We were out early at El Recorral the other morning after the rain. And this was just by the side of the path.
Further on was a Sow Thistle that was a large specimen. I have researched it and it could be a Smooth Sow Thistle but they do hybridize with Spiney Sow Thistles and they are edible.
Any ideas and conformation of what i have seen would be good
Book Review
Title. Judas Horse
Author. Lynda La Plante
Publisher. Zafare - an imprint of
Bonier Books UK
I would say that I am metaphorically allergic to English TV cop dramas. I avoid them for most of the time although recently I have been very impressed by the last series of ‘Unforgotten’. Recently Judas Horse arrived and although I cannot recall reading a book by Lynda La Plante I got stuck into this one. The genre is obvious and so I had a vague idea of what I could be reading and after all if I didn’t want to read anymore it could go into the unread pile.
Characters drive any story on and with DS Jack Warr I developed empathy. Judas Horse is the second book in which he has appeared. Did I like him? Well not entirely but it really goes back to the old question of ‘do we want our heroes to be prefect?’ It appears that is what the media want. No one is allowed to transgress without being pilloried. I will not give anything else away but our Jack is human and he is allowed to express his feelings and do what he believes in.
Jack is a London copper seconded (not sent!) out into the rich belly of England. Of course there is part of the story goes back into the metropolis but the most part is set amongst the hoi polloi residing in mansions with loadsa of assets. Some one else wants them too. It would be a simple story if that was it but there is so much more with many facets woven into the telling of Judas Horse. Beware there is violence too and you may not like it!
Clichés I despise but this novel is a page and chapter turner. I loved it and the author has avoided many of the things that I despise in the interactions of main characters. I will say ‘brilliantly’ written. So good and I may even read Jack Warr’s previous escapade.
It’s an addendum to yesterday’s terrific day. Or being honest I forgot and how could I? We were concentrating on the new arrivals and we knew what we hoped to see. I know they can be difficult to even spot as they dash between trees. They are skulkers and after flying past they can disappear easily into the foliage. We had about half a dozen or so fly through and I managed to follow one into a tree. In shade with leaves flickering it had to be a female. So discreet! Then sharp eyes pointed out a golden ball of colour in a dark foliage hole of a tree. It was the male and this morning I saw Bry’s photo to prove it. Golden Orioles of course - Oropendola
We had a good end to our day with the Spotted Fly and they managed a Whinchat - Tarabilla Norteña on their way home.
It’s all on his blog with stacks of photos. Take a look why don’t you.
IT’S GREAT TO BE OUT THERE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. THE SOUTHERN BIRDS HAVE BEEN POURING IN.
We have been out and about to see some amazing birds. Some of our regulars can be easily be spotted and they should be lauded too. However, the excitement is in seeing the new arrivals, seeing species for the first time this year and for some seeing something for the first time. It’s a good feeling.
The importance of habitat was reinforced to me today when we visited two locations and both have been amended by humans.
El Recórral at the top of Quesada was our 7.30 stop and we walked up through some fairly natural environment and onto where the amelioration has taken place with wide paths and well sculpted ponds. There we had our first views of the day and they were very good. Perched in the top of a pine tree was a Black-Crowned Night Heron - Martinete Común and not far away two Squacco Herons - Garcilla Cangrejera. They can be viewed here easily and with the footfall this area sees they do not seem to mind passers-by. That’s all good for the photographers. Again we heard Common Cuckoo - Cocu Común calling and perched on the wire. We paid only passing attention to smaller species as we were eager to get to our next spot.
I have already mentioned the importance of habitat and Rio Segura is an important waterway. Yes, it’s been straightened, embankments put all along it and there is considerable extraction along it’s route. However, we had a great time. Nightingales - Ruiseñor Común were numerous and calling from every clump and bush. We had a tremendous constant sighting of one singing male. We constantly heard the turrring of Turtle Doves - Tortola Europea with good views as they perched on wires. We must have seen a dozen at least. Bee-eaters - Abejaruco Común were around too but only distant. Here again we saw another Common Cuckoo. A female Blackcap - Curruca Capirotada hid discreetly in a bush, but clear enough to be viewed and photographed.
One warbler that we have been searching for was in our sights today and that was the Melodious - Zarcero Común and that entertained us and was photographed too. What a star this one was and a first for two of us.
Rio Segura has good habitats along it’s course and around Benejuzar it gave us memorable birds.
We felt we had seen enough for one morning and Michelle and I headed for La Mata. We had a particular target in mind which we did not attain, but there on a fence was my first bird of summer - a Spotted Flycatcher - Papamoscas Gris. They are beautiful little birds and I have written about them before and referred to a sub-species that can be seen.
