Tidgrove Warren Farm, Overton

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Saturday 7 June

Collecting Richard Osman just after 8 we drove to the north of Hampshire to visit Tidgrove Farm just outside the large village of Overton and a little west of Basingstoke.  Here we found forty cars waiting for us in a field next to the farm centre and joined about sixty birders under the leadership of HOS President, Keith Betton for a walk round the former farm which over the past thirty years has been converted from an arable farm into a marvellous 70 acre natural habitat for wildlife and flora.  The present owner, the farm having been in the same family for a hundred years, Raleigh Place welcomed we members from a number of local birding societies (and introduced us to what and how the land had been adapted) before we split up into five groups to walk the and in a range of directions in search of the, at least three (or was it five?) breeding pairs of Stone Curlews plus breeding Lapwing, Red Kite, Barn Owl, Corn Bunting and many others.  Indeed, the farm, probably, holds the highest number of breeding Stone Curlew in Hampshire and is now, possibly, the most important site in the country for this iconic bird.

Once former arable farming and now converted for natural wildlife including Stone Curlew habitats

During the introductory talk alongside one of the three newly-constructed lakes on the land, both Buzzard and a couple of Red Kites were noted above us and as we set off to climb the fist hill on this chalk downland a hovering Kestrel and a couple of Goldfinches.  From half-way up we were able to look back to the field used for car parking and see how the land had been prepared to encourage breeding Stone Curlew.  Ere long we had all had our first sighting of the birds by using the many scopes, including mine, that had been brought to the site. And to the right of the area we were scoping I even found a single Red-legged Partridge.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Having split into our groups we made our way along the created tracks on the grassland and were able to appreciate the magnificent work that had been done to create this wonderful wildlife habitat.  Always a Woodpigeon or two to be seen but now we were hearing and seeing many Yellowhammers plus the singing and very occasional sighting of a Willow Warbler.  A Lapwing took to the air having been roused by a passing Red Kite and then the first of many Blackbirds plus a Robin. Having seen a flying Stone Curlew pass from left to right as we approached the path down to another, smaller, lake a Raven was seen flying in the opposite direction.  Chaffinches noted on this downward path and then on the horizon in from a tall tree holding a further four Ravens.  At the shallow lake a Mallard flew over and we recorded both Garden Warbler and Skylark.

Distant Ravens Corvus corax

So on to the site of the former hunting lodge built for King Henry II where we met up with the other small groups. In the middle of the archaeological site a Brown Hare which then entertained me as it seemed to run round the centre piece as if taking part ion a 400m race!  Also at this point where we all spent much time, owner Raleigh Plaice gave us a brief history of what had been discovered here with work undertaken by Southampton University.  But, also, still chance to find another pair of Stone Curlew and have more than  handful of Red Kites and a couple of Buzzards above us.  All became clear as we started on our homeward walk when we found the tractor ploughing a field and so providing plentiful food for the scavengers.  In addition to the raptors we also saw a couple of Carrion Crows.  

Brown Hare Lepus europaeus

Approaching the main house and lake we started, a Moorhen made a hasty departure form our side of the water and Greenfinches noted near the building and a number of House Martins above. After final farewells to friends we made our way back to the car to set off for home and hardly back on the main road before a pair of Linnets crossed in front of us and a Moorhen wandered along the grassy edge. reaching Overton we came across the field full of Jackdaws opposite the church where I has seen an individual on the outward journey.  A fabulous morning in great birding company and an absolute privilege to visit Tidgrove Farm and see the fabulous Stone Curlews at relatively close quarters.  And the wet weather stayed away until we reach home with Richard getting and early shower as he opened the door whereas I had to wait a couple of hours before the thunderstorm and heavy rains appeared!

Remains of King Henry VII's hunting lodge

NOTE:

A separate article will follow re the history of Tidgrove Farm and its historical importance

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Stone Curlew, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, House Martin, Skylark, Robin, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer.

Distant record shots of the Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Brown Hare Lepus europaeus

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El Fondo, Elche

Red-knobbed Coot (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

 Friday 6 June

Never miss an opportunity if requested to drive north to Alicante!  Friend Dave Elliott-Binns certainly took the opportunity and then called in a that fabulous reserve El Fondo near Elche.  And it looks like he'll be having a repeat visit next week!  You can always guarantee Red-knobbed Coots and most often both Purple Swamphen and Marbled Duck but, apparently, not the former on this occasion so expect that to be rectified next week. Always good to find both Whiskered and Gull-billed terns and the Squacco Heron, perhaps my favourite heron species, was also a bonus. Now certainly looking forward to what Dave is going to record next week.

