Heath Pond, Petersfield

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

Monday 17 June

Another lovely sunny day so along with Jenny and our friends/guests Derek and Barbara Etherton we set off for Heath Pond in Petersfield where a visiting Ruddy Shelduck has been seen over the past few days.  Our fist visit to this lovely site and although we had been advised that the target bird was associating with Egyptian Geese we certainly had not expected to find a flock approaching 200!

Arriving not long after 10 we were greeted by Magpie, Blackcap, Song Thrush and Chiffchaff. Reaching the first access to the water I was greeted by a small number of Egyptian Geese, Mallard, Moorhen and Coot with the birds obviously expecting to be fed.  No such luck.  Looking across the water a Cormorant was making its departure and a number of Black-headed Gulls observed.

Just a handful of the 200 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Then, checking the water in general along with a couple of distant islands it soon became very obvious that there were Egyptian Geese including well-grown youngsters all over the place; so started the dedicated search for the Ruddy Shelduck.  A handful of Mute Swans, more Mallards and Coots and even a pair of Tufted Duck and a Great Crested Grebe but no Ruddy Shelduck.  Crossing a walkway next to a small reedbed we agreed that at least two Reed Warbler were present and then on towards the refreshment area where we found many more Egyptian Geese along with a small number of Canada and a few Greylag Geese plus a few Herring Gulls.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Resting centre) amongst Egyptian and Canada Geese plus Coot and Mallard

Time to stop for a coffee and, unbelievable, the ruddy Ruddy Shelduck simply walked up out of the water to rest on the bank not four yards away! 

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

Walking slowly back to the car park we stopped to identify both Blue and Great Tit along with a Goldcrest and above us a number of House Martins and Swifts giving a good total of 26 species for the morning. Then a pair of "friendly" Carrion Crows.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute swan, Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Swift, Woodpigeon, House Martin, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow,  

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

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Normandy Lagoon and Pennington Marshes

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii

 Sunday 16 June

What a beautiful, sunny start to the day and even the wind had abated to an acceptable breeze. So, off to Normand Lagoon near Lymington with Barbara and Derek Etherton and the planned follow-on site of Pennington Marshes.  Arriving at the entrance gate at 9.20 we quickly recorded Robin, Wren, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon and the first Whitethroat before setting off to the seawall and the search for the visiting breeding pair of Roseate Terns.

Once on the seawall we quickly noted the resting Canada Geese and immediately in front of us a Ringed Plover with a Little Ringed Plover on the far side of the first shallow water. The first Redshank was also noted along with a few Avocets, many with their recently hatched youngsters. A Cormorant flew off and a couple of Little Egrets were seen. A little further away a pair of resting Shelduck and an Oystercatcher and then we noted not only our first Common but also a fishing Little Tern.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Mallards and Tufted Duck along with a Great Crested Grebe noted on the man waters and even a Carrion Crow flew across the back.  However, it was the very many Common plus the fishing Little Terns that drew our attention as we, successfully, concentrated on locating the visiting Roseate Terns.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons

Also lovely to see the occasional lapwing plus the three Redshanks that sat calling away on nearby posts making us aware of their hidden chicks.  As for the Avocets with their recently hatched youngsters, a delight to watch.  Leaving this site with the sight of Chaffinch, Magpie and Blackbird we made the shirt drive to Pennington lane.

Redshank Tringa totanus

At the entrance to the Pennington Marshes by 11.30 we immediately came across many singing Whitethroat and a few, high Swifts as we mad our way slowly across the meadow towards Fishtail Lagoon. Magpie, Carrion Crow and House Sparrow were recorded and then, at the northern end of the water, a resting Heron. Close by many Black-headed and a few Herring Gulls whilst behind us a couple of Sky Larks, Chiffchaffs and a number of both Chaffinch and Linnet. 

