Guadalhorce, Malaga

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris

 Friday 27 February

Friday saw we three down a the Guadalhorce reserve in Malaga.  Lovely weather and a lovely range of birds finally totalling 55 species for the long morning. As we made our start from the road up to the river bank Blackbird, Collared Dove. House Sparrow and Hoopoe noted.  Walking towards the river bridge a handful of Monk Parakeets flew over then both Robin and Stonechat on the bank. The first Sardinian Warbler as we approached and crossing the bridge noted a quartet of Mallard on the water below followed by Jackdaws near the road bridge and a passing Cormorant.  From the bridge we also saw a number of Barn Swallows and House Martins plus even a pair of Red-rumped Swallows.

Shovelers Anas clypeata with Marbled Ducks M. angustirostris (above)

Fist to the Laguna Grande hide where we could see the enlarged area having been opened up at both ends.  To our left many resting Cattle Egrets and Cormorants with a number of Shoveler sheltering beneath the tress plus alone juvenile Flamingo and a pair of Marbled Duck.  A Heron towards the far end and on the open water both Little and Black-necked Grebes.  Blackcaps, Woodpigeon and Rock Dove in the surrounding area then the first Zitting Cisticola and Great Tit. 

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo and Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis

Out on the water a group of Flamingos off to the right and more Shoveler and Mallard at the back of the laguna.  Then a small number of Shelduck on the near end of the island in front of the hide along with a sleeping Snipe and a Common Sandpiper which the flew off to our right.  But just the one Little Egret on show.  However, feeding next to a lone Flamingo on the island off to the right a single Glossy Ibis. The nearby bushes and small trees held a number of Chiffchaff plus at least two Cetti's Warblers.

Gloss Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (middle)

Moving on to the Laguna Escondida hide we found our White-headed Ducks along with a few Common Pochard. Coots and Little Grebe at the back of the water and amongst the handful of Flamingo in a sandy beach area a Green Sandpiper.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Arriving at the Laguna Casillas we added Greenfinch and more Common Pochard and arriving at the Wader Pool lots of Black-winged Stilts plus a single Greenshank, Common Sandpiper and a handful of Goldfinches on the bank below the hide.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina

The Old River has been radically altered since my last visit with the creation of an island in the middle offering scope for the waders where we found Redshank, a single Ruff and then a lone Black-tailed Godwit of the far side.  More Shoveler and Mallard plus another Heron.  Also present a single Avocet and a dozen resting Sanderling.  

Sanderling Calidris alba with Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

A short stop at the sea watch produced very many Black-headed Gulls on the sea and a Crested Lark on the beach.  Making our way back to the start and the car we came across both a number of Serin plus a male Kestrel and, of course, all the birds seen on the outward journey so producing a final tally of 56 species for the morning.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Common Pochard, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Serin.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo with company

Juvenile Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris

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Fuente Piedra and Campillos

Thursday 26 February

ay 1 in Malaga Province and a trip over to Fuente de Piedra, home of thirty plus thousand Flamingos. Everywhere you looked on the main laguna hundreds, if not thousands, of Flamingos.  But this was for later as we started at the flooded field on our left as we entered the site.  Plenty of Black-winged Stilts and Chiffchaffs at the edges with a closer study producing Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, and Coot.  Then, at the back of the water, both Common and Spotted Redshank.  

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Also resting on the water many Black-headed Gulls.  Overhead, scores of Barn Swallows plus a few House Martins before noting our first Red-rumped Swallow.  Off to the other side of the road a pair of Crested Larks and a handful of House Sparrows and, atop the high chimney, the nesting White Storks surrounded by a number of Rock Doves.  Finally, before taking a walk the long way round to the board walk, a lone Greenshank and a handful of White Wagtails. 

