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Tuesday 17 February 2015

Birding trip to Northeast Spain with Naturetrek

Day 1, 15-02-15. 
Steve Carter and I had booked a seven day birding trip to Northeast Spain with Naturetrek on the Wallcreeper and Cranes tour. We arrived at Zaragoza airport at 16:30 via London Stanstead and once we had located our tour leaders and fellow participants we headed off north towards Alquezar, located in the province of Huesca and the autonomous community of Aragon noting the following species en route.
Great Egret, Grey Heron, White Stork, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, White Wagtail, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow. Arriving at our destination at dusk we stopped above the citadel where we photographed the dramatic vista and watched the solar spectacle overhead where Jupiter, Venus and Mars all showed well on a darkening sky. We retired briefly to our very comfortable accommodation before dining at a local restaurant where the food arrived in capacious amounts and the wine flowed freely.


Day 2.
An early morning walk along the old town towards the citadel produced my first Wallcreeper which I located myself as it fed along a rock face adjacent the Collegiate church. Other species of note included Red Kite, Alpine Accentor (7), Eurasian Crag Martin (C40), Sardinian Warbler, Redwing (1) and Red-billed Chough (2). We then visited the Vero River and Bridge after breakfast where several Common Chiffchaff, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker and a pair of Cirl Bunting were noted. Our next destination was at a higher altitude, Barranco Las Gargantas where a second Wallcreeper was noted feeding along the cliff face at close quarters. We then made our way to Sierra y Canones de Guara where we had lunch before more birding. While having our picnic a wonderful pair of Common Raven displayed overhead. We later viewed a third Wallcreeper, which again I located myself although from afar, while below us on the wing were dozens of Crag Martin and several Griffon Vulture. After visiting the caves and ancient paintings we spotted a single Egyptian Vulture, at least three Firecrest, a pair of Goldcrest and at least two Crested Tit. We then retraced our earlier visits stopping again at Barranco Las Gargantas where a Holly Blue butterfly appeared briefly in the afternoon sunshine. We then returned to Alquezar noting more Griffon Vultures and Common Buzzard en route.
A full list of species observed as follows:-
Red Kite (1), Egyptian Vulture (1), Griffon Vulture (c400), Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon (2), Common Crane (c200), Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Common Magpie, Red-billed Chough (2), Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Common Raven (2), Crested Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Common Skylark, Eurasian Crag Martin, Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Firecrest (3), Goldcrest (2), Wren, Dunnock, Alpine Accentor (7), Wallcreeper* (3), Spotless Starling, Common Blackbird, Redwing (1), Song Thrush, European Robin, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow (2), Common Chaffinch, Brambling, European Goldfinch, Corn Bunting, Cirl Bunting (3).

                                                Alpine Accentor at Alquezar.
 
                                            Wallcreeper at Barranco Las Gargantas.



Cave Paintings at Sierra y Canones de Guara dated to the upper Palaeolithic period (Late Stone Age).



Day 3.
An early morning start around Alquezar old town provided my first Black Redstart of the holiday, a lovely adult male. Among the Ivy clad walls dozens of Blackcap were noted as was a lovely pair of Cirl Bunting that were feeding in an adjacent garden. We then  headed off towards Santa Cilia via Rio Alcanta where a single White-throated Dipper was observed. Once at Santa Cilia we made our way to the vulture feeding station where c200 Griffon Vulture waited to be fed. An adult Lammergeier briefly drifted overhead before the feeding frenzy began. It was an amazing experience to be able to sit so close to feeding vultures and hear the associated noises the birds made during the feeding process no more than an arms length away. Afterwards a total of two adult and one juvenile Lammergeier were observed, the latter bird sporting dark plumage.  They eventually landed in the spot that we had previously sat only an hour or so earlier. We then had our picnic lunch while watching the birds drift around the valley effortlessly using the thermals to great effect. It was then time for us to return to our vehicles and make our way back to Alquezar stopping off  briefly again at Rio Alcanta. Once back at base we regrouped before taking a memorable walk down the Vero Gorge taking in the wonderful views and noting more birds. I discovered a feeding Blue Rock Thrush at the top of the gorge and at least three Hawfinch as we descended finally reaching the River Vero below. Here another two Wallcreeper were located while overhead dozens of Crag Martin  fed. I also discovered a single Alpine Accentor before it was time to return back to our accommodation.
A full list of species observed as follows:-
Red-legged Partridge (2), Red Kite, Lammergeier (3), Griffon Vulture, Northern Goshawk (1), Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Carrion Crow, Common Raven, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Eurasian Crag Martin, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Wren, Dunnock, Alpine Accentor, European Robin, Wallcreeper (2), Spotless Starling, Common Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush (1), Redwing, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, White-throated Dipper, House Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Goldfinch, Corn Bunting, Cirl Bunting.

