Catch up

So another month comes to an end.

The small Swallow project i do around the farms in the Maughold area is coming to an end.

71 chicks ringed so far with a few more nests to ring. I might do a second brood check. 

but could be busy with other stuff.

16 adult Arctic Terns have been caught and some nice data is being collected. Two birds were ringed as chicks back in 1999 and 2001 and are now back breeding on that same beach. 1 Chick this year so far has been ringed

Our on going study of the Little Terns is again producing some good records with birds being ringed as chicks in Kilcooli, Co Wicklow  Ireland. Great Yarmouth, Foulney island Barrow-in-Furness and  Crimdon Park near Hartlipool all now nesting at our small colony.

The Gt Yarmouth bird was 13 years old when caught last year and 2 chicks ringed 12 years ago at our colony are nesting there still.

So far this year 10 Adult Little Tern have been caught and 7 chicks ringed.

A nice morning spend at the Dhoon site on Thursday with 21 Siskin being ringed 18 of them 3j birds. Also 3 Lesser Redpoll in with them. 117 siskin now ringed at this new site.

Some great friends came to stay on Thursday for their annual visit. Kane and Gillian.

So a busy morning on Friday checking one of the Cormorant colonies. 

15 Cormorant chicks colour ringed with birds still on eggs and very small young.

Cormorant colour ring

Gillian Kev and Kane

Also 5 Greater Black Back Gull Chicks colour ringed and 4 Common Gull chicks

Kane and GBBG

Common Gull

5 Sparrowhawk chicks ringed

Saturday we met up with Louise the warden and went to check on the Tern colonies.

Little Tern

Little Tern chicks

Gillian ringing Arctic Tern

After the Terns and a Ring Plover chick were ringed we moved off to a Hen Harrier nest.

The nest we had been watching had 5 eggs 3 weeks ago, when we went in to it only one female Harrier chick was in it with 2 addled eggs. The weather over the last two weekends has been very wet and foggy maybe this is the reason for such a low return.

Hen Harrier chick

From the Harrier we moved on to a Spotted Flycatcher nest where 5 adorable chicks sat looking at us

Spotted Flycatchers

The last visit was to a Kestrel nest where 5 chicks were ringed.

A Big Thanks to everyone who help with the above efforts, you know who you are, Massive thanks to Chis Wade from Island Aggregates 

Louise Samson from Defa,  and all the people who have giving us permission to ring on their land 

A great two days spent with 2 great people who are welcome anytime.

we did still  manage to catch when we got home, 3 Herring Gulls colour ringed. Before the Gin came out

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IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF RINGED IN EXTREMADURA

Author: Hugo J. Gómez-Tejedor Alonso (GIA-Extremadura). 
Translated by Martin Kelsey.

During a day’s ringing as part of the PASAR scheme by GIA-Extremadura, what could be the first breeding Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus) in Extremadura was caught. The bird was mistnetted on 5^th June 2013 at the PASER P-5005 station at La Lapa, in the southern-central part of Badajoz province, in shady-slope habitat dominated by woodland of cork oak, holm oak, honeysuckle, strawberry trees and other shrubs. The only regular breeding area for this species in Extremadura is in the south of Badjaoz province, in the Sierra de Tentudia. This new location is a northern extension of the range of the species in the province.

The trapped bird was an adult male, with a marked cloacal protuberance and characteristic plumage of bright green back with yellowish tinges and emargination on the sixth primary, and the second primary the same length as the seventh. The wing length, based on maximum chord was 55.5 mm, using the third primary 44 mm and the tarsus was 19.26 mm. These biometrics, along with weight of 7.4 g are within the species ranges based on observations in Doñana and Cádiz. The closest records to this site are at Burguillos del Cerro. There a male was singing on 21/03/2006 and on 02/04/2006 (Francisco Montaño com. pers.), although on date those records could have been a passage bird instead of a local breeder.

Given the recent split of Iberian Chiffchaff from Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), the breeding range of the former is not well known in the Iberian Peninsula in general and in Extremadura in particular. Thus this note advances our knowledge of the species in our region.

