The Rio Velez in Torre del Mar was definitely the place to be last Saturday. I had a fascinating email last night from visiting UK birder Andrew Allport who is out here for three months (but not sure how far into his stay he is at present). He celebrated St Valentine's day at our local patch and was well-rewarded for his several hours of observation.
Not only did Andrew record both Bluethroat and Penduline Tit, no doubt in addition to the "usual range" of species at the Rio Velez, he also saw all five of our Spanish hirundines (Crag Martin, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow and House Martin) and heard both our wintering Reed Warbler and a Savi's Warbler. Wonderful sighting and songs and, I wonder, what influence may have been placed on their presence following the heavy rain last Thursday and then the strong winds of Friday.
However, the pièce de résistance was the sighting of a close Spotted Crake and the opportunity to actually get a photograph. Well done and congratulations, Andrew; now if only I could replicate your sightings!
 |
| Spotted Crake Polluela Pintoja Porzana porzana (PHOTO: Andrew M Allport)
You do not need to be an "Einstein" to work our where I went this morning! Of the above, I only managed to find a good number of hirundines just about equally split by Crag and House Martin with the odd Barn Swallow thrown in for good measure. But there is always another day, especially when I can make contact with Andrew to discover where exactly he picked up the crake.
|
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
No comments:
Post a Comment