Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 20 May

Looks like another lovely session for the Arboleas Birding Group down at Cabo de Gata and, once again, lots of good birds, especially the Lesser Yellowlegs.  And also thanks to Nigel for the photo to illustrate the rpeort.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 20th May

It was a lovely sunny day as Nigel drove Peter (1) and myself south on the E15/A7 motorway towards Cabo de Gata.  We came off at the Retamar Sur exit and commenced the daily bird log. Before reaching the urbanization we'd seen a Jackdaw and a Woodpigeon.  In town we added Collared Dove, House Martin and Barn Swallow. Between there and Pujaire we saw Spotless Starling, Red-rumped Swallow, Magpie and Hoopoe.  Passing through Pujaire we added a House Sparrow.

Fluffy Avocet chick (PHOTO: Nigel White)

As we arrived at the first hide we saw the usual Greater Flamingos on the salina.  Barrie and Beryl had already arrived.  Also present was a Spanish birder.  A mate of his had spotted a Lesser Yellowlegs the previous evening.  And there it was, still there, at the left hand end of the rocky causeway.  Not easy to see at times. Others in the group arrived, Kevin, Trevor, Steve and Carolyn. They all ticked the bird off their list. To many of them, including me, it was a lifer!  We then scanned for other birds. Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard and Shelduck.  Kevin had already seen Common Swift, Slender-billed Gull and Crested Lark.  Barrie picked out Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank and a Yellow Wagtail.  I found two Gull-billed Terns on the causeway and a Yellow-legged Gull.  Kevin spotted a Black-headed Gull. Barrie heard a Zitting Cistacola and then added Greenshank.  Somewhat elated, we headed for the local cafe for a celebratory cup of coffee!

Fluffy Yellow Legged Chicks with parents and Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We made our way to the beach opposite the second hide.  A Common Tern flew past.  Far out to sea a fishing boat was surrounded by Yellow-legged Gulls.  Steve, Carolyn and I stayed with the vehicles as the others trundled to the hide.  There, Barrie added a Melodious Warbler.  Also seen were Gull-billed Terns and a Thekla Lark.

   Gull-billed Terns with Black-winged Stilt (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Kevin had reported that the public hide was cordoned off for refurbishment, so we headed to the lighthouse.  As we arrived I picked out three Alpine Swifts circling the lighthouse as were Yellow-legged Gulls.  I then found one of a pair of Black Wheatears on one of the buildings.  With nothing else to see apart from quite a few sightseers, we said our goodbyes.  Heading down the hill to the village a juvenile Peregrine Falcon flew over our car.  Hopefully Barrie and Beryl travelling behind us saw it as well.  Just outside Pujaire I added a Kestrel.  Just before the motorway I spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike.

Well, what a day.  "Only" 35 species seen but there were some crackers in there, especially the Lesser Yellowlegs!

Black Wheatear (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Great company as well!  All the photos are down to Nigel today!

Dave

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Birding Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa with the Arboleas Birding Group

Monday 18 May

Whilst the Arboleas Birding Group were enjoying their visit to  the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa last Wednesday, Jenny and I were enjoying a week's break on the Isle of Man with my birding restricted to access by steam train, tram or bus but, nevertheless, I managed to record 43 species including new sightings of the year of Gannet, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Red-billed Chough and Shag as well as Cuckoo, Eider and Short-eared Owl. On the other hand, we did not see your great sightings of Squacco Heron, Nightingale, Red-rumped Swallow, Audouin's Gull and Red-crested Pochard.  So good sighting all round by the look of things.