Literature

- Balmori, A.; Cuesta, M.A. & Caballero, J.M. 2002. Distribución de los mosquiteros ibéricos (Phylloscopus breehmi) y europeo (Phylloscopus collybita) en los bosques de ribera de Castilla y León (España). Ardeola 49: 19-27.
- Baker K.1997. Warblers of Europe, Asia and North Africa. Helm. London.
- Barros, D. & Ríos, D. 2002. Guía de aves del Estrecho de Gibraltar. Ornitur S.L. Cádiz.
- Bermejo, A. 2006. Programa PASER: más de diez años trabajando para la conservación de las aves. Revista de Anillamiento 13-14: 2-26.
- Onrubia, A.;  Arroyo, J.L.; Andrés, T.; Gómez, J.; Unamuno, J.M. & Zufiaur, F.   2003. El mosquitero ibérico (Phylloscopus ibericus): identificación, biometría y apuntes sobre su migratología. Revista de Anillamiento 12: 18-29 
- Prieta, J. & Mayordomo, S.  2011. Aves de Extremadura, vol. 4. SEO-Cáceres, Plasencia.
- Salomón, M.; Voisin, J.F. & Bried, J. (2003). On the taxonomic status and denomination of the Iberian Chiffchaffs. Ibis 145: 87-89.
- Svensson, L. 1996. Guía para la identificación de los passeriformes europeos. SEO/Birdlife. Madrid.
- Telleria, J.L.; Asensio, B. & Díaz, M. 1999. Aves Ibéricas vol. II.  Passeriformes.

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bird binoculars

To have the best out of bird watching you want decent bird binoculars. Birding can be somewhat ruined if you can't see bird binoculars the birds you are attempting to view with the degree of clarity and detail that you should. An unclear image means it is hard to tell the difference between one bird plus the next with some bird binoculars probably not helping you see much more than you will observe with the naked vision.

The quality of the optics in bird binoculars is exceptionally important if you wish to ensure maximum enjoyment out of your sport. In recent years the price tag on bird binoculars with good quality lenses has decreased sufficient reason for the wider availability of affordable quality binoculars has come a higher bird binoculars interest in bird watching.

There are some fantastic 8x32 and 8x42 bird binoculars around plus the Canon 12x36 IS binoculars are usually increasing in popularity as they offer the option of high powered binos without worrying about distortion that is experienced when high magnification no IS binoculars are portable.

At the top end on the market you have many serious bird binoculars including the Swarovski 8. 5x42 EL's or perhaps the Leica Ultravid thirty-two or 42 series. Some critics say them to aren't worth the cost (at £1, 000 +) but in reality it truly is a matter of opinion and it also does depend on how serious that you are about birding. As you head up the price range the added in benefit between bird binoculars begins to decrease so it just depends upon what value you place on certain extra features that bird binoculars make binos particularly special.

If you are searching for the top of the range investigate Leica Ultravid 8x42. Your weight and balance is superb, you bird binoculars could use these all night and they would still really feel in your hand. Alternatives quality of the optics, just try them and pay attention to! If you can afford it they're well worth a search.

If you want something a little cheaper then the Pentax DCF SP 8x43 or perhaps 8x32 make excellent chook binoculars. They come with phase-coated bird binoculars prisms along with fully multi-coated lenses using a sophisticated optical design, they're waterproof, nitrogen filled and sealed and possess a water repellent coating on all exposed contacts. A great buy at below £400.

Steiner make some brilliant bird binoculars including the perfectly balanced 8x44 Steiner Discovery which includes a comfort bird binoculars balance system, high definition optics, Steiner Nano The environmental protection and fast near focus. Or, if you want something smaller and cheaper then this Steiner WildLife Pro is surely an immensely popular bird binocular, particularly the mid-size 8x30 that features a wide field of view turning it into ideal for following moving objects.

Image stabilizing is a great feature to have for most applications. Some find the Cannon 10x42 IS binoculars alternatively heavy at1030g with many birders opting for the more powerful yet lighter and cheaper option on the 12x36's (660g but not bird binoculars waterproof plus the don't have the L series lenses which have been featured in the 10x42's).

Another great bird binocular is the Nikon High Grade, along with advanced lens and prism structure which produces exceptionally clear, sharp images and fantastic colour reproduction. Every model is waterproof and it is made with environmentally warm and friendly materials. Prices start at around £300 as much as around £1, 000 (available inside both full size along with compact binoculars).

