Hamble River, Warsash

 Sunday 22 December

Wigeon Anas penelope

A dry, sunny start to the day so I took the opportunity of a quick walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back.  Mind you, by the time I was almost half-way the wind picked up and it became even colder! A lone Redshank as I approached the river quickly followed by a single Black-headed Gull.  Once past the ferry pier a Turnstone and more Redshanks and Black-headed Gulls.  A resting Grey Plover was well s[potted close to the water line and then the first flock of resting Wigeon.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Moving on up the river I found a few Teal and a single sleeping Greenshank.  There were now more Brent Geese to be seen albeit the total of just over fifty individuals were well separated from start to turning point.  On the exposed meadow mud flat many more Black-headed Gulls and 18 Shelduck. A group of a dozen Woodpigeon were feeding on the lawn of a large house to the rear.

Sleeping Greenshank Tringa nebularia

On the river side at the entrance to the bay leading to the inlet water supply, a few Brent Geese and a further pair of Oystercatchers accompanied by a handful of Dunlin.  Once at the conservation area another small flock of Wigeon and a pair of Herring Gulls with a Heron resting in the long grass to the rear.  A lone Carrion Crow was foraging on the bank.

Oysterctchers Haematopus ostralegus with Dunlins Calidris alpina

Making my way back to the start, a sleeping Curlew was found a the water's edge and then a single Blackbird on the path from river to road.

Sleeping Curlew Numenius arquata

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Cormorant, Heron, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Carrion Crow.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Teal Anas crecca

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Birding in Spain

Sunday 15 December to Mid-December

Part of the flock of 900 Cranes Grus grus at Laguna Dulce

Just back from a week in Spain staying with our dear friends Derek and Barbara Etherton in Alhaurin de la Torre on the outskirts of Malaga. Time for a relaxing week culminating with meeting birding friends Bryan and Paula Stapley from Darlington, who returned to the UK approximately eighteen months before us, so that we could enjoy a day in the city and visit the lights in the early evening.  And this all came about as it was easier, quicker and cheaper to all travel to Malaga rather than take train, coach or car to the other end of the country!

So very limited birding but we did get to see regular Black Redstarts and Sardinian Warblers in Derek's garden and, of course, the area seemed to have been overtaken by the local Collared Doves. In the city itself, always the noisy Monk Parakeets but on the first Sunday, 15 December, jenny and I drove over to Fuente de Piedra and made return stops at both Laguna Dulce and the Rio Grande just above the confluence with the Rio Guadalhorce.  Approaching Fuente de Piedra we had the pleasure if seeing an Iberian Grey Shrike along with both Sardinian Warbler and Kestrel followed by a passing Raven.

Once on site we took the back track behind the railway station and found  number of House Sparrows along with Collared Dove and very many Rock Doves and a few Spotless Starlings.  A couple of White Wagtails on the wires and then, approaching the small copse on the left, first a couple of Blackcap and a Chaffinch in tree on the right followed by a Mistle Thrush that took off to the above trees. making our way back to the main car park we also recorded a Stonechat.

The walk around the lower area to the mirador produced a Robin and then a few Jackdaws on the Visitors Centre before our first lake at the main salina; lots of water but no depth with the large flock of Black-headed Gulls and a smaller number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls standing in same with just their feet covered.  From the mirador a lone Chiffchaff was foraging in the trees below and out on the sand a small number of Shelduck and a few Lapwing. A couple of Herons on the edge of the salina and off to our right a party of 52 feeding Cranes.

A further 100 Cranes Grus grus

Moving on round the back to the Laguneta another good number of Black-headed along with a handful of Lesser Back-backed Gulls. Mainly Shovelers on the water along with a handful of both Common Pochard and White-headed Ducks plus both Coot and Moorhen.  Only the one Black-necked Grebe but we did see a couple of Little Grebe. A couple of Cormorant flew across the water and on the open ground below the hide a pair of Black Redstarts.

