Great Bustards, Sandgrouse and all the Harriers

Saturday 23 March

The recently postponed meeting of the monthly field visit of the Andalucia Bird Society was duly completed yesterday with the forecast promising dry, cloudy weather until midday followed by cloud and rain for a couple of hours and then more persistent and heavy rain.  We may well complain about rubbish weather forecasts but this was spot on (forget "spot" more like "buckets" on)!  On the other hand we did get to see a great variety of special birds.

Meeting on the outskirts of Osuna in Sevilla Province, for the first time I covered the Osuna, La Lantejuela triangle in a clockwise  direction, the intent being to concentrate on trying to find the small resident population of Great Bustards.  Over twenty of us present and all of us managed to get distant, but very clear, views of this magnificent bird including displaying males.

Marsh Harrier  Aguilucho Lagunero  Circus aeruginosus

Leaving Osuna on the back road we soon had regular sightings on the fences of both Crested Larks and Corn Buntings and a fast departing Hoopoe took to the trees before regular stops as first Marsh Harrier and then a rather large female Montagu´s Harrier passed overhead - and what stick the latter gave the Marsh Harrier.  Before reaching the first high railway bridge over the new trackbed for the high-speed train, we had also recorded Hen Harrier and a single Common Buzzard.  However, it was to be the second bridge that gave the first sightings of Great Bustards with a pair being picked up by some of the group, one either side of the railway.  A number of marsh Harriers were resting on the fields and there was a constant passage of Montagu´s including some rather handsome male birds at close quarters.  Why did I not think to get the camera out of the car_  Too bust watching the spectacle. me thinks.  Also from this bridge we had our first of many Red-legged Partridges and a pair of Ravens.  Meanwhile, sitting ans singing away of¡n the track fence was a rather lovely Common Whitethroat and three small brown birds.  Forget Passer domesticus, these were Spanish Sparrows and, again, I think all managed to get good views of both species.  It made the movement of the local Spotless Starlings seem almost irrelevant. 

Montagu´s Harrier  Aguilucho Papialbo  Circus macrourus

 Before finally reaching the third bridge with its road over leading towards La Lantejuela, we also had the first of quite a number of Black Kites and a single Red Kite in the distance.  The fields to our left also produces a pair of "grazing" Mallards and a single Grey Heron just to break up the "monotony" of all the raptors that were being seen and recorded.

Then, having determined that the Great Bustards were probably in field that could be seen from the above third bridge, we all moved on once again.  How right we were were!  Whilst one member thought he had a distant Great Bustard I had a nearer, and very clear, fertiliser bag on the edge of the field.  At least it was until it turned round and moved a step or two!  From then on we all had great views through the scopes and managed to pick up a total of about eight individuals of ths resident flock including some great displaying males.  In future I shall have to think "fertiliser bags" rather than "sheep" when trying to locate these marvellous birds!  Some also managed to record a Little Bustard as it popped its head up from the covering grass.  Whilst on the bridge, not only did we have the first Red-rumped Swallow of the morning fly over to add to the Barn Swallows and House Martins already seen but also a first Lesser Kestrel.  The arrival of a single Alpine Swift had members looking skywards and next the shout went up as a trio of Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew over our heads.  One other stranger was seen from this vantage point; a very pale Black Kite had quite a number of us trying to solve this little mystery.

Great Bustards Avutarda Comun  Otis tarda

By now it was midday and, as we moved off, the first spots of rain began to decorate the cars.  But the primary objective had been achieved; find the Great Bustards.  A stop near the old farm produced a flock of Lesser Kestrels plus a solitary Common Kestrel whilst, in the fields opposite, a small flock of Calandra Larks was located.  And so it was on the the village of La Lantejuela for lunch but not before checking out the small reserve in the village which, once again, was closed.  However, from the upper viewing platform we did locate Moorhens, Little Grebe and a pair of Shoveler.  Indeed, driving down the small lane to this reserve the latter cars even had the local White Stork accompany them carrying its latest contribution to the nest.  (We were to be informed in the bar that the village holds just the single pair of breeding White Storks.)
 