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bird bath heater

Solar power is probably just about the most important alternative energy types of the century. It has everything bird bath heater that we need to replace our current method to obtain power, which is also the crucial reason why the planet's condition can be degrading. We need to be familiar with this fact because in case we don't act currently, who knows what next week would bring. We probably won't even have a "tomorrow" to manage if we keep on doing might know about are doing right bird bath heater currently. Fortunately, lots of folks, groups, and companies are usually planning along the same lines even as are. They also felt the urgency to create remedies to find applications because of this alternative bird bath heater power source. One of those applications is solar driven device. An example could be the Solar Powered Bird Bath tub heater, which is at present spoiling the birds. (This is in reality a good thing)

So what is this bird bath heater heater? It's the same you which you use to have in your backyard. It gives anyone the fun and entertainment bird bath heater of watching wild chickens gather around it, merrily dipping inside the water. But like individuals, they also hate cold, freezing water. That's exactly why you need a heating unit. Usually, a heater can become powered by regular electricity and that is what we are seeking to avoid. The solution is by using a heater that is bird bath heater powered by power from the sun. That is what it's about. You don't have to stress about electricity cost. Now you can bird bath heater supply birds with warm bath water that they can could use 4 seasons, thanks to this product.

How would you bird bath heater push the button? There are two popular ways to push the button. First, you can use the one that already has an incorporated screen. This means that the screen itself is part of the bath or is integrated by using it. The other setup is powering a normal one with solar power coming from a solar panel bird bath heater that is actually installed somewhere. Whether which type of setup need to be used heavily depends on where you will definitely place it. It is essential that you know the spot through which you would install the bird bath. If the bird bath is bird bath heater someplace sunny, you could make use of the one with solar panels integrated by using it. However, if your location is actually somewhat shady and sunlight is difficult for getting by, you should make use of the other setup type bird bath heater.

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LANNER FALCON NEAR TRUJILLO

On the morning of 10th June 2013, Martin Kelsey, accompanied by two clients, visited the plains of the Los Cerralbos near Trujillo (Cáceres) and had the good fortune to observe and photograph a subadult Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus),identified as of the North African subspecies (erlangeri). [Read more in the personal blog of Martin Kelsey]. This falcon breeds in Africa, south-west Asia and south-east Europe, with the nearest populations in Morocco and Italy, especially Sicily. Breeding has taken place in Spain in the recent past, with proven records (eggs and nests) in Doñana up to the close of the 19th Century, and recent isolated breeding records in the mid 20th Century in Andalucia (Doñana 1954; Almeria) and the Balearics (breeding attempt in 1971).

Owing to its use in falconry and the presence of hybrid falcons of various crosses, its identification is not straightforward and sightings are often unconfirmed because of small details (up to 2003 in Spain there were seven accepted records and 18 rejected ones). In the Iberian Peninsula, there have been more than 30 records in the area of the Straits of Gibraltar, especially during migration (March – May and August – October), which confirms a regular movement to and from Africa. In France and Cataluña there are several dozen records, the majority being in autumn and winter, between September and February (De Juan 2006). As far as we know this is the fourth sighting of Lanner Falcon in Extremadura. The three that provide information of age are all of immature birds, suggesting a dispersal of non-adults from the north of Africa. There have been two records in June, one in August and the other in January; three of these records have been in open farmland steppe country.

The first record in Extremadura was also the first officially accepted record in Spain. It is a confusing record which gave rise to the possibility of breeding. There were many sightings of the same bird, but only one was accepted by the Rarities Committee: Cabeza de Buey (La Serena, Badajoz) on 11 th June 1992 (R. Munheim). The first Extremadura Bird Report included two other records from the same location which were not submitted to the Committee. A bird was photographed perched on a rocky outcrop on 4th May 1992 (Manuel Calderon and two Swiss ornithologists), which was surely the same bird seen a month later by Munheim. Three years later, on 8th May 1997, a bird was seen perched in a cutting (José Enrique Capilla). Over at least three years, there was various unpublished sightings by both Spanish and foreign observers about the presence of one or two Lanner Falcons at Cabeza del Buey, in one case suggesting breeding. Years later, all we can say is that there was one confirmed sighting and the rest remain an unsolved mystery.

The second confirmed record was an immature with features of the subspecies F. b. erlangeri photographed 15 km east of Cáceres on 24th August 2007 (R. Tonel, Ardeola 56:321). And the third, pending confirmation, is also from this year (2013) with a second year bird seen in flight over the Camino de las Huertas, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 3 rd January 2013 (Sergio Mayordomo and Ricardo Montero).
 
