I was obviously not the only one out and about birding on the last day of the month. Whereas I probably got up to about 800 metre at Ventas de Zafarraya, Marcus and Liz Routes really climbed the heights as can be seen from the email I have just received from Marcus.
A few notes on our walk in the Mts.on the 31st May.
We start at 1,100 metres, walking through a pinewood where Chaffinches, Wrens and Robins are singing. Coal and Crested Tits, Mistle Thrushes and a single Wood Pigeon are seen and heard.
Now out of the pinewood at 1,500 mts and a Cuckoo is heard. Superb view of two Griffon Vultures overhead being mobbed by a dozen Red-billed Choughs. After a 15 minute breather, Rock Buntings and Woodlarks are noted and a superb view of female Sparrowhawk below. On our way to 1,750 mts, a Kestrel is seen and a single Tawny Pipit. Now at the top; several pairs of Black-eared Wheatears appear, several Stonechats with young, Linnets and a number of Whitethroats. Thekla Larks and Rock Buntings are common up here.
On our return to 1,500 mts a pair of Northern Wheatears make an appearance along with a rare sighting of a female Rock Thrush. Magnificent !
Back at 1,500 mts a Booted Eagle is seen and calling it's mate. The Woodlarks are still singing, a Sardinian Warbler and Red-legged Partridge are noted.
We have noted an extreme lack of Turtle Doves in the Competa area this year; or are they very late arriving. But surely not this late.
Have enjoyed the May E-magazine and look forward to Charca de Suarez in a few weeks. (*)
Marcus and Liz
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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