A very pleasant couple of hours or so with David Jefferson and David Coulthard as we walked up to the Fuerte Calaceite above Torrox Costa. Lovely and sunny but rather spoilt by the strong wind, even at 8.30 in the morning. Meeting up we were also greeted by House Sparrows and a Red-rumped Swallow overhead and, no sooner had we left the cars, than we encountering Black Wheatears and Stonechats. This area also provided both House Martin and Barn Swallow along with Blackbird, Goldfinch and Serin. Ere long we had also added a pair of Linnets and the first of a few Sardinian Warblers.
Up on the top, overlooking the hollow below us and higher peaks to the front, we saw Crested Lark and the Ravens appeared as they bombed the passing Short-toed Eagle whilst a male Common Kestrel drifted by showing no interest whatever. Below us both a Blue Rock Thrush and small flock of Greenfinches, mixed with both Serin and Goldfinch and, above, a handful of Common Swifts. At this point Paul and his faithful dog Ellie continued on to the coast whilst David and I retraced out steps to our car, also observing a Chiffchaff and Meadow Pipit on the way.
Reaching the coast at Torrox Costa we parked the car and undertook a return walk up the Rio Torrox where we not only saw many more Barn Swallows, Serin, Goldfinch and Greenfinches but also added both a Subalpine Warbler and Blackcap to the latest Sylvia warbler sightings, yet more Sardinian Warblers. Naturally, a handful of Monk Parakeets had to make their presence known as they noisily flew over our heads.
A very pleasant time culminating in coffee with David's wife, Ann at a cafe on the promenade. What more could you ask for?
Birds seen:
Short-toed Eagle, Kestrel, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Raven, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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