Well, I may be confined to quarters to look after Jenny when sh finally gets her discharge papers from the local hospital in Velez Malaga but at least I have lots of friends down in the Tarifa area to report back to me. But I shall not be best pleased if I start reading about Whinchats, Tawny Pipits and Ruppell's Vultures!
Friends John and Jenny Wainwright have arrived early in order that they can celebrate Jenny's birthday tomorrow (Thursday) so I am expecting something special to have been recorded. Meanwhile, by way of a taster, John has sent me the following report for which I am most grateful.
Tarifa area 31st August 2016
A very hot day with a slight easterly breeze.
On our way down from Salar we saw hundreds of Bee-eaters on the power lines, and further on towards Algeciras we spotted Short-toed, Booted Eagles and Black Kites.
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| Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
We arrived at Algarobo viewpoint at about 10.30am and the SEO were there as usual. No sooner had we arrived than a huge flocks of Honey Buzzards, with a few Black Kites were noted. Following on were small flocks by Griffon Vultures, Common and Alpine Swifts, Crag and House Martins, Red-rumped and Barn Swallows. Bee-eaters were noted but only a couple were actually seen, in the bushes around the viewing point. Sardinian Warblers were also seen and a Chaffinch.
We left at about midday to book into our hotel, whereupon the "parking" was a kilometer walk from the hotel, that is if you could find a space!! Regardless - after a small rest - we went back to the Algorobo viewpoint and continued watching the masses of the AM visit bird list - go by. We did get a few different species, ie. Egyptian Vulture, Bonelli´s Eagle and Red Kite.
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| Raptors galore overhead! (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) Now you try and identify a few! |
The cloud had disappeared now and the sky was a vivid blue with very little action except for more hirundines already logged moving through. Off to La Janda tomorrow (Thurs1/9) and hope for a few different species here. Sorry only two photos (Jenny´s) but birds were really high today!!!
Thanks John and I wait with baited breath. And let I forget, happy birthday for tomorrow Jenny.
Looking for new birding excitement next summer? Mick Richardson has just informed me that he has a couple of spare places on his next Pyrenees adventure so if you are looking for a first Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor and a few other specials then watch this space as I add more information over the next few days.
Bob
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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