Fuente de Piedra and Laguna Dulce

Sunday 8 March

With a report from my friends Derek and Barbara Etherton that there were not only scores of Black-tailed Godwits at Fuente de Piedra but also good numbers of Garganey to be seen, despite my hatred of visiting these sights at the week-end I was up and away by just after 8 o’clock in the hope that they would still be present, and I would be arriving before the Sunday tourists, rather than wait till the morrow and find the birds flown.  I can happily report, especially after recent disappointments, that the birds were still present so a final tally for the morning of 55 species was a welcome relief, bearing in mind I had strict instructions not to be late home as we had guests coming to lunch!

Jackdaw Grajilla Corvus monedula

Driving down off the mountain the omens were good with first a handful of Serins followed by a male Blue Rock Thrush and then a Stonechat, House Sparrows, Collared Doves, Thekla Larks and White Wagtails.  An uneventful drive then followed and as I entered the main drive up to the car park in front of the Visitors centre at Fuente it was very noticeable that there was still a flooded field to the left and some water beneath the causeway.  Nobody else present so time to stop and check out the birds on the flooded field before parking up the car; just a shame that the bright sun was in the worst possible place so preventing any reasonable photographs.  But, nevertheless, I still wanted a little time here and still be round the back at the hide overlooking the Laguneto before anyone else arrived.  There seemed to be Hulls everywhere, both on this field and all parts of the main laguna and the Laguneto; mainly Black-headed and Yellow-legged but I did manage to find a small number of Lesser Black-backed and even a Mediterranean Gull with almost complete black head.

One of many Black-tailed Godwits Aguja Colinegra Limosa limosa

Fortunately for me, most of the gulls made an early departure with my arrival so revealing a good number of Coots and at least a score of Black-tailed Godwits feeding at a very hectic pace. A few Mallards but the dominant duck, as on the Laguneto, was the Shoveler; they seemed to be everywhere. The occasional Chiffchaff and White Wagtails were feeding on the edges near the road and overhead the first of the feeding Barn Swallows.  On the opposite side of the road a slight movement caught my attention and I was in time to see the disappearing Snipe as it moved behind some tall grass.  Behind the wader, under the causeway, I could see more Shovelers and some additional Black-winged Stilts.

Snipe Agachadiza Comun Gallinagogallinago

Moving up to the side of the Visitors Centre the remaining water of the scrape held a mix of ducks including Mallard, Shoveler and Teal along with many Black-winged Stilts, a couple of Snipe and also more Black-tailed Godwits.  A couple of Blue-headed Wagtails were foraging the shores and more Barn Swallows were recorded. The first of many Moorhens put in an appearance and I could not miss the numerous Jackdaws that occupied the area.

Record shot of Garganey Cerceta Carretona Anas querquedula

Walking on round to the laguneto at the rear I found the first of the Flamingos but only a handful present.  Lots of Shovelers and Coots plus both Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls, many of the later resting on the shore in front of the hide.  Apart from the birds, there were rabbits everywhere, of all shapes and sizes, suggesting a very active breeding season.  Close examination soon produce many Moorhen and Little Grebes along with Black-winged Stilts. Also present were a good number of Common Pochard, Mallards and even a couple of pairs of White-headed Duck.  Before moving closer and under cover of the shore below me I was also in time to record a pair of Avocet of the main island to the left.  Chiffchaffs and Stonechats were feeding in the bushes in front of me along with a male Sardinian Warbler and many more rabbits.  Difficult, looking against the sun, to identify what actually was resting on the shore to the right along with the Flamingos but, even though I was first on site, no sign of the resident Little Owl that is often seen from the main hide.

Can you name all the species?  (Answer at end)

So onto the smaller hide at the far end which offered a little more vision but still not good although good enough to watch the male Garganey paddle out towards the middle of the water.  Much frenzied feeding going on in front but I have no idea what had attracted the ducks to this particular spot on the water.  Also present were a couple of Lapwing and a distant Buzzard resting atop an electricity pylon.

