Wednesday 10 September

Another great day's birding with the Arboleas Birding Group led by friend Dave Elliott-Binns.  Still lots to be seen unlike me on my round-Britain cruise with first stop, Aberdeen abandoned along with the whole point of the cruise, the following day's stop in Lerwick to explore the southern Shetlands.  Instead an alternative in Kirkwall, the Orkneys but a bare three hours ashore in the late afternoon.  But I did, at least, get to see a few birds so next job to complete the blog, if I can fine a lead to connect camera to computer!!!!

Cabo de Gata   -   Wednesday 10th September

Second trip out this autumn to the second best birding in our area....Cabo de Gata.  With Richard unable to come today, I picked up Peter 1 and headed south in glorious sunshine.  Yesterday in Arboleas the heavens opened for about an hour!

We came off the motorway and the bird list began....slowly!  We saw a Southern Grey Shrike on a power line.  In Retamar we added Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and as we travelled towards Pujaire we picked up some Jackdaw.

Kevin was already at the first hide when we arrived.  He'd already noted Avocet, Yellow-legged and Slender-billed Gull, Little Egret, Kentish Plover, Mallard, Shelduck, Thekla Lark, Black-winged Stilt and Grey Heron.  There was a small movement of Barn Swallows.  Kevin added Redshank and Greenshank.  A couple of Cattle Egrets flew over. Kevin, who was having a very good spotting day, found a Woodchat Shrike in a shrub.  Another Southern Grey Shrike was on a distant post.  Kevin then found an Eurasian Curlew on the rocky causeway.

Grey Herons with Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After a refreshing drink break in Cabo village we headed to the second hide.  A seawatch only produced a few Yellow-legged Gulls.  The last remnants of the sea daffodils were still in bloom.  At the hide we saw a stand of 15 Grey Herons on the far bank.  A Grey Plover flew past.  I then spotted a raptor flying low over the far reeds...a Marsh Harrier.  Kevin and I both saw this longish tailed falconlike bird flying very low over the water from in front of us travelling at speed to our right.  Trying to identify a bird from behind is difficult.  My best bet would've been a Hobby, but it passed low over a swimming duck and the duck ignored it which was unusual if it had been a Hobby, I suggest!  The next anomaly was a warbler in the reeds to the right of us.  Definitely a female "Sylvia".  It flew to an open area.  I pointed the camera, pushed the button and hoped.  Usually you get a blurry unidentifiable bird.  However luck was with me.  The white moustache was clearly visible!  A Subalpine Warbler. 

Female Subalpine Warbler (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved onto the public hide.  Hotshot Kevin soon had distant Black-necked Grebes in his sights.  He also added a Ringed Plover.  I found a stunning Grey Plover in breeding plumage.

We ended up with 29 species.  A great day in good company.

Regards,

Dave

Sea Daffodils (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Normandy Lagoon and Pennington Marshes

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula on Normandy Lagoon

Saturday 6 September

The start of a beautiful and warm sunny day so off to the New Forest and on the Solent coast at Normandy Lagoon below Lymington before 8.30 where I, surprisingly, found a great lack of birdlife.  Indeed, only two Black-headed Gulls recorded with most of the gulls and terns having departed. Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow and Magpie noted as I left the car approaching the sea wall with a number of passing Barn Swallows overhead.  Up on the sea wall and a couple of Stonechat on the fence below.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

At the far, eastern, end I could see a couple of Oystercatchers and a Little Egret whilst a little closer a pair of resting Cormorant. Continuing on round to the southern wall and looking at the small islands I found a few lapwing and then a couple of Redshank.  Two Pied Wagtails were foraging on the largest island immediately in front of me.  Towards the far side a Great Crested Grebe and a the first of three Greenshank. Just about to move on when I spotted the handful of Turnstone at the western edge of the island and on the water a couple of Little Grebe.

Nothing to add before reaching the end of the wall and time to retrace my step but now with the Sun mainly behind me.  First the discovery of a large roosting group of Redshank totalling over 60 individuals; all hunking down below the bank at the water's edge to escape the now very brisk wind.