The motley crew of the Arboleas Birding Group! (Kevin Borman)

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 13th May

Another lovely summer's day, sun, clouds and a bit of wind. Nigel picked me and Peter (1) up.  We headed for our local coastline at Villaricos.  We actually didn't see any recordable birds before arriving at the ford (dry and covered in vegetation).  Ab was already there.  He'd logged House Sparrow, House Martin, Spotless Starling, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon and Barn Swallow.  As we listened to some Nightingales singing from the shrubs below us a male Mallard flew over.  We were joined by Kevin who'd done the sewage works walk.  He'd also seen Magpie, Zitting Cistacola, Blackbird, Serin, Little Ringed Plover, and Little Grebe.  He stated there was ongoing works in that area which had been detrimental to the bird's habitat.  We were joined by Trevor, Steve and Carolyn.  Some Red-rumped Swallows flew over.  Kevin added a Common Swift.  A Kestrel was found by Nigel.

Red-crested Pochard (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We headed for the beach where Kevin could actually park with us as he wasn't in his campervan! Unfortunately there were no birds at all to be seen on the harbourside rocks.  A few House Sparrows flew by.   As we were leaving Steve and Carolyn saw a distant Gannet by the fish farms.

Spoonbill (L) with Greater Flamingo (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Kevin went to this side of the estuary as the rest of us drove round to the far side.  A Grey Heron flew off as we arrived.  Steve and Carolyn spotted a Kingfisher.  They also added some Audouin's Gulls on the sand spit.  A Little and Sandwich Tern were fishing close to the shoreline.  Kevin joined us, but had only seen a Coot that added to our list.

Fledgling Coot...their mother loves them! (PHOTO: Nigel White)

After a cuppa at the Tiburon cafe in Villaricos we drove down to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Trevor got there first and was very surprised to see a Red-billed Chough having a drink before flying off.  The sightings came rushing in. Black-winged Stilt, Avocet (with fluffy chick), Moorhen, Little Grebe, Mallard, and Greater Flamingo. Kevin was spotter of the day, seeing a single Spoonbill, Kentish Plover, Shelduck, Ruff, Glossy Ibis and Black-necked Grebe.  He also heard a Greenfinch.

Avocet (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I contributed with a Ringed Plover.  Nigel found a rear facing sleeping wader.  As luck would have it, Barrie and Beryl appeared, having flown into Almeria that morning.  Barrie confirmed the bird was a Green Sandpiper.  Ab found another Kestrel.  (It was about this time I had a text from Jenny, Ab's wife, to say she was having a cup of coffee at their house watching 3 Golden Orioles!  Grrrrh!!)

Squacco Heron...just WOW!! (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove round to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  A lot of the water was covered in blanket weed.  I found some Red-crested Pochard on the water.  A White Wagtail was feeding on top of the weed.  Barrie heard a Reed Warbler.  We then saw two Squacco Herons.  A great sight!  A snake slithered across the blanket weed.

Snake on the blanket weed (Photo: Nigel White)

45 bird species seen.  A great morning of birding in great company!  Wishing Ab and Jenny a safe trip home.

regards

Dave

Kneeling Greater Flamingos (centre) (Photo: Kevin Borman)

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Broxhead Common

Woodlark Lullula arborea

Saturday 9 May 

Up early and away 37 miles north to Broxhead Common near Borden in the far north of Hampshire.  Here I joined 20 other members of HOS along with our guide for the morning, Chairman Keith Betton for the 9am start.  Just the one 2km circuit in beautiful weather and lots of singing birds.

From the start many Garden Warblers and Blackcaps along with Robin, Great Tit, Greenfinch and Chiffchaff. Very soon the first Stonechat and then followed a series of brief sightings of Dartford Warblers. Next up a quartet of Linnet along with Blackbird and a fly past of a trio of Mistle Thrushes which were to be seen again later on n the walk.  Overhead a circling Buzzard and, again, later in the walk a quartet of Buzzards above us.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Continuing over the heath and though small of forested areas we saw the corvids including many Jackdaw, plus Rook, Carrion Crow and Magpie.  A Dunnock was foraging in the nearby bushes.  The sudden finding of a Treecreeper by one of the group was a welcome addition to the species list.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

We had heard both Tree-Pipit and Woodlark, as well as Skylark, and eventually we found a good sighting of a Tree Pipit at the top of a tall tree in front of us.  We even had the typical parachute flight as the bird returned to its former resting point.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Passing through a shady spinney we came across a Woodlark on the path in front us rather than the previous very distant views.  Time for all to get a closer look at the bird and then no sooner on the higher, open ground another Woodlark resting on the wires for many minutes to let all get even better views and photos.

