Green Heron, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

W. Black-eared Wheatear female on the Garrison

  

American Golden Plover and Dotterel, St Mary’s Airfield
We were very pleased to see a Buff-breasted Sandpiper, a Dotterel, a European and  an American Golden Plover all feeding together on the turf along with large numbers of Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Skylark. A Ring Ouzel and Red-throated Pipit also dropped in.

 

Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Golden Plover

 

European Golden Plover and Ring Ouzel

 

Red-throated Pipit (2nd with a Meadow Pipit in the foreground)

 

Little Buntings As many as three at Carn Friars

  

Greenshank

Wryneck Possibly three seen on the morning of 11th

Nightingale St Agnes

Pied Flycatcher St Agnes

Subalpine Warbler Bryher

 

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 8-13 October 2010

Summary
8^th We travelled down to Cornwall stopping at Exeter services and then Davidstowe airfield on the way. We were unable to locate the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, a species that has been present most of late September and early October here.  An hours drive saw us arriving at the Lost Gardens of Heligan where a Green Heron was present before checking out the Hayle Estuary and just missed the Rose-coloured Starling on St Mary’s Church in Penzance en route to St Just where we stayed for the night.
9^th We spent the day searching the area starting with Cape Cornwall , St Levan, Newlyn bay, Marazion, Porthcurno, Porthgwarra and then to Penzance heliport for our helicopter flight to St Mary’s. We dropped our bags and went straight to the Garrison to see the Black-eared Wheatear.
10^th The whole day was spent on St Mary’s catching up with the various birds. We visited the Airfield (windsock), Porthellick Bay-Carn Friars-Higher Moors to Holy Vale-Longstones Cafe-Old Town churchyard-Lowers Moors ,ISBC hide-Porthmellon beach.
11^th Explored Peniniss Head and the south side trail, caught a boat to St Agnes for the afternoon.
12^th Checked out Porthmellon beach and then caught a boat to St Martin’s until 1430, returned to St Mary’s for a couple of hours and then caught a birders special boat to Bryher and returned in the dark.
13^th Birded our way around St Mary’s taking a taxi to Porthellick Pool and walking through the Tremelethen trail-Higher Moors-Longstones Cafe-Telegraph-Bant’s Carn-Innisidgen to Newford Duck Pond, took a taxi back with the afternoon free to explore/shop. Returned to airport for a 1730 flight back to Penzance and returned home.

