The Writers met this Friday morning and our next meeting is on Friday 26th January 2018, and staying with the usual last Friday of the month
John Mac brought two poems. The first entitled, Cheers, of four verses in length, pay tribute to ‘the Blanca Expats’ ‘who sing/the ballads of too long ago’. The fourth stanza ends with these two lines ‘they’re having the time of their lives/and living their time once again’.
The second one started off with the title of False Memories’ and was changed, with discussion, to Reflection. John presented this one with central alignment and it worked very well with the varying line length. There was a distinct rhyming scheme that he does not normally use. The second verse ‘mirrored’ the first. The lines went ‘fickle hearted memory/you stole my dream away’ was the final two lines of the first verse and ‘fickle hearted memory/delivers one more sting’ in the second and final verse. Both poems need to be read in full to do John’s writing justice.
For several of us, John’s lines, ‘touched a chord’ in our memories and we easily could relate to his words.
In a later conversation Margaret said that as she written a number of ‘love poems’ and intends to publish a pamphlet. John Mac said that he would look out for his poems on that same theme. This we can discuss next time.
Margaret produced two pages from an intended novel and asked for us to comment. It could have been an opening chapter and whatever it was intended to do to a reader - we were asked. It grabbed out attention, and contained enough information for us to want to know more. We all liked it.
Darlene had previously sent us Chapter Nine of Amanda and we scrutinized this line by line. We discussed, suggested and ideas were absorbed, but as we all know the author has the final say.
This was another enjoyable exercise for us. We will be reading more.
John E had circulated two pages of his memoir and this was scrutinized in the same way as previously referred to for Darlene’s chapter on Amanda. It is only recently that anyone else had seen any of his memoir, but, as always, another persons eyes proved to be valuable and constructive.
His next pages will include an insertion of two poems that will sit very well with his travels after leaving London.
He also updated the group on his poetry collection. He has written some Haiku to introduce each section, but this is definitely work-in-progress. For each of his poems to be included he has written ‘an index’ that contained relevance to the source of each individual poem. There was a forceful discussion on the merits of including this in an index or whether suitable lines could be included on the same page as the poem. He has written a total of four pages and these will be examined in the next meeting. No doubt the value any of this will be discussed.
He also mentioned the theme of LONELY. This is a topic in the news, not just because of the time of year, but because of the murder of Jo Cox and her ‘Commission for Loneliness’ and discussions that she was involved with about the problem of loneliness which is now involving Rachel Reeve. It is suggested that there should not only be a commission on loneliness, but also that a government minister should be appointed.
There are many lyrics out there that mention this word. It is all there to be researched and written. We will see what he can produce. One that easily springs to mind is Rick Parfitt’s new album to be released on January 7th.
It is all there for the imagination to take it on. We had a terrific meeting and everyone helps to do what I want and like to do. That is to write.
JE 15.12 2017
Friday, 15 December 2017
Tuesday, 28 November 2017
Kevin Birmingham on James Joyce and Ulysses
KEVIN BIRMINGHAM: THE MOST DANGEROUS BOOK;THE BATTLE FOR JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES
Books are easy to pick up and to put down. Some of them can be forgotten even if it is read to a conclusion. Others are very forgettable especially after a random page is read only. Fortunately there are some that linger in our thoughts and others that leave a significant impression.
The Sunday Times Literary Non-Fiction Of The Year for 2014 is entitled ‘The Most Dangerous Book’; The Battle For James Joyce’s Ulysses is one such book; for it travels into the importance of the meaning of freedom. That freedom, that allows un-inhibited thought into the society where it can be articulated. I learnt so much from this book; about Joyce, his behavior and how he lived or more accurately survived. But if this book is about him, it is about so much more. It is about censorship, restriction and the abuse of power negating choice. It says ‘To fight for the freedom of books was to fight for the principle of self-governance that had inspired the American Revolution.’
I have read about ‘The Hicklin Rule’ and about Comstock. Who? Well if you are intrigued then read it for yourselves and the book will also take you through the front door of Shakespeare and Company and even into some of Sylvia Beach’s world. I loved it.
It is also a journey through the mysteries of moralizing. Double standards and the absurdity of not being able to mention ‘condom’, but a man could walk into a brothel. I like that. But what did women do - crawl! Of course, in those days, homosexuals were more discreet!