De Juana, E. 2006. Aves raras de España. Lynx Edicions. Barcelona.

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

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AND A COMMON SCOTER AT SIERRA BRAVA

A Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra), a second year male was seen at Sierra Brava reservoir (Zorita, Cáceres) on 1st June 2013 by Martin Kelsey, accompanied by various clients.  The photograph attached is by Dave Crossley. It is the third known record for Extremadura. Both bthe location and date are atypical, given that the species is a winter visitor in Spain occurring at sea close to the coastline.

The two previous records are: 

- A group of five at Badajoz in the winter of 1978 – 1979 (Luis Sanabria and Florentino de Lope)
- 23 years later, there was a second record: a male at the reservoir of Peña del Águila (Alburquerque, Badajoz), on 8th April 2012 (Alberto Puente, Alejandro Melero and Luna Puente).

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

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Wow! What a weekend!!

"How about having a weekend in London?", Angela asked a week ago.
"I don't know - lots of rare stuff turns up in June. More firsts for Britain than any other month", was my reply.
"Oh come on. Spring's over. What's going to turn up in the middle of June?"
Well, what in deed...

So, fast-forward to Saturday this weekend. We'd just paid the extortionate entrance fee to Ripley's Believe-it-or-not in Piccadilly Circus, when my phone beeped with the sound of a text message. Don't ask me how, but I just knew it was going to be a mega-alert. And indeed it was, in the shape of a Pacific Swift in Suffolk. As there was four of us and I was dependant on a lift from Morden to Sutton, where we were staying, there was no way I could demand that everyone headed back to the tube station so I could get to my car. So, I thought I'd give it a while, see if the bird was hanging around and if so, ask if we could head back a bit early. It did hang around and my companions, very understandingly, agreed to return to Sutton early so I could go for the swift. So we headed back, and I left Sutton in my car at 2pm, arriving at Trimley Marshes at 4pm. After a brisk half-hour walk, I arrived on site and within 10 minutes had the bird flying around the lagoons in front of us. They views were good, but didn't last more than about 10 minutes before a massive deluge opened up, pouring rain on us, soaking me to the skin. I literally had water running out of the arm of my jacket. Still, nothing could dampen the spirits. It had been 20 years since I dipped on the last Pacific Swift, so it was great to finally get it under the belt.
Anyway, I headed back to the car with the Clayheads that I know from my home town of Stoke and managed to get back to Sutton in time to dry out, get changed and head out for a curry. Nice end to the day!

On Sunday, we headed back to Norwich. I unpacked, did a few chores and then headed out to the gym. After a particular gruelling and sweaty workout, I headed home and checked the pager only to find that a Roller had been seen in north Norfolk, near Edgefield. It has been 30 years since I saw Roller in the UK (Woodhall Spa, Lincs - in the field with the white horse!), so I quickly changed out of my gym kit and headed off to north Norfolk. When I arrived at the site, the bird had done a bunk and was nowhere to be found and after a rather worrying hour-and-a-half-long hunt, it was re-found (about 30 metres from my car!) and performed nicely, if not a bit distantly for the rest of the evening.
It was always a bit distant, but I managed a few shots of it anyway. What a lovely way to end a weekend.

European Roller, Holt Country Park

European Roller, Holt Country Park

European Roller, Holt Country Park

European Roller, Holt Country Park

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MAY 2013. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Rufous Bush Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes). Acehúche, Cáceres. Photo by Manuela Rodríguez. 

 

Annotated list of the most interesting records during May 2013. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

