El Robledal and Sierra Tejeda with John and Jenny

Wednesday 5 October

Not only Dave and his band of merry folks (note I did not say "men") out birding yesterday, Wednesday, as I have just received a trip report from John and Jenny Wainwright.  I'm beginning to feel quite left out but, on the other hand, I got more clearng up completed today than I expected so, providing we get no rain, I think I shall take a drive over to Frampton Marshes near Boston come the morning.  I need to keep practising with the right eye, even if I have to use scope and camera with the "wrong" eye.  Must have everything ready for the Bonanza and Ayamonte trip in a week's time.  In fact, play my cards right and I might even get over to my local patch, Rutland Water  on Sunday morning.


Tejada trip: Wednesday 5th October

A very misty morning at the Tejadas, clear later.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

As it was our friends - Bob and Linda from the UK - penultimate day we decided on a picnic at the Alcazar site.  We left Salar in bright and clear conditions but as soon as we got close to Alhama del Granada we could see the mist was still enveloping the mountain range.  This condition stayed for quite a while and it wasn´t until 11am that it cleared.

Still, on our way to our turn off point we did see good quantities of Jays, Woodpigeons and Common Magpies.  Over the fields a flock of Calandra Larks rose up as we passed them and three Common Kestrels were noted on the power lines.  A few Crested Larks were seen on the road and good numbers of Blackbirds were seen also.

As we descended towards Alcaucin a Sparrowhawk flew across our front and a Common Buzzard was spotted across the woodlands.  Passing the bars on the Robedal corner we saw Mistle Thrushes and a few Collared Doves.

Turning onto the track leading up to the picnic sites we saw very little movement until we came close to the La Alcaúca picnic site, a dark-phased Red Squirrel was seen along with a family of Spotted Flycatchers.  Also in this area we saw Firecrests, a single female Pied Flycatcher, Rock Buntings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard but not seen, more Jays were spotted as well as a Collared Dove, two Chaffinches and another Common Buzzard.  While we were harvesting some walnuts and sweet chestnuts a pair of Crested Tits made a short but welcome appearance, as did a single Great Tit.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Moving on to the Mirador de Pedro Aguila we stopped for a coffee break and while we sat here a Sparrowhawk came very low through the trees.  Lots of Crossbills here today, as well as a few Blackbirds and a couple of Coal Tits, another Great Spotted Woodpecker was again heard here.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Nothing different was seen en route to the Alcazar site, but as we got out of the car a huge flock of Crossbills came over, dispersing into several pine trees.  In the picnic site itself we noted that the vandals had been at work and seats had been wrecked.  Regardless, onto more pleasant things!!
The Crossbills were still very mobile and were for the whole of our stay.  Also here we found Great Spotted Woodpeckers, more Crested Tits and Firecrests, Robins, Great Tits, Blackbirds, Rock Buntings.  A male Sardinian Warbler, Blackcaps and a Nuthatch was seen seen preparing a nest site?

The Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus gathering (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

After lunchbreak we headed for the Robedal area. As we neared our favourite parking spot a Green Woodpecker came acros our front and landed in a fir tree next to the road, but never stayed long enough for photos.  After parking up here we saw more Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Jays, three dark-phased Red Squirrels were noted feeding, while above them a Nuthatch was heard but not seen. I went for my usual walk and found Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches, a family of Long-tailed Tits were feeding amongst the Blackberries and Hawthorn berries, a Grey Wagtail left the small pond (now empty) and looking up a male Sparrowhawk circled.  Also seen here were Blackcaps, Spotted Flycatchers, Robins, Stonechats and more Nuthatches.  Swallowtail butterflies (Papilio machaon), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria), Large White (Pieris brassicae) and one of the Graylings (couldn´t decide which, due to lack of detail in my photo).  As we left the area to gain the road back to Salar a Woodlark was noted also a perched Lesser Kestrel.

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

On the way back to Salar two female Red deer crossed the road and disappeared down the hillside, and as we approached Salar a Booted Eagle put in an appearance,quite a nice finish to a very pleasant day out with friends.

Thanks John and what a good day you seem to have had.  Always better when you have guests and they, too, can share the excitement.

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