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

A Collared Dove was seen near the small spinney towards the entry point and at the far side of the green opposite the water a handsome male Iberian Yellow Wagtail.  Overhead we watched a flock, numbered in hundreds, of Cranes looking as if they were on their way back to their breeding areas in northern Europe.  Continuing our walk along the back of the site next to the harrowed filed holding the Jackdaw nesting tower, a Snipe and a number of Stonechats.  Leaving the Flamingos until later we made our way to take the reverse crossing of the boardwalk with a number of calling Cetti’s Warblers and found a distant Cattle Egret.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Reaching the homeward side of  the boardwalk and following the water’s edge towards the mirador we first found a Black Redstart and Greenfinches before coming across the small party of Spanish Sparrows and more Chiffchaffs.  Then I followed a slightly larger bird into the trees in front and finally managed to find the individual behind a branch close to the trunk and pleased to confirm a Wryneck.  Making our way up to the mirador we added a Goldfinch and a departing Hoopoe.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

From the mirador we were able to look down on the thousands of resting Flamingos and also noted a passing Lesser Black-backed Gull.  A couple of Great Tits below us and checking the pool below found a t least four Little Grebe plus a small number of Teal.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

Time to move round to the Lagunetta at the back of the Visitors Centre where no close Flamingos but lots of Shoveler and a number of teal plus a few White-headed Ducks.  A handful of Shelduck were then found along with both Common and Red-crested Pochards.  Not too many Coot but a number of both Little and Black-necked Grebes on the water.  Also seen a pair of Gadwall and lots of Moorhens.

Record shot of male Iberian Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae

Just the one Buzzard but a quartet of Lesser Kestrels was a good sight and then we added Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Chaffinch and Blackbird. Not only a handful of Linnet and a Common Kestrel but finally, before leaving the site, we managed to add an Iberian Grey Shrike.

Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis

Our next stop was the Laguna Dulce near Campillos which was very full with water and no shore for waders to utilise.  Lots of Coot and White-headed Ducks before finding the Shoveler flock and a number of Great Crested Grebes. Mainly Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls resting on the water and on the far side scores of Flamingos.  On the edges both Teal and Mallard before finding a couple of Gadwall.  Just when we thought we had seen everything, first a Red-crested Pochard then a Little Grebe plus both Blackbird and Lapwing.

White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala 

Still light so via Campillos itself we made our way to the Laguna Capaceti on the other side of the town. Lots of Barn Swallows over the water and on the water itself a number of Flamingos on the far side.  Nearer to us more Shoveler and a few Red-crested Pochard. A little later we also found Common Pochard and a couple of Little Grebe. Nearer to us Great Tit and Goldfinches plus a handful of White Wagtails.  The final bird at the laguna was a Gadwall.

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

Making our way home we also added a stop below the high cliffs of Penarrubia and noted the many circling Griffon Vultures.  Also seen were Crag Martins and a gorgeous Peregrine Falcon plus just the one Common Kestrel.  In the nearby trees both Blackcap and Chiffchaff and looking at the water below us we were in time to see the passing Heron. And so ended a perfect birding day with the sight of 68 species.

Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus

Birds seen:

Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Great crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, White Stork, Flamingo, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Griffon Vulture, Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Crane, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler,  Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Iberian Grey Shrike, Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet. 

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala 

Some of the thousands of Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

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Zapata, Malaga

25 February

Delightful surprise on reaching Derek and Barbara in Alhaurin de la Torre with the unexpected arrival of my old friend, Mick Richardson from near Loja in Granada Province. Long time since I last saw Mick and, even better, we all took a late visit down to the Guadalhorce at Zapata.  The result of all the recent flooding was still very evident but, at least, we got chance to walk the top track and see some good birds.

Whilst the Corn Buntings and Bluethroats were great sightings, finally finding the calling Penduline Tits was the star attraction for all.  We had already made a great start with Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Stonechat and Blackbird before reaching the underpass and then, apart from the overflying Monk Parakeets and Spotless Starlings, we were kept entertained by many Cetti’s Warblers and Great Tits.  Lots of Serins on the fence plus a Meadow Pipit before finding the first White Wagtail.