Immature Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Making our way round the laguna to take the back road to Campillos we came across both a Buzzard and another Kestrel. But once on site and in the new hide (at first) very disappointing as the water had gone save or a small stretch at the back which held about thirty resting Flamingo.  However, resting on the dry laguna itself no less then at least 900 Cranes.  What a lovely sight. Time for a shot ride round the back of the site where we found at least another hundred Cranes so taking the total to over a thousand, and small group of Woodpigeons.  The short diversion to take a look at the neighbouring Laguna Redonda produced a handful of Mallard along with Coot and both Greenfinch and Goldfinch.  Very little to be seen at the Rio Grande albeit it was a surprise to find a resting Snipe at the water's edge but no egrets of aby variety.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

 A few House Sparrows near the farm. but, at the last moment as we neared Alhaurin, a Little Egret flew upstream as we crossed a small, almost dry river, so bring our total species for the day to a round forty.

Not many Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus at Laguna Dulce

Whilst at Penarrubia it was also lovely to see the flowering Spanish Iris (Iris xiphium) in mid-December whereas, previously, up at Zafarraya it was always late December to early January before the flowers appeared in any numbers.  However, not a bird to be seen!

Birds seen:

Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Crane, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Iberian Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Common Crane Grus grus

White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

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Birding the Villaricos with Kevin Borman

 Saturday 20 December

The Arboleas Birding Group might be taking a Christmas break but you can't keep a good birder down as member and friend Kevin Borman set out on his "last Gap (of 2024) Birding adventure! he may have taken a reverse wander on the Villaricos visit but he manage some great sightings, especially the White-headed Ducks.  Now then Kevin, time to put the bins away, enjoy the fat bird on the dinner table and dream of all those exciting new birds that you'll be seeing in 2025.  A peaceful Christmas and a very happy, healthy and bird-exciting New year to all members of the Arboleas Birding Group.

Last gasp (of 2024) birding: Wednesday 18 December

I stayed over in the campervan in Mojácar last night after an open-mic music session and had to pick up some new glasses in Huércal-Overa today, so I hatched a cunning plan for this morning: a final bird outing of 2024, doing the Villaricos itinerary but more or less in reverse.

First stop was the Rio Aguas bridge between Mojácar and Garrucha. The morning was still pretty cool at this stage. Some of the usual suspects were logged: Mallard, Shoveler, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Coot, Moorhen, Yellow-legged Gull and House Sparrow. Next Millionaire’s Pool, or whatever it’s called. Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Med Gull and, a pleasant surprise, a single Sanderling.

On to Salar de los Canos, aka Consum Lagoons. I drove round into the big car parking area and visited the ‘Aquavera Tower’, though stayed at ground level due to vegetation obscuring views from the tower itself. Where is Les with his loppers when you need him? Lots of activity in the immediate foreground, with a good number of Chiffchaffs making foraging flights and Little Grebes very close. At the base of the reeds to the left, a rather shy Purple Swamphen. Out on the water, a lot of White-headed Ducks with even more Shoveler and a couple of Greater Flamingos and a Shelduck. Robin, White Wagtail and Serin joined the chorus.

Little Grebe (PHOTO: Kevin Borman)

The Dual Carriageway was a major disappointment. At first sight the wetland was literally empty. Gradually, I found a few Teal and a roost of about twenty distant Cormorants looking very ethereal in the sun-haze. Goldfinch and Stonechat but not a single wader. Next stop was the ‘Other Tower’, namely the one nearest to the dual carriageway. Jackdaws flew over, and there were lots of Shelduck but the main entertainment was a Cormorant with a huge fish, at least fifteen inches long (38 cms for our Spanish viewers). It finally managed to manoeuvre it into position and gulped it down but its neck was twitching and writhing until I finally gave up watching. So not a single wader at Salar de los Canos. Strange and worrying!

