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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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 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.

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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

Griffon Vulture (PHOTO: Nigel White)

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Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Sunday 22 February

And now back in Malaga Province and ready for my first birding venture at my original home site, the River Velez on the western outskirts of Torre del Mar.  As we left Frigiliana the House Martins had already returned to take over their ancestral breeding site above Steve and Elena's kitchen and by 10.20 we were walking along the river track from the main road bridge towards the shore. No shortage of Moorhen, a pair of Mallard and a few House Sparrows before finding our first Lesser Black-backed Gull nearing a damaged wing as it rested on a sand bank in the middle of the river.

Mainly Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Reaching the hide we were confronted by a very large mixed flock of Gulls.  Mainly Mediterranean and Black-headed but also both Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls. The occasional White Wagtail and a number of both (mainly) Moorhen and Coots plus over 60 resting Cormorant in the neighbouring trees. At least three Herons were also present before we saw the arrival of a pair of Sanderling for a very brief visit.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

Making our gradual way back towards the road bridge we found first a Stonechat followed by both Cetti's and Sardinian Warblers. Near the pumping station a pair of Waxbill on the path in front of us. A Chiffchaff and Blue Tit were also observed before finding a pair of Kestrel near to the bridge.

Waxbill Estrilda astrid

Once under the bridge and making our way upriver we came first across a pair of Muscovey Duck followed by the passing goat herd accompanied by a single Cattle Egret. Then back to the car as we first found a Meadow Pipit on the wires and a pair of Crested Lark in the potato field on the right.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

A slight detour on our way back to Frigiliana with a stop at Caleta Harbour where, in addition to many Monk Parakeets and House Sparrows, a large mixed flock of gulls on the beach along with a pair of Sanderling and a handful of Cormorants.  The gulls were mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backs but, resting in their midst, the visiting Caspian Gull which had been in residence of the past week and was easily recognised by the yellow ring it bore as previously noted.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans (wearing yellow ring)

Birds seen:

Muscovey Duck, Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Sanderling, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Gull, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocphala

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Waxbill Estrilda astrild

 

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta mchusona

Muscovey Ducks Cairina moschata

Small part of the goat herd

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Cabo de Gata

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

Saturday 21 February

At last, back in Andalucia on my drive south to Malaga Province.  But fist a morning stop at Cabo de Gata in Almeria where I met p with my friend Dave Elliott-Binns and my hosts for the next four days, Steve and Elena Powel who had driven up from Frigiliana to meet up with us.  Clear blue skies and very warm sunshine as the temperature rose well into the twenties centigrade and time to explore the Salinas.

Approaching the first hide at the entrance to the village House Sparrows, Collared Doves and Spotless Starlings on the wires then, from the hide, a small number of Flamingos on the water accompanied by the occasional Lesser Black-backed and Slender-billed Gulls.  Below us in the vegetation and nearby pools Thekla Lark and Stonechat with a quartet of Mallard and couple of Black-winged Stilts on the water.

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

Time to move on round to the second hide where we had a clearer view of the many Flamingos on the water.  Also present a Crested Lark and Sardinian Warbler.  First a Jackdaw flew over the hide then we saw a departing Curlew heading towards the village.

Moving on to the Public Hide I noted the resting flock of mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls before the nearer individual Black-tailed Godwit and a single Redshank.  Further out on the main eater to our left just a single Avocet and more Shelducks. A handful of resting Cormorants, with the occasional departure, were also recorded. Then what a surprise as we left the hide with first the appearance of a Dartford Warbler on the fence in front of us quickly followed by a trio of Trumpeter Finches.

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

At this point Dave had to make his departure back up to Arboleas and the three of us took the road over the hill to the lighthouse.  However, a slight diversion just past the salt storage took us near to the end salina where, amongst the resting gulls, we also found at least twenty Audouin’s Gulls.

Once at the coast a walk around the immediate area produced first a Black Wheatear quickly followed by Stonechats, White Wagtail and a Skylark.  Even a kestrel on the wires as we made our way out of the village and back towards our final destination in Frigiliana.  A most enjoyable visit in great company and some excellent sightings.

Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Flamingo, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin’s Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Skylark, White Wagtail, Black Wheatear, Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Trumpeter Finch.

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

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Navasaca, Daimiel

 Friday 20 February

Up early and off to the Laguna Navasaca in Daimiel, arriving at 8 just as the cold mist was starting to lift and a low sun rising in the east. Approaching the water I managed to record a Buzzard followed by a resting Little Owl atop a small ruin.  Also in the parking area a number of Spotless Starlings and Woodpigeon with a couple of Magpies at the hide.

Shovelers Anas clypeata in the early morning mist

In the gloomin’ many Shoveler on the water along with a distant group of Flamingos.  Off to the left in the reeds a single Greylag Goose and then a couple of White-headed Ducks appeared out of the mist. A pair of Mallard and Coot then appeared in sight.

Distant Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus at first light

Meanwhile, just below the hide to the right, the arrival of a mixed flock of (mainly) Spanish and House Sparrows.  Out on the small island a handful of resting Cormorants.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

Moving on down to the roadside screen to take a closer look at the resting Flamingos and then off round the back where I found both a Cetti’s Warbler and a passing Marsh Harrier.  On the wires a score or more Feral Pigeons.  As I moved off to take the farm track back to the main road more House Sparrows a few Jackdaw.  The last bird recorded was a passing Kestrel to take the total species for the hour up to 19.

Resting Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

 Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mallard, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, Cormorant, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Little Owl, Cetti’s Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow.

Passing Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

White-headed Duck Oxyura  leucocephala  in the morning mist

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