                                                  Early morning birding at Alquezar.


                                          
                                                 Lammergeier (adult) at Santa Cilia.




                                                
                                                    Griffon Vulture at Santa Cilia.

















                                                  Feeding time for the Vultures.

                                                                  Santa Cilia.





Day 4.
An early morning walk to the top of the Vero Gauge and citadel produced yet another Wallcreeper the sixth sighting of the holiday. Overhead a male Hen Harrier was briefly observed while below five nervy Rock Sparrow flirted about before finally disappearing into a hole in the rock face below the collegiate church. A rather cold looking Alpine Accentor showed briefly in the weak morning sunshine before it was time for us to head back for breakfast. We then re-packed our gear leaving Alquezar behind as we headed off to our new base at Laguna de Gallocanta via Sierra De Tramacet, Laguna de Sarinera and Los Menegros. At Sierra De Tramacet we discovered an Eagle Owl at the nest, although distant, while below in the canyon a Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush gave brief views before we moved on. At the nearby village I photographed  a White Stork at the nest before a single Rock Bunting was discovered in the canyon, a new life species. We then called in at Laguna de Sarinera where we lunched while viewing the lake and its inhabitants including at least half a dozen Marsh Harrier plus many wetland species. After lunch we moved on eventually reaching Los Menegros where a splendid Golden Eagle and an amazing 25 Great Bustard were observed, the latter another new life species. We then continued towards Laguna de Gallocanta arriving at dusk.
A full list of species observed as follows:-
Red-legged Partridge, Mallard, Common Teal, White Stork, Western Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Great Cormorant, Red Kite, Griffon Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Common Kestrel, Great Bustard*, Common Crane, Northern Lapwing, European Golden Plover, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Common Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Carrion Crow, Common Raven, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Common Skylark, Eurasian Crag Martin, Common Chiffchaff, Zitting Cisticola, Blackcap, Dartford Warbler, Wren, Dunnock, Alpine Accentor, Wallcreeper, Spotless Starling, Common Blackbird, Song Thrush, European Robin, Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Rock Bunting*, Corn Bunting.

                                                 White Stork at Sierra De Tramacet.
Dat 5.
An early morning visit to Laguna de Gallocanta to watch c6000 Common Cranes departing at dawn provided some fantastic views although conditions were uncomfortably cold. Dozens of Hen Harrier and Common Kestrel were also very active and a Short-eared Owl gave the briefest of views. A Wild Boar roamed along the shoreline leaving a distinct trail in the muddy margins while five Roe Deer grazed amongst the reeds. A Merlin was also seen as it buzzed overhead flushing the passerines below. We then drove along the farm track nearing the shoreline and glimpsed two Black-bellied Sandgrouse as they came in to land. Before lunch we visited the interpretive centre which concentrates on education concerning the importance of this vital wintering area for the European Common Crane. After Lunch we then followed the farm track around the opposite side of the lagoon eventually connecting briefly with three Great Bustard as they flew past. We later relocated the birds feeding in a field and managed to take a few photo’s.
A full list of species observed as follows:-
Common Shelduck, Mallard, Red Kite, Griffon Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Common Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Great Bustard, Common Crane, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Little Owl, Common Magpie, Carrion Crow, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Spotless Starling, Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting, Common Reed Bunting.

                              Common Crane departing Laguna de Gallocanta at Sunrise.

                                         Hen Harrier (Ring-tail) at Laguna de Gallocanta.