Woodlark Lullula arborea

Al in all a very enjoyable couple of hours in good and experienced company.

Distant record shot of a Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

Birds seen:

Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Woodlark, Skylark, Tree Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Dartford Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Tree-creeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet.

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Fishlake Meadows and Testwood Lakes

Recently fledged Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Friday 8 May 

A later, 10.30 arrival at Fishlake Meadows to allow the light rain to clear and sky to brighten as the temperature began to rise to, hopefully, have a chance of seeing both Cuckoo and Hobby.  However, upon arrival not a single space in the large car park so necessary to find a parking spot outside before setting off down the canal path.  Lots of Chiffchaffs and Cetti's Warblers along with Wren, Robin and Blackbird.  Above me at east five Swifts and a handful of House Martins.  Obviously, regular sightings of Woodpigeon and, in the far distance, Mute Swans on the water.  Moving on down past the seat towards the first observation platform I also recorded both Sedge Warbler and Blackcap.

Not a single dog walker in sight but, it seemed, many birders about and I soon discovered why when informed that a Tawny Owl and its two fledged owlets was resting atop a large, well-leafed tree towards he end of the canal path.  Meanwhile, a Marsh Harrier was quartering above the trees to my left and then I reached the "owl tree."  No adult but one of the owlets was well exposed at the top of the tree and the second partly concealed about a metre below.  Wonderful.

Recently fledged Tawny Owl Strix aluco

No sooner underway again when I stopped by a couple of birders to also observe the resting female Cuckoo off to the left in a bare tree.  By now I also had regular fly pasts of pairs of Greylag Geese and soon I was on the connecting path to the gate leading towards the screens.  Here, a male Stonechat and the fist of the Carrion Crows seen during the morning. Only a few metres along the path to check the nearby water, which was devoid of bird life.  On the other hand, a number of both Sedge and Reed Warblers recorded and a pair of Canada Geese flew over.

Female Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Time to make my way back to the car and as I returned to the canal path a cock Pheasant seen on both sides of the path.  No sooner had I seen the first Magpie than five Dunnocks on the path in front of me and looking over to the distant water a passing Common Tern. Once back at the car I made the short trip round to the main road and its observation post in the trees to check the main water where I found no less than 33 Mute Swans plus Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant and a trio of Lesser black-backed Gulls.

Cock Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

I then carried on via Romsey to Testwood Lakes arriving at 12.45 for just over an hour's birding before returning home.  At the large, almost bare, tree midway across the field from the Visitors centre I cam across a preening brown bird about four metres above the ground.  What could it be be?  Always "tucked up" as it continued to clean itself at first I thought Cetti's Warbler but a long way from water,  Surely too small to be a Nightingale so what about a garden warbler as there were no distinguishing features of any kind other than a hint of a light-coloured upper breast/throat.  Photographs take and I eventually decided it must be a Cetti's Warbler but ready now to receive alternative suggestions.  Whilst preening, the bird was joined for a few minutes by a visiting Long-tailed Tit.

Could this be "just" a Cetti's Warbler Cettia cettia

Taking the right-hand path to the screens I soon recoded Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackbird and upon arrival noted the Greylag Geese, three Little Egrets a Heron, Moorhen and a number of Lapwing. A Carrion Crow flew across the back of the lake.

Then it was back along the path and onwards towards the Sand Martin Hide finding, on the way, a Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Robin and Blue Tit.  Off to my left as I approached the ancient hut a handful of Starlings and suddenly a departing Song Thrush.  The last bird before the hide was a singing Chaffinch.