Again I have not mentioned all our sightings and some photographs will appear here, and on FB and Instagram under Michelle’s monicker.
ILLEGAL KILLING OF BIRDS OF PREY
Whatever we can do to change peoples’ minds to stop some of the practices that seem to be acceptable to a small number of people then we should do whatever we can. There are many who are doing something and many people who want to do more and are trying to do that. I was present on 22nd September two years ago in Hyde Park, London where there were hundreds of liked minded people before they walked to Whitehall. It’s a process that is making progress and eventually things will change. I have been writing on this for years and I have a collection of poems I intend to publish together with an artist’s impression gathered from some of my lines on unlawful acts, habitat loss and a need to change the mind-set of many. Which ever you can look at this there is criminal acts being committed.
Thank you to the people who drive the Raptor Persecution site and bring continual information.
This is what they plan
SKY DANCER DAY ON SUNDAY MAY 9TH
EVOLVING TO HEN HARRIER DAYS ON 7TH & 8TH AUGUST 2020
The events will celebrate the uplands and also focus on the ongoing issue of raptor persecution from 10.15am to 12 noon which is an online event. I intend to be there.
It is being organized by the charity Hen Harrier Action and the information is on Raptor Persecution site.
ANOTHER MORNING SPENT SEARCHING BETWEEN SANTA POLA AND QUESADA IN ALICANTE SPAIN
It was the usual, well tried and tested route that took us along the N332, through La Marina and around, but adding not one, but two extra locations into our morning.
Friday, 23rd April was a dry one after the rain although without consistent sun and sometimes a chill wind. The lagoons opposite Playa Lisa were our first stop and for the first time for weeks we had a glimpse of a Zitting Cisticola - Buitrón. There was a number of gulls but nothing exceptional. A Wood Sandpiper - Andarrios Bastardo was in a puddle on the track. We quickly moved on. The Salt Tower was next and in the lagoons opposite were a number of waders. These included a male Ruff - Combatiente and a Reeve - much smaller than the male and picked out by Bryan. Curlew Sandpipers - Correlimos Zarapatin, one Redshank - Archibebe Común, and further along several Black-tailed Godwits - Aguja Colinegra. Two Great-crested Grebes - Somormujo Lavanca swam close by the tower and there was one sighting of a Great White Egret - Garceta Grande and our first Purple Heron - Garza Imperiel of the year flew over. Also Little Terns - Charrancito Común have arrived too.
At The Stones a perched Yellow Wagtail - Lavandera Boyera and it looks like a ‘continental’ bird and the photograph should confirm this as I would not want to string anyone along with inaccurate information. Whichever sub-species it is they are wonderful to see.
El Pinet had good numbers of Common Terns - Charran Común along with the usual birds to be seen here. We met a fellow birder, exchanged news and views and quickly moved on. Our next target area was the high ground covered in pines in view of where we were. This was a new area for us and one that we shall re-visit. Moving inland we saw two Great Spotted Cuckoos - Criala Europea who were around long enough to be photographed. Such great views. Also Bee-eaters - Abejaruco Común nearby. But, even though this is Roller territory there was not one to be seen, yet (Carraca).
Palm Farm Road yielded several Gull-billed Terns - Pagaza Piconegra and another Great Spotted Cuckoo. I have not mentioned every species that we witnessed but Woodchat Shrikes - Alcaudon Común were pristine, perched up and were photographed. Great to see.
Home turf for Gareth is El Recorral at the top side of Quesada. It has been refurbed in recent years with paths and ponds with flowing water. There are areas that are more natural and here we watched a family of Long-tailed Tits - Mito feeding in the pines. I love them. On top of the hill a Common Cuckoo - Cocu Común sat and called. Some of the species we had expected to see were not in view and this could have included a Pied Flycatcher - Papamoscas Cerrojillo. We intend to return.
On Wednesday 14th it was a choice between another trip to Monnegre or stay local. The mountains won and in the area around Rio Park Sand Martins - Avión Zapador, Barn Swallows - Golondrina Común, Redrumped - Golondrina Daurica and House Martins - Avión Común were flying. We could not see where there was a likelihood of a Sand Martin nesting site.
Generally, with only 14 degrees and little sun, it was very quiet. Again a raptor flew over and the identification is ongoing. The bird seen here last week is now considered to be a Black Kite - Milano Negro.
We moved on searching and checking as we went. Further along we heard and saw Choughs - Chova Piquirroja. We spent some time looking at different habitats with the varieties of vegetation they contained. We are working on it. In doing so we entered another world with these two photographs.