Resting Redshank Tringa torquatus

A flash of white across the front of the next small island and then the discovery of a large flock of newly-arrived Ringed Plover with a count of 37.  But double-checking the distant photograph, I discovered not only a handful of Dunlin at the far end of the plovers but also a single Knot.

Resting Ringed Plover Charadrius Hiaticula - but look at the right-hand group!

Distant six Dunlin Calidris alpina and a Knot Calidris canutus

Time to head back to the car by passing the sailing group on Acre Pond where I came across a feeding flock of 25 House Sparrows enjoying the ripe blackberries. Here I found the Black-headed Gull along with eight Black-tailed Godwit and a trio of Rock Doves.  Thirty Starlings flew across and then a couple of Goldfinches in the bushes.  On the small island a Heron and making my way back along the lane to the car a Robin.

Making the short drive to Lower Pennington Lane I was at the car park at the end by 9.45 and, again, many Barn Swallows passing overhead.  A bust Cetti's Warbler behind the bushes in the reeds to my right and in the field to the left along with the herd of cows both a Carrion Crow and Magpie. taking the right-hand path towards Fishtail Lagoon I stopped to check the limited water to my right and found both a single Heron and resting juvenile Shelduck.

Taking the track below the bank to look at the water from the south, I found a singe Little Egret, a trio of Pied Wagtails on the island and a departing Cormorant which, in turn, revealed the Woodpigeon as I followed the bird's flight.  A pair of Stonechat were busy feeding ahead of me and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull flew west along the water.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Reaching the end of the track I had chance to take a longer look at Keyhaven Lagoon in front of me which certainly seemed to hold most of the birds seen during the morning.  Whilst first checking a the handful of Curlew on the grassy sea to my left I then tried to make sense of water I was actually seeing.  Nearest to me a large resting lock of Sandwich Terns and to their right a good number of resting Canada Geese accompanied by25 Oystercatchers.

Resting Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

On the far, distant side a good number of resting Great Black-backed and a few Black-headed Gulls plus a small number of Redshank and Lapwing.

Distant Great Black-backed Gulls Larus marinus

Time to move on and retrace my steps back to Butts Lagoon which was devoid of bird life.  But off the southern corner on the bay seven Eider and a quartet if Great Crested Grebes.

Eider Duck Somateria mollissima

Eider Duck Somateria mollissima with Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Just a lone Snipe at the far end of Lower Penningon Lagoon but across the inward track on Oxey Lagoon a pair of Mute Swan with another Little Egret and a few Mallard. Then it was back along the path to the car pack and managing to record a couple of Linnet, trio of Robin and a quartet of Linnets. Still regular sightings of passing Barn Swallows but the last bird recorded was actually the only House Martin that I saw during my visit and a final total of 39 species for the morning.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Eider Duck Somateria mollissima

Six of the seven Eider Duck Somateria mollissima

Resting Canada Geese Branta canadensis and Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus

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Red (Grey) Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) at Hayling Island

Thursday 4 September 

Dancing in the afternoon at Southsea Pier and an invite to the launch of the new BYD full electric car in Southampton at 6pm would I have time to make a quick "pop in" at Hayling Island to see if the visiting juvenile Red (Grey) Phalarope would be still present for a third day? We had left home with the promise of showers but suggested sun and clear by mid-afternoon.  In the event, it was beautiful on the outward journey but up leaving Southsea not long after 3.30 the first light shower arrived!  Such is life.

Still, took a chance and arrived at the top car park at 4.15.  The tide was out exposing the mudflats n front of the car park but just a handful of Black-headed Gulls on show and not a single Back-tailed Godwit. No bins or camera but a light shower so time to retrieve a waterproof from the boot and pleasantly discover that I had left my small scope in the car.  However, it would still be a hope of finding a fellow birder on site with his/her binoculars to help search of the target bird. Time to walk along to the "Billy Line" trail and access the former oyster beds in search of the phalarope.  And at this point a fellow member of HOS appeared behind me with the same bird in mind and carrying her bins; lucky me!