- Egyptian Goose: Two at Palazuelo (BA) on 15/05 (Martin Kelsey).
- Common Shelduck: At Valdecañas reservoir (CC) 13 recorded, five pairs and three males, on 28/05 (Ángel Sánchez, Francisco Hurtado, Jezabel Rodríguez and Manuel Flores) and three pairs on 31/05 (Sergio Mayordomo).
- Wigeon: Two pairs on the River Zújar, Campanario (BA), on 04/05 (José Antonio Barquero and Víctor Manuel Quintana)
- Pintail: Two males at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 28/05 (Á. Sánchez, F. Hurtado, J. Rodríguez and M. Flores).
- Northern Shoveler: At the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), two males were seen on 01/05 (José Guerra and Marc Gálvez) and four birds, three males and a female, on the following dates 04/05 (Antonio Núñez, Eva Palacios, S. Mayordomo and Vanessa de Alba), 06/05 (Francisco Montaño, Jesús Solana and Joaquín Vázquez) and 07/05 (Sergio Pérez Gil). Two males at Arrocampo (CC) on 01/05 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). A male on the lagoons of Torremejía (BA) on 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 11/05 (Erich Streich and M. Gálvez). Three birds, two males and a female, on the La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 17/05 (A. Núñez). Several present at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 28/05 (Á. Sánchez, F. Hurtado, J. Rodríguez and M. Flores).
- Red-crested Pochard: At Alange reservoir (BA) three (two males and a female) on 06/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), a pair on 11/05 and a male on 15/05 and 20/05 (M. Gálvez). Two males on the La Albuera lagoons between 07/05 and el 09/05 (A. Núñez). A female on the Torremejía lagoons (BA) on 15/05 (M. Gálvez). Two males on the Orellana reservoir (BA) on 17/05 (M. Gálvez). A female with four ducklings at Los Canchales (BA) on 24/05 (S. Pérez Gil).
- Common Pochard: A male on the pool at Torrealba, Torremocha (CC), on 12/05 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). A male on the La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 17/05 (A. Núñez).
- Porrón pardo: A pair at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 05/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Common Pheasant: At least two heard at Valencia de las Torres (BA) on 19/05 (M. Gálvez).
- Squacco Heron: At Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA), two seen on 06/05 (S. Pérez Gil) yand seven present on 26/05 (Fernando Díaz and S. Pérez Gil). One on pool at Esparragalejo (BA) on 12/05 (Pablo Herrador).
- Presumed hybrid Little x Western Reef Egret: The individual first seen in April remained at Arrocampo with sightings on 02/05 (Vicente Risco), 05/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, J. Prieta, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba), 10/05 (Pablo Vera) and 22/05 (Antolín Redondo).
- Glossy Ibis: At Guareña (BA) one seen on 01/05 (Antonio Calvo), 04/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba), 09/05 (Antonia Cangas, Elvira del Viejo and J. Solana) and 11/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba), and four present there on 07/05 (S. Pérez Gil). At the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), seven were seen entering the heron roost on 04/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba) with one on 06/05 (F. Montaño, J. Solana and J. Vázquez) and 11/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).
- Sacred Ibis: The Arrocampo (CC) bird was seen again on 02/05 (V. Risco) and 20/05 (Óscar Llama).
- White-tailed Eagle: A seond-year juvenile at Alía (CC) on 04/05 (Jorge Ángel Herrera and Noelia Baeza).
- Lammergeier: An immature closet o Puerto Peña, Talarrubias (BA), on 16/05 (C. de Mera and G. Romero).
- Rüppell’s Vulture: A second-year bird was seen on the cliffs at Valbellido, Salvaleón (BA), on 21/05 (M. Gálvez), 22/05 (F. Montaño and M. Gálvez), 23/05 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño and J. Vázquez), 24/05 (Jerónimo Corral, Lorenzo Alcántara and Ó. Llama) and 25/05 (José Gómez Aparicio and José Portillo). A third-year bird was present at the Mirabel (CC) rubbish tip on 25/05 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo) and 26/05 (J. Portillo).
- Hen Harrier: A female at Guijo de Coria (CC) on días 03/05 (S. Mayordomo) and 08/05 (J. Prieta). A female at Palomas (BA) on 04/05 (J. Guerra).  A male at Santa Amalia (BA) on 24/05 (Fernando Yuste). 

- Montagu’s Harrier: A melanistic individual at Guijo de Coria (CC) on 03/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Goshawk: At Alía (CC) one seen on 03/05, 05/05 and 13/05 (J. Cerezo, J. Á. Herrera and N. Baeza). One at Losar de la Vera (CC) on 11/05 (Dave Langlois and Sammy Langlois). One at the pines at Serradilla (CC) on 25/05 (J. Prieta).
  

- Red-footed Falcon: A female was present at Casatejada (CC) on 01/05 (Emilio Pérez-Balsalobre, E. Palacios, Gorka Gorospe, Isabel Gallardo, Manuel García del Rey and Sergio Mayordomo), 02/05 (Javier Briz), 03/05 (Miguel Ángel Muñoz and V. Risco) and 04/05 (E. del Viejo, F. Montaño –photo above-) and Gema Montaño). Another female at Madrigalejo (CC) on 11/05 (M. Kelsey – photo beside -).