The author, Kevin Birmingham, is a literary historian living in Cambridge, Massachusetts and his study of Joyce and Ulysses is an in depth one. Birmingham credits it ‘For Dad, who taught me about free expression’. I think that sums it up.
It’s a serious book that the media of the current time should note when freedom is restricted by their invasive journalism and their selection of newsworthy stories. I hate ‘door-stepping’. I consider it a crime - so there.
Books are easy to pick up and to put down. Some of them can be forgotten even if it is read to a conclusion. Others are very forgettable especially after a random page is read only. Fortunately there are some that linger in our thoughts and others that leave a significant impression.
The Sunday Times Literary Non-Fiction Of The Year for 2014 is entitled ‘The Most Dangerous Book’; The Battle For James Joyce’s Ulysses is one such book; for it travels into the importance of the meaning of freedom. That freedom, that allows un-inhibited thought into the society where it can be articulated. I learnt so much from this book; about Joyce, his behavior and how he lived or more accurately survived. But if this book is about him, it is about so much more. It is about censorship, restriction and the abuse of power negating choice. It says ‘To fight for the freedom of books was to fight for the principle of self-governance that had inspired the American Revolution.’
I have read about ‘The Hicklin Rule’ and about Comstock. Who? Well if you are intrigued then read it for yourselves and the book will also take you through the front door of Shakespeare and Company and even into some of Sylvia Beach’s world. I loved it.
It is also a journey through the mysteries of moralizing. Double standards and the absurdity of not being able to mention ‘condom’, but a man could walk into a brothel. I like that. But what did women do - crawl! Of course, in those days, homosexuals were more discreet!
The author, Kevin Birmingham, is a literary historian living in Cambridge, Massachusetts and his study of Joyce and Ulysses is an in depth one. Birmingham credits it ‘For Dad, who taught me about free expression’. I think that sums it up.
It’s a serious book that the media of the current time should note when freedom is restricted by their invasive journalism and their selection of newsworthy stories. I hate ‘door-stepping’. I consider it a crime - so there.
Saturday, 18 November 2017
Ban Driven Grouse Shooting
Dear John edwards,
The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Ban Driven Grouse Shooting”.
Government responded:
Defra is working with key interested parties to ensure the sustainable management of the uplands, balancing environmental and economic benefits, which includes the role of sustainable grouse shooting.
The government appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of driven grouse shooting. The government considers that shooting activities bring many benefits to the rural economy and can in many cases be beneficial for wildlife and habitat conservation. We recognise that it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected and the law is respected. We will continue work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation. We do have concerns that in some limited instances management practices have unwanted consequences for the wider environment.
Persecution of British raptors and other wildlife
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We have identified raptor persecution as a wildlife crime priority. Each wildlife crime priority has a delivery group to consider what action should be taken, and develop a plan to prevent crime, gather intelligence on offences and enforce against it. The Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) focuses on the golden eagle, goshawk, hen harrier, peregrine, red kite and white-tailed eagle. The group is working on developing tools to help tackle raptor persecution crimes.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is part-funded by Defra, monitors and gathers intelligence on illegal activities affecting raptors and assists police forces when required. Despite instances of poisoning and killing of birds of prey, populations of many species, such as the peregrine falcon, red kite and buzzard have increased. We are concerned that with respect to eliminating illegal bird of prey persecution, there are still individuals who continue to commit these crimes. We will work with all stakeholders to try to eradicate these crimes.
In particular the government takes the decline in the hen harrier population in England very seriously and is committed to securing its future. In January 2016 the hen harrier sub-group of the Defra led Upland Stakeholder Forum published the Hen Harrier Action Plan to increase the English hen harrier population. It contains six actions which individually can bring benefits for hen harriers, but when combined, underpin each other and have the potential to deliver positive outcomes.
The Action Plan was developed with senior representatives from organisations including Natural England, the Moorland Association, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, National Parks England and formerly the RSPB. These organisations, led by Natural England, will monitor activities and report annually on progress to the Defra Uplands Stakeholder Forum and the UK Tasking and Co-ordinating group for Wildlife Crime.
Targeted control of problem species is only one part of a complex mix of factors that can influence populations. Maintaining the balance between biodiversity and the numbers of each species is important. Defra monitors populations of a number of rare or vulnerable species where human intervention is thought to be a contributing factor in their decline, and ensures appropriate action is taken to keep their populations out of danger.
