Las Norias and Roquetas de Mar

 Tuesday 14 September

Away early so that I could call in a the apartments on the way and once under way again, twenty minutes later a drop down from the motorway to visit La Chuca and drive along the front to Calahonda.  No sooner arrived than I found three Shags resting on a rock below the cliff and then added House Sparrow and many Collared Doves before starting the driving along the sea front.  Within minutes I was seeing many House Martins and Barn Swallows plus a few Red-rumped Swallows.  Also added Blackbird, Spotless Starling, Rock Doves and Yellow-legged Gull before re-taking the A7 motorway eastwards toward Almeria.

Spotted Flycatcher

Arriving at Las Norias and heading for the first road crossing I was surprised to find nothing but Great Crested Grebes on the water, there must have been a score or more.  However, a little searching soon produced a departing Heron plus another couple at the far western end along with a trio of Red-crested Pochard.  A Cormorant flew over the water but not half as exciting as the Osprey that passed low over the road - and with the camera still in the car!  I did eventually find a couple of Mallard but the main activity was above me.  Scores of hirundines, mainly Sand and House Martin along with Barn Swallows but also the occasional Red-rumped Swallow and even a few Crag Martin.  Naturally, there were also local House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings to be seen.  A number of Grey Wagtails and  handful of Iberian Yellow Wagtails were also feeding on the cleared ground next to the pumping station.

Juvenile Iberian Yellow Wagtail?

On to the eastern crossing to park by the bridge and yet more Great Crested Grebe.  Walking past the farm opposite the plastic factory a load of tomatoes had been dumped and not only providing food for a good number of Cattle Egret but also the lone pig that, having had its fill, though a roll around the pile would help its complexion!  A little further on first a Chiffchaff and then a very obliging Spotted Flycatcher accompanied  by a noisy Cetti's Warbler.  Returning towards the tomato heap the Cattle Egrets had been joined by both Grey and White Wagtails along with a single Hoopoe.  Above them, very many Collared Doves in the bare trees.  The far end of the water produced seven Glossy Ibis, more Cattle and a single Little Egret. On the small end pool both a Little Grebe and a single Coot.

Glossy Ibis

So, following a coffee stop, on to Roquetas de Mar with the first stop at the far end of the road below San Augustin, where there was still water in the inland pool, passing a pair of Kestrels on the wires as I approached the tight right-hand bend where I carried straight on along the wide track.  On the water itself, lovely to find a single Flamingo, a handful of Cattle Egrets plus Black-winged Stilts, a few Sanderling, a lone Slender-billed Gill and a Turnstone.  A trio of Glossy Ibis also dropped in before I made my way back to the main road.

Flamingos

Next a stop at the entrance to the lighthouse track, parked the car and walked the short way to the crossing.  A few Flamingo in the distance but in front of me the first of many Ringed Plovers.  Lots of waders on the other, left-hand, side pf the track; mainly Dunlin but also Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and Curlew Sandpiper along with Sanderling, a Black-tailed Godwit, a number of Avocet and a few Black-winged Stilts.  A good number of Slender-billed Gulls also present at this point and Barn Swallows overhead.  Looking closer I could also see resting Little Terns and a couple of Little Egret, whilst away to my right a Common Pochard on a neighbouring pool. Back to the car and the drive round to the other side of the water and pick up the fresh water pool immediately before the entrance to the old salinas.  

Slender-billed Gulls

What a packed water with hundreds of Coots, almost a s many Black-headed Gulls and a few Mallard and Common Pochard.  However, the biggest surprise was not the pair of White-headed Duck but the trio of Marbled Ducks close to the shore on my left.  A pair of Little Grebe were busy feeding as I made my way into the reserve itself and what a surprise!  Just about every scrape was dry, so disappointing after what had just gone before.

Marbled Duck

Onwards and upwards and suddenly one of the sandy scrapes held over forty feeding Sanderling, some still in breeding plumage along with a number of Little Stints.  Closer now to the main water and able to identify the resting birds on the pool separators.  Lots of Lesser Black-backed and Audouin's Gulls and nearer to me a pair of fishing Black Terns.

