Wednesday 12 March

I had to smile as I read Dave's report of today's visit by the Arboleas Birding Group up to the Sierra de Maria.  Thus far I have seen 95 species this month back in Blighty and today with Jenny I was at our monthly dance in Southampton Guildhall.  Given that I have still to see a Collared Dove this month (but loads of Woodpigeons and Rock Doves/Feral Pigeon, I drove through the city thinking, bound to be one somewhere - but there was not.  And yet that was the first bird to appear in the report!  Mind you, we did stop to record the four Black Swans on the River Itchen in Bitterne.

But as your latest adventure some cracking birds seen and many "not available over here" - or at lest scarce these days.  After regular sightings of Tree-creeper I'm beginning to forget what a Short-toed Tree-creeper looks and sounds like!  "Obliging Corn Bunting!"  Time was to find a specimen over here was no problem but not so these days; still to see one in the three plus years we have now been back from Spain.  the same goes for the Crossbill and even Red-legged Partridges are becoming scarce and lucky to have a sighting during the year (not seen to date in 2025.)  Similarly, forget both Crested and Thekla Larks but lots of singing Skylarks about at the moment.  And then you mention Lesser Kestrel and Griffon Vulture.  I think I need to look up air fares and timings for a return to Spain!

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 12th March

After the prolonged period of rain it was good to be out again in the sunnier weather.  There were numerous clouds and later up at Maria there was a chilly, lazy wind!  (It doesn't go around you but straight through you!)  Thinking the loop track might be a tad muddy I volunteered to drive Nigel up there.  From Velez Blanco to the La Piza forest cafe we only saw one Collared Dove.  Not an auspicious start to say the least!  As I reloaded the bird feeders with peanuts, Nigel got some coffees.  My activity soon got the attention of a Great Tit and a Chaffinch.  As we drank our coffee, Nigel spotted a Jay, Magpie and Crested Tit.  We were joined by Phil 2, Trevor, Seamus, Linda and the well behaved Lottie.  Phil and Trevor had seen some Griffon Vultures and a House Sparrow en route.  A Short-toed Tree-creeper gave some good views.  Nigel added a Robin.  We heard a Blackbird.  4 Crossbills came down for some water.  A Coal Tit was seen and Linda spotted a Long-tailed Tit.

We commenced to do the loop.  I led with Nigel, followed by Seamus and Linda with Phil and Trevor bringing up the rear.  We didn't see anything as we drove through the forest zone.  We faired better in the agricultural area with Thekla Lark, Carrion Crow, White Wagtail and a very obliging Corn Bunting. Three Calandra Larks took to the wing as we passed.  Also seen were flocks of Rock Sparrow, Goldfinch and Linnet.  Phil and Trevor added a Greenfinch.  As we arrived at the stopping point by the village, Nigel spotted a Stonechat.  He also found a distant Griffon Vulture.

The obliging Corn Bunting (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved along the track.  Once we got off the tarmac we came across patches of mud.  No doubt there were moans from the smart car drivers!  There were plenty of large puddles in the fields.  As we passed one a Green Sandpiper flew off.  We saw more Magpies, Carrion Crows, Linnets and Thekla Larks.  When we got to the cliff face Nigel and I heard a Red-legged Partridge.  The others, however, had seen one.  There were a couple of small plumes of soaring Griffons.  We walked to the far side and Trevor was first to spot a Black Wheatear.

We carried on and only added a Red-billed Chough as we drove through the cave village.  At the hamlet it was good to see a male Lesser Kestrel.  Our first in over a year!  The clouds were now amassing and the wind was biting.  As we headed to the relative shelter of the La Piza forest we added a pair of Raven on the plain.  Nothing extra was added from the warmth of the bar area.

We ended up with 33 species, the Green Sandpiper being the most unusual.  I can only ever remember seeing a Stone Curlew up there in the past so "waders" are a rare event!  A lovely day in good company!

Regards

Dave

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