More images on the gallery, click here…. http://www.anserbirding.com/photos/svmanager/g24/

The big three….all images by MJMcGill.

Corsican Nuthatch

 

Corsican Citril Finch

 

Marmora’s Warbler

Birding in Corsica (Corse).
Dragonflies in Corsica
Butterflies in Corsica
by M.J.McGill

1-8 August 2010

Two tailed Pasha

I took time to write this report and carefully record what I saw as I found very little for insects but quite a few bird reports on the web, many of which are very helpful. Corsica looked a very good prospect offering a bit of everything. We booked our flight six days before leaving and arranged accommodation, a car, maps and guidebooks in less than five. It was actually a family holiday with me looking for wildlife early when they were asleep, getting ready for the day (thanks to Harriet for sorting that) or when they were on the beach fully occupied and I had done a decent shift of fun-filled activity. My family did come with me on a few walks and saw a lot of stuff from the car and on our travels. It is a great place for any type of holiday but ticks the boxes for active families too. We ate in a few nights and out on four, between the supermarket and favoured restaurant we ate very well all week being a vegetarian family. A huge choice of Corse produce, much of it free range is on offer, fish and meats are all excellently prepared and presented and full of taste. I know many of my birding/travel friends and Anser regulars would find plenty to keep them occupied. Mint is used in many dishes which I have not found anywhere else. For those on a budget pizzas are probably the cheapest way to eat out and offered everywhere, the supermarkets are an even cheaper option. We got bread from our local bakery every day and ate outside for every meal as the weather was very warm all week.

1 August

Arrived in Bastia after flying from Bristol, picked up hire car and drove straight to (Corti) Corte arriving by lunch. Plenty of Red Kite and Buzzards on the drive in but most notable were a pair of Pallid Swift that were visiting the eaves of a house near where we are staying. After finding and settling into our apartment we headed to the Plage de Tignalle (50 minutes) for a swim, I also spotted some vineyards and scrub and checked it over for 30 minutes where Bee Eaters, Zitting Cisticola and other passerines were seen and Mediterranean Shags, Cormorants, Little Egrets and terns were present on the Etang d’ Urbine.  In the evening back at Corti there were plenty of bats catching moths outside our apartment in the evening.

2 August 2010

Had a lie-in and headed out after picking up provisions from the Casino supermarket and Boulangerie in Corte, breakfasted on the patio where a Spotted Flycatcher was hunting insects. We explored the Restonica valley but did not get very far as we were distracted by the cool, clear mountain stream and climbed down from the road for a swim and spa treatment under the cascades and waterfalls, cold water but very refreshing. We carried on up the to the head of the valley but turned around as the 5 euro parking charge was not worth it as it was a flying visit so we descended to a restaurant for a cold drink. The buddleia and daisies in the garden were swarming with butterflies and I photographed a decent variety.

Beautiful and Copper Demoiselles (Damselflies) representing the odonates were along the river.Wall Brown
Silver Washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia immaculata (Corsican sub-species, c6 seen)
Southern Grayling Hipparchia aristaeus aristaeus (Corsican/Sardinian sub-species) one basking on a granite boulder by the river.
Small Copper
Clouded Yellow
Common Blue
Brown Argus
Large and Small Whites
Cardinal Fritillary (very common)
Speckled Wood.
Later in the day I saw a Swallowtail sp fly across the road plus a few unidentified sp.

After lunch back at the apartment we set of for the beach, this time the Plage du Padulone near Aleria. Again after a swim to cool off and the usual beach fun with the children I went for a walk. A covey of Red-legged Partridge burst out from the vines and a few Bee Eaters flew overhead. On leaving a Honey Buzzard flew out of the pines near the road, a pleasant change from the numerous Red Kites.

3 August 2010

A twenty minute drive from Corti (Corte) to a junction above the village of Vivario  and I was soon out and birding by 0700, this little road leads to the Col de Sorba and seems to be a regular stop-off for birders. I stopped in a layby opposite the first track to the right and explored along the track, within minutes I was watching Corsican Nuthatch and had great views of perhaps 2 pairs over a prolonged period. They are very agile and active but I was surprised to see one parachute out of the tree and pursue a moth that it chased looping and dancing after it and caught it on the wing. This area was very rich in passerines, family parties of Cirl Bunting, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, Blackcaps and to my delight Corsican Citril Finch, like my other target bird they showed very well. The males were very bright and juveniles streaky but all showed the streaky back pattern. A Woodlark sang and a Crossbill called from the tops of the pines. I spent a couple of hours here as there were butterflies as well as birds. My first Great Banded Grayling alighted upon the ground near me and allowed a couple of shots. It is very much like a White Admiral in flight but bigger.
After breakfast back at our apartment we set out for the day stopping first at A Capulatta tortoise village. www.acapulatta.com . A collection of terrapin and tortoise from around the world were on show but I found myself totally distracted by the dragonflies and damselflies that were around the ponds at this site. After an enjoyable couple of hours here we headed off toward the West coast. A low soaring Honey Buzzard was a treat to see near to the Ajaccio turn off N196. We spent most of the afternoon at the Plage de Verghia swimming etc. We ended the day by driving to the Filitosa prehistorique site, an excellent way to spend the late afternoon early evening among the menhirs with carved faces (Easter Island like) and dolmens. Well worth a look. www.filitosa.fr

As impressive as the carved stones was the Olive tree flanking the line of menhirs, it is the oldest in France at 1200 years and still bearing fruit, some of the occupants of the ancient village may have planted it. Unfortunately a migraine for me saw us heading home without hanging about so I could get an early night.

Dragonflies and Damsels seen at the tortoise sanctuary included…
Scarlet Darter-common
Southern Skimmer, egg laying and males resting.
Blue-tailed/Island Bluetail– in the pond closest to the road in far W corner of sanctuary. The Blue tailed does not appear to occur in but the 2-3 I saw look like this species.
Small Red Damselfy-two.
Black-tailed Skimmer– a few seen.

4 August 2010

Still suffering from a night of migraine I decided it was best to stay local and stay cool, he best places were the refrigerated sections of the Casino supermarket or the Haut Asco area, the latter offered more wildlife. An hour drive to the head of the valley was well worth it, I did see a Corsican Citril Finch on a roadside rock which was just feet away but as a car was waiting on the bridge I had to keep going and not hang about to take a picture. At the top we wandered up the slope and sat for a picnic under the pines. The Alpine feel was topped off by the chalets, snow on the highest peaks and the views. A chap was playing classicaI guitar on his veranda, very nice and set the scene. I was going to search for the ‘bone breaker’ Bearded Vulture but found myself looking at the ground at the numerous butterflies, there were hundreds on the wing. I also noted a male Southern Skimmer holding territory on seepage near the main stream. This area is about 1500m above sea level. Birds noted were Crag Martins, Alpine Swift, Alpine Chough (3 high over the peaks) and 2 Raven.

Butterflies noted on the slope most coming to thistles above the car park included

Cardinal Fritillary (very common)
Corsican Fritillary Argynnis elisa (common)
Corsican Heath Coenonympha corinna– a few seen
Corsican Grayling Hipparchia neomiris
Corsican Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus corsicus
Small Tortoiseshell Aglias urticae ichnusa (Corsican sub-species)
Clouded Yellow
Blue sp x2 -have not got an id as yet (possibility of idas bellieri)
Brown Argus
Brimstone
Cleopatra ( I saw one on the trip but cannot remember where)
Corsican Swallowtail

On the drive back down we spotted a male Red-backed Shrike on wires above Asco village, in the village a Corsican Swallowtail drifted along the road and up the slope. We headed for a beach for a swim and ended up at the Plage de Lozari where the waves were rough and quite a challenge when getting in and out of the surf. I noted a Mediterranean Shag fly past but was focussing on the waves and not getting bowled over to do any birding. We headed back late in the day and ate in Corte in the evening, the food was excellent, a good variety of vegetarian grub on the menus in this very interesting town. We very much enjoyed eating at the U Museu restaurant at the foot of the citadelle. We ate here every night as the menu was varied, extensive and the staff accommodating for our vegetarian requests, my wife speaks French and would ask the chef to leave things off to suit. I was also pretty good value as Corsica can be expensive.  The Chevre Chaud (hot goats cheese salad) was a very good meal especially with Leek or Chestnut and cheese fritters starter and chestnut cake to finish, the Corsican wine was also very good.

5 August 2010

I headed out at 0800 and drove up into the Restonica valley. At a decent spot that looked good for Corsican Nuthatch I parked and listened from the road and scanned the peaks spending about an hour out. This spot was above the main bridge and where the trees thin out.

Raven; a pair were perched up in roadside trees.
Crag Martin-dozens were on the wing high above the valley with House Martin also.
Alpine Swift– a few were feeding over the nearer peaks.
Corsican Nuthatch– a pair were calling and feeding on pines cones either side of the road.
Corsican Citril Finch– heard and seen fluttering from rock to rock before dropping into the scrub to feed. I had another two perched on a roadside rock but they were flushed by a passing car.
Crossbill– one flew across the valley.

After breakfast I headed to the beach at Plage de  Padulone near Almeria, I saw a Honey Buzzard on the way soaring low along the road a few km from Corte. After arriving and setting up the kids on the beach with Harriet I explored the same vineyards that I was birding in earlier in the week. I spent 45 minutes searching the area for California Quail as the scrub meets the vineyards here which is what I believe they prefer as habitat of choice. To get there…there is a left turn before reaching the beach, sign says Plage, it leads onto rough tarmac if you go straight on rather than following it right to the vineyard shop, if you carry on and follow it around to the beach car park where the vines end there is a lot of scrub which meets the Etang D’ Diane (famous for oysters which the Romans sent to Rome and Napoleon has sent by the boatload to France). This area has many tracks which I explored I found a party of three Tawny Pipit which were calling and running around near the hilltop. A Sylvia sp was calling from scrub probably a Dartford plus Red Kites and Hooded Crows

Swallowtail (20+ noted)
Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae 1
Southern Gatekeeper Pyronia cecilia 3
Two tailed Pasha 1
Common Darter 1

Plus a crushed Heerman’s Tortoise

After a few hours we headed for the Ancient site known as the Aleria mound, mostly Roman but also Greek settlements in good condition and in a great spot that commands views over the whole area. It was only 5 euros for the whole family to visit this and the museum both of which were very interesting, the swords and pottery were outstanding and the situation of this settlement perfect for the occupants then and visitors now.

Swallowtail 3
Common Quail calling from the fields to the N of the museum between here and the river.

To return home we took a drive up over the mountains across to the Col de Sorba stopping at a gorge near Ghisoni for a few minutes where many Crag Martins were buzzing around. A patch of thistles on the road side had 3 Scarce Swallowtail. Apart from butterfly/scenery stops I returned for a short walk at the same site where I had my first Corsican Nuthatches on the 2^nd, there was a family party of Corsican Citril Finch feeding along the track and lots of tits and Spotted Flycatcher. Continuing down to Vivario we stopped for five minutes at the junction of D193/D69 where a Great Banded Grayling flew by. In the village of Vivario I noted the second Hummingbird Hawk Moth of the day, this one visiting buddleia near the war memorial. This spot must be good for many butterfly species when the sun shines on the bushes on it.

6 August 2010
I got up earlier than the others for an hour to look around the lower Restonica Valley but we drove 1.40hrs to the stunning and safe Plage de Pinarellu, the best beach of the trip. A Grey Heron and Little Egret were the only birds noted but after swimming and enjoying the scenery I went for walk checking the tracks through the scrub between the beach and the lagoons that are found behind. It was great for dragonflies and damselfies with Two tailed Pasha and c 20 Red –crested Pochard, a few Coot and Little Grebe were also present. A juvenile Sparrowhawk was calling in the treetops and making short flights. This area is excellent and deserves a really good bashing for insects and birds, looking at the map it shows much the same habitat along the Porto Vecchio coast and could be a great base for insect lovers. After four hours at the beach we headed back via Ghissonicia (and a crepe) and then home.

Dragonflies seen…
Southern Migrant Hawker 3 were hawking along the road/rides, very approachable.
Lesser Emperor 1 male hawking a ride
Island Bluetail Damselfly 2
Scarlet Darter many
Ruddy Darter 3
Southern Skimmer female

After returning from a meal in Corte centre ville I picked up the call of a Scop’s Owl from the hillside above the campsite (Restonica valley entrance), it was vocal at 1100pm.

7 August 2010

I went out early to explore the Vivario area or the maquis above it. I had a really good couple of hours walking the hillside tracks and was rewarded with lots of great views of Marmora’s Warbler, most were family groups and I logged about 30 individuals. A couple of juvenile Subalpine Warbler, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a family of Woodlark, a family of Red-backed Shrike, Long-tailed Tits and a few other common passerines kept my binoculars busy.  A scan of Monte de Oro gave me an adult Golden Eagle to complete a really good start to the day. I headed back for breakfast on our balcony. After breakfast we headed up the Restonica Valley, paid and parked and walked up the road to where it opens out. I spent most of the time here building a dam in the coldwater stream with the children but kept an eye on the sky. A flock of c80 Alpine Chough or Jackdaw were high over the ridge, a party of 4 Alpine Chough hopped around the rocks near us. Coat Tits were common throughout the valley. A Corsican Painted Frog was found in a drying rock pool. We descended and spent the rest of the day exploring Corti including turning stones on the river. No amphibians but a Western Spectre (Dusk Hawker) flew by and Beautiful and Copper Demoiselles.

8 August 2010

We were up early to head to the airport and home leaving at 1050.

