Hamble River, warsash

Heron Ardea cinerea

Thursday 10 March

Time to get out and get some fresh air whilst still dry and reasonably calm, albeit a little on the cold side.  My walk up river was timed to coincide with the approaching high tide in the hope that the feeding birds at the water's edge would be pushed up towards the riverside path.  A male House Sparrow to see me on my way and arriving at the water's edge just after 12.30 I was greeted on the first mud flat by a handful of Brent Geese along with a pair of both Teal and Shelduck along with Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit.  Needless to say there were also a few Black-headed Gulls.

Female and male Teal Anas crecca

Passing the ferry landing stage I was aware that there was a Mute Swan coming down river towards me and more Teal along with a larger number of Wigeon feeding at the water's edge plus more Redshanks and Black-tailed Godwits.  A Carrion Crow flew past and to my right a pair of Herring Gulls with a couple of Little Grebe on the main river.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Moving on upstream observing the small groups of Wigeon I came across a score or more Grey Plover resting at the far water's edge and to my right, in the conservation area, a lone Greenshank.  On this occasion very few birds in the area, jus a dozen Black-headed Gulls.  Turning to start my return journey, however, I did notice the newly-arrived Heron.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

The return journey, whilst providing plenty of Black-headed Gulls, Black-tailed Godwits, Brent Geese, Wigeon and Teal, did confirm that numbers had somewhat reduced in the past week. A single Magpie was seen at the back towards the houses and on the shoreline a couple of Dunlin.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

However, it was not until I was back at the end of the riverside walk and about to take the hedged pathway back to the main road that  finally found a solitary Little Egret in the meadow to the landside and a trio of Turnstone on the rapidly reducing mudflat. The hedgerow itself produced both Chiffchaff and a Wood Pigeon to give a total of 22 species for the 3 1/2 km walk.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone,  Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola (above and below)

Oystercatcher Haementopus ostralegus

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

Testwood Lakes, Totton

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Wednesday 9 March

A relatively early morning visit to a new site on the western outskirts of Southampton; Testwood Lakea at Totton.  Arriving at 9.30 it was dry of somewhat cold and a good breeze blowing.  The skies had clouded over but were to clear as soon as I left the site after less than two hours.  Lovely site with, on the whole, gravelled pathways, well maintained but a great shortage of bird life other than on the "The Scrapes" to the north.

Woodland walk at Testwood lakes

Parking at the entrance car park and walking north to the Visitors Centre I had a couple of Blackbirds before checking out Testwood Lake which produced a number of Black-headed Gulls along with both Coot and Great Crested Grebe.  A Carrion Crow flew away to the left and there were numerous calling Robins and they appeared at regular intervals throughout the clockwise circular walk of the site. Checking the northern end of the lake I also found both a departing Cormorant and a couple of Canada Geese.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Once across the meadow beyond the Visitors Centre I encountered a couple of Chiffchaff followed by a Magpie then a pair of Long-tailed Tits.  So to the Sand Martin Hide which gave both ground and elevated views over the Scrapes.  At least a couple of score of Wigeon along with a good number of Mallard plus Teal, Tufted Duck and Shoveler.  Just the one resting Heron and a handful of Coots.  However, it was the score of Lapwings that caught my attention.  Meanwhile there were also very many Wood Pigeons resting/feeding on the grassy banks.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

A Great Tit as I left the hide but, other than a pair of Coots, Meadow Lake was completely bird free until I found a handful of Canada Geese at the very back slowly making their way south accompanied buy a lone Greylag Goose as they passed the resting Cormorant.  

Canada Geese Branta canadensis accompanied by a Greylag Goose Anser anser as they pass the Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

The return walk took me past the southern end of the Scrape providing a closer look at some of the Lapwings and also produced a single Oystercather. Walking alongside the adjacent River Blackwater I was able to locate a male Pheasant in the first field and the second produced a couple of both Greylag and Canada Geese.  Finally, as I turned left a the bottom of the main lake to make my way back to the car a single Moorhen.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

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

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

 

Wednesday 9 March

Sounds like a great day's birding by the Arboleas Birding Gropup up at the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Player.  Lovely to read about all the returning summer visitors, none as yet seen by me over here in Hampshire.  Paricularly liked the sightings of Wood Sandpiper and water Pipit.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 9th March

