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Monday 31 December 2018

Belvide Res, Staffordshire, UK.

A few hours birding with John in the Midlands.

I said bye to Sharon and John and I headed for Belvide Res to try and see the winter plumage Red-necked Grebe (Somormujo Cuellirrojo / Podiceps grisegena). 
Red-necked Grebe (Somormujo Cuellirrojo / Podiceps grisegena).
We arrived and went through the wood to the first hide and soon found Canada (Barnacla Canadiense /Branta canadensis) and Greylag Geese (Ansar Común / Anser anser), Mute Swan (Cisne Vulgar / Cygnus olor), Tufted Duck (Porrón Monudo / Aythya fuligula), Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Common Pochard (Porrón Común / Aythya ferina), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Goldeneye (Porrón Osculado /Bucephala clangula) and Great Crested Grebe (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus).
We could not see the main target from the hide so we walked to the corner of the Dam where it had been seen most of the time but we did not see it there so we scanned around with Johns scope and eventually I picked it up against the far reed bed so we went back to the hide and had views from there before carrying on around the shore to the next two hides.  
Getting better views of the Red-necked Grebe as well as Gadwall (Anade Friso / Anas strepera),
Eurasian Wigeon (Sibón Europeo / Anas penelope), Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), Herring Gull (Gaviota Argéntea Europea / Larus argentatus), Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocroax carbo) and Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos).
From the second hide at the feeders we had good views of Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Marsh (Carbonero Palustre / Parus palustris), Great (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Coal (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) and Blue Tits (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre / Emberiza schoeniclus), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Pheasant (Faisán Vulgar / Phaisanus colchicus), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes) and Tree Sparrows (Gorrión Molinero / Passer montanus).
On the walk back we added Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Long-tailed Tit (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Cetti's Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica) and Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula). 
We returned to the first hide and scanned the reeds and open water again adding Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinulas chloropus) and back at the car park just as we were leaving the site we had 3 Bullfinches (Camachuelo Común / Pyrrhula pyrrhula).
John then dropped me back in to Albrighton after a brilliant few days birding.

Happy New Year.


Sunday 30 December 2018

The Broads, Norfolk.

A second days birding with Sharon and John and a visit to see some more Friends.

