The Solent shore at Warsash

 Thursday 22 July

Out of the house and down on the shore by 6 am and this time a walk "round the corner" of the Hamble river mouth to follow the shore track in Warsash down to the Solent.  Again, perfect weather although by 7.30 I wish I had taken the opportunity to venture out in just my thin short-sleeved cotton shirt; it's going to be another hot and humid day.

Immediately aware of all the Black-headed and occasional Herring Gulls, it was lovely to quickly see both Curlew and Oystercatcher.  This first stretch of exposed shore also produced a couple of Little Egret and a lone Redshank.  The departing Carrion Crow over to the field on the land side of the path duly produced both Wood Pigeon and House Sparrow whilst I carried on towards Hook Spit.  Many more Black-headed but also a lone Yellow-legged Gull on the mud flats.  In addition, I now sight of a couple of Little Egret and a Whimbrel.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Leaving the newly-arrived flock of eight Turnstones I rounded the corner and found a Heron with a second flying over me towards the spit itself.  Reedbeds to my left and I could hear the Reed Warblers calling with the occasional glimpse.  

Magpie Pica pica

A solitary, perching bird further back seemed to distant to identify with the bins but enlarging the record shot discovered I had actually captured a male Reed Bunting. Meanwhile, sheltering in the lee of the spit, eight Canada Geese along with a handful of Mallard and both watched over by the Heron on the spit and almost two hundred Black-headed Gulls on the mud flats opposite.

Distant record shot of Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Then it was onwards along the Solent shore towards the pool at the centre of Hook Links.  A Cormorant was making its way south and, in the opposite direction, the cruise ship "Arcadia" was slowly making its way north and would be expected to dock in Southampton around 7 o'clock.  A couple of Magpies were foraging in the grasses in front of me and having already seen eight Rock Doves fly over near Warsash School of Navigation, I now had a pair of Stock Doves in the air above me.  A short stop to check out the drainage ditch behind the path produced a foraging Willow Warbler but by now a few dog-walkers were beginning to appear so a case of taking distant shots of ground working/resting birds and hope for the best.  Certainly, best it was as I discovered I had photographed both Linnet and Dunnock.  Meanwhile, a Blackbird was followed by at least three pairs of Sky Lark.

Distant record shot of Dunnock Prunella modularis

A stop at the pool produced more Mallard and both Oystercatcher and Little Egret until the Coot put in an appearance.  Other than more Sky Lark sightings and the back end of a deer in the tall grass to the south of the pool it was time to turn and head back.  A second stop at the pool was rewarded with a couple of Common Tern and a Moorhen.  Strange to see a single Common Starling flying out and over the Southampton Water but breakfast was calling.  Almost back into the Hamble river shore with a trio of Black-tailed Godwit when I noticed a pair of Collared Dove on the mud below.  Seems remarkable that these were the first Collared Doves seen in the area!  With the bungalow overlooking the shore, perhaps appropriate ti include the Goldfinch on the feeder when I reached the back door.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Sky Lark, Dunnock, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Cruise ship "Arcadia" passing Calshot as she slowly makes her way to Southampton

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Hamble River, Hampshire, UK

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

 Wednesday 21 July

Up bright and early and walked across road at 6 o'clock to start my walk upstream from near the Hamble River's mouth.  Beautiful start to the day with clear skies, no wind and a low sun behind me. On the other hand, I had not expected the dozen or so joggers during the next hour or so with, on the return journey, the dog-walkers starting to put in an appearance.  Meanwhile the tide was well on its way in and pushing the waders and gulls nearer to the riverside path so good news for me.

A Blackbird as I made my way down through the hedges to the actual shore and as soon as I arrived fifty yards later a Whimbrel waiting for me on the shore line.  In addition, having noted both Black-headed and Herring Gulls close and a Green Sandpiper hiding in the corner to me left, a quartet of Mallard were enjoying their early morning bath in the shallows.  A pair of House Sparrows took off from the pebbles and a couple of Wood Pigeons moved down from the path to the beach.

Curlew Numenius arquata

having noted a couple of Redshank at the water's edge I looked further upstream and counted a further thirty.  In total there must have been around 55 on my 2km walk upstream.  The same with the Whimbrel.  Having seen one I was then to see a further six and to make it even more worthwhile a quartet of Curlew.

A few of the distant Redshank Tringa totanus

Next up both a solitary Greenshank on a shallow stream on the inland side of the track followed by the first of eight Oystercatchers.  

