Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 13 December

What a way for Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group to end the year with so many fabulous birds.  Bonelli's Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Merlin, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, a range of tits and all other sorts.  talk about Christmas coming early! So it's now time for "own birding" as you await the coming year so, hopefully, spoilt by choice for both sites and species.  Here, back in the UK, the winter thrushes seem to be arriving in the deep south of Hampshire in growing numbers but reports of a possible Waxwing movement seem not to be occurring.  Fingers crossed that few Brambling might arrive before the end of the month otherwise, for me, it will be checking on the local long-staying Glossy Ibis and the lone female Long-tailed Duck over on Hayling Island.  Early days yet but the Short-eared Owls seem to have disappeared from the daily lists of sightings. 

So best wishes for the coming season and trust all members have a fabulous 2024 year of birding.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 13th December

Gilly and I left home and headed towards the Sierra de Maria.  As we were on the Granada bound motorway between Puerto Lumbreres and Velez Rubio, two Bonelli's Eagles glided over the road above us.  As we hadn't reached Los Velez's, the observation is for interest only on this report!

About 5km from Maria town, Gilly spotted 5 Griffon Vultures looming out of the low cloud above the mountain ridge.  We headed to the La Piza forest cafe, the meeting place, for a pre trip cup of coffee. The staff had added peanuts to the bird feeders, but I filled them to the top.  Richard, when he arrived with Peter, had bought some mealworms which he placed on a flat topped box.  As we arrived we saw Crossbills perched on a leafless tree.  The feeders were awash with Long Tailed Tits, some Crested Tits with the odd Coal, Blue and Great Tits. We were joined by Trevor and Alan.  En route Richard had logged Jackdaw, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.  A vibrant Siskin came to the water, spotted by Gilly.  Alan added a Robin. Richard added a Jay and Woodpigeon.

Crested Tit (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop.  We didn't see any birds as we traversed the forest area.  Once on the agricultural fields we came across a shrub with numerous Corn Buntings perched.  They flew off as we passed.  Another large flock of unidentified small birds  took off.  Gilly and I didn't find out that a Merlin, seen by Alan and Trevor behind us, had appeared causing the panicked exit.  We carried on, seeing Thekla Lark and numerous Magpies.  At the ruined buildings a Little Owl sat perched on a rock. There were flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches.  Alan added a Black Redstart.  We saw a Stonechat.  As we were nearing the cliff face, we saw two large birds of prey, flying still in the wind.  Thinking that wasn't vulture behaviour, we discovered that they were two Golden Eagles. 

Golden eagles (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

To start with there was nothing on the cliff.  We walked to the far side.  Alan had a probable Rock Dove in flight.  A female Black Redstart appeared when we got back to the cars.  We headed off.  As we were getting close to the airstrip, we spotted two fast flying birds.  Black-bellied Sandgrouse.  They swung round low over the fields.  Others joined them.  At least 20 - 30 were seen.  By now it had began to drizzle. Luckily not snow.  We also saw Northern and Spotless Starlings, Mistle Thrushes and Collared Doves.  At the hamlet, Alan identified some Crested Larks.  Richard wasn't feeling well so he and Peter left for home.  Carrying on along the plain we saw an Iberian Grey Shrike.  At the water trough Alan spotted Serin, Rock Sparrow, Goldfinch and Linnets.  I had a Hoopoe.

Little Owl (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

We returned to the forest cafe.  Saw more of the same whilst we ate lunch inside.  On the return trip to Velez Blanco we saw about 10 Griffon Vultures near the Forest Fire helicopter base, on a flight path from the " Grandma's  molar " mountain. 

We had a total of 40 species.  Some great birds today in good company.

Row of Long-tailed Tits (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

Sending our best wishes to Tony and Kath. Hope Richard is also feeling better.

Attached is a photograph taken by a local of an Eagle Owl in Arboleas unused railway house.  Don't worry, there's open circular windows in the gable ends for exit & entry!

Eagle Owl (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

This is our last trip of the year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all in the Arboleas and Axarquia birding groups.

Regards, Dave & Gilly XX

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