What was on or immediately below the surface that led to this feeding frenzy?

Walking back towards the mirador I recorded a small number of Goldfinch and the first House Martins put in an appearance alongside the Barn Swallows.  On arrival, down below in the bushes more Chiffchaffs and a lovely pair of Linnets.  From here I could also see that the scrape also included a few Little Ringed Plovers, a Meadow Pipit and Green Sandpiper in addition to the Black-winged Stilts, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwits.

Green Sandpiper Andarrios Grande Tringa ochropus

From the causeway I also had a view of a pair of Ringed Plovers, a male Black Redstart and a rather lovely Sky Lark.   A couple of Crested Larks put in an appearance and a small flock of Spotless Starlings flew over. It was as I made my way out of the site and stopping to say goodbye to the Black-tailed Godwits that I found my single Mediterranean Gull amidst the many Black-headed Gulls.

Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius

The journey round to La Vicaria produced Thekla Larks but it was on the next step towards Cantarranas that I found a couple of Corn Buntings and a Common Kestrel passed overhead.  Sad to say, or delighted depending upon your viewpoint, all the wintering Cranes seem to have departed, last Wednesdays large sighting by John and Jenny Wainwright being the last recorded date of which I am aware.  La Cantarranas produced a magnificent pair of Marsh Harriers along with more of the same and it seemed to me that Flamingo numbers were well down on previous years.  However, a female Blackcap was a pleasant interlude.

A gorgeous Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus

And so to the Laguna Dulce which was like a millpond it being so calm.  Very little near the hide but lots of Black-headed and Yellow-legged along with a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls present.  It seemed to be just the one raft of Coots totalling about fifty individuals and at the far side a similar number of Flamingos.  Apart from Mallard and very many Shoveler there was still a presence of a small number of Red-crested Pochard at the far side and careful searching with the scope even found the pair of Wigeon that seem to have been present for at least a month or more.  However, what drew my attention was the good number of Gadwall present.

Who are you looking at?

So, with Cetti’s Warblers calling from below, I made a start on the return journey home and, I suspect, another bird that cannot be added to the list as the chicken rested in the oven!  No sooner under way than I had a Southern Grey Shrike on top of an abandoned wooden electricity pole and the first Rock Doves of the day.  Strange to relate, as I approached Los Romanes my last bird of the morning as a female Blackbird disappeared through the olive grove.

One of a handful of Flamingos Flamenco Comun Phoenicopterus roseus on the laguneto

 

Birds seen:

Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Garganey, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sky Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Yellow (Blue-headed) Wagtail, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Southern Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.

Answer to species: Green sandpiper, snipe, Black-winged Stilt, Shoveler

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.

Huetor Tajar

Wednesday 4 March

Just like "Brigadoon" here yesterday morning when we got up.  Only 8.30 and the sun was beating down from a clear blue sky yet down in the valley below us nothing; nothing but a thick, dense blanket of fluffy white cloud.  The sea mist must have been up to around an hundred metres as even Benamacara was covered resulting in the higher Iznate appearing to be resting on the white carpet. But we should worry as Jenny and I were off on an inland birding trip to Huetor Tajar and the wonders of the Cacin valley and travelling upwards and over the pass at Ventas de Zafarraya.

Corn Bunting Triguero Emberiza calandra

Or so we thought!  No sooner had we cleared the pass and driven through the "Magpie Woods" to the farming hinterland beyond to take the old, now repaired, road to Salar than we discovered that it was not only the valley bottom that ha attracted the low-lying mist.  We could see the edge of the road and perhaps twenty or so metres beyond bu the electricity wires that so often held Corn Buntings and shrikes were invisible.  So much for stopping to check if there were any Calandra or Short-toed Larks about; all we could do to see our own short toes.  Approaching the old road we were greeted by the occasional Wood Pigeon and occasional Thekla and Crested Larks, even a bedraggles Stonechat, before finding a large flock of about forty Corn Buntings.  A pair of Mistle Thrushes had crossed the road immediately in front of us at the start of the Magpie Woods and now we saw our first, three, common Magpies.  A single Chaffinch and Blue Tit in the trees at the far end of the road added tot eh tally and then we were on the main road towards Salar and the motorway.

