Wednesday 17 July 2019

Sierra de Maria with Dave and Friends

Wednesday 17 July

It may be "out of season" for Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group but you can't keep a good birder tied to the house.  Given the opportunity, we will all be up and away and Dave was no exception to the rule.  I could certainly have done with his Hawfinch sighting.

Wednesday 17 July:  Sierra de Madre


Gilly and I took Sarah Groves with her cousin Kelly to Maria today for a non official trip.  In fact both Gilly and I forgot a notebook!  We met up with Mary Taylor for a coffee before heading to the chapel.  On checking the mountain ridge I found a Mum and child Ibex silhouetted against the skyline.  Later saw a male. 

Distant adult and young Ibex Capra pyrenaica (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)
 Lots of activity by the water trough, including a pair of Hawfinch.  

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Also seen were Melodious Warbler and immature Subalpine Warblers

Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta
Had a number of Griffon Vultures flying over plus both Light and dark phase Booted EaglesWoodchat Shrike, Crossbills and Coal Tits in Garden.  Family of Melodious Warblers at far end of lower walk.  Not a lot at the farmhouse.  At the water trough we had Iberian Grey Shrike and Short-toed Lark.  No sign of Lesser Kestrels at hamlet, only Northern Wheatear.  At La Piza, not many birds feeding; Crossbill, Chaffinch and Great Tit.  Stars were a family of 5 Jays.
Two of the family of five Jays Garrulus glandarius
No total as no list! Great days birding in amazing company!
Regards,
Dave

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

No comments:

Post a Comment