Cabo de Gata without the Arboleas Birding Group!

 Wednesday 18 January

Smile or not, a very different report from the Arboleas Birding Group this week as will be seen by Dave's comment and the "actual report" from Kevin, aka Billy No Mates!  Whilst weather took a drastic turn for the worse, Keven had actually already departed to Cabo de Gata in his campervan and so did not received the "All cancelled" message.  Like a good trooper, or should that be birder, Kevin nevertheless upped and did a tour end on his won and even sent in a report to let the others know what they had missed.  Many thanks Kevin.  Less than a handful of Flamingos rather than scores but Little Stint, Curlew and Southern Grey Shrike are always a delight to see.

Hi all,

Due to high winds and overnight rain ( Snow on the Calar Alto) I sent out an early morning message to postpone our visit to Cabo de Gata.  As Kevin (aka Billy no mates!) was staying in his campervan overnight, he didn't get the message.  He had a good time though.  Here is his report!

Regards

Dave

Hi Dave,

I thought you might like this (below and also attached, with three photos). Feel free to send it out if you wish.

Hope to see you next week!

K

Cabo de Gata 18^th January 2023

I coasted into the silent streets of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata at 8pm on Tuesday evening, to be met with the sight of seven wild boar just to my left.  I stopped and watched as they snuffled and foraged, then I found a quiet street to park up and watched as at least seven of them ran past the end of the road. As for human inhabitants, no sign.

The Wild Boars of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata (PHOTO: Kevin using mobile) 

Even though I was in a sheltered spot, the howling wind rocked the van all night.  I was up in good time, eager to drive the few kilometres to Torregarcía, where Dave had reported a Desert Wheatear a few days ago.  I could find no sign of it, though the stunning clear light on the angry sea made up for it. The remains of the Roman salt factory, the watch-tower and the domed hermitage were all lit superbly by the low sun’s rich golden light.

The deserted Hermitage at Torregarcia (PHOTO: Kevin using mobile)

Back at the Lay-by Hide soon after 9am, it was a relief to see water in the lagoon after the recent news that the inlet channel had finally been repaired.  The gale made holding the bins and the scope steady quite a challenge but I logged Greater Flamingo (just one), Spoonbill, Yellow-legged Gull, Southern Grey Shrike, Shelduck, Spotless Starling and Redshank.

On route to the Steppe Hide, I clocked a Curlew.  Near the hide I met two workmen and asked them if it was true that everything was now sorted and things would be returning to normal. “Yes,” one of them said, “everything is normal.  There’s a flamingo opposite the hide.”  He was right.  Another single flamingo.  The gale was even stronger at this exposed viewpoint.  Nothing else new.

On to the Original Hide, where the good news was that the turn-off from the road to the track has been re-graded so it’s less of a precipice now.  At the hide, the view was of some shallow water and lots of exposed mud.  New species here were limited to Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kentish Plover and Dunlin.  The lagoon to the right was still totally dry and birdless.  The track from there to the church produced nothing.

I drove on to La Fabriquilla to check the situation.  All the lagoons at that end are still dry, ditto the ones behind the intermediate village of La Almadraba de Monteleva.  As I retraced my steps, the sea to my left was spectacularly wild.  Apart from a few gulls being tossed about by the gale, my impression was that most birds were sensibly keeping their heads down.  I stopped again at the Lay-by Hide and managed to find Audouin’s Gull, Stonechat and Little Stint.  Four of the latter in the company of a single Dunlin provided a good size comparison.

Lagoons behind Almadrada de Monteleva still dry (PHOTO: Kevin using mobile)

In the circumstances I gave the other options, the lighthouse in one direction and Rambla Morales in the other, a miss.

Various factors – the habitat still not fully restored, the ferocious wind and the limited skills of the observer – meant the bird list was very modest.  Hopefully we’ll be back next week when less wind and more water should improve the situation.  Nevertheless it was an enjoyable few hours in scintillating company.

I forgot my camera, so no bird photos, though I took some on my phone, of which three are attached. When I got home and checked emails I saw Dave’s message to say the outing was cancelled.  I was happy to have gone, though!

Billy No-Mates

As I said, what a trooper!