- Hobby: An injured bird found at Torrejoncillo (CC) on 08/05 (Raúl Granados -photo-). An adult at Majadas (CC) pines on 12/05 (J. Prieta). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 15/05 and 27/05 (D. Langlois). One at Valencia de las Torres (BA) on 19/05 (Lorenzo Alcántara and M. Gálvez). One at Alange (BA) on 20/05 (M. Gálvez). One at Serradilla (CC) pines on 25/05 (J. Prieta). On 29/05 one seen at Majadas (CC) pines and a pair at Riolobos rice fields (CC) (S. Mayordomo). Two at Monfragüe (CC) on 31/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Common Crane. On 11/05 at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), the six individuals seen first in April were again recorded (M. Kelsey).
- Kentish Plover: 11 adults, one of which was accompanied with three chicks, at Palazuelo (BA) on 02/05 (M. Kelsey). A group of between three and 34 birds at Guareña (BA) between 03/05 and 12/05 (A. Cangas, A. Núñez, E. del Viejo, E. Palacios, Francis Martín, F. Montaño, J. Solana, J. Vázquez,  J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba). Several at Santa Amalia (BA) on 16/05 and 24/05 (F. Yuste). At least seven birds and two nests at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 31/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Grey Plover: At Guareña (BA) one present on 01/05 (A. Calvo, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), and two between 03/05 and 11/05 (A. Cangas, A. Núñez, E. del Viejo, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, J. Solana, J. Guerra, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba). Two at Guadiloba reservoir, Cáceres, on 02/05 (Alberto Gil). At Palazuelo (BA) seven were present on 02/05 and three on 11/05 (M. Kelsey). At Navalvillar de Pela (BA) two at Moheda Alta on 02/05 and also at Casas de Hitos on 15/05 (M. Kelsey). On 28/05 two on the rice fields at Riolobos (CC) and two at the rice fields of El Batán (CC) (J. Prieta). On 29/05 a different individual was present at El Batán (S. Mayordomo).
- Northern Lapwing: Three at Palazuelo (BA) on 02/05 (M. Kelsey). At Santa Amalia (BA) 28 were present on 16/05 and 40 on 24/05 (F. Yuste). Two at the La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 17/05 (A. Núñez). Three adults and two chicks on the Gallinera stream, Valencia de las Torres (BA), on 19/05 (M. Gálvez). A female at Casas de Hitos, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 25/05 (M. Gálvez). Three males on rice fields at Riolobos (CC) on 28/05 (J. Prieta) with just one on 29/05 (S. Mayordomo).

