Las Campimuelas

 Friday 21 May

Up to my usual parking place at the top of Las Campinuelas by 9.20 and already 20C in the clear blue sky and with little breeze it was certainly going to be uncomfortable birding.  In addition, the trees were now in full leaf so bird spotting, whether in the high or low vegetation, was going to be somewhat challenging.  Notwithstanding, Barn Swallow, Blackbird, Spotless Starling and House Sparrow already recorded as I parked up the car.

Male Blackbird Mirlo Comun Turdus merula

Setting off along the track parallel to the road I soon added Sardinian Warbler and the first of very many Crested Lark. Approaching the ruin on the hill a Collared Dove was calling from the remains, a Bee-eater was on the wires and the first Goldfinch were seen below.  A couple of Greenfinch made a hasty departure from the pool below to be quickly followed by the sight of a trio of Serin.

Crested Lark Cogujada Comun Galerida cristata

Crossing the road the top path took me to the top of the hill offering opportunities to observe Common Swift and House Martin with yet more Greenfinches before bearing left and heading off down the track to encounter Monk Parakeets and a Spotted Flycatcher.  Continuing the circuit many more Blackbirds and Crested Larks along with Barn Swallows and a number of recently fledged Goldfinches.  Once back across the road and onto the final field I stopped to admire the Little Owl resting on a concrete pillar, but not long enough to get a photograph, and Bee-eaters were again to be seen.  Finally, a lone Wood Pigeon on top of a pylon.  Back at the car a Hoopoe crossed the road and as I drove to the far end of the site to take the road to Caleta I was seen off by a Lesser Black-backed Gull sitting atop one of the floodlights on the adjacent Velez Malaga football stadium.  And of course, the resident breeding Pallid Swifts were waiting to welcome me back to Algarrbo Costa!

Birds seen:

Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Little owl, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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