The pond on the left at the start of the trail held a handful of Black-headed Gulls and four Redshank so onto the oyster beds. No luck but we did find our first Curlew and a Little Egret a the back.  Moving on to the next bed a Carrion Crow off to the left and upon arrival more Redshanks and an Oystercatcher but no phalarope. Similarly again at the third bed but we did find, as well as another Redshank, a foraging Magpie on a bush half-way down the left bank.

So to the main lake holding the gull nesting banks where all that was to be found was a single Common Sandpiper.  That now left only the large muddy bay in front of the lower car park so time to really search amongst the muddy creeks and grasses. First a Curlew then a small flock of Ringed Plovers and a single Whimbrel. A couple of Woodpigeon wheeled away from the bushes behind us closely followed by a score of Starlings and in the distance on the sea bank a lone birder making his way back towards us. So, leaving my companion behind I walked over to meet him and asked if he had had any luck in finding the Red Phalarope.  Oh yes, he replied and pointed out the spot, not hours but minutes ago, and proceeded to show me the excellent photograph he had captured.  There upon we all gathered to find the bird that was foraging in the the narrow creeks between the grassy banks.

Juvenile Red Phalrope Phalaropus fulicarius (from Internet)

It took some doing with a mixture of bins, scope and eyes but soon we had our bird as it moved in an out of the grasses.  But as always it appears, leave the camera at home and find the bird!  So, for all three of us, our first Red Phalarope of the year.  Making our way back to the car a trio of Long-tailed Tits in the bushes just before the car park and already 5pm so leaving little time to drop off Jenny at home and head into Southampton.  Was I impressed with the new BYD electric car?  Lots of new gismos but the car achieves 70 miles less per full charge than my present car and the new updated model coming out at the end of the year only improves by another 20 miles per full charge.  So not really impressed, even with the (relatively) price tag.

Birds seen:

Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Red Phalarope, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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Sierra de Madre with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 3 September

Good to see the Arboleas Birding Group is out and about again and what a way to start with Bee-eater, Woodchat Shrike and confirmation that Nuthatches can be found in the Sierra de Maria.  Look forward to the next adventure whilst I am cruising around GB so could well be in the Shetlands by the.  Hope I, too, see some cracking birds!

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 3rd September 2025

For our first outing of the autumn I decided we'd return to Sierra de Maria as it would be cooler than the 30c+ heat down on the coast. Richard came to my house and I drove up to Maria. We saw Common Swift and a Goldfinch approaching the town. There were still House Martins flying around their nesting site in the canopy at the Repsol garage. Richard saw some Spotless Starlings.

We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe.  Before I put some nuts out we already logged Great and Blue Tits on the feeders. Whilst emptying poor Juda's house of food, we came across lots of out of date packets of cob nuts.  We collected them all  and replenished the feeders with them.  In the attempt many ended up on the ground.  The Jays loved them.  We had 8 flying in and removing beakfuls to store.  Richard added a Short-toed Treecreeper.  Also seen were Coal, Long-tailed and Crested Tits, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon and Blackbird. We were joined by Seamus, Linda and well-behaved Lottie, the dog.

Long-tailed Tit (PHOTO: David-Elliott-Binns)

We commenced to do the "loop", us leading with the others behind.  Only saw a Jay going through the pine forest.  Out in the fields it wasn't much better.  Only Crested Lark and House Sparrow.  Richard and I somehow missed the 20 odd Griffon Vultures seen by Linda and Seamus!

