Farlington Marshes

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Sunday 13 April

A mixture of sun and cloud but, once again, a stiff cold breeze, to ensure plenty of clothes required for the morning visit to Farlington Marshes too undertake the anti-clockwise circuit.  A Black-headed Gull overhead as I set off followed by a lone Mute Swan on the small pool on the left leading up to the seawall.  On the muddy harbour itself a few Herring Gulls and then on to the viewing point.  Here it was obvious that the wintering Wigeon had now departed but still a feeding flock of about forty Black-tailed Godwits accompanied a by a single Avocet and a dozen or so Teal.  A single Coot below me and off to the left three Little Egret an a Heron.

Away beyond the first fence the sight of the well-spread Canada Geese and the first of so many Shelduck and the occasional Lapwing.  Both Carrion Crow and Cormorant flew overhead and as I moved on down the track to the first bend the sight of a pair of Mallard in the ditch to my left. This part of the walk proved very quit but as soon as you looked inland to the marsh itself no end of resting Shelduck in every direction plus a single Oystercatcher.

Male Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Taking the now opened short cut pat the far seawall I came across a handsome Linnet and once again back on the seawall the area produced a few more Oystercatchers at the water's edge.  Then it was time for a short rest overlooking the Deeps where all the gravel islands held scores of Black-headed Gulls.  At the back more Mallard and Shelduck plus a quartet of Shoveler.  It was here that I found the sheltering flock of about forty Dunlin and a two dozen Redshank. 

Redshanks Tringa totanus and Dunlins Calidris alpina sheltering below the bank

In the background many more Canada Geese.  Cetti's Warblers were calling and a Moorhen put in an appearance.  On the far, grassy bank amongst the resting Black-headed I also found a quartet of Mediterranean Gull.

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus surrounded by Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Continuing on towards the turn inland and to the old barn I found a Blackbird and trio of Woodpigeon on the the other side of the ditch plus a pair of Gadwall at the last pond.  Turning inland I came across a flock of about thirty Starling and then a Skylark overhead.  Not a lot of activity at the lagoon in front of the old barn but a few more Coot and Moorhen so a slight diversion on the way back to the car to take the riverside path a few hundred yards before bearing off to the right through the bushes back towards the exit.  An Avocet feeding n the river along with more Herring and Black-headed Gulls plus another couple of Little Egrets and more Shelduck.  As I started the riverside walk both Goldfinch and Greenfinches in the nearby trees and even a Collared Dove resting on top of the traffic sign on the adjacent A27 highway. The final bird of the morning's visit was a hunting male Kestrel continuously hovering above me as it searched for its midday meal.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull,  Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Mainly Dunlins Calidris alpina sheltering below the bank

 For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Normandy Lagoon & Pennington Marshes

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Friday 11 April

Collected by Richard Osman just after 8.30 we were down at Normandy Lagoon on the Solent south of Lymington by 9.45 and as soon as leaving the car had recorded Robin, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock and Pheasant. In the adjacent field as we started our walk to the seawall both Lapwing and Canada Goose.  A Carrion Crow flew over as we approached the lagoon where we found many Black-tailed Godwits, many in almost full summer plumage.  Also on the water Mallard, Teal and Shelduck.  A little further away a number of Tufted Duck and many more Canada Geese. Naturally, many Black-headed Gulls and then we found the small group of Herring Gulls.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Nearer to the wall and, indeed, almost everywhere on the site, very many Avocet and a handful of Lapwing.  Near the southern wall a few Redshank and on a sand bar just of this edge a couple of Little Terns resting aside both an Avocet and a Black-tailed Godwit.  Searching amongst the Black-headed Gulls on Tern Island I eventually found a solitary Common Tern at the southern end in the company of a couple of Dunlin and a Turnstone.