Summary

Corse (Corsica) is a very beautiful island, there is plenty of wildlife to be seen much of which is only found here or Sardinia at least. I did look for fifteen minutes with the children under stones etc for Corsican Fire Salamander and Brook Newt in Corti and with more time reckon I would have found them.  Mouffllon occur in a few places high in the mountains, c 600 apparently. I could easily locate the speciality birds if doing an Anser trip, a 3-4 night trip would be enough to see the birds well and take in a fair bit of the island.  A visit earlier in the year would make it easier to find the introduced California Quail but may not be so good for insects. Good weather and being in the right place in the morning would deliver Bearded Vulture I was looking a bit too late in the day and not giving it enough attention to locate them.

Other stuff      

With more time I would have liked to have visited some of the WW2 aircraft wrecks that can be found around the clear Corsican waters, the Heinkel 111 in Bastia harbour, the P47 Thunderbolt also N of Bastia are perhaps too deep for snorkelling and good views, diving to them is probably the only way to get good views, trips do go out from the harbours. The B-17 bomber in Calvi is more accessible to view but I did not have the time to try to see them as a family holiday was the priority. Check out the links.

http://www.aero-relic.org/English/B-17_42-31044_Chaplick/e-00-b17chaplick.htm

http://wreckshot.com/search.php?search=corsica&match_type=all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8jiWvBEkiY

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina-seen on lagoons near Pinarellu
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa-a covey flushed near Aleria
Quail Coturnix coturnix-calling near the Aleria mound
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis-seen on lagoon near Pinarellu
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis-seen at Etang D’Urbino
European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos-over ridge W of Vivario
Red Kite Milvus milvus-common
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo arrigonii-common
Honey Buzzard Pernis aviporus-three seen in different parts of the island
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus wolterstorffi-three seen inc a juv at Plage du Pinarellu
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Coot Fulica atra
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Common Tern Sterna Hirundo
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus- c15 seen in different areas
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur-a few seen on wires around Aleria/Ghissonacia
Scop’s Owl Otus scops-one calling Corte
Common Swift Apus apus-common
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus brehmorum- seen well at Corte
Alpine Swift Apus melba-seen at Vivario, Haut Asco and Restonica valley
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster-seen around Aleria/Ghissonacia
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major parroti-common in the upland areas
Woodlark Lullula arborea-seen around Vivario
Sand Martin Riparia riparia-seen among hirundines in the North
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris-seen in many upland places
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
House Martin Delichon urbicum
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris-three near Aleria/Plage de Padulone
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea-common along rivers/streams
Spotted Flycatcher Musciapa striata tyrrhenica- common everywhere, feeding fledged young and carrying nest material.
Stonechat Saxicola torquatus-a family near Vivario
Blackbird, Turdus merula
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla paulucii-common and many still singing
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala-saw and heard a few
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans moltonii-two juvs near Vivario
Marmora’s Warbler Sylvia sarda-c30 seen near Vivario
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes koenigi-saw/heard c5 in upland areas.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus irbii-a party of c25 seen near Vivario
Coal Tit Parus ater sardus-many fledged young and adults in upland areas
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus cogliastrae- many fledged young and adults in upland areas
Great Tit Parus major corsus- many fledged young and adults in upland areas
Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi-seen well near Col de Sorba and Restonica Valley
Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla corsa-seen and heard in a few upland forests’
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio- a male at Asco and a pair near Vivario.
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator badius-two seen between Ghissonacia and Plage de Tignalle
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius corsicanus-very common
Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus-three Haut Asco and four Restonica, poss 80 here also.
Hooded Crow Corvus cornix sardonicus-common
Common Raven Corvus corax
Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor
‘Italian‘ House Sparrow Passer domesticus italiae-common
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs tyrrhenica-c20 seen in upland areas with a few at A Capulatta
European Serin, Serinus serinus-
Corsican Citril Finch Serinus corsicanus-seen near Vivario, Col de Sorba, Restonica and Asco.
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis tchusii-common
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris madarszi-three seen near Col de Sorba
Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Corsicana-one near Col de Sorba and one Restonica
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus nigrostriata

Herps

Italian pool frog Pelophylax bergeri–seen at A Capulatta and Filitosa.
Hermann’s tortoise Testudo hermanni-crushed specimen near Aleria
Turkish gecko Hemidactylus turcicus-seen in Corte
Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula-common
Tyrrhenian wall lizard Podarcis tiliguerta– common
Corsican painted frog Discoglossus montalentii –one Restonica

Thanks to the following website

http://www.herpfrance.com/

Red-backed Shrike, male

 Juvenile Dartford Warbler

Grayling (butterfly) the Master of disguise and a Beautiful Demoiselle

  

  

Southern Damselfly (next three images, male the first two and a female)
Crockford stream New Forest.
When the sun came out so did the insects and Dartford Warblers.

We left Whitminster at 0700 stopping off at a service area as we entered the New Forest, our first walk was around the Beaulieu road station heath where we had calling Green Woopecker, Siskins, Kestrel, Coal Tits, plenty of Stonechat with young, a couple of Azure Damselflies and a Grayling. The cloud had built and light drizzle saw us head back to the car. A short drive away passing the Beaulieu river with Oystercatchers and young and we arrived at the Crockford Clump, it started to rain properly so we sheltered and waited, even so we saw a Cuckoo, Meadow Pipits, Great Spotted Woodpecker and more Stonechats. When it cleared we followed the stream onto the heath, very soon I could hear juvenile Dartford Warblers calling and after a bit of group fieldcraft we all got good views. The warmth had brought lots of insects out and we had plenty of Keeled Skimmer, Common Darter, c10 Southern Damselfly, c 10 Beautiful Demoiselle, a Golden ringed Dragonfly and Black Darters (newly emerged-teneral). We also saw a Holly Blue near the stream and many Silver studded Blues on the heath.

Silver studded Blue
Initially causing much discussion within the group, the broad black fringe on the wings show that it is this species and not Common Blue, a smart butterfly that all of us enjoyed.

Moving on to Hatchet Pond we took another stroll on the heath but located nothing new bird wise, insects were still showing well a quick look at the mouth of the stream and a Common Blue, a Blue-tailed and two Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies were noted.

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly

We took in a stop at Lyndenhurst, Jayne and Rich had seen a chippy and loos the previous weekend and I got to sample my first ever mushy peas and chips combo! Thanks Bob. It turned into a lunch stop and when we finished we headed for Acres Down and the great view across the forest. Out on the ridge we saw Stonechat, a Crossbill flew over, a young Goshawk sat on top of a pine for a while whilst a Buzzard soared. Roberta saw what she though was a flash of red and called it as a Redstart, soon we were all watching c5 Redstarts dashing about with other passerines in the trees. Another short drive through some lovely oak wood and we explored Bolderwood, well after many of the group had got an ice cream. It is a popular stop so we had a lot of noise around which did not help with calls. A party of 8 Crossbill were in the tops of the pines, a Goldcrest was heard and a few tits. Heading N from here we crossed the heath and I saw a Woodlark with a caterpillar in its bill on the side of the road, sadly it flew down into a valley and was not seen again. We had a good look around another likely spot for them but found only Bullfinch, Tree Pipit, Lapwing and a juvenile Willow Warbler. It was time to head home as we had stayed out later than planned, it was a very pleasant day of wildlife watching.

Martin J McGill

Northumberland and Upper Teesdale 15-19 June 2010

A selection of images on the link below..

http://www.anserbirding.com/photos/svmanager/g29/

15 June
We all met up on time at Whitminster at 0700 to allow a decent chance of getting some birding in as we travelled so after checking if all were up for a bit of en-route rarity searching we left Gloucestershire at 0700 and made for our first birding stop with a comfort rest before this. The first species we were looking for was a Great Reed Warbler that had taken up a territory on a small pond at Straw’s Bridge in Derbyshire.  The bird gave good views as it sang and hopped around in a small patch of phragmites reed. This species is more of a Starling sized bird, showing a large red gape (inside of the beak) when cranking out its varied and loud song, it really performed well for all of us. The site was also good for other warblers and we heard or saw Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Reed, Sedge, Willow and Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. A pair of Bullfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Hobby was also noted.

Great Reed Warbler

After enjoying this lot we set off again this time for Saltholme RSPB and Port Clarence flood in Co. Durham. This site is near to Middlesbrough and set among the industry and factories of Teesside. The reserve was excellent, lots of birds to enjoy with the Common Tern and Sand Martin colonies being very busy. A few wader species were present as well as wildfowl. We took awhile to orientate ourselves as to where our target bird was feeding and eventually got to the correct place to look for it on a flooded field. A party of Ringed Plover and a single Dunlin were feeding along the edge of the wetland, Len picked up the Broad-billed Sandpiper first feeding near the other small waders. Seeing that we all had many scans with our scopes it made me think it must have been roosting in a cows footprint or skulking for the first thirty minutes that we looked for it as it was not initially on view. It was a very handsome bird, the split supercilium (double lines on the face and head above the eye) being seen well in the scopes and the rather unique structure of this small wader appreciated. 

Broad-billed Sand

We still had some way to go until reaching our accommodation near Holy Island (Lindisfarne) but did try for a reported Red-backed Shrike en-route, it was not seen but 2 Grey Partridge were along with a variety of common passerines. We carried on north and checked in to our rooms and met for dinner to recount the birds we had enjoyed during the day. The weather had been great all day.

16 June
Most of us had an early start to look out across Fenham flats hopefully to see some waders but also to take in whatever else was about. A glorious start to the day, very calm and warm but the tide was very high and good weather had probably allowed any lingering migrants to move on so only the breeding and resident birds were seen. The highlight was probably the hundred or so Grey Seals bellowing in the shallows between us and Lindisfarne. After breakfast we headed for Seahouses to enquire about tickets to the Farne Islands but could not all get on the boat, I changed the schedule to go the next day and just did what was I had planned for day three a day earlier. This itinerary involved going to Beadnell Bay to have a look at the Arctic and Little Tern colony. We were not disappointed as a few Sandwich Terns were also present and Ringed Plover were also nesting. The Little Terns numbered around 20 pairs but the Arctic Terns 900 pairs. A few Reed Buntings were singing in the dunes as we walked to the wardens hut and many Drinker moth caterpillars were seen.  An hour was spent enjoying the birds here.

We walked back along the long wide white sand beach and stopped a few times to look out into the bay where Gannets fed in the distance. As I had planned to visit a variety of wetland sites we had time allocated for each place with our first being Hauxley NR. Most of what we saw was what you expect for the time of year but a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags and the Tree Sparrows were the pick of the birds. From here we went to East Chevington which is always productive thanks to the comings and goings of the terns. At least 8 first summer Little Gulls were seen and it was fun comparing Arctic and Common Terns alongside. A couple of days after we returned home a Bridled Tern was photographed here bathing and drinking on the rocks! We searched for the local Marsh Harriers but had no luck over the vast reedbeds however the sheep management by reserve staff was appreciated by a few members of the group.

We then tried Cresswell Pond which was unusually very quiet and then Druridge Pools which had birds but was difficult viewing as the vegetation had grown in front of the hides. A Meadow Pipit displayed above us on the track. Our time was up as I had booked the boat to take us out to Coquet Island to view the Roseate Terns among other things. It sure was a lovely summer evening for enjoying these pink flushed terns, we had taken turns to go out in the boat to stop by the quay then moor up to watch them at the entrance to their nest boxes, on the terraces or flying around the colony. Pairs of the Roseate Terns were seen with chicks, sky pointing and other courtship displays. The island is also home to large numbers of seabirds which were all much in evidence. I stayed with part of the group whilst Neil went out first, we searched the hill near where to Red-backed Shrike was last seen but did not locate it. My group went out second and on our return found they had not looked for the shrike but had been in the pub! Another good day but time for a rest and a meal so we headed back for the evening.

Roseate Terns

17 June
This time we headed straight for Seahouses and prepared to board the boat for the Farne Islands. We visited Staple Island first with ample time ashore to enjoy the seabirds before then moving to Inner Farne, we had to wait awhile for the tide to come in to allow us to get off the boat and shore. This was a very special bird filled day in marvellous weather , I will leave the images to tell the story as it was such a good day for photgraphy. On the way home and after a tea we stopped at Budle Bay for half an hour before heading back for a meal.

Kittiwake and chick

Bridled Guillemot

Sandwich Tern

18 June
The forecast was for a sunny dry day but with a cooler wind coming in off the sea,  we headed North into Scotland to look at a few sites, the first stop was at Tantallon Castle where a couple of Grey Partridge were seen briefly in a roadside crop and were calling, nearby I spotted an Osprey circling over the field. We all climbed out at a safe layby and scoped the bird before it climbed high and moved off. We tried to gain a view of Bass Rock and the Gannetry but would have to pay to enter the castle grounds so a short drive up the road gave us a good view of this marvellous sight. The Gannets were flying from the rock to the cliffs where we were watching from to collect seaweed for their nests, they struggled we beakfuls of the weed, a Whitethroat sang on the clifftop bushes.  We then drove through Berwick upon Tweed and stopped at a Tesco for food/comfort, back in the bus and on to Aberlady Bay where we continued on as the tide was well out and then stopped for a scan of the sea at a better vantage point. There were auks, Gannets and a few common waders,the Bar-tailed Godwits in the distant heat haze was the only exception and a party of 5 Common Scoter flew in and around before heading off again.

We loaded up and set off for St Abb’s head for a hike up and over the headland to where the auks were breeding and took a route down a steep set of steps below the headland where we stopped for a short seawatch and eventually back around the hill to the car park.  We had a cool breeze but it was sunny so pleasant enough to find a Northern Brown Argus butterfly. This was a real leg stretcher and when we got back to the visitor centre everyone was certainly ready for a drink and sit down at the cafe.  After this break it was time to get to Lindisfarne for the afternoon, a long walk around the East side of the Island was taken by all but Len and Jean who spent their time photographing the village and castle. We did see a party of Red-breasted Merganser splashing about offshore but the walk provided only common breeding birds plus the orchids. When we got back to the bus we thought it best to get off before the tide cut us off. We finished up at 5.00pm as we were so close to our hotel and rested before dinner.