EL Fondo, Elche  -  Friday 6th June

I was not that upset having to drive up to Alicante airport to collect a friend's son.  It was a decent time so it gave me the opportunity to drop into EL Fondo Bird Reserve.  I came off the A7/E15 at the Crevillant Estacion exit and made my way towards the reserves information centre.  As I approached the near empty carpark a Gull-billed Tern flew over, followed by a pair of Glossy Ibis, the first of many sightings.  I parked up facing the shallow pool for a thermos tea.  Although the reeds caused some obstruction I saw Cattle Egret, Greater Flamingo, more Glossy Ibis, Coot and Mallard.  I glimpsed the wings and rear end of a low flying Purple Heron.  As I walked towards the information centre a Hoopoe with a full beak flew over.  Opposite the centre is a low hedge which gives you views of the previously mentioned pool from a different angle.  I heard both Cetti's and Great Reed Warblers calling from the reeds.  There were more Glossy Ibis, Coots and Greater Flamingos.  The only new birds were Black-winged Stilts and House Sparrows.

Great Reed Warbler (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I moved to the back of the covered picnic area adjacent to the centre where there are viewing apertures onto a relatively small enclosed pool.  Disappointing first scan as there were lots of reeds and no apparent birds.  However, to my left at the far end was a bird nesting box for ducks.  Low and behold a Marbled Duck sat on top with another's face visible through the hole!  Nearby I found a single Red-knobbed Coot.  I then walked onto the refurbished wooden walkway.  Apart from more Glossy Ibises and Greater Flamingos I found a solitary Great White Egret, a few Little Egrets, Slender-billed Gulls, Red-knobbed Coots and another Marbled Duck.  Heading towards the elevated covered platform with some benches some Black-headed Gulls and Collared Pratincoles flew over.  Directly below the walkway were some Red-knobbed Coots with young, not 1.5 metres from me.  In the centre of the shallow pool was a Squacco Heron.  

Squacco Heron (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Whiskered Terns were flying back and forth.  A Little Grebe with young was seen.  A Purple Swamphen swam from one reed bed to another.  A number of Great Reed Warblers were seen flying.  Also seen were Grey Heron and Moorhen. I made the decision to stay at this birding hotspot in the shade with seating and a cool breeze!  A Marbled Duck (ringed) sat on a very small Island not 5 metres from the walkway.  A Little Bittern was seen flying between reed beds.  Also seen was my only Barn Swallow of the day.  I was joined by three non birding lads with their picnic so I headed back to the car.  En route back to the motorway I added a Collared Dove and a Roller on that power line behind the palm trees.

Marbled Duck (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A cracking hour and a half's birding.  32 species seen!  I shall be back next week delivering some friends to the airport so it would be rude not to pop back to the reserve again.  Although I say it myself, some cracking photos today!

Regards

Dave

Glossy Ibis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Slender-billed Gull (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Whiskered Tern (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Great White Egret (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 4 June 

The gangs all back together with a good attendance for the Arboleas Birding Group at Cabo de Gata. Again, lots of good bids including the Bee-eater, Iberian Northern Shrike, gannet and those Scopoli's Shearwaters.  made me feel most envious as I had just made a special local trip to record my first Yellow-legged Gull of the year!!!!

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 4th June

Nigel picked me up from home and close neighbours, Seamus, Linda and Lottie, the well behaved dog, followed us down the E15/A7, exiting at the Retamar Sur junction.  As we passed through the town we saw the usual suspects...

Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Collared Dove and House Martin.  We parked up at the first hide where Kevin was waiting.  He'd already logged Yellow-legged and Slender-billed Gulls, Woodpigeon, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Little Egret, Kentish Plover, Thekla Lark and Mallard.  We were joined by Barrie, Beryl, Alan, Trevor and Peter 2.  Barrie confirmed two terns on the rocky causeway were Littles.  I spotted a Yellow Wagtail flying over. Barrie added Common Swift.  He'd also seen a Kestrel en route.  Trevor found a Bee-eater on the power line behind us and also saw Greenfinch.

We adjourned for coffee in Cabo village before driving to the beach opposite the second hide.  A seawatch commenced.  The sea state was a tad choppy with the wind in our faces.  Barrie spotted some 1st year Gannets.  Then, coming from right to left, I saw some Scopoli's Shearwaters.  They were reasonably close to shore.  The majority of us walked towards the hide.  Barrie and some others stayed a bit longer and saw another 7 shearwaters passing by.  At the hide we added Gull-billed Terns quartering the steppe and Barn Swallows.  Alan found a lurking Iberian Northern Shrike at the top of a shrub. Kevin added a Carrion Crow as we walked back to the vehicle.  We managed to find a distant Scopoli's Shearwater for Nigel as he'd missed the earlier sightings.  Barrie found three Sandwich Terns flying by. En route to the public hide Nigel, myself and Linda saw a pair of Raven on the beach.

The public hide produced an elegant Grey Plover in breeding plumage and a Greenshank seen by Barrie.  Other birds seen were Greater Flamingo, Gull-billed and Little Terns, Kentish Plover, Avocet and Shelduck.

Grey Plover and Greenshank (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 33 species.  A great days birding in good company.

Sending our best wishes to Juda who is still in Almeria Hospital.  Hopefully this week she might be transferred back to the Vera residential home.  Kevin informs me that we have collected €143.20 so far this year for the Andalucian Bird Society wetlands appeal.