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Blashford Lakes with HOS

I need food!
On the left downwards,
 Greenfinch and Siskins
 and on the right, Great and Blue Tits

 Sunday 15 January

A beautiful bright and sunny start to the day for my drive into the New Forest to join the field meeting of HOS (Hampshire Ornithological Society) at Blashford Lakes just outside Ringwood.  But first, knowing that the gates would not be opened until 9.30, I made a short detour so as to stop for fifteen minutes at Fishlake Meadows in Romsey.  All rather disappointing in the event as other than scores and scores of Teal there was little to be seen; a couple of Coot, distant Cormorant and Greylag Geese plus a lone Great Black-backed Gull with both Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow overhead. So on to Blashford where I joined the rest of the strong group and our leader for the day, Ian Packer.  My word, Ian's a great leader offering all sorts of useful aids to those present before we set off on our walk around the reserve starting on the other side of the road from the car park in front of Tern Hide on Ibsley Water to check the hides and woodland before returning to Ibsley Water's Goosander Hide and finally back to the Tern Hide at our starting point.  An excellent morning and although a little dark cloud appeared overhead as I approached Tern Hide it was not until I was sitting the car changing my boots that I felt a couple of spots and no sooner actually in the car that the heavens opened giving me a very wet drive back to Warsash.

So, first into the woodland area where we quickly found a foraging Goldcrest and a departing Nuthatch.  Singing loudly then seen a Song Thrush with a Robin resting a metre or so away as a Blackbird few through the undergrowth.  A couple of very high Blue Tits before continuing on the the Ivy North Hide.  Much shade hear and on the water mainly Wigeon and Teal along with Mallard and Tufted Ducks.  Just the one Great Crested Grebe and a resting Cormorant on the far side of the water.  Nearer to the hide a pair of Mute Swans and a couple of Coot whist I found the well-concealed Moorhen in the reeds below us. 

Tree-creeper Certhia familiaris

Moving into the adjacent woodland path to the Woodland Hide we found both Great and Blue Tits along with a couple of Long-tailed Tits.  However, the main attraction was the active Tree-creeper not too far distance to our left and was seen by all present.  A Carrion Crow passed overhead and Woodpigeon were recorded.  A Coal Tit was feeding on the feed at the hide's entry path and once inside the hide the feeders produced many Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Siskins.  Also attracted to the food were Robins, Dunnocks and Blackbirds plus, naturally, all the previously seen tits.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea (left) and Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
 above female Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Siskin Carduelis spinus (from left to right)

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus above male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Moving on to the South Ivy Hide we noted the water here held mainly Tufted Duck and Wigeon but also a number of Gadwall, Mallard and Teal.  Roosting Cormorants and a good-sized flock of Black-headed Gulls on the water made up the majority of other birds seen.  However, also noted were the couple of Lesser Back-backed Gulls, a quartet of Little Grebe and the Buzzard above the trees that had had put up most of the ducks.  The one bird that seemed unaffected by the raptor was the lone Green Sandpiper that, presumably, we had seen flying close to the reeds in front of us whilst we were in the Ivy North Hide. 

Distant record shot of the Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Finally, a Kingfisher flashed across the water from right to left and a lone Magpie came to rest above the roosting Cormorants.  But not to be missed was the two foot plus Pike that was lying in the water only an inch or two below the surface a mere three yards from the hide window.

The sleeping Pike Esox lucius!

Making our way back through the wooded reserve to the main road we stopped to admire the male Bullfinch and a small flock of noisy Jackdaws passed overhead along with a singe Carrion Crow flying in the opposite direction.

Once settled into the Goosander Hide overlooking Ibsley Water from the east we soon had sight of the dedicated birds with at least four male and two female Goosanders in front of the island before us.  No end of Coots and many Pintail and Tufted Ducks and a little dedicated searching also revealed nearby Goldeneye and a male Pochard.  In the far distance we were also able to record Greylag, Canada and Egyptian Geese along with very many Lapwing.

Goosanders Mergus merganser and Pintails Anas acuta

Making my way back to the Tern Hide I had only travelled about fifty yards when I stopped to watch the passing Roe Deer walking through the undergrowth to my left.  Lovely sight of what looked like a very grey-coloured animal.  Once inside the hide a couple of Mute Swans along with the mainly Coots and Tufted Ducks on the open water and the varied birdlife at the back already noted from the previous hide.  In addition, away to my left a good number of Shoveler and a second Buzzard drifted towards us down the far back away to the left.

Mainly Pintails Anas acuta

All in all a most enjoyable visit in god company and well led by Ian who was always on hand to help out with identification and other observational advice to all that needed some help.  Much appreciated I am sure by one and all.  And all this in the dry and the forecasted rain not appearing until I was already back in the car!

