Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 13 March 

fabulous weather and fabulous birding for this week's Arboleas Birding Group's visit to the Sierra de Maria.  An early Woodchat Shrike, Great Spotted Cuckoo and Barn Swallow would confirm spring is well and truly on its way.  Then, of course, lots of great sightings to please all participants and help make such  wonderful day's birding.  Amazing how you take for granted the birds seen in Spain and then realise, try as you may, you're very unlikely to see many of the species back in the UK.  Even a Red-legged Partridge is becoming a challenge nevermind such exotics as Short-toed Eagle and Griffon Vulture.  And o for the joy of a Woodchat Shrike! Feeling most envious.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 13th March

Beautiful weather and scenery with the snow-topped Sierra de Maria (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After Richard and Juda had arrived at mine, I drove them in Richard's car up the motorway towards the Sierra de Maria.  Once we had passed Velez Blanco our list began.  By the time we'd reached Maria we'd seen Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Mistle Thrush and Spotless Starling.  Leaving the town we added Greenfinch and Blackbird before we got to the La Piza forest cafe.  As Juda and I replenished the empty bird feeders Richard noted Coal Tits and Chaffinches waiting for us to finish.  As we had our coffees, we were joined by Trevor, Val and Phil who had seen a Jackdaw en route.  News had got out that the feeders were full.  We saw Crested, Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits.  Richard saw a Jay.  I found a Robin.  A female Crossbill came for a drink. The Collared Dove was interested in the bread pile.

Jay (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We convoyed along the loop.  We only saw Chaffinch and Carrion Crow in the forest.  Once we got to the fields we added Crested Lark, Magpie and a Calandra Lark doing a display flight.  As we parked up outside the village a pair of Mallard flew by.  Moving on we saw Thekla Lark, Black Redstart and a large flock of Linnet.  Next was a White Wagtail and a pair of Hoopoe.  As we reached the ruined building on the left, I spotted a Little Owl on a rock pile.  We saw another two further along.  The Red-legged Partridges had paired up.  A charm of Goldfinches settled on the dead thistles.  A Raven flew by.

Red-legged Partridge (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A number of Carrion Crows were seen, I added a Stonechat as we reached the reeded brook . We were amazed to see a male Marsh Harrier glide by.  Reaching the cliff I spotted two Black Wheatears on top. A Kestrel flew off. Stock/Rock Doves were beginning to check out nest holes . I didn't know this, but apparently the difference between a dove and a pigeon is that in the South West of the UK a dove is "more posher" than a pigeon! Ummmm?  Val was first to hear a distant Red-billed Chough.  I found some distant Griffon Vultures.  Moving on I spotted a bird flying across afield, landing on the side of a tree.  An Iberian Green Woodpecker.  In the tree behind it was another one seen entering a nice hole.  

Iberian Green Woodpecker (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As we passed the farm buildings Richard saw a couple of Northern Starlings with a group of Spotless cousins.  En route to the hamlet we saw another Little Owl.  I added a Barn Swallow.  Moving on to the water trough there were a few White Wagtails.  Richard thought one was dark enough to be a Pied. Trevor found another Barn Swallow.  Carrying on, I saw a raptor to our left.  Our first Short Toed Eagle of the year. Behind it were more Griffon Vultures. 

Distant Short-toed Eagle (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We returned to the La Piza forest cafe.  As we ate our lunch (Yes, the lamb chops were delicious!) we saw many of the previously seen birds.  Phil added a male Blackcap.

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

Having done a recount, I can confirm 45 species.  Great weather, birding and company!

An additional photo taken in my back garden a few days ago attached.

Regards

Dave

Great Spotted Cuckoo
(PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)
in rear garden!

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