Again we saw Black-eared Wheatears - Collalba Rubia and one was photographed and gave us such stunning views. It had to be the bird of the day. They are gorgeous birds.
We took the left turn at Montnegre and travelled it’s full length eventually joining up with AP7. On the way sharp ears picked up calling Peregrine Falcons - Halcón Peregrino and they were glimpsed briefly. Another location to pay more attention to later on. Nearby Larks were heard calling and there was a clear view of Thekla Larks - Cogujadada Montesina. The Spanish name gives an indication that this is a mountain bird and unlike the Crested Lark will perch in trees. The photo will prove it.
Back along N332 opposite The Stones we found that the Curlew Sands had gone but on the same water two Greenshanks - Archibebe Claro, and a juvenile Spotted Redshank - Archibebe Oscuro that flew off before the photo. Then in the same margin my first of the year a Western Yellow Wagtail - Lavandera Boyera. It appears to be Iberian (Iberiae) a local variation for us showing it’s blue head. What a way to end the trip.
THE ENGLISH RIGHT TO ROAM?
This should be right for all within the constraints of practicality, but of course there in lies the argument as to what is reasonable and practical.
I know where the power lies and where and when the freedom to walk unhindered is in the power of only a few.
Guy Shrubsole’s book, Who Owns England? And Nick Hayes, his writing, The Book of Trespass will allow the reader to make a judgment that could challenge the status quo. Both books sit on the corner of my desk as a reminder of how restricted we are.
MPs to debate 'Don't criminalise trespass' petition on 19th April
Last year over 134,000 people signed our 'Don't criminalise trespass' petition calling on the Government to drop their plans to do so. Now, at long last - and after repeated delays - MPs will debate the petition on Mon 19th April, 4.30pm. To speak, MPs have to register with the Speaker by Friday 16th April.
Many of you have already contacted your MPs about this the last time the debate was scheduled, before being postponed by Covid restrictions – huge thanks for everything you've already done to help on this.
But now is the last push - can you urge your MP to attend the debate and make your concerns known? Particularly if you know them to be sympathetic to this issue.
To make things easy, we've drafted an email below that you could send to your MP. Feel free to copy and paste it, or adapt it. You can check who your MP is and get their email address here.
And please also watch and retweet our new short film about the Government's plans to criminalise trespass - and why it's vital that everyone affected by the Policing Bill stays united in opposing it.
Thanks again and all the best
Guy and Nick x
Thank you to Garett Davies and John Thompson for the identification.
Book Review
Title The Stranger Diaries
Author Elly Griffiths
Publisher. Quercus
A stand-alone to go with others, and with ten of ‘The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries’ and four of ‘The Stephens and Mephisto Mysteries’. And what a bloody good read it was.
The cover of the The Stranger Diaries gives very little away. A line reads ‘Death lies between the lines’ and it is described as ‘Utterly bewitching’. For me it was a page turner, a chapter turner and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was that good. I will give you some clues in that it has much to do with teachers, students and it has a school setting. But there is more when the past is mentioned and that thread runs continually through the book. Oh yes, there is a diary being completed and of course it is important.
Essentially there are deaths, unexpected and bloody. That is the case with both themes and the underlying story has an importance too. It adds that extra bit to the intrigue and suspense. I won’t say anymore about that.
Location is a strong character and helps to give realism and also suspense. Elly Griffiths has created very strong character and I grew to like them and believe in them and what was good they’re not all perfect! There is a lot of femininity in the writing and that is not surprising as most of the teachers and students are female. So there you are, is or are the protagonist(s) female? There are two investigators with DS Harbinder Kaur adding another dimension of race and culture to it. There is also the conventional white heterosexual DS who seems to be there as a foil for his colleague. There is a lot of good writing here and it is there to be enjoyed.
The book is split into parts with individuals telling, in the first person, what they know. Different but it worked for me. An excellent read and I enjoyed it cover to cover.
VETERINARY DICLOFENAC KILLS
I have been banging on about this drug for years. It kills vultures when eaten from the carcasses of farm animals. And there are alternatives.
I have googled Boumort Mountains and the reserve mentioned and it looks an amazing location - dead vultures apart! It is on my list to visit and it is an area south of the Pyrenees (Pirineus) and south west of Andorra.
THE REPORT SAYS
A Cinerous Vulture Aegypius monachus born in 2020 in the Boumort National Hunting Reserve has now been confirmed as the first victim of a vulture species to die from poisoning by veterinary diclofenac in Europe.