Heron Ardea cinerea

Moving on alongside the view overlooking the water we added a pair of Mute Swans with their cygnets plus a number of Shelduck and a departing Cormorant. Just a few Mallards but almost 50 resting Black-tailed Godwits at the back of the water.  In the near vicinity, Avocets and a few Coot plus a number of Little Egrets. Near the shore the reeds held a number of Reed Warblers and then a passing Song Thrush.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor with cygnets

Having found the distant Canada Geese, Tufted Ducks and Lapwing, a small flock of Starling on the shore and we also became aware of both the House and Sand Martins above us.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Checking the Coot and Mute Swans on Butts Lagoon in front of us we also found a single Little Grebe.  Walking to the western side we found a couple of Little Tern feeding in the channel and then a Common Tern plus our first and only Redshank at this site.  The return walk took us across the northern end of Butts Lagoon to take the eastern path back to the car and this produced both Sky Lark and Linnet. On the path back we also added Blackbird and Pied Wagtail and, finally, a couple of Barn Swallows.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons

With no rush to get home, we drove to Keyhaven itself and walked from the car park to the lagoon where we discovered we could not open the gate to the hide.  However we were able to look over the northern water to our right and found both Black-headed and Herring Gull.  A Kestrel flew over and then back to the gate from where we could check the empty basin in front of us and found Little Egret, Mallard and Oystercatcher. And in the harbour basin itself a pair of Mute Swans with five cygnets.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor with cygnets

A Carrion Crow flew past and back on the sandy shore we then added Avocet, Shelduck, Lapwing and Coot, and at the very far back in the shallow water, a Spoonbill.  A couple of Woodpigeon plus a male Blackbird were flying between the nearby trees and as we set off for home we came across a female Pheasant.

Fishtail Lagoon overlooked by both Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight including the Needles

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Sky Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Avocet taking no messing from the wandering Little Egret Egretta garzetta

The Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus colony on Tern Island

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii on nest (centre) with Common Tern Sterna hirundo and chicks at front

Departing Common Tern Serna hirundo

Little Tern Sterna albifrons

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New Forest Birding

Jay Garulus glandarius

 Saturday 15 June

Back yesterday from a two-week cruise with friends Derek and Barbara Etherton to Iceland calling in at three Norwegian ports plus the Shetlands on the way and now off to show them the delights of birding in the New Forest.  However, with showers ranging from short and lighter to longer and heavier I had to somewhat cut the planned days birding to the New Forest.  So, first to Fishlake Meadows, where we were certainly caught in a heavy shower whilst walking the section of the canal path without any sheltering trees, then a stop at Eyeworth Pond before finally spending some time at Blashford Lakes. the planned trip to Normand lagoon was abandoned!

Arriving at Fishlake Meadows, Romsey at 8.30 we were not only greeted by some sunshine following the light rain on the drive over from Warsash but a range of birds including Dunnock, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Great Tit and Woodpigeon whilst we were sorting equipment, etc.  Then, just as we set off, a Sparrowhawk "drifted" past above us and soon we had encountered our first Magpie of the morning.  The early walk long the canal path soon provided Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Wren and Garden Warbler before stopping to check the skies which revealed a number of Swifts.  Even a House Sparrow was seen at the path's edge plus, of course, the very many singing Cetti's Warblers.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Starlings, Carrion Crows and distant Greylag Geese were noted along with a distant Coot and and a few Tufted Ducks on the water.  High above on the far side of the reserve a couple of circling Red Kite and, a little nearer, a number of House Martins. This section of the canal path also produced Whitethroat and then the distant, but very clear, calling Cuckoo. Looking towards the water we soon found both Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with a feeding Common Tern.

At least three Mute Swans were recorded and then the bird of the visit as an Osprey avoided the mobbing gulls and drifted over us before heading upstream. Once nearer the main reed beds both Sedge and Reed Warblers were confirmed and then the appearance of a Buzzard. Our return walk between the showers produced more of the same along with a passing Heron, Blue Tit and even a Nuthatch.  Finally, as we departed, a very quick stop on the main rad to check the main water from the viewpoint confirmed a number of Cormorant and Great Crested Grebe. A final total of 38 species.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

So on to Fritham and Eyeworth Pond where the first sightings were Magpie and House Sparrow. Lots of small bird feeding on the recently provided food on both the gate and neighbouring pots so a host of Chaffinches along with a pair of Nuthatch competing with Marsh, Coal, Blue and Great Tits. Robin, Dunnock and a Pied Wagtail also took advantage of the provided food along with the nearby Moorhen and a number of Mallards.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli

Meanwhile, a Buzzard was seen overhead plus a handful of Barn Swallows and then, almost as we were leaving, the arrival of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.  Finally, as we drove up the hill towards Fritham we were also able to confirm Woodpigeon, Starling and a Red Kite.

