Morocco – Inland onto the Plain of the Sous – 29th March 2009

Heading inland on the road to Taroudant, the route was not too inspiring and the traffic conditions did not lend themselves to too much viewing until we had past the town of Taroudant. Shortly after here there is a track leading to a small airfield, the site is mentioned in the Dave Gosney’s book on birding in southern Morocco. We drove up and past the outbuilding, eventually ending up on a track following the path of a dry river bed. Here we saw Bee-eater, Swift and Swallow over. Then we watched a Black-winged Kite see off an eagle, now identified as a Bonelli’s, there was also a Kestrel in the trees. Back onto the main road we saw many small birds on the wires, usually turning out to be Chaffinch or House Sparrow and on one such identification stop turned around to first see a loitering Black Kite then a slightly more distant Rough-legged Buzzard. That day we took one further detour off the main road to Taliouine, to find numerous Bulbul plus more Finches and Sparrows, before turning round and heading back to Agardir. To be continued.....

Life bird count: 380 Year bird count: 146 Month bird count: 106

Morocco – Afternoon to the mouth of the river Souss – 28th March 2009

This site is just outside the southern suburbs of Agadir and borders right by the side of the Royal Palace, so access can be an issue. To get there we drove down the Tiznit Road and take the turning sign posted to the “Golf du Soleil”, you will soon see the river and marsh. We saw a fair number of Little Egrets feeding on the open water and mixed gulls (Black-headed, Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed) flying up and down the river. We then drove further down until we came to a security post, here two guards approached for a friendly chat about what we were doing, as with most people broken French is the best tack and after some exchanges of views on camera equipment we had their blessing to take a wander. We walked down from the palace road right to the foreshore getting good view of a flock of Spoonbill going over us on the shore line and on the mud bank there were Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover and distant Flamingo. Our intention for the afternoon was to hang around till dusk and try for Nightjar so with some time to spare we headed off back up the river and take a right across a bridge we found, here there were more Ringed Plover and Black-winged Stilt both feeding on the waters edge. Driving on, we went through quite a large eucalyptus forest seeing nothing and arrived in another village which appeared to be a dead end. So we ended up turning back and doing the same route in reverse. This time however we first saw White Storks flying down the river, then, one cut in land and took to landing just off the road we were on. By the time we were back at the bridge the waders had gone but the air over the river was teeming with Swallows. En-route back to the Palace wall we found Orphean Warbler, then dusk fell and whilst we heard the chug chug of Red-necked Nightjar we had no sightings, however on driving out picked up a foraging Stone Curlew in our head lamps. To be continued..... Life bird count: 379 Year bird count: 141 Month bird count: 99

Morocco – Road to the river Massa and out towards the coast onto Sidi Massa – 27th March 2009

The road from Agadir to the Oued Massa National Park takes you through several towns and those on the outskirts of the city can make for some interesting driving. Once out and heading south things get more relaxed and its not long before you can turn right to Arhbolou and head along at your own gentle pace taking in what ever you spot. Thekla Larks are very common and right on the road side. On the wires we see Southern Grey Shrike, plus an enormous flood of butterflies all over the fields and crossing the road. Once in the village of Arhbolou it is easy to take a right find the bridge across the Massa. Here we had Little Egret, Black-crowned Tchagra, Fan-tailed Warbler, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Reed Warbler, Kestrel and Yellow Wagtail (grey-headed). Heading on down the final stretch of road to the coast we found ourselves about a mile south of the mouth of the river at Sidi Massa. Here we meet with a local bird tour organiser and his wife. Of course we are sceptical of his promise to show us anything but after a short trip around a local lagoon getting Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron and Green Sandpiper we are convinced he has the knowledge and strike a deal for lunch, and a go at tracking down Bald Ibis on a strictly “no see no pay” basis. We are driven across many field tracks, only suitable for four wheeled drive vehicles, coming across Montague’s Harrier, tens of Thekla Larks, Black Wheatear, Northern Wheatear and Stone Curlew. Our man speaks to a local Shepherds and then, high in the sky, long necked black birds! We drive fast across the arid land and get close enough to see they have no trailing legs. We are 99% certain we have found our quarry and they are dropping down! One final push and we are there with five Bald Ibis on the ground, grazing. There is no way we could have achieved this with out help, so on the drive back to our car, we feel well pleased with the small investment and the trust we put in our guide. This ends our second day and we return to Agadir contented birders. To be continued...... Life bird count:381 Year bird count:151 Month bird count:104

Morocco - Coast road to Tamri, High Atlas mountain foothills to Imouzzer. – 26th March 2009

