THE SIERRAS PULL US THERE AGAIN

This time it was the challenge of an 17k walk from Don Domingo on a 'camino' starting at 8pm with the intention of arriving at midnight. Most of us made it, but some like me, only just. We were in tents overnight but that was after unpacking the beer and whatever else anyone had brought with them. A bottle of Whiskey disappeared quickly to help the recovery. This is an excellent location to visit with an awe-inspiring ridge as the backdrop.
The quicker feet saw 'Jabali' dashing away with deer on the higher slopes. The more ardent drinkers saw a Nightjar fly through the camp into a pine tree. The next morning saw me hitching a lift in a support vehicle but Mel and Michelle made it with sore feet.
I never stop looking and we saw both Bonelli's (Perdicera) and Booted Eagle (Agulilla Calzada) on our way back with a Golden Oriole (Oropendola) glimpsed as it flew away.

We all had lunch, a few beers then back to Rosa Blanca to meet up with more friends who came to share the greatness of the Sierra de Segura with Yorkshire and Spanish hospitality as an added bonus.

The next morning saw some of the group go off road with Mel ascending into the Sierra for some, the first sight, of the majesty of the mountains. I stayed local with the simple view of seeing what was around us. I had Booted Eagles flying high then eventually just over our heads as they glided over the Popular trees. A Golden Oriole called but kept quiet with the predator overhead. At one stage there were over fifty Griffon Vultures (Buitre Leonardo) circling on the thermals.

The following morning we had a mid-day appointment the other side of the mountain where Wendy had ensured that we could see 'Quebrantahuesos' - the Bearded Vulture - also called Lammergeier - but in captivity at 'Centro de Cria del Quebrantahuesos´. Their aim is to breed and then release the wild juvenile birds to supplement the small numbers that still exist in various locations. They ensure that there is food for them so that they know where to come back to, to get fed. Also included in this program was the Egyptian Vulture (Alimoche Comun) and so were able to see these species close up, albeit, in cages. You can check this out and support them on www.gypaetus.org it is always a good thing to know that there are people and organisations that are trying to remedy the faults of others.

It was a dash to get there on time but the journey back was more leisurely. We soon saw both Gamo and Ciervo (Fallow and Red Deer) in small groups. Jays flew often and again there was an Agulilla Calzada flying over showing the sharpness of the white and black underside of the wings. A Greater Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos) flew and perched. A Blue Rock Thrush was seen. We had a very brief sighting of possibly a male Hobby (Alcotan Europeo)

There were many small birds flying in and out of bushes but sharp eyes were sometimes not good enough with their speed. However Rock Sparrows (Gorrion Chillon), Northern Wheatears (Collalba Gris), Linnet (Pardillo Comun) and Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudon Comun) were easily identified but one warbler did excite us. After checking the books we were sure that it was an Olivaceous Warbler (Zarcero Palido), that is when it stayed in one place long enough to be examined. Buitre Leonardo were visible often but then a flying black cloud was spotted up on the ridge. There was about one hundred Chough (Chova Piguirroja).

This is not intended ever to be a complete list but to give clear indications what can be seen in Sierra de Segura and there is no better place to stay than at www.rosablancabnb.com at Los Teatinos.

Our last evening saw us looking at the night sky with Mel checking out the planets on his App. Michelle set the camera up on a thirty-minute exposure to capture it. Her two shots are now on Facebook. While we were sitting relaxing a Scops Owl (Autillo Europeo) called from a tree in the corner of the garden with another one calling further away. We even saw one fly over us - now that is a good garden bird to have. Is it not?

Even if you are only there for the scenery there is so much to see but the harder you look the more you will see. This was also a great time for butterflies and we are still checking the photographs. I love these mountains.

Friday 16th saw Michelle and I head north towards Santa Pola and El Pinet with the sole aim of watching Collared Pratincole (Canastera Común). We counted 37 of them on the island to the right of the first hide with several flying and feeding over vegetation. We had good view so that we could identify them with ease but a bit too far for a good camera shot. Common Terns were keeping them company.

SAN PEDRO AGAIN

This morning Wendy and Mel and I went to San Pedro to see what else we could discover making full use of an additional pair of eyes and another person for checking detail. The usual gulls were around with Turnstones(Vuelvepiedraf Comun) and Sanderling (Correlimos Tridactilo) at the seas edge. We then had two identifications to make for in the distance we agreed that it was Woodchat Shrike(Alcaudon Comun) but close by was a juvenile Stonechat(Tarabilla Comun). This bird was actively feeding and moving quickly around but we had some close sightings to show off the reddish chest feathers.

We moved inland and examined everything that we could see. There were half-dozen Black-necked Grebe(Zampullin Cuellinegro) close by with Greenshank(Archibebe Claro) Redshank, (Archibebe Comun) and (I believe Spotted Redshank - Archibebe Oscuro) wading in the margins. There were Dunlin (Corrilimos Comun) as well with some close-up-views of Black-tailed Godwits (Aguja Colinegra) both feeding and flying with legs clearly visible and black tail. The ID. that we were pleased about was one Ruff (Combatiente) - orange legs etc. which we took some time over in deciding. Also a Little Tern (Charanchito Comun) sat on a bank which gave us a chance to view it closely. A Hoopoe (Abubilla) flew over and a Reed Warbler (Carricero Comun) flew around the dead vegetation.

We ended up with a male Little Bittern (Avetorillo Comun) concealing itself and then flying over our heads.

These latter sightings were in the salinas on either side of the road as you enter the port road. We recommend that you start your morning here but make it as early as possible.

EAGLE OWLS AGAIN

The past three evenings I have spent time at two Eagle Owl (Buho Real) sites with some very good sightings. There are two guys over from England who want to see this species for the first time. Sunday evening at Pedrera was unsuccessful and incredibly quiet except for Little Owl (Mochuelo Europea).

On Monday I chose a different place and eventually one perched on a tree at the top of the ridge. It was a considerable distance away but this a problem with this place although sightings can be very good. I met Pablo Parales of Amigos de Sierra Escalona.

The following evening saw myself and our two visitors at this latter site. It was quiet all around with not one raptor any where to be seen but we always see something. The light had faded a little but there on the ridge of a farm building was the bird these people wanted to see. As the light was not that good they walked nearer to it, scoped it and saw it fly. A great result for them and another one for me too - plus a bottle of wine.

EDWARDS AND SQUIRES GET UP EARLY

Yesterday morning Mel and I were at San Pedro de Salinas listening to the gulls proclaiming dawn. It was great to be out that early in the coolness hearing the day coming to life. We were soon seeing Yellow Legs flying with Common Terns as well but difficult to spot in that light. We walked to the beach where there were Black-headed Gulls and along the waterline a dozen Turnstones. They were also to be seen in flight and just inland on the salinas later. A couple of Greenfinch were feeding on the edge of the dunes.

We moved back to the car park to see a Kentish Plover, Sanderling with Mallard flying overhead. We walked up to the other hide where we could see Common Tern perched, flying and fishing. In the distance, perched was a solitary Turtle Dove - so pleasing to see and my first of the year. Flamingos, Black-winged Stilt with solitary Greenshank and Redshank were also there but this area was relatively quiet. There was no Spoonbill.

We adjourned for a quick coffee. We then travelled to the canal that was by now overgrown again but it did provide some good cover although making observation difficult. We moved to the corner of this salinas where Mel spotted Kingfisher flying (twice) which was not surprising as this is a regular spot for them. Then Reed Warbler flew. I had a quick glance of a female Little Bittern that disappeared as soon as it arrived. Confusingly a young female Moorhen just showed in the same place! A couple of Slender-bills bobbed on the edge of the reeds.