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A single Little Egret was foraging in the shallows and then a couple of pairs of Carrion Crows, one on the beach and the other on the marsh. A Lapwing was also recorded on the inland edges near the tall grass.

Greenshank Tringa nebulatria

Amazing.  Having found a small group of Black-tailed Godwits within twenty yards the number had increased to almost forty.  And another score were to be found later a little further upstream.  As might be expected, many were still in their summer plumage.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

More Curlews and Redshanks before a single Turnstone was observed.  Meanwhile the "honking" of geese made me look up and follow the eight Canada Geese that were making their way down stream towards Southampton Water.  And all the way upstream, in addition to the few on the beach, scores of Black-headed and occasional Herring Gull.  However,  mid-way back I did find a couple of Common Gull.  Approaching a bend in the river I was in time to record the single Pied Wagtail that landed on the path before moving off out of sight.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

A most enjoyable walk in limited clothing to allow for the beautiful weather before it got too hot and approaching home I also managed to add a small charm of Goldfinch.

When the tide comes in the Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and Little Egret Egretta garzetta seek shelter

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mallard, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Curlew, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Goldfinch.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus with Redshank Tringa totanus

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Meon Shore, Titchfield Haven

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

 Monday 19 July

Time for Jenny to make her first venture away from the house after eight days so the short drive over to the Meon shore adjacent to Titchfield Haven where she was able to sit in her support chair and then make a slow walk along to the Titchfield haven Visitors Centre for a coffee, taking in the activity in the Mean harbour and river outlet.  Naturally, we both took binoculars and a camera on the off-chance that the recently seen Roseate Tern might still be about (it was not).  The water was approaching the high tide mark so limited exposed shore and becoming very hot with many visitors enjoying the seaside. Twenty species recorded but obviously a need to return when tide much lower and, preferably, well before 7am.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo at nesting platform

On the main pool reserve pool seen from the road a couple of Canada Geese and many Mallard along with the expected Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns.  Walking along the road o the viewing point overlooking the nesting platforms and main island, more of the same plus a Little Egret and two Cormorant.  

Little Egret Egretta garzetta checking out the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

A Coot was working the far side of the water and a Moorhen was resting to the front of the island.  Time to check out the emptied harbour where a good number of resting Mallards were awaiting me along with a trio of Turnstone, a few foraging Black-headed Gulls and a solitary Wood Pigeon.  Just the two Mute Swans moving around in the river outlet itself and, looking up, a couple of Carrion Crows were flying over the reserve.

At least the Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo appreciated the joke!

A stop for coffee and ice cream, well it was extremely hot, and a chance to check the Cottage Hide where the only visitors were a Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Greenfinch and handful of House Sparrows, before the short walk to see what might still be seen on the southern shore.  Lots more Black-headed Gulls and Mallards plus a second Little Egret.  Yet more Turnstone, probably totalling a dozen in all on the site, the the finding of a single Oystercatcher plus a Great Black-backed Gull and a couple of Herring Gulls.  Making our way back to the car for the return journey a Magpie was seen leaving the harbour and heading off towards the reserve and no sooner in the car than a Blackbird crossed the road in front of us.

More Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Greenfinch.

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More Rutland Water

 Wednesday 14 July

Back to Rutland Water and, again, at 6.30 but this time in the evening rather than morning.  After a lovely, bright and sunny day by the time I arrived it was still basically clear but the breeze starting to freshen and, of course, the setting sun not too good for photography depending upon direction. 

Lagoon 2, Rutland Water from the Redshank Hide

Straight to Burley Fishponds passing Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon and Pheasant on the way only to discover that the site is no longer accessible!  Therefore, a little further on to the lane leading down to the water but almost nothing within site on the North Arm other than a Great Crested Grebe and passing Common Tern.

Just a few of the scores of Greylag Geese Anser anser

Back and towards Egleton and the meadows adjacent to the country lane had been recently mowed, so attracting scores of Greylag Geese, a similar number of Rooks, a few Carrion Crow and a couple of Magpie.  Checking the small resting flock of black-headed Gulls at the back I came across what is almost certainly a couple of 2nd winter Common Gulls.  More Greylag Geese round the corner on the next field and on the opposite side of the road a few more Greylag Geese in with at lest an hundred Jackdaw.  I am sure that, in total, there are well over an hundred of of both Greylag Geese and Jackdaw on site.