19 June
Sadly we had to return South again but I think we had seen pretty much everything on offer in this part of Britain and we still had to yet visit Upper Teesdale. Apart from a stop to check on a Buzzard, it was only a Buzzard we made straight for the target area, we saw plenty of breeding waders and their chicks plus a family of Pheasants. A Common Sandpiper was busy on the river as we crossed the bridge and eventually Jean called out that the grouse you see on the whisky bottles were alongside the bus. A male and female Red Grouse with a chick were indeed close to the road. Delighted with this we then headed for the Langdon Beck hotel for coffee and a comfort stop where pair of Spotted Flycatcher were feeding on the sheltered side of the pines. On leaving I heard a few Siskin calling and another check of the stream gave us no Dippers. We parked up for a walk to Widdybank Fell which by now has become breezy and a little overcast. A juvenile Ring Ouzel was on the track and feeding along the verges which proved popular and another Common Sandpiper was seen. At the farm we sheltered next to a trailor and watched Wheatears, Red Grouse and Golden Plover on the hillside, Neil had spotted two male Black Grouse feeding on the buttercups which was great. The population had been affected by the cold winter so it was pleasing to catch up with them today. Nearby Beryl has discovered another pair of Ring Ouzel feeding the young on a wall and foraging in the paddock. All this and breeding Snipe, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Lapwing as well as the other species mentioned.

Juv. Ring Ouzel

Black Grouse

It was time to go home and end the trip but we did well and had great weather and birding.

Martin J McGill

Click the link for a selection of images from this trip and the 2009 outing.

http://www.anserbirding.com/photos/svmanager/g28/

Little Shearwater off Madeira 1 July 2010

 

Bryde’s Whale
This beast was feeding close inshore off Funchal on 1 July.

Bulwer’s Petrel

Bulwer’s Petrels

Loggerhead Turtle
One of four seen on the 1 July 2010 from the Ventura do Mar

Pilot Whale

Madeiran Petrel at sea 1 July and Manx Shearwater 28 June.

 

Canary, Deserta Grande

Grey Wagtail Santa Cruz

Madeira Endemics and Pelagics 28 June to 3 July 2010

Summary; This tour was almost of repeat of the very successful 2009 visit but with an added six hour pelagic. A group of eight including me travelled to the island with seven of us taking part in all events and tours with one opting to do ‘her own thing’ partly because of having already done it in 2009 and partly wanting to explore Funchal and enjoy the sun. We all did the evening pelagic from Funchal on the 28 June going straight from the airport to the quay to steam out and off the island to find where the wind was and follow it offshore. We returned to port at dusk, ate in a harbour side restaurant before checking into our accommodation.

29 June
Our first full day, it was time for us to sail for the Desertas Islands, we left at 1000 and headed out and across the sound. The wind was blowing through and provided some good seabird watching. Once in the waters off Deserta Grande we tried a chumming session eventually heading into the little harbour and landing ashore. A guided walk around led by Rita was followed by a swim (for some), a rest or digiscoping, basically whatever took anyone’s fancy.

A barbecue was organised by the crew (Jorge, Rita and Jose) and we all settled down for a sunset dinner, the meat and fish were very popular. As it turned dark we watched the seabirds arrive and took another walk around the island, after this the crew returned to the boat and after 30 minutes or so I led another walk around the trail and to the beach taking in all the wonderful calls plus views of petrels and shearwaters on the path. Our crew had set up a tent with ‘bedrooms’ which most opted for but the crew slept on the boat and three of us including me slept outside under a wooden picnic shelter.

The shearwaters became quieter from about 0200 and a few began calling again around 0400. We got up early to transfer back to the boat for breakfast and to sail again back to Funchal arriving at lunchtime. The afternoon was spent differently for all, some taking the cable car to the botanical gardens, some taking a taxi there after a rest, others walking along the seafront. We had an evening meal at a nearby restaurant but had to depart and head to meet our guide Joao at our accommodation. Seven of us set off for the drive up the mountain for a sunset above the clouds and then a walk along the ridge to get into position and await the Zino’s Petrels arrival. Our guide shared his knowledge of these rare birds and tea and biscuits when the birds began to arrive. After enjoying them and the tea and biscuits we returned home at got back to our rooms tired for 0100.

1 July
Up for breakfast at 0745 and down to the boat for another pelagic, this time c6 miles offshore and all took part. We were out from 0830-1430 and it was very calm sunny and filled with wildlife. We tried some chumming and attracted Bulwer’s Petrels and Cory’s but no Storm Petrels it was quite calm out there today. Back on shore I said my goodbyes as did Bettie because were returning home leaving Duncan, Becca, Keith, Richard, Dave and Steve to have another afternoon in and around Funchal. I walked from the airport to Santa Cruz c2 miles to explore some more and got a taxi back before leaving for home.

Richard Tyler has kindly written up the last two days as follows……

2 July 2010

We were picked up by Joao our guide at 08.15 for a day’s exploration of the western section of the island. We drove NW from Funchal to Lombo do Morro. A pair of Trocaz Pigeons were seen in flight as was a Madeiran Buzzard. At a roadside stop with some spectacular views Joao pointed out several species of endemic flowers including one particular orchid. Further along this route we saw some impressive spreads of a large blue echium species known as The Pride of Madeira. A little further west we stopped in an area of pine forest (introduced). There was some good bird activity. We had some close views of a pair of Madeiran Firecrests. Some of the party (myself not included) had good enough ears to hear others calling and singing. Siskins were very apparent and a couple of Chaffinches (madeiran race ) were in full song. In a clearing amongst the trees we saw several species of butterfly including Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, several Graylings and an Indian Red Admiral recognised without hesitation by Keith.

Travelling a little further west we found ourselves on a high plateau with natural vegetation (heather, bilberry and a type of broom). Here we looked for Spectacled Warbler a couple of the party having only brief views. Blackcaps were here as they are in every type of habitat on Madeira. A pair of Berthelot’s Pipits put in an appearance as did a group of Linnets. Moving North and West to Fanal found us in area of Laurel forest with the understorey grazed by cattle.

The views from this area can be quite spectacular but we were hindered by low cloud. The ancient Laurels were impressive some of them covered in lichens and epiphytes. Madeiran Firecrests were seen and heard and we gave close examination to a pair of madeirensis Chaffinches. It was interesting to note that the male in this subspecies seemed to be intermediate between those found in NW Africa (africana) which have an all green back and those in the Canaries (tintillon) which have an all blue back. The madeirensis had an area of green over the upper part of its mantle the rest being blue.

Next we travelled North to the coast at Porto Moniz. Just before our stop here Duncan picked out a Barn Swallow amongst several Plain Swifts. On the coast there were a good number of Common Terns with young. We stopped a little further East for lunch and then travelled inland to a beautiful steep wooded valley (Laurels) near Seixal. Eventually we all got good views of Trocaz Pigeon. We saw at least six birds all in flight apart from one which perched for an extended period giving good scope views. Madeiran Firecrest and Grey Wagtail were also present in this valley as were Monarch butterflies.

From Seixal we travelled back along the cost further East to Sao Vicente. A good number of Common Terns with youngsters were present on the shore. Steve picked out one individual which looked very pale although the light was intense. It did have long tail streamers and a large amount of red to the bill base. We debated as to whether it was a Roseate or not. It then did the honourable thing and flew around with the Common Terns and called which clinched the identification. Once we all got our eye in we could see it had faster wing beats than the Commons. The terns would circle around over the sea and then come and land on the shore again.  It soon became apparent that the one Roseate was a pair, a presumed female begging for a fish from a male who decided to eat the catch himself. The pair then turned out to be four birds when Duncan and Dave realised that they were looking at two different pairs.  A good way to end our day’s birding before travelling back to Funchal.

3 July 2010
Various members of the group did different things on our last morning. Shopping, sightseeing and walking. There were no additions to our birdlist although a second Sparrowhawk of the trip was noted as were several Kestrels and a few more Goldfinches between sightings of the ubiquitous Canary.

 We were picked up from our accommodation by Catarina (Ventura) and taken to Caso do Sardinha the Eastern point of the island looking out to Ponta de Sao Lorenco. Here we made two quick stops. This was quite a dry barren area. From one point we could see both the North and South side of the island. A quick search for Rock Sparrow was unsuccessful. Two Berthelot’s Pipits were seen both with bling.  A kite put in an appearance briefly joined by a buzzard. The kite provided for good discussion and in conclusion we were all happy that it was Black and not Red. Although the bird was well marked on its upper wings and at times the tail looked quite rufous the fork in the tail was always small compared to a Red (at times almost square). It did have a light window in its primaries but it was not “white” as in a Red so compared to a Red there was less contrast to the under wing. With hindsight the bird did not have that long winged elastic flight of a Red Kite. I can’t understand now why some of us (including myself) did not see it as a Black Kite straight away! A final stop at Machico before heading for the airport did not produce any Rock Sparrows or Waxbills but we did see more Common Terns, Grey Wagtails and six Turnstones.      

Species list with comment

Cory’s Shearwater; seen in large numbers perhaps 400 on 28^th where rafting and general gathering prior to heading onto the island for the night. Thousands noted en-route to, actually on the Deserta Grande and return route to Funchal. On the island we located a few on the ground, some calling from rocks others on the path. I had one ‘shear’ my head with its wingtip. We found one obliging bird in a sheltered spot where the bin was kept! These birds were vocalising in large numbers after the sun went down, hundreds flying low over us and past us calling as they went. The crossing to the islands provided different conditions for viewing them, the stronger wind allowed them to climb very high above the waves, the calm conditions seeing them flap and glide low and their appearance was of a more marked dark and white bird when there was cloud cover. This species was also seen on the 1 July pelagic with c 200 noted.

Little Shearwater; after thinking we could not improve on a Maderian Petrel at sea I noticed a bird behaving in a untypical fashion in my experience, it was disappearing underwater, plunging, in a flying action before reappearing again, when on the surface I could see it was a Little Shearwater and not a Flying Fish. I shouted to Luis to slow the boat down and bring her around which he did and we all got spectacular views as it peck fed around flotsam and jetsam, plunge dived and mad short flights between feeding bouts. Again it was another quality birding experience. Luis Dias managed to get some decent shots and I got a few which were useful for reference.

Manx Shearwater; during our evening pelagic on 28^th June at least three were seen loitering offshore, perhaps waiting to go into their forest nest burrows high up in valley above Funchal. The breeding season is at its end or close to it hence the few sighted.

Bulwer’s Petrel; on the evening pelagic we logged 250-280 on them passing us all heading purposefully toward the Desertas, lots of close views. The crossing to the Desertas gave us 50-60 in total. On the daytime walk we had a look at one nesting in a wall but it was at dusk and at night that we experienced something very different. They began flying around our picnic area as it got dark, we saw them on the ground whilst following the trail on Deserta Grande and watched them dropped directly if somewhat clumsily into their crevice nest sites just a foot or two in front of us.  A few caused us to stop in our tracks and let them waddle off the path, one or two fluttered onto us. I slept outside where they were flying around my sleeping bag bumping into the shelter roof looking for holes and scurrying about on the table. I did not mind being disturbed in this way. The return boat crossing on the 30^th June saw us log over 200, the day pelagic on 1 July c230-250 were seen. There were lots of great views of this smashing little bird including some large rafts of up to 24.

Deserta Petrel (Fea’s) On the 29^th June we saw between 7-9 individuals in flight from the boat, at least two were very close giving excellent views. Most sightings were in the sound or near to Bugio during the afternoon, I watched two look at our chum slick, passing over a few times and then heading off again. On the 30 June we logged one or a Zino’s on the return crossing which was not far from Madeira island. On the day pelagic of 1 July we logged another Deserta/Zino’s as it flew by again close to Madeira Island and Funchal.

Zino’s Petrel; we were guided to the Pico de Areerio site with Joao and got in position to wait for them. A starry sky and pretty calm conditions allowed us to hear the calls of this bird clearly as they became bolder with time. We could hear their wings as they swooped lower and lower until a pair? fluttered low over our heads on the edge of the cliff, this time the silhouette of the birds could be seen clearly.

Madeiran Petrel; on the evening of the 29^th we waited in the dark listening to them calling at the base of the cliff on the Deserta Grande. They seem to be flying higher and following the top of the landslide slope where they are thought to nest. A few silhouettes were probably of this species but we did not use torches to follow them to avoid gulls predating them. Once the Cory’s and Bulwers had quietened down the Madeiran Petrels could be heard easily giving the ‘fingers squiggled rapidly on a window pane’ double note. The day pelagic on 1 July saw us all delighted to see on cross the bow fairly close and in full view as it was so calm, it joined a Bulwer’s Petrel for comparison, great stuff.

Little Egret; one seen in Funchal Harbour on 28^th.

Black Kite; an unexpected bird was found by the team that remained on the island on 3^rd. This is a rarity for the island and appears to be the 3rd for the island.

Buzzard; seen near Funchal and on the full day tour.

Kestrel; seen commonly around the towns and countryside.

Turnstone; one in Funchal harbour on 30^th.

Common Tern; dozens seen around Funchal harbour and a few pairs on Deserta Grande.

Roseate Tern; four found among a tern flock at Machico on 2nd.

Yellow-legged Gull; common around Madeira Island and dozens noted on Deserta Grande.

Trocaz Pigeon; seen by all on the day out around the island on 2^nd.

Barn Owl; one was perched on roadside wires as we descended from the Pico back to the villages above Funchal at 0015 on 30 June.

Plain Swift; seen commonly over the towns and Funchal, Keith spotted on coming in off the sea on the 28 June evening pelagic.

Berthelot’s Pipit; a few pairs were seen on Deserta Grande, some coming to drink at a pool.

Grey Wagtail; seen around the town and on most freshwater streams.