As I was waiting at the Ballabona services on the A7/E15 south of Huercal Overa,  What should fly over but my first Red Rumped Swallow of the year.  Juda arrived shortly afterwards and we made our way to the ford on the Rambla de Almanzora.  From the track we saw Black Winged Stilt, Shoveler, Little Ringed Plover and a Meadow Pipit.  We parked on the embankment to wait for the others to arrive.  We added Mallard, Magpie, Collared Dove, a single Barn Swallow and Goldfinch.  But the stars were two Red Billed Chough flying up the rambla.  We were joined by Peter, Val, Alan, Trevor, Bill and his wife, Jennifer.  They had seen a Marsh Harrier near the bourgenvilla roundabout.  A quick scan over the rambla added Moorhen and Greenfinch.  We then drove round to the pools area further up towards Cuevas, Juda spotting some Grey Heron by the large sewage works pool on the way. 

Mrs Shelduck Tadorna tadorna (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

At the crossover point we saw White Wagtail, Black Winged Stilt and Green Sandpiper.  We carried on  along the opposite embankment, stopping at the various shallow pool areas.  The next stop added Greenshank, Teal and Shelduck.  Bill had spotted a Wood Sandpiper and a Ringed Plover.  Alan & co saw a Black Redstart.  He then spotted a bright Yellow Wagtail, another first for the year.  There was a small group of Dunlin as well as Spotless Starlings.  Alan found a Water Pipit.  Right before we turned around we found 10 Moorhen.  En route to Villaricos for coffee Juda and I had a Woodpigeon whilst Alan saw a Jackdaw.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove down to the beach.  There were a few Cormorants on the harbour rocks plus a Grey Heron.  I spotted a Gannet out to sea.  Alan then found some Sanderling and Turnstone on nearer rocks.  He spotted a pair of very distant raptor soaring over the hills. We suspect they were possibly Booted Eagles.  He then found about 12 Red Billed Chough flight displaying over another peak.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved onto the embankment overlooking the estuary.  There was a Little Egret, Grey Heron, Coot, a couple of Greater Flamingos and a Grey Plover.  There were a few Cormorants resting on a sandbar together with sleeping Audouin's Gulls and a small flock of Mediterranean Gulls.  These were later joined by 30+ more.  Bill added a Kentish Plover.  Alan found some Little Stint.  A Blackbird was seen. I added a Hoopoe as we made our way to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

The usual suspects were here; Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Black Headed Gulls, Shelduck and Black Winged Stilts. There were30 Greater Flamingos. I found an Avocet. Alan added White Headed Duck and Common Pochard.  Bill did well to spot a landing Black Tailed Godwit, but Jennifer did better in spotting a Purple Swamphen.  A distant group of hirundines was seen.  House Martins.  We moved round to the elevated viewing platform near the AquaParc.  We only added Gadwall, but we saw more Shoveler, Common Pochard and White Headed Duck.  There was a large raft of more Mediterranean Gulls.

Female White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 56 species.  Great weather, birding and company.

The news about Tony is encouraging.  Val is hoping he'll be out of hospital in the next few days.  We wish them both well.

Regards,

Dave

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

Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

 Sunday 6 March

Dropped off at Cowes Lane at 9.45 to start my circular walk along Workman's Lane to the Solent shore then along shore via the Scrape and Spit back to Home in Warsash at 11.30.  A cold breeze a the start but dry and clear and even some sun as I neared the end of the 5.5km walk through the Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve area.  A final total of 29 species which included no less than 260 Brent Geese but also a range of ducks and waders plus a single Common Scoter beyond the main sea-resting flock of Brent Geese off shore at the end of Workman's Lane.

A few of the more than 100 Brent Geese Branta bernicla

The initial walk along the lane produced over a score of Carrion Crows along with seven magpies.  Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Great Tit were also recorded.  Finally reaching the shore with the tide on its ay in, no less than 150 Brent Geese and about 30 Wigeon on the sea.  A small gravel island held a few Cormorant, a score of Oystercatchers and a few Herring Gulls whilst the Black-headed Gulls were spread along the shoreline. It was beyond this group that the lone Common Scoter was diving.

Brent Geese and Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus resting off shore

Making my way north I found way back in the trees from the shore both Jackdaw and Wood Pigeon but little else until reaching the Meandering Pool which held a couple of Shoveler and four Teal.  Next up the Scrape which produced a pair of Mute Swan, Mallard and Shelduck along with a single Little Grebe.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

All then relatively quiet until reaching the Spit where  check on the seaward side found a resting flock of Oystercatchers along with a number of foraging Carrion Crows.  In addition a couple of Curlew were noted.

Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus resting near the Spit

However, once on the sheltered side more Wigeon and a few Black-headed Gulls before finally finding another large flock of Brent Geese plus a lone Canada Goose stretching from here to beyond the School of Navigation pier.  Here I even had a small flock of Wigeon with the passing "Queen Elizabeth" in the background as it made its way home to the port of Southampton.

Wigeon Anas penelope with the liner "Queen Elizabeth" passing in the background

This area also produced the first of a large presence of Redshank.  Further on round towards the pier a mixed feeding flock of mainly Ringed Plover and Dunlin but also containing a couple of Turnstone and a few Black-tailed Godwits.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Continuing on towards the final stretch of shore a Little Egret was noted in the small pool inside the School of Navigation and then another score of Redshank on the shore along with a few more Black-tailed Godwits.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa in breeding plumage

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Back-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Turnstone Arenaria interpres and Dunlin Calidris alpina

More Brent Geese Branta bernicla

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

New Forest Birding

 Friday 4 March

Gorgeous spring Daffodils near the Woodland Hide

A great morning's birding in the New Forest, Hampshire.  The last of the light drizzle as I set off and by the time, 45 minutes later, I arrived at Blashford Lakes near Ringwood the Sun was fighting its way out into clearing skies and all was calm.  Stepping out of the car in the VC car park and facing away from the lakes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was bust hammering away to my right and a Tawny Owl calling from the left.  Being the visit visitor to arrive at the site, straight to the Ivy North Hide accompanied by many calling Great Tits.  Also seen on the short walk Blackbirds, Magpie and Wood Pigeon.  No sooner had I walked into the hide than I saw the stationary Little Egret and a pair of Teal in the open channel in front.  Turning to move to the other end of the hide I immediately saw the great White Egret posed near the Mute Swan's nest but before I could get the camera out the egret had disappeared.  Not to worry as I scrutinised the dead reeds in front in search of the wintering Bittern.  And for a change, success!  There it was skulking around not five metres away from me.  Unfortunately, this hide has fixed windows so one thing seeing the bird with the help of binoculars but trying to get a photograph was an entirely different proposition.  Nevertheless, I have a "brown blob" in the reeds to remind me.  And just think, less than ten minutes on site and three new sightings for the year.

The large "brown blob" aka the wintering Bittern Botaurus stellaris

Once the Bittern seemed to have disappeared I concentrated on the lake itself with its many Tufted Duck and Wigeon near to hand.  A pair of Mute Swans arrived for the left, a pair of Great Crested Grebes from the right and always a constant supply of Black-headed Gulls.  On the far bank a few Shoveler and even  a couple of sunning Cormorants.  A Coot was moving around in the reeds and then a Heron alighted in the open channel.  perhaps a fitting finally was the singing Cetti's Warbler right in front of the hide.  

A pair of Wigeon Anas penelope

With all the initial excitement completed time to make my way through the trees to the Woodland Hide passing Jay, Carrion Crow and Song Thrush plus an overflying trio of Greylag Geese. Approaching the hide a female Bullfinch took flight from the neighbouring bushes.  Once inside the empty hide I was able to use the corner seat just inside the door with the only opening window facing the feeders. Almost immediately the arrival of a continuous supply of Siskins, by far the dominant species, along with both Chaffinch and Goldfinches.  Ere long the Nuthatch joined the feeding frenzy whilst no less then four male Reed Buntings worked the area below the feeders.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

It was not so much the visiting Great Tits that caught my attention as the Lesser Redpolls, arriving at regular short periods.  On the other hand, it seemed ages before the arrival of the first Blue Tit  but then a constant flow.  Finally a couple of Dunnocks put in an appearance before I made my way to the next hide.

Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret

Approaching the Ivy South Hide a quartet of mallard on the small pool on the right and then the sight of massed ducks and gulls at the southern end of Ivy Lake. Loads of both Black-headed and Herring Gulls along with vey many Gadwall and Wigeon.  A few more Cormorant and the occasional Mallard, Mute Swan and Coot.

