March Field Visit of the Axarquia Bird Group

Thursday 20 March

Fresh back from New Zealand and anxious to get some local birding under my belt after a seven week absence, this month's field visit of the Axarquia Bird Group was attended by thirteen members at our local patch, the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar followed by a visit (six present) to the lower picnic area above Alcaucin.  By the time we adjourned for lunch we had finally recorded 56 species but, no doubt, having read the following someone will make contact to let me know which bird I have missed!

A strange old morning to start the day with increasing cloud to accompany the calm dry weather but no sooner had we travelled down to the beach that the cloud eased back and the temperature sored; where to put the extra layer of clothing?  However, upon arriving with Ellie Wallbank from Marbella I was soon greeting old friends including Gerry Collins from Salobrena and Lesley laver from Nerja.  Also from Nerja, it was good to once more see Patricia Saw with us.  Nearer home, only Brian Green from nearby Triana but we did welcome a new guest, now living in France but holidaying nearby, in John Clayden.  Eric and Pat Lyon along with Steve and Elena Powell were also present and a meeting these day would not be the same with the company of John and Jenny Wainwright.  A special mention of the latter as it was great to see John looking so well after his recent operation (must be all that birding he is undertaking or Jenny's cooking) and Jenny herself managing very well. 

To the birds.  As might be expected we were, as always, welcomed by the resident Rock Doves, Moorhens and White Wagtails.  Chiffchaffs fussed around the undergrowth and numerous Cetti's Warblers were both seen and heard.  In addition, the two later-arriving cars even managed, much to the chagrin of the rest of us, to record at least one Hoopoe.  Similarly, there seemed to be a plentiful supply of Blackbirds about and Mallard numbers had yet to be depleted albeit there was to be no repeat sighting of either the Garganey or Night Heron seen earlier on the week.

Little Ringed Plover  Chorlitejo Chico  Charadrius dubius

Off down the track to the recently-erected public hide whilst watching the Barn Swallows overhead and regular sightings of Zitting Cisticola around the river margins.  Also noticeable were the good numbers of Blackcap and then the waders started to appear.  Five Black-winged Stilts and many Little Ringed Plovers but only the occasional Ringed Plover.  Meanwhile, a score or more of Sanderling seemed to be very gittery, moving up and down the water like demented ghosts. To the left over the field a disappearing Crested Lark and whilst looking at the canes and bushes to the sides a number of both Goldfinches and Serin were recorded.  Suddenly, a single Snipe made a very brief appearance and the n very soon disappeared from view in the lush vegetation.  Spotless Starlings appeared on both the pylons and to bathe in the river whilst a couple of screeching Monk Parakeets passed overhead flying towards the town.  Not to be missed were the two Kestrels seen in this area.

Goldfinch  Jilguero  Carduelis carduelis

One small surprise was to see a pair of Crag Martins feeding above the river (why had these birds not yet returned to the higher breeding slopes?) and a single Sand Martin along with another single Red-rumped Swallow but no House Martins were to be seen.  Having reached the hide by now we also very soon picked up a small number of both Iberian (Blue-headed) Yellow Wagtails along with a couple of Meadow Pipits and a solitary Stonechat.

Cormorants were very active flying up and down the river as well as sunbathing on the edge of the lower lagoon along with a quartet of Grey Herons and a couple of Little Egrets.  Just the one Redshank but in the far distance, over the "Spanish bull" a pair of Ravens passé along the ridge.

One of a score of Sanderling  Correlimos Tridactilo  Calidris alba

The walk to the beach confirmed a small number of Mediterranean Gulls on the water along with a very small number of Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls.  A single Black-necked Grebe dropped on tot he water and was very obligingly recorded before it disappeared in the swell.  Returning to the hide via the water's edge we duly noted a trio of Kentish Plover and a couple of Dunlin amongst both the Little Ringed Plovers and Sanderling.  Finally, a Corn Bunting put in an appearance just to remind us that there are other birds to be seen at these lower levels.