We moved across the road where we could see at least 10 immature Shelduck on a bank. In front of them there were two Little Grebe and a Greater-crested was to show later. All the time Flamingos, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet were feeding. We had a good view of two chicks of the latter.

We moved on up to the corner of the next salinas where a male Reed Bunting flew more than once. Then, for me a star of the morning, a male Yellow Wagtail perched close by - what a bird so bright and vibrant in colour. Then a male Little Bittern flew from almost under our feet and perched in full view in a small clump of reeds - just brilliant. Scanning the margins I spotted a Bar-tailed Godwit feeding which I did not expect to see but there were others around as well. In the distance we had our first Little Egrets of the day.

I sometimes take the Flamingos for granted as they are always there but you can have some great views when the mature adults fly in showing the black and bright orange/red on the leading wing edges. There were numerous youngsters as well. In this area we had good displays from Little Tern and then we were content to see and identify both Whiskered and Black Terns.

However there were some very noticeable absentees with some of the warblers not showing. We saw one fast flying Wood Pigeon, a couple of Barn Swallows and a solitary Common Swift. It was now hot but on the way back Mel saw a Pied-flycatcher perched on a fence.

I was very happy with all that we had seen but it does require an early visit. I am looking forward to another good morning here and a visit to Sierra de Segura and a visit to RosaBlancabnb once again.

COMMON NIGHTJAR!!!!

Finally a good view of a Common Nightjar. On Friday night on the way home we saw a Common Nightjar sat on the road in front of the car. Of course we had no camera with us. Last night we were invited to visit friends who knew where a Common Nightjar had nested and had at least one chick. It took a while scanning the ground where it had been seen last. The Nightjar had moved and was spotted eventually under the shade of a small bush. Here are some of the photos taken. If you look closely you can see the chick.

SPIDER

Lying in one morning
a spider came, almost unnoticed,
no more than a slight sensation on the skin,
so easy to brush off with an instinctive disregard,
a subliminal inclination to wipe away.
This black speck the size of two pinheads, no more
entertained me, engaged my focus
with its blackness and minuscule legs.
It’s so easy to sweep things away,
mentally; emotionally; physically;
but is it not the little things that matter most?

At the same time an Eagle Owl, feathers
flutter in the wind on a pylon nearby,
so large but dead for a week, in a
juxtaposition of power and death.

John Edwards © 12th May 2013

A GOOD DAY BIRDING IN SIERRA DE SEGURA

The ravine does it again, just five minutes drive from Rosa Blanca we spent two hours in my favorite spot. Before we got out of the vehicle there were two Grey Wagtails on the rocks by the side of the stream - and there was plenty of running water. Winter had only just disappeared and there was still a chill in the wind, the sun was shining but struggling to warm us. We walked further up and two Choughs flew around the top of the rocks.

The vegetation here is mixed with many greens and the spring flowers adding their whites, yellows, pinks and reds. Such a great array of natural colour. Melodious warblers were all around us with House Sparrow and Blackbird adding to the feeling of peace and quiet of this spot. Crag Martins and Black Redstart flew on the rock face. Two Blue Tits flew with Melodious in and around a Broom bush in full bloom. We turned to look at a Rock Bunting and over our heads flew a magnificent Short-toed Eagle. A single Swift flew high an then we walked into the cave with a Crag Martins nest in view. Another Grey Wagtail flew around the cave and then we walked under the Walnut trees.

I had expected to see Woodpeckers, Tree-creepers, and Nuthatches just as I was thinking this a Green Woodpecker landed in the tree next to us. This was rapidly followed by a Nuthatch. Chaffinches flew around us in a frenzy. Blackcaps and Nightingales were calling but both the female and male Blackcap showed for us. Again the Short-toes Eagle flew overhead. We crossed the road and a male and female Serin were busy feeding. Melodious were still showing well and after a debate a Reed Warbler perched for us.

Our last two small birds were - we believe - two juvenile Stonechats. We were examining some thistle heads for insects when a Buzzard flew immediately above us. On the way back a Greater-spotted Woodpecker landed on a Poplar. Add to the list Starling, Barn Swallow and we passed two Turkeys in a pen! Photos may follow.

MAGIC IN AMSTERDAM - Episode Three of SleepyTime’s and Harold’s Bear Adventures

ST has been to Amsterdam yet again. We need not have worried for they behaved impeccably – well almost. The reason for this journey was for a wedding and not anything to do with either ST or Harry but how could we leave them at home on their own. We could not, so they had to come. Air travel is so easy when you have small bears that enhance the hand luggage, peeping out with their cheeky grins and the odd wink to a friendly face. The winker was Harry, of course, because he has two lovely deep brown eyes and ST has not leant to wink with his one good eye. It really is so sad that he has impaired vision but miracles can happen.

It was great for our two Teds had a whale of a time. They needed ‘bear magic’. They puffed themselves up, in Harry’s case, to a sensible one metre seventy five. His athletic build, composure and ‘chatability’ gave him an edge with the girls – they were safe of course!

ST looked stunning. A tad just below two metres, artistic bearing but still looking gaunt, swanned around the room at the reception talking to everyone that would give him time. He dressed with style in a natty grey suit and he even wore a tie. A matching Trilby topped him off with elegance.

They lapped up the love and tenderness at the ceremony, listened to the toasts and speeches, tucked in at the barbeque and then when the music started they were there right up to the end. By then, ST, was almost out on his feet, stamina not yet returned but Harry still had energy left for Meatloaf’s ‘Paradise by the Dash-board Light’.

Then it happened. A showman has to put on a show and Harry proved that he can do that. This Ted clearly is ‘Hot-Property’. Off came his signature yellow bear scarf, whirling it above his head he gyrated around. Then he dispensed with his pointed shiny shoes followed by him undoing the buttons on a very stylish shirt exposing magically ordered chest hair. Shirt off, belt loosened, trousers wriggled out of and they followed in the path of the whirring scarf. Hips demanding that feet stamped out his rhythm as he sang. Well, he certainly ‘flew the flag’ with his Union Jack socks with matching Calvin Kleins. That is style for you. The Bride and Groom danced with him, loving every second.

We left them, those two fantastic Teds, as they wanted to go clubbing. I was not concerned for they were in safe hands and how could you get into any sort of trouble in this city? They were back in time for breakfast, more magic was ordered, deflation occurred, then they popped themselves into a ‘carry-on’. Job done – and now for the flight home with more adventures still to come.

TWO ‘scratchy’ BEARS

New York, the flights, catching a couple hours sleep out of kilter with normal hours clearly affected SleepyTime. He was irritable, but we made allowances for the changes in his life. He has had so many aches and pains that made him so miserable and able to turn out a harsh word every other second. It must have been during his incarceration that he learnt to make such offensive harangues.

Things were troubling him. He has not been used to seeing anyway let alone talking, so I could not expect him to confide in me straight away – could I? I will work on this. I want to help him.

Well the other one has really irked me. I refer to him that way – that is the previously mentioned Harold – in such a manner because of his unacceptable behaviour. He wants the last word always and when it comes to ‘I want’ I draw that great cliché line into use, ‘I wants don’t get’. Oh alright mother I hear you clearly! Then there was the language, with that ‘f’ word coming frequently out in a continual storm of abuse. Why all the angst? I am sure that we can deal with this.

The other thing that got to me was that when it came to bath time he kept putting an ‘r’ into it. I have been to Bath, had a few baths in my time but I have never been to BaRth. How affected can one be? I suppose he learnt this when posing in Knightsbridge, in that posh shop. Oh well, it is only a minor irritation.

