Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

 25 February

After my short stay with Steve and Elena time to move over to Malaga and enjoy four nights with dear friends Derek and Barbara Etherton.  But first a drop into the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar to if anything new had turned up.  In the event, very little apart from the lone Audouin’s Gull and a Black Redstart.  

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

All the usuals were present including scores of both Cormorant and Mediterranean Gull plus a smaller number of Black-headed Gulls, the occasional Lesser Black-backed Gull and a couple of Grey Herons. Monk Parakeets overhead along with a few Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows.  Also on the water a handful of Mallard and plenty of Moorhen but no Coots. However, a couple of Cetti’s Warblers and a number of Chiffchaffs were recorded along with four White Wagtails.

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus

Of course, the standout bird was the resting lone Audouin’s Gull.

The lone Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii

Around the edges I also found a number of Collared Doves, Woodpigeon, Serin and Goldfinches.  Lovely to once again see the local Waxbills but not so close on this occasion. As I made my way back to the car a Kestrel was resting in a tree t my left and next to the road bridge a single Cattle Egret.  Finally, to round things off, a good sighting of a Hoopoe followed by a Blackbird.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

The, on my way to Alhaurin de la Torre on the motorway circular near the transport depot, every single lamppost occupied by a resting White Stork.  I gave up after counting over 60 and it turns out this has become a go-to winter resting place for up to 500 individuals.  Well, I suppose it save the long flight to south of the Sahara!

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Heron, White Stork, Kestrel, Moorhen, Cetti’s Warbler, Mediterranean Gull, Audouin’s, Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill, Serin, Goldfinch

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Mainly Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus with a Heron Ardea cinerea

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

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