Rook Corvus frugilegus with Black-headed Larus ridibunda and possible Common Gull Larus canus (see below)

Blurred enlargement of above Common Gull

Once in the car park the first Blackbird of the evening and chance to put the scope on Lagoon 1 from near the Visitors Centre.  No shortage of Mallard along with both Coot and Cormorant plus the odd Mute Swan or two.  Time to move on to the Redshank Hide which duly produced the resident Sand Martins.  The Grebe Hide added Teal but nothing new at the Osprey Hide.  

And so to the Sandpiper Hide overlooking Lagoon 4.  Immediatley more Mallard and very many Mute Swans.  Checking the various islands and waters I soon added Lapwing, lots of Black-headed Gulls but also a few Great Black-backed and a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  There were many mallard but also a small number of Tufted Duck.  Close by was a foraging Greenshank and on the far side a single Common Sandpiper.  The Oystercatcher was also a lovely addition but , bet of all, the well-grown juvenile Avocets along with an adult.  Presumably, the lovely waders bred on site.  Finally, in addition to yet more Greylag Geese this was the water that produced the only Canada Geese of the evening.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

The Shoveler Hide on Lagoon 3 was rather disappointing but mainly as a result of the very high water level.  Apart from more Coot, Mallard and Black-headed Gulls very many Common Tern, a few Lapwing, a single Moorhen and a passing Little Egret overhead.  On the other hand, there were also a couple of swimming Egyptian Geese.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Back to Lagoon 4 and the Plover Hide to check out the northern end of the water but the sun was now very low and almost straight into the hide.  More Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns with young plus a sole Little Grebe and, on approaching the hide, a Heron had flown over.  A brief stop at the Bittern Hide finally produced a couple of Pochard on Lagoon 3.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus with three chicks

Woking my way back to the Visitors Centre a Buzzard took off form the trees to my left and as I approached the Badger Hide I noticed the small bird at the top of the bare branches in front of me.  Whilst trying to take a distant record shot of the Linnet a second individual joined my target before both then moved on.

High, distant shot of Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Having decoded to forego a visit to the Mallard Hide I made my way back to the car and drove through the centre of Egleton village where I recorded both House Sparrow and Barn Swallow.  Finally, as I drove up the hill towards Barnsdale on my way back to Stamford a Collared Dove crossed the road in front of me so taking the evening's total up to 39 species.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Linnet.

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Rutland Water

 Tuesday 13 July

Awoke at 8 then discovered it was only 5 o'clock!  Anyway, decided to get up and by 6.30 was over at Rutland Water with just bins and small camera to check out the present situation after being away for eight months.  Dry and cloudy, not particularly cold but very poor light.  As I approached Egleton not just frequent Magpies and Wood Pigeons but the field next to the entrance lane held scores of jackdaws along with very many Greylag and a handful of Egyptian Geese. Also present a good number of Wood Pigeons, many Starlings and a few Carrion Crows.  Continuing on the car park Blackbird, Dunnock and House Sparrow were also recorded.  Considering I was the only one about not a single bird to be seen in either the car park of feeding station.  Mind you, the seed hoppers had not been filled and the vegetation was quite high.

Greylag Anser anser with Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus (left) and Jackdaw Corvus monedula

So on to the Redshank Hide where I soon found many of the Sand Martin breeding colony along with a couple of Coot and a few Mallard.  In addition, both a Gadwall and a handful of Black-headed Gulls.  The Grebe Hide added both Tufted Duck and a small number of Barn Swallows but no further species from the Osprey Hide.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

So to the Sandpiper Hide overlooking Lagoon 4.  This was to be the only water with any wading habitat and, inde4ed, in general the water levels were exceedingly high with many other such sites no longer showing.  More Mallards and lots of Mute Swans plus Little Egret, very many Black-headed Gulls including well-grown juveniles. Then a small number of Teal plus a couple of Green Sandpipers. The first of three Great Crested Grebes was observed and on the far scrapes Lapwings were also noted in addition to a small number of Great Black-backed Gulls. As I left the hide a small flock of Goldfinch was seen in the bushes to my right.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Lagoon 3  from the Shoveler Hide was was exceedingly high with no waders or herons in sight.  Lots of Mallard and a few juvenile Shelduck plus a small number of Pochard.  There would also appear to be a healthy population of Common Tern.  The remaining hides overlooking this lagoon provided nothing new albeit on the way back from the Lapwing Hide I did pick up a Wren as it crossed the path in front of me.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo resting behind Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Back to the main entrance and then over to Mallard Hide overlooking Lagoon 1 from the south.  Lots of Black-headed Gulls and Mallards but also a dozen or more Cormorant.  Having already seen the Great I now found a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and watching a "clean" bird arrive was able to confirm Common Gull.  Also present a small group of Canada Geese.