Waxwing (Ampelis Europeo / Bombycilla garrulus).
After a very good nights sleep and an even better breakfast at the The Waverley Hotel, out in the street whilst I was waiting for Shron and John I started the day list off with Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii), Herring (Gaviota Argéntea Europea / Larus argentatus) and Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), Common Starling (Estornino Pinto / Sturnus vulgaris) and Feral Pigeon (Paloma Bravía / Columba livia).
Once we were all down we headed back towards Norwich and down to Buckenham Marshes, on the way we saw Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo) and Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus).
Waxwing (Ampelis Europeo / Bombycilla garrulus).
We parked at the Buckenham railway station and cross the track and walked out on to the flood plain of the River Yare, on the track we saw the first of many Pheasants (Faisán Vulgar / Phaisanus colchicus) and Collared Doves (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto) and on both sides of the track on the banks of the ditches there were big numbers of quite tame Eurasian Wigeon (Sibón Europeo / Anas penelope) and several more distant Canada Geese (Barnacla Canadiense /Branta canadensis). Further across the field there were good numbers of Jackdaws and a scattering of Rooks (Graja /  Corvus frugilegus) and below the trees where the Rooks were there was a very smart Chinesse Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis) feeding and on the opposite side of the track more Water Deer and a single Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi).
As we reached the river Sharon call John and myself back as she had got a Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus) up in a distant tree and as we watched this we had a very pale Ruff (Combatiente / Philomachus pugnax) in amongst loads of Northern Lapwings (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus).
As we walked along the sea wall we had a calling Cetti's Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), john and Sharon dropped down on to the lower track where the saw the Cetti's and up on the top I picked up a small group of probable feral Barnical Geese (Barnacla Cariblanca / Branta leucopsis), several Pink-footed Geese (Ánsar Piquicorto / Anser brachyrhynchus), Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egreeta garzetta), Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) and Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca). 
Waxwing (Ampelis Europeo / Bombycilla garrulus).
Further along the bank we had a female Peregrine Falcon (Halcón Peregrino / Falco peregrinus), a couple more Ruff and a female Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata).
The news came in whilst we were out on the Marsh of 5 Waxwings (Ampelis Europeo / Bombycilla garrulus) in Long Stratton about 20 miles away, so we walked back towards the car adding Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Common Redshank (Archibebe Común / Tringa totanus), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis) and Egyptian Geese (Ganso del Nilo / Alopochen aegyptiaca).
Once we were back at the car we set the phone to get us to the police station in Long Stratton and made our way there seeing a Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius).
Judy, Pam, Mike, John and Sharon, John had wandered off to the right.
A soon as we were on site we could see a couple of the Waxwings over the road looking at the Rowan tree on the edge of the police station but they were wary due to the long lens none birder Photographers who were stood just a few meter from the tree, far too close. The Waxwings did make a couple of trips to the tree but did not settle as soon as the shutters were rattling and flashes going of they were off so we we decided to go and have a coffee and then head off to West Somerton to see some friends. Before we left we found the first House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus) of the weekend and the first Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis) of the day.
We arrived at Rivers End and went straight into Judy and Mikes place for lunch where we met up with Pam and John how had come over as well. After a very hearty soup, cake and a beer we all went out for a walk along the River Thurne passing Martham Broad and on to some further marshes where we watched an area for Common Crane (Grulla Común / Grus grus). 
The sun dropping below the sky line.
On the way out I saw Bearded Tit (Reedling) (Bigotudo / Panurus biarmicus), Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre / Emberiza schoeniclus), Goldeneye (Porrón Osculado /Bucephala clangula), Greylag Geese, Egyptian Geese, Mute Swan (Cisne Vulgar / Cygnus olor), good numbers of Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) which were coming into roost, at least 3 Cetti's Warblers, Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocroax carbo) and just on dusk we heard several Common Cranes calling from behind some trees but we did not see any of them but we were treated to a nice sun set.
We returned to Judy and Mikes where we had a cuppa before starting the long drive back to John and Sharon's. We were hoping to eat at a place where John and Sharon had stopped before but it was shut so we ended up in a famous Chicken outlet which was my first and last experience of this fast food. The end of the second brilliant days birding, thanks again Sharon and John.

Saturday 29 December 2018

North Norfolk Coast and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

A fabulous days birding with great friends Sharon and John.

