Solent shore from Hill Head northwards

Saturday 17 December

Another bitterly cold start to the day as I met up with our leader, David Wallace, and seven other members of HOS (Hampshire Ornothological Society) for our walk along the shore and just inland from Hill Head to Brownwich Pond and beach before returning along the relatively newly-created coastal path.  Perfect birding weather as clear skies and a rapidly thawing ground with corresponding rise in temperature and with the water well out  a chance to find waders and even more on the return journey when such birds had been pushed further in towards the shore. 

Mainly male Eider Ducks Somateria mollissima

Moving from the cliff top down to the shore path we immediately recorded Black-headed, Herring and Great Black-backed Gull, many Oystercatchers and a couple of Carrion Crows. To the right a dozen Gadwall were on the sea's edge and just off-shore two groups plus further individuals total 28 Eider Duck.  What a lovely sight and close to the shore for all to enjoy.  Moving on round to the harbour we added dozens of Mallard along with Little Egret, Coot, Turnstone, Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Time spent at the road bridge enable a wonderful, close view of a Kingfisher with a foraging Blue Tit above and in the reeds to the right a Water Rail.  Two resting Teal and on the open water Shoveler and Moorhen.  In the distance a Heron and a number of passing Woodpigeons along with a Cormorant.

Silhouette of the Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Distant record shot of Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Moving on round to the coastal path many more Oystercatchers and Carrion Crows and, on checking the lagoon once again from a different angle, a male Common Pochard.  A Wren was working the nearby bush and seen by most of the group.  By the time we reached the chalets to take the upper coastal path we had encountered the first Jackdaws and a Robin.  Then a couple of Dunnock before noting the small flock of Starling.  Strange to say, this small group of "shacks" seemed to attract the local Feral Pigeons but there was no sign of the recently seen eastern Lesser Whitethroat.  Meanwhile, on the beach, we had also recorded both Redshank and a Sanderling and were able to confirm that, despite the continuing freezing temperatures (currently around -5C), the local postman was still undertaking his early morning deliveries wearing shorts!

Once working alongside the open fields and hedged paths we soon found Blackbirds and more Dunnocks.  In the field very many Pied Wagtail and eventually Meadow Pipit was added to the morning's sightings. A distant female Marsh Harrier brought a little excitement and then the first Stock Doves of the morning.  Moving on towards the Brownwich Lane we stopped at the farm buildings to check the far fields and quickly added a small number of Lapwing.  A Song Thrush was resting on top of the far hedge and then joined by two more.  In front of as a handful of Skylark with one very close and in typical "hovering mode."  Whilst in the area we also found a cock Pheasant and Ian, using his scope, managed to finally locate the small number of Golden Plover that were moving about very low at the far end of the field.

"Dancing on ice" with Coots Fulica atra

Moving on the the nearby pond we stopped to check a large, bare tree, and identified the foraging small bird as a Goldcrest. Then on to the pond's viewing platform which revealed a number of Mallard and Coot searching for clear water in the ice.  Almost immediately they were joined by an adult Mute Swan and two well-grown and moulting cygnets.  Rather a surprise, according to David, to actually find a pair of Little Grebe and the ducks were joined by a couple of Shoveler and a Gadwall.  At the far end a solitary Moorhen.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with drake Mallard Anas platyrhnchos

As we left the pond we noted the Fox in the field to the right and then took the narrow, now muddy, path down towards Brownwich beach.  Lots of stubble on the fields to our right and many foraging Pied Wagtails and Linnets. 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Not just ones and twos or even in dozens, but a large flock of Stock Doves flew over the field raising some interesting comments from the local specialists.  In the distance hundreds of Carrion Crows and Woodpigeons along with a smaller number of Jackdaw.  A Great Tit alighted on the the hedge in front of us and then, suddenly, there was a massed irruption of birds up in the air.  And we all know what that might suggest and good old Ian was first to spot the high Peregrine Falcon and, judging by the size, we presumed a female.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Then we were at the shore and making our way back to Hill Head using the main Coastal Footpath as far as the chalets.  I managed to pick up the female Reed Bunting that made a brief stop, but long enough for most to observe, on the top of the hedge in front of us.  Reaching the chalets we then took the inside path to our left as far as possible and recorded the quintet of Shelduck that passes overhead.