Birds see:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Tree-creeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Resting Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Magpie Pica pica

Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula (4 females and two drakes)

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Farlington Marsh and a "Special"

Sabine's Gull Larus sabini

 Friday 13 January

The weather forecast has been suggesting that this will be the best day of the week and even free of rain for at least the morning.  Not surprising, therefore, that I was up and away at at Farlington Marshes by 9.15 in ,basically, clear blue skies and a low, bright sun.  However, notwithstanding the gale force winds of previous day were still present so reducing the outside temperature to about 3C.  Time for many layers including beanie hat, gloves and wellies given the state of the ground following all the previous rain.

Taking the path towards the mudflats of Langstone Harbour with the tide only just turning to refill the area, I had a handful of both Teal and Mallard on the small side pools.  Then, once on the sea wall looking west immediately the first of hundreds of Brent Geese along with very many Black-headed Gulls.  Closer observation picked out a few relatively close Curlew and away to my right, almost up against the car park wall, both Oystercatcher and Redshank.  At the water's edge no less then thirty Avocet along with a Little Egret.  About to take my leave and move on and the first Carrion Crow put in an appearance.  By this time I had also met up with a fellow birder from Sandringham who had arrived for the morning hoping to find both  the wintering Greater White-fronted Geese and another reported "special."  From then on great company as Carl and I traded our various sightings.

Moving on down towards the viewing area it soon became very obvious that the number of Brent Geese had certainly increased many fold since my last visit.  On the grass behind the seawall a flock of about fifty Brent Geese included around a score of "Black Brants", a distinctive sub-species.  On the sea side of the wall more Teal and then Wigeon along with a small number of Gadwall and even  couple of Pintails. Also in this area one of only two Mute Swans seen all morning plus a handful of Shelduck.

Brent Geese Branta benicla

Walking into both the low sun and the strong wind was not the best of activities but once round the corner to our left and the both behind us a better chance to scope the meadows. As previously stated, hundreds of Brent Geese but not so many Canada Geese.  Therefore, taking the opportunity to take the footpath across the flooded meadow rather than complete the perimeter walk, I was eventually onto the eastern side of the reserve but not before noticing the Meadow Pipit that flew across the path in front of me.

Time to check out this far beach where I found a good number of Dunlin along with more Curlew, Redshank and Oystercatchers plus a single Grey Plover.  The pools on the landside held mainly Brent Geese but also a good number of Lapwing plus Shelduck, Mallard, Pintail and Redshank. On the shingle beach a single Goldfinch was resting and/or feeding.  As we looked across the meadow a Kingfisher dashed down the ditch below us.

Next stop was at the last bend before leaving these pools near the information board.  From here we had a great view over the meadows and, at last, got a clearer view of the Canada Geese.  Surprisingly, not so many and "bunched" in smaller flocks.  Time spent trying to locate the wintering family of two adults and three juvenile Greater White-fronted Geese. Apart from more Lapwings and a distant Heron it was Carl who succeeded in located the geese at a great distance and relatively close, as might be expected, to a small flock of Canada Geese.

Next on down to the closed Visitors Centre stopping half-way to check out the Greenshank that was feeding on a distant pool on the flooded meadow almost under the motorway hedge.  As a flock of fifty Starlings was flying away carl spotted the pair of Skylarks near he small flock of Brent Geese and, with patience, I, too, managed to locate the pair as they moved away just above the geese. Once at the VC, we were able to check the lake where we found a quartet of Coot plus more Lapwing, Teal, Gadwall and Mallard.  A Little Grebe was fishing at the far side and a second Little Egret flew over.

Rather than take the main track straight back to our cars we turned left through the small gate to walk along the riverside back to the western seawall noting the many Brent and Canada Geese along with more ducks already seen and a number of gulls.  Mainly Herring but also a handful of Black-headed and at least one Common Gull.  Looking over the reeds on the far side of the river we observed a female Marsh Harrier; my first raptor of the day but Carl had already seen both Sparrowhawk and Kestrel when he first arrived on site.  Finally, a stop to check the original small flock of Brent Geese so that we could identify the small number of sub-species Black Brants that were feeding with them.

Brent Geese Branta benicla

Once back at our respective cars we were able to meet both newly-arriving birders and compare with comments already received from passing birders who had started their day at nearby Southmoor Nature Reserve, less than three kilometres east along the shore before reaching Langstone, finding the "special" bird that had put in an appearance for the past few days.  Suitably changed we both then made our way towards Havant and Southmoor Lane which led down to a car park on the shore.  Then about 200 metres east we came across the few remaining birders, amongst very many others, who had arrived to observe the resting Sabine's Gull on a small island in the the basin between sea and southern edge of the reserve.  What a privilege. 