Distant Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Once in the hide I was able to once again see the birds recorded from the screens and confirm the many Lapwing along with a couple of Common Tern and a single Black-headed Gull.  A pair of Woodpigeon took of from the artificial sand martin bank and then, off to my right at the side of the water a Little Ringed Plover.  A Pied Wagtail was flittering around the edges whilst on the pontoon the brooding Oystercatcher was joined by her mate.  Finally, a trio of Sand Martins put in an appearance and a Jackdaw came to forage on the grass below the hide.  All in all, a wonderful morning and a final tally of 46 species.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Swift, Sand Martin, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli

Pied Wagtail with Oystercatcher

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Normandy and Pennington Marshes

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

 Wednesday 6 May

Cloudy but dry with a light, cool breeze as I arrived at Normandy Lagoon south of Lymington on the Solent shore opposite the Isle of Wight. No sooner out of the car than I recorded Dunnock, Blackbird, Woodpigeon and Chaffinch. then it was out across the field to the sea wall where upon reaching the lagoon I noted the decrease in both water and birds.  Lots of Shelduck plus a number of Canada Geese along with many Oystercatchers, a Little Egret and a few Mallards.  Mainly Black-headed but also a few Herring Gulls along with a plentiful supply of Avocets.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

A Pied Wagtail was on one of the nearer islands and then the sight of the first Little Terns plus a few Common Tern albeit the majority of the latter were on the larger (C) island. Also on island C a pair of nesting Sandwich Terns in amongst the Common Terns.  At the western end a score of resting Dunlin.

Resting Dunlin Calidris alpina with Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Continuing on along the sea wall I found a pair of Lapwing, a quartet of Redshank plus a handful of Tufted Ducks and a lone Great Crested Grebe.  Just a couple of Ringed Plover but at the very back behind an upturned boat a pair of Egyptian Geese.  meanwhile, the fence below me suddenly produced a Linnet and on the path in front a couple of House Sparrows.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

On the outer land towards the main river a Great Black-backed Gull and as I made my way back along the sea wall I came across a lone Bar-tailed Godwit resting close to a single Oystercatcher and Dunlin.  Then a male Reed Bunting alighted on the fence below me.  making my way back to the exit from the sea wall I came across both male and female Stonechat and a number of Reed Warblers in the corner bed of reeds.  Once back in the field the nearby hedge produced a Lesser Whitethroat and Magpie.  A lone Barn Swallow flew past and looking up I noted the calling Buzzard.  before leaving the rea I did check out the area near Acre Pond and found Wren, Blue Tit and Heron.  A single Cormorant flew past over the main water whilst making my way back to the car I also noted both Chiffchaffs and Starlings.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Time to move on to nearby Pennington Marsh at the end of the lane bearing the same name.  An hour and a quarter undertaking an anti-clockwise circuit produced 30 species commencing with Robin, Blackbird and Woodpigeon as I set off towards Fishtail Lagoon.  Lots of Black-headed plus a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the nearly dry lagoon whilst the water itself held a number of Shelduck and over fifty Avocets. Also noted on this outward journey Greenfinch, Song Thrush and Linnet.

Resting Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

Along with the gulls there were very many Canada Geese and Shelduck plus more than a score of Mallard. Approaching the drop down to the water and short path to the steps up to the se wall I managed to find Cetti's and Reed Warblers plus a Whitethroat and, at the water, a Redshank and pair of Mute Swans.  Looking at the lagoon from the sea wall apart from the many Avocets also a passing Barn Swallow and a distant Heron.  Another Heron was seen on Butts Lagoon where there were also a number of Coot.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Moving on to Pennington Lagoon I found eight Gadwall, about a score of Black-tailed Godwits along with more Mallard and a single Oystercatcher plus a male Reed Bunting on the fence below.  Out at sea a passing Common Tern and Cormorant. In addition, the end of the "pier" held a pair of Turnstone.  Finally, making my way back to the car I observed both a single Lapwing, more Little Egret and a first Common Redstart of the year, so ending a very enjoyable morning's birding which produced 54 species.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (left) with Oystercatcher