Sharon and John picked me up yesterday from Albrighton and I stayed the night so that we could head out early for a couple of days birding in Norfolk. The alarm went off at 03:30 and we were on our way an hour or so later all set with some toast for a stop on the way and sandwiches and coffee to keep us going during the day.
The drive over was quiet until the light was just starting to come up and we spotted a superb hunting Barn Owl (Lechuza Común / Tyto alba) along the roadside so we stopped on a supermarket car park and watched it for a while as it gave us close good views. We also heard and saw Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Pheasant (Faisán Vulgar / Phaisanus colchicus), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula) and Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone).
We drove towards Hunstanton and did a quick loop around the Woolferton Triangle but only saw a single Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) on the roadside. 
We reached Hunstanton and went out to the cliff edge seeing Black-headed (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus) and Herring Gull (Gaviota Argéntea Europea / Larus argentatus) on the grass on the way and scanned the exposed rock below. Due to the low tide we picked up several wader species including Eurasian Curlew (Zaoaito Real / Numenius arquata), Common Redshank (Archibebe Común / Tringa totanus), Eurasian Oystercatcher (Ostrero Euroasiatico / Haematopus ostralegus) as well as several Dark-bellied Brent Geese (Barnacla Carinegra / Branta bernicla), a flyby Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocroax carbo) and then the bird I wanted the Fulmar (Fulmar Boreal / Fulmarus glacialis) a species I had not seen for 15 years or so. As we walked back to the car a pair of Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) flew over the roof tops where there were a few more Carrion Crows and several Common Starlings (Estornino Pinto / Sturnus vulgaris). 
On the way to our next stop at Titchwell we picked up a Common Gull (Gaviota Cana /Larus canus) on the golf course, a good flock of Pink-footed Geese (Ánsar Piquicorto / Anser brachyrhynchus), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto) and a flock of Fieldfare (Zorzal Real / Turdus pilaris).
We parked up and Sharon got the toast and coffee out and whilst we warmed up with a drink and toast we picked up large numbers of Northern Lapwings (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus) as several flocks moved inland off the Marshes. In the surrounding trees a Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula) could be heard ticking, Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs) were flying overhead and there were a couple of Redwings (Zorzal Alirrojo / Turdus illacus) in some Hawthorns near the loo block.
Near the visitor centre we checked the feeding station adding Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Great (Carbonera Común / Parus major) and Blue Tit (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinulas chloropus), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and a calling Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica).
We walked out on to the marshes on the track towards the sea and we decided to walk straight out to the beach to see what was on the shoreline before people disturbed everything. On the way we saw Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre / Emberiza schoeniclus), Meadow Pipit (Bisbita Pratense / Anthus pratensis), 6+ Marsh Harriers (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) and on the fresh water part of the marsh Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Gadwall (Anade Friso / Anas strepera), Eurasian Wigeon (Sibón Europeo / Anas penelope), Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca), more Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Greylag Geese (Ansar Común / Anser anser), a flying male Goosander (Serreta Grande / Mergus merganser), Shelduck (Tarro Blanco / Tadoma tadorna), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), a Dunlin (Correlimos Común / Calidris alpina), a single Black-tailed Godwit (Aguja Colinegra / Limosa limosa) in one of the ditches on the salt marsh area, Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus) and just as we got to the end of the track Sharon picked up a Merlin (Esmerejón / Falco columbarius) which John and I eventually saw in a distant bush.
It was a tad breezy up on the beach so we found a place to tuck our selves in behind the dunes and scanned the beach and the further out to sea, on the beach we found good numbers of Bar-tailed Godwit (Aguja Colipinta / Limosa lapponica), Grey Plover (Chorlito Gris / Pluviali squatarola), a couple of Red Knot ( Correlimos Gordo / Calidris canutus), a single Ruddy Turnstone (Vuelvepiedras Común / Arenaria interpres), Sanderling (Correlimos Tridáctilo / Calidris alba) and 4 female Common Eider (Eider Común / Somateria mollissima). Out to sea a Black-throated Diver (Colimbo Ártico / Gavia arctica) and several Red-throated (Colimbo Chico / Gavia stellata) were mixed in with at least 6 Long-tailed Ducks (Pato Havelda / Clangula hyemalis), Great Crested Grebe (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus), Red-breasted Merganser (Serreta Mediana / Mergus serrator), several Goldeneye (Porrón Osculado /Bucephala clangula) with some nice males in the flock, 100 or so Northern Pintail (Ánade Rabudo / Anas acuta) in a flock on the sea and further along the beach a group of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Gaviota Sombria / Larus fuscus).
As we walked back towards the visitors centre we called in at the new hide which over the years has had a few detrimental comments but I was pleasantly by the look of it but as we were only in there very briefly I cannot comment on the functionality of it. Anyway whilst we were in the right hand hide we picked up Golden Plover (Chorlito Dorado Europeo / Pluvialis apricaria), Avocet (Avoceta Común / Recurvirostra avosetta),Tufted Duck (Porrón Monudo / Aythya fuligula), Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago), Skylark (Alondra Común / Alauda arvensis) and from just out side a couple of Egyptian Geese (Ganso del Nilo / Alopochen aegyptiaca).
We reached the track off to the left which went through the reeds to a large screened pool but only managed to add Cetti's Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) on the way out to it and a calling Water Rail (Rascón Europeo / Rallus aquaticus) on the way to the centre. We had a look in the shop and I bought a replacement Crumb guard for my bins and then returned to the car where the rolls and coffee were soon out and being consumed. In the trees behind us we finished the Titchwell visit with a Coal Tit (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) and several Long-tails (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus).
Our next stop was at Holkham Park on the Lady Anns Road section near the beach but not before seeing a Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus) on the way there.
Once we had parked we scanned the flooded fields on either side as we walked towards the pines and what I think is a far more unsightly structure than the hide at Titchwell the Lookout. On the fields there were huge numbers of wildfowl including Eurasian Wigeon and Teal, Northern Shoveler (Pato Cuchara / Anas clypeata) and Greylag, Pink-footed, Dark-bellied Brent Geese and more Egyptian Geese (Ganso del Nilo / Alopochen aegyptiaca).
We walked through the woods and crowds of weekend country folk all dressed in the very smart waxed Jackets and hunter wellies and specking so posh I would have needed a translator to make contact. We reached the beach and had all managed to avoid standing the copious amounts of dog shit and turned right along the track down towards a fenced off area which had been erected to protect the birds from the people and photographers. On the way Sharon and John had a Short-eared Owl (Buho Campestre / Asio flammeus) but I was just ahead of them and missed it. 
When we reached the fenced area John went right the way around the ropes whilst Sharon and I went along the near edge and had good views of a flock of around 25 or so stunning Snow Buntings (Escribano Nival / Plectrophenax nivalis) which were very flighty but gave us all some great views.
We walked back along the dune side of the area still looking for the Short-eared Owl and the missing Shore Larks (Alondra Cornuda / Eremophila alpestris). As we walked the Owl came up and showed well for us and disappeared off down the dunes. We continued on and I checked the one side of the salt marsh and John and Sharon checked the other and as usual Sharon picked up several small birds off in the distance and when John checked them out he found 20+ very very smart Shore Larks which showed nicely for us. Very pleased with the birds here we headed back to the car adding Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus) on the way and as we again had a coffee the first of a few Mute Swan (Cisne Vulgar / Cygnus olor).
We drove further along the coast to Stifkey Fen where we parked and walked out to the sea wall, on the way we had 2 male and a female Bullfinches (Camachuelo Común / Pyrrhula pyrrhula) in the willows. The fen was quiet but in the surrounding fields we had 3 Stock Doves (Paloma Zurita / Columba oenas) and back by the car 3 Red-legged Partridges (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa).
As it was getting late in the day we went back to the other side of Stifkey and dropped down on to the marshes there to see what came in for the roost. During the last hour of light we had several Marsh Harriers another Short-eared Owl, a Great Black-backed Gull (Gavión Atlántico / Larus marinus) and right in the last bit of light a female Hen Harrier (Aguilucho Pálido / Circus cyaneus).
Our digs for the night were 1.5 hours away down in Great Yarmouth so we set off, checked in and the wandered the winter seafront looking for something to eat. A great days birding Thanks Sharon and John.

