Algarrobo Costa

 Sunday 6 December

Gannet Alcatraz Atlantico Morus bassanus

Late walk this morning not leaving here till almost 12.30 and with Jenny walked down to Caleta harbour and back along the shore paseo.  A lovely male Black Redstart almost immediately followed by the usual Monk Parakeets and Rock Doves.  Approaching the outer harbour wall on our side three Gannets diving very close, too close I would have thought, and once in the marina area, no doubt encouraged by families feeding the fishes, a good number of Black-headed and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Watching over the gulls chasing the fish which in turn were chasing the loaves of bread, a Little Egret whilst a Cormorant was enjoying a little fishing in the middle of all this chaos.

Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta

Passing by the port entrance scores of Crag Martins seen and resting on the outer harbour beach many Lesser Black-backed and a few Yellow-legged Gulls. A fearsome quartet of Sanderling were working the edges and beach in between the many gulls.

Making our way back, 25 Monk Parakeets, a few Rock Doves and a Collared Dove were gorging themselves on spilt food of some sort on the pavement.

Monk Parakeets Cotorra Argentina Myiopsitta monachus

Almost back to the footbridge and, in addition to more beautiful Black Redstarts, both White Wagtail and a Blackbird.  From the top of the footbridge as we stood up against the cold wind a Goldfinch came to drink from an isolated small pool and was joined by a Linnet.  Only when the former flew away did it reveal a trio of relatives making for the nearest bush which, in turn, exposed a couple of Chiffchaff. Don't often get to see this many birds on my short walks.

Black Redstart Colirrojo Tizon Phoenicurus ochuros

Birds seen:

Cormorant, Gannet, Little Egret, Sanderling, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crag Martin, White Wagtail,  Black Redstart, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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