Sabine's Gull Larus sabini

Making our way back we stopped a couple of times to watch a trio of Water Pipits along with a female Stonechat and on the shore more Herring and Black-headed Gulls along with a smaller number of Brent Geese, Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Turnstones.  A few Carrion Crows were exploring the area and back at the car I finished the morning by adding both Woodpigeon and Magpie.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Birds seen:

Greater White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard,  Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Avocet, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Sabine's Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Sky Lark,  Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Stonechat, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch.

Female Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

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Rio Almanzora & Vera Playa

 Wednesday 11 January

Good morning's birding at the Rio Almanzora with Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group.  Here the sun was shining but all change by the end of the morning with rain adding to the cold and very blustery wind so, probably, no afternoon river walk for me. Happy memories reading about all those species that I no longer see in the UK but, all being well, I'll back in Spain soon.  So look forward to continuing to  hear about what the group is doing and seeing etc.

Estuary de Rio Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 11th January

Decided to go local this week by heading to our nearest coastline at Villaricos.  I picked up Juda at the Ballabona services and made our way to the Almanzora rambla, joining near the Desert Springs golf complex.  There was still no water and the construction works continues.  We did see flocks, some large, of Northern Starlings.  One group perched on a bush had a Hoopoe with them.  Two more joined it when it flew off.  A pair of Stonechat was seen.  Juda added a Blackbird.  Nearing the ford where there was some standing water I spotted some Teal.  At the ford we had Moorhen, Teal, Common Sandpiper and a Shoveler. Whilst waiting for the others to arrive we saw Magpie, Collared Dove and Woodpigeon.  We were joined by Kevin, Peter, Trevor, Val, Michael and Karen.  The latter spotted a Black Wheatear and Kevin found the first Chiffchaff of the day.  Also seen were some passing Mallard and a Yellow-legged Gull.

Mr & Mrs Shelduck Tadorna tadorna (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

From there we moved to the beach. Lots of camper vans parked up.  On the rocks by the harbour was a Cormorant plus two others swimming off the beach in front of us.  Kevin spotted a Turnstone and some Sanderling.  Also seen was a Black-headed Gull and a House Sparrow.

We made our way to the embankment overlooking the estuary.  We were on the Villaricos side whilst Kevin went to the far side.  Due to a couple sitting just below us, all the birds were at the beach end.  We saw Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Little Grebe and Little Egret.  The star of the day, not seen by some including me, was a Kingfisher doing its hover and dive directly in front of Kevin.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We adjourned for coffee in Villaricos village and then made our way to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket, Vera Playa, where it overlooks some wetland.  As we arrived a Cattle Egret flew over.  There were lots of Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler plus a few Teal.  Juda spotted an Avocet.  Kevin added a second a bit later. Also there were Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos and a Redshank.  Kevin found a female Marsh Harrier flying over the reeds on the far side.  It was joined later by the magnificent male.  Kevin then spotted some little waders below us.  Kentish Plovers and Little Stints. He also found a White Wagtail.

We went round to the elevated viewing tower opposite the Acuaparc.  Hundreds of Coot there with a few Little Grebes.  Juda found a pair of Shelduck on the far side.  Whilst looking at them, a Western Swamphen appeared out of the shrub/reed line.

We ended up with 35 species. A good morning birding in good company!

Regards

Dave

Synchronized swimming Shelduck Tadorna tadorna (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Titchfield Canal Path

 Monday 9 January

Surprise, surprise I was sheltered from the wind and the sun was shining brightly in an almost clear blue shy, and remained that way all day.  And I now know why the area to the left of the Titchfield canal footpath is called "Posbrook Floods!"  The meadows were flooded and even the canal was overflowing its banks in places so jolly good job I was wearing Wellington Boots rather than walking boots let alone trainers!

Posbrook Floods with even more flooded meadow behind me 

Greeted by a Blue Tit and then the first of a few Carrion Crows I also added Woodpigeons to the book as I set of down the footpath to stop and check the old ruined tree to my right where the resident Barn Owls had their nest come roosting quarters.  And not to be disappointed, the male was at out guarding the entrance and even had a meal delivery just outside with the arrival of a couple of Woodpigeons!