Thursday 27 December 2018

Albrighton and the Wrekin, Shropshire, UK.

The day of the Challenge !!!!!!!

Jayne and family at the Summit.

I had a quick walk into the village seeing Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Common Starling (Estornino Pinto / Sturnus vulgaris) and Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus).
Once I was back at the house Julia, Barb, Jayne, Martin and I headed over to the foot of the Wrekin (a hill in Shropshire) just on the out skirts of Telford.
Just under a year ago Jayne was in hospital just starting her fight with Cancer when Jim her brother went up the Wrekin and posted a photograph at the summit. Jayne made a comment about wishing she could have been there as well so Jim challenged her to get herself well enough to go up there on our next visit.
So I was very proud of her today when we reached the rather foggy summit and even better she made it look quite easy. Well done Jayne XXXX
Back at the bottom after some nice cake and hot chocolate.
On the way up and down I picked up Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), Rook (Graja /  Corvus frugilegus), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Marsh (Carbonero Palustre / Parus palustris), Great (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Coal (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater), Blue (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus) and Long-tailed Tits (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Treecreeper (Agateador Norteño / Certhia familiaris), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Redwing (Zorzal Alirrojo / Turdus illacus) and Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax).

Wednesday 26 December 2018

Albrighton, Shropshire, UK.

Walking Harry.

Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Starling (Estornino Pinto / Sturnus vulgaris), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Long-tailed (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus) and Blue Tit (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs canariensis) and Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica).

Tuesday 25 December 2018

Albrighton, Shropshire, UK.

A pre Christmas Lunch walk with Harry.