Little Tern Sterna albifons (left) with Black-tailed Godwit L.limosa and Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

At the far side of the lagoon a single Cormorant and a few Shoveler along with a Rock Dove. In the far, northern corner many more Avocet and a lone Ringed Plover.  After finding more Common Redshanks, a walk round the corner to the far channel produced a single Spotted Redshank. Just behind this "special" bird Richard was first to find the handful of Brent Geese.

Making our way back to the long sea-facing wall a handful of Mediterranean Gulls flew past and in the distance we could see a Magpie. On the far side of the island in the Lymington River a couple of resting Great Black-backed Gulls and on the far side of the large island opposite the main sea wall a group of resting bids including Grey Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Also at the far north of this island a handful of resting Eiders.  Then, as we made our way back to the car at last water we found a quartet of resting Wigeon on the back of the lagoon.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Time to make the short drive along to and own Lower Pennington Lane to make a circuit of the Pennington Marshes.  On the top meadow approaching the car park many Canada Geese along with both Dunnock and Magpie. Passing through the kissing gate to start our walk, we had a Chaffinch in the adjacent tree and both Woodpigeon and Lapwing on the wet meadow to our left.

Taking the right-hand track to make an anti-clockwise circuit we were soon overlooking Fishtail Lagoon where we found very many Shelduck along with score of Black-headed Gulls, Mallard and Teal.  A few Redshank and a number of Coots before the first of many Little Egrets.  Also present both Black-tailed Godwits and a small flock of Herring Gulls.  Meantime, behind us in and around the bushes  Blackbird, Linnet and Wren. Towards the back at least four Egyptian Geese.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

On towards Butts lagoon where we could see a pair of Mute Swan and then a right turn to explore the southern side of Fishtail Lagoon where we certainly saw very many more Avocets, a four Brent Geese, and both Ringed Plover and Pied Wagtail before a couple of Reed Buntings on the fence posts below.  At the far end, looking at Keyhaven Lagoon we noted the quartet of Spoonbill.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Making our way back a Meadow Pipit and then four more Great Black-backed Gulls amongst the resting gull flock on the far shore. Once at Butts Lagoon a couple of Little Grebe, more Coots and at least eight Gadwall.  Out on the main water at the corner a quintet of Great Crested Grebes.

Pennington Lagoon produced more Little Egrets along with a single Pintail and a trio of Wigeon. A Common Tern flew over before we made our way back to take the track back to the car park.  hardly had we reach the higher track than a pair of Meadow Pipits put in a close appearance giving excellent views. Stopping at the large pond on our right we not only added another Little Egret but also found a single Greenshank and a couple of Moorhen. A Skylark appeared above us and then , back t the gate, a Greenfinch in the tree to our left.  Finally, the first Robin here as we made our way back along the lane towards the end of Pennington Marsh.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Eider Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Redshank Tringa totanus

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 9 April

Sounds like a memorable day for the Arboleas Birding Group but for all the wrong reasons!  Sorry to read that my friend Dave unable to lead the group (can one member constitute a group?) but, no doubt, back to routine come next Wednesday.  Good of Kevin to step in but must have been a little disconcerting to find nobody else about but then saved by Val's appearance. In the end Kevin ended up much like me on most occasions as a single birder, but at least you have no arguments about direction, pace and timings, etc!  On the other hand, my sympathies for missing out on the expected inter-personal connections and general camaraderie.  But, all said, Kevin certainly found some good birds, especially the Wood Sandpiper, Nightingale and Bee-eaters.  And "lots f House Martins" with me still awaiting my first of the year; fingers crossed for tomorrow's visit to the Solent shore at the south of the New Forest opposite the Isle of Wight near Lymington.  Also, many thanks for the report Kevin, much appreciated.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 9th April

When Dave emailed to say that he wouldn’t be able to lead the trip today and asked whether I would step in, I said I would and sent an email which I thought had gone to ‘Reply All’.  Maybe it got lost in the ether, or maybe everyone decided to have a day off.  Well, almost everyone.