Subsidies to grouse moorland estates
Neither subsidies nor agri-environment payments are paid to farmers to support shooting activities. Agri-environment schemes provide funding to support environmentally beneficial land management, including the management of habitats and work to improve water quality, facilitate carbon capture and protect our historic landscapes. Uplands, including grouse moors, have complex land ownership and tenure arrangements with many areas being designated common land with multiple beneficiaries. Hence, many of the agreements under our schemes result in funding going to grazing tenancies that are critical to the beneficial management of these areas.
Flood risk, water pollution & environmental damage
The government is aware that the UK uplands have 75% of the world’s remaining heather moorland and about 13% of the world’s blanket bog. 70% of the UK’s drinking water is provided from upland catchments, and tourism brings in an estimated £1.78 billion to England’s upland national parks.
The government recognises that healthy, active peat provides good habitat for grouse as well as numerous environmental benefits and ecosystem services. Natural England is working with landowners of grouse moors within Special Areas of Conservation to develop voluntary agreements, which include vegetation management principles for the various habitats on grouse moors. The government encourages land managers to work closely with Natural England to put voluntary agreements in place for all the benefits they bring to moor owners and to the environment.
The government is also working with moor owners and stakeholders to further improve management practices and peat condition, such as through the Blanket Bog Restoration Strategy.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Click this link to view the response online:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201443?reveal_response=yes
The Petitions Committee will take a look at this petition and its response. They can press the government for action and gather evidence. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Committee will consider it for a debate.
The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#petitions-committee
Thanks,
The Petitions team
UK Government and Parliament
The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Ban Driven Grouse Shooting”.
Government responded:
Defra is working with key interested parties to ensure the sustainable management of the uplands, balancing environmental and economic benefits, which includes the role of sustainable grouse shooting.
The government appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of driven grouse shooting. The government considers that shooting activities bring many benefits to the rural economy and can in many cases be beneficial for wildlife and habitat conservation. We recognise that it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected and the law is respected. We will continue work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation. We do have concerns that in some limited instances management practices have unwanted consequences for the wider environment.
Persecution of British raptors and other wildlife
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We have identified raptor persecution as a wildlife crime priority. Each wildlife crime priority has a delivery group to consider what action should be taken, and develop a plan to prevent crime, gather intelligence on offences and enforce against it. The Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) focuses on the golden eagle, goshawk, hen harrier, peregrine, red kite and white-tailed eagle. The group is working on developing tools to help tackle raptor persecution crimes.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is part-funded by Defra, monitors and gathers intelligence on illegal activities affecting raptors and assists police forces when required. Despite instances of poisoning and killing of birds of prey, populations of many species, such as the peregrine falcon, red kite and buzzard have increased. We are concerned that with respect to eliminating illegal bird of prey persecution, there are still individuals who continue to commit these crimes. We will work with all stakeholders to try to eradicate these crimes.
In particular the government takes the decline in the hen harrier population in England very seriously and is committed to securing its future. In January 2016 the hen harrier sub-group of the Defra led Upland Stakeholder Forum published the Hen Harrier Action Plan to increase the English hen harrier population. It contains six actions which individually can bring benefits for hen harriers, but when combined, underpin each other and have the potential to deliver positive outcomes.
The Action Plan was developed with senior representatives from organisations including Natural England, the Moorland Association, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, National Parks England and formerly the RSPB. These organisations, led by Natural England, will monitor activities and report annually on progress to the Defra Uplands Stakeholder Forum and the UK Tasking and Co-ordinating group for Wildlife Crime.
Targeted control of problem species is only one part of a complex mix of factors that can influence populations. Maintaining the balance between biodiversity and the numbers of each species is important. Defra monitors populations of a number of rare or vulnerable species where human intervention is thought to be a contributing factor in their decline, and ensures appropriate action is taken to keep their populations out of danger.
Subsidies to grouse moorland estates
Neither subsidies nor agri-environment payments are paid to farmers to support shooting activities. Agri-environment schemes provide funding to support environmentally beneficial land management, including the management of habitats and work to improve water quality, facilitate carbon capture and protect our historic landscapes. Uplands, including grouse moors, have complex land ownership and tenure arrangements with many areas being designated common land with multiple beneficiaries. Hence, many of the agreements under our schemes result in funding going to grazing tenancies that are critical to the beneficial management of these areas.