At least the sky now appearing to lighten and the promise of warmer weather as I made my way round to Lyndon.  But first a very short visit to the bridge over the the Manton Bay entrance where I had a Moorhen make a mad dash below me and the Osprey duly resting on a pole above its nesting site.

Early morning Osprey Pandion haliaetus at rest

Once at the Lyndon Visitors Centre at least the seed hoppers had been filled so they were attracting lots of juvenile Great Tits along with a mix of Blue Tits, Chaffinches and even a moulting, male Reed Bunting.  All but just about done as I made my way back to Stamford but, again, a very short stop overlooking the dam wall produced a handful of Rooks on the field just to the back so giving me a final total of 40 species along with a large number of Greylag accompanied be a handful or so of Canada Geese on the field to the left of the drive down to the dam itself.  And as I write this blog a Red Kite is making lazy circles in the sky above the back garden!

Teal Anas crecca

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Osprey, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow,  Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

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Titchfield Haven, Hampshire

 11 July 2021

Back in the UK and never mind a lower temperature even that wet stuff from above to remind one that we are no longer in Spain!  However, having survived my ten days self-isolation which, believe me, is far worse that the two months of lock down back in March of last year, there was time for a quick early morning visit to the beach adjacent to the Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve on shore of Southampton Water at Hill Head and forget all about the footie.  The tide was out so a further bonus.  Very few birds to see in my brother-in-law's garden other than the resident Dunnock, Robin, Goldfinch and Wood Pigeon plus nearby sightings from the front window and overhead of Blackbird and Black-headed Gull respectively.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Come the big release day first a Wood Pigeon then a trio of Carrion Crows along with a single Collared Dove as I approached the beach road and already I could see the massed gatherings in the pools at the beach end of Titchfield Nature Reserve.  With the car safely parked up overlooking the beach at 7.15 I first checked what might be on the main pool.  Lots of Black-headed Gulls including very mature youngsters of the year and overhead a constant movement of Common Terns which also nest on the provided islands and rafts.  A look along the beach provided more of the dame but also a Moorhen and the many resting Mallards at the mouth of the river Meon. 

Black-head Gull nesting island

Across the road to the viewing point which confirmed the breeding birds but also provided a couple of Coot, a Great Crested Grebe and three Little Egrets.  In addition to the Mallards at the mouth of the river and in the minute harbour, more, especially well-grown juveniles, were to be found on this water. At the far side I also picked out a couple of Common Sandpipers working the edges on the far side.

Even a tray for the Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Continuing on southwards towards the yachting club moorage I could see further Black-headed and a single Herring Gull out at the water's edge.  A Moorhen was also foraging in the same area as was another Little Egret.  With more Common Terns in the air above I made my way back to the car and then on along the front.  In front of me a Pied Wagtail was foraging in the deposited seaweed and then, in the distance , the first of the morning's Oystercatchers.

As I returned towards the car parked almost opposite the viewing point mentioned above a single Turnstone flew in and proceeded to feed immediately below me. 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Meanwhile, on the exposed mud at my end of the reserve pool, not just yet another Little Egret but also a single Redshank.

Redshank Tringa totanus

No point rushing back to the house so I took a further walk to the fat side of the Meon outlet and found a flock of a dozen Turnstone, some looking as if they were still asleep.  A second Redshank was also recorded along with a departing Lesser Black-backed Gull.  Further out at the edge of the water an Oystercatcher had come to rest on a pole.  A couple of Cormorants were also recorded before I returned to the car and prepared for the return journey to Warsash.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

The shore-side cottages as I turned inland produced a couple of Blackbirds and then a flock of Starling flew over.  Back at the house a Dunnock was on the feeder with a Robin below, surely the wrong-way round!  Twenty-two species in total and now ready for some "proper" birding once I get back to Stamford.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:

Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch.

