Yet another birder out on Saturday 13th!

I have just received details of yet another expedition last Saturday, 13 April when Marcus and Liz Routes walked the old railway track (Via Verde) from Ventas de Zafarraya to Periana and back.  My word that sounds exhausting and no no doubt they worked up a load of steam to commemorate the passing of the old line.  Speaking to Marcus yesterday (18th) he was, I think, most impressed by the large number of Woodchat Shrikes seen and, also, the fact that all three Buntings, Rock, Cirl and Corn appeared at regular intervals.

Marcus is not the first to comment over this past week of the large numbers of Woodchat Shrikes being seen in the area.  Why?  Could it be that we are seeing the result of a very successful breeding season last year followed by a non-destructive winter; or maybe many of the returning birds are spending more time here in Malaga Province before moving on?  I do not know but, no doubt, the coming months may well give a few more clues.

Birds seen by Marcus and Liz:
Short-toed eagle, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Common Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Cuckoo, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Wren, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Nightingale, Stonechat, Black-eared Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Chough, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting and Corn Bunting.

Thanks Marcus for the report and it just goes to show what can be seen in our district.

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