Barn Owl  Tyto alba

Then it was down a little further so that I could have the sun behind the birds as I checked out the main water.  Scores and scores of Canada Geese along with a few Cormorant but also scores of both Wigeon and Lapwing.  Other ducks included Gadwall, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler and Teal along with a small number of Coot.  Also present were many of the two hundred plus Black-headed along with a handful of Herring Gulls.  Later on I was also to find a small number of Common Gulls.  On the path in front of me, there having been no dog walkers for a while, a Song Thrush was taking on liquid form the large puddle.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Once at the start of the tarmac path near the bridge I fund a pair of Mute Swans on the meadow to my left then, in addition to all the ducks and Canada Geese, a pair of Glossy Ibis made a lovely sight.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis leucorodia

This are then proceeded to produce both Robin and Blackbird before more Blue and a few Great Tits.  At the far end of the hard track  over a dozen Jackdaw were calling and from the trees in front of me.  As I mad my way back I stopped at the gate to the north of the bridge and watched a foraging Jay at the side of the farm track and then a pair of Greenfinch alighted on the bush immediately in front of me.  Finally, I found a Heron hiding ion the long grass which duly took flight giving me a better view.

Departing Heron Ardea cinerea

Time to move on and having found a pair of Wellington Boots I decided to stop of at Chilling Barn just beyond Hook village to see if the visiting Tree Sparrow was still about - and you certainly needed this form of footwear when I arrived!  A visiting birder offered up the well-known phrase, "If you'd been here ten minutes ago..." which, of course, is no consolation.  The following forty-five minutes do not produced the is single individual but did reveal a number of House Sparrows and in the filed behind me scores of Pied Wagtails and even a handful of Linnets.  Naturally, both Robin and Wren appeared to see what all the fuss was about and just beyond the field a party of feeding Carrion Crows totalling at least fifty with even more Starlings.  Finally, just before heading back home, not only a number of the local Chaffinches but a male Reed Bunting put in an appearance.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Heron, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Owl, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Barn Owl  Tyto alba with a Woodpigeon Columba palumbus making a visit. Meals on wings?

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Blashford Lakes, etc

Robin Erithacus rubecula

 Thursday 5 January

With the forecast suggesting that there might be a little shower at both 11am and 1pm I decided to head off into the New Forest whilst still dry, albeit very cloudy but at least the extreme wind of the previous days had also disappeared.  Arriving at Blashford Lakes a few miles north of Ringwood as soon as the gates opened at 9.30 I was the first visitor to the hide overlooking Ibsley Water and had the building to myself for the first hour. Very high levels of water leaving no exposed shingle beach for waders and almost all of the birds were at the back so definitely a time for the scope.  However, with so many birds present it took some time to cover all the distant and mid-water areas revealing an interested range of ducks and geese. The only "non-water birds" were the distant pair of Magpies along with a couple of Carrion Crow who regularly seem to share the beaches both there and at my native Warsash.  However, I did also record a handful of Woodpigeon and a similar number of Jackdaw as I departed towards home around 12.15 and once back on the main road towards Fordingbridge came cross a small flock of Rooks.

The small islands and spits at the back of the water held Canada, Greylag and Egyptian Geese and along the edges there were numerous Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal.  Of course there were Coots everywhere including the more open water where they were joined by the very many Tufted Ducks.

Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula (foreground) and Gadwall Anas strepera

More specific searching eventually found a couple of male Goldeneye and a small number of Gadwall along with two Great Crested Grebes.  But just the one Common Pochard off to my distant right. Also on the islands I found a Lapwing and at the far end a single Little Egret.  The pair of Mute Swans with their two cygnets were very obvious to see unlike the two Lesser Black-backed Gulls which were hunkered down amongst the swimming Coots and Tufted Ducks at the back.

On over the road to the main reserve to see what might be about in the woodland and smaller lakes. As soon as I set out for the North Ivy Hide I had a number of Blackbirds and then a Wren exploring the undergrowth in front of me.  Once at the hide not a lot to see other than more Wigeon and Tufted Ducks on the water and another Mute Swan on the far side.

Something upset the Wigeon Anas penelope!