Day 6.
Another early morning start before dusk this time to search for Duponts Lark on land adjacent the A211 about a twenty minutes drive from our hotel, en route a Barn Owl was briefly seen as it passed the road in front of us. On arrival the outside temperature had dipped to -5 degrees Celsius making it difficult to search for the dozen or so larks heard singing. Despite my best efforts I was unable to observe any birds and by the time the sun had risen the singing birds had virtually ceased their melody. So reluctantly we returned back to our hotel for a hot beverage and breakfast. We then walked to the hills above our hotel picking up passerines including Woodlark, Cirl Bunting, Common Linnet, Goldcrest and  Mistle Thrush plus at least one Griffon Vulture. Several parties of Common Crane passed overhead as they migrated north. We then lunched next to a church located on the hill aboveLaguna de Gallocanta before driving around part of the lagoon track eventually reaching one of the tower hides. From this elevated position we scoped at least eight Ruff and fifteen Dunlin. Finally we travelled along the adjacent arable land searching for Sandgrouse eventually reaching a small freshwater pond. Here four Common Pochard, two Little Grebe and at least twelve Great Cormorant were noted. Just before leaving a small party of around ten Sandgrouse passed by at speed but did not stop. We returned to the hotel early evening where a Wild Cat was observed as we pulled into the car park, despite the excited scramble as people leapt from their vehicles I did get a glimpse of the animals heavy, barred tail as it disappeared from view.
A full list of species as follows:-
Red-legged Partridge, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Common Pochard, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Great Cormorant, Red Kite, Griffon Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Common Crane, Eurasian Coot, Ruff, Dunlin, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Little Owl, Common Magpie, Carrion Crow, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Spotless Starling, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, European Goldfinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Common Reed Bunting. 

Day 7.     
A morning visit to Embalse de las Torcas near Tosos produced a wonderful pair of Bonneli’s Eagle, at least three Golden Eagle and a breeding pair of Griffon Vulture observed at the nest. A few Eurasian Crag Martin danced overhead while on the reservoir Great Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Common Pochard and Grey Wagtail were all noted. We then headed off to El Planeron Reserve for a brief visit before making our way back to Zaragoza Airport. Nearing the airport I spotted two Monk Parakeet briefly in flight.
A full list of species observed as follows:-
Red-legged Partridge, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Common Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great Cormorant, Griffon Vulture, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Bonneli’s Eagle, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Magpie, Carrion Crow, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, European Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.

                                                           El Planeron Reserve


 
   

 






   

         




 



Tuesday 10 February 2015

Watercress Nature Reserve, St Albans

An afternoon visit in mild, overcast conditions provided the following species:-
Little Grebe (1), Mallard (2), Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove (2), Woodpigeon, Collared Dove (2), Common Kingfisher (1), Wren, Dunnock, European Robin, Common Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Jay (1), Common Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch (6), Lesser Redpoll (9), Mealy Redpoll (1), Eurasian Bullfinch (2).
I arrived at the bench opposite the feeding station and watched as several Lesser Redpoll came down to feed while the remainder of the flock fed on the Alders overhead. Among them was one bird of the subspecies flammea (Mealy Redpoll), sporting an overall paler plumage with a lovely red breast.



















Monday 9 February 2015

Black Park Country Park

A late morning visit with blue skies and sunshine provided the following species:-
Great Crested Grebe (2), Mute Swan (2), Greylag Goose (1), Canada Goose (6), Egyptian Goose (1), Mandarin Duck (5), Mallard (36), Tufted Duck (5), Common Buzzard (1), Common Kestrel (2), Common Moorhen (3), Eurasian Coot (64), Black-headed Gull (31), Woodpigeon, Ring-necked Parakeet, Green Woodpecker (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Wren, Robin, Common Blackbird, Redwing, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, Common Treecreeper, Eurasian Jay (3), Common Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Common Raven (1), Common Chaffinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin.
On leaving a wonderful Common Raven displayed briefly above the woodland canopy, my first record at this site. Below are a few highly cropped photo's of the Common Raven.














   

08-02-15 Stockers Lake & Bury Lake

An early morning visit to counduct a wetland bird survey provided the following species:-
Great Crested Grebe (5), Great Cormorant (29), Little Egret (2), Grey Heron (9), Mute Swan (24), Greylag Goose (13), Domestic Greylag Goose (1), Canada Goose (74), Egyptian Goose (4), Eurasian Wigeon (134), Gadwall (105), Common Teal (5), Mallard (55), Northern Shoveler (49), Common Pochard (76), Tufted Duck (128), Red-crested Pochard (9), Common Goldeneye (10), Common Moorhen (17), Eurasian Coot (405), Northern Lapwing (10), Black-headed Gull (49), Common Gull (9), Lesser Black-backed Gull (3), Herring Gull (7), Feral Rock Dove (1), Stock Dove (5), Woodpigeon, Ring-necked Parakeet (4), Green Woodpecker (1), Great-spotted Woodpecker (2), Wren, Dunnock, European Robin, Common Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Common Treecreeper (1), Eurasian Jay (1), Common Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch (3), European Goldfinch (7), Eurasian Siskin (3).