There is too much occurring that I have to concentrate on the important issues. I have to tread carefully with ST and Harold in their new relationship and then there is the matter of the kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. And, what abuse occurred?

I have made phone calls and spoken to people in the know in Cornwall but no information has been given. There is no need for urgency now that these Teds have a loving home but I will have to explain about the importance of being nice.

SleepTime Episode One

Once upon a time there was ‘Sleepytime’, a Ted that had been cuddled, squashed, snore upon and dribbled upon by a much younger Michelle. She had been deprived of the company of her one and only Teddy Bear for years. He had been kept, we think, lonely, cold and rejected – this scribe presumes because he has only given one or two hints – in an austere garage or loft in a draughty Cornish town. How he got there is a mystery and he will not say – damn him! I have my own theories about his imprisonment for that is what it must have been, surely.

Anyway, this battered relic of sentimentality is with us. The poor thing now has a yellowish pallor and would you believe he only has one functioning eye. He has had a couple of warming days in the sun and he was then tarted up, just a tad, with a red neck-ribbon and then we were off courtesy of British Airways from Alicante to Heathrow via Gatwick and then onward to New York. He was joyous; a big smile creased his face for he was on his travels yet again.

I will want you to know that he has been a well-travelled bear before he was hidden away in a very dark place. Of course he had travelled like Paddington from deepest darkest Peru to be with Michelle in England but that was when he was only a baby. When still quite young he had been as far away as Tehran when the whole family travelled to Iran where Richard (Father of Michelle) was gainfully employed by The Shah and his regime.

On 22nd July 1976 ‘Sleepytime’ boarded a VC 10 at Heathrow to take off for a month’s holiday in Tehran. He was back home in August but was to make this trip thrice more notching up nearly fifty hours of flying time and almost 20,000 miles. Wow, what a bear!

Then the log shows that he had a single trip to Amsterdam but we don’t know what for. However he did get his travel log signed but there is no evidence of the return journey. Perhaps there is nothing sinister in this but a lonely bear could have been attracted to some pleasure of the bear kind. He could have succumbed to carnal delights or he may have been happy just gazing at the sights. I am convinced that he would have found some shapely curves to satisfy his desires. Maybe after a beer or several he may have found a coffee shop where he could let all his hair down. This could explain where he lost not only some of his colour but that left eye. I talked to him the other day about this single trip but he turned his blind eye to me and remained stum. It doesn’t really matter for don’t we all have something to keep to ourselves that we don’t want the world to know about.

Anyway, there is to be no more speculation about his adventures. This time we kept both our eyes on him when we flew to New York and brought him back home. He behaved himself impeccably and he was just beside himself when we took him to The Rockefeller Centre to show him the city’s best views. He loved it and you can see his smiling one-eyed face when he is perched and posing for the camera. He says it was a bit too chilly for him now that he is over forty! We took him back to the hotel and wrapped him up warmly.




As well as that old VC 10 he has now been on a B777-200 and an A320 Airbus and I think that he may have caught the travel bug again because I saw him paying a lot of attention to the American Shuttle parked on the aircraft carrier Intrepid when we took a Circle Line Tour around Manhattan Island. I have been warned about bears and there stubbornness for pushing the boundaries. I noted his sly looks but we will keep the top bolt across on the front door which will thwart any escape.

We are now back at home and he has added some eighteen more travel hours with over another 10,000 miles but he does say that he needs to recover before he goes off again. I think that he may need to slow down quite a bit but bears, I am told, have great stamina.
He certainly will not want for company as he now has a prime slot and he is not alone. He, being an expensive minded bear, went into Harrods where he spotted a mate. Now, he has Harold to keep him company or maybe there is more to it? ‘Gayly’ he may now live.

NB Michelle has her own Junior Jet Club travel log which has been signed by all captains on our New York trip. Bully for them!

Back to birding at home

After an evening stroll around Las Ramblas I was encouraged by very good sightings of Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed Tits and eventually a Nightjar flew close to us. I think that it was a male by its white markings but not a Rednecked one - that will be hopefully later on. Nightingales provided the music for the evening down in a rambla.

Today, I walked out from home and soon I saw a Woodchat Shrike fly to a perch. This enabled me to see it fully together with a Reed Warbler. Perched close by was a Bee eater.

I continued on looking for any snake that might be out and about now that the sun was hot. Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, were feeding low over the vegetation together with the occasional House Martin and all the time I could hear Bee-eaters flying and calling. Near the canal a Nightingale sang from a dense clump but I carried on to my favorite spot of last summer. This is where I watched other Nightingales, Reed and Melodious Warblers - but not today.

After the cold winds, rain and now warming sun the fields are a mass of color with insects buzzing around. There were numerous Large Whites flying together with the occasional male Clouded Yellow. I had a close view of a Painted Lady.
I have had more productive days but that will do for now.

3 Hours birding in Central Park, Thursday 25th April

We had a wonderful three hours, on a beautiful sunny morning in Central Park with Birding Bob .

Bird List

American Robin
American Kestrel
American Goldfinch
Black Throated Green Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Black Crowned Night Heron*
Bluejay*
Blue Headed Vireo
Belted Kingfisher*
Canada Geese*
Cormorant*
Common Grackle*
Downey Woodpecker
European Starling*
Green Heron*
Gold Crowned Kinglet
House Sparrow*
Hooded Warbler
Mallard*
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal*
Northern Flicker
Northern Water Thrush (a warbler)
Oven Bird
Palm Warbler
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Winged Blackbird
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Swamp Sparrow
Tree Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
White Breasted Nuthatch
White Throated Sparrow
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Rumped Warbler
Yellow Bellied Sapsucker

* are birds that we have seen before.

We also saw plenty of Squirrels, which is good for news for the Red Tailed Hawk, who nest near the park, and Turtles as well as one sleeping Racoon high up in a tree.

OUR JOURNEY HOME!

Saturday morning was spent packing with some last minute shopping but with some glorious minutes in The Roof Bar with a bottle of Bollinger and five plastic ‘glasses’. This was another birthday drink. The bottle came with the compliments of British Airways. All the five of us can speak highly of this ‘British Institution’ for their courtesy, friendliness and their high standards. Having arrived Sunday morning at terminal five we knew that we had hours to spend before our further flight to Alicante. Under normal conditions we would have been lumbered with the luggage until three hours before our 1505 flight was due. They changed the rules for us and booked in our bulky suitcases. We were very grateful and I suppose that is what good service is really all about. We will fly with them out of preference to any other operator. I am now looking forward to getting home.

An overnight flight to the UK, seven hours of waiting for our onward flight to Alicante was not a good way to spend one’s time but it had to be done. The British Airways flight home was superb. I was fed and allowed to sleep most of the way. We knew that the weather was changeable but we had heavy rain once on the road home. I didn’t really care as home is the best place to be when tired.

Would I go to New York again? Well maybe but it will be birding first and city second where ever we will go on a further planned trip.

OUR LAST FULL DAY!

FRIDAY – our last full day – was just that ‘full’. We had booked 30 minutes with Liberty Helicopters taking off from the southern tip of Manhattan Island. This is one of the best ways of seeing this city but at 246 dollars each you need to make the most of it. It was fun. We enjoyed it but beware it is cramped with six but excellent with only five.

Michelle and I wanted to visit Ground Zero. We had been to the locale before but before it had been completed. I had hoped to sit in peace and harmony in this place of remembrance. However it was at capacity with lengthy queues.

We needed to have booked but this was not a site to be rushed through which is apparently what does happen. We chose another way. This was to go and sit in the adjacent O’Hara’s Bar and Restaurant to reflect upon what had occurred over a decade before with a pint of Guinness in my hand. This we did with the help of a friendly barman and to remind us of our visit we bought O’Hara’s T shirt which is a reminder of 9/11. I will try and write something on these few minutes later when I am at home and can properly consider what to say.

