Ye of little faith

Bittern - Whitacre Heath

Smew - Draycote

Cetti's warbler - Whitacre Heath N.R.

Monday 8th March 2010

Bits and pieces sort of weekend birding wise. Started at Draycote with 2 Great northern Divers and a drake Smew but no sign of the Red necked Grebe reported the previous day.

Sunday went to Whitacre Heath. Bittern and Cetti's warbler on the reserve but no sign of the Curlew from the bridge. Went home to watch THE MATCH. Well, I have a confession I gave up on my team. At half time the Villa were 2 nil down and playing like..... well it was poor. I deserted them and went out to look for LEOwls. I know I'm not a real supporter etc. I didnt get to know the result till this morning. Wem-bell-y, Wem-bell-y. What a team! In the end I didnt get to see Carew's hat trick or any Owls.

Today I did a walk from Burton Hastings to the Lime Kilns and back. One of the attractions of the walk was an area of rough ground with a ruined building. Although the area was only the size of a junior football pitch I'd had Stonechat there and flocks of finches. Today it was no more, ploughed over, homogenised, just part of a huge area of cultivation. At least the landowner had the decency to remove the Defra posters declaring the farm environmentally friendly or something like that. The last vestige of bio-diversity in a two square mile area had gone. I did find another little poster from an organisation called the Game conservancy. Amongst other things the poster declared that sprays were not used on the land to encourage insects. Wrong, the tell tale loops of tractor tracks suggested otherwise. Ok stepping down carefully from me soapbox, I did see a few birds. Still a good few Fieldfares about on the pasture land and a smaller number of Redwing. Also 1,000 Woodpigeon, a Cormorant, Mistle and Song Thrush, several Common Buzzards, mixed flock of Linnet and Chaffinch c30, 6 Common Snipe, 2 Grey Heron and c20 Golden Plover.

Morocco - February 2010 Part 4

Lammergeier - Oukaimeden

Crimson winged Finch - Oukaimeden

Crimson winged Finch

Alpine Chough

Red billed Chough

Black crowned Tchagra - Sous valley

Moussier's Redstart

Moussiers Redstart

Hoopoe Lark

Thekla Lark

Day 9

We drove south of Agadir to the Sous river, we didnt actually get to the main river because of the extensive flood water. As it was I had to take shoes and socks off to wade to a bridge which nearly crossed a tributary of the Main river. The site had loads of potential as the flood plain was well vegetated with plenty of habitat for migrants. From the bridge we picked up Wryneck and Grasshopper warbler as well as another Moroccan speciality Black crowned Tchagra. We searched the river for hirundines. We could see a group down river but having lost access to the main site for Plain Martin as a result of flooded roads we were desperate to try and locate them here. The birds we were looking at were Swallows and Red rumped Swallows but we picked out something smaller flying up river towards us. It looked more and more hopeful as the two birds continued to fly towards the bridge. As they flew over us we could confirm Plain Martin.

Other birds seen in the area included: Glossy Ibis c60, Grey headed Wagtail, Moussier's Redstart, Marbled Teal. We moved on to have lunch at the De sous Massa reserve. A walk towards the estuary produced good views of Subalpine warbler and Blue rock thrush as well as more distant views of Marbled Teal, Ferruginous Duck, Pintail and Cormorant. On the drive back we had yet more Cream coloured Coursers and Stone Curlew. We decided to have another attempt at the Red necked Nightjar, as before we had a fleeting glimpse as it was picked out in the beam of a torch flying low into the trees.

Day 10

The day involved a long drive back to Marrakech and then on to the Ski resort of Oukaimeden in the High Atlas mountains. At one stop for coffee we had great views of a Black shouldered Kite circling above us with a group of Little Swifts. The temperature at mid morning near Marrakech was 31 but even though it got a little cooler as we started to climb into the Mountains we still had an over heating problem with the Mini bus. We made several stops as the driver nursed the bus on the long ascent but we made good use of the time recording Short toed, Booted and Golden Eagles on our way to the summit. We reached our hotel and were out again to explore the gardens and tracks leading up to the snow covered peaks. The first birds we encounted were Choughs, both Red billed and Alpine species filled the skies and were also very confiding amongst the tourists. Other birds seen during the afternoon were Black Redstart, Alpine accentor, Rock Sparrow and Rock Bunting.

Day 11

We woke to a howling gale the next morning. Prospects for birding looked bleak as the wind whipped up a penetrating dust. We soldiered on up to the ski lifts. It wasn't until the top lift that we started to see birds as the wind abated. Flocks of finches were feeding on the patched of bare eath at the bottom of the snow line and some came to feed amonst some disguarded Walnut shells. Crimson winged Finches were all around giving great opportunities to take a few snaps. By this time the group had fragmented searching at different levels along the track. The highest group saw it first. A large raptor with a diamond shaped tail. An immature Lammergeier flew over our heads and landed in a col. Wow! A bird I'd always dreamed of seeing. I'll never forget that moment, quite emotional. As we pulled ourselves together we were conscious that other members of our group further down the track may not have seen it, but luckily everyone had. Not the rarest bird we'd seen but in many ways the most impressive.