Estuary, usual stop on the south bank: nothing new. Still no waders to be seen. We seem to be seeing much less on the estuary than we used to, or am I just imagining better birding times? Next, to the Ford. On arrival I saw vans and building materials down in the rambla, and the sound of heavy machinery, so I didn’t hold out much hope. Two Blackbirds immediately flew over and then, bird of the day, I had a superb view of a lovely female Blackcap. I walked up to the Sewage Works in the desperate hope of waders and found a single Black-winged Stilt. Finally, the Beach. Nada! So only two waders all morning. In addition, seen en route were Spotless Starling, Magpie and Collared Dove, so just a modest total of 32 species or thereabouts, but with encouragingly good numbers of some birds – Shelduck, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, for example.

White-headed Ducks (PHOTO: Kevin Borman)

I put my Euro in the fund-raising pot and raised my virtual glass to Dave and his understudy Alan for co-ordinating this year’s outings, and to all those – you know who you are - who have provided good company and humour and helped me improve my birding skills over the past twelve months. Best wishes to one and all for the Solstice, Christmas and the New Year. Un saludo, maybe even un abrazo,

Kevin

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Thursday 11 December

Just received the latest report from Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group so before anything else may I wish a peaceful Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year to all.  May 2025 bring you all those birds you have been dreaming to see!  Looking at the bird list and the weather situation you could well have been back in dear old Blighty, well, apart from the Red-billed Chough unless off down to Cornwall or maybe Bardsley Island where I saw then back in the late sixties!  And thanks for all who have been contributing to the Andalucia Bird Society's bird research project; that brought back many happy memories of my stint as Membership Secretary for over ten years.

Sierra de Maria: Wednesday 11th December

Hi all,

A short version today as I'm all out of sorts, what with various things going on.

We met at the La Piza forest cafe.  Trevor, Val, Kevin, Paul, Pat, Seamus and Linda.  There was ice on the cars as we passed through Maria Town.  Kevin had ice in his campervan overnight!  Fox was nicking some bread as we arrived.  I filled the bird feeders up.  We saw Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird and Robin.  On the loop we saw Stonechat, Black Redstart, Mistle and Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Crested Lark and the first of many flocks of Goldfinch.

At the village we saw another fox.  Carrying on with the loop we added Magpie, White Wagtail, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Raven, Linnet and Red-legged Partridge.  At the cliff there was a stream of 12 Ibex climbing the ridge and disappearing over the top.  No birds.

En route to the hamlet we saw vast flocks of Linnet and White Wagtails.  At the hamlet a pair of Red-billed Chough flew into a barn.  Kevin found his Little Owl.  A Hoopoe was also seen.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorx pyrrhocorox (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

Didn't stop at the trough as the sheep and goats got there first.  Paul, Pat and I went home from La Piza, not stopping for lunch.  The others added Crossbill, Long Tailed Tit, Crested Tit as well as Robin and Blue Tit.  Paul spotted our only Griffon Vulture after we'd passed Maria.

Apologies for me having an off day.  No birding now till the New Year so hopefully I can sort out the camera....as a friend once said.....RTFM......Read the ******* manual!!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A word from Kevin who collects the monies for the Andalucian Bird Society's bird research projects :-

  Re our fundraising, if it's not too late to include in your report, we
have €66.20 in the tin, to add to the €175 that we raised before the
summer break, so a total for the year of €241. Thanks to everyone who
contributed.

Regards

Dave

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Hamble River, Warsash

Tuesday 10 December

Back from our fortnight's cruise to Madiera and the Canaries and a first opportunity to get outside now that the storms have died down.  A mid-morning walk up the Hamble River approaching low tide in a very gentle breeze but very cold so, fortunately, I had put on many layers - albeit no gloves!