Was it any better?  No, it got decidedly worse as we travelled the narrow road along the ridge and only on reaching the motorway did we actually consider turning off the main headlights.  Leaving the motorway, the day was a little clearer but, nevertheless, we decided on a coffee stop in the hope the the light would get better.  It did; slightly.

On arrival a walk down the pathway to check out the Stone Curlew fields produced Black Redstarts but no sign of the target bird or even a lapwing.  Collared Doves and Serins and then the first of very many Linnets during the morning but generally very quiet.  A small charm of Goldfinches moved over the fields and the first Kestrel above gradually added to the tally and then we moved on round to check out the river and see if the Jack Snipe was till about.  No snipe but a couple of  Reed Buntings in the ditch and then a single Wren.  On the opposite of the road. White Wagtails were in the river bed along with a number of Chiffchaff.

On across the road and a stop on the track above the Cacin where we found a single Green Sandpiper, a Greenfinch and my first Tree Sparrows of the year.  The, as well as the Barn Swallows feeding over the river, a single Water Pipit in the water and along with more White Wagtails my first Yellow Wagtail (Blue-headed iberiae) of 2015.  Moving on down the track we stopped and saw more Goldfinches along with a trio of Blackcap.  then it was back and across the ford to do the nearby circuit in the hope that we might find the Little Bustards but, once again, we were unsuccessful.  The most we could manage was a trio of Sky Larks and then a Heron and a couple of Cattle Egrets.

Green Sandpiper Andarrios Grande Tringa ochropus

Next, having filled up with fuel, we drove down the Cacin Valley where we started with a Southern Grey Shrike then added more Chiffchaffs and Great Tit.  A Cetti's Warbler was seen and heard followed by another Blackcap.  The lake itself held a small number of Common Coots along with mallard, Shoveler and Pochard plus at least three Cormorants.  Jenny spotted the "lump" in the top of a tree down at the shallow end and using scope and bibs could see that she had actually found a resting Osprey; that got her out of the car in somewhat of a hurry!  The bird eventually took off and eventually made the top of the hill above us to the right where it was joined by a second raptor; not another Osprey but a female Marsh Harrier who took offence at her presence before, the latter, made her way down to cover at the waterside.

Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athena noctua

Following a short stop for a very light snack in Cacin itself, we then set off towards Alhama de Granada where we soon found a Little Owl resting on a ruined roof.  Too late for the camera, the bird had flown.. But we did find a second individual as we left the town to head back towards the Magpie Woods, on the same pile of stones/rocks where we have Little Owls on previous occasions. Obviously a favoured day roost for these delightful little birds.

However, before this we had explored the riverside walk on the entrance to Cacin village and found not only White Wagtails, Cetti's Warblers and Chiffchaffs but also three Grey Wagtails, such lovely birds at this time of the year.  The old road away from the village produced Crag Martins on the gorge face and a couple of views of overflying Ravens.

And so we approached the site where the above Little Owl was to be seen wondering if we were going to actually see an Azure-winged Magpie having just seen another quartet of magpies near the solar panels.  Then, to my right, a single Azure-winged Mapie which put up another, then joined a small group which built into a larger group until, finally, at least fifty individuals crossed the road in front of us en mass.

The final stop was at Ventas de Zafarraya following a drive up to the tunnel just to check if there were any Choughs about.  A walk through the tunnel then produced a Black Wheatear and upon returning a about six Choughs returned to the cliff face with their usual callings and greetings.  So ended a a very pleasant day out despite the poor light which almost precluded any photography but we had managed to finally record 50 species.


Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Heron, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Coot, Green Sandpiper, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Crested lark, Thekla lark, Sky Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Water Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Wren, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Chough, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Lagua Dulce & Piedra with the Wainwrights

Wednesday 4 March

It looks as if I was not the only one to take the lady wife out for a birding day (my report follows) as an email from John and Jenny Wainwright outlines their exploits over at the Laguna Dulce and Fuente de Piedra.  Enjoy John's comment about "... as we progressed towards Loja the fog got thicker and it wasn´t until we actually got to towards Antequera that it lifted... because guess where we were heading.  Yes, via Salar to Huertor Tajar!!!!!  Looks like we both managed to catch up with newly-arrive Yellow Wagtails of the Spanish persuasion (Blue-headed) Lavandera Boyera Motacilla flava iberiae.

Still hundreds of Common Cranes Grus grus at Fuente de Piedra (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Lagunas Piedra and Dulce  4th March

A beautiful Spring day with a light breeze.

As we left Salar for the A92, we saw Barn Swallows, House Martins, Collared Doves, House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings, as we progressed towards Loja the fog got thicker and it wasn´t until we actually got to towards Antequera that it lifted. 

On arriving at Piedra, the flooded meadow was alive with Black-tailed Godwits and Shovelers, with a few Common Coots, Moorhens, White Wagtails, Teal, Black-winged Stilts, Cattle Egrets and a single Common Sandpiper.  On the opposite side of the road looking towards the boardwalk we spotted Yellow Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Teal and Shovelers, in the small trees here we could hear the Chiffchaffs singing, also small flocks of Linnets were seen.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Moving onto the boardwalk more Yellow Wagtails, Little Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits, Goldfinches and a few Barn Swallows were noted overhead as were two Ravens. Over the fields (where the Stone Curlews are normally situated-not today though) we found Jackdaws, a Common Kestrel and a Buzzard.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Along the stream to the scrape we saw more Yellow Wagtails (all of the Blue-headed variety), a Green Sandpiper was seen along the far bank of the scrape and by the rushes in the scrape a Redshank was feeding alongside Black-winged Stilts, and along the mud flats here we saw another five Little Ringed Plovers and a Moorhen.

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

From the mirador at the centre all we could see were rafts of Gulls, mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed and in the stone wall here, two separate nests of the Polistes gallicus (one of the paper wasps species). A nice surprise was the Short-toed Eagle that circled over us but disappeared from view as it caught a thermal.
Round to the lagunetta,here was Shoveler paradise, everywhere one looked, especially on the foreshore, but in the reeds, on the islands, and the right-hand end of the lagunetta was swamped with them.  We did however manage to find several Pochard, a male White-headed Duck, Teal, Mallard, Common Coots, Moorhens, Little Grebe, twenty adult and two juvenile Greater Flamingos, a Little Egret and a raft of Black-headed Gulls with a few Yellow-legged as well.  While on the rough ground to our front good numbers of Jackdaws, more Moorhens, and White Wagtails were noted, and in the small bushes, Sardinian and Cetti´s Warblers were seen.  Only three Barn Swallows were seen here and in and around the hide we spotted Painted Lady, Large and Small Whites and Clouded Yellow butterflies.   At the open hide the Marsh Frogs were in good voice, but, the only thing different here were two Spanish Sparrows.

Paper Wasps Polistes gallicus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Back to the car and off to the Mirador del Cantarranas, en route a Black Kite soaring low over the olive groves, Corn Buntings, Serins, and in the fields just prior to the mirador three separate groups, totalling some one hundred and fifty, Common Cranes were seen and while we watched them, more small groups were coming in from the laguna (I wondered if they were getting ready to leave??).  And then two more Ravens flew over.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Up to the mirador itself where three Marsh Harriers were quartering the area with another sitting on a fence post to the right of the hide, naturally as they flew round the ducks and gulls were milling round until the Marsh Harriers decide to settle. It was while the Black-headed Gulls where flying around that I noticed a very dark bird amongst them, it turned out to be a Glossy Ibis.  This landed just to the left of the reed beds and it was joined by a Spoonbill and five Purple Swamphens.  Also about were Grey Herons, Lapwings, five Avocets, two juvenile Greater Flamingos and in the field at the back of the waters we watched three Brown Hares leaping about and boxing . In the bushes here we saw Great Tits, Sardinian Warblers, Goldfinches and in the area Crested Larks were also noted. Onwards to Dulce....