Making my way back to the Woodland Hide I found a pair of Long-tailed Tits and the first Robin of the morning.  However, once inside the hide, concentrating on the opposite side this time, more Robins along with the massed ranks of Siskin and even the Lesser Redpolls.  No shortage now of Blue and Great Tits along with visiting Blackbirds and a  Great Spotted Woodpecker flew past then returned to make use of the feeder.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major (through the hide window)

Time to take the car across to the Tern Hide overlooking Ibsley Lake before thinking of my next port of call.  having watched the circling Red Kite I entered the hid and almost straight away the Red Kite had been joined by another and the pair of raptors started working the edges n the far side in search of a tasty meal or two. 

High Red Kite Milvus milvus

To my immediate left not only a male Goosander but a single Common Scoter.  To the right many resting Black-headed and a few Herring Gulls.  The centre water at least half-way back held a good-sized flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and, in addition to the Tufted Ducks, there were at least 15 Goldeneye with probably more females than males.  Finally, right at the very back of the water, a single Canada Goose next to a pair of Mute Swan and as I departed a Buzzard overhead.

Female Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Just on midday so decided to take a slight detour on the way home with first a visit to the relatively close Eyeworth Pond.  Mallards and Moorhen immediately on the scene with the many tits feeding on the seed along the top of the wooden barrier and posts.  A Mandarin Duck was sheltering under branches on the far side but then a second making its way across the pond to the far side.  It was later to return for a closer sighting in full view.  Not just Blue, Great and Coal but also a couple of Marsh Tits. The Nuthatch was a regular visitor along with sightings of Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, House Sparrow and Blackbird.  To make up the numbers even a Magpie and a handful of Starlings.

Male Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Twenty minute later I started my drive back to Warsash but taking a slight diversion to stop on the road beside the main pool at Fishlake Meadows.  All seemed very quite and a great shortage of birds.  Yes, a few Black-headed and Herring Gulls and a small number of Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck and Coot but then the searching.  Cormorants roosting at the back but then a strange "blob" resting atop a small pile of reeds.  With the scope I could hardly believe my eyes as I recognised the Egyptian Goose. I soon found both Shoveler and Gadwall and eventually a single Pochard.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Back home at 2 o'clock having recorded 54 species including four new sightings for the year.

Great Tit Parus major (left) with male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin Duck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Back-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Tawny Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Spot the Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis in with the Siskins!

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

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

Lower Hamble River

Thursday 3 March

Calm and overcast with rain promised by midday just time for a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back.  Approaching high tide so hopefully most of the birds should be pushed back up the muddy shore towards the footpath, and I was not to be disappointed.  However, even be4fore reaching the riverside the small, enclosed footpath leading to the shore produced a foraging Chiffchaff in the branches above my head. And then, on the shore itself, a score of Turnstone along with a dozen Wigeon and almost as many Brent Geese before reaching the ferry landing stage.  But to my right, standing in the meadow's long grass, a lovely Roe Deer. And I was to find a further two during the walk to the conservation area.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus taken at distance with phone

In the now rapidly filling gully to the meadow side of the path the first of three Greenshank for the morning along with a similar number of Little Egret.  Not so many Black-headed Gulls about this morning but ere long I was studying the hundred plus Dunlin, many very close to the shore but no camera; the same problem with the deer so a question of relying on the phone.

By now there were many more Wigeon and the first of the Teal along with both Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.  Nevermind a couple of Grey Plover, I managed to eventually count 31 of the species as they came to rest and await the receding tide.  Along with the large flock of Dunlin and Grey Plover I also found a couple of Oystercatchers.  Just of the shore a pair of Little Grebe followed by two single Great Crested Grebes as I made my way upstream.  

Once at the conservation area I added a couple more Curlew and also present were Carrion Crow and Jackdaw.  This side of the path not only held the resting waders and ducks, including a score of Shelduck, but also provided two more sightings of the local Roe Deer.  The tide was just about fully in as I made my back to the village and upon entering the footpath back to the road a trio of Wood Pigeon along with a few Greenfinch in the trees.  Also present a single House Sparrow and a Dunnock working the path itself.

Birds seen:   

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Greenfinch.

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

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

 Wednesday 2 March

A good day's birding by the Arboleas Birding Group as they wander the slopes of the Sierra de Maria. Whilst these lucky birders may have been enjoying the blue skies and sunshine, nothing but rain followed by more rain then even more of the same!  On the other hand, good to see that the Lesser Kestrels have either returned early or maybe they are a few of our ever-increasing number of resident individuals. But, notwithstanding the continuous wet weather, I do hope to see what I can find in the New Forest come Friday with the target species being Bittern, Great White Egret and Redpoll. So, David, you'll be spared a repeat sighting of the dozen Red-breasted Mergansers!