Flood risk, water pollution & environmental damage
The government is aware that the UK uplands have 75% of the world’s remaining heather moorland and about 13% of the world’s blanket bog. 70% of the UK’s drinking water is provided from upland catchments, and tourism brings in an estimated £1.78 billion to England’s upland national parks.
The government recognises that healthy, active peat provides good habitat for grouse as well as numerous environmental benefits and ecosystem services. Natural England is working with landowners of grouse moors within Special Areas of Conservation to develop voluntary agreements, which include vegetation management principles for the various habitats on grouse moors. The government encourages land managers to work closely with Natural England to put voluntary agreements in place for all the benefits they bring to moor owners and to the environment.
The government is also working with moor owners and stakeholders to further improve management practices and peat condition, such as through the Blanket Bog Restoration Strategy.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Click this link to view the response online:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201443?reveal_response=yes
The Petitions Committee will take a look at this petition and its response. They can press the government for action and gather evidence. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Committee will consider it for a debate.
The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#petitions-committee
Thanks,
The Petitions team
UK Government and Parliament
Friday, 10 November 2017
Writers of San Miguel de Salinas and Stanza Mar Menor
This is what we do'when we meet and you can join us.
On Friday 10th November the Writers of San Miguel met for another analytical two hours or so. There were five of us around the table that did give a good range of perspectives.
John Mac. read ‘Tough Love’, a poem inspired in part by the itinerant flower sellers that take their goods through bars and restaurants here in the costas. Emotive and not one word wasted with combinations such as ‘as if the petals/can deflect the blow/from a bunched fist.’ This was followed by ‘Elemental Truths’ that includes ‘Words, sprinkled like diamond dust’ and with lines that contain other elements such as carbon and palladium to name just two.
Nikki brought copies of and read Chapter Two of her book. We went through it line by line with contributions and suggestions coming from around the table. It is so easy to be focused on the story and so easy to miss obvious words, punctuation and to miss exactly what is being said. Again it was only minor tweaking here and there, that was needed. Nikki cannot be with us next time, but in the meantime we can carry on going through on-going chapters. It is good for us too.
John E read two football related poems. One that did not work and one that could be okay. He will give ‘Euphoria’ some more attention, give it a resounding tweak or two and maybe send it in to Hereford FC to which the poem relates. The other one is binned! He had also twenty six verses that are very raw W.I.P and although that is in a sort of poetic form it may become prose. It is something that he is giving serious thought to. Particular remarks were made about his punctuation or more to the point the lack of it. He finds that interesting and will continue with it and read the work of others who lack any punctuation. He has in mind to read more of e e cummings, John Clare and a writer who has just formed a new Stanza in Brecon. His name is Gareth Writer Davies. Don't laugh too much, but David was not impressed.
Now and with everything that has flashed out from our TV screens David has been working on, would you believe Diversity, Allegations and Robots and with a haiku. Here we have Robot Revolution One and Two followed by ‘The predators of power have gone to far!’ and with two haikus. They are more to the point! He and I have been discussing these all week and so his two poems morphed into three and were the better for it. They have been emailed to Margaret who is still ensconced in Sheffield but they were preceded by ‘ a health warning’ as sexism, feminism and abuse of power can invoke strong words. We await her replies! He does not consider that he will send them anywhere, but for him they are more considered (I could say) and less likely to be trashed by a ‘feminist’. I think that he still got away very lightly. He has passed his health tests and will be heading to Murmansk next Friday. We wish him well and I will send him our meetings via email. Likewise we can email him our own work and he will send us his writings and keep us up to date with his publications. Good luck for all of that.
Amy who has been very busy with her own work and course added another perspective and opinion. The more minds the better to examine our writings.
Our next meeting is twenty forth of this month for ten to ten thirty am. That is two weeks today and hopefully Margaret will be back in Spain. However Nikki will not be with us.
Great stuff and more of the same next time when Darlene intends to be with us.
JE
Sent from my iPad
On Friday 10th November the Writers of San Miguel met for another analytical two hours or so. There were five of us around the table that did give a good range of perspectives.
John Mac. read ‘Tough Love’, a poem inspired in part by the itinerant flower sellers that take their goods through bars and restaurants here in the costas. Emotive and not one word wasted with combinations such as ‘as if the petals/can deflect the blow/from a bunched fist.’ This was followed by ‘Elemental Truths’ that includes ‘Words, sprinkled like diamond dust’ and with lines that contain other elements such as carbon and palladium to name just two.