Once back near the lagoon with the tide now almost fully in and the ice on he lagoon thawing, we noted  couple of Black-tailed Godwits and the flock or Gadwall were now well out onto the Solent.  A pair of Mute Swans had arrived in the harbour and I was fortunate to be looking in the right direction at the right time when a single Jay crossed the lagoon and disappeared into a thick bush within the Titchfield Haven reserve.  And the last bird of the day happened to be a solitary Greenfinch which passed overhead as we were watching the feeding Blue, and one Great, Tits feeding on the Centre's feeders.  A Lovely birding session in excellent company and knowledgeable leaders. Thank you all.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Eider, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Kingfisher, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Common Gull Larus canus (left) with 4 Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

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Curbridge Nature Reserve, Hampshire

Thursday 15 December

The River Hamble flowing through Curbridge Nature Reserve

Very cold this morning when I set off my hearing appointment in Wickham (-7C with the chill factor added) and returning via Curbridge decided to check out the local nature reserve of which I had been recently informed.  Eventually found the access and had an enjoyable walk through newly-planted saplings then old woodland and down to the upper Hamble River.  Upon arriving I realised that the river was still tidal at this point with, given the low tide, much exposed mud flats.  Just as well it has been frosty all week or the ground would most certainly have been very boggy.

Distant Greylag Geese Anser anser

In the woods a Buzzard and both Blue and Great Tits to add to the Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeons and many Jackdaws.  Blackbirds and Robins also noted.  On the river itself a small number of both Canada and Greylag Geese along with mainly Mallard and Shoveler plus a handful of Wigeon. The edges held three Curlew plus a few Redshank and a lone Lapwing.  

Canada Geese Branta canadensis

Returning the same way I then took the alternative path in the opposite direction for a different access to the river.  A most enjoyable walk and certainly a reserve to which I will return, more likely in warmer, spring-like weather.

A very distant Redshank Tringa totanus

Birds seen: 

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Buzzard, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.

North and south views of the upper Hamble River

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Almanzora and Vera Playa with he Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 14 December

Good to see David and his Arboleas Birding Group back in the saddle following Dave's recent dental expedition.  No doubt some gird birders and avian friends put the smile back on his face.  Strange Dave mentioning the Wigeon, a species I always struggled to find in Spain and now back here I have hundreds on the doorstep for Christmas.  (See either/both the blog:www.birdingaxarquia2.blogspot.com or "Axarquia Birds and Wildlife" Facebook page.)

Estuario de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 14th December

Hi all!

Glad to be back birdwatching after last week's trip to the dentist.  It was back to Villaricos.  As I approached the turn off  I saw a huge murmuration of thousands of what I assumed to be Northern Starlings.  I made my way along the rambla de Almanzora from the Desert Springs golf complex end to check on its state.  Still no water so no birds until I came across some shallow pond past the sewage works on the opposite side where there were workers.  The ponds and their surrounds only contained Moorhens.  The pond by the dry ford had three Shoveler swimming around.  As I waited for the others to arrive I logged a Stonechat, a Woodpigeon and a Black-headed Gull flew by with an Iberian Grey Shrike perched on a power line.  Also seen were a Robin, Magpie and Mallard.  First to arrive was Peter, followed by Trevor, Karen and Michael.  Due to the continued workings, I decided we'd go to the beach first.

Black-headed Gull with Sandwich Tern (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

On the harbour rocks there were 8 Cormorants, a Grey Heron and a Little Egret.  A Sandwich Tern flew by.  We made our way to the viewing point over the estuary.  As well as more Cormorants and Moorhens, I spotted a Gadwall followed by a female Red-breasted Merganser then by a Ringed Plover. There was a resting Sandwich Tern next to a Black-headed Gull. 

Red-breasted Merganser with Ringed Plover (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We retired to Villaricos village for a coffee.  Suitably refreshed, we headed to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  We added Coots, Black-winged Stilts, swimming Avocets and feeding Greater Flamingos.  I spotted a Teal and a female White-headed Duck.  Karen added a White Wagtail.  As I was observing a distant Shelduck a fabulous adult male Marsh Harrier flew at low level over the opposite shrubland, eventually landing.  Trevor noticed three little waders landing on the mudflat below us.  Little Stints. Lastly I found a male Red-crested Pochard swimming along the distant reed line.