Julia had done most of the prep but while they all got the finishing touches done Harry and I disappeared for a couple of hours out on the fields and lanes.
Harry just before he dived in 😀😀😀😀
During the walk I saw Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Green (Pito Real / Picus viridis) and Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Blue (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Great (Carbonera Común / Parus major) and Long-tailed Tit (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Song (Zorzal Común / Turdus philomelos) and Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Redwing (Zorzal Alirrojo / Turdus illacus), Fieldfare (Zorzal Real / Turdus pilaris), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinulas chloropus), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Goldcrest (Reyezuelo Sencillo / Regulus regulus), Stock Dove (Paloma Zurita / Columba oenas), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Common Starling (Estornino Pinto / Sturnus vulgaris), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus) and several Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius).
Harry chilling on Christmas afternoon
Just before lunch I went around to see m Mom and whilst there I saw Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis) and a female Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla).
I returned to Julia and Martin's and we had a really good Christmas Lunch and later a nice quiet afternoon doing nothing.

Monday 24 December 2018

Telford and Albrighton, Shropshire, UK.

Visiting Jayne's Brother in Telford and then back to the village.

Jayne woke not feeling too good so we rang the local doctors surgery and they very helpfully fitted her in to see a Doctor with in just a few minutes so we were soon on our way round for the appointment, on the way I saw 6 Lesser Redpolls (Pardillo Sizerín / Carduelis flammea) in a roadside Silver Birch and on the return walk a very smart Fieldfare (Zorzal Real / Turdus pilaris).
Later Barb, Jayne and I headed over to see their brother David who had just come out of hospital and after a successful operation. We spent an hour there and we were all very pleased to see how well he was looking considering what he had just been through.
On the return journey to Albrighton we passed Priorslee leveling pool on the way and I saw several species as we flashed by including Tufted Ducks (Porrón Monudo / Aythya fuligula), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Pochard (Porrón Común / Aythya ferina), Goosander (Serreta Grande / Mergus merganser), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra) and Mute Swan (Cisne Vulgar / Cygnus olor).

Sunday 23 December 2018

Happy Christmas.


Telford and Albrighton, Shropshire, UK.

Food shopping in Telford and then back to the village.

Julia, Jayne, Martin and I went over to Telford to do the pre Christmas food shop but it was not as bad as expected until we reached Asda where for some reason some bright spare decided it was a good idea to open the shop an hour before the tills. Which meant that there were a hundred plus people queueing up the isle waiting blocking everything up for people who had arrived later, pure stupidity
On the way there we passed the Prorslee Leveling Lake and I picked out Tufted Duck (Porrón Monudo / Aythya fuligula), Mute Swan (Cisne Vulgar / Cygnus olor), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica) and Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula).
Back in the village we had some lunch and then I took Harry out again but we did a long loop and I picked up a few extra species including Long-tailed (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Blue (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Coal (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) and Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Redwing (Zorzal Alirrojo / Turdus illacus), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Goldcrest (Reyezuelo Sencillo / Regulus regulus), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula) and Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea).

Saturday 22 December 2018

Albrighton, Shropshire, UK.

A day around the Village.

We got up and then spent the morning seeing family, we both went to see my Mom and then I went up to my brothers whilst Jayne went to see Barb her sister.
During the walk I noted Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Common Starling (Estornino Pinto / Sturnus vulgaris) and Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula).
During the afternoon I took Harry, Martin and Julia's dog for a walk over the A41 bypass and along what is now named as Cordy Lane (on Google Maps) but I remember (or more accurately cannot remember it as something else) and then in to Blue House Lane and back. During our walk I saw Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus), Blue Tit (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), a couple of Redwings (Zorzal Alirrojo / Turdus illacus), 1 male Siskin (Lúgano / Carduelis spinus) high up in a Silver Birch and several Black-headed Gulls (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus).
Later Julia, Jayne, Barb, Martin and I headed through the village and had a nice meal at the Shrewsbury Arms Pub, a very nice way to finish our first full day.

Friday 21 December 2018

Huétor Fields and travelling back to Shropshire in the UK.

Travelling back for Christmas and the New Year.

Jayne and I finished the packing and set off for Malaga Airport, as we crossed the fields I picked up House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Little Owl (Mochuelo Europeo / Athene noctua), Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Golden Plover (Chorlito Dorado Europeo / Pluvialis apricaria), Stone Curlew (Alcaraván Común / Burhinus oedicnemus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and Crested Lark (Cogujada / Galerida cristata). 
We had some lunch in Salinas and continued on down and dropped the car off at Parkingmar before catching our flight over to Birmingham.
The flight was on time and uneventful but due to Wolverhampton Wanderers home match against Liverpool being changed and now finishing just before we reached the town the trains and stations were a tad busy to say the least but Martin, Jayne's bother and his wfe Julia managed to find us and very kindly take us back to their house which was our base for the next two and a half weeks.