Black Tern

The next embankment produced a similar number of gulls and terns whilst quartering over the ground on the opposite side a female Marsh Harrier,  This finally led me down to the water near the old pumping station and the most rewarding sights of all.  Lots of Flamingo, Black-headed Gulls and Little Egrets but even more so the many score of both Little and Sandwich Terns along with a single Common and a very rare Elegant Tern. Black-winged Stilts and both Redshank and Greenshank along with Dunlin and Little Stint.  Sleeping away to my left a dozen or so Spoonbill which had been joined by a couple of Glossy Ibis.  Almost seems a shame to mention the pair of Magpie that also got in on the act by flying in to rest on the nearby bushes!

Elegant Tern (far right) with Sandwich and Little Terns

So ended the day with a magnificent variety of birds finally totalling, at present, some 59 species.

Mainly Sandwich Terns

Sleeping Spoonbills with Glossy Ibis at back

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Shag, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling. Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin's Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Elegant Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Black Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Sand Martin, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

Avocets with Black-tailed Godwit

Dunlin

Greenshank

Quartering Marsh Harrier

Sanderling

One Slender-billed Gull (back centre) with Black-headed Gulls

Cattle Egrets feeding on rotting tomatoes

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

Tarifa

 Saturday 11 September

Still fully dark when collected by friend Steve Powell and company for a day's visit to Tarifa in the hope that we might still be in time to see some migrating Honey Buzzards plus anything else on offer.  As the night disappeared and daylight greeted us west of Malaga along with the first Wood Pigeon, it would seem that the day would be bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and also quite calm.  But would this necessarily ne a good omen for seeing the departing raptors?  Passing Estepona, first the smell and then the sight of the ongoing fire that seems to have ravaged most of the mountainside north of of the ,motorway.  Not just a blackened wasteland but flames still to be seen on the higher slopes and the possible only good news that rain expected within the next couple of days.  But will it be sufficient to help completely douse the fire?

Arriving in the hills between Algeciras and Tarifa, we made a stop just after 9.30 at the observatory El Cabrito overlooking the Strait and right across to Africa.  All very quiet and not a sign of a bird in the sky; perhaps too early for the raptors to be up and on their way.  A Sardinian Warbler on the way up the track and a small number of Barn Swallows but little else.  So on to the main observatory at Cazalla, overlooking Tarifa and coast, passing a large flock of Spotless Starlings on the wires as we approached the observatory.

Parking at the already almost full observatory car park it soon became obvious that there were more observers than birds!  At one point the car park was overflowing and more than 100 birders on site - but where were the birds?  Within minutes we managed to find a pair of Black Kite and a very high couple of Honey Buzzard but then all very quiet with regard to raptors.  On the other hand, certainly no shortage of migrating Common Swift and even an Alpine Swift identified along with the occasional Barn Swallow.

Honey Buzard Abejero Europeo Pernis apivorus high overhead

However, during the following hour the Honey Buzzards started to appear, mainly in small handfuls but with the occasional flock of up to a score or more.  Mainly high but able to follow using bins rather than scopes.  A Sparrowhawk made a close pass up the valley below us and checking one of the distant metal pylons we managed to find a resting quartet of Raven.

Honey Buzards Abejero Europeo Pernis apivorus

With an ever increasing number of newly-arriving birders we decided to make our way down to the coast.  So taking the small road from the bottom of the hill, having first made the loop round the new roundabout, we moved to the Punta de Oliveros watch point before entering the narrow, very uneven and stony, twisting Pista Calada del Camino de Alge along the cliff face and back up to the main road after about 5km.  No sooner had we entered the track than we had a Zitting Cisticola and a continuous supply of Stonechat, both male and female.  The occasional Sardinian Warbler but then a stop on a bend with a small bush on the right produced a rather splendid Sedge Warbler.  Next up a Chiffchaff before stopping to admire a Whitethroat.  A Melodious Warbler put in an appearance and then, over the coast, both Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Steve heard the small flock of Bee-eaters overhead and then was first to spit the distant pair of Booted Eagles, but time for others to also take a closer look.  Finally, before heading back up to the main road, both a second Kestrel for the morning and a Blackbird.