Our afternoon was spent circumnavigating Manhattan Island on Circle Line Tours from Pier 83. This was a thoroughly enjoyable way to view the city and to catch up on some history after all George Washington did defeat the British Army to start to instigate what is now the U.S.A. We have considered that this tour would be an excellent way to acquaint oneself with the area on the first day or so of the holiday as opposed to reserving it for the last day which we have done twice. Take my advice do it first, weather permitting of course.

On the way back we called in The Beer Authority for more alcohol and typical NY food. I can give it 10 out of 10 for its selection of quality beers but, the service was poor and the food only average.
We finished off our day with a night-time drink on the roof terrace of our hotel.

For our return trip to Kennedy we had booked an SUV which was much better than a Limo as it is better suited for people with luggage. Take my advice don’t bother with a Limo although it may suit your image better!

THURSDAY

THURSDAY. The weather was clear and sunny with yesterday being good as well the birds should be showing well. We met Bob the Birder at The Dock at Turtle Pond in Central Park. He knows this place and he knows his birds. We spent over three hours with some knowledgeable fellow birders that were very affable, helpful, enthusiastic and friendly. I will put the list on later with some of the better shots that Michelle was able to take. We had thirty first-timers – apparently referred to as ‘bimbos’ in Spain – as well as the ubiquitous House Sparrows and European Starlings.

Thursday evening was reserved for ‘Motown - The Musical’ that we saw in a wonderful theatre just off Broadway. Apparently ‘ the tune is in the groove’ but you may have heard on the grapevine!
There was great music, great songs with some great singers. This was Robbie’s choice while Yvonne toddled off to see Alan Cumming in a one and half hour version of Macbeth.

UPDATE

Here we are – on 24th - in the Grill Bar of the hotel – which is adjacent to alcohol, of course – on the day after St George’s Day. Breakfast, American style, has been ordered and after a deep conversation about English breakfast tea I am trying to make sense of the past two days. Michelle has now inserted the photo from The Three Magpies which is certainly one for the archive. I think it deserves the caption ‘The Only Gentile in the Tribe! However, move on, stir the pot and hope it comes out a strong brown – second tea bag has just gone in. I suppose it is King George’s fault for upsetting those Bostonians centuries ago.

Now, to catch up, on Monday twenty-second. It was a quiet day and we went up above the ‘hurley-burley’ of Manhattan. This was one of our ‘target-events’ to walk what is left of a freight line that is labelled ‘The High Line’. For me, this is something that deserved to be preserved. The southern end had been re-cycled but public voice had ensured the rest remained instead of wiping some more history away to build a new stadium.

If you visit this city it is well worth the walk. The photographers were in their element with shots along the length, down onto the street and upwards to the high rise tops. Birches, Cherries, Forsythia with many other shrubs all under-planted with grape hyacinths, daffodils and multi coloured, multi-fluted tulips brought great colours to our morning. All of this in juxtaposition with metal railway lines, concrete and wood. Then there were the sculptures, wall art and the ubiquitous graffiti – all tasteful of course.

I have got my ‘snaps’, my notes and maybe I will get some decent lines from my experience. Awesome!

TUESDAY morning saw another season in NY. The temperature had dropped too bloody low and foolishly one member in the group had decided that a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge was the must thing to do. This was a very poor decision in cloudy, windy, cold conditions with the temperature peaking at five C. It was not the best of days and my intention was to go to The Churchill Bar to celebrate England and St George. I declined but Yvonne and Michelle had a successful evening there while Robbie and Neal renewed their acquaintance with The Heartland Brewery on the next block over.

WEDNESDAY had been reserved for a carriage ride in Central Park. Michelle missed out on this last time and ‘she sure has hell’ was going to do it this time. Yvonne and Robbie accompanied her while I went for another walk-about in the same park while Neal took more photos.

Four of us lunched in The Heartland Brewery on 43rd Street, whilst Yvonne rode an open top bus around Harlem. Neal and Michelle made a belated visit to The International Centre for Photography. Michelle thought that it was a brilliant exhibition but Neal was not enamoured by it. The first exhibition was photos by a photographer called Chim whose photographs showed some of the history of Europe from 1933 to 1956. The second exhibition was photos taken by Roman Vishniac of Eastern Europe and specifically Jewish life during and between the two World Wars.

SUNDAY

Sunday morning came at a good pace and I investigated the birds in Central Park. There was not that much on show but I did identify a Brown Tree-creeper with the rest being the ubiquitous House Sparrows, Swallows, Starlings but being outnumbered by American Robins. Canada Geese swam on the lake, Stock Doves flew and I am left with one to identify but now I know where all the meeting points are for later in the week.

I caught up with myself while others were shopping. After a siesta, drinks in the bar we made the mistake of eating in The Hard Rock Café in Times Square. This was a mistake for this was the worst one that we have been to. Mediocre at the best and we should have looked at ‘Tripadvisor’ before we went there. I can quote the usual advice preparing to plan etc…… You can read Neal’s superb, to the point, criticism on their website. We didn’t dally and then back for a coffee and a chat.

BIRTHDAY

Michelle’s birthday started early with her running in Central Park with Neal. Robbie watched while I watcher for the birds. Then it was back to the hotel for breakfast followed by a ‘yellow taxi’ ride to Chelsea Pier for the start of our Brewery Tour at Chelsea Brewery. You can always tell when you are greeted by an enthusiast. Tom the assistant brewer obviously loves his work and his lively description of the brewing process was a joy to listen to.

Then we were on the bus for an historical tour through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Astoria Queens (the latter named for William Astor in the hope that he would invest there – he didn’t!) We passed brewery buildings that no longer brewed but had been preserved for future generations. I wonder how many other people will have the same interest in later years. The graffiti strewn walls hide other activities that are going on in some of them but not all as some are obviously derelict.

The Breweries we visited were as follows:
Chelsea Brewery, Manhattan
Brooklyn Brewery, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Spuyten Duyvil, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Old Brewers Row, Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bohemian Beer Garden, Astoria, Queens

I have much praise for the entrepreneurs who have created this tour. Check out their website at www.thenewyorkbeerandbrewerytour.com

We met three guys from New Jersey who helped make our day more complete by sharing our enthusiasm for brewing and for being friendly and communicative. It’s good to have a sociable drink in good company.

We returned to the hotel for champagne and cake!


The evening was reserved for a meal with live music at The Prohibition on Upper West Side. Jammed with people but we still ate and listened. Almost a bit too much for all needed a comparatively early night to ensure that we enjoy the next day as much as we had done this one.

OUR HOTEL

A Limo is the only way to travel to the hotel with vodka preceded by a bottle of bubbly.

In reception we were greeted with smiles and all the help that we needed. All this was so different to The Comfort Inn (our hotel 2 years previously) across the road where they neither smiled, nor were that helpful without coercion. I recommend The Metro Hotel on 34th. What a difference the width of a street makes!

THE FLIGHT.

OUR FLIGHT was the best one ever. We were pampered with smiles, lots of good humour with some great service from Andrew and Deborah. Two wonderful people that knew how to work and the interaction between the cabin staff was superb so much so that Neal asked for and completed a customer form which was full of praise for them. Eat your heart out Virgin because you are not a patch on British Airways!

We ate, we drank, we had fun. I slept but not before I was able to watch Hitchcock but there is to be better ways of appreciating a film although no complaint for it did pass away a large chunk of the journey.

START OF OUR JOURNEY & REAL ALE!

I am sitting in Terminal 5 at Heathrow on Friday morning at 8.15am with a full half hour before the gate opens for the five of us to board British Airways flight to Kennedy Airport.