Nikki brought copies of and read Chapter Two of her book. We went through it line by line with contributions and suggestions coming from around the table. It is so easy to be focused on the story and so easy to miss obvious words, punctuation and to miss exactly what is being said. Again it was only minor tweaking here and there, that was needed. Nikki cannot be with us next time, but in the meantime we can carry on going through on-going chapters. It is good for us too.
John E read two football related poems. One that did not work and one that could be okay. He will give ‘Euphoria’ some more attention, give it a resounding tweak or two and maybe send it in to Hereford FC to which the poem relates. The other one is binned! He had also twenty six verses that are very raw W.I.P and although that is in a sort of poetic form it may become prose. It is something that he is giving serious thought to. Particular remarks were made about his punctuation or more to the point the lack of it. He finds that interesting and will continue with it and read the work of others who lack any punctuation. He has in mind to read more of e e cummings, John Clare and a writer who has just formed a new Stanza in Brecon. His name is Gareth Writer Davies. Don't laugh too much, but David was not impressed.
Now and with everything that has flashed out from our TV screens David has been working on, would you believe Diversity, Allegations and Robots and with a haiku. Here we have Robot Revolution One and Two followed by ‘The predators of power have gone to far!’ and with two haikus. They are more to the point! He and I have been discussing these all week and so his two poems morphed into three and were the better for it. They have been emailed to Margaret who is still ensconced in Sheffield but they were preceded by ‘ a health warning’ as sexism, feminism and abuse of power can invoke strong words. We await her replies! He does not consider that he will send them anywhere, but for him they are more considered (I could say) and less likely to be trashed by a ‘feminist’. I think that he still got away very lightly. He has passed his health tests and will be heading to Murmansk next Friday. We wish him well and I will send him our meetings via email. Likewise we can email him our own work and he will send us his writings and keep us up to date with his publications. Good luck for all of that.
Amy who has been very busy with her own work and course added another perspective and opinion. The more minds the better to examine our writings.
Our next meeting is twenty forth of this month for ten to ten thirty am. That is two weeks today and hopefully Margaret will be back in Spain. However Nikki will not be with us.
Great stuff and more of the same next time when Darlene intends to be with us.
JE
Sent from my iPad
Friday, 3 November 2017
Photos from Tuesday 31st October
Azure Winged Magpie, record shot for identification.
Blue Rock Thrush
Blue Throat
Booted Eagle
Grey Plover
Purple Swamp Hen
Redshank
Zitting Cisticola
Snipe with out of focus Cetti´s Warbler in the background.
All photos Copyright Bryan Thomas 2017
Thursday, 2 November 2017
Another birding day in Provincia de Alicante
Tuesday 31st October was my first available day to get out and about to see birds in Spain for several weeks. I was in Gran Alicant at ‘sun-up’ to meet Bryan and for this morning we reversed our usual route and headed across country towards El Hondo and San Felipe Neri. It proved to be a very good idea. Before we had left the urbanization Black Redstarts (Colirrojo Tizón) were around and in the past few days both Black Wheatears (Collalbra Negra) and Blue Rock Thrushs (Roquero Silitario) had been seen.
Heading towards San Felipe Common Kestrels (Cernicalo Vulgar) perched and flew. We passed a ruined building and on a top corner perched ‘statuesque like’ was a Green Woodpecker (Pito Real). We stopped in the entrance to the North Gate and in the Eucalyptus there were both Blackcaps (Curruca Capirotada) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común). In the car park for the Information Centre we had views of Meadow Pipit (Busbita Común) several Linnets (Pardillo Común) and a Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón) perched full on for us and photographed. We then turned our attention to the lagoons with those next to us showing a lot of mud and chopped down vegetation. Purple Swamphens/Gallinules (Calamón Común) were close by and they must have numbered almost ten. Feeding here were more Meadow Pipits, at least one Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino) and Bluethroats (Pechiazul) clear views, but not one wader in sight. Two Crested Larks (Cogujada Comùn) called and flew.
One hundred and fifty Glossy Ibis (Morito Común) over.
On the enclosed pond there were both male and female Red Crested Pochards (Pato Colorado) and even though we did hear a Red Knobbed Coot (Focha Moruna) we did not see one. A Little Bittern (Avetorillo Comùn) called too.