We only stopped briefly outside the village as there was no bird activity.  Along the track we added Barn Swallow, Rock Sparrow and a juvenile Woodchat Shrike.  We arrived at the cliff face.  Nothing on the rock face but there was a Magpie below it and I spotted an adult Booted Eagle way in the distance. Seamus and Linda arrived in time to see a magnificent female Marsh Harrier flying over the summit. Further on we saw a Black-eared Wheatear.  Approaching the airstrip I saw a flight of birds to the left. Managed to stop the car and see Black-bellied Sandgrouse land the other side of a small ridge.  A Carrion Crow was seen.  As we approached the village we were surprised to see a single Bee-eater on a power line.  We disturbed a Hoopoe as we drove on.  Between the cave village and the hamlet Richard and I saw another pale rumped harrier.  Collins confirmed it was an adult female Montagu's!

Rear view of a juvenile Woodchat Shrike (PHOTO: David-Elliott-Binns)

On the plain beyond the hamlet Richard glimpsed a Little Owl as we sped past.  There was nothing at the water trough so lunch beckoned at La Piza.  It was quite busy.  I had to stop a young Spanish boy trying to eat the mealworms we'd put out!  We saw all of the same as previously.  Less Jays though.  A Crossbill turned up for a drink.  Linda then spotted the bird of the day/year! A Nuthatch!  Never seen one in our area.  Years ago when I was at La Piza with the SAGA group an English birder who was there said he'd seen one.  The Spanish bird guide poo-pooed the observation saying they are not in this area.  They are now!

Confirmation of Nuthatch at La Piza! (PHOTO: David-Elliott-Binns)

33 species seen.  Maria never fails to please!  Great day with good friends!

Regards

Dave

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Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve

Tuesday 2 September

By mid-morning the rain had cleared up so decided to take a walk along the Warsash and Solent shores and instead of returning the same way carried on to Chilling Head then up to Workmans Lane, across the horse fields to Hook Lane before continuing back to the top of Workmans Lane then along the main road back to the centre of Warsash and on down to home, a final round trip of 8km in less than three hours - and even managed to take shelter for five minutes when the late shower came on the final part of the walk.

Common Gull Larus canus with Redshank Tringa totanus

The tide was on its way out and straight away both Black-headed and Herring Gulls before stopping below Strawberry Fields to check the waders below where I found a good number of Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits along with both Oystercatcher and Turnstone.  Indeed, checking the gull next to one Redshank I managed to identify a Common Gull. Meanwhile, there was a group of House Sparrows in the nearby bush and both Woodpigeons and Carrion Crows on the field itself along with a distant Magpie.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Moving on towards the pier I found my first Little Egret and looking across to the distant Spit I could see a pair of resting Cormorant.  meanwhile, at the small pond a couple of Collared Doves and then, once past the pier, a chance to take a closer  look at the beach below.  Not just more Black-headed and Herring Gulls but also a number of both Black-tailed Godwits and the appearance of a dozen Ringed Plover.  Closer inspection also identified a single Knot.  

Knot Calidris canutus

Turning the corner to walk down to the Spit I became aware of the number of feeding Barn Swallows around me and, once at the Spit itself  more resting Black-headed Gulls.  Also present was a single Curlew.  On the Solent side of the Spit at least a score of resting Oystercatchers as the tide uncovered the shingle beach.

Curlew Numenius arquata

Continuing on down to the Scrape I found a raft of resting Avocet in the lee of the main island with a final count of 31 individuals.  Also on the water a trio of Shelduck, a few Mallard and more Black-tailed Godwit. A Moorhen was on the far water raft.

Mainly Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

Rather than retrace my steps, I carried on to Chilling Head in the presence of more Barn Swallows then took the tarmac path up to Workmans Lane.  However, checking the cattle in the distant field on my left I notice a single white egret then stopped to take a closer look and found no less than five Cattle Egrets along with a couple of Yellow Wagtails.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Reaching the horse fields I came across the first Robins of the morning then walked to the far end before heading towards the stile and the path towards Hook Lane.  A large number of Starlings in both the field and atop the distant tree by the first house plus a dozen foraging Carrion Crows.  The final field produced a young Stonechat and then I noticed the pair of Goldfinches and a handful of Linnets feeding on the nearby thistles.  Working my way along Hook lane I came across a Dunnock on the path in front of me plus another couple of Robins before reaching the main road where the house on the opposite side of the road was playing host to at least eight Blue Tits in the large tree near the gate. From here it was simply a question of following the road back to the village centre then on down to home.