By now well after midday so we joined the long queue of beach traffic heading west and beyond Tarifa until we stopped for refreshments at Apolo XI in Tahivilla, having noted both a Heron and a few Cattle Egret on the way.  Not knowing what to expect we took a chance to drive through La Janda but without the extension to take in the northern area up to and past the "smelly farm."  All seemed a mass of cotton and set-aside fields until we saw the White Storks off to our right as we drove down the entrance track.  Rather then take the usual left turn at the bottom we headed right to take a closer look at the White Storks which seemed to have found a rice field.  A Green Sandpiper up and off from the ditch to our right and then a handful of Short-toed Lark on the sandy track on the far side of the ditch.  A couple of Little Egret were resting on the bridge as we turned round and then more Heron. The best was to follow as, having started back to the main track, a lovely Short-toed Eagle passed over the track in front of us.

A few od the well-concealed White Storks Ciguena Blanca Ciconia ciconia

Making our way along the track other than a few White Storks in the air little was seen until we picked up the resident House Sparrows and a small number of quartering Marsh Harriers.  Lots of both Cattle and Little Egret were seen, especially near in and near the fields being worked.  However, close to the bridge on the right we stopped to see a departing Black-shouldered Kite and almost immediately had another resting in a small, bare tree to the right.  However, as soon as we stopped for a closer look the raptor was up and away.  The final bird seen before leaving the site was a very welcome lone Glossy Ibis that passed over the car.

Little Egrets Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta above and Cattle Egrets Garcilla Bueyera Bubucus ibis below

Our final stop of the day was at the marismas in Barbate. Entering past the farm just east of the long river bridge lots of House Sparrows with Collared and Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) as we approached the small pond at the start of the track around the main water.  Here we found Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and a single Sanderling.  In the near distance at the edge of the main water, a number of Audouin's Gulls along with a few Black-headed Gulls and Black-winged Stilts.  More Sanderlings off to the far left plus a large flock of Black-tailed Godwit and then a Blue-headed Iberian Yellow Wagtail wandered across the mud accompanied aby a couple of juveniles.

Audouin's Gulls Gaviota de Audouin Larus audouinii

Making our way round to the back of the water we got a much better view of the very many Flamingo, more Audouin's and even Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  A close view of a Willow Warbler in the neighbouring tree and then a couple of Crested Lark.  Out on the water more Heron and Little Egret and once parked at the far end we enjoyed watching the fishing display by an Osprey. 

Osprey Aguia Pescadora Pandion haliaetus

In the water nearby a Redshank with Black-winged Stilt and four nearby Spoonbill, whilst moving around in the trees to our left a Spotted Flycatcher.

Little Egret with Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia seen through the windscreen

So ended a long, tiring but rewarding day with 49 species recorded but the almost three hour return car journey still to come, so very thanks to Steve for driving and the company.

Very distant quartet of Raven Cuervo Corvus corax

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Osprey, Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Audouin's Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Alpine Swift, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Sedge Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

Over fifty Black-tailed Godwits Aguja Colinegra Limosa limosa on site

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

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera with Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 8 September

Another good day's birding by the Arbloeas Birding Group visiting the Rambla de Almanzora and nearby Vera which has really got me excited for next week's visit to Cabo de Gata where I , too, will be bale to join Dave and friends.  Looking to catch up with all those familiar species which I have not seen for the past two plus months, especially the Iberian Grey Shrike and Audouin's Gull. And a Golden Oriole would certainly be much appreciated!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera: Wednesday 8th September

I was out at the crack of dawn, heading down to the coast as I had to check out a friend's apartment before they arrived in a couple of days.  That being okay, I made my way to the Desert Springs end of the Rambla de Almanzora.  The first weir had some stagnant water with weeded up muddy riles above which were quartering Barn and Red-rumped Swallows.  On the water were some Moorhen and Mallard, a Little Grebe and a pair of Black-winged Stilt.  Also seen was a single Sand Martin, a few House Martins and an overflying Cattle Egret.  Moving further towards the estuary the water dried up.  I saw a single flying Glossy Ibis, an Iberian Grey Shrike, a Kestrel and a Little Owl.  A charm of Goldfinch flitted amongst the bushes.  I got to the ford, only seeing Moorhen on the stagnant water.  Being very early I headed to the dual carriageway to check it's status as as I passed earlier it looked as if it might be closed. It was closed on one side, the pool side was two way traffic so that's okay.

Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Returning to the ford parking area, I waited for the others to arrive.  A flock of 200+ Woodpigeon took off from the opposite fields.  Also seen was a Magpie and some Spotless Starlings plus a dishevelled looking Iberian Grey Shrike on the power line behind me.  I noticed Alan's car had stopped by the ford. I missed the female Golden Oriole Alan and Jeff saw!  Once Peter, Trevor and Michael arrived we wandered up towards the sewage works.  On the small settling pools were a couple of young Little Ringed Plovers.  A pair of Black-headed Gulls flew to the larger pool to join the others there.  Also around the larger pool were numerous Mallard, the aforementioned Black-headed Gulls and Black-winged Stilts.  There was a Little Grebe up the far end.  Alan and Jeff added White Wagtail and Common Sandpiper.  As we walked back to the vehicles I spotted a female Marsh Harrier on the far side.

Scruffy version of a second Iberian Grey Shrike
 (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We stopped for a coffee in Villaricos village with Molly, Michael's dog, causing mayhem when a couple of cats appeared!

We followed Alan to the Vera side of the Almanzora estuary, me seeing a pair of Sardinian Warblers on the way.  A kestrel flew off from a telegraph pole.  Up on the embankment we had good views on the small muddy shorelines which harboured some small waders.  We saw Dunlin, Sanderling, Little Stint and both Kentish and Ringed Plover.  There were at least 4 Grey Heron around the estuary plus Audouin's Gulls, Coot and Little Egrets.  Jeff also saw a Turnstone.

We made our way to the restricted dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Alan immediately spotted a Ruff, quickly followed by a Wood Sandpiper.  The usual suspects, Black-winged Stilts, Mallard, Moorhen and Coots were seen.  I spotted a Grey Plover still in breeding plumage which was nice.  Further down there were 5 Greater Flamingos and a similar number of Little Egret.  I found a single Glossy Ibis.

We moved to the elevated viewing platform opposite the AcuaParc.  A marsh tern in winter plumage caused some discussion.  It turned out to be a Whiskered Tern.  I also spotted a Common Swift.  A Little Egret showed well.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

And that was the end of a lovely day birding in good company.  A total of 41 species were seen.

Regards, Dave

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

Bilbao to Home

 Sunday 5 September

Arriving back in Spain after the long sea crossing from Portsmouth to Bilbao early on Friday 3 September, most of the birding occured on the first day as we drove south-east to Tramacastiel in Aragon, just beyond Teruel.  The initial journey was in low cloud with much dampness and mist and the occasional spots of rain whereas by afternoon the skies were beginning to clear producing very warm sunshine.  The initial journey of over two hours took us to our first planned stop at the Laguna de Pitillas in Navarre.  However, before reaching our destination we had our first resting and very damp-looking Buzzard followed by a couple of White Storks at their tower-top nest site.  Continuing on we added Barn Swallow, Spotrless Starling and a number of Carrion Crow before a Red Kite appeared overhead.

The Laguna de Pitillas, Navarre

Arriving at the Laguna de Pitillas the weather had improved but still poor light and not helped that I was not carrying a spotting scope with me on this occasion.  However, no sooner had we arrived at the water's edge there were a number of Mallard and very quickly we found a trio of the local breeding Mute Swan.  Searching the water I then added Shelduck, Little and Black-necked Grebe.  Reed Warblers were still calling in the reeds and perched on one of the rails in the water  the remaining Common Sandpiper having already noticed a couple flying low past me as I approached.