After a short coffee break I was off to explore the Laguna de la Ballestera whilst the remaining members of the party enjoyed their meal.  Catching me up a little later, and now quite wet with a steady rainfall, we were all able to confirm the sightings of many Flamingos, Coot and Shoveler. A Red Kite flew over, having already passed a rather bedraggled individual resting on an electricity pylon.  Also on the water were a number of Black-winged Stilts, a small number of Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Avocets.  A distant Yellow Wagtail (Flava Iberiae) was recorded before a single Stone Curlew came out of the olive grove and flew over the water.  Meanwhile, on the rise at the top of the field, we managed to record a Woodchat Shrike resting in a small bush and as we made our way back to the cars the single Red-crested Pochard at the back of the laguna took off to find better company.

Greater Flamingos Flamenco Comun  Phoenicopterus roseus

 So we left accompanied by a single passing Blackbird to our next stop, final stop for many of the party, at the weed-infested, overgrown water of Laguna de lasTurquillas, where, apart form a number of Coots and a pair of Mallards, the predominate duck present was at least fifty Red-crested Pochards.  (That´s where our previous bird was off to!)  Frank picked up a calling Cetti´s Warbler from below. Overhead and over the water and reeds numerous Barn Swallows and House Martins were busy feeding along with the occasional Red-rumped Swallow and a handful of Pallid Swifts.  However, it was pleasing to also see a couple of early Common Swifts also present.

Red-crested Pochard  Pato Colorado  Netta rufina

Moving round the corner and on to a very small parking place opposite the Laguna de Calderon, I found Peter and his car party looking at yet more Flamingos and Shoveler but, in addition, they had also managed to find both a Black-necked and Great Crested Grebe plus a single Green Sandpiper.  However, their best sighting whilst we were still at the last water, was a distant Osprey which managed to put up the Flamingo flock a passing Peregrine Falcon on the road side of the water as it shot past like the proverbial "bat out of hell".  Very lucky, too, for them to get this view.

With the thought that the rain might ease off and having to pass the salinas of Fuente de Piedra on the way home, a mere thirty minutes or so ahead of me, I decided  to drop in and check out the flooded fields towards the Mirador Vicaria.  It also seems that I was not the only one with this thought in mind seeing the cars that were in the main car park!  Whilst much of the observation was done from the car, although the rain did ease off sufficiently for me to take a closer look at both of the main flooded areas, I did manage to add a handful of waders to the day´s list in addition to the Cattle Egret and both White and Yellow Wagtail.  Only a couple of Black-tailed Godwits and Ruff, both now looking quite splendid in their rapidly-approaching summer uniforms but at least five Snipe, a handful of Redshanks and a single Common Sandpiper.  Finally, it was pretty obvious judging by the movement over the road, that the Gull-billed Terns had also returned from their winter migration.

I am not sure how many species as a whole the group recorded but, given the conditions from midday onwards, I was more than pleased to get home with a final total of 50.

Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cattle Egret, Heron, Osprey, Red Kite, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu´s Harrier, Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Coot, Little Bustard, Great Bustard, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Stone Curlew, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Collared Dove, Alpine Swift, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Red-crested Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti´s Warbler, Whitethroat, Woodchat Shrike, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Corn Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information. 

Sierra Loja with John and Jenny

Whilst we were enjoying the sunshine down at the Rio Velez and the Sierra Tejeda, John and Jenny Wainwright were once more up their local, and I suspect favourite, mountain at the Sierra Loja.  Looks like they, once again, managed to find some good birds including the first Black-eared Wheatear of the year.



Sierra Loja  21 March

A  very warm day even at the top of Sierra Loja.  

We could not attend the next meeting of the group as we had prior appointments, but we did manage two hours up the Sierra Loja.  Our first encounters were of Collared Doves, Spotless Starlings, Wood Pigeons, Rock Buntings, Chaffinches, Great Tits, Mistle Thrushes, Blackbirds and Serins, Crossbills and Wrens were heard but we couldn´t locate them. 

Black Wheatear  Collalba Negra Oenanthe leucura  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

At the hidden quarry the air was inundated with House, Crag and Sand Martins and a few Barn Swallows were seen also. It is also good to see that the Yellow Violet (Viola demetria) are in flower again.