- Red Knot: One at Guareña between 01/05 and 11/05 (A. Cangas, A. Calvo, A. Núñez, E. del Viejo, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, J. Solana, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).
- Sanderling: One at Palazuelo (BA) on 17/05 (M. Kelsey). At Casas de Hitos, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), three present on 17/05 (M. Kelsey) and seven on 20/05 (John Muddeman). One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 24/05 (F. Yuste). At least eight at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 31/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Temminck’s Stint: At Guareña (BA) two on 06/05 (M. Gálvez) and one on 10/05 (M. Gálvez) and 11/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, F. Martín, F. Montaño, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).
- Curlew Sandpiper: One at Guareña (BA) between 08/05 and el 11/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, J. Solana, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).
- Whimbrel: One at Palazuelo (BA) on 02/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Wood Sandpiper: En Guareña (BA) four on 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), two on 04/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba) and one on 07/05 (S. Pérez Gil).
- Turnstone: On 20/05 one seen at Alange reservoir (BA) (M. Gálvez) and another at Casas de Hitos, Navalvillar de Pela (BA) (J. Muddeman).
- Mediterranean Gull: A third-year bird at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 26/05 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois).
- Common Gull: Two second-year birds at the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Yellow-legged Gull: A second-year bird at the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). At Palazuelo (BA) one on 15/05 and two on 17/05 (M. Kelsey). A second-year bird at Alange reservoir (BA) on 16/05 (M. Gálvez). Two adults at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 31/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Whiskered Tern: Two at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 01/05 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). At Guareña (BA) three on 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and one on 03/05 (J. Guerra) and 04/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba). Ten present La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 17/05 (A. Núñez). Six at Portaje reservoir on 25/05 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).
- Black Tern: Two at Santa Amalia (BA) on 16/05 (F. Yuste). At La Albuera lagoons (BA) one on 17/05 (A. Núñez) and two on 24/05 (J. Corral and Ó. Llama). One at Boquerón reservoir, Cordobilla de Lácara (BA), on 23/05 (Godfried Schreur). Two at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 30/05 (M. Kelsey). Four at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 31/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Great Spotted Cuckoo: First fledgling seen on 25/05 at Arrocampo (CC) (M. Gálvez).
- European Nightjar: Many were detected throughout the month at Monfragüe (CC) (Pedro Holgado). At Villanueva de la Vera (CC) one seen on 09/05, 11/05 and 19/05 (D. Langlois). One at Valverde de la Vera (CC) on 11/05 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois). One at Navaconcejo (CC) on 28/05 (Iván Solana).
- Wryneck: One at Monesterio (BA) on 02/05 (Alberto Pacheco). One at Pitolero at 1,200 m asl, Cabezabellosa (CC), on 11/05 (J. Prieta). One seen entering an old Great Spotted Woodpecker nest at La Lapa (BA) on 12/05 (F. Montaño). At Salvaleón two heard on 21/05 (M. Gálvez) and one on 22/05 (F. Montaño) and 24/05 (L. Alcántara). One at Barcarrota (BA) on 22/05 (M.Gálvez). One at sierra de Santa Cruz, La Lapa (BA), on 26/05 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño).
- Skylark: One at Piornal (CC) on 10/05 (S. Mayordomo). At least 14 at La Panera, Cabezuela del Valle (CC), on 22/05 (I. Solana, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One at Tornavacas Pass (CC/AV) on 23/05 (M. Gálvez).
- Tree Pipit: One at Peñas Blancas, Alange (BA), on 02/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Yellow Wagtail: A male of subspecies M. f. thunbergi at Vegas Altas (BA) on 02/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Common Redstart: Two males in the sierra del Cabezo, Las Hurdes (CC), on 05/05 (A. Pacheco). A pair at La Lapa (BA) on 12/05 (F. Montaño). Four males at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 19/05 (D. Langlois). Three birds, two males and a female, between Barcarrota and Valverde de Leganés (BA) on 22/05 (M. Gálvez). New breeding pairs at Riomalo de Abajo (CC), one in a lamp 24/05 and the other in a post on 31/05 (A. Pacheco). Five males in the sierra de Santa Cruz, La Lapa (BA), on 26/05 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño).
- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush: A male on Pico Villuercas (CC) on 10/05 (Steve West). A male at Pitolero, Cabezabellosa (CC), on 11/05 (J. Prieta). Five males in the sierra del Ladrillar, Las Hurdes (CC), on 14/05 (A. Pacheco). Three birds, a pair and a male, at La Panera, Cabezuela del Valle (CC), on 22/05 (I. Solana, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Song Thrush: One at Alía (CC) on 30/04 (J. Cerezo, J. Á. Herrera and N. Baeza). Two fledglings between Jerte and Tornavacas (CC) on 23/05 (M. Gálvez). A male singing at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 30/05 (D. Langlois).

- Western Olivaceous Warbler: One beside River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 13/05 (S. Pérez Gil) and on 14/05 (L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil). A territorial male at the Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 27/05 and 28/05 (Juan Carlos Paniagua -photo-).
- Sedge Warbler: One mist-netted for ringing at River Matachel, Alange (BA), on 07/05 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Brovales reservoir (BA) on 16/05 (F. Montaño).
- Garden Warbler: Two mist-netted for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 01/05 (Justo García). One at Parque del Príncipe, Cáceres, on 01/05 (J. Solana). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 19/05 (D. Langlois).
- Common Chiffchaff: One singing at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) at 1.300 m asl on 19/05 (D. Langlois). One in song at Barrado (CC) on 27/05 (J. Prieta).
- Willow Warbler: One mist-netted for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 01/05 (J. García). Three at Garganta la Olla (CC) on 06/05 (J. Prieta).
- Pied Flycatcher: Two males at Sierra de San Pedro (BA/CC) on 01/05 (José Luis Bautista and P. Herrador). One mist-netted for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 01/05 (J. García). A female at Navaconcejo (CC) on 01/05 (I. Solana). Two territorial males at Garganta la Olla (CC) on 06/05 (J. Prieta). A male close to Collado del Madroño, Alía (CC), on 07/05 (J. Cerezo, J. Á. Herrera and N. Baeza). Abundant at Losar de la Vera (CC) on 11/05 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois). At Villanueva de la Vera (CC) seven territorial males seen on 15/05 and 15 on 19/05 (D. Langlois).