Yesterday Michelle, Yvonne and I flew into Gatwick from Alicante. There was a pre-ordered cab waiting to take us on to a Holiday Inn, Bath Road alongside the airport. Shopping was essential for both of them with High Street Kensington’s M&S, Boots and Barclays all requiring a visit. I picked up the dollars and prepared myself for my first pint of English ale for four months. Neal and Robbie arrived just in time to escort me to The Three Magpies where we found a smiling welcome, good beer and now I had good company too. Neal’s shot of the day was ‘a stranger shot’ and our smiling blonde (of course) pint pulling barmaid fulfilled that function – with permission of course. She then reversed the process when she left the bar to take a photo of us standing in her place. Both shots downloaded that day and onto Neal’s web page. We had fun waiting for the ‘must do’ shoppers. It’s so good to be having fun, drinking with two good friends.






I am afraid that the afternoon disappeared into the evening very quickly for at 7.30 we had booked a table at The White Hart in Harlington Road. I know, it’s another pub, but we needed to eat and so the five became seven when Neal’s Ma and Pa joined us. The meal was good but sadly the beer could have been better. That is sad for me as my next English ale could be as far away as late September. Now, we are about to find our gate and fly away.

REMEMBER THE DAY

Remember the day; black and white TV;
B.B.C. English – but sod it we spoke it our way
Newsprint that came off on the chips
Nylon was the vogue, lime green socks;
shocking pink; winkle pickers even -
imagination in that name. Doctor Who scarves;
Church choirs; surplices for boys - trust in the priest,
no argument with the establishment
do as you’re told, get yer ‘air cut.
Who needs heroes?


They came: The man with fast moving hands
and the fingers that plucked with hair
that made a sergeant major convulse.
Out with the ballads, Alma, Johnnie Ray
and Frankie left by the Green Door.

They broke the mould
Bill came; kiss curl, halo and all,
over sexed and over here.
Sixth formers jived in the drive.
The Jam sang Eton Rifles and
then there was Alice.
Did she actually give a fuck about
A Town Called Malice.
Heroes came and went.

Shunned the order: refused the gong
and everyone moved like Jagger.
Kool and the Gang they couldn’t spell
and did you want to be in my gang?
Heroes- well choose your medicine.

Some chose god or pot or coke or crack,
turned on the priest – innuendo? Well you choose.
Money was easy. Mis-sold; mis-spent; mis-used.
Argued, blamed others, spent more than they had.
Heroes in suits, lawyers, bankers, wankers, and thieves.

Absurdity; Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed –
you can sing it, If you know the words.
Show your hands, if you dare. Stand-up and deliver
those heroes are in my head where I want them to be

The real ones - don’t (necessarily) sing.
They care for someone; our planet;
the whole bloody world. You choose.
Because You Can.

STANZA MAR MENOR MEETING OF FRIDAY 12TH APRIL 2013

Three of us met this morning. David is in Russia and Kathy is busy with her book and painting her house.

Margaret brought four poems to read. Two we had glimpsed before but had not had the opportunity to examine and comment upon. One was ‘Exposed’, that was about her encounter with a ‘flasher’ and ‘The Party’s Over’. This latter one was her recalling a moment from her past working life. All credit to her for putting ‘a long pullover’ into a line – it works for me.

Then there is a change of tone with ‘Turn back time’ and ‘Female World’. There are some clearly expressed sentiments and the images created in all four, but the sensitivity of the latter two, leaps off the page and stays in the mind. There are some great lines with rhymes as well. If you want to read them then ask her – you should.

Douglas was not outdone and came up with ‘Black Epitaph’, a wonderful thoughtful tribute to Nelson Mandela. This ought to be aired again at the appropriate time.

He followed this up with ‘Conundrum’ with the opening line giving some clue as to the subject matter. The line is ‘Queen Lizzie is a Thatcherite!’ There is no vilification here just pure wit, clever writing with some great lines. You should read it.

John came up with forty lines on the subject of heroes – a TWC theme – called ‘Remember The Day’ which he read last Wednesday dealing with ‘trust the establishment’ to today’s malaise of ‘Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed’. He used music as the vehicle to convey but could not refuse a ‘pop’ at the bankers. He may put this on his blog.

He then introduced a work-in-progress for discussion, advice and how to go about to progress it. He read the second version but there are two others already written. More consideration will be given as to form, line length, repetition and rhyme. It may be allowed to ‘sweat’ for a while.

Iarla has been in contact and supplied feedback. We hope to see him soon in sunny Spain.

Margaret is pursuing how to present her poems which may see her published in some form at a later date. I think that the issue of publication and/or what to do with what we write has been/is being considered many times. At the same time some of the work of group members has been or is in the process of being published.

FOOTNOTE:
I am now in possession of ‘In Pursuit of Spring’ by Edward Thomas and ‘Cycling After Thomas And The English’ by David Caddy. I will let you know what I think of my new reading.

BIRTHDAY MONTH IS NOW REALLY HAPPENING!

LISTEN UP LOOK UP. I know that it has been Michelle’s birthday month for a few days now but I haven’t been taking that much notice – so far and I think that I have been getting away with it! Would you believe that two friends from the early 90’s are here in Spain just to celebrate with us. We met them in Florida, they live in Folkestone and they are here for her. We saw them yesterday, lunched with them in L’Afaz de Pi and chatted for hours. Well that is what good friends are for isn’t it?

Things are winding up, events are getting closer. Sister Jos arrived from Woodhouse Eves on Wednesday evening before the bars close, of course. There will be another trip to the airport on Friday evening where two lovely people, Rachel and Claudio will be arriving from Schipol which will require more eating and drinking. However it will be good to talk and catch up.

On Saturday things will definitely hot up with a lunch-time barbeque here followed by another noisy, hectic evening in The Stray Sod. A few snacks laid on for forty people, but some will have eaten, some will arrive early and some will not stay that late. The ancient and the infirm will decline but the aged ones will insist on their early to bed philosophy and we can’t possible sleep in the day syndrome! It’s great you know, a siesta, for it stops you falling asleep with a glass in your hand. Some will come later and stay with us to the boozey, rumbustious end.

Unfortunately Neal and Robbie will not be here but we will see them on Thursday week when we meet up for some Real Ale when we overnight in preparation for our flight the following morning to New York. Then it will be all go as we have lots of things planned. We had a great time two years ago and I don’t see that this should be anything other than wonderful. There are different things planned – compared with last time. I am now really looking forward to it all for it should be a great trip.

In the present Lee, our personal hairdresser is here (Wednesday afternoon). I didn’t want a colour this time but Michelle has had the full treatment. She now has blonde roots - fantastic. Of course there has to be more pampering for eyebrows and hairy legs. I wonder what they do with those obsolete bits. Horse hair mattresses are now out of fashion but we would have to search for a modern use other than birds’ nests. Sell them to the Chinese, I suppose.

I am looking forward to the 3 Magpies and The White Hart for real beer!

The next time I blog I could be in Manhattan.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH
This evening I met Jim abd Mary again with the intention of visiting another Eagle Owl site. I decided that we would visit some small areas of water en route to our destination. Two of these areas helped make my evening.The first one produced a Green Sandpiper - Andarrios Grande which we identified after a lengthy discussion but it was not a Greenshank. On our second area Mary spotted a tern on a buoy and once we set the scope up Jim identified it as Whiskered Tern - Fumarel Cariblanco. We watched it for several minutes and then we saw it fly and presumeably take insects from the surface of the water. It was wonderful to see it in action. We had many other sightings and these included Little Ringed Plover - Chorlitejo Chico, Red-crested Pochard - Pato Colorado and Little Grebe - Zampullin Comun in breeding plumage.
Patience to see the Eagle Owl - Buho Real was rewarded when it flew and perched. Mary and Jim were delighed again. This is always a good site for raptors and our identification skills were tested when two large birds flew. We cannot say for sure but we believe that they were Golden Eagles -Aguila Real.
We seem to have had a land-fall of the Common Cuckoos because they were calling every time that we stopped. Another great evening spent doing what is good.