Yellow Violet  Viola demetria  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

On the cliffs we saw Jackdaws, Chough, Black Redstart, Red-legged Partridges were very vocal here, and then a pair of Black Wheatears.  Just as we were setting off a pair of Lesser Kestrels  were seen.

Black Rubia  Collalba Negra Oenanthe hispanica  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

In the shrubbed area higher up we saw Sardinian Warblers, Stonechats and a few Linnets.  As we climbed the slope to the substation valley a Black-eared Wheatear (first of the year) was spotted along with two Thekla Larks and a Black Redstart.

Nothing extra on the way back home.

Looks like Jenny is once more in charge of the camera as all the photographs are hers!

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.  

Axarquia Bird Group Field visit - March

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis (PHOTO: David Jefferson)

Thursday 21 March

Every year the mouth of the Rio Velez is rearranged with new outlets to the sea following the winter rains but this year we have seen, for the first time in ten years or more, a complete reconstruction of the banks themselves between the lowest road bridge and the beach.  Gone is much of the vegetation and cover so it remains to be seen what effect this will have on our summer Reed Warblers, Cetti’s Warblers and Nightingales.  This month’s field visit by the Axarquia Bird Group certainly let members see the damage to the Rio Velez that has resulted following the rains when, on a beautiful, clear, warm and sunny day nine members met near the old road bridge and proceeded along the track to the beach and back and, by the time we got back to our cars, had recorded a rather lovely, and surprising, total of 39 species.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Great to see Patrick Raines from Canillas de Albaida, Eric Lyons from Sayalonga, Steve and Elena Powell from Frigiliana, Ian Kirk who had travelled over from Benalmadena, new members David and Ann Jefferson from Torrox and visiting UK birder Nigel Smith who was holiday in Nerja.  So we nine set off down the river towards the sea where the water not only stretched from bank to bank but, following the opening of the sluice gates up at Lake Vinuela was a fast-flowing surge heading seawards.  A quartet of Mallards flying over were presumably deciding where best to put down the undercarriage and it was certainly amusing to watch one of the drakes go "flying" past in the current a few minutes later like a latter-day surfer.  With both Steve and David complete with cameras and mine in the car for later, there was to be no shortage of photographs - as will be seen ion this blog!

Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti (Steve Powell)

Back to the birds.  Good numbers of Blackbirds were in evidence and from the road to the pump house we had a mixture of small birds including Chiffchaff, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Greenfinch, Cetti's Warbler, and Crested Larks.  The usual gang of resident Rock Doves had not been moved on from favoured resting places below the bridge and atop the large trees on the  opposite side of the track’s start but nothing on or near the water’s edge.  Spotless Starlings were seen on the wires and then our first Woodchat Shrike of the year which stayed long enough for all to get good views.  The occasional Moorhen made a dash for the safety of the opposite bank as we walked down and then a single Little Egret came flying down the river to try and find some sort of feeding place.

At the pumphouse we managed to record both Serin and Goldfinch plus a couple of Hoopoes on the river-side meadow.  A Ringed Plover was found feeding on a very small island along with the earlier quartet of Mallards.  Behind the pumphouse a Little Ringed Plover took off from the fields and headed for the river.  Meanwhile, as we crossed the meadow to the far end of the river to overlook the lagoon, only a handful of Cormorants were seen and, likewise, there was only a small number of gulls in the mixed flock.  However, five species were identified including the over-flying Mediterraneans, the others being Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed, Yellow-legged and a single Audouin’s Gull. 

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus over the Rio Velez (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

On the water’s edges besides a number of passing Crested Larks we found at least eight Sanderlings, a single Kentish Plover and Common Redshank, both White and Yellow Wagtails, the latter of the Iberiae subspecies, and a very obliging Zitting Cisticola which refused to move on until everyone present had both admired and photographed him – apart from me having left the camera in the car.  Still in the same area we managed to hear and then see at least two Cetti’s Warblers.  Meanwhile, the single Avocet that has been in the area for a couple of days flew past giving good views as did a couple of Meadow Pipits.  Also present in the area were a number of Barn Swallows and a few House Martins feeding over the water and fields and on the way back to the cars we naturally picked up a couple of Monk Parakeets.  Finally, whilst sorting ourselves out for part two of the morning’s field visit, we had a mixed flock of Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Serins, House Martin and a single Corn Bunting near most of the cars whilst, on crossing the old bridge to collect their cars, both Ian and David were able to add Kestrel and Cattle Egret to the morning’s list.