Serin Serinus serinus

A Raven flew over followed by a pair of Mallard and then both Hoopoe and Goldfinch observed.  Not just House Sparrows but a handful of Linnet were next seen.  And then, after all the calling, we finally found one of then, at least six, Penduline Tits in the reeds below.  Only record shots and you have to look carefully to actually see the tiny birds well hidden in the reeds.

Well hidden Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus

Continuing on we added many Zitting Cisicola plus a Black Redstart and single Cattle Egret on the far side of the reed bed.  Finally, over the airfield fence, we found our first Barn Swallows along with a Moorhen and a number of Rock Doves as we made our way home.  What a great start to my four days with Barbara and Derek; an unexpected extra visit which produced 26 species including all those “specials” in a very short time.  And all in the best of company.

Black Redstart Phoenicuros ochruros

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cattle Egret, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisiticola, Chiffchaff, Penduline Tit, Great Tit, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting. 

Spot the hidden Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus

Serin Serinus serinus

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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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Villaricos and Vera Playa with the Arboleas Birding Group

Thursday 5 March

Looks like Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group had another excellent morning's birding with a great variety of species.

Villaricos & Vera Playa  -  Wednesday 4th March

     The weather was a bit dank and grey as I drove Richard in his car towards the Rambla de Almanzora. We arrived at the parking area above the ford where Kevin's empty campervan was already there. Richard and I walked to the fence and surveyed the view below us.  Only a small amount of water was by the ford which didn't offer any avifauna.  A couple of Barn Swallow flew by as did some Mallard. We could hear Jackdaw behind us.  We added Magpie before the others began to arrive.  Trevor, Nigel, Phil, John, Stella and Peter (2).  A large flock of Shoveler took to the air from the sewage works area from where Kevin appeared.  He had seen Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, White Wagtail, Common and Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Little Stint, Hoopoe, Sardinian Warbler and Dunlin.  John found some Spotted Starlings. I then saw a large bird flying from the direction of the village disappearing behind some trees.  When it reappeared I was thrilled to see it was the Osprey that had been seen in the area over the last few days!  A pair of Yellow-legged Gulls flew by. Some Chiffchaffs were seen.

The crashing waves (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

     We drove round to the beach.  Don't think I've seen the sea so rough with breakers crashing over the rocks.  Peter soon added Turnstone, Sanderling and Little Egret. Kevin spotted a distant Cormorant. Trevor found a Grey Heron flying over the ramble behind us.  About 20 Audouin's Gulls landed on the flattened area.

Audouin's Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

     We moved round to the estuary where for once we weren't blinded by the sun!  Kevin found a Kentish Plover.  Trevor spotted a Kingfisher.  Also seen were Cormorant, Grey Heron, Crested Lark, Goldfinch and Black-headed Gull.  I spotted a pair of adult Gannet out to sea.  As we left to go for a coffee in the village Phil, John and Stella saw a Black Redstart.

Cormorant (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

     Suitably refreshed, we headed to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Parking up we soon added Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet.  Nice to see a single Glossy Ibis.  Also seen were Greater Flamingos, numerous Shoveler, Mallard and Shelduck.  Peter found some Teal and Phil added the wader of the day, a Ruff.  Kevin spotted a Stonechat and also found a Red-crested Pochard.  There was a flock of 100+ Mediterranean Gulls on the water.  John found a White-headed Duck.

Male Teal (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

     We drove round to the pond opposite the Aguaparc.  I added a Common Pochard and a swimming Purple Swamphen.  A huge flock of Black-headed Gulls were on the water together with a few Mediterranean Gulls.  A large melee of hirundines was above us.  Mostly House Martins but there were also Red-rumped and Barn Swallows.  Peter found Crag Martin.

Mediterranean Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

     We ended with an impressive 52 species seen for the day.  Great company.  Best wishes to Les.

Regards, Dave

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