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Buzzard, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat,  Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica with Dunlin Calidris alpina

Canada Goose Branta canadensis with goslings

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Gadwall Anas strepera

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis  (Black head)

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus (male above, female below)

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 6 May

What a fabulous day's biding for the Arboleas Birding Group.  Some many great species seen; Woodchat Shrike, Bee-eater, Whinchat, etc and all supported by some absolutely gorgeous photographs.  Well done everyone and you probably had the same number of species as I did whilst visiting the Pennington and Normandy Marshes on the south coast of the New Forest below Lymington and immediately opposite the Isle of Wight.  My specials probably included the Little, Common and Sandwich Terns plus a range of warblers and male Common Redstart.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 6th May

Nigel, being back in good health, picked myself and Michelle up in Arboleas and we headed north in glorious sunshine and some clouds towards the Sierra de Maria.  Passing our bird count starting point in Velez Blanco we logged House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow and Serin before entering Maria town. Here we added Collared Dove, Common Swift and Spotless Starling.  Before we got to the La Piza forest cafe we'd also seen Goldfinch. 

The bird feeders were replenished with peanuts and seeds.  As we drank our coffee we were delighted to see Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal and Great Tit having breakfast.  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn, Jenny, Ab, Phil and Carol.

We commenced the loop . It was great to see a pair of Rock Bunting as we drove through the forest section.  Once into the field section we spotted Raven, Crested Lark, Magpie and Calandra Lark.  We stopped at our usual place below the village.  Barn Swallows were quartering the meadow in front of us. Steve and Carolyn found a Little Egret.  I found a distant Woodchat Shrike on some reeds, my first of the year.  Also seen were Linnet and the first of many Corn Buntings.

Corn Bunting (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We carried on along the track seeing more Goldfinch, Linnets and Corn Buntings.  We added Red-billed Chough and Carrion Crow before spotting a magnificent, very obliging male Whinchat!  A Moorhen made an appearance by the reeds.  As we passed some shrubbery we heard at least two Nightingales singing away.  Behind us, Jenny and Ab were lucky enough to see them.  Also seen was a Woodpigeon. 

As we approached the cliff face, I could see a "lump" sitting on its crest.  A perched Griffon Vulture.  We stopped a distance away so the others could catch up and see the spectacle.  A Black Wheatear was also on the crest, a suitable distance away  from his enormous cousin!  Steve and Carolyn had seen a Red-legged Partridge.  The cliff face was "alive" with Rock Sparrows.  I spotted a Stock Dove.  Nigel, I think, found a spiral of 7 Griffon Vultures.

Male Whinchat (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Moving on, we approached the airstrip where I saw a Short-toed Lark, showing off its brown crown.  A Thekla Lark was on the fence.  Above us a Carrion Crow was harassing a large Raven with five other Ravens circling round.   As we drove through the two villages we saw Bee-eaters on the power lines.  Jenny and Ab also saw a Spotted Flycatcher.  En route to the hamlet we added Hoopoe and White Wagtail.

Bee-eater (PHOTO: Nigel White)

On the roof of the barn we saw a female Lesser Kestrel.  I missed the nearby Little Owl seen by Steve and Carolyn.  Three or four Lesser Kestrels were seen.  We managed to get Carol to see a pair of Red-billed Chough which had eluded her earlier.

Female Lesser Kestrel (PHOTO: Nigel White)

As "someone" was peckish, I got Nigel to head for the La Piza forest cafe.  Whilst eating our lunch we added Blackbird, Crested and Blue Tit. Carol found a Short-toed Treecreeper.  Also seen were Jay, Collared Dove, Chaffinch, Great and Coal Tit.  The Great Spotted Woodpecker returned for a snack.

What a great day.  46 species seen.  Great company as usual!

Dave

Griffon Vulture (PHOTO: Nigel White)

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