Golden Eagle Aquilachrysaetos

Next it was on the picnic sites above Alcaucin to see what LBJs might be found there. Eric, arriving first, had a couple of Choughs passing over at a high altitude along with a Nuthatch on the ground immediately in front of him.  Not to worry, there were plenty of Nuthatches for the rest of us along with many Chaffinches and Crossbills, albeit the latter were further away than usual.  Overhead, at a very high altitude, an adult Golden Eagle made its way westwards.  Once amongst the table below the trees we soon added a variety of tits including Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tit whilst a single Robin was found skulking in the undergrowth.  A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers arrive in the usual “Crossbill tree” and a Green Woodpecker was heard yaffling away in front of us. 

A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers Dendrocopos major at Alcaucin picnic site

Steve managed to find and photograph a female Firecrest and then it was on up to the higher picnic site where we had much closer views of Crossbills and Chaffinches along with another Great Tit and a lone Reed Bunting hiding in the hedgerow.  The track near the top was not a sight for the feint-hearted but we eventually made the main road but not before a Cirl Bunting had moved off from in front of the car.  No sooner onto the main road and heading back towards Ventas de Zafarraya and not a Southern Grey Shrike but a Mistle Thrush on the wires.

Female Crossbill Loxia curvirostra (PHOTO: David Jefferson)

Skulking Robin Erithacus rubecula

Time to stop for a well-earned break by taking a Menu del Dia at the usual bar near the old railway bridge.  And having got this far it would have been a shame to carry on home without first checking out the old railway track up to and just through the tunnel.  Lots of Black Wheatears but only a very small number of Coughs on the “wrong” side of the road until the resident breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons took to the air above the cliff and that soon got the bulk of the Choughs out into the open for all to see.  Add on a good number of Crag Martins, a plentiful supply of Stonechats, a couple of Blackbirds and nearly all had been seen.  But then, of course, we had to successfully find both Black Redstart and another Rock Bunting before, eventually, locating a Blue Rock Thrush.  The watchful eyes of a trio of Ibex on the cliff above us was an added bonus.

Displaying Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura at Zafarray (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Rock Bunting Emveriza cia (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Great Tit Parus major (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

So, eventually, down the mountain to our respective cars and the onward journeys home – but not before picking up a number of Collared Doves on the way to take the day’s final total to 61 species.  And more if members discover any birds that I have missed!

Kamikaze Crag Martins Ptyonoprogne rupestris at Zafarraya (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Male Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

And even the local Ibex Capra pyrenaica took an interest in our visit

Birds seen:

Mallard; Gannet; Cormorant; Cattle Egret; Little Egret; Golden Eagle; Kestrel; Peregrine Falcon; Moorhen; Avocet; Little Ringed Plover; Ringed Plover; Kentish Plover; Sanderling; Redshank; Mediterranean Gull; Black-headed Gull; Audouin’s Gull; Lesser Black-backed Gull; Yellow-legged Gull; Rock Dove; Collared Dove; Monk Parakeet; Hoopoe; Green Woodpecker; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Crested Lark; Crag Martin; Barn Swallow; House Martin; Meadow Pipit; Yellow Wagtail; White Wagtail; Robin; Black Redstart; Stonechat;  Black Wheatear; Blue Rock Thrush; Blackbird; Mistle Thrush; Cetti’s Warbler; Zitting Cisticola; Chiffchaff; Firecrest; Long-tailed Tit; Coal Tit; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Nuthatch; Woodchat Shrike; Chough; Spotless Starling; House Sparrow; Chaffinch; Serin; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; Crossbill; Cirl Bunting; Rock Bunting and Corn Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.  

Rio Velez and the Sierra Tejeda

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear; my fault entirely!