On the boardwalk we could see dead fish floating on the surface and whether this was due to a combination of hot weather, lower water levels or pollution we did not know. Maybe the latter could account for a waderless lagoon. The one bright moment was a solitary Snipe (Agachadiza Común) The next water, after the boardwalk, yielded an abundance of both Moorhen (Gallineta Común)and Coot (Focha Común). In the distance was a raft of Little Grebe (Zampullin Común) and also Marbled Duck/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and Shovelers (Cuchara Común). There was nothing else of any note.
The next lagoon was reduced to puddles and was almost birdless except on the far left there were a dozen Lapwing (Avefria Europea)), some Shelduck (Rarro Blanca) and a Grey Heron (Garza Real). I like it much better with water and birds. If only I could control the water levels!
We moved on and at Santa Águeda one Azure Winged Magpie (Urraca de Robo Largo) flew into a tree, perched and flew on. It was our first one at this location and there are photos to prove it! We will bear this one sighting in mind for later in the winter. Here we saw our third Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental) of the morning.
This location too, was dry. It could be very good with rain. Kestrels were seen here too, but the only other raptor was a Marsh Harrier.
Heading towards La Marina we saw Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero) more Marsh Harriers and four pale morph Booted Eagles (Aguililla Calzada). The Black Shouldered Kite remained elusive. In the fields of Lucerne grass there were more White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca), Meadow Pipits and several Skylarks (Alondra Común) calling and feeding. Then and in the distance nearer to the mountains we saw ten Common Cranes (Grulla Común) wheeling around.
Now it was time to visit El Pinet and there we saw the following birds.
Grey Plover - Chorlito Gris
Greenshank - Archibebe Claro
Redshank X 2 - Archibebe Comün
Ringed Plover - Chorlitejo Grande
Little Stint X 4 - Correlimos Menudo
Kentish Plover - Chorlitejo
We had clear views of all of them and the Grey Plover was a good one to see.
Over a cup of coffee we saw a Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patunegro) fly over, but as yet no sea birds.
The small birds which also included Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional), Stonechats (Tarabilla Común), Robins (Petirrojo) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común) made up for the lack of waders until we reached El Pinet.
I don’t believe in doing a list and some of the common birds I seldom mention, but what birds I have said that we have seen - were certainly seen and some even photographed. For the first time in several years I have included the Spanish names which I should know anyway.
Heading towards San Felipe Common Kestrels (Cernicalo Vulgar) perched and flew. We passed a ruined building and on a top corner perched ‘statuesque like’ was a Green Woodpecker (Pito Real). We stopped in the entrance to the North Gate and in the Eucalyptus there were both Blackcaps (Curruca Capirotada) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común). In the car park for the Information Centre we had views of Meadow Pipit (Busbita Común) several Linnets (Pardillo Común) and a Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón) perched full on for us and photographed. We then turned our attention to the lagoons with those next to us showing a lot of mud and chopped down vegetation. Purple Swamphens/Gallinules (Calamón Común) were close by and they must have numbered almost ten. Feeding here were more Meadow Pipits, at least one Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino) and Bluethroats (Pechiazul) clear views, but not one wader in sight. Two Crested Larks (Cogujada Comùn) called and flew.
One hundred and fifty Glossy Ibis (Morito Común) over.
On the enclosed pond there were both male and female Red Crested Pochards (Pato Colorado) and even though we did hear a Red Knobbed Coot (Focha Moruna) we did not see one. A Little Bittern (Avetorillo Comùn) called too.
On the boardwalk we could see dead fish floating on the surface and whether this was due to a combination of hot weather, lower water levels or pollution we did not know. Maybe the latter could account for a waderless lagoon. The one bright moment was a solitary Snipe (Agachadiza Común) The next water, after the boardwalk, yielded an abundance of both Moorhen (Gallineta Común)and Coot (Focha Común). In the distance was a raft of Little Grebe (Zampullin Común) and also Marbled Duck/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and Shovelers (Cuchara Común). There was nothing else of any note.
The next lagoon was reduced to puddles and was almost birdless except on the far left there were a dozen Lapwing (Avefria Europea)), some Shelduck (Rarro Blanca) and a Grey Heron (Garza Real). I like it much better with water and birds. If only I could control the water levels!
