Zapata, Malaga

25 February

Delightful surprise on reaching Derek and Barbara in Alhaurin de la Torre with the unexpected arrival of my old friend, Mick Richardson from near Loja in Granada Province. Long time since I last saw Mick and, even better, we all took a late visit down to the Guadalhorce at Zapata.  The result of all the recent flooding was still very evident but, at least, we got chance to walk the top track and see some good birds.

Whilst the Corn Buntings and Bluethroats were great sightings, finally finding the calling Penduline Tits was the star attraction for all.  We had already made a great start with Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Stonechat and Blackbird before reaching the underpass and then, apart from the overflying Monk Parakeets and Spotless Starlings, we were kept entertained by many Cetti’s Warblers and Great Tits.  Lots of Serins on the fence plus a Meadow Pipit before finding the first White Wagtail.

Serin Serinus serinus

A Raven flew over followed by a pair of Mallard and then both Hoopoe and Goldfinch observed.  Not just House Sparrows but a handful of Linnet were next seen.  And then, after all the calling, we finally found one of then, at least six, Penduline Tits in the reeds below.  Only record shots and you have to look carefully to actually see the tiny birds well hidden in the reeds.

Well hidden Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus

Continuing on we added many Zitting Cisicola plus a Black Redstart and single Cattle Egret on the far side of the reed bed.  Finally, over the airfield fence, we found our first Barn Swallows along with a Moorhen and a number of Rock Doves as we made our way home.  What a great start to my four days with Barbara and Derek; an unexpected extra visit which produced 26 species including all those “specials” in a very short time.  And all in the best of company.

Black Redstart Phoenicuros ochruros

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cattle Egret, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisiticola, Chiffchaff, Penduline Tit, Great Tit, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting. 

Spot the hidden Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus

Serin Serinus serinus

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