Wigeon Anas penelope

Leaving the house a fond farewell from a feeding Dunnock in the garden and once at the riverside a couple of Black-headed Gulls and a Curlew.  Very few birds to add as I made my way up to the conservation area other than the first flock of 45 Wigeon and a passing flight of approximately thirty Dunlin.  In between a handful of Herring Gulls and a few more Curlew along with a handful of Redshank.  Two feeding Brent Geese on the shore line as a further eighteen made their way upriver.

Curlew Numenius arquata

A single foraging Black-tailed Godwit drew my attention before it was joined by the first of four Carrion Crows seen during the walk.  Only two Grey Plover but eleven resting Shelduck on the muddy meadow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Once at the conservation area I noted the single Little Grebe fishing in the river and near the ruined boat a further flock of 55 resting Wigeon plus a bout forty Teal.  As I made my way back the Little Grebe had moved on but a single Oystercatcher was walking the water's edge.  About to cross one of the footbridges when a Rock Pipit landed for  a few seconds on the hand rail before moving on.  Finally, away at the water's edge a lone Great Black-backed Gull and a single Cormorant flew up river low above the water.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Dunnock, Rock Pipit, Carrion Crow.

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Cabo de Gata

 Wednesday 4 December

As promised a few minutes  ago, this morning's report from Dave and is Arboleas Birding Group comes hot on the heals of last week's account so time to enjoy both rather than sitting out of the sun as I prepare to leave the warm weather behind and head back to a dull and damp UK!  Ans whilst at my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata, you managed to find some Trumpeter Finches but, presumably, no Dotterel hanging around and waiting to be seen by the group.  Meanwhile, seems a shame not to show a photo of the Trumpeter Finch so have added a couple I took at Cabo de Gata a few years ago.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 4th December 2024

Paul, Pat and myself drove down towards Cabo de Gata being followed by my near neighbours, Seamu, Linda and their well behaved dog, Lottie.  The first birds we saw were Collared Doves, Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows in Retamar.  Paul added a Magpie and Seamus and Linda a White Wagtail before we got to the 1st hide where Alan and Trevor were already on the birds.  Alan had seen a pair of Ruff, a Black-tailed Godwit, an Iberian Grey Shrike and a Stonechat.  I quickly found Greater Flamingos and a feeding raft of Slender-billed Gulls.  There was a Little Egret and a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls on the causeway together with some Black-winged Stilts.  Kevin arrived and pointed out some distant Spoonbill.  A Black Redstart was on the power line behind us.  Also there, spotted by Trevor, was a Kestrel.  A flight of about 7 small waders flew in.  After much discussion, Alan and I went for Curlew Sandpipers, a rare winter sighting!  We did have a Dunlin nearby to make the comparison.  Kevin heard a Blackbird.  He'd also seen a Jackdaw by the Guardia Civil tower.

After a cup of coffee in Cabo village we headed for the 2nd hide.  Due to my bad back and hips I stayed by the vehicles and did a sea and savannah watch.  Out to sea, quite close in, a pair of adult Gannet flew by.  On the savannah I had Stonechats, a Kestrel and a Chiffchaff.  The others didn't fair very well.  They had closer views of the Spoonbill.  Also seen were Iberian Grey Shrike and Stonechats.

Driving on towards the public hide, a Cormorant flew over.  Just by the track to the hide I spotted a pair of Trumpeter Finch on the wooden fence.  Coming to an abrupt halt, most saw them before they flew off.  We walked to the hide.  Kevin had seen some Greenfinch earlier.  From the hide we spotted Shelduck, Shoveler and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Also seen were Avocet, Redshank (Kevin) and Black-headed Gulls.  Kevin also found a line of Black-necked Grebes he'd seen earlier.  Alan added a Kentish Plover and a Little Stint.  We departed via the church track seeing a Goldfinch, some Greenfinches and Thekla Larks.

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

We made our way towards Rambla Morales.  The beachside track was blocked by civil works.  There was a diversion via the sand beach.  We were not going to risk getting bogged down so that was the end of our birding day.