So living in Spain lets you join the walking dead!  Strange how different areas, nevermind countries, seem to have different attitudes to collecting your regular prescriptions, assuming you are alive enough to make the request in the first place.  From being able to just wander to the local chemist in Spain, flash your card and pick up your monthly package to Stamford where it is simply a phone call and then drop in at the local chemist an hour later to our present abode in Warsash.  Here you call or email the health centre then allow a minimum of three days to collect from the local chemist - but the chemist tells you to allow five working days before trying to collect.  But I've found the solution!  Call on a Saturday when the surgery is closed and slip a piece of paper stating requirements through the appropriate letterbox.  Ring Monday to check that somebody found said small slip of paper and not only get confirmation but informed that the pills are already with the pharmacy.  That's the way to do it!

Look forward to reading about next week's medical saga.

Sierra de Maria   -   Wednesday 2nd March

Juda came to my house and we headed north towards the Sierra de Maria.  It was sunny with blue skies but a chilly breeze.  We'd clocked a Collared Dove by the time we'd reached the Repsol garage cafe meeting point in Maria town.

We were met by Michael, Karen, Peter, Alan, Trevor  and new visiting  members, Bill and Jennifer. Trevor was "lucky" to be with us.  He'd gone to the chemist to get his medication only to have his medical card rejected.  He asked why.  The assistant showed him the computer screen.  Apparently he'd died on the 24th February but nobody had told him!

I decided we'd "do" the loop first. Leading the way I saw Magpies, Thekla Lark and a very close view of a male Crossbill that flew across our bonnet.  Also seen were Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch and Woodpigeon.  Driving along I noticed a small lump on a distant pile of stones.  A Little Owl.  A bit further I spotted a Magpie on a large bush.  There was something to its right.  I stopped, got out of my truck to check it out. It was the "head" of a Griffon Vulture.  After about a minute the whole body emerged and flew a couple of hundred metres and landed in a field.  Carrying on I added Carrion Crow, Spotless Starling, Goldfinch and Corn Bunting.  Alan together with Trevor and Peter also saw Stonechat, Calandra Lark and Rock Sparrow.

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We stopped just by the village only seeing what was probably a distant Stonechat. I noticed some distant larger soaring birds further down the track.  We headed in that direction seeing a small flock of feeding Rock Sparrows on a ploughed field.  The larger birds turned out to be two pairs of Red-billed Chough doing display flights.  Bill spotted a Red-legged Partridge.  Driving on I added Linnet . We were surprised to see a pair of Grey Heron near one of the depositos, standing in a ploughed field.  Alan had a confirmed sighting of a Crested Lark among the many Theklas and a male Blue Rock Thrush. 

As we approached the cliff face I saw three Griffon Vultures disappearing over the right hand ridge. Karen spotted a Kestrel.  We walked to the far side. Alan spotted a Black Wheatear on the top which Bill found later giving a good view.  I heard a distant yaffle of an Iberian Green Woodpecker.  We returned to our vehicles and I spotted a returning Griffon Vulture.  As I drove off towards the hamlet I glimpsed the woodpecker flying away.  Nothing new was added.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

At the hamlet, Alan and co saw a pair of Little Owls and Karen added a Hoopoe.  Alan found a pair of Lesser Kestrel on a road sign.  Juda saw a White Wagtail. Alan found a distant perched raptor.  What with the distance and the heat haze we concluded it could have been a Common Buzzard.

Mr & Mrs Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We headed towards the La Piza forest cafe, seeing a Hoopoe and Calandra lark as we crossed the plain. At the cafe, despite the building work going on, we were able to see Crested, Great, Blue, Coal and Long -tailed Tits using the bird feeders.  Crossbills came to the small pool.  Chaffinches and a Robin, spotted by Peter, were hanging around for nutty scraps.  After lunch, Juda and I headed home as I wouldn't cope with the walking around the Botanical gardens.

Crested Tit Parus cristatus on the feeder (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

The others headed in that direction.  They only added a Black Redstart seen by Bill.

We ended up with 37 species.  A lovely days birding in good weather and company.  Bill and Jennifer said they had a good day. 

I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing Tony, Val Penny's husband, a speedy recovery from his recent stroke.  And sending best wishes to Richard Hirons who has a chest infection.

Regards, Dave

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