Many apologies to John and Jenny Wainwright who turned up yesterday (Wednesday) at the Rio Velez for this month's Axarquia Bird Group field visit.  Whilst I had the right date on the website, unfortunately I had entered 20 rather than 21 on the blog.  Not withstanding and despite the howling gale even if it was sunny, John and Jenny ventured forth and recorded a good crop of birds before making their way up to the old railway track above Ventas de Zafarraya (my word it was cold and blowy there) and then, finally, on to the more sheltered confines of El Robledal.  Read their report and you will agree with me that they managed to record some great birds.


A very bright day with very strong winds.  En route from Salar we saw five Common Kestrels, Collared Doves, Southern Grey Shrikes, Spotless Starlings, Goldfinches and Wood Pigeons.

We arrived at Rio Velez meeting point at 9.30 and seeing no-one about, rang Bob.  OH No it's the wrong day!!!! Never mind as we couldn´t gain access to the beach via the back road we went through the estate and cut across to the pumping station through the lettuce fields.  As we parked we could see a huge swathe of mixed gulls on a small spit; with the scope we found Mediterranean, Audoin´s,
Black-headed, Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Also here we saw Sanderlings, Little Ringed Plovers, Avocets, Black-winged Stilts, a Mallard, two Moorhens and a lone Redshank.  In the bushes to our front we found Sardinian and Cetti´s Warblers, Zitting Cisticolas, Goldfinches, Serins and Chiffchaffs.  Above us we saw Barn and Red-rumped Swallows and House Martins.

Mediterranean Gaviota Cabecinegra Larus melanocephalus, Audouin's Gaviota de Audouin Larus audouinii and Black-headed Gaviota Reidora Larus ridibundus Gulls

We waded down to the beach (not literally, but glad we brought our wellies,) here out at sea we located two juvenile Gannets, Cormorants and two rafts of mixed gulls.  On the beach and the few pools here, we saw White Wagtails, Crested Larks and Little Egrets.

Zafaraya:
We then moved onto the old railway track at Venta de Zafaraya, the wind is getting very blustery now, but we still managed to find Chough, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbirds, Cirl and Rock Bunting, Stonechats, House Sparrows, Sardinian Warbler and Spotless Starlings.

El Robledal:

Nuthatch Trepador Azul Sitta europaea

We then moved on to El Robledal and here we were sheltered by the fir trees, so a lot more passerines about.  As we approached the fork to the campsite a juvenile Golden Eagle came across the clearing. In the firs we saw Great, Coal, Long-tailed and Blue Tits, Crested Tit was heard but not seen, a Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrushes, Wood Larks and Short-toed Treecrepers.  A Jay flew across the track to our front and up in the firs two Nuthatches were seen.  They eventually came down to the trees at the rear of the car, where we located their nest site.  Lots of Chaffinches and Wood Pigeons were about here as well as a Cirl Bunting and Jenny spotted a single  female Firecrest.  As we drove away from the site Linnets, House Sparrows and two Southern Grey Shrikes were seen.

On the way back to Salar we found a Little Owl tucked up against a telegraph pole out of the wind.


Both photographs taken on the day by John Wainwright

Great report John and, once again, sorry for the cock-up with the date.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information. 

The weather is obviously picking up with many of us getting in some valuable birding before the next wet period descends upon us.  Foe John and Jenny Wainwright it was once more to one of their favourite sites, the Embalse de Bermejales as can be seen from the following report.

Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris (Jenny)

Embalse de Bermejales: 15th March 2013

A beautiful sunny day with very little wind.

As we had only got back from the coast yesterday (Thursday) and having very little birding time there due to commitments, although we did get our first of the year Pallid and Common Swifts, we decided - as it was such a nice day - to take a picnic to the Embalse de Bermejales.  On the way there we saw Common Kestrel, Chaffinches, Spotless Starlings, Collared Doves, Common Magpies and White Wagtails

Siskin Lugano Carduelis spinus (John)

We parked in our normal spot and our friendly White Wagtail was around the car in seconds.  I went for my walk in the direction of the campsite and as I set off I put up a Little Ringed Plover from the waters edge.  Lots of Common Magpies about today as well as Crossbills, two Hoopoes, Goldfinches and Crested Larks.At the small promontory I heard first then located a male Cirl Bunting, then a couple of Greenfinches, a lone Long-tailed Tit and a good number of Serins.