Saturday 7 February 2015

London Wetland Centre, Barnes

A morning visit it dull overcast conditions provided the following species:-
Little Grebe (2), Great Cormorant, Great Bittern (1), Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose (2), Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Water Rail (2), Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Northern Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Feral Rock Dove, Stock Dove (2), Woodpigeon, Ring-necked Parakeet (6), Green Woodpecker (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Pied Wagtail, Wren, European Robin, Common Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler (1), Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Common Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Common Starling, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch.

                                          View from the Headley Discovery Hide.

                  Great Bittern among Phragmites viewed from Headley Discovery Hide.



Tuesday 3 February 2015

Maple Lodge Nature Reserve


A pre-roost gathering of Western Jackdaw on Poplars at the north end of the reserve this evening.

Monday 2 February 2015

01-02-15 Dorset birding

A family day trip to Dorset began with an early morning visit to RSPB Arne. We arrived just as the car park gates had been opened and made our way through the mixed woodland and heathland towards the Shipstall Point hide. Once there we had fantastic views over the salt marsh and mudflats where I discovered a fantastic number of European Spoonbill, 34 in total. A rather noisy Common Raven appeared overhead and began to harry the resident Eurasian Curlew before a Great Black-backed Gull intervened and eventually grounded it. We then walked to the nearby viewing point which had a fantastic vista overlooking Brownsea and adjacent islands. In the bay below 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a couple of Great Crested Grebe fished. We then returned to the car but not before stopping to photograph a couple of herds of Sika Deer, an introduced  Asian species that favours woodland and farmland.

                                                  View towards Shipstall Point Hide.


                                                          European Spoonbill at rest.

                                                               Sika Deer Doe's.

                                                               Sika Deer Stag.

                                                                 Sika Deer Doe.


                                                  View towards Brownsea Island.

We then drove the twenty or so miles to Weymouth where I dropped of my wife and daughter, who fancied a bit of retail therapy, and were happy to leave me to some therapy of my own. I knew that a wintering Black Guillemot was present at Portland Harbour so I parked at Chesil Beach and spent an hour searching the harbour to no avail. I did find an impressive 109 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Black-necked Grebe, a single Little Grebe and a lone Black-throated Diver. I later found out that the Black Guillemot was present below Portland Castle so will have to organise another trip before the Spring.

                                        Brent Geese (dark-bellied) at Portland Harbour.


 I then drove to Portland Bill in search of Purple Sandpiper but I obviously arrived too late in the day as none were present during my visit. I did find a single Black Redstart that was doing a fantastic job of copying the resident Rock Pipits in their feeding habits, gleaning the weed covered rocks of small invertebrates. Out to sea a fantastic gathering of  c1000 Northern Gannet were busily diving for fish while close to the cliffs a single Northern Fulmar effortlessly passed by. I then returned back to Weymouth to pick up my ladies and managed to persuade them to allow me the briefest of visits to RSPB Lodmoor. On arrival I noted a Marsh Harrier as it glided overhead although at altitude while out on the marsh a pair of Common Shelduck dabbled in the shallows.


                                                             Shelduck duck.







                                                               Shelduck drake.


It was now time to leave and head off to our planned final destination, Swanage. A family favourite this quaint little seaside town still retains its charm and offered my ladies a final spot of shopping and me a final spot of birding. I walked towards the pier and past the now derelict lifeboat station to Peveril Point. On the rocks a total of 4 Rock Pipit fed while close to shore a single adult Black-legged Kittiwake passed by, a fitting end to my day. 

                                                                       Rock Pipit.

A list of species observed as follows:-
Black-throated Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Shag, Little Egret, European Spoonbill, Mute Swan, Brent Goose, Common Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Guillemot, Feral Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, European Robin, Black Redstart, Common Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Common Treecreeper, Eurasian Nuthatch, Common Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Common Raven, Common Starling, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Bullfinch.