We moved on and at Santa Águeda one Azure Winged Magpie (Urraca de Robo Largo) flew into a tree, perched and flew on. It was our first one at this location and there are photos to prove it! We will bear this one sighting in mind for later in the winter. Here we saw our third Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental) of the morning.
This location too, was dry. It could be very good with rain. Kestrels were seen here too, but the only other raptor was a Marsh Harrier.
Heading towards La Marina we saw Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero) more Marsh Harriers and four pale morph Booted Eagles (Aguililla Calzada). The Black Shouldered Kite remained elusive. In the fields of Lucerne grass there were more White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca), Meadow Pipits and several Skylarks (Alondra Común) calling and feeding. Then and in the distance nearer to the mountains we saw ten Common Cranes (Grulla Común) wheeling around.
Now it was time to visit El Pinet and there we saw the following birds.
Grey Plover - Chorlito Gris
Greenshank - Archibebe Claro
Redshank X 2 - Archibebe Comün
Ringed Plover - Chorlitejo Grande
Little Stint X 4 - Correlimos Menudo
Kentish Plover - Chorlitejo
We had clear views of all of them and the Grey Plover was a good one to see.
Over a cup of coffee we saw a Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patunegro) fly over, but as yet no sea birds.
The small birds which also included Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional), Stonechats (Tarabilla Común), Robins (Petirrojo) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común) made up for the lack of waders until we reached El Pinet.
I don’t believe in doing a list and some of the common birds I seldom mention, but what birds I have said that we have seen - were certainly seen and some even photographed. For the first time in several years I have included the Spanish names which I should know anyway.
Friday, 20 October 2017
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Thursday and today, Friday 20th, were two clear days where I could visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. Yesterday saw heavy rain, but I did see some of the usual geese and ducks and through the rain I saw two Peregrines argue over a post. This is a regular feature as seen from the Holden Tower. It was not a good day for birding and the weather for today was very good.
The Holden Tower gave me close views of Cranes and by the end of the day the total for these birds was seventeen. The Geese grazed close by with Canada, Greylag, Barnacle and Pink Footed easily seen. The Red-breasted Goose had been seen again grazing with the Barnacles, but it was not in view until later. Late in the afternoon from the Zeiss Hide it was spotted and it was not easy to see. However I had good views of it even though it seemed to be closer to the ground than other Geese. It is an attractive bird and a first for me. At the same time Cranes were still in view and a Yellow Legged Gull was seen although there was a discussion as to whether this was a hybrid or not. Anyway another English first for me. Also from this hide a Cetti’s Warbler called frequently and a Water Rail squealed twice.
This is an amazing place to visit and although some birds are distant there are many that can be viewed much closer.
I did not see many small birds, but there is much movement as different species have been seen passing through. There was a flock of Linnets flying in the edge of the estuary. The species list is posted on their website.
From discussion it was said that ‘farmland birds’ numbers are poor and some of this decline can be attributed to pheasant rearing for the shooting industry. This provides a heavy concentration of one species in an area to the detriment of other wildlife including snakes, slow worms and lizards.
However it is places like the wetland centres and wildlife trusts that provide good news through their endeavors.
The Holden Tower gave me close views of Cranes and by the end of the day the total for these birds was seventeen. The Geese grazed close by with Canada, Greylag, Barnacle and Pink Footed easily seen. The Red-breasted Goose had been seen again grazing with the Barnacles, but it was not in view until later. Late in the afternoon from the Zeiss Hide it was spotted and it was not easy to see. However I had good views of it even though it seemed to be closer to the ground than other Geese. It is an attractive bird and a first for me. At the same time Cranes were still in view and a Yellow Legged Gull was seen although there was a discussion as to whether this was a hybrid or not. Anyway another English first for me. Also from this hide a Cetti’s Warbler called frequently and a Water Rail squealed twice.
This is an amazing place to visit and although some birds are distant there are many that can be viewed much closer.
I did not see many small birds, but there is much movement as different species have been seen passing through. There was a flock of Linnets flying in the edge of the estuary. The species list is posted on their website.
From discussion it was said that ‘farmland birds’ numbers are poor and some of this decline can be attributed to pheasant rearing for the shooting industry. This provides a heavy concentration of one species in an area to the detriment of other wildlife including snakes, slow worms and lizards.
However it is places like the wetland centres and wildlife trusts that provide good news through their endeavors.
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