Waiting for breakfast on our Agadir hotel balcony Common Swift is abundant interspersed with some Pallid Swifts and I spotted the white rump of a single Little Swift heading right over our hotel roof. Many Common Bulbuls frequently visit the palm trees in our immediate area and House Bunting are commuting between window ledges. Once on the road we head north following the coast and scanning the surf beaches we see medium sized gatherings of Sandwich Terns, Audouins Gulls and Yellow-legged Gulls on one beach near Taghazoule. Off road, on the scrub, there is Moussier’s Redstart and Crested Lark. Eventually we reach the lagoon at the mouth of the river; at a squeeze we can get the car within 10 metres of the water, alas the final walk only produces common species, Grey Heron, Coot and Little Grebe. There are several warblers around but we don’t manage a positive identification on any of them. From Tamri we head in land and climb into the High Atlas, the sky is surprisingly empty but eventually we do see 2 Short-toed Eagles climbing high above on the thermals produced by a ridge. En-route we also find three Kestrels squabbling over territory among some ruins, their sporadic flights are full of close encounters and much noise. Black-eared Wheatear is common along with singing Nightingales on the lower slopes. Crossing the river Tamri on a low bridge, Red-rumped Swallows are all around, a great sight. To be continued.... Life bird count: 379 Year bird count: 136 Month bird count: 88

Local Park – 23rd March 2009

As a fill in post I thought I might just share some of the sightings I’d made in the park near where I work. These were all taken over recent months when I’ve been able to get out for a lunch time stroll. High on the list of “great sights” was a fox bolting across the path in front of me. I have in the past published bird photographs taken there including Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Siskin, but this winter Robins were particularly obliging.

I am at present compiling at series of posts from our very recent trip to Morocco, hence the period of silence. So please stay viewing Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 127 Month bird count: 79

Suffolk – Bawdsey – 15th March 2009

Moving out of Essex and back into Suffolk, we head for the small pits at Bawdsey. First we clock a Red-crested Pochard in the first lagoon along with Goosander, Great-crested & Little Grebe. Walking along there are numerous Reed Buntings, Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails in and out of the Reeds & Tamarisk. Then finally we set eyes on our first true summer visitor, two Willow Warblers bouncing around the Tamarisk.

In the other pools there are a mixture of Pochard, Coot & Widgeon and a likely looking Sparrowhawk soars high over. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 127 Month bird count: 72

Essex – Abberton & Mistley – 15th March 2009

Reports of early Sand Martins and late Grebes lead us to decide on a trip out to these two sites. Arriving on the lower of the two causeways at Abberton there was a good collection of Wild Fowl but nothing too inspiring. Then up to the Layer de la Haye crossing, we found Sky Lark displaying, Goldeneye still present, two Slavonian Grebes still in winter plumage and a distant Black-necked Grebe in summer plumage.

From there we drove up to Mistley and off the Walls had good views of Little Egret, large numbers of Black-tailed Godwit, Black Swans in flight and a whole feast of common Ducks and Swans. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 124 Month bird count: 65

Suffolk – Minsmere – 7th March 2009

We drove out through the Suffolk countryside, lots of Pheasants in the fields and large flocks of Wood Pigeon moving aound. Arrived at Minsmere on a quite a busy day so decide to focus on the East side. Looking out to sea was very unproductive, with just a few Great-crested Grebes to be seen a long way out.

The water on the scrape was very high, so short legged waders were scarce, with just a hand full on Dunlin. There was quite a gathering of Black-tailed Godwits and some Avocets feeding. Gulls are in abundance and the Black-headed are pairing up in their raucous style, there is also quite a few Mediterranean Gulls evident but too far out to photograph. Gadwall, Widgeon and Shellduck are also common place Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 121 Month bird count: 47

Suffolk – “out the back” – 1st March 2009

Getting out and about this weekend proved a bit difficult, so we took stock of what we going on right on our own door step. With birds quite evidently pairing it was interesting to see, that where you thought it was for example one Blue Tit visiting, closer inspection proved it was two different birds, this was equally true of Greenfinch, Dunnock and Chaffinch.

Of special note however was, what I always think of as a turning point and that was a Chiffchaff calling from the trees. Here we go… eyes down for another year! Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 120 Month bird count: 20

Norfolk – Lynford Arboretum – 21st February 2009

We moved across from Ickworth into Thetford Forest and up to Lynford. Good views on the gravel pits of Goosander, Ferruginous Duck and Common Gull. Then there was a variety of woodland birds in the Arboretum including Treecreeper and Siskin, alas no Hawfinch (tut), never the less we also had a nice collection of common wildfowl on the lake.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 120 Month bird count: 100

Suffolk – Ickworth House – 21st February 2009

We’ve dropped into the woods surrounding this stately home at this time of year before and found one of the best shows of Snowdrops we’ve seen. This year was no exception as they have appeared in abundance deep in the woods.