Wednesday 19 December 2018

Huétor Fields, Granada Province.

A few hours down on the local patch.

I started by driving down to the bar at the bottom of the road seeing House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba).
I took the track along the Arroyo and scanned the Rio and surrounding stubble fields finding several Tree Sparrows (Gorrión Molinero / Passer montanus) mixed in with the much commoner House Sparrows and Common Chaffinches (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs). Also on the stubble were quite a few Collared Doves (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Feral Pigeons (Paloma Bravía / Columba livia), Crested Larks (Cogujada / Galerida cristata) and a second Common Kestrel which kept flushing the feeding birds up into the Poplar trees.
Down by the water there were lots more feeding White Wagtails, Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita) which were fly catching from the reed patches, Meadow Pipits (Bisbita Pratense / Anthus pratensis) and a very large flock of around 200 Iberian  Magpies (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki) which were coming along the river through the reeds and Tamarisk trees and then passed me into several leafless Pomegranate trees on the far side of the stubble field and then on again.
On the ploughed fields over the river there was part of the wintering Little Bustard (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax) flock which was difficult to count as the birds merged in well and dropped into the ridges between the ploughing ridges but later they moved out onto a newly sprouting cereal field and made a count of 41 much easier.
I turned around and went along the road to Huétor and stopped at the fields where the Stone Curlews (Alcaraván Común / Burhinus oedicnemus) spend their days at the moment and luckily there had been no desturbance so the birds were still happily sat there and allowed a count of 277. In the same area I had Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Crested (Cogujada / Galerida cristata) and Skylark (Alondra Común / Alauda arvensis) x45, Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), 2 of 4 Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) seen, Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica) and 11x Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis). 
I did the loop around to the Airfield but as they were flying there I carried on up to the bridge and found the Golden Plovers (Chorlito Dorado Europeo / Pluvialis apricaria) x21 and the Northern Lapwings (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus) x34, as well as a distant soaring Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), a Kingfisher (Martin Pescador / Alcedo atthis) which flashed passed following the irrigation channel and a very smart Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea).
I dropped down from the bridge and turned out towards the Mesia road and checked the ditches and reed beds along there, I failed to find any sign of the usual wintering Bluethroat (Pechiazul / Luscinia svecica) but put up a single Jack Snipe (Agachadiza Chica / Lymnocriptes minimus), 2x Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago) and a Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus) whilst searching.
On the opposite side of the track in the reed beds there was a single wintering Wryneck (Torcecuello / Jynx torquilla), Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla), Cetti's Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), another flock of a 100 or so Iberian Magpies and in the air an even bigger flock of 500+ Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus). 
On the eastern track along the Rio I added a small flock of around 10 Common Waxbills (Estrilda Ondulada / Estrilda astrild), a locally uncommon Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egreeta garzetta), Jackdaws (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa) x5, Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), a single male Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre / Emberiza schoeniclus) in winter plumage, several Mistle Thrushes (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus) in the poplars, another couple of Green Sandpipers and a male Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala).

Sunday 16 December 2018

Orchids for 2019.

Really looking forward to some exciting Orchid hunting next year between March and June.