Spectacled Warbler; seen on the full day tour on 2^nd.

Madeiran Firecrest; seen on the full day tour on 2^nd.

Canary; seen commonly around Madeira Island especially in the gardens and also noted on Deserta Grande in small parties.

Also Blackbird, Blackcap, Siskin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and a parakeet sp. The resident birds were mostly island races.

Other species

Bryde’s Whale; two were seen very close inshore near to Funchal Harbour as we returned to port on 1 July. One allowed some close views showing for about six minutes at a time on and off on the surface and then making a deep dive for about ten minutes, a brilliant end to the boat trip.

Pilot Whale; a pod of c 30 were seen at close range basking on the surface during our crossing on 29^th June.

Striped Dolphin; two were seen leaping some way out of the water at distance on 1 July day pelagic.

Bottle-nosed Dolphin; a pod were seen close to Funchal on 29 June as we left for the Desertas a few others were noted whilst crossing and on 1 July day pelagic.

Common Dolphin; a large pod was feeding near to Funchal on 29 June we got close views of them which included a calf. It was unusual to record them at this time of year as they are normally further north.

Loggerhead Turtle; four recorded on the 1 July pelagic, one was spotted by Rita very close to the boat but dived, Keith spotted another which again dived but two together which were picked up by Richard stayed on the surface for us to watch at leisure, yet another brilliant wildlife experience.

Madeiran Wall Lizard; very common everywhere.

This was a very good trip, thanks to all who attended for your company I enjoyed birding with you, congratulations on the ‘find’.

Martin J McGill

 All images M.J.McGill unless stated.

Grasshopper Warbler reeling at St Justinian’s

Black-headed and Mediterranean Gull (2nd summer), Fishguard

Juvenile Chough

Puffin parent and ‘Pufflet’ getting ready for the ‘0ff’ and daring to practise flight

Dark Green Fritillary
Martin’s Haven 3 July 2010. Numerous at two sites we visited.

The Strumble Head seawatch shelter

Black Guillemot

Pembrokeshire and Skomer Island 2-4 July 2010

Summary

We set off for the south west of tip of Wales at 0700, a stop at a service area was taken en-route afterwhich we headed for St David’s for an hour to explore the ‘city’ and get provisions for lunch. Our first stop was at St Justinian’s for a walk along the cliff top to view the sound across to Ramsey Island. We noted a number of common passerines, Raven and many distant Gannets. After half an hour of birding we set off up the road to stop at a place where Neil had found a Whinchat and Grasshopper Warbler. The ‘Gropper’ was reeling well atop a gorse/furze bush despite being pushed off by a Common Whitethroat on many occasions. We were pleased to find c10 Dark-green Fritillaries among the many insects. A Stonechat sang from a telegraph line, yet another good half an hour, we were then off for the short drive to Dowrog Common where we spent a very pleasant couple of hours. The common was dry but the streams still flowed, a Brown Trout was viewable from the bridge and at least four Golden-ringed Dragonflies, a male Keeled Skimmer (briefly by me), Common Blue and Banded Demoiselle Damselflies. The flora was excellent. Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Meadow Pipits were all seen. A stop on the beach for a tea/ice cream en-route to Goodwick to check in to our respective accommodations was much enjoyed and back out for an evening seawatch at Strumble Head. We estimated 6,400 Manx Shearwater past in 30 minutes and noted auks, Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Gannets and Shag. We returned for an evening meal and to retire for the evening.

Breakfast was taken at 0745 and whilst loading up and waiting we had Goldcrest, Coal Tit and a pair of Spotted Flycatcher feeding young outside the Fishguard Bay Hotel, a Crossbill flew over. The early start was to get ready for a direct drive to Martin’s Haven and to purchase tickets for Skomer Island. After doing just this we explored the Deer Park above the cove where c20 Dark-green Fritillaries were seen. On the headland a pair of Raven, a family of 5 Chough and a few Wheatears were all very welcome. We eventually dropped back down to the boat departure point to wait, more views of Chough and then board the boat, we arrived at 1200 and after a talk by the Warden Chris began our way to picnic in the shelter and then explore the whole island. Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmar in large numbers in the haven, after lunch we were watching a young Short-eared Owl near the farm and at the Wick great intimate views of Puffins with chicks, fish in their bills, flying and walking among us. The sheer cliffs were home to rows of seabirds. A long walk around the island was rewarded with a family of Raven and Chough all playing the updrafts. A Peregrine was seen by Jill and Trevor. A full day of great birds but it had to end so we returned directly to our accommodation at the end of the day having enjoyed a very warm sunny summers day.

On the Sunday morning the weather had changed, very windy and overcast with showers but we had good cover in the form of the Strumble sea-watch shelter. After a session looking at the shearwaters in particular we headed for another site to look for Black Guillemot which we found. After this great bird we headed for WWT’s National Wetland Centre of Wales where we had lunch and spent the whole afternoon birding, highlights were watching the juvenile Black-headed Gulls from and in the colony, c30 Mediterranean Gulls mostly adults, c70 Black-tailed Godwit, a pair of Bullfinch on the feeders along with Jay. This was our last port of call before reaching Whitminster at 17.30 and concluding the trip. Thanks to all who attended for your company and enthusiasm.

Martin J McGill
6 July 2010

A species list of the birds we saw was kindly compiled by Trevor Blythe.                                      

1. Blackbird.

2. Blackcap.

3. Bullfinch.

4. Bunting, Reed.[Martin heard]

5. Buzzard.

6. Carrion Crow.

7. Chaffinch.

8. Chiffchaff.

9. Chough.

10. Cormorant.

11. Coot.

12. Crossbill, Common [Martin heard].
 

13. Curlew.

14.  Dove, Collared.

15.  Duck, Tufted.

16.  Dunnock.

17.  Egret, Little.

18.  Flycatcher, Spotted.

19.  Fulmar, Northern.

20.  Gadwall.

21.  Gannet

22.  Goldcrest [Heard].

23.  Goose, Canada.

24.  Goose, Grey Lag.

25.  Grebe, Little.

26.  Greenfinch.

27.  Godwit, Black Tailed.

28.  Gull, Black Headed

29.  Gull, Herring.

30.  Gull, Great Black-Backed.

31.  Gull, Lesser Black-Backed.

32.  Gull, Mediterranean.

33.  Guillemot, Black.

34.  Guillemot, Common.

35.  Heron, Grey.

36.  Jackdaw.

37.  Jay.

38.  Kestrel, Common.

39.  Kite, Red.

40.  Kittiwake.

41.  Lapwing.

42.  Linnet.

43.  Magpie.

44.  Mallard.

45.  Martin, House.

46.  Moorhen.

47.  Owl, Short Eared.

48.  Oystercatcher.

49.  Peregrine Falcon.

50.  Pheasant

51.  Pipit, Meadow.

52.  Pipit, Rock.

53.  Pochard, Common.

54.  Puffin.

55.  Razorbill.

56.  Raven.

57.  Shag.

58.  Shearwater, Manx.

59.  Shelduck.

60.  Skylark.

61.  Sparrow, House.

62.  Starling.

63.  Stonechat.

64.  Swallow, Barn.

65.  Swan, Mute.

66.  Wagtail, Pied.

67.  Warbler, Grasshopper.

68.  Warbler, Sedge.

69.  Wheatear.

70.  Whinchat [Neil only].

71.  Whitethroat, Common.

72.  Woodpigeon.

73.  Wren.

Mammals

Harbour Porpoise- c30 seen between Martin’s Haven and Skomer, very close to the boat.
Grey Seal-seen around Skomer.

Butterflies

Large Skipper

Small Tortoiseshell

Dark Green Fritillary

Ringlet

Small Skipper

Meadow Brown

Small Heath

Red Admiral

Painted Lady

Moths

Cinnabar

Silver Y

6-spot burnet

Emperor moth larva

Plants of note

Southern marsh orchid

Common spotted orchid

Heath spotted orchid

Marsh cinquefoil

Bog pimpernel

Bog asphodel

Marsh woundwort

Wild madder

More images coming soon….

Southern Morocco 16-23 March 2010
Birding the Deserts, Atlas mountains and coast.

Top Bird! Desert Sparrow, Touareg Nomad Camp, S of Erg Chebbi MJM

High fives after seeing the enigmatic Desert Sparrow, can you see it?…..

African Crimson winged Finch, Oukaimeden, MJM

‘Atlas’ Shore Lark, Oukaimeden MJM

Cream coloured Courser, Yasmina, MJM

Thick-billed Lark, Tagdilt, MJM

I travelled with four other ‘hand picked’ birding friends which consisted of.. Jer ‘Jubs’ Squire (JJS), Paul ‘Walks or Walkdy’ Walkden (PW), Bob Radford (RR), Neil ‘Smarty’ Smart (NRS) and myself (MJM). We flew from Bristol to Marrakech and stayed in the country for 8 days and 7 nights. On the first night we stayed at Chez Juju at Oukaimeden (cold showers, good food and they kindly placed heaters in our rooms, it froze outside at night and we felt the altitude, I had a migraine attack possibly from the height we were at but more likely from the stresses of the week leading up to the trip, incidentally the week ended on the same note probably through lack of sleep) on 16^th for the High Atlas above 3000m and Ourika Valley birds, Hotel la Valee in Toubante (good food, swimming pool that we did not use, dining in an authentic giant nomad tent set up inside a room, hot showers) near Ouarzazate on 17^th  for the Tagdilt Track and Boumalne de Dades/Tinehir/Tinejdad/Erfoud/Rissani to the Auberge Derkaoua (luxury food and hot showers when the generator is on, swimming pool and very relaxing place all round, great birding in the gardens c £60.00 per night) which is N of Merzouga on 18^th and 19^th,as a base for all desert and dune birding around Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi and Rissani. We hired a Toureg guide and 4wd from 0500 to 1200pm on 20^th who took us on a night drive, around the Erg Chebbi to c15km of Algeria, a nomad camp for tea. A great day out but one of our main targets was not located. We returned West via the same route but took in a detour to the Scrub Warbler site N of Goulmima and ended up at the birders favourite Hotel Soleil Bleu, Boumalne de Dades on day five for more Tagdilt track action. We had a lie-in to 0730 and birded the area all morning to early afternoon, the loss of a room key caused some disruption but the manager of the Hotel was a decent fellow and sorted it out eventually, was very helpful. A long drive saw us give up and stay at Tazanakht on 21^st because it was on the way and we were tired, to our great surprise it was a dry town for alcohol and we were as usual in the mood for a couple of bottles of beer to slake our thirst each evening. It did us no harm to miss out and the Hotel Taghdoute gave us a very good meal and breakfast, one of the best and all for c£14.00 each, JJS and I were kept awake for much of the night by the street noise/cars etc (cold shower in the evening). On the 22^nd we stayed at the Hotel Hagounia (warm excellent showers) in Insegane for Oued Sous and Tamri as we were leaving on the 23^rd. This place was not particularly great, in fact grotty but was only £6.50 a night pp. We ate at a French Restaurant c2km out of town which was quite a walk, had a great meal and a taxi back. A race back from the coast with Jensen Button like manoeuvres from me saw us reach the airport with five minutes to spare.

Car/Mileage

We hired a Peugeot Partner for c £350.00 and had to add extra insurance and drivers on top at 300 dirham per person. We began on 96000km, day two 9700km, day three on 96318, day four 96729, day five 96877 and finished on 98276km. I believe I personally drove c1750 of this total. Driving was quite an experience and in many cases not for the feint hearted but there was give from the drivers around you despite the initial madness on show.

Culture

Moroccans are very friendly and helpful people, we had a little over the top sales efforts at Oukaimeden with fossils/minerals which were spectacular but too much for the Ryanair 15kg limit. Otherwise it was low pressure sales and in few places. It is essential to take a step back and think about the big picture, most are kids and are just trying to make a few quid, at Dayet Srij (Lake Merzouga) the kids follow on bikes and quietly and gently rolled out newspaper with their wares, just have a look and be polite, I did buy a bracelet for my daughter. We had a couple of kids following us at Rissani, they just wanted to practice English but were so noisy we could not hear or locate Saharan Oli Warbler, this was annoying but with the benefit of sleep and hindsight not really a problem, more time and less birding would have seen us more relaxed. We tipped Guardiens who looked after the car at night, c 20 dirhams seemed OK. We tipped an unofficial guide who was hanging about the Oued Massa reserve entrance 40 dirhams, he was not content with this! The guy hid when an official van went by and signalled for us to be silent. In many towns we were the only N Europeans but never felt threatened, a few sad souls we encountered were clearly insane but were no bother. In the Atlas the kids wave as soon as they see who is in the car, I thought it was down to my recent BBC appearances but then remembered they probably do not watch TV. Even two year olds were playing on the side of the road. We were asked for money by kids around Agadir, they signed hunger and the need for shoes but when they realised we were not going to give them anything started laughing and joking with us, I was asked if I wanted to see ibis and for un stylo (a pen) by one Barcelona FC shirt wearing child of 8, I said I would show him some and that I did not have a pen on me so he rode off laughing barefoot down the hill at Tamri. Some women did not like to see us in shorts, we had a tyre problem which was fixed for 50 dirhams in Massa but were getting looks, at Tamri the women shouted no at us if we glanced in their direction, they were all covered head to toe and we all were very admiring of the colourful robes that brighten up the whole country. I would say it is best to keep your zip-offs on when near Moroccans out of respect. At Oued Massa, everyone said hello, bonjour and we extremely friendly, great to be amongst.