From a birding perspective, its one of those places where you wonder around and sometimes you are lucky and others there may have been too much disturbance and you consequently see nothing. On this occasion I’d say it was the former, we saw all three species of woodpecker (Lesser-spotted, Greater-spotted and Green) showing, drumming and calling, then Nuthatch and a variety of more common woodland birds all showing well. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 119 Month bird count: 97

Norfolk – Salthouse– 17th February 2009

On the same day we then headed further east from Titchwell and, having had no luck at Cley coast guards, we dropped in to the beach car park at Salthouse. Immediately picking up on 2 very obliging Snow Bunting (oops!), plus Teal and Turnstone in the rock pool.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 114 Month bird count: 89

Norfolk – Holme & Titchwell– 17th February 2009

The first drop in of the day was to the Wolferton Triangle, alas no luck on the small population of Golden Pheasant so we decided to head for a spot of sea watching at NWT Holme. We had a great drive in with Grey Partridge, Marsh Harrier, Fieldfare, Curlew and Stonechat all either on the track side or over the marsh.

Off shore in the water were 10+ Mergansers and couple of Great-crested Grebes. Then generally heading east we saw several Red-throated Divers, a large flock of Dunlin and 5 Long-tailed Duck. It was then up on to the main road again and a stop over at Titchwell, here we could see that the waters were very high but well stocked with birds. On the fresh marsh there were Pintail, Avocet, Widgeon, Brent Geese & Shoveller, with Water Pipit, Snipe, Ruff & Bearded Tits feeding in the low level reed islands. On the salt marsh we had Golden Eye, Black-tailed Godwit & Little Grebe. Then out on the shore line were Sanderling, Knot, Grey Plover & Dunlin. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 113 Month bird count: 88

Suffolk – Local Patch – 8th February 2009

We’ve not been around our local wood for many a month, so with snow still on the ground and most of the water pools frozen solid we took a wander. Despite the cold snap early breeding activity was evident; Robins were singing in territories, Great Tits whilst still in small flocks were singing from branches and moving their heads to flash their white cheeks and Greater-spotted Woodpeckers were drumming! Other birds were in winter parties; Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and Chaffinches, with winter Thrushes high the sky moving from one feeding ground to another. As you can see nothing of great note but behaviour is definitely on the change, great walk out! Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 97 Month bird count: 27

Norfolk – Thetford Forest – 31st January 2009

We had to get out before the promised bad weather, so off to the “interior” it was.

We started at Lynford Arboretum, on the now flooded gravel pits found amongst other wildfowl a Ferruginous Duck and Red-necked Grebe. Within the Arboretum itself there was a mixed flock of Goldfinch & Redpoll and a single Siskin, plus plenty of Marsh Tits feeding in the branches and on the tree trunks, along with the occasional Treecreeper. Next stop was Santon Downham, not a great deal to be seen here except for some grazing Highland Cattle and the opportunity to photograph some foraging Blackbirds and catch sight of the more timid Redwing. Finally it was off to Hockwold Fen and a very quick walk out through the reed beds before it got too dark. A distant Great Grey Shrike, Stonechat and alas only heard Reedling.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 96 Month bird count: 96

Suffolk – Ipswich & Levington – 25th January 2009

I always find it a bit bizarre, driving around a housing estate with my bins at the ready scanning for birds, but if you want to see Waxwing this is so often the case and discretion is defiantly the order of the day when you find about thirty birds commuting between the roof tops and a front garden. It was then off to Levington and a look along the shore line and the trout lake. Wet, windy and chilly as it was, this produced Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, 100 Dunlin, Curlew, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover on the shore and Gadwall, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Widgeon & Pochard on the water. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 85 Month bird count: 85

Essex (Mistley Quay) – 4th January 2009

A good day off the Quay and Walls, with waders – Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Knot , Avocet, Oystercatcher & Redshank; Swans – Black, Mute & Whooper; Ducks – Pintail, Shellduck, Widgeon, Teal & Goldeneye.

