Rio Genil with John and Jenny Wainwright

Tuesday 5 June

Good to read that Jenny is still able to continue birding with her broken limbs even if still restricted to the car.  Reading John's report some good birds were seen so hope I can replicate tomorrow (Wednesday).

Rio Genil:  Monday 4th June

(Iberian) Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

A very warm day with a slight breeze.

We stopped for coffee prior to going to the river, here a few hirundines - namely House Martins and Barn Swallows - were about, as well Collared Doves and Spotless Starlings.

As we approached the river, Common Swifts and Red-rumped Swallows were logged, and as we followed the course we saw Jackdaws, Kestrel and Woodpigeon.  Green Woodpeckers were heard and a couple of Golden Orioles were noted.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker tapped away relentlessly at an old decayed tree, while in the bushes lining the river, Nightingales, Blackcaps, Cetti´s Warblers, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Blackbirds and Serins were seen.

As I was scanning the ridges of the hills here, I spotted a Bonelli´s Eagle just sitting on a rock.  He, or she, sat there for over two hours while we were photographing insects and flowers.  I think it one of the pair we have seen here for the past few years, although I have not found nest site.  Lots of Azure-winged Magpies and a few Common Magpies hereabouts and two Bee-eaters passed over but never stopped in view.

Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

One of our favourite areas was a poplar copse where we used to have good views of the Golden Orioles that nested here every year, but sadly the copse has been cut down and new olive trees planted. We did however get views of an Oscillated Lizard out hunting in a small olive grove, and at small sandy area a Little Ringed Plover, a Yellow Wagtail, several Turtle Doves and a Grey Wagtail were logged.

Ocellated Lizard Lacerta lepida (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Wind has picked up in strength so making our way back to Salar.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

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