Audouin’s Gull, Agadir MJM

Sites

The high Atlas around Oukaimeden and the Ourika Valley, Tizi n Tichka pass at 2500m, Ouarzazate and the Barrage el Mansour Reservoir, Boumalne de Dades and the famous stone desert (hammada) of the Tagdilt tacks/Inoukien road, the Deserts around the Erg Chebbi, the Oasis from Rissani to West of Jorf, the scrubby desert N of Goulmima, cultivations and tamarisk stands en-route including the ‘Magic cultivation’-12km from Tazenakht on Taroundant road, the Sous Valley, Oued Massa reserve and the sandy hills and dunes along the coast around Tamri oued mouth.

Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, near Asni turnoff, Atlas MJM

Spotted Sandgrouse MJM

Bird list (in capitals were our highlights)

1. 1.      Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna; a few pairs seen at the Barrage el Mansour, Ouarzazate on 18^th.
   2. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea; c 20 at theBarrage el Mansour, Ouarzazate on 18^th, 1000+ on Dayet Sriji (Lake Merzouga) on 19^th and 20^th, we had brilliant views of such large flocks with many close to us and confiding. In addition two seen flying over the road having left a wet wadi near Tazanakht on 22^nd and they were seen at Oued Massa.
   3. Mallard Anas platyryhnchos; c20 seen at the mouth of the Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   4. Northern Pintail Anas acuta; c25 seen at Dayet Sriji (Lake Merzouga) on 19^th and 20^th.
   5. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata; seen at Barrage el Mansour, Ouarzazate with c 20 on 18^th and c30 at Dayet Srij on 19/20^th.
   6. MARBLED DUCK Marmaronetta angustirostris; Two seen in flight on the Barrage el Mansour, Ouarzazate on 18^th, at least 200 on Dayet Sriji (Lake Merzouga) on 20^th and 4,4, 3, 6, 2 and 4 flew low over us at Oued Massa as they left their feeding site and headed to a roost at dusk. I have seen this species in Spain around 5 visits in various places but the flock on 20^th was the largest I have ever seen, very impressive. The overhead flight views on 22^nd were also very memorable.
   7. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca; seen at Dayet Sriji.
   8. Garganey Anas querquedula; Three or four seen in flight and landing among the tamarisks where two male and a female were noted on Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   9. Common Pochard Aythya ferina; c35 were present on Dayet Sriji on 20^th.
   10. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula; a male among the Common Coot flock at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th and  c10 seen at Dayet Srij on 19^th.
   11. Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara; I located two on rocky outcrops near the Asni junction when coming down from the high Atlas on 17^th.
   12. Common Quail Coturnis coturnis; one heard at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th?
   13. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis; seen at Barrage de Mansour on 18^th and c350 at Dayet Sriji on 19^th and 20^th. Flocks of this tiny diving bird were seen together at the latter site with up to 65 tightly bunched in a ‘fishing fleet’, I have never seen them being as social as this before.
   14. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus; a few pairs at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th and 100+ at Dayet Sriji on 19/20^th.
   15. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo; seen at many of the wetland sites.
   16. Cattle Egret Bulbucus ibis; seen in Jorf along the main road in town breeding in the palm trees, small young to nearly fledged birds present, they were also seen in small numbers at Oued Massa.
   17. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides;  around 8 were seen at Dayet Sriji on 19^th and c6 seen at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   18. Little Egret Egretta garzetta; seen at many of the wetland sites, a few wadis that still held water, c 200 were at Dayet Sriji.
   19. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea; c30 at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th and 200 at Dayet Sriji on 19/20^th.
   20. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea; c5 seen mainly in flight at Dayet Sriji on 19^th.
   21. White Stork Ciconia ciconia; c 450 at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th, seen in the Souss valley  in large circling flocks on c50 and on the rooftop nests in a few places on our travels.
   22. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus; a flock of 13 flew over us at Oued Massa at dusk on 22^nd.
   23. NORTHERN BALD IBIS Gerontica eremita; We searched the Tamri area on the morning of 23^rd where NRS located 2 in flight N of the Oued at c 2 miles away. We relocated to where they landed and soon had more in flight and distantly feeding in the coastal hilly dunes. A party of 4 gave good views as they dropped near us down the slope to the sea, they were regularly put up by foraging women with donkeys, this was not a problem to the birds as they seemed to ‘know the score’. Back at the car PW picked up 2 walking along the road which gave even better views. After celebrating seeing one the world’s rarest birds we had a cold drink in Tamri among the bustle of the main drag with a goats head for company nearby (a butchers shop). We bought bananas, apples and oranges and left the town for our long drive to the airport when at the police checkpoint I spotted three ibis near the road. They allowed fantastic views from the car. We saw more in flight on the way out of the area.
   24. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia; three at Barrage de Mansour and 33 at the Oued Massa reserve.
   25. Greater Flamingo Pheonicopterus roseus;  three were at Barrage de Mansour on 18^th, 600-1000 at Dayet Sriji on 19/20^th.
   26. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus; JJS saw one from the car near Marrakech on 16^th, all other passengers and the driver MJM, were very much focussing on the activity on the manic road to the Atlas. The species is not regularly found in this area so is notable.
   27. Osprey Pandion haliaetus; one or two fishing at the Barrage de Mansour on 18^th.
   28. Booted Eagle Aquila pennata; pale phase birds at Tiz n Tichka pass on 17^th and Tadgilt area, Boumalne on 18^th. One or two more noted.
   29. Black Kite Milvus migrans; singles noted on our travels with a few at Barrage el Mansour and large flocks with storks in the Souss valley.
   30. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus; noted at Barrage el Mansour and Dayet Sriji with single males over the desert with Erg Chebbi dune backdrop on 20^th and over cultivations in the Souss Valley, Hotel de ??
   31. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygarus; a male was hunting the many larks of the stone desert of the Tagdilt track on 21^st.
   32. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus cirtensis; Seen along the road to ?? on telegraphs with another over the nearby hill. One in the hammada South of the Erg Chebbi, also seen well from the road out of Tazanakht, great views of one with a Fat Sand Rat on a wall.
   33. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo; one in the Souss Valley on 22^nd.
   34. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus; one seen near Jorf.
   35. Common Kestrel Falco tinnuculus;  seen daily in all habitats.
   36. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo; one seen by JJS over a wadi near Merzouga on 19^th.
   37. BARBARY FALCON Falco pelegrinoides; one low over the rocky hills on the Tagdilt track area on 21^st with subsequent sightings in this area on the same day plus one or two more noted between  Boumalne and Taznakht.
   38. LANNER FALCON Falco biarmicus; One seen very well circling the rocky hills on the Tagdilt track on 21^st with outrageously spectacular views of one hunting larks later in the day (different bird). It powerfully beat its way at the Magrheb Wheatear we were all watching, and I was photographing when it made a beeline for me! At the last minute it rose before what I thought was the coup de grace for me. The other lads all found it very funny. 
   39. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana; one seen by MJM in the pools of the Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   40. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus; one or two at Dayet Srij and Oued Massa.
   41. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra; seen all the wetland sites with 300 at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th, 1000+ at Dayet Srij on 19/20^th.
   42. RED KNOBBED COOT Fulica cristata; two were found among the Common Coot on the Barrage el Mansour on 18^th. They loosely associated with the raft of Coot.
   43. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus;  Large numbers on Dayet Srij, perhaps 50 and Oued Massa c10
   44. Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus; one was seen in flight by JJS at the Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   45. CREAM COLOURED COURSER Cursorius cursor;  the first one was seen S of Auberge Tresor, 4 seen on the 14km track to Auberge Yasmina, 2 from the car near Goulmima,  8 seen on Tagdilt tracks on the way to and 4 on the way  back from the Wheatear wall/ruin, 2 seen in flight and on the ground at the Magrheb site on 21^st, on the 22^nd we saw 4 from the car en route from Tazanakht to Taliouine. We also saw one or two more from the car between Erfoud and Boumalne but never noted where.
   46. Little-ringed Plover Charadrius dubius; it was seen at all the wetland sites and a wet splash on the road near Auberge Tresor, the wadi at Rissani and other wetlands.
   47. Kentish Plover Charadrius  alexandrinus;  RR located a few on the shore of Dayet Srij and one was at the wadi in Rissani.
   48. Dunlin Calidris alpina; two at Dayet Srij on 20^th.
   49. Little Stint Calidris minutus; two at Dayet Srij on 20^th and one in the wadi at Rissani on 21^st.
   50. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus; singles were seen at the wetland sites and one at a camel drinking pool on the Tagdilt track.
   51. Greenshank Tringa nebularia; two at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th and two at Dayet Srij on 20^th.   
   52. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago; two at Barrage el Mansour on the 18^th and three at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   53.  Ruff Philomachus pugnax; two at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   54. Black-headed Gull Chroicephalus ridibundus; 20 at Dayet Srij on 19^th.
   55. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis; seen along the coast.
   56. Audouin’s Gull Larus audouini; four on the beach at N of Agadir and 20 at Tamri.
   57. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus; seen along the coast.
   58. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis; c30 on the beach at Tamri on 23^rd.
   59. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica; seen at all the wetland sites but were notable at Tamri for being among the previous species.
   60. BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE Pterocles orientalis; JJS spotted four sandgrouse sp over a hill which eventually turned to nine as they landed on a ridge and seemed to be taking minerals between Tazanakht to Talioiune 22^nd.  
   61. SPOTTED SANDGROUSE  Pterocles senegallus; After I made a u-turn to inspect a damp patch in the roadside desert which held LRP and undoubtedly had sandgrouse potential,  JJS located a flock of 23, this site was near the Auberge Tresor on 19^th. This bird got a vote from PW for bird of the trip.
   62. CROWNED SANDGROUSE Pterocles cororatus ; we got to the well known site at the Tagdilt track/Inoukien road by 0830 and the birds arrived soon after at c 0900 giving great views. We and other birders present did however stay on the road and near the car to let the birds come in to drink undisturbed, I recommend all birding crews/groups do the same in the interests of the birds. We had 19 and 9 arrive and watched them for an hour until they satiated their thirst and left.
   63. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia; some birds with reasonable credentials were noted as well as Feral Pigeon.
   64. Common Woodpigeon Columba palumbus; seen in the Atlas and Souss Valley.
   65. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaoto; seen commonly but some very dark birds were seen in Ouarzazate and Auberge Derkaoua which did not look like regular Collared Doves.
   66. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur; two seen on the track at the back of Hotel with Argan habitat, Sous Valley in Gosney on 22^nd.
   67. Laughing Dove Stretopelia senegalensis; a pair seen at the Hotel le Vallee, Tabounte near Ouarzazate on 18^th.
   68. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus; one calling at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   69. Little Owl Athene noctua; one seen near Rissani and another on the Oued Massa reserve.
   70. EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus aegyptius; after getting up at 0400 and staying out to 2000 in the same day for them at the Auberge Tresor (Gosney site, seen by an Irish crew the day before) and Auberge Derkaoua around the pool in the evening and early morning plus in suitable wadis on a early morning 0500 search via 4×4 out around the Erg Chebbi we failed! Four members of our crew including me were delighted to have one fly across the road at night in front of us on the way back from the Scrub Warbler site S of Goulmima on 21^st.
   71. Common Swift Apus apus; this species was seen in large numbers around towns and migrating over the Tagdilt.
   72. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus; c300 studied over the sea cliffs S of Tamri.
   73. Alpine Swift Apus melba; JJS spotted one over the Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   74. LITTLE SWIFT Apus affinis; great views of this charismatic bird were had in the Sous Valley near Taroundant and other towns. The raised wing ‘butterfly floating glide’ display was seen well as pairs toured together or entered nest areas which were on ground level open shop fronts.
   75. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops; a pair in the palms outside the hotel at Hotel le Vallee, Tabounte, Ouarzazate, singles from the car en-route to Merzouga, around the Auberge Derkaoua, up to 8 migrants in one small cultivation on the Tagdilt, six burst out of a thorny bush together. Seen daily in a variety of habitats.
   76. European Bee Eater Merops apiaster; heard at a couple of sites before being seen well in flocks at Hotel with Argan habitat in the Sous Valley, at Tamri and other places on 22^nd and 23rd.
   77. BLUE-CHEEKED BEE EATER Merops persicus; at Rissani NRS located three bee-eater sp on wires at the Saharan Olivaceous Warbler site, on inspection we found c8 of these gorgeous birds and had great views. Later the same day we found a further 23 by the road W  of Jorf/Fasna and again they showed very well for us on wires and tamarisks.
   78. LEVAILLANT’S GREEN WOODPECKER Picus vaillantii; I located one on call initially and then found it on show after climbing a rock near the Asni turnoff. It showed for a prlonged period and was still calling half an hour later.
   79. Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla; I found one in tamarisks whilst we searched a nicely cultivated patch on the Tagdilt track.
   80. Crested Lark Galeridia cristata; seen commonly along roads and in suitable habitat.
   81. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla; flocks of up to 300 seen with perhaps 10-15,000 seen in the Merzouga area and South side of the High Atlas/ Tagdlit.
   82. Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti; a few seen in the Tagdilt area on 18^th and 21^st with what appeared to be two pairs on the first small exposed rocky hill where the rocky mountains start (S side of Boumalne road, west of Tagdilt to Inoukien tarmac road).
   83. BAR-TAILED LARK Ammomanes cinctura; seen singly and small flocks in the sandy areas of the Tagdilt track and in large numbers and even flocks in all areas around Merzouga/Erg Chebbi.
   84. THICK-BILLED LARK Ramphocoris clotbey; what a bird, a real hit with all of our crew and we all seemed to drop on them around the same time west of the Tagdilt track to Inoukien road on 18^th and 21st, also seen on the Taznakht to Talioine road on 22^nd.
   85. HORNED LARK Eremiphilia alpestris atlas; small flocks and singles seen all around the ski station and in the car park at Oukaimeden on 17^th.
   86. TEMMINCK’S LARK Eremiphilia bilopha; very confiding and common in the Tagdilt area and around Merzouga. Great little birds and the song heard regularly.
   87. HOOPOE LARK Alaemon alaudipes; this was a bird I used to see daily when I was resident in the UAE it was great to be among them again. It is a canny species that runs away through cover when it has had a look at you, best views were from within the car but we all scoped them display flighting from a perch, the bird transforms into a pied wonder when its wings open but returning to earth sees it close them fully reminiscent of a Stuka dive bombing raid. It is easy to call as a courser when travelling at speed and seen out of the corner of the eye in the desert.
   88. Sand Martin Riparia riparia; a few seen at Oued Massa and one over the Tagdilt track.
   89. Brown throated Sand Martin Riparia palaudicola; Poor views of one at the Oued Massa pools were not satisfactory to allow contentment when banking a lifer. Also known as Plain Martin.
   90. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica; Seen daily on passage and feeding around all habitats.
   91. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica; seen on the Marrakech to Oukaimeden road and Sous Valley/Oued Massa/Tamri areas.
   92. Common House Martin Delichon urbica; one over the Toureg Nomad camp, Erg Chebbi on 20^th and seen at the Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   93. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris; I located two in an apple orchard on the Taznackht to Taliouine road.
   94. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis; seen at the Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   95. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus; one seen by all but heard by a couple of us at the Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   96. White Wagtail Motacilla alba; seen in many places.
    97. MORROCAN WAGTAIL Motacilla alba subpersonata; too good to not be given full mention or even status. A pair at was at the Barrage de Mansour on 18^th, one in the wadi at Rissani on 21^st.
   98. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava; seen in a wide range of habitats from swimming pools to desert splashes. We noted flava (Blue-headed), Iberiae (Iberian) and flavissima (Yellow). The latter sounds different to the Iberians.
   99. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea; seen in the Atlas around Oukaimeden and Barrage el Mansour, perhaps one or two others noted en-route.
   100. Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhychos; heard and seen in the open in a small area of cultivation on Taznackht to Taroundant road.
   101. Common Redstart Phoenicurus pheonicurus; many noted on migration at Barrage el Mansour c 4 on 18^th, Tagdilt track area c6 on 21^st and at a few other locations.
   102. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochuros; very common at Oukaimeden, one had extensive black to the belly.
   103. MOUSSIERS’S REDSTART Phoenicurus moussierri; males in stunning plumage seen on the way down from Oukameiden on 17^th, near the Asni turn off in a steep valley with stream and further sightings at Hotel ??male and female by the tracks, at Oued Massa and one or two others.
   104. Stonechat Saxicola torquata; three at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   105. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe; lots seen S of the High Atlas, c 40 noted Taznakht to Taroundant road on 22^nd.
   106. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica; seen around Merzouga, Boumalne, Tagdilt area, many c10 along Taznahkte to Taroundant road on 22^nd. Two of the masked types were seen otherwise they were all black throated forms.
   107. MAGRHEB WHEATEAR Oenanthe halophila; (aka Western Mourning Wheatear) a male was eventually located at the regular site (Gosney’ wheatear wall’) on 21^st. It showed well on the SE corner of the ruins and ranged down the slope to the cultivations and small building closer to the farm. RR voted this his bird of the trip.
   108. WHITE CROWNED WHEATEAR Oenanthe leucopyga; seen very commonly from Boumalne to Merzouga with a few others noted west of the former town. A very confiding bird and seen at nearly every stop.
   109. BLACK WHEATEAR Oenanthe leucura; a pair located by NRS from the car after crossing the Tizi n Tichka pass, another pair on a wall at the Apple orchard stop from Taznakhte to Taliouine road.
   110. DESERT WHEATEAR Oenanthe deserti; very common from Boumalne to Merzouga in many habitats.
   111. RED RUMPED WHEATEAR Oenanthe moesta; lots seen in pairs around the Tagdilt track area and seen around Merzouga. They were feeding young at the ‘wheatear wall’.
   112.Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus; seen at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   113. Mistle Thrush Turdus iliacus; many seen around Oukaimeden on 16/17^th.
   114. Blackbird Turdus merula; common but has a different song and indeed call.
   115. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitaris; a male at Oukaimeden on 17th, JJS saw one in Marrakech suburbs from the car on 16^th.
   116. SCRUB WARBLER Scotocerca inquieta saharae; I located one and also heard 4kms S of Gosney site and was seen by three of the crew.
   117. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla; Two at Hotel la Vallee, Tabounte, Ourazazate on 18^th and also seen on 21^st-23^rd.
   118. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis; two were in the cultivation hotspot on the road out of Taznakhte. It was also seen in the Sous Valley.
   119. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala; a few seen/heard on our travels until one seen at Auberge Derkaoua on 19^th and in the Sous Valley 22^nd, males and females noted at Oued Massa.
   120. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata; seen well, often males singing and display flighting with one showy bird at the cultivation on the Tagdilt track and others seen on 21^st and 23^rd.
   121. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans; it was very common around the Tamarisks of Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi and many places daily to 23^rd. A constant companion at our breakfast table and whilst swimming in the pool at Auberge Derkaoua when we allowed ourselves an hour off.
   122. AFRICAN DESERT WARBLER Sylvia deserti; a very special little bird, we had great views of one singing in a grass dune field at the S end of the Erg Chebbi, a second was singing nearby. Much more striking than the Asian birds I have seen in the winter when working in the UAE.
   123. Tristram’s Warbler Sylvia deserticola; despite checking hundreds of ‘Subalps’ we did not locate one in the Merzouga area, i did however see a dull bird with more extensive rufous underparts/wings and a indistinct sub-moustachial stripe atop a roadside bush at Aouluz on 22^nd but after stopping and searching we could not locate it. I would put money on it being one but not satisfactory to be happy enough as a decent birding experience of the species.
   124. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobanus; seen and heard at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   125. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis; seen on 18^th/19^th 22^nd and 23^rd in cultivations and lower levels.
   126. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti; heard at Oued Massa.
   127. European Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus; two heard and seen at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
   128. ISSABELLINE WARBLER Hippolais opaca; one seen very well at the magic cultivation site near Taznakht and three heard singing at the Oued Massa reserve. Otherwise known as Western Olivaceous Warbler.
   129. Willow Warbler Phllyoscopus trochilus; one seen at the magic cultivation on 22nd.
   130. WESTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER Phllyoscopus bonelli; three seen very well at the magic cultivation on 22^nd.
   131. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybitta; seen at many sites.
   132. Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus; one at the magic cultivation on 22^nd, a greenish bird, yellower underparts and bright yellow supercilium in front of eye were noted.
   133. Winter Wren Troglodytes troglydytes; seen commonly at Oukaimeden, different song  also seemed to have a longer tail.
   134. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca; JJS saw one in Tamarisks at Barrage el Mansour on 18^th.
   135. Great Tit Parus major; seen in the mountains and at Oued Massa.
   136. AFRICAN BLUE TIT Parus teneriffae ultraminus; common at Oukaimeden and seen at other sites, nice bird.
   137. GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor; elegans race seen very commonly from Marrakech to Merzouga, probable algieriensis seen along the coast near Tamri. JJS found a beetle larder on an acacia near the Erg Chebbi, probably of this species.
   138. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator; seen daily but a large fall on 22^nd had occurred, we must have seen 1000 of them between Taznakht and Oued Massa, every bush or tree had one atop!
   139. BLACK CROWNED THCAGRA Tchagra senegalus; two or three displaying birds seen at Oued Massa at the entrance to the reserve on 22^nd. Dawn and dusk are best to see and hear them.
   140. COMMON BULBUL Pycnontus barbatus; Very common in gardens and some wooded wadis.
   142. FULVOUS BABBLER Turdoides fulva; seen in acacia at the Erg Chebbi on 20^th and at the Scrub Warbler site N of Goulmima with 3 and 4 on 21^st.
   143. MORROCAN MAGPIE Pica pica mauratanica; RR spotted a pair on the roadside near Agadir on 22^nd we saw c 10 more subsequently all from the car. They have much more black in the plumage, lack the green sheen on the tail and most importantly have a patch of blue bare skin behind the eye.
   144. Red billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax; c 200 seen at Oukaimeden.
   145. Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus; c100 around Oukaimeden.
   146. Common Raven Corvus corax; seen along the coast near Agadir and Tamri.
   147. BROWN NECKED RAVEN Corvus ruficollis; c20 seen around Merzouga/Erg Chebbi. Yasmina on 19^thand 20^th.
   148. Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor; seen in the Sous Valley, Oued Massa, Tamri and Marrakech.
   149. House Sparrow Passer domesticus; very common.
   150. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis; three seen in an acacia on the 4wd tour SW of the Erg Chebbi, I also saw one from the car at a road side nest site.
   151. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia; very common around Oukaimeden on 17^th.
   152. DESERT SPARROW Passer simplex; three seen well including a confiding male which fed in the door of the Toureg nomads mud house, South of the Erg Chebbi on 20^th. Most of us were drinking sweet minted tea on the carpet outside the mud with our guide Achmed and one of the residents. NRS was trying to call me over to a male but lost the ability of speech, he had found one of these little beauties hopping around the hut. It was bird of the trip for three of us and made even more surreal by 4 wheel drives and motorbikes flying past at over 100mph in clouds of dust  as they took part in the Rallye Toureg, this following the same Paris to Dakar rally route. We found none at any other site including Auberge Yasmina. The drive here was horrendous and not to be taken lightly especially if you dip, it was worth it for the dunes and views and to inspire a dip in the pool.
   153. Chaffinch Fringilla celebs africana; a common bird at Oukaimeden on 16^th and 17^th, a few of these lovely birds seen elsewhere.
   154. Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina; seen around cultivations after leaving Taznahkt to Oued Massa.
   155. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis; common in small numbers.
   156. European Greenfinch Chloris chloris; much brighter birds than ours seen.
   157. European Serin Serinus serinus; common around towns and cultivations.
   158. Common Crossbill Loxia curvisrostra; one or two in the valley near the Asni turnoff.
   159. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus; a very common bird in all desert areas with some large vocal flocks seen, quite confiding.
   160. CRIMSON WINGED FINCH Rhodopechys sanguineus; we were delighted with such close views of this charismatic bird at the Oukaimeden ski-lift area. A flock of 30+ fed on walnut pieces left by the ski guides the day before and many were gathered around this place. We watched them on the cables and snow traps here before they began moving up to the snow line. We noted c160 in this area.
   161. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra; seen and hear commonly in the Sous Valley 22/23^rd.
   162. HOUSE BUNTING Emberiza sahari; very common around buildings, our first bird of the trip with one hopping around inside the Marrakech airport terminal cafe and 8 in the car park outside. Seen and heard daily.