EAGLE OWL WATCHING

Eagle Owl watching again this evening with the intention of giving Jim and Mary English their first sighting of these magnificent birds. On a grey but warm Sunday evening we waited and were eventually rewarded as it flew a short distance along the ridge. Patience was again rewarded as it repeated its short flight twice more before perching in a tree on top of the ridge - unfortunately on the far side of the tree but we could see its bulk through the sparse foliage. We then heard it call.
When it first flew two Red-necked Nightjars were in the air with it. Jim identified these for me. It made my night seeing something unexpected with two enthusiastic and experienced birders.

GOOD "BIRDING" FRIDAY

GOOD FRIDAY turned into just that- birding wise. Elaine, Michelle and I set off for Clot and decided to go via Los Montesinos to see if the Montagu’s Harriers –Aguilucho Cenizo – were flying but then we saw a Booted Eagle – Aguililla Calzada with a Marsh Harrier – Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental also circling around between the two salt lakes.

We arrived at Clot to find the Spanish celebrating Easter ‘en masse’. However the birds did not seem to mind. There was a significant amount of water in the main pool with a steady inflow. Sitting in the hide we had close up views of a Black-tailed Godwit- Aguja Collinegro , Black- winged Stilt – Ciguenuela Común, and Snipe - Agachadiza Común all available for the camera. A Purple Gallinule – Calamón Común appeared from out of the reeds. There was a lot of activity on the mud as both House Martins – Avion Comun and Barn Swallows –Golondrina Común - flew in front of us. Two Linnets – Pardillo Común – sat at the water’s edge with Goldfinch – Jilguero and a Little-ringed Plover –Chorlitejo Chico doing the same. Also there were two White-headed Ducks- Malvasia Cabeciblanca. There were the ubiquitous Moorhens – Gallineta Común and House Sparrows –Gorrion Común but apart from Serin – Verdecillo and Sardinian Warbler – Curruca Cabecinegra there were not many small birds around.

We decided to visit El Pinet on the way home hoping to see Collared Pratincole – Canastera Común but we were unsuccessful but we did see Common Terns – Charran Común - with a large number of Avocet – Avoceta Común. We spotted a Kentish Plover – Chorlitejo Patinegro sitting on one of the islands. On the far side of the pool a Grey Wagtail – Lavandera Cascadena or possibly a male Yellow Wagtail –Lavandera Boyera flew – I will look harder next time! This site requires another visit with more time being allowed for it – hopefully next week.

TWO BOOK REVIEWS

CEMETERY LAKE BY PAUL CLEAVE.

You need another book to read? Then try this ‘new-to-me ‘author, Paul Cleave. I have just read his third novel ‘Cemetery Lake’ where bodies pop-up where they should not. I found it to be different and I thoroughly enjoyed. In a nutshell it is about a cop that becomes an ex-cop after a personal tragedy to become, not surprisingly, an investigator.

After reading it I can say it was not a good decision for him for it leads him through physical damage, the subject of serious allegations and more trauma than anyone really needs. This book has more twists and turns than a Formula One circuit. The words move fast on the page, in his own style, of short sentences and sometimes chapters.

It is set in Christchurch, New Zealand an unlikely place, I thought. The main area that the book does focus on is a cemetery, his home and the ‘cop shop’. It is not a good advert for the city but who cares for this book is about the fairly recent past and for those who have suffered there and not an historical tour.

This story is about Tate battling it out against two ex-colleagues to get his murderer after being hindered by his past, booze and some devious goings-on. There are other intriguing bits that entertain - so read it.




NIGHT WATCH BY LINDA FAIRSTEIN

This is the latest one of her Alexandra Cooper novels where this prosecutor deals with the criminal elements with her two cohorts, Mercer Wallace and Mike Chapman. There are the usual battles with politicians in charge of New York. There are again the dialogues between the main participants that are the style of this accomplished writer which many of her fans will appreciate.

However, this story is about ‘Coop’s’ lover, Luc, a restaurateur in the South of France. There is death of course that he seemingly becomes involved in it. If you can ignore the love story aspect that is a major element from the beginning to the final chapter then is there enough to hold the reader? Maybe there is but I was irritated by the attitude shown to the local police considering them to be not able to deal with a murder scene unlike the expertise that is very evident in Manhattan. We are the best they would say!

Then we go to Brooklyn where the remainder of the story is set. There we see the financial deals between various parties take over where poor Luc seems to be coming off ‘second best’. It is well woven with intrigue which becomes evident as the tale unravels. Of course, well written but I don’t think that I will read another of this series.

OUT AGAIN.

The winds are, neither, as cold or as strong and the temperatures are rising. Tuesday 26th in the evening I again went out and looked for the Eagle Owl – Buho Real. For a few seconds one flew and disappeared beyond the ridge. I had to wait some time before I heard one call. Torreveija Digital Camera Club were in the same location for their sunset shots across the ‘embalse’. As the light dissipated Stone Curlew – Alcaravan Común screamed their raucous call and flew overhead. In terms of small birds, the numbers were very low as this is the ‘in-between-time’ as the migration increases. It was a wonderful evening to be out with a full moon, some scattered cloud and the bird calls. The photographers did their stuff and again the big one called.

The following morning I had arranged to meet a Norwegian birder, Maj-Lis Strindlund from Oslo to go to El Hondo. On the way around La Mata two Montagu’s Harriers – Aguilucho Cenizo flew over the reeds and we had great views of the male as circled around. On way to objective we saw Cattle Egrets – Garcilla Bueyera in the fields. At the rear of reception we watched Purple Gallinules - Calamón Común with a chick and the Red-crested Coot – Focha Moruria which were all close by. We took the board walk but it was very quiet. A Marsh Harrier- Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental flew far off but another came for us to have much closer views.

On a lagoon there were Great Crested Grebe – Somormujo Lavanco, Little Grebe - Zampullin Común with Red-Crested Pochard - Pato Colorado swimming among them. In the distance on a sandbank were an assortment of gulls that clearly had both Black-headed – Gaviota Reidora and Mediterranean – Gaviota Cabecuriega alongside each other – all good for comparison. Two Fan-tailed warblers – Buitrón flew up together and cavorted in the air for us to watch.

This birding can be very sociable as we met two Irish birders in one of the hides. Later we met other members of The Costa Blanca Bird Club. – it’s good to talk. Sitting in the picnic area Willow Warblers – Mosquitero Musical were very close to us. A Sardinian – Curruca Cabecinegra flew and then Bryan Thomas identified a female Subalpine Warbler – Curraca Carrasqueña and this one really made my day. A male Stonechat - Tarabilla Común perched in full view showing the bright colours in the strong sun. It is always good to be outside in good company.

Success again with the wildlife around Embalse de la Pedrera. I had just opened the car door when a Green Woodpecker called and flew into a nearby tree. I could clearly see the face of this female Iberian bird. A female stonechat perched on a shooting sign with an Eagle owl calling. I had to use the scope but there it was perched in pine tree. The sun was very low but shining right into this tree. It was the best view I have had of this owl. I watched it for at least half an hour before it flew up into a tree on the ridge. It stayed for a short time then flow off to the other side of the ridge. A good evening, well spent but how many other sites are there in my area.