A couple of skulking Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos

Time for this quartet of Turnstone to wake up and see where their pals have gone

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Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus at the Sepulveda gorge

 Tuesday 29 June

Away Monday lunch-time following morning tests to confirm negative for Covid and packing car to spend our first night in a delightful Country residence (only guests present) on the outskirts of Valdepeñas.  Tuesday saw us heading north and once clear of Madrid into the region of Castilla y Leon where we were able to make a leisurely drive to our final overnight stop in the former Bishop’s palace in the small, isolated village of Guzman.  Included in the following report is the additional journey within the region before crossing into Cantabria and our final destination of Santander where we took the evening ferry to Portsmouth.

No sooner into Castilla y Leon and we were still recording birds from the motorway including Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Rock and Collared Dove, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.  More “interesting” birds arrived with the sighting of Common Swift, a few more Buzzards and then a trio of Carrion Crow.  No sooner finished smiling and we looked up ahead to see not the expected Griffon Vulture, they came later, but a single Black (Monk) Vulture.  Travelling along deserted country lanes we made our way to the delightful village of Sepulveda in Segovia province where we intended to explore the deep gorges which are well-known for their vulture and eagle species.  First passing a small flock of Bee-eaters resting on the wires we next came across a female Montagu’s Harrier quartering a recently harvested corn field and off to the right a raptor, which given Jenny’s description, suggested it might well have been an immature Golden Eagle.  I only wished, on this out of character busier road with a little traffic, I had been able to stop and check for myself rather than the fleeting glimpse well off, disappearing large raptor.

Sepulveda in Segovia province, Castilla y Leon

Arriving in Sepulveda we first made our way up through the narrow streets to the top of the hillside village recording Pallid Swift, Barn Swallow and House Martin.  From a mirador overlooking the valley below we could see the gorges and calculate the correct route to take for the best observations.  Back down through the village to the main road below and then off to the far side where we were able to find a parking space overlooking the deep gorge below.  Above us soaring Griffon Vultures and even a couple resting on a corner ledge also directly opposite.  Lots of Common Swifts flying around below along with the occasional Crag Martin but not the expected birds, albeit we had only a limited stopping time.  Behind us a female Blackbird was busy delivering food to nestlings somewhere nearby.  As we drove off up to the top of the hill to seek a turning point we had an Iberian Grey Shrike on a wire to the left and then, having turned to retrace our steps to the bottom, we came across the first of at least a handful of Northern Wheatears that we were to see in the next couple of hours.

Our friendly Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus

Having noted that there was a suggested site for Duppont’s Lark not so far away near the track leading to the old hermitage we made our way back up through the village and off to Villaseca.  Unfortunately, we entered the wrong “Villaseca” into the Satnav (should have been Villaseca de Sepulveda) and a good job we did.  Not only more Buzzards and Northern Wheatears but dropping down on the far side of Sepulveda we had a Great Spotted Cuckoo fly across the road immediately in front of us.  Not long after this when I was convinced that we travelling in the wrong direction we stopped and re-checked the Satnav.  Correction made, we then moved on to the correct Villaseca.  All that but no Duppont’s Lark albeit we did find a Black-eared Wheatear on some scrubby, rocky land along with many Crested Lark and a Corn Bunting.

The gorges below Sepulveda

And so on to our booked overnight stop at Guzman.  Again, no hurry so enjoyed wandering along almost deserted country lanes and found a couple of Blue-headed (Iberian) Yellow Wagtails.  Passing through a small, apparently deserted little village we were suddenly confronted by a Red Kite at low level in front of us followed by a male Black Redstart and then a couple of White Wagtails.  As the greenery began to appear after all the corn fields, many recently combined, we came across the occasional Black Kite before finding both Serin and Goldfinch.  Where there was signs of water White Stork would appear in fields or in small kettles above.

A very pleasing day but the Castilla y Leon adventure was not yet over.  Wonderful views form our bedroom window in the Palace of Guzman with the Swifts swarming around the hotel and church opposite but it was being awoken in the early morning by the calling Tawny Owl that made our day, certainly its start.  Once underway by 9 o’clock we soon started counting Buzzards on poles and then entering the small village of Cevico Navero at a very slow speed a Dunnock hopped up onto the crash barrier at the side of the car as if to welcome us to the village, probably no more than a score or more small cottages, as we made our way on towards Cantabria.

Birds seen:

White Stork, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Tawny Owl, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Bee-eater, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Dunnock, Black Redstart, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting

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