Dark Spider Orchid (Ophrys incubacea).
Towards the end of March the main Orchid season kicks off down here in Southern Spain but before this even there have been a couple of the species in the Ophrys fusca group that have been flowering from as early as January. 
Pink Butterfly Orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea).
Over in Malaga Province they have the uncommon Ophrys Malacitana and further East in Granada we get the very similar Ophrys foresteri, both plants are considered be some authorities to be full species in their own right but just variations of fusca by others along with some other similar plants.
Two-leaved Gennaria (Gennaria diphylla).
Another of the very early flowering species is the Two-leaved Gennaria (Gennaria diphylla) which can be found down on the Granada coast and in the woods and quarries of Malaga Province.
Ophrys Dyris.
Anyway once March arrives I enjoy visiting an area of Pine woodland in the Sierra de Mijas where there is a very good show of several species including the very variable Woodcock Orchid (Ophrys scolopax), during several visits I (along with friends) also found a couple of hybrid plants with Scolopax, the first was a cross with Ophrys speculum (O x castroviejoi) and the second with tenthredinifera (O x peltieri).
Conical Orchid (Neotinea conica).
In the same area there are also a good number of other beautiful plants including Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera subsp tenthredinifera), Pink Butterfly Orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea), Fan-lipped Orchid (Anacamptis collina), Mirror Orchid (Ophrys speculum subsp speculum), Yellow Bee Orchid (Ophrys lutea) and just up the road at another two spots Naked / Italian Man Orchid (Orchis italica), Ophrys Dyris, Atlas Orchid (Ophrys atlantica), Champagne Orchid (Orchis champagneuxii) and Somber Bee Orchid (Ophrys fusca / O. forestieri). 
Atlas Orchid (Ophrys atlantica).
Right up in the North of Malaga Province and on my local patch we have good sites for Dark Spider Orchid (Ophrys incubacea), Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora), Orchis x brigittae, Small Woodcock Orchid (Ophrys picta) and Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum robertiana). 
Ophrys x chobautii.
On my local patch there is a brilliant area of Oak Woodland and Grass Land where during the year there is a great show including Conical Orchid (Neotinea conica), Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), Dense-flowered Orchid (Neotinea maculata), Lizard Orchid (Himantoglosum hircinum), Lange's Orchid (Androrchis langei), Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera var ficalhoana), Southern Early Purple Orchid (ChupaerosAndrorchis Olbiensis), Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanatera longifolia), Pyramidal Orchid (Orquidea Pyramidal / Anacamptis pyramidalia) and Epipactis temolsii.
Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanatera longifolia).
In a valley not to far away from us Iberian Mirror Orchid (Ophrys vernixia) flowers in amonst the Oaks and there is another site for this very rare species in pine woods in Northern Malaga. As well as Small-tongue Orchid (Serapias parviflora), Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora) and just up the road Orchis x gennarii.
Orchis cazorlensis.
 In the Granada Mountains there are a mix of site with a good mix of species, most on the Northern slopes in the broad-leaved woods and on the Southern slopes of nearby hills, some of the interesting species here are the rare Orchis cazorlensis and the even rarer hybrid with Lange's Orchid (O x incantata), Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea), Barton's Orchid (Dactylorhiza insularis), Fragrant Bug Orchid (Orchis coriophora subsp fragrans), Robust Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza elata), Dark-red Helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens), Epipactis fageticola, Small-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis microphylla), both Violet Limodore (Limodorum abortivum) and Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) can be found along with the beautiful Algerian Butterfly Orchids (plantanthera algeriensis).
Algerian Butterfly Orchids (plantanthera algeriensis).
Some later species locally are the very smart Burnt Orchid (Neotinea Ustulata) which grow in the Oak as do the Autumn Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) but somewhat later.

Orchis x brigittae.
Other species that I have seen down here in Andalucia include Algarve Bee Orchid (Ophrys algarviensis), Long-lipped Tounge Orchid (Serapias vomeracea), Tongue (Serapias lingua) and Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias cordigera), Limodorum trabutianum, Lax-flowered Orchid (Orchis Laxiflora) and Sulphur Orchid (Dactylorhiza sulphurea).
Monkey Orchid (Orchis simia).
Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus).
During my tours up to the Pyrenees we also see a very good number of Orchid speices including Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), Bird's-nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis), Black Vanilla Orchid (Nigritella angustifolia), Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis), Elder-flower Orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina), Heath Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata),
Military Orchid (Orchis militaris).
Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Pale-flowered Orchid (Orchis pallens), Military Orchid (Orchis militaris), Monkey Orchid (Orchis simia), Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera), Ophrys riojana, Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viride), Lesser Butterfly (Platanthera bifolia) and Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha), Green-winged Orchid (Androrchis morio) and White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium). There are still quite a few still to find as well.
Pale-flowered Orchid (Orchis pallens).
Elder-flower Orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina).

Tuesday 4 December 2018

Huétor Tajar, Granada Province.



The burning of the Huétor Fields again.

The annual burning of the Asparagus tops around Huétor has started, we were in the town during the afternoon and it was hard to breath as the smoke was so thick. Jayne had to put a hankie over face as she was struggling to get her breath.