Yesterday evening we headed to one of our Eagle Owl sites to be rewarded in the chill air by two calling as the light faded. A scan of the ridge revealed a likely blob on the bare branch of a tree. The scope revealed an Eagle Owl calling and bobbing as it did so. It moved twice then disappeared into the dusk.
I will visit the other site tonight. Hopefully I will be lucky again.,

HEADED TOWARDS ALBACETE

I spent the day with the most enthusiastic birder I have ever met. Mark Begg is from Livingstone and his total for this trip (so far) stands at 126 species with 12 lifers.

Today we headed for Bonete, Petrola, and Coral Rubio particularly to watch Great Bustard. We started very well when a Rock Sparrow hopped up. That was lifer and an easy one.

Larks were plentiful with a Calendra stationary on the ground. Later on there was another view with a singing, high flying Calendra Lark with both Great Crested and Thekla flying. Next were the Great Bustards which we watched for well over an hour from various points. We saw about ten in all with my best views ever.

I was amazed to find that there were so many lagoons as I had not been to here during the winter months. Locations were numerous culminating with the large one at Petrola. I won’t list all of the birds here but we saw two Ruff, Mark identified a Marble Teal and thanks to his great eyes and knowledge I was able to know all of everything. Prior to that, we saw two Black-bellied Sandgrouse fly, although we had heard them calling in other locations. Also we had two incredibly good views of a male and female Marsh Harrier flying and resting.

We started early arriving as the light was sufficient to see well. We stayed all morning. We enjoyed it and l would do it all again.

Our target for the afternoon was to visit a location where there should be Dupont’s Lark. We drew a total blank but there we saw two perched Mistle Thrush together with, four Blue Rock Thrush, on the rocks below.

SALINAS SAN PEDRO

Bird list for today by Mark Begg

Kentish Plover
Ringed Plover
Black tailed Godwit (15)
Flamingo
Shellduck
Yellow legged gull
Stonechat
Barn Swallow (1)
Avocet
Slender billed Gull
Cormorant
Sanderling (18) +(8)
Spotless Starling
Black Redstart
Ctested Lark
Linnet
Turnstone (3)
White Wagtail
Kestrel
Gannet
Dartford warbler
Black headed gull
Little egret
Black winged stilt
Moorhen
Black necked grebe
Spotted redshank ( 8 )
Spoonbill ( 4 )
Kingfisher
Grey wagtail
Serin
Reed Warbler
Buzzard
Green woodpecker
Eurasian Starling
Stone curlew
Monk Parakeet
Blackbird
Hoopoe
Sardinian Warbler
Chiffchaff
Collard Dove

SAN PEDRO DOES IT AGAIN

Mark had two for the list when he picked me up this morning. He had spotted another Stone-curlew with a small squadron of Monk Parakeets screaming past. On the Campoamar Road a Green Woodpecker flew either side of us.

We headed for the Salinas at San Pedro. Starting next to the car park there were the usual culprits but thankfully we had close-up views of two Kentish Plovers. In the dune area I was able to get the scope on to a perched Dartford Warbler. Sardinians were calling and showing with Crested Larks in clear view. On the beach were a group of Sanderling with more Kentish Plovers.

Going back inland Slender-billed Gulls were only feet away from the road as were Avocet, Black-winged Stilts and a juvenile Flamingo. Michelle had photographed a Spotted Redshank here, so we were not surprised to see one but then the number rose to eight by the time we had left. Most of them were on the canal that runs alongside the road to Lo Pagan. At one time we counted over twenty birds in the water of varying species. This is a very good spot to spend some time as there is so much to see. Chiffchaffs were flitting around, a Grey Wagtail flew and perched and a beautiful cock Serin sang from the tree above our heads. Fifteen Black-tailed Godwits were in the corner by the canal with one in breeding plumage. There were also several Black-necked Grebe with one of those in his breeding plumage. Four Spoonbills were resting in the distance.

Mark was fortunate to see a Kingfisher fly, perch and dive. He then had a quick glimpse of a Reed Warbler. I believe that I may have spotted a Pipit, probably a meadow, but it did have white on the sides of the tail. I will look again.

On the way back a Kestrel flew, three Common Buzzards displayed above us with another flying away. This was in the region of the Campoamar Golf Course.

Thanks to Mark, less wind, warmer temperatures and a beautiful place to be we had another good session. The list for today was in excess of forty. I will attach the full list later.

For me my next trip will be to concentrate on an Eagle Owl location, hopefully to get a photograph and for Mark to see them fly again.

BIRD LIST FOR WEDNESDAY 13th FEBRUARY

Hoopoe
Common sandpiper
Serin
Red legged partridge
Stone curlew
Robin
Black redstart
Linnet
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Sardinian warbler
Stonechat
Great tit
Greenshank
Shelduck
Little grebe
Crag Martin
Chaffinch male
House Martin
Dartford warbler
Chiffchaff
Green woodpecker
Mallard duck
Cormorant
Grey wagtail
Great crested grebe
Great white egret
Teal
Yellow legged gull
Black necked grebe
Grey heron
Great grey shrike
Lapwing
Sand Martin
Little owl
Sparrowhawk
Swallow
Eurasian starling
Black headed gull
Long tailed tit
Song thrush
Goldcrest
Wood warbler ?
Booted eagle
Eagle owl

ANOTHER GOOD DAY

Mark had arrived from Scotland on Tuesday and he was keen to get birding as soon as he possible could. We were on our way in a good morning light. We stayed local to San Miguel notching up twenty three species before we moved away down the canal road and then heading up towards Embalse de la Pedrera.

Our species around San Miguel included Stone Curlew, Dartford and Sardinian Warblers, but Mark was especially enthusiastic about the clear sighting of a male Green Woodpecker which flew to then perch in an almond tree. I was pleased to see several Robins but even more pleased to see my second House Martin for this year. A Greenshank flew as well.

We moved on to Pedrera seeing a good collection of Yellow Legs with six Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Four Teal swam by which were identified by Mark. The Great White Egret again patrolled the margins. We carried on to an Eagle Owl site and examined that ridge in a good clear light but nothing flew. A few metres on, over an area of water we saw Swallows, House Martins, Sand Martins but then we had a superb treat when a female Sparrowhawk came swooping down in attempt to take a Greenfinch in flight. It made several attempts before the escape of the finch. We had terrific views with the hawk flying away over our heads.

We then went to another Eagle owl site. We scanned the ridge but nothing was obvious. A walk among the pines revealed some lovely sights with Long Tailed Tits feeding together with a Goldcrest which took some locating. A decision was made to stay to wait for the birds that Mark had really come to see. We set up the scopes on known perches, listening in the hope that we could hear them calling even against the wind. The light was going fast when Mark again checked a perch and there she was. We watched and then the male arrived landing straight onto her back to mate. Both flew down the ridge with the second one seemingly flushing a large unidentified raptor.

This was a wonderful way to end our day with a total of species seen being forty-five. I expected to see several other species that are common but we will have to wait another time for that.

ANN CLEEVE ETC

On cosy winter evenings I have read several books of varying genres. I have now finished my third Anne Cleeve´s book – Raven Black – which is one of her Shetland series. This was again a damn good read and I like the way she throws in a bit about wildlife. This was another story driven along by some superb characters for she certainly knows how to bring them to life (and to kill them!). I will be looking out for her other stories.

I am now reading Andrew Marr’s ‘The Diamond Queen’. It is no surprised that it is well is written. He moves it along at a very good pace so the reader is kept with him. There is so much to know about the history in my lifetime.