The Woodland Hide, as usual, produced no end of Blue and Great Tits along with lots of Chaffinches and a few Greenfinch and Goldfinch.  But the main delight ws the arrival of a trio of Long-tailed Tits. The handful of Siskins was a lovely sight and, as expected, both Robins and Dunnocks.  Just the one very hungry Nuthatch who was joined in the feeding area by both Blackbirds and a trio of Squirrels.  The feeder at the entry point to the hide also produced the only Coal Tit of the day.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Walking down to the South Ivy Hide I found many more Wigeon along with a good supply of Teal resting under the bank.  Out on the open water the former were joined by a small umber f both Gadwall and Black-headed Gulls and even a Cormorant or two resting at the edges.  Just the one Moorhen of the visit put in an appearance in font of the reedbed to the left.  Likewise, the only (four) Mallards of the visit were found on the small pond to my right as I approached the hide.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Teal Anas crecca

Making my way back to the car I stopped to see what the small bird was foraging in the bush in front of me and was delighted to watch the activities of the tiny Goldcrest. Then it was a final look at Iblsey Water where I found a quartet of male Goosanders off to my far left before starting the journey home via Fordingbridge.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Not long after 12.30 I was at Eyeworth Pond in Fritham where, in a twenty plus minute stop before the light rain started, I had chance to see the many Mallard and a couple of Moorhen. Feeding all around the edges numerous Blue and Great plus a single Marsh Tit.  Another busy Nuthatch and a good number of Chaffinches before both Robin and Dunnock put in an appearance. However, on this occasion I only recorded the single male House Sparrow rather than the usual dozen or so.  Finally, as I was preparing to set off on the last leg of the journey home a Pied Wagtail came to explore the beach area and both Blackbird and Woodpigeon were also noted.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Birds see:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Male Siskin Carduelis spinus

Female Siskin Carduelis spinus

Male Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 4 January

The start of the new year and Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group made their way u the Sierra Maria, finding the expected drop in temperature.  But what a way to start the year with a good sighting of that rare little raptor, the Merlin.  Even a kestrel to give a size and face markings for comparison. Now we can look forward to more goodies as the Arboleas birders start roving around Almeria province.  Happy New Year to you all!

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 4th January

For our first trip of the year I decided we'd go to my favourite birdwatching site, the Sierra de Maria. Juda came to my house and we headed up the A7/E15 and then turned left towards Granada.  We came off at the Velez Rubio exit and made our way towards Maria town.  En route we only saw a line of Woodpigeon perched on a high voltage wire.  In town we added Collared Dove and House Sparrow. Instead of stopping at the Repsol garage cafe, we carried on to the La Piza forest cafe.  Last time we were there, there were no nuts in the feeders so I'd bought some from a local market and Richard Hirons had kindly contributed some more and three fat balls.  We were joined by Trevor & Val.  Trevor's car informed him it was 2c, which didn't surprise as the fields that were still in shadow had frost on them. Luckily I'd brought some water as well as the concrete pool was empty as well.  We filled the feeders up and had some thermos coffee as the cafe was shut till the 13th January.

We re-traced our steps to turn onto the loop, me leading in my truck with Juda and Trevor in his car with Val following behind.  In the forest section we identified Blackbird, Chaffinch and Great Tit.  Out on the agricultural section we saw quite a few Carrion Crows and a few Magpies.  Small flocks of birds were seen.  We identified more Chaffinch and Goldfinches.  Also seen were White Wagtails.

We stopped outside the village.  Val spotted a female Black Redstart and Trevor found two Corn Buntings atop a leafless bush.  Apart from numerous feral pigeons, nothing else was seen so we continued on our way.  I spotted some Greenfinch and a distant Kestrel.  Stopping at the cliff face proved virtually fruitless.  The only bird seen was a Thekla Lark.  We carried on and came to the group of farm buildings.  Seeing 14 Thekla Larks along the roofline was a shock!

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We got to the airfield and disturbed a Mistle Thrush standing erect by the runway.  A bit further down we saw a bird of prey on a fence post.  Being chocolate brown I assumed it was a female Sparrowhawk. About four times I tried to get a photo . Each time I tried to focus it flew off, further down the fence line.  Eventually it alighted on a small building.  I managed to get some out of focus record shots before it flew off.  You can imagine my surprise when I downloaded the photos to discover it was a Merlin! (Note to self....confirm ID before trying to get a photo!)

Merlin Falco columbarius (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Carrying on through the cave house village, we added some Spotless Starlings.  On the road to the hamlet we saw four Hoopoe and a sitting Calandra Lark.

There was no sign of the Little Owls at the hamlet or any other birds there.  The plains only produced a male Stonechat.  We stopped at the water trough.  I spotted a Linnet with some perched Goldfinch. 

So we headed back to La Piza where we hoped the birds were now feeding on the nuts.  As we ate our brought lunch we did not see or hear one bird. (emogi...sad face!)

Obviously not a brilliant days birding but the Merlin made up for the other disappointments!  The weather improved to being warm and sunny.  Of course I was in good company as well!

Happy New Year and good birding for 2023.

Regards

Dave

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