Regards

Dave

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Warsash Shore

Wednesday 4 June

The sun is shining, lots of blue sky but still a very strong, blustery wind.  But, you can't stay in the house all day reading a book so I drove up to Newtown Road next to the former School of Navigation at the western end of the village and then walked down to the shore coming out at the mudflats east of the Spit in hoping to find the very long, almost resident, Yellow-legged Gull.  The tide had turned and was starting to make its way back when I chanced to look to my right at a distant pair of gulls just south of the pier. And there it was, a Yellow-legged Gull and I had come without my camera (always a great way to find birds!). But when I looked again the bird had disappeared and/or concealed itself somewhere.

Record shot of Yellow-legged Gull Larus agentatus

Walking down the path to the shore I had already encountered both Blackbird and Chiffchaff along with a pair of Dunnocks on the narrow, shaded path in front of me. So after the brief sighting as above I walked on down the water on the lee side of the Spit and checked out all the Black-headed and Herring Gulls along with a couple of Heron and four sleeping Oystercatchers.

It was after I started back and joined by another birder making his way home that we rediscovered the Yellow-legged Gull now in its usual place during low water, just about the middle of the mudflats between the spit and inner estuary wall.  Still very distant and with out scope but easily able to pick out those custard yellow legs.  No camera, but I did have a phone so unable to get closer but the yellow legs can still be seen.  The return walk back to the car added a second Blackbird and House Sparrow and back home barely forty minutes after leaving!

Yellow-legged Gull Larus argentatus taken in Spain

Distant record view of today's bird

Birds seen:

Heron, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, herring Gull, Dunnock, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow. 

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Martin Down then New Forest Birding

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Sunday 1 June

Having met a couple of members on my last HOS meeting I drove over to Martin Down in the far north-west of Hampshire beyond Fordingbridge on Sunday for a walk over same with the RSPB Winchester group.  Lovely warm sunny weather but still a cool breeze whilst walking up on the chalky downs.  The target bird was the Turtle Dove, sadly very much in severe decline in Britain, but being regularly reported in the immediate area over the last week.  And in luck we fourteen attendees were as not one but two individuals recorded.  Very, very close to the first Turtle Dove in a small, thick copse up above the car park and its song booming out just like a Seventies warbling phone with the volume up high and waiting to be answered.  Wonderful.

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria butterfly

But other birds too on display, especial the almost hundred Rooks along with a core or more jackdaw, a couple of carrion Crows and a single magpie, all happily foraging among the large flock of sheep. 

Rooks Corvid frugilegus

Also not to be missed the many Skylarks plus the continual calling and sighting of Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Wren and Robin. A Red Kite almost immediately overhead and a distant Buzzard before a single Barn Swallow sped by at low level and once on the top, for us, the sight of two Swifts passing overhead.

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Making our way on a narrow track through the final series of bushes as we looked in vain for a sight of the Turtle Dove we recorded a Whitethroat and on the return walk to the car park finally caught up with more Skylarks and a quartet of Yellowhammers, the only close shot being that of a female well-concealed in a small bush.  In addition, many stops during the walk to check on the butterflies and moths as we moved along.

Well concealed female Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Rather than stay for the afternoon walk I made my way back to Blashford Lakes to check out Ibsley Water where I found a large number of Egyptian Geese, Great Crested Grebes and many gulls, mainly Lesser Black-backed but also good numbers of Black-headed Gull.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Just a couple of Common Tern then chance to follow up with both Mallard and Tufted Duck.  On the gravelly edge in front of the Tern Hide both a trio of Little Ringed Plover and Lapwing plus a couple of Pied Wagtail.  Meanwhile, scores of feeding Sand Martins over the water and a dozen Greylag geese at the far left-hand side of the water.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Moving over to the main reserve for a quick walk round I found many Chiffchaff and Blackcaps along with Robin, Song Thrush, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. The cob was on the water at Ivy lake South whereas on the scrape I found the pen Mute Swan along with her five goslings and being watched by a solitary Heron.

Heron Ardea cinerea watching over the Mute swans Cygnus olor

Making my way back a handful of Reed Warblers in the reeds alongside the scrape and then a Jay that walked out onto the grass in front of me.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Next on to Cadnam's Pond where at least ten Canada Geese along with a total of eight goslings plus a handful of Mallard and the single long-staying Muscovy Duck. Robin, Carrion Crow and Blackbird as I made my departure.

Muscovy Duck 

A brief stop at Eyeworth Pond in Fritham produced a score of Mallard plus a single Moorhen along with a number of Chaffinches and House Sparrows. Best sighting probably the Nuthatch but also Magpie and Collared Dove.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Muscovy Duck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Swift, Skylark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer.

Blackbird Turdus merula

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum

Small Heath Coenoympha pamphilus butterfly

Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus butterfly

Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae moth

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

NB:  I trust I have correctly identified the butterflies and moth by using "Google" camera.  Please let me know if not.

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