Previously to these two books I have been dipping in and out of selected writings from The Telegraph of John Betjeman’s ‘Lovely Bits of Old England’ I find that it is so refreshing to read something in this style of writing where he describes and comments upon ‘my England’. Before that I read, Janan Ganash’s, biography of George Osborne. What a superb writer this man is and it is another excellent example of very recent history that gives a good insight into how it works within ‘The Westminster Village’.

Staying with history, I have read Stephen Walker’s ‘Hide & Seek’, about Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty. He was the Irish priest in The Vatican who defied the Nazi Command. It is a superb story that again reminds me of the horrors of what Facism was capable of. It is also a love story in that Colonel Herbert Kappler, SS Commander of Rome was eventually rescued by his wife, from imprisonment, to be able to spend the last few months of his life in his native country. Perhaps it was not something that he deserved and there would have been many in Rome who would have wished him a very uncomfortable death. However he died a catholic, having been baptized into that church, by his former adversary Monsignor O’Flaherty. It is a marvellous story about faith, subterfuge, escape routes and executions.

One of the intriguing pieces in this story for me was that ‘our’ Irish priest – product of Cahersiveen in the Kingdom of Kerry – was a staunch republican without any sympathy for The British Empire or The Allied Cause. He not only places himself in considerable danger but changes his attitude from not supporting The Allies but to wanting them to win the war. From within The Vatican he wheeled and dealed to save lives. He set up escape routes for our servicemen who had escaped from POW camps. You could also say that he was ‘Ireland’s Oskar Schindler’ for he helped whoever he could whether Jew or Gentile. Several other books have been written on this piece of history and two films have been made. It is a serious reminder of what the Second World War really was about. Europe is free to do what it wants within its own democracies. I can write what I want.

On my personal side I have been writing about a period in my Police career and I will start another section soon. I have also ‘topped and tailed’ my first poem of the year, entitled ‘Skyscar’ which is about the plethora of unnecessary street signs and what to do with them. I am busy working on others that can appertain to news items. The Chris Huhne debacle may provide a source of something. It is worth watching the news just for the spark it can give.

I am also busy seeing what I have produce which could see them being resurrected from the very dark drawer that they are tucked away in. I have the ‘competition’ of The Poetic Republic in mind that other members of The Poetry Society Stanza Mar Menor are also considering.

NON-BIRDING WIND

While English temperatures have been below zero with several dustings of snow all we can complain about here in San Miguel is the gusting wind which has been up to 40 kmph. The blue skies and afternoon temperatures are great but that wind does not help. I watched my first, (on 6th February) House Martin – Avion Comun – battling, more correctly being blown around by the wind. However it was going north. I remember it was this time last year when I saw one visiting an old nest in the centre of San Miguel. Viewing small birds in these conditions is not easy but they still have to be about to eat.

I am delighted to say that an Eagle Owl – Buho Real - site that I found several years ago is still very active. We heard two calling and on our second visit we saw one sitting at the base of a pine tree which was Michelle’s second sighting ever. This one being a much closer view than the one the other week. We have now made contact with a local Spanish birder who visits the nest sites, evaluates and rings.

The wind is not due abate this week so we will just have to be patient. However, when checking this area out in full daylight I saw a Great White Egret – Garceta Grande – hunting along the fringes of the diminishing Embalse de la Pedrera. No eagles but very active with Kestrels – Cernicalo Vulgar - and Little Owls – Mochuelo Europea. I just cannot compete with Julian Sykes who is Sierra Morena who has had some wonder sightings of mammals, including Lynx, bats, a snake, as well as eagles and kites. I think that I am in the wrong place but we have the Figueres region to visit in March and then New York in April. I am lining up the birding trips but in the meantime I will carry on checking out our Buho Reals.

SAN PEDRO AGAIN

This time Michelle needed a ‘reflection’ shot for the twice monthly photo competition at Torrevieja Digital Camera Club. She got what she wanted with a Black-Winged Stilt feeding in clear water with a next to perfect reflection.

However these Salinas and canals are worth patience, worth some hard looking and searching. It paid off with the long lens establishing what we actually did see. In one shot were one Little Stint, Dunlin and Sanderling and swimming around were both Black-Headed Gulls with Slender-Billed in close attendance.

One of the latter appears to be a first winter bird.

The best was yet to come for although we were aware that the odd Redshank was therefor it was not until we had our specimen bird up on screen that we discovered it was a Spotted Redshank.

This was on the canal next to the road to Lo Pagan with Black winged Stilts, a Little Egret, Moorhen with flitting movements being added by feeding Chiffchaffs.

Success. After several visits this winter we made another trip to try to see ´The Eagle Owl´. It was a perfect evening, the wind had dropped to a faint breeze so all we needed was to hear a call. A raptor flew, perched and through the scope we could see that it was a buzzard. While watching this bird we heard the faint call of an Eagle Owl.
I scanned the ridge and there it was perched. I screwed the scope down to maximum and could clearly see ear tufts and all. This was the best ever view that Michelle has ever had.We kept watching and listening. It paid off for we heard an answering call. I was relieved for now we had possibly the same pair as last winter. We will check it out again.

BOOK REVIEW - TELLING TALES BY ANN CLEEVES

TELLING TALES is the second book that I have read of Ann Cleeves´ ‘Vera Stanhope Series’. I started with The Crow Trap, thoroughly enjoyed the journey of being carried along by the characters from London northwards.

Vera on TV tells the story very nicely with Brenda Blethyn in the role but for me in Telling Tales there is a plethora of interesting characters that engaged me. The uncertainty of life is spelt out together, with all its anxieties, as bits of the characters are revealed. The setting is on the Humber, not in her usual stomping ground of Northumberland. The excellent storytelling lets us visualise, even smell it.

The murder of an adolescent allows ‘The Ole’ Bill’ to exhibit flaws in character and behaviour that make me want to slap them. A feeling of injustice is created.

This is the story of a re-investigation by Vera and her side-kick Joe – he’s along for the ride only – as she scratches her eczema, as she gets irritated by the characters that drive this story along. (Her asides in italics are wonderful) There is more detail on the back cover but what more do you need to know before you read it.

FIRST TRIP OF THE NEW YEAR

Festivities over, an old year ending with a new one sweeping in it must be time to assess what we want to do, what I want to with all due respect to do that which is ‘do-able’.
Put your thoughts in order and get out into that natural world.
And so, two weeks into 2013 a day out with The Costa Blanca Bird Club was planned, meeting at 10am at San Pedro. We were there early for ‘sun-up’ as the members of Torrevieja Digital Camera Club wanted to get their dawn shots. I ambled around to see the early movements of gulls and the like.
With the warmth of the day arriving we were able to watch over thirty Turnstones flicking over the clumps of deposited vegetable matter on the water’s edge. There was one lone Sanderling among them. In the dunes and amongst the bushes, Dartford Warblers popped up and down. We saw Crested Larks, Meadow Pippits, Stonechats, Finches and Sardinian Warblers together with numerous Yellowlegs.

Upon moving back to the car park we saw a lone male Kentish Plover but nothing else of interest although this solitary bird was worth it.

We moved south seeing soaring Booted Eagles, a Marsh Harrier, Kestrels, and with a beautiful male flying above us. On a water deposit there were both Little and Black-necked Grebes but what caught the enthusiasts eyes were four Velvet Scoters. Close by a Ringed Plover searched for food.

We left the main party to return to San Pedro to search for Black-tailed Godwits where they obliged with really close up views. A Redshank fed nearby also. However, what pleased Elaine and Michelle the most was the simple fact that they captured on camera a Kingfisher. The best part being that it was the former’s first ever view of one. This was a good way to end a day out.

I am now on the quest to for Eagle Owls and to finish my first poem of this year