We ended up with 38 species.  Sorry, still no photos.  Great days birding in good company.  Weather was sunny with a few clouds. A  bit windy.  Sending best wishes to Val & Peter 2 who both had sick notes today!

Regards

Dave

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 4 December 

Apologies to Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group but I have been visiting Madeira and he Canaries since 23 November and very restricted access to the Internet.  Now at our final port of call, Lisbon before completing our voyage in Portsmouth this Saturday.  Means the first report, without photos but some great sightings, is a full week behind schedule but will be quickly followed by this morning's visit to Cabo de Gata,

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 27th November

Gilly and I are finally back from the land of Red Kites, Common Buzzards and one Merlin, all seen from the car touring around England!

I picked Juda up from the garage in La Alfoquia and headed to the Rambla de Almanzora, joining it just past the Desert Springs golf complex.  I didn't know what state it would be in after the recent downpours but to be honest it looked as it did before.  In the first pool by the concrete weir there were Mallard, Moorhens, a Teal and a Little Grebe.  We saw the first of about 100 Chiffchaffs for the day!  As we moved further towards the sea we added Stonechat and Goldfinch.  The scattered pools gave us views of more Mallards, Teal, Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, and Little Ringed Plover.   Also seen were Magpie, White Wagtail and Northern Starling.  As we approached the ford, there was a Green Sandpiper at the base of the concrete embankment.  The ford had no water in it.  A building was being built just past it in the rambla.  A pump house?  What's going to happen to it when the rambla is in full flow? Ummmm?

We met Richard, Peter and Alan in the parking area.  Alan had already seen Black Redstart and a Common Sandpiper.  We were joined by Trevor and his friend, Paul.  We heard, then saw a pair of Red-billed Chough flying along the hillside behind us.  We drove partly up the rambla towards the little shallow lake.  Alan was first to spot Crag Martins flying around.  He also added a Ringed Plover.  I had a Snipe.  A Black-winged Stilt flew in as did a Black-headed Gull.  We heard a Cetti's Warbler.

We moved to the beach.  There was a Sanderling on the rocks as were some Cormorants.  Sadly no Shag which the group had seen whilst I was away.  We then drove round to the estuary.  The sun was against us so the views were not that good.  A Grey Heron arrived.  There was a group of about 15 Cormorants at the beach end.  Alan found some Sandwich Terns.  I'm positive I saw a female Blue Rock Thrush fly over.  Later in the day Jacky came here and added Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail.

After a refreshing cup of coffee in Villaricos we headed for the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  The water level was only slightly up, but it covered some of the mud flats.  Alan was first to pick out one of the Shovelers.  I found some Shelducks.  We were joined by Jacky.  A Little Egret was seen.  We moved beyond the mound.  Alan did well to find a lovely male Marsh Harrier high up to our right.  He then found a Cattle Egret on the distant sand spit and some Mediterranean Gulls amongst the numerous Black-headed cousins.

We moved around to the viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  There were some Greater Flamingos there together with Black-headed Gulls with a couple of Mediterraneans.  Alan added a Black-necked Grebe.  Also seen were Little Grebe, Woodpigeon and Yellow-legged Gull.  Jacky added a Barn Swallow flying with the Crag Martins after we all had left.

41 species seen.  Not bad!  A good days birding with good friends.  Good to be back!

Sorry no photos.  Technical issues.  I only took a couple, both of Coot. Whilst away, our Windows 7 computer was upgraded to Windows 10 (thank you, Richard).  Apparently it doesn't yet like my camera downloads.  By trail and error I will try to sort it out by next week!

Regards,

Dave

Just a thought Dave and sorry to bring you some bad news.  Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in 2025 so you have to upgrade, once again, to Windows 11.  And it could be worse as, when you do the check, you may well get a message that you are unable to upgrade the existing system!!  I'm going to have to consider replacing both desktop and laptop.  (Cries quietly into pillow!)

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