Wednesday 26 November
Lots of birds seen by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group on their visit up the mountain and judging by his final remark, presumably the temperature improved - unlike the frost here back in the UK. Now gone warmer but likely to be continuous rain for a couple of days. Not every day you get a pair of Jays pose for you in close proximity and what good fortune to come across the Dartford Warbler. Strange how a call of nature always brings a sighting just when it's not necessarily convenient!
Sierra de Maria - Wednesday 26th November
Richard came to my house and I drove to the Sierra de Maria. We came across a group of 11 Griffons circling prior to the town and also added a pair of Mistle Thrush. In the town Richard saw some Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows. We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe. A tad chilly, but it was sunny with blue skies. Whilst filling the empty bird feeders with peanuts I broke the thin ice on the concrete pool. Richard had also brought some mealworms which I spread around. Drinking a couple of warming coffees we waited for the birds to realise their breakfast was available. First to come were the Chaffinches, House Sparrows and Collared Doves. A Raven flew over. We eventually had most of the Tits: Long Tailed, Blue, Great and Crested. A Pair of Jays arrived. We were joined by Kevin and a Spanish Red Squirrel!
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| Spanish Red Squirrel (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We commenced the loop, Kevin unknowingly leading the way as we followed behind. Richard glimpsed a Little Owl on the edge of the pine forest. Once driving through the arable land, we saw flocks of Linnet, a few Corn Buntings and a Magpie. A Marsh Harrier was a surprise. Stonechats weren't! We caught Kevin up at the village. He'd also seen White Wagtails.
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| Little Owl (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We carried on along the track, Richard and I leading now. We added the odd Black Redstart. There were large flocks of Goldfinch and Linnets together with a few Corn Buntings. Before we reached the cliff face we'd seen Crested Lark, Kestrel, Hoopoe, Woodpigeon, and Carrion Crow. Kevin had seen a couple of Red Billed Chough. There was nothing on the face. Kevin and I walked to the far side. "Merlin" had picked up a Dartford Warbler. No hear, no sight = no record! Kevin began to walk back to the vehicles. I needed a call of nature. As I walked back I spotted the elusive Dartford Warbler. I directed Kevin to see it as well. We carried on, seeing more flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets. On the airfield fence was a perched lark. It had a very small crest. I think it was a Skylark? ( See photo). Richard had a Jackdaw. As we approached the hamlet a Little Owl was on one of the roofs.
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| Possible Skylark (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
A Thekla Lark was walking around near us. As we drove along the plain we saw a couple of Ravens and a Meadow Pipit. The water trough produced more Linnet and Goldfinch. Kevin went off to explore another possible route as Richard and I went for lunch at La Piza. We saw the same birds as before until we were just about to leave. A Short-toed Treecreeper climbing up a tree and a Nuthatch coming down one! I heard later that Kevin had added a covey of Red-legged Partridge.
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| Jays (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We ended up with 35 species. Good company. You could not have asked for better weather.
Sending our best wishes to both Peters and to Carol, Alan's wife, who's been under the weather.
Regards
Dave
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