- Bearded Tit: All sightings are from Arrocampo: One on 01/05 (E. Palacios, Santi Villa and S. Mayordomo). Two on 05/05 (A. Núñez, E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Kelsey, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba). One on 17/05 (Ricardo Montero). A female on 19/05 (J. Briz and J. Prieta). Three males on 26/05 (E. Pérez-Balsalobre, J. Briz, M. García del Rey -photo- and V. Risco).
- Red-backed Shrike: At the Tornavacas Pass (CC/AV) a pair seen on 15/05 (César Clemente and S. Mayordomo), a male on 24/05 (M. Gálvez) and on 25/05 (M. Kelsey), and present on 26/05 (Á. Sánchez). A female in the sierra de Tormantos, Piornal (CC), on 22/05 (I. Solana, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Present in the Garganta de San Martín, Tornavacas (CC), on 26/05 (I. Solana).

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Catch Up

Sorry for lack of posts lately, well just to let you all know the breeding season is finally underway here on the Isle of Man,

Little Terns and Arctic Terns are on eggs , Gull Chicks hatching and Collared Doves fledged all ready.

At last the wind died down enough to get some nets up for Warblers.

5 Whitethroat caught on Monday one was a retrap from last year and the first Sedge Warbler of the year ringed as well.

6 new Little Terns ringed and a control bird we caught last year which was born on Foulney island, Barrow in Furness back in 2010 and 4 Arctic Terns ringed and a Ringed Plover .

10 Lapwing Chicks now ringed out of one of the only fields left on the island where they breed.

The small Tree Sparrow Colony at Regaby is coming along with 8 adult birds ringed and 4 of the females showing good brood patches so hopefully i will be able to ring the young when they are up and out.

Also since last post 4 Mistle Thrush chicks  2 Collard dove chicks 4 Meadow Pipit Chicks and 4 Oystercatcher chicks ringed.

The Common Gull colour ring project got under way with two Adults ringed so far

         Also Chris has been busy with the Chough another two broods colour ringed to day

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Late Spring update

Again, I've left it far too long in updating my blog, wanting to spend more time in the field and less time in front of my computer.
It's been a pretty quiet spring. The first notable thing is that it was very late. The strong, cold north-easterly winds kept many of the migrants at bay and it wasn't until mid-April when birds really started to arrive.
Not much to report until Mark Golley and I did some birding in North Norfolk on 17 May. We started off sea-watching off Cley, were the north-easterly winds had pushed quite a lot of auks close inshore, with a really good count of about 15 Puffins plus 300+ auk sps. Blue-headed Wagtail in the Eye Field and Little Stint on North Scrape were also nice to see.
We then walked along Warham Greens where there were a few migrants, including 2 Ring Ouzels and we also found a rather late Black Brant feeding on the saltmarsh. It was a bit difficult to photograph as it was quite a long way off in a slight heat-haze and the camera kept focusing on the grass in front of it. A few photos of it are included below:

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Warham Saltmarsh

 Thankfully, some birds weren't quite so difficult to photograph, like this Skylark

Skylark, Warham Greens

More most people, me included, the best bird of the spring was a female Dusky Thrush in Margate Cemetery on 18 May that remained for a full day after its discovery, much to the delight (and relief) of the assembled twitchers.

Dusky Thursh, female, Margate Cemetery, Kent

Dusky Thursh, female, Margate Cemetery, Kent

Dusky Thursh, female, Margate Cemetery, Kent

On 28 May, there was quite a good number of waders on Rush Hills Scrape; 4 Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plover and 9 Sanderling, plus 2 Sandwich Terns which are quite rare at this inland spot.

Finally, on 1 Jun I was motivated by a number of migrants on the north Norfolk coast to spend some time between Horsey and Winterton, so I spent 7 hours searching the bushes between Nelson Head and Winterton Beach Road. The grand-total for my 7-hour effort was a single Wheatear! It's hard in late-spring to keep up the enthusiasm as it's really only that single bird that you're searching for, rather than being spurred on by an obvious movement of common migrants in mid-spring and autumn. Anyway, the courting Little Terns on the beach provided a nice contrast to the empty bushes in the dunes.

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