldfinches and Spotless Starlings, Crossbills were about and good sightings of Coal Tits were logged.  As we approached the end of the track not just one but five Great Spotted Woodpeckers flitting from tree to tree, and one even dropped to the ground to have a drink from an irrigation pipe that was bleeding water. then a Green Woodpecker disturbed it . 

On the way back to the car a few Blackbirds were seen as were lots of Greenfinches and as we settled down for lunch a family of Long-tailed Tits were spotted by Jenny, then two Crossbills landed in the fir tree above us and across at the overspill channel we could here the Marsh Frogs calling.  So we walked over to the channel but couldn´t find them but we did see White Wagtails and across the embalse a large number of Common Swifts were hunting.  In the pools lots of fish fry were trapped waiting for a rush of water that would sweep them into the embalse and not such easy prey for Herons.  As we started walking away from the channel a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker flew onto the side of the footbridge, hung there for a good two minutes then dropped into the sluggish pool below. 

Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

After it had had its drink it flew back up into the firs to our right so whether or not it was part and parcel of the earlier group we will never know!  Up the channel (we had walked back to see the "woodpecker") on the mossy slopes, a group of Greenfinches were drinking and then joined by a Cirl Bunting, while across the channel a Short-toed Treecreeper had put in an appearance.  As we turned round a male Golden Oriole flew out of the trees where we had been sitting earlier. Still, back in the chairs and a drink having being taken, we watched a House Sparrow feeding its young, then a family of Blue Tits came in followed by a dozen or more juvenile Goldfinches.  A Great Tit made a short stop as did a juvenile Crossbill before dropping down into the channel for a wash and brush-up and a drink.  A Sardinian Warbler was heard in the bushes but no sighting then a Bee-eater went over and the Common Swifts were joined by Barn Swallows and House Martins.  As we left this area and headed for the Cacin Gorge a Red-rumped Swallow was noted as were Azure-winged Magpies and Crested Larks.

At the gorge Crag Martins, Sardinian Warblers, Jackdaws more Crested Larks, House Sparrows and Woodpigeons were noted while along at the "lake" Common Coots, Pochard, Moorhens, a Ferruginous Duck, a Little Grebe and a female Marsh Harrier dropped in at the last moment as did a Common Magpie.  Along the road heading towards Turron, Bee-eaters, Chaffinches and Blackbirds were seen.  We then took the back road past the Saker cages through to Morelada and joined the autovia back to home.

Not a terrific amount of birds but the food was good!!!!!

Lots of butterflies about again today including Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Small White (Artogeia rapae), Large White( Pieris brassicae), Cardinal (Padoriana pandora), Speckled Wood (Parar

ge aegeria), Pale Clouded Yellows (Colias hyale), Brown Argus (Aricia agestis), Spanish Marbled White (Melanargia ines) and Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus).  (Just for the lepidopterists among you.)

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Attenborough Reserve, Nottingham

Tuesday 2 July

Having met up with Chris Bell at the Attenborough reserve entrance at 10.30 we then enjoyed a very pleasant four hours plus wandering the site and probably covering about six or seven kilometres.  Whilst I awaited Chris's arrival I recorded a number of Reed Warblers in the reeds of the pond opposite the car park near the level crossing in Barton Lane along with Carrion Crow, Coot and Wood Pigeon.  The water of this relatively small pool aloud a number of Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Mallard.  Towards the back both Greylag Goose and Mute Swan, the dominant pair of species at the reserve.

One of the main Attenborough pools

Once we had sorted purses out we undertook an anti-clockwise circuit and had soon added a Pied Wagtail on the other side of the railway tracks plus the first of many Blackbird and numerous Wood Pigeon.  Many small birds calling including Blackcap, Whitethroat and Song Thrush as we made our way along whilst on the water to our left the first Great Crested Grebe and some very vocal Cetti's Warblers.  To our left a number of Magpies in the clearing along with a handful of Jackdaw passing over and a Buzzard circling to our right.  Chris even managed to pick up the Jay the dashed across the track in front of us.  We could hear our first Chiffchaff of the day and the a Greenfinch in the tree top and a small number of Common Swift feeding above.

Over the next pool we found a good number off feeding Sand Martin at which point Chris informed me that the artificial nesting site had been predated by local mink and there was certainly no evidence of any Sand Martins at the nest site when we ended our tour at the Visitors Centre.  On the water itself a number of Coot and more Great Crested Grebes.  The first Cormorant of the day flew over towards its communal roost and then a small flock of Canada Geese.  Up in the trees a family party of Long-tailed Tits and a single Collared Dove.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A stop at the Kingfisher Hide duly produced a single Kingfisher and three Little Egret along with the first Heron and yet more Greylag Geese, Coot, Mallard and Reed Warblers.  As well as Black-headed we also had a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with. number of Common Tern.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Moving to the Tower Hide we stopped to observe both Heron and three Little Egrets plus a feeding Green Sandpiper.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

 It was whilst at the hide having our picnic lunch that we were joined by Chris's friend Mike Lee for the rest of the session.  From the top of the tower we found a pair of Linnets to the left and on the main water nesting Common Terns and a plentiful supply of Coot plus both Canada and Greylag Geese.  Both Moorhen and Little Grebe were recorded and then couple of Kingfishers flashed across the back of the water and one remained in full, distant, view.  Whilst looking over the water we saw the arrival of eight Black-tailed Godwit which spent much time circling around the water.

Most of the flighty Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa with Canada Geese Branta canadensis on the water

Below, in the reeds, more Reed Warbler plus Reed Bunting.  A pair of Goldfinch few past the hide and then we picked up the handful of Lapwing.  Even a couple of Starling came to join in the fun and games whilst the Common Tern were busy fishing.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Continuing on we eventually found our first Tufted Ducks and then a small party of Chaffinches.  A family of Great Tits were feeding in the tree in front of us and then, as we made our way back to the Visitors Centre, first a Robin followed by a Wren in the village of Attenborough itself but only only seen by Chris.

Whilst enjoying a rewarding cup of coffee at the Visitors centre checking out the activity over the lake which included scores of Canada plus a smaller number of Greylag Geese, Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and feeding Common Tern that we actually saw our final birds of the day. An adult and well-grown juvenile Egyptian Goose in the company of his larger cousins along with a few Tufted Ducks and Mallard.  On the feeders a couple of Tree Sparrow and Chris even managed to find a pair of Yellow Wagtails on one of the small islands opposite then cafe.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

So, a very enjoyable day in great company and a total of 48 species recorded.

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

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