Wednesday 25 February
Good to see Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group back in business again following his recent cruise to Norway with a wonderful visit to the Sierra de Maria. Lots of lovely birds seen by the group so now looking forward to the group's next exploit.
Sierra de Maria - Wednesday 25th February
It was great to be out with the group to my favourite birding spot in our area - Sierra de Maria. I drove Richard in his SUV to the road to Maria. Birds were few and far between. He spotted a Woodpigeon en route. I had some House Sparrows in the town. En route to the La PIza forest cafe we added a Chaffinch and a Magpie. Sorting out restocking the bird feeders I saw a Jay and some Long-tailed Tits. We were joined by Nigel and Peter 1 and then Trevor, South West Phil and Yorkshire couple John and Stella. Ab and Jenny completed the group. The feeders were attracting the Long-tailed Tits plus Blue, Coal and Great Tits. The ground below the feeders were used by a number of Chaffinch. A Nuthatch collected nuts from both the ground and the feeders. We heard an Iberian Green Woodpecker before it flew by. Crossbills came to the small pool.
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| Long-tailed Tit (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
Suitably refreshed with coffees, we began to drive round the loop. Again, very few birds until we crossed the arable fields. Richard and I saw a Calandra Lark, Carrion Crows, a Corn Bunting and Crested Larks. Behind us Phil's car load had a pair of Red-legged Partridge. Ab and Jenny saw a pair of Mallard in one of the roadside puddles.
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| Crossbill (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
We stopped outside the village. We saw more Corn Buntings. We then headed along the track towards the cliff face. On the way we saw more Crested Larks, a Stonechat and a flock of Linnet. Above the cliff was a pair of Red-billed Chough which later harassed some passing Jackdaws. Rock Sparrows flitted up and down the face. Richard spotted a Black Wheatear and he was first to see Griffon Vulture. Eventually 5 were seen. We were concerned that there was no sign of Phil's crew and Ab and Jenny in their car. When they turned up they explained that they had stopped by a wet reed area and had heard two calling Water Rails but unfortunately had not seen them. A new bird for Maria! They also had a Chiffchaff. An Iberian Green Woodpecker flew over the cliff. We walked to the far side seeing two Black Wheatears, a Black Redstart and a pair of Red-legged Partridge.
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| Red-billed Chough (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We carried on. Richard and I had three Hoopoes by the cave village, a Meadow Pipit on the airfield fence, a flock of Goldfinches and a Collared Dove in the next village. Phil's crew had some Serin. Ab and Jenny saw a pair of Ravens. Peter 1 added a White Wagtail. At the hamlet we were pleased to see three Lesser Kestrels had arrived from Africa!
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| Meadow Pipit (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
The water trough didn't add to the list. Back at the La Piza forest cafe for lunch. Saw more of the morning's birds plus, first heard and then spotted by Richard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker. We also heard what was probably a raptors call but alas no sighting!
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| Nuthatch (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We ended up with 37 Species. The weather was a pleasant 22c with a few clouds. It was great to catch up with old friends and spend time with good mates!
Dave
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| Griffon Vulture (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
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