Species noted
1 Mute Swan
2 Greylag
3 Canada Goose
4 Shelduck
5 Mallard
6 Wigeon
7 Teal
8 Pheasant
9 Great Northern Diver– 2 adults in breeding plumage seen between Innisidgen and St Martin’s on 13^th.
10 Little Grebe-one at Porthellick pool.
11 Gannet
12 Cormorant
13 Shag
14 Green Heron-a first winter at the Lost Gardens of Heligan on 8^th.
15 Little Egret
16 Grey Heron
17 Marsh Harrier– a female was watched hunting over Annet on 11^th.
18 Buzzard
19 Sparrowhawk- seen hunting around St Mary’s and St Agnes.
I did note an accipiter sp that may be a Sparrowhawk but was small and very well marked on St Mary’s, it was gingery brown and appeared to be very fresh, like it was very recently fledged.
20 Kestrel
21 Peregrine-seen on Annet on 11^th
22 Water Rail-heard on St Mary’s and Bryher where one was seen close to by Bob.
23 Moorhen
24 Coot
25 Oystercatcher
26 Ringed Plover
27 Grey Plover-two on Ryan’s field, Hayle and two on rocks between Tresco and Bryher on 12^th.
28 Dotterel-a first winter joined the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, European and American Golden Plover on 10^th to make a delightful quartet for the airfield.
29 European Golden Plover-one on the airfield on 10^th.
30 American Golden Plover-one on the airfield on the 10^th.
31 Lapwing
32 Sanderling-150 on St Martin’s
33 Turnstone
34 Dunlin
35 Curlew Sandpiper-one seen on Ryan’s field on the Hayle Estuary.
36 Little Stint-two seen at the same site
37 Common Sandpiper-one at Porthmellon beach on 11^th.
38 Redshank
39 Greenshank-see on the Hayle, at Porthellick pool and a close juv at Lower Moors.
40 Black-tailed Godwit- seen on the Hayle
41 Bar-tailed Godwit- seen with the above for comparison and two on rocks off Samson
42 Curlew
43 Whimbrel- one flying around Old Town bay on 10^th and Porthcressa on 11th.
44 Snipe
45 Jack Snipe-one at Lower Moors and one at Porthellick pool
46 Ruff-two at the Hayle Est.
47 Buff-breasted Sandpiper-one on the airfield on 10^th in ‘good company’.
48 Arctic Skua-two harassing Kittiwake off Porthgwarra, sadly only seen b MJM.
49 Black-headed Gull
50 Mediterranean Gull-a few first winters at the Hayle Estuary.
51 Herring Gull
52 Lesser-black backed Gull
53 Great black backed Gull
54 Kittiwake
55 Sandwich Tern-three at the Hayle and four off St Mary’s
56 auk sp off Porthgwarra
57 Woodpigeon
58 Collared Dove
59 Kingfisher-Hayle estuary
60 Skylark
61 Swallow
62 House Martin
63 Rock Pipit
64 Meadow Pipit
65 Red-throated Pipit-one among Meadow Pipits at the airport on 10^th was seen a few well a few times. On approaching the airfield I heard a close bird with a Tree Pipit type call that was probably it.
66 Pied and White Wagtail both seen on the beaches.
67 Yellow Wagtail-two on the airfield on the 10^th and one on Porthmellon beach.
68 Grey Wagtail-singles were seen and heard flying about the islands.
69 Dunnock
70 Robin
71 Nightingale-one showed well at times on St Agnes on 11^th.
72 Common Redstart-one feeding in Old Town bay on 10^th.
73 Black Redstart-a few seen around the islands but no males.
74 Northern Wheatear-seen on Davidstowe airfield and around St Mary’s with 15+ on the 10^th.
74 Black-eared Wheatear– a female watched on the Garrison on 9^th and myself and Bob had another look on 13^th.
75 Whinchat-two at Cape Cornwall on 9^th and one on Peniniss Head coast path on 11^th.
76 Stonechat
77 Song Thrush
78 Fieldfare- a few noted on 13^th.
79 Blackbird
80 Ring Ouzel– a male flew in and around us at the airfield eventually landing on the turf and feeding among Starlings on the 10^th and one flew over us on St Agnes on 11^th.
81 Blackcap
82 Subalpine Warbler-one seen in the sunshine on Byher was well and truly ‘twitched’.
83 Sedge Warbler-two seen at Porthellick Pool.
84 Reed Warbler-seen and heard on St Mary’s (singles) St Martin’s (one) and St Agnes (three).
85 Willow Warbler-one on St Martin’s.
86 Chiffchaff-many were noted
87 Goldcrest-many heard, one or two seen
88 Firecrest-one seen briefly on St Agnes by MJM
89 Wren
90 Red-breasted Flycatcher-we gave up on an elusive bird at Old Town on 10^th and saw two well at the fruit cage on St Agnes on 11^th, another was seen well
91 Pied Flycathcer-two on St Agnes on 11^th.
92 Great Tit
93 Blue Tit
94 Long-tailed Tit-seen in Cornwall
95 Magpie-as above
96 Jay-seen in Cornwall
97 Jackdaw
98 Rook-seen in Cornwall
99 Carrion Crow
100 Raven
101 Starling
102 House Sparrow
103 Chaffinch
104 Linnet
105 Goldfinch
106 Greenfinch
107 Siskin
108 Little Bunting-up to three seen at Carn Friars on 10^th.
109 Snow Bunting-two distantly in flight over the sea between the airfield and Peniniss on 10^th (MJM only).
110 Lapland Bunting-one over calling at Bant’s Carn on 13^th

Other species present but not seen due to going for other birds include Dark (two on Tresco)and Pale Bellied Brent Goose (five were seen in Mount’s Bay), Spoonbill (2-3 around Tresco of islands), Hen Harrier-a ringtail over Annet. Pectoral Sandpiper on St Martin’s and St Mary’s, Tawny Pipit on St Martin’s, Pied Wheatear on St Mary’s, Common Rosefinch on St Martins and St Mary’s,  Melodius Warbler on St Martin’s, Icterine Warbler on Bryher, Dartford Warblers on Mary’s and Martin’s, Short-toed Lark, Yellow Browed Warbler. Late on the day we were leaving a Olive-backed Pipit and Pallas’s Warbler was found and a day or three after Red-eyed Vireo and Red-flanked Bluetail also made a guest appearance.

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