I wandered back to the hotel to try and get a coffee. Luckily they were still serving breakfast. so it was nice to sit and take in the wonderful mountain views and relax for perhaps the first time on the tour. Despite the bad weather initially it had been a very successful trip. Morocco is an amazing experience, full of contrasts. The birdlife is also diverse reflecting the many different habitats the country has to offer. Thanks must go to Peter Lansdown for his calm leadership and knowledge throughout. Thanks also to 'the team', everyone contributed in one way or another to make it a very good humoured and enjoyable trip.We found a total of 196 species and connected with all the 'special' birds except Desert Sparrow.

Morocco - February 2010 - Part 3

Bald Ibis

Stone Curlew

Stone Curlew

Stone Curlew

Blue Rock Thrush

Black bellied Sandgrouse

Crowned Sandgrouse

Desert Wheatear

Red rumped Wheatear

Red rumped Wheatear

Red rumped Wheatear

Mourning Wheatear

Black Kite

Magpie

'Moroccan' White Wagtail

Day 6

We left our desert retreat and headed south. We explored several likely spots on route and found Spotted Sandgrouse c60, Mourning Wheatear, Scrub warbler and Quail. We even found some water in the stoney terrain where we stopped for lunch. Yes lunch. There was even a change of menu. Instead of Sardines, bread, cheese, Yoghurt and fruit we had Tuna, bread, cheese, Yoghurt and fruit - but the scenery was nice. The birding wasn't bad either 2 lifers in fact: Temminck's Lark and Red rumped Wheatear. We had also noted the almost continual stream of Black Kites moving north towards the Staits of Gibraltar. Our next stop was the famous Tagdilt track. We spread out to cover as much ground as possible. I was lucky to find an African Desert Warbler, much to everyones relief and Dave, Jan, Brian and Chris were rewarded for their Marathon hike with views of another sought after species, Thick billed Lark. Other birds in the area included: Black Kite c200, Long legged Buzzard, White Stork and Stone Curlew.

I cant remember much about the Hotel except that many of the beds were in an elevated position, several feet off the ground in fact. Whether this was something to do with the local wildlife, the plumbing or an ancient sexual ritual we never did find out.

Day 7

Most of the day was spent driving to Agadir. We did some birdwatching at a couple of likely areas on route along the Sous valley. Moussiers Redstart were becoming more numerous and other roadside birds included Great spotted Cuckoo, Woodchat shrike, Thekla lark and Laughing doves around the villages. The towns were chaotic, busy with street traders, handcarts, donkey's, bicycles, trucks full to bursting with people and goods.
In Agadir we checked in to a modern tourist Hotel where we were to stay for 3 nights. Luxury indeed. Everything worked. Outstanding.

Day 8

After a substantial breakfast the group travelled north to the town of Tamri. At about 60k we stopped at CapVir for a spot of sea watching. Apart from Gannets there weren't many birds but we did log Pomerine Skua, Balearic Shearwater and a Manx Shearwater well south of its normal range.
Just north of Tamri, Peter brought the bus to a sudden halt having spotted a small group of Bald Ibis in cliff top fields not far from the road. We watched these strange and endangered birds for some time as they fed quietly in front of us. Having connected with our target bird so quickly we had more time to explore the Sous estuary. During lunch we had chance to look at the distinctive Moroccan races of White wagtail and Magpie. As the river ebbed we could watch a good number of species on the pools and mudflats of the estuary. Waders were well represented with : Kentish plover, Ringed plover, Grey plover, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Bar tailed Godwit, Black tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Avocet, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Knot, Ruff and Dunlin. Other species included Osprey, Greater Flamingo, Slender billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Audouin's Gull, Spoonbill, Grey Heron, Sandwich tern, White Stork, Great White Egret, Little Egret and Barbary Partridge. As the sun began to fall it was time to take up positions for our target bird of the evening Red necked Nightjar. Only trouble was a Golf course was in the process of construction right where the old road had been. Despite our best efforts in negotiating safe passage the jobsworth played the old 'elf and safety card. If you were riding a Camel without a hard hat you were OK but if you resembled a birdwatcher you'd got no chance. The driver drove around the Golf course to somewhere near where we needed to be, but the hassle had only just started. The Red necked Nightjar site just happened to be next to another Royal Palace. Several guards, police, security ect. came to check us out. No problairmo. We smiled, and flapped our arms they smiled and flapped their arms everyone was happy. That was

until the scuffy squaddy with a grudge turned up equipped with radio, mobile and tranny. He had so much gear his rifle dragged on the ground behind him. He gesticulated violently, I think thats what you call it. Ignore him suggested our leader. We lifted our bins towards the orange dusk skies. The soldier became more frenzied and made calls to his superiors. More gestures but no response from the beligerant birders. Finally he said 10 minutes and wandered off never to be seen again. A bit like the Nightjar which settled on the track for a nano-second before disappearing into the darkness. Nice dinner though.