One of the resident Mute Swans Cygnus olor at Pitillas

Making my way back towards the Visitors Centre I noticed the good number of both House and Sand Martin along with Barn Swallows feeding over the water in front of me.  In addition, there were still a few Common Swift to ne seen.  A Kestrel was seen as we made our way to the tack running alongside the back of the laguna.  Passing the few House Sparrows near the farm buildings back at the entrance, all seemed very quiet apart from a handful of Goldfinch as we made our way down to the shallow end only to discovered there was no water, all had dried up.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

On the other hand, the return drive back to the main road was to prove very much more productive despite we were now facing the Sun.  No sooner had we seen the quartering Marsh Harrier than at the distant water's edge we recorded both a Redshank and Grey Plover.  having noticed the continuing small bird movement n the low bushes and shrubs next to the fane on our right we finally caught up with a rather handsome Grey Wagtail on a clear piece of ground followed by the first of at least six Whinchat.  No sooner seen that we also found a single Melodious Warbler.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

All in all a most rewarding visit as we continued on our way with a three-hour drive to the Laguna de Gallocanta in Aragon but not before encountering more Buzzard, Magpie, Wood Pigeon and a rather delightful Roller perched on the roadside overhead wires.  The laguna itself, though, was a major disappointment.  Following recent heavy rain it was not so much the river across the track that I manged to dive through but the track itself on the other side with its deep and muddy ruts made by passing tractors.  Probably not passable even with  4 x 4 so best to call it quits, turn round and head off on to our overnight stop where, at east, we reach at a more reasonable time.  All we managed to record at the site was a White Wagtail and more Barn Swallows, a Jackdaw near the farm buildings and large flocks of Black-winged Stilts and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  As we approached the flooded road a Great Tit and Blackbird disappeared into the nearby trees.  However, making our way from the laguna to the country lane a Northern Wheatear was disturbed on some nearby rocks.

Tramacastiel was an idyllic, almost deserted hamlet high in the hills.  Approaching many empty and ruined buildings we finally found the village centre at the end of the road with a lovely church and some beautiful new and restored homes.  Less than fifty inhabitants and no one under twenty years of age, we had a lovely room in the only bar in town and awoke to House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings and as we drove out of the village a Blue Rock Thrush put in an appearance.

Tramacastiel with abandoned buildings and church

Continuing on down to the main road to meet our son in Valencia province we also found more Carrion Crows, Buzzards, a Raven and a couple of White Wagtails.  So ended, in reality, our birding drive as, following an overnight stop in Murcia, it was straight back to Mezquitilla on the Sunday with the occasional Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove and Spotless Starlings.  But we were welcomed home by the local Monk Parakeets!

An extra large Occelated Lizard Timon lepidus at Laguna de Pitillas

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, White Stork,  Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Grey Plover, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Roller, Common Swift, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.

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

Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Friday 3 September

Dave's most recent report arrived after I had set out for Portsmouth, UK to catch the late night ferry back to Bilbao and the WiFi on board very slow and unproductive.  However, now early on the morning and about 90 minutes away from arrival it is dark and everywhere deserted so hoping that the Internet service might be a little more responsive!   Anyway, good to see that the new season has kicked off well for the Arboleas Birding Group with its visit to the Sierra de Maria and it is certainly whetting my appetite for the homeward journey with a couple of northern lagunas to look in on as I head south.  Then comes the pleasure of joining the group the week after next.

Sierra de Maria   -   Wednesday 1st September

After an interesting two month break, during which time I knocked myself out falling off some stepladders and also badly bruised myself bin hopping, we're back on the road, heading for the Sierra de Maria.  The weather forecast was 20% chance of rain in the morning and 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, but hey ho, we're not fair-weather birders so I made the executive decision to go for it!  Juda and Liz, a new birder, came round to my house and we headed north on the E15/A7.  Around about Puerto Lumbreres it began to rain a bit, but not enough to clear the Sahara sand from previous showers from my truck.  Hopefully that was our 20% completed. 

We met up with the others at the Repsol Garage cafe in Maria town.  We were joined by Alan, Trevor, Michael, Karen, Peter & Richard.  I decided we'd "do" the loop, foregoing a trip to the Botanical Garden, just in case the heavens did open.  At least we'd be in the vehicles.  I led the convoy, soon seeing House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and a charm of Goldfinches.  A fast, low flying Turtle Dove flashed past.  That was it for the first leg before we turned left just prior to the village, joining the track. We stopped for a scan over the fields and the sky beyond the village.  We added Woodpigeon, Corn Bunting and more Goldfinches.  Alan the spotted a large eagle, which when it came closer the other side of the village, turned out to be a Short-toed. 