The cause of death of this vulture was confirmed in a new study which came out on April 5th, at the scientific journal ‘Science of the Total Environment’. The study confirms, for the first time, that the veterinary use of diclofenac can cause the death of necrophagous birds such as the Cinerous Vulture.
Diclofenac is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat injured cattle and it has been the main cause of the catastrophic decline of several vulture species in South Asia. Diclofenac is extremely toxic to vultures and other wild scavengers, but a consortium led by BirdLife International managed to ban it in the region.
In Europe, the only continent in the world where Vulture populations are recovering, the veterinary use of diclofenac is currently permitted both by the European Union and by the national governments of Spain and Italy. In Portugal, the authorities are assessing whether or not to authorise it.
The use of veterinary diclofenac in Europe not only represents an immediate and tangible threat to European vulture populations, but also sets a very dangerous precedent and an alternative channel for the veterinary use of the drug in Africa and Asia. The consequences can be devastating: 7 out of 11 species of African vultures are already threatened with extinction.
BirdLife International has advocated for a Europe-wide ban on veterinary diclofenac since 2013. In 2014, a hearing was held at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) where BirdLife, alongside several other organisations, advocated for a full ban. Ultimately, the EMA did not propose to ban the drug, instead suggesting that EU countries enforce stricter regulations and labelling to minimise the risk diclofenac poses to vultures and other avian species. Together with the wider scientific community, we find this extremely insufficient.
Ivan Ramírez, Senior Head of Conservation for BirdLife Europe and Central Asia states that “the evidence found in Spain sadly confirms what we have been warning about for almost a decade, vultures are already dying from veterinary diclofenac poisoning and this could already be affecting their population trends. It is very difficult to monitor and test every single bird in the wild, and it is absurd to keep insisting on licensing a drug that kills threatened species when there are plenty of other safe and cheap alternatives in Europe.”
BirdLife International will immediately contact the European Medicines Agency, the EU authorities and other international treaties such as the Convention of Migratory Species, and will coordinate with its national partners and allies to demand an urgent ban on this product. There is no time to lose, and vultures in Europe are at serious risk.
"This case must mark a turning point in species conservation measures. We cannot wait for bird deaths to occur when there are clear signs of impact on bird populations," says Ana Carricondo, coordinator of SEO/BirdLife's conservation programmes, adding: "We hope that no more cases are necessary for the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products to definitively ban the use of medicines containing diclofenac for veterinary use.
BirdLife stresses that banning diclofenac will have no negative effects on livestock health management or on the economy of livestock farmers, as there are alternatives that are just as effective and cost-effective. There is a broad scientific consensus on the need for a total ban on diclofenac. The ban is also supported by the international community: The 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), in its resolution UNEP/
Look what we discovered.
STRICTLY BIRDING
Today we again checked out some of the slopes of Monnegre. We had targets in mind but because we searched other areas we only just got past the village of Montnegre.
We have observed and commented upon the lower area and at Rio Park we turned into an unmade track. There was a level area of ‘meadow/dehesa’ and there swooping low were possibly 45-50 Sand Martins - Avión Zapador. Flying just over our heads and onto the meadow with some landing. We thought maybe for grit but one was photographed with nesting materials. An area to visit again and attempt to locate nests.
In low bushes a Spectacled Warbler - Curruca Tomillera was heard and it popped up to be seen and photographed. This was a new site for us for this species. We will look again. While this was going on Bee-eaters - Abejaruca Común were heard, seen flying and one perched too. Our first sightings for this season. Also flying north one raptor - buzzard size and we are not sure. It was on it’s way!
We travelled further along this track and eventually were at the river and we retraced our route. It was all new to us and maybe more investigation and comments later.
Trumpeter Finches - Camachuelo Trompetero were seen again. Four this time and we exchanged information with a representative from Alicante University. It’s good to talk. We will spend more time at this site and hopefully learn more. The population is very small and we saw only ten on one occasion last year. Lets hope that it is a sustainable one. Then a Chough - Chova flew over, just the one.
Subalpine Warblers - Curruca Carresquena were located in the same place as last time and today I had terrific views of this seriously tardy bird. It was photographed too. At this spot was the turn off for a track we wanted to target. That will now be for another time.
The river bridge was quiet. We moved on and in a deserted ruin Red-rumped Swallows - Golondrina Daurica were flying in and out. Maybe a nesting sight and another location to visit again.