Further out there is a Great Northern Diver & Great-crested Grebes then closer to the quay side 11 Mergansers.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 61 Month bird count: 61

Essex (Abberton) – 31st December 2008

This reservoir is always a good visit at any time during the winter months. Here today we get Little Egret, Egyptian Goose, Common Gull, Smew, Ruddy Duck, Bittern, Water Rail & Merganser to mention a few. Final counts for 2008 are below.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 267 Month bird count: 93

Suffolk (Micklemere) – 29th December 2008

A quick run out to this small mere right on the road side and good views of White-fronted Goose along with Greylag, Canada & a lone Snow Goose. On the return the fields are flush with winter thrushes, Fieldfare, Redwing and Mistle are all amongst a gathering of Lapwings and Golden Plovers. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 266 Month bird count: 81

Suffolk (Bawdsey East Lane & Quay) – 25th December 2008

Heavy cloud cover, a cold wind and a low level mist, it must be Christmas in East Anglia! Off to coast and a look at what the pits at East Lane Bawdsey hold, plenty of ducks including Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Teal, Widgeon, Tufted, Shoveller & Gadwall. Also Mute Swan, Canada & Greylag Geese, then in the coastal tamarisk we find Stonechat and Meadow Pipit and finally Common Buzzard & Hen Harrier over.

A short stop at the Quay and across the Deben there are hundreds of Golden Plover along with Curlew, Ringed Plover, Dunlin & Lapwing.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 265 Month bird count: 70

Essex (Mistley Quay & The Walls) – 7th December 2008

A great clear frosty morning this Sunday and we headed to Mistley Quay. Here the impact of the winter vistor was noticeable, in the estuary there were Shag, Great Northern Diver, several Black-necked Grebes, Pintails, Golden-eyes and Common Gull to note but a few.

Feeding off the walls were Whooper Swan, numerous Canada Geese and Mute Swans.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 265 Month bird count: 47

Suffolk (Felixstowe & Rendlesham) – 16th November 2008

Just a couple of short trips out, mainly to do some photography. Firstly to Felixstowe docks and nailed some good Gulls in flight mainly Black-headed but also saw Greater Black-backed and Herring. Plenty of Starlings around too, no doubt the evening roost gatherings will get large.

Then off to Rendlesham to catch a reasonably sized flock of Waxwings feeding on road side berries. Also saw Mistle Thrush (which insisted on aggravating the Waxwings) and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 264 Month bird count: 40

E. Norfolk (Strumpshaw Fen, Horsey & Cart Gaps and Stub Mill) – 11th October 2008

Strumpshaw Fen is such a great place in the autumn with hips and other berries all over, the light on the waters and the leaf changing colour. Arriving about 8:00 everything was very quite and the sun was warming the fen nicely. Bearded Tits were very active in the reeds and popped up to view every 5 or 10 minutes, a single Marsh Harrier disturbed gatherings of Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall and Mallard on the waters. A single Grey Herron stalked in some shallow water and a Kingfisher sped across the broad. Over we also saw flocks of Greylag Geese and Canada Geese heading for daytime feeding grounds. We then headed north to Horsey Gap and walking from the car park found a family of Stonechat and a hopeful Kestrel hovering. On the way back, the same ground, produced Northern Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Skylark. Off shore there was a gathering of 20+ Red-throated Divers all still in summer plumage and distant Gannets. After lunch it was a move up the coast to Cart Gap for a more sea-watching. This produced Fulmar and Black-throated Diver, with Oystercatcher and Turnstone on the beach. Finally we ended the evening at the Stub Mill watch point, to find a Great Grey Shrike distant before the light wavered. Once dusk started to fall and to a background of large flocks of Pink-footed Geese returning from the days feeding we saw Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, 8+ Marsh Harrier and 17 Cranes. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 263 Month bird count: 65

Norfolk (Wells Wood & Walsey Hills) – 26th September 2008

Safely back form Cyprus and looking at the UK site reports there seamed to be few of the harder to see migrants in Norfolk, so decided to spend a day on the north coast. Tried Wells Wood first and to be honest it was disappointing from a migrant point of view but none the less got good views of Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Willow Warbler, Treecreeper and other woodland species. As foot note; many butterflies were clearly about and we did get “lowish” level views of a White Admiral.

Onward to Walsey Hills and a wonder around this small site produced a juvenile Barred Warbler with Tits and Crests evident in quite high numbers. Also saw Marsh Harrier over Cley. Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 258 Month bird count: 106

N. Cyprus (The central plain and local) – 21st & 23rd September 2008

In the immediate local area to our hotel as well as the owls being evident there was a collection of smaller birds in and out, including Cetti’s Warbler, Icterine Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher.

Further a field and en-route across the central plain we saw larger gatherings of Bee Eaters, numerous Crested Lark, Thekla Lark and some Short Toed Lark. Along with Hoopoe, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Wagtail and Chucka.

Life bird count: 376 Year bird count: 257 Month bird count: 102