Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Sunday 22 February

And now back in Malaga Province and ready for my first birding venture at my original home site, the River Velez on the western outskirts of Torre del Mar.  As we left Frigiliana the House Martins had already returned to take over their ancestral breeding site above Steve and Elena's kitchen and by 10.20 we were walking along the river track from the main road bridge towards the shore. No shortage of Moorhen, a pair of Mallard and a few House Sparrows before finding our first Lesser Black-backed Gull nearing a damaged wing as it rested on a sand bank in the middle of the river.

Mainly Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Reaching the hide we were confronted by a very large mixed flock of Gulls.  Mainly Mediterranean and Black-headed but also both Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls. The occasional White Wagtail and a number of both (mainly) Moorhen and Coots plus over 60 resting Cormorant in the neighbouring trees. At least three Herons were also present before we saw the arrival of a pair of Sanderling for a very brief visit.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

Making our gradual way back towards the road bridge we found first a Stonechat followed by both Cetti's and Sardinian Warblers. Near the pumping station a pair of Waxbill on the path in front of us. A Chiffchaff and Blue Tit were also observed before finding a pair of Kestrel near to the bridge.

Waxbill Estrilda astrid

Once under the bridge and making our way upriver we came first across a pair of Muscovey Duck followed by the passing goat herd accompanied by a single Cattle Egret. Then back to the car as we first found a Meadow Pipit on the wires and a pair of Crested Lark in the potato field on the right.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

A slight detour on our way back to Frigiliana with a stop at Caleta Harbour where, in addition to many Monk Parakeets and House Sparrows, a large mixed flock of gulls on the beach along with a pair of Sanderling and a handful of Cormorants.  The gulls were mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backs but, resting in their midst, the visiting Caspian Gull which had been in residence of the past week and was easily recognised by the yellow ring it bore as previously noted.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans (wearing yellow ring)

Birds seen:

Muscovey Duck, Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Sanderling, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Gull, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocphala

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Waxbill Estrilda astrild

 

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta mchusona

Muscovey Ducks Cairina moschata

Small part of the goat herd

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