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (top centre) and Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (front) (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Laguna Dulce:

On arrival a small number of Spanish birders were about including one of the ex-wardens of Guadlahorce (Antonio,we hadn´t seen him for four years or more), who was leading them.  He pointed out the large group of Red-crested Pochards, as well as three Wigeon along the reeds at the back of the laguna.  The raft of Common Coots were still about as were Common Pochard, Shovelers, Mallard, Gadwall and Teal.  To our left on the foreshore a Common Snipe was feeding; this flew off, but only into shelter to settle down.  Also about were Lapwings, more Greater Flamingos and Black-winged Stilts.  In the reed to our front Goldfinches, Cetti´s and Sardinian Warblers, Blackcaps and House Sparrows were also noted.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

On our return journey a Southern Grey Shrike was spotted atop a telegraph pole and as passed under the new railway bridge at Antequera a Golden Eagle graced us with its presence coming from the direction of the "Chiefs Head", a fitting end to a good days birding.


Great report John and jenny with some fabulous sightings.  I only wish I could say the same about my day almost on your doorstep - but we did see an Osprey.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.

Guadalhorce, Malaga

Tuesday 3 March

Just received an interesting and fun report from my friends Derek and Barbara Etherton who, without course to set alarms, managed to get themselves down to the Desembocadura Guadalhorce reserve first thing, well almost first thing, this morning.  On the other hand, they do have the advantage of living less than twenty minutes away.

We went down early this morning to enjoy the good weather.  On site by 08.45 and the first thing we noticed was how low the river was.  The footings for the motorway bridge were visible and both Common and Green Sandpipers were making use of the exposed mud.  A Kingfisher was perched on one of the motorway bridge supports and the usual suspects of Little Egrets, Moorhens and Coots abounded.  When we crossed back some three hours later the level had been raised considerably, guess they must have some control over it nearby.

The first hide on the eastern arm, Laguna Casillas, had White-headed Duck, Pochard, Teal, Little Grebe and Purple Swamphen showing well.

The main wader hide, Wader Pool, was excellent with the lower water levels; Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, two Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed and Little Ringed as well as Kentish Plovers. Two Grey Plovers made a fleeting stop. 

Black-tailed Godwit Aguja Colinegra Limosa limosa

Walking towards the Sea Watch point there was not much on the open water to the right, the Rio Viejo, but very different on the way back!  Counted twenty-two Sanderlings 'heaped' together, Redshank, Ringed and Kentish Plover and three Ruff showing beautifully.  Oh, from the watchpoint, zero terns but five Mediterranean in a raft of Black-headed Gulls.  A solitary Black-necked Grebe was feeding just off the shore in front of us. 

Walking back Escondida was disappointing, but from the main Laguna Grande hide two Yellow Wagtails f.flavisima were very prominent just in front.  there were two Flamingos at the back and energetic "coupling" between two Little Ringed Plovers kept us amused!  As did the antics of the Kentish Plover who seemed 'put out' by their behaviour!

Kentish Plover Chorlitejo patinegro Charadrius alexandrinus perhaps wondering about what its cousins might be up to!

We recorded a list of 56 species and introduced the Andalucia Bird Society to a Norfolk couple who holiday down here a few months of the year.

Exhausted we returned home via a Menu de Dia at Ikea, well meatballs anyway.

Bugger it.....still no Red-rumped!!!!!!!!!

I know the feeling (about the missing Red-rumps) so hoping to put that right with an inland visit to Huerta Tajar in the morning.  Sort of a "Watch this space" as they say.  Whatever, it sounds as if Derek and Barbara had a great morning to the envy of us all who stayed at home.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.