Species not seen but looked for
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata; we looked in all suitable habitat around the Erg Chebbi with a ‘guide’ and 4wd . The Saudi Falconers are hammering this species each winter and it is scarce, there is also talk of released birds in the area, it would be interesting to know if they are Maqueen’s or Houbara , if, this is the truth. I can’t help thinking that with the benefit of experiencing this tour that we may not be helping it’s cause by looking for them, if it was only for birders seeing them and the often tolerance these birds show when they are only being watched it would be OK. The fact they are hunted as well could cause problems. We followed a little used ‘track’ that must be the ‘Houbara’ route. I also wonder what will happen to the desert vegetation if driven on regularly by 4wd without controls, a free for all seems to be the case! The long term outlook may not be good and it would undoubtedly be better if controls were in place, it would be easier to find birds that are used to seeing 4wd on regular routes.  

Seebhom’s Wheatear Oenanthe seebhomi; we were a little early at Oukameiden for them I feel but one was reported outside the Soleil du Bleu, Boulmane the day before we stayed. We tried for Saharan Olivaceous Warbler in the wadi at Rissani but being the middle of the day, very hot, very tired (three nights of 4-5 hrs kip) had a couple of Morroccan kids wanting to sing and practice their English to us and having just watched the kaleidoscopic Blue-cheeked Bee Eaters were a little overwhelmed with colour and were losing enthusiasm for itchy scratchy things in bushes. Shameful but reality birding.

Pharoah Eagle Owl; We did not look for this bird but is was seen by other birders at Rissani and by a dutch crew near the drinking hole on the Tagdilt track. Ring Ouzel was also seen by the same guys at Oukameiden on 17^th around the herders huts. We had a marvellous set of birds and cannot complain as all were quality sightings and experiences, I shall never forget this trip.

Mammals

Algerian Hedgehog Aterix algirus; JJS found one rolled into a ball at the entrance to Auberge Derkaoua (The Desert Inn) on 19th.
Bat sp; perhaps a few species seen over many towns/wadis but not specifically identified.
Cape Hare Lepus capensis; seen near the Erg Chebbi in grassy dunes.
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus; one in the grounds of Auberge Derkaoua on 19^th.
Barbary Ground Squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus; seen in the Anti Atlas.
Greater Egyptian Jerboa Jaculus orientalis; one lamped outside Auberge Derkaoua at night on 19^th, JJS saw one in the grounds of the same Auberge in daylight on 20^th, c10 seen in the night drive on 20^th by 4wd around the N end of the Erg Chebbi. I have always wanted to see this creature as my Grandfather was a Desert Rat in WW2 fighting Rommel’s Afrika Korps in N Africa.
Shaw’s Jird Meriones shawii; I saw a creature at the Scrub Warbler site that fitted this sp rather than any others. It was smaller than Fat Sand Rat and it was seen only an hour from dusk.
Fat Sand Rat Psammomys obesus; Very common in the Tagdilt track are and Merzouga, quite confiding especially from a car and no doubt a staple diet for many birds. Their numerous tunnels in sandy soils were found everywhere. I found it a very pleasing creature to watch.