I was at ‘The Ford’ early, and there was a distinctly chilly wind.  I recorded Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Magpie, Barn Swallow and Spotless Starling.  Nothing very exciting so far.  I still had time to drive a circuit back up the rambla for a few kilometres and this produced Mallard, Ringed Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Moorhen and a very obliging Wood Sandpiper. I then returned to the Ford to await arrivals.

Upstream from the Ford ( PHOTO:Kevin Borman)

I suspected the cold wind was making the LBJs keep their heads down.  It was having a similar effect on the birders too it seemed, as by 09.15 I was still Billy No-Mates.  A few minutes later Val arrived.  I was delighted to have company and was able to lend her a spare fleece as we walked up to the sewage treatment plant.  The bracing wind reminded me of Skegness on a good day.  We heard a scratchy Reed Warbler en route.  On the sewage lagoons we added only Little Grebe but on the way back, in the dense vegetation in the rambla, we heard a Nightingale (Bird of the Day).  Just as we were getting back to our vehicles Val added a Little Egret and a Hoopoe.

By now it was after 10 o’clock and Val had to head off for an appointment, so again I was B N-M.  Our normal beach access was still fenced off due to deep gullying but I sussed an alternative way, more or less to no avail as the sea was crashing over the offshore rocks.  All I added here was a flying Yellow-legged Gull.

I drove across the flats to the Estuary North Side and scrambled up the sandy slope to the overlook. Things began to improve.  I found Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Grey Heron, three Sandwich Terns and four Audouin’s Gulls.  I missed out on a visit to the Tiburon cafe and instead, made myself a hot chocolate in the van once I got to the Estuary South Side, where only Goldfinch was added to the total.

By now the cool wind was dissipating and the heat was increasing.  On to the Dual Carriageway.  It was warm by now and shedding layers.  The list increased with Black-headed Gull, Pochard, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Teal, Coot and Zitting Cisticola.  ‘Beyond The Hump’, and by now it was distinctly hot, there were Red-rumped Swallow, Shoveler and swift to boost the total.

At the First Tower I added White-headed Duck and a pair of Red-crested Pochard, then at the Second Tower, just a White Wagtail. I drove on to Millionaire’s Pool (is that its name?).  There was nothing new on the water but I boosted the list with Bee-eater, Blackbird, Kestrel, and lots of House Martins.  39 species if I’ve tallied up correctly.  It would have been nice to have had more company and more pairs of eyes but I enjoyed keeping the flag flying and look forward to seeing Dave back at the helm very soon.  Oh, by the way Val, I forgot to produce the collecting tin, so I have put €1 in on your behalf.

Thank you, Kevin

Project we're supporting ( PHOTO:Kevin Borman)

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Fishlake Meadows, Romsey

Sunday 6 April

Yet another bright, sunny start with clear blue skies but, as with previous similar days, quite a cool nip in the air.  Arriving at Fishlake Meadows at 8.45  I was welcomed by Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Chiffchaff.  And setting of down the canal path into the reserve I was soon being bombarded by the constant songs/call of numerous Cetti's Warblers along with similar call from the diminutive Wrens.

Looking over the reedbed, where "Merlin" was recording the calls of a Sedge Warbler, a couple of Mute Swans on the far water and a resting Great White Egret whilst a couple of Greylag Geese flew away to my right. Certainly no shortage of Woodpigeons before the appearance of the first Magpies and Carrion Crows before the arrival of a Collared Dove.  Meanwhile, above me, I note the passing of a handful of Barn Swallows.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Both Chaffinch and Blue Tits were recoded as I made my way down from the canal path to take the path towards the screens overlooking the water.  A Buzzard was resting atop a pylon and then, taking the narrow path, on the small pond to my left a pair of Mute Swans accompanied by Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and a pair of Canada Geese.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Once at the screens, the pond to the right held a single Great White Egret whilst on the main water more Greylag Geese plus Mallards, Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler.  Even a couple of Coot.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Time to head back towards the car park but continued on to the main road, encountering both a Wren on the path and a male Blackcap in the low bush to which it fled as I approached.  Once at the observation point alongside the man road, a few Tufted Duck and Coots along with the many resting Cormorant and more Greylag Geese.  A the back of the water at least three Great Crested Grebes and resting on or near the few trees mid-water, a few Herring plus a single Lesser Black-backed Gull.  Just as I was about to depart I noticed the Moorhen that slipped out from the reeds at the back.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Departing Great White Egret Egretta alba