Wigeon (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Peter had stopped earlier at the pond opposite the Acuaparc and confirmed it was now free of blanket weed.  We headed there.  Lots of Coot with a Common Pochard as well.  An immature Yellow-legged Gull flew over.  A female Marsh Harrier cruised above the opposite reed bed.  Karen then spotted a Purple Swamphen in the reeds opposite.  A nice find was a Wigeon.  Our last bird was a Cetti's Warbler heard.

Purple Swamphen (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

34 bird species seen.  A good day's birding in good company!

Regards

Dave.

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Lower Hamble River

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Wednesday 14 December

Light cloud and the sun shining through but still bitterly cold with the biting wind taking the temperature down to around -3C.  However, wrapped up warm and off for an hour's walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back.  The tide was half-way in and birds pushed up nearer to the shore but relatively little about for the first hundred meters or so save a Curlew, Redshank and single Black-headed Gull.  Once round the first bend a few Brent Geese and a pair of Turnstone.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Reaching the first bay a large flock of resting Wigeon with half the that number of Teal sheltering under the bank on the opposite side.  A few Dunlin, before a huge flock flew in on the way back, and resting at the far end of a spit seven Shelduck along with more Dunlin and a pair of Great Black-backed alongside a couple of Herring Gulls.  The inlet on the land side of the path held a single Greenshank.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Further in up the river I came across more Brent Geese feeding in small groups or resting at the water's edge and on the large, damp meadow a number of foraging Ringed Plover. On the other side of the path  the first of two Oystercatchers to be seen during the walk.

A few of the Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Once at the conservation area more Wigeon and Teal with a few Black-headed Gulls.  A Greenshank flew in to join the last and the river's edge another Black-tailed Godwit.  On a grassy mound at the back of the area three resting Heron.  A couple of Cormorant flew upriver and, back on the inlet, a Grey Plover.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Making my way back a more Curlew, at least eight seen during the walk, and the first of eight Carrion Crows. A Little Grebe was observed fishing in the main river and more Brent Geese and Ringed Plovers had arrived to feed and roost and at the end of the walk at least a score of Wood Pigeon and a single, male, Blackbird.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis on the open water

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Carrion Crow.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Curlew Numenius arquata

Mainly Dunlin Calidris alpina

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Resting Herons Ardea cinerea

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna with Dunlins

Resting Teal Anas crecca

Wigeon Anas penelope

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Warsash and Solent Shore

 Tuesday 13 December

Still just about freezing point when I set off after breakfast to walk along the Warsash shore to the Spit and on down the Solent as far as the Scrape and Meandering Pool.  Well wrapped up and loves on even for taking photos and hands still cold.  With the tide coming in and pushing the waders and geese up towards the footpath good numbers of Brent Geese, over a hundred, accompanied by very many Redshank, Dunlin and Oystercatchers.  No shortage of Ringed Plovers and even a handful of Curlew plus a solitary Turnstone.  

Brent Geese  Branta bernicla

Ducks were mainly gathered in the Spit inland with two score of Wigeon and almost a score of Teal. Also, about two dozen Black-headed but I had already recorded both a pair of Great Black-backed and half-dozen Herring Gulls.

Wigeon Anas penelope heading for the water

Approaching the School of Navigation I stopped as what looked like a female Blackbird flew out of a tree in front and landed on the fence post to the left of the path.  Not a Blackbird but a Song Thrush and remained long enough  to get a photograph.  Also present both Dunnock and Robin.  

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Once past the Spit, where I had also observed both Black-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover, Nothing to be seen as both the Scrape and Meandering Pool were completely ice-bound.  However, in the meadow just before the Scrape a large white "blob" turned out to be a dead Mute Swan with a trio of Magpies looking at the carrion for an easy meal.  I suspect this is one of the this year's breeding pair on the scrape but this individual has been in it own and not looking that healthy for a few weeks.  Could it be Avian Flu?

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Making my way back home by the same route the tide had pushed the water even further up towards the shore and I was bale to add a quartet of Shelduck as well as note the almost 50 Carrion Crow around the edges of he Scrape.  On the cinder-type path  leading towards the School of Navigation a Rock Pipit made an early exit over the sea wall as soon as seen by myself but later on a wandering Magpie to keep me occupied.