Dragonflies

Emperor Anax imperator; males seen at Oued Massa on 22^nd.
Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope; seen at many sites.
VAGRANT EMPEROR Anax ephigger; seen in the wadi adjacent to Auberge Derkauoa on 19^th and around Dayet Srij in large numbers on the same day. Probably responsible for many other sightings.
Red veined Darter Sympterum fonscolombii; very common around Dayet Srij on 19/20^th. Bluetail sp Damselfly Ischnura sp; still working on the id of many seen at Dayet Srij on 19^th but Oasis and Saharan probable.
A further species of dragonfly was seen at Oued Massa but not i.d’d.

Butterflies

Cleopatra
Large White sp
Small White sp
We are still working on the list…

Martin McGill, 29 March 2010

We had fun too, see below.

There used to be a wetland around here….must… keep… looking…

We found him two days later…gave him a drink and.. he was ressurected as……
Obi Wan Kenobe from Star Wars c1977.
(Where is the Seebhom’s Wheatear Obi Wan?, your our only hope)
May the force be with you Jubs..
Last seen in a wadi near Tazanakht, the saga continues……

We left Whitminster at 0900 and arrived in the Forest at 0940. We were a small group of which two were rather keen on seeing Crossbill and Hawfinch as they were lifers. I was joined by Neil Smart who helped me with locating the birds and we headed for Brierley first. Soon after leaving the car we were watching 5 Crossbill atop the trees and scoped them in the sun. We spent about two hours quietly exploring the plantations and trackways and had some great birding. Crossbills were flying over in small parties of 4-20 regularly during the whole time we were here, our final flock numbered c50 and 10 allowed scope studying views as they stripped layers of bud from the tips of the trees. A Goldcrest fed close by proving that some survived the cold. Also in the area were 30 Siskin which we scoped and a Redpoll that Neil saw only in the same flock. At least 3 Redpoll flew over as silouhettes. After following the stream back toward the car we found a mega flock of tits. About 50-60 Coal Tit, 20 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 10 Long-tailed Tit with 2 Great spotted Woodpecker (we saw 5 in this area), 2 Nuthatch, 3 Goldcrest, c40 Siskin, 3 Redpoll, 4 Treecreeper and 1-2 Willow Tit (only MJM saw the latter) fed in a roaming flock that we kept up with until they veered off into dense woodland. Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch and Greenfinch were all heard singing. A Fieldfare and Marsh Tit were seen back near the car.

A short transfer to the Speech House area and I located a Hawfinch immediately, soon after 3 were seen feeding on the ground and then 5 nearby. Finally 3 showed well on the ground to all of us and then perched in the trees undisturbed. We all got scope views of these handsome birds.

Next stop was the Cannop Valley, it was good to see 4 Mandarin as I thought they were all frozen out, I had heard that 60 were in Worcs on a reservoir near the Severn and wondered if the Forest of Dean birds had moved out in the worst of the cold weather. 4 Little Grebe and 4 Tufted Duck joined a Greylag. The stream levels were very high so we did not find Dipper or Grey Wagtail here or at another site in Parkend.

A visit to New Fancy View was well worth it, it was still and quiet with few birds but we did manage to see a Goshawk that Neil located and a party of 4 Hawfinch that sat atop the pines in full view for 20 minutes, they were not as close as the birds earlier in the day but made up for it with their prolonged appearance. We popped in to Woorgreens Lake but it was still frozen over still so we finished for the day arriving back at 1600.

A decent set of birds with quality views being most important today.

Martin J McGill

Crossbills at Brierley

Some distant Hawfinches at New Fancy View

North-west Slovenia 17-20 December 2009 Martin J McGill
A trip report with some birding  and notes based on two visits.

http://www.anserbirding.com/photos/svmanager/g31/

The above is a link to the gallery

I visited North west and Southern Slovenia in early November 2002 with three friends, Phil Tovey, Jeremy Squire and Nige Warren, flying into Trieste, Italy where we visited a wetland reserve and then crossing the border and staying in Bled for a few nights and then Ljubjlana for one night. We were on a birding trip but also tasting local beers and enjoying the country. I was intrigued by the travel tales of Phil Tovey in Slovenia and just had to go, the birds were a bonus. Phil guided us around a variety of scenic sites as he had been shown some good birding areas on previous visits by DOPPS staff (Birdlife Slovenia partner).

I was so impressed by this visit I wanted to return again hence me bringing my family to see the area around Bled especially. On the visit with the lads we did well for birds and the weather was fine, we enjoyed fairly warm and settled conditions. I cannot publish where we saw many birds showing discretion as was promised to DOPPS and I have since forgotten where some things were, this was a trip I did not organise this trip for a change and it was a luxury to sit back and enjoy.

We did see the following highlights in November 2002…..

Grey headed (flew past the car) and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker just outside Bled, on the road to Vintgar Gorge/Pokljuka.
Black Woodpecker-one was seen by JS and NW.
Nutcrackers-a distant view of one initially in the deep forest on a clearing edge and lots of close views of them still collecting nuts etc around the Pokljuka villages. This was only the second time I had seen this species after a very distant view of one many years ago in the Alps, found by Richard Hearn.
Hazlehen-a rufous toned bird showed outrageously well in a Rowan for a long period, amazing I spotted it after waking up from a nap as we were driving along, the beer tasting the night before had taken it out of me. It was along a forest track in Pokljuka and was a lifer for all.
Wallcreeper-at least four on a rock wall in the Karst region near Koper, we also noted Rock Bunting here.
Black-throated Diver and a first winter Little Gull (found by Jubsy) on Lake Bled, Hawfinches in the park by the town.

For a birding family trip or for some extra notes the following report may be of interest but this was not a birding trip!.

16 December 2009

We set off from Gloucestershire after the Christingle that my son was singing in for his school had finished (at Standish Church). A very wet drive made it hard going and a coffee/fuel stop and three hours later we found ourselves spending the night in the Travelodge near Stansted Airport (£19.00 for a family room pre booked deal but note £3.00 parking charge).

17 December 2009
 I found it hard to sleep after a large coffee but managed a few hours until we rose at 0500 to get to the airport. We flew with easyjet (45 minute delay-no pilot!), our new pilot got us there 40 minutes late but it was a 1.50hr journey, the cabin crew were very helpful and cheery. Everything at Brink (Ljubljana) airport was well organised and ran smoothly, all our bags present and correct and quick through customs. Hired a car with Holiday Autos/Budget Slovenia and was met by a very helpful and polite chap who set us up very quickly, we were on the road and arriving in Bled by 1330.

The Alps

As we left the airport, it had snowed recently and we began seeing Hooded Crows and Buzzards along the roadside. At Bled we found our accommodation and was once again helped by the staff to settle in-no worries. I chose to stay at the Penzion/Hostel Bledec  again where we chose a room with a view, unpacked and had a great cheese omelette and fries for lunch. The menu here is good for vegetarians (three evening meals with different and interesting veggie options, three courses, it is possible to eat here as a non-resident). Looking at menus around the town of Bled it was clear that a varied selection of international food was on offer all with veggie options but the Slovene food is very good with many interesting things to try as long as you can find a menu in your chosen language. We had no problem with this. Even Llubjana (Brnik) Airport had a great selection of veggie grub!

After our first meal of the day we went for a walk around the village and lake, Nuthatches were calling from the trees along the parkland/lakeside walk with one very showy bird near the Roast Chestnut seller! Robin, Blackbird and Wren was noted along with 4 Cormorant, a male Pochard, c20 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, Mute Swans and flocks of Coot on Lake Bled. Coal and Marsh Tits were found in a few spots with Goldcrest, more Nuthatch and 2 Raven over the castle. Some of the garden feeders in the village held Great and Marsh Tits.

18 December 2009

We rose early, had a good continental breakfast and popped into Bled Town. I spent half an hour watching the ‘Black’ Red Squirrels under the trees next to Lake Bled before heading for Kranska Gora via Vintgar Gorge. A walk into the gorge was again very nice, I did the whole route even crossing the sections of boardwalk with missing boards when visiting with the lads but just went to the first bridge this time to see the crystal clear water, rapids and cauldrons of water. Not a good place to listen to birds as the waterfalls and crashing water are so loud but worth it for the scenery. I must point out that it was closed for the winter both times I visited. Near the weir and bridge back on the road we did see a Grey Heron and watched a Black-bellied Dipper feeding and swimming under the crystal clear water for a long time before flying off down the river.

Red Squirrel, Bled Park

Dipper, Vintgar Gorge

We saw Buzzards and Hooded Crows in many places and saw that the Kranskja Gora municipality sign features a Black Grouse. On arriving at Kranskja I immediately found c60 Alpine Chough scavenging around the bins next to the main road. We drove about the town a bit and then headed for Planica where the world record ski jump is held and they were busy working on the jumps for March when the next competition is held. A Slovene had held the record (226m) but it is currently a Norwegian that holds it at 239m in 2005. A few Crossbills and Nuthatches were seen but mainly Coal Tits. The ridge between here and Kranskja has Three-toed Woodpecker but I had not time to try besides the ski lift was not operational today so a long climb would be needed. We had a coffee/hot choc in the cafe and then went back to the main road where we decided to drive into Italy for lunch. In the town of Cave at least 30 Alpine Chough were on the rooftops. We headed back into Slovenia via the Predil Pass and wanted to drive up to Mt Mangart. I was disappointed to find the road snowed up and impassable by the VW Polo I had on hire and did not have the time or inclination to fit the snow chains, the road was closed anyway. This is where Snowfinch can be seen and I hoped to get some images of them. We carried on a route through the spectacular Triglav National Park and returned to Kranskja Gora via the Vrsic pass. This was snowed up but the road was still clear. I stopped a couple of times to listen and look for birds but apart from 100 Siskin it was deadly quiet, Slovenia is very quiet in the mountains and forests and to prove this point I could hear the wingbeats of a pair of circling Raven. At the pass I stopped at the spot I had been with the lads before but apart from stupendous scenery only 6 Fieldfare migrating through the pass. We passed through Fusine, s of Tarvisio, Cave, Lake Robaljska in Italy then Strmec, Log Pod Mangartom, Kluze Fortress, Kal, Soca, Trenta, Alinium Julijana and the Vrsic pass in Slovenia on this route.

Alpine Chough, Cave, Italy

Triglav is the only national park in Slovenia and covers 4% of Slovenia. It is 48% forest, has high mountain peaks and deep glacial valleys, 23% alpine meadows and 19% of it is above the tree line (per Important Bird Areas of Slovenia, DOPPS, Birdlife International, 2000). It holds important populations of Alpine Accentor, Wallcreeper, Alpine Chough, Snowfinch and has Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Golden Eagle, Rock Thrush and for me the mythical Rock Partridge (more effort needed after failing in Slovenia, Greece and France but only small attempts to find one).

We headed back home after eating a Kremna Rezina cake in KG and found out Sledge hire prices etc (5 euros a day).  A good meal at Penzion Bledec and a wander around Bled including a visit to one of the great pubs ended the day with pint of Union.

19 December 2009
We awoke to find a deep layer of snow in Bled and it was falling heavily. I wandered out around the lake and back to the accommodation noting a few birds, I was followed by a Robin that fed on any bit of ground I scuffed up. The finches, tits and Nuthatches were all looking pretty glum in these conditions. I saw and heard a Crested Tit and Great-spotted Woodpecker on this little wander.

After clearing the snow we tentatively headed back to Kranskja Gora to go sledging, the road conditions were bad but the snow ploughs and gritters had made it passable. It was the opening day of the skiing season and was free to everyone. News crews were covering the story and it was busy with snow lovers. Around the town of Kranskja Gora there were c120 Alpine Chough, they were stripping the berries from the trees at head height but were still slightly nervous. The two tallest deciduous trees in town were a favoured lookout for them. One of these trees is next to the church and the other near the tourist office. Otherwise they sat on the rooftops of the hotels and buildings waiting for a feeding opportunity. Their distinctive calls were everywhere as they flew around the town. A few Hooded Crows were also perched up and a party of 20 worked over a pile of something between the town and the road. A did see a Jay fly over and a Fieldfare ate rowans near the slopes. The chairlift was working but I had no time to use it to explore the ridge west of Ciprnik, besides the weather was bad for birding and good for sledging.

Alpine Choughs, Kranskja Gora

After doing what we had to do I had another look at the Alpine Choughs including a flock of c40 wheeling above the slopes and headed for Austria for lunch. We drove through the 7.8 km Karawanken Tunnel (6.50 euros each way) through the mountain and stopped for a coffee and then had a look at the Faakersee lake. Great Crested and Little Grebe could be seen along with Coot, Mallards, a male Pintail, Kestrel, Tree Sparrows and a large number of Blackbird. The snow was deeper and falling heavier in Austria so we decided to go back into Slovenia where it was sunny and clear. Part of our plan for the day was to go ice skating, a first for both my children. As the Bled rink is open daily from 1630-1800 we did just that. A spell in the toy shops ended a perfect day for them and we went back for another good dinner and for me, a bottle of Lasko beer, it has a Chamois on the green label, another local beer is called Union.

20 December 2009
Our last morning in Bled found us waking to a brilliant sunrise which led to a sunny day. Everywhere the scenery and snow was outstanding so I went for a drive, as soon as I left Bled four Roe Deer ran across the fields and I had to stop to allow them to run in front of me and into the woods. I carried on initially trying to get onto the Pokljuka plateau to look for Nutcracker and woodpeckers but the icy mountain road made me turn back and descend. I had snow tyres but no studs and it was no quite snow chain conditions despite having them with the hire car.  I drove to the Bled railway station and took pictures of the lake from various spots. Meeting back up with the family we packed and went up to Bled Castle (Bledski Grad) where a male Crossbill was singing and chasing a female. A pair of Raven flew around below us cronking and Mistle Thrush was defending mistletoe. The castle gave superb views. 