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Titchfield Canal

Saturday 5 April 

At Titchfield Canal by 8.20 on a lovely sunny start to the day with clear blue skies but still the strong, cold wind. A pair of Canada Geese flew over the car park as I was about to start my walk along the canal and then quickly followed by the sight of Robin, Blackbird, Great and Blue Tits.  making my way around the copse at the back of the car park I soon added Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff and Pheasant and then off down the canal walk.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Lots of calling Cetti's Warbler as well as the Chiffchaffs and then time to check Bridge Street Flood where I found mainly Mallards but also a few Pintail, Teal and a couple of Shelduck accompanied by a good-sized flock of Black-tailed Godwits.  Also present a number of Canada Geese plus the occasional Coot and a handful of Cormorants.

Mute Swans, more Shoveler and Teal on Posbrook Flood but no sign of the "resident" Glossy Ibis. At the back a couple Little Egret and three Herons.  Most of the Canada Geese were on or around this water but still the single Greylag Geese resting on the grass as I approached the water. Both Magpies and Carrion Crows seen overhead and then the first sighting of the many singing Wrens.  At the far end of the avenue a handful of Jackdaw and more Robins along with a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.  

Greylag Goose Anser anser

As I started my return journey to the car park a male Kestrel was hunting at the northern end of the water and once back at Bridge street Flood I noticed the pair of Stock Doves resting to the side of the former barn Owl's nesting nest.

Male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Leaving the scope in the car I then took the short walk further up the canal to Titchfield Church recording both Chaffinch and Greenfinch along with a pair of Mallards on the canal itself.  Starting to make my way back a couple of Magpies to the left and then a raptor hire above the wires which looked very much like a Sparrowhawk but, especially after checking the record shots, able to confirm a s a Goshawk.  back at the car park a resting Starling on the roof of the first house.

Distant, high Goshawk Accipiter gentillis

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Coot, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker,  Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Rutland Water

Thursday 4 April

Following last night's stay in Nottingham to attend the Andre Rieu concert, we travelled back to Warsash in glorious bright sunshine and clear blue skies but the warm weather offset by the strong cool wind.  However, time to make a brief thirty minute stop at Rutland Water to introduced family to this marvellous site.  And rewarded we were, too, with a good sighting of a quartering Red Kite as it checked out the far side of the lake outside the Visitors Centre for, perhaps, a mid-day snack.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Jackdaws on the field and trees to our left along with a Chaffinch as we approached the Visitors Centre and before stopping at the feeding area we noted the Rooks at their rookery behind the far hide.  A number of Blue but mainly Great Tits were visiting the feeders and then joined by a male Reed Bunting.  Immediately below the feeders a foraging cock Pheasant with the female right in front of the hide.  