Then followed a delightful journey over to Blashford Lakes via Fordingbridge and, at least, the rain showers came whilst we were sheltering in the four hides. Whilst parking the car we had the privilege of watching a high Goshawk drift across us and away to the north whist a Pied Wagtail was wandering around the roof of Tern Hide. Then, from the hide, we noted the many Black-headed and Herring along with a smaller number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls plus feeding Common Terns.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

An Oystercatcher and Lapwing were seen to our left along with a few Egyptian Geese and Mallard family.  Further away almost a score of Mute Swans around the edges plus a small number of both Greylag and Canada Geese.  Not many Great Crested Grebes and fewer Coots than expected.  However, we were all delighted to find the distant Great White Egret.  A Moorhen passed in front of us and over the water numerous feeding Sand Martins.

Very distant Great White Egret Egretta alba

Moving across the road to the main reserve we very soon encountered Woodpigeon, Robin, Wren and Chiffchaff before making our way to the Ivy North Hide.  From this vantage point we added Reed Warbler, Swift, Barn Swallow and House Martin before continuing on the the Woodland Hide, noting a Song Thrush on the way.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Once inside the hide at least a quartet of Dunnock plus many Blue and Great Tits.  Chaffinches were well represented along with a few Goldfinch and Greenfinch plus a singe juvenile Siskin. First one, then two more, Jays arrived to feed on the feeders along with a Stock Dove.  Not so much the Collared Dove but the arrival of two Great Spotted Woodpeckers added to the sightings and then time to pay a visit to the Ivy South Hide.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

This water was very quiet with just a Great Crested Grebe, a number of Black-headed Gulls and a few Common Terns.  However, there were Swifts and House Sparrows above and a passing Heron. But making our way back to the car park we did have the pleasure of seeing a Kingfisher at the small pond on our left.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

To complete the day's birding as we had decided to abandon the Solent shore and return on the morrow when better weather was forecast, we were able to add a large number of Jackdaws plus both House Sparrows and Starlings.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor with 7 cygnets

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Osprey, Red Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Swift, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Blackbird Turdus merula and chick

Rather wet Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, Robin and Blue Tit to left

Juvenile Great Tit Parus major

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Jay Garulus glandarius

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 14 June 2024

Apologies to readers for the late publication of the following report from Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group but away from home on a cruise to Iceland via three stops in Norway and a full day on the Shetlands.  Amazing birds on the latter so lots to catch up on now that we have arrived home this morning.  Watch this space as they say.

A great day's birding with some wonderful sights and "hearings."  I see the same back in the UK as more and more birders use "Merlin" as a means to identify what's nearby and then set out the searching binoculars.  But ones needs to constantly remember that there are occasional "mis-hearings" by Merlin, so good luck with your lifer.  Something to keep the group discussing when the wintry days arrive - oh, you don't have those in Spain!  Love the idea of possibly catching a late Bee-eater, not to mention regular Red-billed Choughs and Black Wheatears when we drive over for the first three weeks in October - but probably too late for any Honey Buzzards.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 5th June