Chaffinch, Bled Castle

Raven, Bled Castle

Looking at the snow I thought it would be impossible to do the drive we did on our second day, the snow was unusual for the time of year at this lower elevation but welcome for us. It did mean I could not re-see some favoured birds but I was not here for that anyway and had a great time in this fantastic place again. I will be going back, perhaps a summer visit with dragonflies in mind. The last bird I saw was a Tree Sparrow on the bushes outside the airport terminal.

Martin J McGill

Fly Agaric near Dersingham 13 November 2009 MJMcGill

Dark-bellied Brent Geese at Wells MJMcGill

Common Cranes at WWT Welney MJMcGill

Summary
On Friday morning most of us assembled in Gloucestershire for the journey to Norfolk with one meeting up with the group in the evening. We called in at a few sites between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton searching the woods and heath and doing a little sea-watching as it was calm. The forecast for the weekend was not too encouraging but worked out reasonably well. We toured the best sites along the N Norfolk coast on Saturday and Sunday before returning via WWT Welney for the sunset.

Friday 13 November 2009
After a stop near Coventry and a brief look around Wolferton for Golden Pheasant we made our way to the picnic site to use the facilities and have lunch. Almost immediately the fungi enthusiasts were enjoying lots of Fly Agaric toadstools that had sprouted among the birch and pines. A number of birds were around the site, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tits and other common woodland birds were found but  a Crossbill was the highlight for those that managed to get onto it. Another ‘cruise’ around Wolferton did not reveal Goldies but a Muntjac ran across the road. A walk around the edge of Dersingham Bog was very productive. The ancient sea-cliff gave a good view of the Bog where Len quickly located the wintering Northern Grey Shrike atop its usual pine.  We also saw a deer species, probably Roe.

Back on the road we were soon looking from Hunstanton cliffs before relocating to Hunstanton  sea-front.  At least two Red-throated Diver,  two Common Scoter, small groups of Fulmar, 40+ Great Crested Grebe, 10+ Red-breasted Merganser as well as commoner gulls and flypast waders. Three female/immature Velvet Scoter and 2 Harbour Porpoise were notable species. On the golfcourse we saw a few roosting waders which included Black-tailed Godwits.

The fading light and need for attention to my car exhaust saw the end of the days birding and checking in to the hotel for all but me. I went to get the car sorted and checked in at my accommodation before returning to the group, which now was complete for dinner.

Saturday 14 November 2009
A windy start to the day signalled what was in store but a search of Holme next the sea beach pre-breakfast gave us our first wader flocks which included Knot, Grey Plover, Dunlin and Sanderling. A flock of c40 Snow Bunting were busy feeding in the saltmarsh and shingle ridges. A variety of common passerines were seen as well as flocks of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. We returned for breakfast. After the refill we began searching the roads between Hunstanton, Docking and Burnham Market, perhaps 1000 Pink-footed Goose were seen but this was rather low numbers for this part of Norfolk in the winter. A few showers hampered our viewing but better to be in the car when raining!

We moved to Holkham and parked at the end of Lady Anne’s Drive to walk through the dunes and onto the saltmarsh. Large numbers of passerines were feeding in the saltmarsh, Rock and Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Goldfinch and eventually, five splendid Shore Larks showed in the sunshine. Another look at the sea and c400 Common Scoter showed distantly and a Snow Bunting dropped in calling. At variety of woodland birds were seen in the pines with Treecreeper being most popular. At least three Common Darter dragonflies were seen, late dates indeed. We made a stop at Wells to use the facilities and pick up provisions and look at the Brent Goose flock. We then went back to a viewpoint to eat lunch and see what flew by. A party of 4 Egyptian Geese fed in the fields.

Skulking Shore Lark

More searching for geese did not locate many more Pink-footed Geese ( I later found out they had mostly moved further into the Wash area) . A visit to Titchwell to round the day off was as ever very productive despite it being a bit quieter due to excavation work on the site.

Six Avocet fed among the assembled  wildfowl but water levels were a little too high for waders that did not want to swim. A couple of Marsh Harrier flushed the marsh during their travels. We transferred to the beach for another seawatch. Red-throated and single Great Northern Diver, more Great Crested Grebes and poor views as dusk set in off Guillemot and Red-necked Grebe. The weather also worsened with strong winds and rain so we finished for the day and headed back to the accommodation.

Sunday 15 November
Another early start before breakfast was well worth the effort at Thornham as we managed to see Barn Owl, watch Pink-footed and Brent Geese leaving their roost sites and fly overhead and watch a few more species. What may have been an Otter was seen by many members of the group but I missed it as did they with a flyover Lapland Bunting. Breakfast was taken and then we drove along the coast to Cley then Salthouse. The usual Turnstones fed on the shingle ridge but no buntings could be located. A Stonechat was along the fence. Once again the sea revealed Red-throated Diver, Gannets, Guillemots and other seabirds.

A short drive away took us to the clifftop carpark at West Runton, an adult Mediterranean Gull was very tame and sat atop a post waiting for a snack. The stubble fields hold Lapland Buntings every year and had at least six but they were nowhere to be seen among the 20 or so Skylark. A pair of Stonechat worked the fenceline. We made the desicion to head for Welney to end the day and set off.

Adult winter Mediterranean Gull, West Runton, MJMcGill

When nearing the visitor centre a group Egyptian Geese were spotted from the car as was a Little Owl. Ruth returned to it after we left WWT Welney and watched it on her own, I am still not sure if she believed me when I said I could see it from the visitor centre. In the fields, Whooper Swans fed on the spuds and were accompanied by the five Lakenheath Common Cranes. It was nice to see that they had reared a chick, even nicer to see them with the swans.  An hour or so was spent birding here where Ruff was seen among the other waders and thousands of birds joined the feed.

Cranes and Whoops, WWT Welney MJM

This ended a good trip to Eastern England. Thanks to all that attended.

Martin

Rose-coloured Starling and Starling, St Agnes, B Evans.

Click on the link for the 2009 gallery images.

http://www.anserbirding.com/photos/svmanager/g3/

Yellow-browed Warbler, Nanquidno Valley, Cornwall, 19/10/09  MJM

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Mount Todden, St Mary’s 19/10/09 MJM

Bar-tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher, Porthloo Beach, St Mary’s, 20/10/09 MJM

Sanderling, Porthloo Beach, St Mary’s 20/10/09 MJM

Common Rosefinch, Carn Gwarvel, St Mary’s, 20/10/09 MJM

Richard’s Pipit, Porthloo Lane, St Mary’s, 22/10/09

 

Summary The group consisted of ten of which only one was new to an Anser residential trip. Martin Neil and Jeremy were on hand to ensure the birding flowed. We set of from Gloucestershire on 19^th, stayed in St Just that night and flew to St Mary’sto spend four nights on the main island. We visted St Agnes twice and Tresco once during our stay on the islands.

 Sites visited in order 19^th– The Hayle Estuary- Copperhouse Creek at the Library, Ryan’s Field, The Causeway and Copperhouse Creek south end. Heslton Loe Pool and Loe Bar, Men an Tol.
20^th– Cape Cornwall, Nanquidno Valley, Sennen Cove, Penzance Heliport, St Mary’s.
21^st– St Mary’s
22^nd– St Mary’s and St Agnes
23^rd– St Mary’s and Tresco
24^th St Mary’s and St Agnes back to Penzance.

 The birds (those in bold were favourites or scarcer birds)

1. Mute Swan- seen on the Hayle Est.
2. Whooper Swan– six adults on the Big Pool St Agnes on 22 and 24^th.
3. Greylag Goose- seen on the Hayle Est.
4. Canada Goose- seen on the Hayle Est.
5. Shelduck- five on the Hayle Est on 19^th and 2 on Tresco 23^rd.
6. Wigeon- 100’s on the Hayle and c10 on Tresco.
    American Wigeon- a possible female on the Hayle on 19^th.
7. Gadwall- c60 on Tresco.
8. Teal- 200 on the Hayle Est and 40 on Tresco.
9. Mallard-noted.
10. Pintail- 2 on Tresco.
11. Pochard- 2 on Tresco.
12. Tufted Duck- noted on Tresco.
13. Common Scoter- three females off Samson on 23^rd.
14. Red-legged Partridge- seen on Tresco (released birds)
15. Pheasant- as above
16. Red-throated Diver- one past Peniniss Head on 23^rd.
17. Little Grebe- seen in Copperhouse Creek
18. Great Crested Grebe- three on the Loe Pool
19. Sooty Shearwater– one seen by Neil off the Loe Bar.
20. GANNET-seen daily and giving brilliant views for all.
21. Cormorant-seen daily
22. Shag-large numbers between the islands.
23. Little Egret- c10 around the Hayle Estuary and c20 between Brhyer and Tresco, singles around St Mary’s.
24. Grey Heron-noted.
25. SPOONBILL– one on the Hayle Est on 19^th and three seen in flight and on rocks off Samson on a few dates.
26. HEN HARRIER– what appeared to be a third calendar year male flew low past the car at Men and Tol at dusk on 19^th.
27. Sparrowhawk-noted.
28. Buzzard-noted in Cornwall.
29 Kestrel- noted daily
30. Merlin- seen on St Mary’s and St Agnes during the trip.
31. Peregrine-seen from the A30 in Cornwall and on St Mary’s.
32. Water Rail-heard on St Mary’s and one flew past at the Big Pool, St Agnes on 24^th.
33/34. Moorhen and 34. Coot both noted.
35. Oystercatcher-noted
36. Ringed Plover- c 15 on the Hayle Est and up to 20 on St Agnes and Mary’s
37. Golden Plover- c150 seen from the A30 in Cornwall and singles were seen on St Mary’s and Agnes.
38. Lapwing-seen on the Hayle Est.
39. Sanderling-one seen on Porthloo Beach.
40. Little Stint-one on Copperhouse Creek.
41. Dunlin-two on the Hayle and a few on St Agnes.
42. JACK SNIPE– one bobbing bird at the Porthellick Pool on 21^st.
43. Snipe-seen on many dates around St Mary’s.
44. BAR-TAILED GODWIT-mostly non-breeding birds seen but seen very well, a breeding plumage bird on St Mary’s at Porthloo beach on 21^st.
45. Curlew-noted.
46. Redshank-noted.
47. Greenshank- c10 on Tresco.
48. Common Sandpiper- one noted by Bob Evans on the Hayle whilst we ate pasties
49. Turnstone-c50 on St Agnes
50. Great Skua- one off the Loe Bar.
51. Mediterranean Gull– c10 individuals of all ages on the Hayle, an adult in Sennen Cove
52. Black-headed Gull- noted
53. Ring-billed Gull– a second winter flew over us at the Loe Bar but was only seen well by MJM.
54. Common Gull- seen at the Loe Bar.
55/56. LBB and 56. GBB Gulls
57. Herring Gull-noted
58. Kittiwake– one juvenile past the Loe Bar and three on the sea off Samson on 23^rd. Small parties seen distantly from St Mary’s.
59. Skylark-noted
60. Swallow-2 over St Just on 20^th and seen daily on Scilly
61. House Martin-one on St Agnes on 22^nd
62. RICHARD’S PIPIT– a very showy bird on St Mary’s on 21^st.
63. Meadow Pipit-seen daily
64. Rock Pipit-seen daily.
65. Grey Wagtail-seen and heard daily in Cornwall and Scilly.
66. Pied Wagtail-seen daily.
White Wagtail-seen on Porthmellon beach
67/68/69. Wren- a white winged bird at Porthloo Lane 68. Dunnock  69. Robin
70. Black Redstart– seen daily on Scilly, up to 15 seen on 21^st and 22^nd with a stunning male on St Agnes on the latter date.
71. Stonechat-seen daily.
72. Wheatear- two reported Snow Buntings appeared to be this species at Sennen Cove, a maximum of five seen on 21^st on St Mary’s.
73. RING OUZEL– a male at Nanquidno on 20^th
74. Blackbird- seen daily
75. Fieldfare-two on Gugh on 22^nd
76. Redwing- a few noted on Mary’s from 23^rd. One on St Agnes on 22^nd.
77. SONG THRUSH– delightfully tame and common as ever.
78. Marsh Warbler (apparent)- one showed a few times near the Big Pool on St Agnes on 24^th
79. Reed Warbler- one in bracken on St Agnes on 24^th.
80. Blackcap- seen daily with up to six.
81. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER– a very vocal and showy bird in the Nanquidno Valley on 20^th.
82. Chiffchaff-noted daily.
83. Goldcrest-two on Tresco on 23^rd, notable by their absence
84. FIRECREST– five seen on St Mary’s on 21^st (two Porthellick, two Higher Moors and one Rosehill end of Porthloo Lane) and one on Tresco near the Abbey on 23^rd
85. Spotted Flycatcher- a late bird on St Mary’s on 21^st was with the Firecrest.
86. RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER-one at Mount Todden Battery on 20^th
87. Long-tailed Tit-seen in Cornwall
88/89. Blue Tit and Great Tit-seen daily.
90. Jay-seen on the journey down
91. Magpie-seen in Cornwall
92.  Chough-three around Cape Cornwall
93. Jackdaw-one on Tresco on 23^rd.
94. Rook-seen in Cornwall
95- Carrion Crow-seen daily.
96. Raven- 2 at Cape Cornwall
97. Starling- seen daily
98. Rose-coloured Starling– a juvenile gave us the run around on St Agnes on 22 and 24^th but was mostly seen dashing past in flight
99. House Sparrow- seen in very good numbers on the islands.
100. Chaffinch-c200 on Tresco
101. BRAMBLING– a male and female on Tresco
102/103. Greenfinch/ Goldfinch
104. Siskin- four over Longstones on 21^st.
105. Linnet-seen in small numbers.
106. Lesser Redpoll- one on Tresco.
107. COMMON ROSEFINCH-a juvenile at Carn Gwarvel on 21^st
108. Reed Bunting-a few seen and heard on St Mary’s and St Agnes