On the water a few Mallard but more Tufted Duck along with a Cormorant, handful of Coot and about a dozen Canada Geese.  Resting atop the "Osprey Pole" on the far side a pair of Egyptian Geese.  Black-headed Gulls were moving about the site and the occasional Woodpigeon. A pair of Mute Swan were seen to our left.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Moving on from the main car park we made our way to Manton Bay, passing a number of Blackbirds and a Robin on the way, the regular visiting Ospreys were back at their nest platform with and the female already sitting but, as yet, no eggs laid.  On the water around the Osprey very many Black-headed Gulls along with a good number of Great Crested Grebes, a few Mallard and the occasional Coot. More Woodpigeons seen along with a Carrion Crow and on the water at the other side of the road from the bridge a feeding Little Egret.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Moving on towards Duddington to stop for lunch, taking the narrow country lanes to connect to the A47 we slowed to admire the single Grey Partridge crossing the road and within ten minutes also had a passing Sparrowhawk gliding slowly over the tall hedge to our left. naturally, a number of magpies and more Rooks and Carrion Crows seen.  Then, parking up in car park for our lunch a pair of Greylag Geese landed on the small lake below and a handful of Greenfinches in the trees at our side.  Wonderful end to the Rutland bird spotting!

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Osprey, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.

 For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 2 March 2025

Sounds like a fabulous birding day by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group; especially all those raptors.  Then you add on a variety of tits and wheatears and you wonder what's coming next!, 

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 2nd April

Nigel had recovered enough from his heart procedure to be able to come with me to the Sierra de Maria. I picked him up just before 8am and headed north.  En route from Velez Blanco to Maria town I spotted a Collared Dove and Nigel, a Woodpigeon.  In town we added Spotless Starling and House Sparrow. The House Martin nest site under the Repsol Garage canopy was still unoccupied.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe.  Nigel went and got the coffees as I replenished the bird feeders.  Nigel spotted both Blue and Long Tailed Tits.  Some Crossbill flew over.  A Jay appeared.  On the ground there were Chaffinches picking up crumbs of peanuts.  Coal, Great and Crested Tits arrived as did Trevor, Mike, Kirsten, Peter and Richard.  The latter had seen a Barn Swallow.  Nigel added a Blackcap.

Crossbill taking a drink. That's a hosepipe, not a rare python!! (PHT: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop.  We saw nothing going through the forest zone.  The agricultural zone had a blanket of mist which was beginning to burn off.  We saw Crested Lark, an Iberian Grey Shrike, Rock Sparrow and a Black-eared Wheatear.  We parked up by Canadas Canepla village where we were joined by Kevin who'd ventured further north.  Amongst other birds he'd seen Red-billed Chough.  Nigel spotted a Corn Bunting on the far reed line.  Barn Swallows were quartering the fields.  We moved on seeing a plethora of corvids....Carrion Crow, Magpies and a Jackdaw.  A Hoopoe flew over.  We passed the farmhouse where Rollers nested in a box last year but saw nothing....Richard and Peter near the rear of the convoy did see a Roller!

As we passed another farm building Nigel shouted for me to stop.  A Little Owl was on the roof.  It had gone by the time I'd exited the car, but I did spot a distant Booted Eagle briefly before it disappeared behind a ridge. 

We stopped at the cliff face.  Another Black-eared Wheatear was seen.  A Red-legged Partridge flew off. Mike and Kirsten saw another three on a field.  We walked to the far side and got glimpses of Black Wheatear, Linnet and some Rock Sparrows.

We carried on, seeing a Kestrel on the farm building prior to the airstrip and a Raven after it.  Peter and Richard spotted a distant Griffon Vulture over towards the still snow covered mountain.  The only Griffon of the day.  Very odd!

At the hamlet there was a pair of Lesser Kestrels.  Nigel added a White Wagtail.

We headed to the La Piza forest cafe.  Peter, Richard and Kevin decided to do a quick stop at the goat farm water trough.  Kevin disturbed a Short-toed Eagle having a drink!  Peter and Richard saw a pair, Mr and Mrs, Hen Harrier!  Triple drat!!  And the latter saw a Northern Wheatear as well.  Sulking at La Piza we only added a Serin coming for a drink.

What a great day's birding in good company.  39 species seen.  Next time we might venture north to see what's up there.  Sounds interesting!  Not a good day for photos for me.  Just as I focused the birds seemed to fly off!!

Regards

Dave

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.