Red-billed Chough (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

It was a lovely change to be a passenger in a car driven by Peter 1 to go birdwatching instead of having to drive . We met up at La Alfoquia and made our way to the Sierra de Maria.  Soon after passing the garage at Velez Blanco I saw our first recordable bird...a House Martin.  En route to Maria an Iberian Green Woodpecker crossed our path as did Common Swifts, House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings. Kevin was already at the La Piza forest cafe in his campervan.  He'd arrived the previous evening and had had a close encounter of a bird kind.  A low flying light phase Booted Eagle just above him.  He'd stayed on the rough ground on the outskirts of the town.  Together with his new "Merlin" app on his phone he'd logged White Wagtail, Serin, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow and Blackbird. At La Piza he'd seen Rock Sparrow, Great Tit, Jay and Collared Dove.  Merlin had heard Crossbill and Short-toed Treecreeper.  Sure enough some Crossbills landed on top of the covered football game machine where there was a puddle of water.  We were joined by Trevor.... Oh and an Iberian Red Squirrel!  A Spotted Flycatcher came down for a bath in the usual pool.  A Crested Tit made an appearance.  As we were about to leave Peter 2 arrived.  He added a Woodpigeon to the list.

Red Squirrel (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Peter 1 and I led off in his car with Peter 2 driving Trevor and Kevin in his car.  En route to the village via the loop, we only saw Linnet, Crested Lark and Carrion Crow.  At the parking place Merlin picked up Corn Bunting although none of us oldies could hear it.  And there it was perched on a distant reed! Some Goldfinches were seen. 

We carried on.  A Woodchat Shrike flew off a fence.  Peter and I saw two Bee-eaters across a field whilst them further behind saw one on a fence.  Next we saw more Carrion Crows, some Magpies and a Raven.  Jackdaws and Red-billed Choughs completed our corvid count.  We checked out last year's Roller nesting box but there was no sign of any activity.  I did see a Roller a bit further along the track. Peter spotted some Red-legged Partridge, one of which posed admirably!  ( Peter had a camera disaster today.  Brought the camera but not the battery or the SD card, not that we kept on reminding him!)  As we were getting closer to the cliff face we saw our first Black-eared Wheatear, closely followed by a flight of 6 Black-bellied Sandgrouse!  We did the walk to the far side of the cliff.  Kevin spotted two Ibex walking up to a ridge.  Trevor spotted a Carrion Crow on the large rock opposite the cliff.  At a vast distance behind it I found a Griffon Vulture, our only confirmed sighting of the day!  We all heard the Nightingales, but we didn't hear the Subalpine Warbler and Long Tailed Tit "heard" by Merlin!  A Black Wheatear was seen.

Red-legged Partridge (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We headed back along the road to the hamlet seeing very little en route apart from a Red-billed Chough resting on a power line in the cave village!  I spotted the silhouette of a Little Owl perched on top of a flying buttress on a barn.  There was nothing else to be seen there.  We saw Crested and Calandra Larks on the plain.  At the trough there was a strange Wheatear perched on some rocks.  Needs an ID...see attached photo.  I would say it was a recently fledged individual.  Had a speckled chest.  Looking at Collins, a female Pied Wheatear fits the bill....I think not!  Best suspect would be a young Black-eared Wheatear?

Mystery Wheatear!  (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Flummoxed, we retreated to La Piza for lunch.  I spotted the previously only heard by Merlin Short-toed Tree-creeper.  We added a Blue Tit.  En route back to Velez Blanco Peter and I added a Crag Martin.

Short-toed Tree-creeper (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We had a really great day, 47 species seen or heard.  I was in a bit of a conundrum regarding Merlin records.  Would I claim a lifer if say a Barred Warbler was heard by Merlin?  No I wouldn't, but it hearing totally plausible birds on a informal birding trip with friends is okay and adds to the days experience!

Regards

Dave

The Ibex (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Re the "mystery Wheatear, just a few thoughts.  Juvenile Blacks tend to be all brown, Northerns don't breed in southern Spain so would suggest  juvenile Black-eared.    Trying to match the photo to a Pied Wheatear is always going to be difficult because of the shadows created by the sun on the bird, especially around the head and nape in the photo, but my latest guide ("Europe's birds" by Hume, Still, Swash and Harrop) suggests more white behind the legs.  Had a good luck with friend Derek Etherton by my side as he and wife are presently staying with us, with both the above book and latest Collins at the ready and the general consensus was most likely a young Black-eared Wheatear.

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