This was the highest we went and on the way back a male and female Black-eared Wheatear - Collalba Rubia were seen and photographed. Then we checked on our scarce Finches again and two more of these Wheatears (both males) were in full view. A little further on another male and these are stunning birds. Also Black Wheatears - Collalba Negra were seen and they are commonly found here. Northern Wheatears - C-Gris. we have yet to see.
I have been excited to see the Warblers and this afternoon Western Bonnelli’s Warblers - Mosquitero Papialbo we saw for the first time this season. It is still early but this migration is proving to be very good. It was great to be out there.
Another visit to a wetland in Alicante, Lo Monte and a drive down the Rio Segura.
The four determined birders headed to Lo Monte with an early start to beat the picnickers. It paid off. One target, for Gareth, was the male Garganey - Cerceta Carretona which was hidden to start with but showed well later. In fact, Bryan, just sat there for a swim past. A first for him this year and a life tick for Gareth.
Before any of that happened a Moustached Warbler - Carricerin Real was in front of the hide with Gareth and Bryan and what great views they were and for me the best ever. It’s not the easiest birds to view but this was special.
Little Bittern - Avetorillo Común - two males and one female continually flew around giving us great views. Michelle photographed one ‘booming’. Can that get any better?
Bryan caught a quick glimpse of a passing Cuckoo - Cocu Común and then we all had a sighting. More of these birds later.
I counted four Grey Herons - Garza Real perched in the pines in the distance and we will wait to see the Purple - Garza Imperiel.
Another bird that showed really well were two Great-crested Grebes - Somormujo Lavanca and now that we have seen a ‘pair’ maybe will see their off spring in a humbug uniform!
Greenfinch - Verderón Común were abundant too.
Again we viewed the female Reed Bunting - Escribano Palustre in the same place. It pays to know your local spots.
In every photograph this Reed Bunting appears to only have one leg.
We decided to check out Rio Segura in the vicinity of Benejuzar. It paid off really well. a Common Cuckoo was quickly seen and it flew around and Bryan managed to get a photo. What a sighting and how far has this travelled to get here and how far has it still to go? It was a privilege.
All along we were hearing Nightingales - Ruisenor Comun. We tried to see them, but they can be difficult and we think at least six along that stretch of the river.
Bryan was hearing Melodious Warbers - Zarcero Comun and they were there but not showing. So next time then.
It is an important time of year to be our there as so much is passing through or arriving to stay and breed.
I have not compiled a list and there were many other species that we did see. Again another day we can see them and others too.
Tomorrow Monnegre with specific targets in mind.
Easter weekend a time for families and memories past. And, so this Haiku.
Easter Sunday lunch
Mum’s roast for a family
Memories special
And a thought from another man, A.E Houseman. I love the image.
|
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough And stands along the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide" |
I have a poem that also reminds me of Easter Time and all that goes with it. The Ash Path at Dinner Time written on 24th April 2005 is in my first collection. I’ll put it on later when I can find a copy.
Here for a moment - to your memories.
In the car park our first of the year, a Woodchat Shrike - Alcaudon Común perched on the fence. We sat in the hide with the wider expanse of water in view. In front of us were:
Two Great Cormorants - Cormoron Grande on each of the two platforms.
Common Pochard - Porrón Europeo at least a dozen but mainly males.
Little Grebes - Zampullin Común
Great-crested Grebe - Somormujo Lavanco. Only one
White Headed Ducks - Malvasia
Mallard - Ánade Azuldon
Coots - Focha Común and Morehens - Gallineta Común
In the reeds one Little Egret - Garceta Común.
Then a Grey Heron - Garza Real flew past us twice with a two foot long snake dangling from it’s beak. Maybe a Culebre Escalera? What a sight and one to remember. There were several other Herons as well, but no Purple yet.
Small birds were not easy to see clearly and we had a quick fly past of a Yellow Wagtail - Lavendera Boyera
At the second hide we watched the female Reed Bunting - Escribano Palustre and that bird entertained us for a good time as it fed on the mud and vegetation.
Then we had the bird we wanted to see above all others, a male Garganey - Cerceta Carratona with several swim pasts. What a stunner.
Back at our first hide we carried on watching the Garganey and then three Sandpipers flew in and around. We cannot agree on the markings we saw, but for me they were Wood Sands - Andarrios Bastardo and for Michelle the birds were Common Sands.= Chico.
We can add into this mix so much more with all the small arial species that included a Broad Bodied Chaser and some ‘large’ bees (maybe Hornets) but the photos did not turn out well. So difficult to focus on.
Lastly so good, clear and close up, views of a Marsh Harrier - Aguilucho Luganero. Our species tally for the morning was 22. Can it get any better?