I crossed the road and walked alongside the small stream, up the hill - which was running well today - and here I found another Cirl Bunting and three Mistle Thrushes.  Wood Pigeons clattered out of the trees here, which in turn caused the Blackbirds to shriek their alarm calls of my approach. This didn´t seem to worry the family of Great Tits or the Robin that was feeding under an almond tree. Above me a few House Martins were about and two Barn Swallows were noted.  A Short-toed Treecreeper was heard but not seen and I then caught a quick glimpse of a Black Redstart. 

Coal Tit  Carbonero Garrapinos  Parus ater  (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

I returned to the car where Jenny was busy photographing a pair of dark phase Red Squirrel as well as a Coal Tit, so I left her to it and headed in the direction of the dam.  As I walked through the trees I found Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs and Coal Tits, while along the waters edge I saw White Wagtails, Linnets, Serins and a few more Blackbirds.  At the Ayunemiento building I found a solitary Siskin, a Mistle Thrush, another Cirl Bunting and yet more Coal Tits.  While I was photographing the latter Jenny came through the walkie-talkie to say she had seen two Firecrests and, on my return, she had also seen a Common Sandpiper, Coal Tits, Robin, Song Thrush and Cormorant.

Bonelli's Eagle Aguila-azor Perdicera Hieraaetus fasciatus (John)

We then headed for the Cacin Gorge where we located the nest site of the Bonelli´s Eagle - one of the birds was sitting and the other flew in with food about five minutes after we arrived.  In the area we also saw Crag Martins, Blackcap, Jackdaws, Chough, a Sparrowhawk, Robin, Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs and a few more Barn Swallows.

On then to the lake at the dam where we saw on the power lines a Common Buzzard, Wood Pigeons, Common Magpies and Stonechats.  On the water were Pochard, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Coots, a Moorhen, a Grey Heron and some White Wagtails in amongst the waterlogged bushes.

As we were leaving the village of El Turro another Bonelli´s Eagle was seen - this is probably one of the pair from the gorge as it is only a stones throw away.  As we entered our own village of Salar we spotted a Short-toed Eagle - perched on a pylon just past the petrol station... nice finish to a lovely days birding !!!

Short-toed Eagle  Culebrera Europea  Circaetus gallicus  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Great report John with lots of great birds seen.  Lucky you to have Bonelli's and Short-toed eagles in addition to the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.   Sham a Golden Eagle didn't also drop in whilst you were in the Cacin Valley!

 

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.  

Whiskered Tern and Pallid Swifts

Thursday 14 March

A beautiful sunny start to the day with clear blue skies and only the occasional cold gust of wind so what better way to celebrate the improved weather than spend the morning down at the Guadalhorce in Malaga.  Welcomed by the resident Collared Doves as I arrived at 9.50 (well, I did have to look for a post box on the journey down from the mountain) I had no sooner walked up to the riverside path than a perching Kestrel on the opposite bank gave me the once-over as I continued on to the footbridge.  Here, as expected, I found a couple of Red-rumped Swallows patrolling the immediate area.  I thought that they might be the only members of this species but I was to be proved wrong as many more were seen over the pools and fields to the back of the reserve.   A lone Little Egret was found up stream from the bridge and as I left the bridge a rather handsome pair of Linnets put in a short appearance.

White-headed Duck Malvasia Cabeciblanca Oxyura leucocephala

Walking on the eastern arm of the Guadalhorce and the Laguna Casillas I saw a few Goldinches and the start of regular passages to and from the Laguna Grande by the still present Cormorants; my estimate would be in the region of fifty plus.  The water itself proved that the White-headed Ducks had returned with a vengeance with at least a dozen present.  In addition, there were about the same number of Common Pochards and a handful of Gadwalls but only a few Coots.  Over the water both Barn Swallows and House Martins were feeding low and I also had a regular appearance of a small number of Red-rumped Swallows.  Needless to say, Spotless Starlings were also moving around the area.

Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus

Accompanied by a number of Serins I then moved on to the Wader Pool which, again, was very full but at last showing signs that there might soon be some feeding area for the waders.  A couple of juvenile Flamingos were in the water immediately in front of the hide and a Black Redstart was actually sitting on one of the openings.  Ten Black-winged Stilts were counted along with a single Greenshank.  Alongside the wader a pair of Little Ringed Plovers were staking a claim to the island whereas on the far side under the trees a handful of Teal and a pair of Shovelers were taking a mid-morning siesta.  Finally, the first Heron of the day flew over and I made my departure southwards.

The journey down to the Sea Watch produced both Corn Bunting and Crested Larks along with more Serins and Goldfinches plus the first Chiffchaffs of the day.  A single White Wagtail was feeding on the fenced area to the right and another on the beach to the east along with a Kentish Plover.  Out at sea a total of twenty-nine Common Scoters was counted along with a small number of Yellow-legged and a couple of Lesser Blacked-Gulls.  Meanwhile, almost below me, a single Slender-billed Gull was resting with eight Black-headed Gulls.

Slender-billed Gull  Gaviota Picofina  Larus genei

After noting the handful of Black-winged Stilts and the missing member of the wintering trio of juvenile Flamingos along with another Greenshank in the Rio Viejo, calling in at the above hides on the return journey I managed to add a Redshank at the Wader Pool and a Moorhen at the Laguna Casillas.  However, the main attraction here whilst watching the hirundines was the appearance of three Pallid Swifts at a very low level feeding within metres of the water.

Whiskered Tern Fumeral Cariblanco Childonias hybrida

So on to the Laguna Escondida, which held another score of mixed Pochards and White-headed Ducks, and then the Laguna Grande recording Greenfinches as I walked the track.  The Laguna Grande's main occupants were a large number of Cormorants plus a few Grey Herons and a single Little Egret.  On the water quite a few Shoveler and yet more White-headed Ducks along with a few Little Grebes and a pair of Black-necked Grebes.  It was whilst watching the hirundines, mainly Barn Swallows and House Martins that I picked out the single, or possibly two, Sand Martins before becoming aware that there was a single Whiskered Tern bust picking insects of the water's surface.  What a shame that I did not have my camera with me!  Then, moving in from the trees at the back a second and closer look at the quartering juvenile Marsh Harrier.


So that was the end of the morning's visit as I had to get back home to meet the builders who were due to start work on the house repairs - but not before a final fly-pass by a trio of screaming Monk Parakeets which brought the morning's tally up to 45 species.


Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Common Scoter, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Whiskered Tern, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Pallid Swift, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information. 

After the rain came the sun

Wednesday

The sun may have returned following the recent very wet weather but it has, once more, brought with it some very strong breezes.  Having to visit the local "Well" company in Velez Malaga this morning to sort out problems with the well's pump (yet more expense!), I then continued on to Torre del mar to take a look at the River Velez in my local patch.  What a difference; water from bank to bank and running at great speed towards the sea.  Not much chance of any waders here me thought - and I was right.

Barn Swallows feeding over the neighbouring field and House Martins over the river along with a few of the local Rock Doves but little more at first glance.  A walk down tot he beach revealed a single Little Egret followed by a single Moorhen.  A couple of Blackbirds were seen along with a handful of Goldfinches and Serins near the pumping house.

Resting on the spit at the end of river estuary a small flock of gulls contained mainly Black-headed, Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls.  With the mixed flock were also a couple of Cormorants.  Returning to the car i also had a small number of House Sparrows and a Collared Dove.

And that was just about it.  Yes, I did have a Stonechat on the way down the mountain and a single Red-legged Partidge suddenly got the jitters and decided he ought to be in somebody's pot as he dashed out into the road as I approached Los Romanes on the return journey.

But tomorrow and Friday are another days with the promise of more sun rather than rain; that will come, me thinks, next week!  Workmen arriving tomorrow to both start on repairs to the sun room and reinstate the pump in the well so I may well take off for the Guadalhorce in Malaga in the hope of better things.  Similarly, if the rain really eases up then conditions may be more favourable for next week's visit to the Rio Velez for the month field trip of the Axarquia Bird Group; I certainly hope so.