We carried on along the track and Juda spotted the first of many Black-eared Wheatears for the day.  I found an Iberian Grey Shrike on a fence.  Also seen were Carrion Crows and Linnets.  Liz pointed out 3 Griffon Vultures soaring to our right.  We stopped for a look-see near the cliffs.  Alan and Trevor had also seen a Hoopoe.  The cliff were devoid of any birdlife.  We saw another Griffon Vulture.  Also seen en route to the cave house village were flocks of Magpies, one containing 27 birds....one for sorrow, two for joy etc.  Anyone know what you get for 27!  Passing through the village I added Black Wheatear and Sardinian Warbler.  Heading towards the hamlet I spotted a raptor above the ridge to our left.  Luckily Alan was close behind in his car and identified it as a Marsh Harrier, well away from its normal habitat.  Further along the road, we managed to miss the 70 odd Red Billed Chough, but the members behind us didn't! Alan and Trevor also had a Red-legged Partridge. 

Black-eared Wheatear (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

At the hamlet I added a Northern Wheatear and Karen spotted a Little Owl.  We next stopped at the water troughs.  We saw Rock Sparrows and more Goldfinch and Linnets.  By this time the sun was out and hardly a cloud in the sky.

A most obliging Jay (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We made our way to the La Piza forest cafe (seeing a plume of 20 Griffon Vultures) where we enjoyed our lunch watching the birds coming down for water and bread.  There was a very obliging Jay plus Great and Crested Tits, Chaffinches and a White Wagtail.  Richard added a Blackbird and a Robin.  Crossbills could be heard in the trees above us.  An Iberian Red Squirrel showed well.

Iberian Red Squirrel (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

What a great day to start the autumn term.  The weather Gods were kind to us as were the bird Gods.  32 species seen. Great company.

I should like to add that Maria was Adrian Speakman's local patch.  He died suddenly and unexpectedly in early July.  Our continued condolences to his wife, Margaret.  Sincere condolences to Val Penny, whose sister died yesterday.

Regards,

Dave

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

Solent Shore, Warsash

 Wednesday 1 September

Yachts and Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa lining the shore at the mouth of the River Hamble

Finally out of the house for a last birding walk before our departure back to Spain.  Dry, but cloudy and  breezy walking the shore of the Solent south from Warsash.  With the tide well out by now, scores of both Black-headed Gulls and Black-tailed Godwit making the most of the feeding opportunity on the muddy flats.  Indeed, by the time I returned there was a continuous line of Black-tailed Godwits in front of the moored yachts.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Finally making my way round the confluence of the river to access the shore of Southampton Water numerous gulls, including a small number of Herring Gull, scores of Black-tailed Godwits and a good number of Redshank all busy feeding on the newly-exposed mudflats. More concentrated viewing also identified a Little Egret and many Oystercatcher.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus with hungry youngster

Very little to be seen until I reached the Scrape (pond) at the back of the shore where I found a number of Mallard, a handful of Little Grebe and single Little Egret and sleeping Heron.  But plenty of ripe blackberries to whet my appetite!

The Scrape on Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve

Making my way back to Warsash the tide had receded sufficiently to reveal the long spit at the mouth of the Hamble upon which a couple of Cormorant were resting.  There were now five Carrion Crow on the mudflats and the first of three Curlew were noted.  A large flock of Starling flew down to the shore line to forage.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Almost at the end of the walk before I saw my first Wood Pigeon, most surprising, and then a Robin singing its heart out from the top of the sailing club headquarters and with the best possible view over the water.  Rather than first, my sole Magpie was the last sighting of the morning.

One very happy Robin Erithacus rubecula

Birds seen:cula

Mallard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

Oystercatcher Haementopus ostralegus

Redshank Tringa erythropus

Curlew Numenius arquata

Curlew with Black-tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher

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