Magpie Pica pica

Approaching the Strawberry Fields a couple of Dunnock on the path and then small movement in the large, bare trees to my left revealed both Blue and Long-tailed Tits.  In the end, despite the cold, a most rewarding walk and, perhaps, tomorrow a chance to walk the River Hamble where there should be more flowing water to encourage waders and ducks.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Rock Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling

Curlew Numenius arquata

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Redshank Tringa totanus feeding in front of Black-tailed Godwit

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

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Pennington Marshes

 Saturday 10 December

Bitterly cold for my early morning start to Pennington Marshes, Lymington.  Arriving at Normandy Lagoon just after 9.30 it was still -7C so plenty of layers on before heading of to check the waters.  Leaving the wooded edges where I had parked the car very many small birds including Chaffinch, Robin, Dunnock and Blackbird along with the occasional Wood Pigeon and a Magpie.  Bit of a surprise to find the large lagoon completely frozen over with all the ducks and waders seeking shelter on the islands and any break that could be found in the ice.  At first glance it seemed mainly Wigeon and Lapwing so use of the telescope to check the mixed flocks.

Normandy Lagoon, Lymington

The Shelduck stood out and then closer inspection also revealed both Teal and Shoveler along with a few Mallard.  Checking the edges I also found both Redshank and Ringed Plover.  Very little point in remaining and as I made my way back to the car a couple of Kingfishers were seen along with both a single Black-headed Gull and an over-flying Carrion Crow.

Mainly Wigeon Anas penelope but also a few Teal Anas crecca and a Shoveler Tadorna tadorna 

Ten minutes after departure I found a convenient parking place at the end of Lower Pennington Lane so that I could make a circular walk to take in the Solent shore and the small lagoons on the land side of the coastal embankment before spending more time checking out both Butts and Fishtail Lagoons. 

First a walk down the track to check out the nearby (ice free) lagoon at the back of the camp site.  Robins, Chaffinches and Magpies as I md my way down the track and then a mass of Canada Geese on the far bank along with a few feeding Wigeon and a couple of Moorhen.  On the water itself many Tufted Duck, Mallards and Shovelers along with the massed ranks of Coots.  A Cormorant chose that moment to make its departure.

Making my down to the shore to checkout the jetty area I passed both Blackbird and a number of Lapwing feeding on the puddled meadow and then a few Mallard and Wigeon on the water.  All the small ponds on the landside of the embankment were completely frozen so continued westwards to wards the Butts Lagoon.  More Wigeon on the water and a resting Heron at the reeded edge on the far bank.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

The next pool with weeded edge held a foraging Robin and Pied Wagtail and was then joined by a Dunnock.  In the bushes below the bank a Blue Tit fluttered in and out of the branches.

Checking the Solent itself a small flock of eight Wigeon and just to their right a single, feeding Slavonian Grebe.  Lovely to watch through the scope and then turning the check the reed fringes of the lagoon itself discovered a Bearded Tit on the ice at the bottom to the reeds.  Most strange.  But then the male, well exposed on top of the reeds busy feeding but very distant so difficult to improve on a simple record shot of the bird.  And if two "specials" at the same time was not enough a Marsh Harrier drifted across the water.

Male Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus atop the reeds (see above re distance)

On the other side of the seawall a pair of Turnstone were bust probing the gaps in the brick work in search of food and then a Redshank made a short appearance.  On the opposite side of the inlet in the grassy areas of the Solent a single Curlew and more Mallards along with a single Little Egret.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Approaching Fishtail Lagoon a Meadow Pipit crossed the track in front of me and dropped down into the reeds so revealed a second individual.  But once at the water at last some sign of the ice melting as a few birds were contemplating leaving their island resting sites.  Lots of Mallards and Black-headed Gulls with more Shovelers.  To the far side a couple of Oystercatchers, Ringed Plovers and Redshanks with a small number of Teal out on the water itself.

Time to make my way back to the lane and the car and as I crossed the bushy meadow both Robins and Wren were seen before the arrival of a Song Thrush.  All the lagoons to my left were completely frozen and devoid of birds.  Time to take a final look at the flooded meadow before departure and rewarded not just by the few Lapwing but a small party of Jackdaw feeding at the back.  Watching these birds through the scope and noticing more movement I was delighted to find a handful of feeding Snipe but far too distant and small to capture on camera.

Mainly Wigeon Anas penelope but also a few Teal Anas crecca, Shoveler Anas clypeata and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Bearded Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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