Wednesday 12 July

So, certainly good weather for the last Arboleas Birding Group meet before the summer break and if travelling back to the UK don't expect the same high temperatures!  Reading about your exploits always brings back wonderful memories of my almost twenty years in Spain and not forgetting the number of occasions on which I have been able to join the group.  For me, last Friday saw me back in Warsash on Southampton Water following a seventeen day cruise along the Norwegian coast up to North cape and then beyond, well into the Arctic Circle to spend a day on Spitzbergen.  Nevermind "land of the midnight sun," what about all those too rare birds that we might see that appeared by the score - or more.  Eider Ducks nesting in large colonies on grass at the side of the road, Arctic Skuas and Terns, Snow Buntings and Purple sandpipers plus the large Glaucous Gulls.  Loads of Fulmars and Kittiwakes but no sign of a Polar Bear!!

But, then again, Black-eared Wheatears, Hoopoes, Bee-eaters, Woodchat Shrikes, etc. and as for Griffon Vultures!  Certainly seemed to be a great day and, like Dave, wish all members a happy and restful summer break so that you come back refreshed and ready for the new Autumn arrivals.

Sierra de Maria   -   Wednesday 12th July

Our final trip out before the summer break, we're heading for the Sierra Maria where it will be a lot cooler than the forecasted 40c nearer the coast.  Juda came round to my house and we then went to the Overa Hotel where we were picking up Neville.  We missed each other for about twenty minutes as he thought I'd be in the truck, but was in the Insignia due to better comfort and air conditioning!  We got to Maria town without seeing any birds in the zone!  In town we logged House Martin, Common Swift and House Sparrow.  We arrived at the La Piza forest cafe just after Richard, Peter and Trevor.  I'd bought peanuts to refill the bird feeders.  As we drank our coffee we observed Chaffinches, a Collared Dove, 5 Jays, Blue, Great and Coal Tits, Crossbill, Mistle Thrush and Blackbird coming down to feed from the feeders, eat from the cafe supplied stale rolls or drink from the small concrete lined pool.

Jay (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We headed for the loop . I led the way with Juda and Neville in my car followed by the others in Richards' car.  From the start of the loop, through the forest area and across the agricultural zone we only added a Thekla Lark.  As we stopped by the village a charm of Goldfinches flew off from some thistles.  Richard spotted some Barn Swallows.  Things improved as we made our way along the track.  I spotted a juvenile Woodchat Shrike perched with some Rock Sparrows.  Carrying on we added Magpie, Woodpigeon and Hoopoe.  Juda then saw a hovering Kestrel followed by a Little Owl standing on a building.  Trevor also saw it from the car behind.  We had a flurry of Black-eared Wheatear sightings.  Also seen were some Carrion Crows.  We stopped by the cliff face.  In our car we missed the Bee-eater seen by the others, but found one or two on the distant dead tree.  We didn't add anything at the cliff face so carried on and were given good views of a perched Roller on a power line.

Black-eared Wheatear (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

There was nothing new seen at the hamlet.  The water trough provided a White Wagtail.  We headed for the shade of the La Piza forest cafe and lunch.  Seeing more of what birds we'd seen earlier we added Crested Tit and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers who showed well on the feeders.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

The temperature was a "cool" 29C.  We'd clocked 29 species in what turned out to be a very enjoyable day out.  More was to come.  Juda spotted three Griffon Vulture en route to Velez Blanco.  It was 43c when I got home!  Thanks everyone.  See you next in September!

Regards, Dave

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