Juvenile Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blue Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Turnstone with Black-head Gull Larus ridibundus and Black-tailed Godwit

Redshank Tringa totanus with Black-tailed Godwit

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Juvenile Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

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Blashford Lakes & RSPB Ham Wall

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegytiaca

Sunday 31 August 

A leisurely drive westwards to Minehead, Somerset to attend my Best Man's funeral the following day so time for a couple of rest points.  First a little under two hours at Blashford Lakes in the New Forest than on to RSPB Ham Wall on the Somerset Levels for a sit in the car eating my lunch for an hour and waiting for the rain to stop followed by an 80 minute damp walk along the main track and to the Tor Hide.

Most of the raft of 50 Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus

Al least the Blashford Lakes visit was undertaken in the dry, albeit the gentle rain arrived as I was about to depart.  As I approached Ibsley Water a Blackbird and handful of Jackdaw and the water provided the expected high numbers of both Greylag Geese and Great Crested Grebes although well outnumbered by the 70 plus Egyptian Geese.  Also present many gulls included, mainly Lesser Black-backed but also both Herring and Black-headed Gulls. A dozen Cormorant and probably the same number of Lapwing but, again, scores of Coots.  Feeding over the water a good number of Sand Martin but very few ducks with just a handful of Mallard, a couple of Tufted Ducks and a female Shoveler. But I did find a single, distant Heron at the back of the water.

But the prize sighting was the juvenile Black Tern resting a long while on a stunted post mid-way back in front of the hide.

Distant juvenile Black Tern Childoniuas niger

Moving across to the main reserve all was damp and very quiet.  Moving through the trees towards the path to Ivy North Hide a Green Woodpecker, Robin and Song Thrush but only very distant ducks in the shaded area. Still no feeders in use as a result of the nearby, long-tern Avian Flu problem but from the Woodland Hide I could see the resting Roe Deer "hiding" in the large bush near the feeder post.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

So on to Ivy South Hide, along with a couple of Cormorant and a Black-headed Gull I found the visiting Red-crested Pochard. Finally, as I left the site to start on the next leg of my journey down to Somerset a score or more Rooks in the trees as I hit the main road.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Arriving at RSPB Ham Wall and enjoying my hour's rest in the car waiting for the rain to stop, I finally started my exploration just on 2 o'clock with a walk along the main track to the First Viewing Point.  A number of Mute Swans on the way along with a couple of Mallard and plenty of Gadwall.  Barn Swallows were over the water and upon arrival and a handful of resting Cormorants plus a Black-headed Gull. Lots of feeding Sand Martins, a few Coot and a single Great White Egret at the back.

Great White Egret Ardea alba

Crossing the track I took a look at the waters on the other side and noted a number of Great Crested Grebe plus a single Moorhen.  A Dunnock was on the fence by the entrance gate but disappeared into the brambles before I could get a decent photograph. Once at the end of the path and in the Tor Hide I found not only a Heron and many more Gadwall but a Water Rail that wandered into sight in front of the tall reeds.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

A little light rain as I continued on down the main track to the Second Viewing Point where I found four more Great White Egrets and three Herons along with Coots, Gadwall and a passing Marsh Harrier. Off to the side both a Magpie and couple of Carrion Crows.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 

Then it was back to the car and the Sun now shining brightly but, as I was passing, a quick stop ty RSPB Greylake where I found Blue Tits and House Sparrows on the feeder in the car park but very little else as the marshy area with the tall trees.  A Carrion Crow resting atop a tree and a umber of Barn Swallows feeding over the area but also a Cetti's Warbler in the nearby ditch and a distant Buzzard and couple of flying Great White Egrets in the far distance.

RSPB Greylake

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Moorhen, Water Rail, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black Tern, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with two cygnets

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Just about find the Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

RSPB Ham Wall

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