Low tide at Lea Marston

Scaup - Hemlingford Water, Kingsbury

Scaup

Scaup

Scaup

Curlew with Oystercatcher, Lea Marston

Curlew

Oystercatcher

Curlew

Friday 5th March 2010

Haven't finished with the Morocco trip but I need to keep up to date with the local scene. Went to Hemlingford Water first to have another look at the female Scaup. Moved on to Lea Marston via Coton lakes. Very quiet at Coton but noticed someone had put a leaflet from Defra setting out the government policy on eradicating Ruddy ducks. I understand why people feel so strongly about this issue, and I dont want to start an open forum but having just come back from a trip where I saw part of a very small population of White headed Ducks all I can say is that it would be a tragedy if the species was lost to the Western palearctic region.

At Lea Marston 5 Curlew, and 2 Oystercatcher were feasting on worms along the river bank.

Morocco - February 2010 - part 2

White crowned Black Wheatear - widespread

There's a Dupont's Lark in here somewhere!

Cream coloured Courser

Desert trek

White crowned Black Wheatear

Cream coloured Courser

Great spotted Cuckoo - roadside migrant

Great spotted Cuckoo

Common Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Barbary Falcon

Trumpeter Finch

Trumpeter Finch

Bar tailed Desert Lark

Fulvous Babbler

Erg Chebbi

Brown necked Raven

Pharoah Eagle Owl

Ryn discusses the Moroccan economy with a local

Day 4

A relatively short drive from the hotel to Zeida plain for an early morning search for our target bird, Dupont's Lark. Peter had prepared us by saying our chances of seeing this elusive species was only 50/50. He hadn't allowed for Jan's sharp eyes though, and in the event the bird showed very well. We also had flight views of Black bellied Sandgrouse and distant Black Kite. On route we had excellent views of Lesser Kestrel before stopping at a small gorge for lunch in the sun. It was Cheese and Sardine sandwiches again but it tasted better in the sun with White crowned Black Wheatears sharing the rocks with us and Crag Martins flying around. As we left the mountains we drove through a stoney semi desert landscape as we approached the fringes of the Sahara. Our hotel near Erfoud was completely isolated in flat and apparently barren terrain. However, the bus was soon brought to a halt as we spotted a large lark near the track. Hoopoe lark was a new bird for most on board but we didnt stop long as the species was on the itinerary for the next day. We dumped our kit at the hotel and went out straight away to explore the surrounding area on foot. We found Northern Wheatear, Lesser Short toed Lark, Desert Lark, Bar tailed Desert Lark, Dartford and Spectacled warblers but no sign of African Desert warbler despite extensive searching.

The hotel was interesting, the rooms were comfortable enough but the plumbing left a good deal to be desired. Attempts to fix the leaking toilet in our room failed miserably and efforts at getting a shower were soon abandoned. The evening meal of Beef with Apple was very enjoyable.

Day 5

We started the day with another fruitless search for Desert warbler but the walk provided one of the most memorable sights of the trip. In the soft early morning light and stillness of the desert the sight and sound of Hoopoe Larks displaying with their cart-wheeling flights was amazing. We returned to the hotel and got into Land cruisers, our Desert transport for the day. It wasnt long before we were stopping to admire Cream coloured Coursers and Desert Wheatears on route to Erg Chebbi with its magnificent Sand dunes. We searched a variety of mud built buildings and cafes as well as deserted Camel compound looking for Desert Sparrows, one of the must-see birds of the area but we were out of luck. A number of desert species were seen though including: Barbary falcon, Trumpeter finch, Tristram's warbler, Sub-alpine warbler and Brown necked Raven.

As the day wore on it became apparent that not only was there no Desert sparrow or Desert warbler there was also no Desert lunch. This was a serious oversight as I was beginning to hallucinate. Images of huge Melton Mowbray pork pies appeared in the distance, shimmering in the midday heat haze, but always just out of reach. We drove on to Merzouga where we found Fulvous Babbler without too much difficulty but it was a little annoying to find out later that there were also Desert sparrows in the town if we'd know the site.

Our next target was Pharoah Eagle Owl. During our wait at the site we were entertained by rock/fossil sellers who although persistent were good humoured enough. We were also 'entertained' by a Bonelli's Eagle which soared majestically above the cliff. Eventually the Eagle Owl appeared in a crevice before we set off back for our second night at the Desert hotel where we were certainly ready for our meal of Chicken with potatoes filled with cheese.