Kentish Plover  Chorlitejo Patinegro  Charadrius alexandrinus

Returning to our cars and confirming venues for both April and May (see Axarquia Visits), half the group made their way hone whilst six of us travelled up to the lower picnic area above Alcaucin.  This, I am pleased to record, provided a good number of smaller birds including many Crossbills and Nuthatches.  Also seen were Crested, Blue and Great Tits along with a couple of Rock Bunting and a single Short-toed Treecreeper, even though numerous individuals were heard.  A number of Coal Tits were heard.  The path alongside the little stream provided many of these as the birds washed and drank and they were joined by a single Robin.  At least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen and photographed.  High on the rocks a couple of Wood Pigeon rested and two Choughs called and then identified themselves as they flew down the opposite valley.  Also present were both Goldfinches and Serins but we had to wait an unusually long time before seeing our first Chaffinch.



Specled Wood Pararge aegeria butterfly seen at the Alcaucin picnic area

A most rewarding day's birding and I get to start all over again tomorrow when I travel up to Cabo de Gata via Las Norias and Roquetas de Mar.


Birds seen:
Mallard, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt,  Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Snipe, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue-headed Wagtail, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Chough, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Crossbill, Rock Bunting, 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 Wainwright

Tuesday 18 March

Back in business now that I am once more in Casa Collado, our mountain home above Lake Vinuela.  I thought it would not be long before John and Jenny Wainwright were back up their favourite mountain and, sure enough, I have just received the latest report from John reflecting their visit to this wonderful birding site earlier today.


Sierra Loja: 18th March

A very warm day (22C)but still a chilly breeze at times.

Chores finished by eleven am, we decided to see if there were any new arrivals up in Sierra Loja.  The first part of the drive was very uneventful until we reached the old workings where we saw Wren, Serins, Blackbirds, Azure-winged Magpies, Mistle Thrush and Collared Dove.

Up and into the hidden quarry here we saw four Barn Swallows, Black Wheatears, a distant Blue Rock Thrush was singing from the clifftop, more Blackbirds and a Rock Bunting.

Blue Rock Thrush  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Moving up to the tree line - this too was eerily quiet in respect of birdsong - but we did manage to spot two Short-toed Treecreepers, a small family of Long-tailed Tits, a Coal Tit, a Great Tit, several Chaffinches, Crossbills (these were the only noises heard), a Wood Pigeon and an Azure-winged Magpie.

We could hear the Jackdaws before we got to the cliff area, these were feeding with a few Chough on the slope to our right, then a pair of Black Wheatears flew onto the wire fence, a party of Linnets flew overhead and a Stonechat was seen atop an almond tree.  Just as we were pulling away a Sparrowhawk came hurtling across the tops of the bushes.   Nine Ibex were also seen en route to the next port-of-call.

Just as we passed the entrance to the para-gliding area, we got our first Black-eared Wheatear of the year and as we drove into the sub-station valley another one was seen.  A few Thekla Larks were singing from the rock-piles and another two Rock Buntings were seen.  Then a Northern Wheatear was spotted sitting a lone rock out in the grasses and a Little Owl called from somewhere in the valley here but we could not locate it.

Black-eared Wheatear  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

So up to the ponds, seeing nothing different from our previous sightings, here again you could hear a pin drop.  But we did find in the bottom pond a Sharp-ribbed Newt, Western Spadefoots and Natterjack Toads and as we were having a cuppa, four Goldfinches and a Linnet turned up for a drink - at the pond of course.

Western Spadefoot  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Onward to the fossil cave area where a Honey Buzzard was seen hovering several times while progressing along the cliff top.  Then a male and female Black Redstart, followed by a Blue Rock Thrush which was sent packing by a pair of Black Wheatears.  While we were watching the latter a single Griffon Vulture sailed high over the cliff.

Lots of Spotless Starlings about plus a Rock Sparrow, a Song Thrush and a Common Kestrel.

Over the other side of the cliffs, in a small fir copse, we found Goldfinches, Mistle Thrushes, Chaffinches and a Robin.

On the home journey another Griffon Vulture was seen but nothing extra.

Griffon Vulture  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Rutland Water

Friday 14 March

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Only back in Stamford for five days but I did manage to get back on the birding trail with a morning visit to my local patch at Rutland Water.  Much as the site was gradually drying out after all the previous prolonged rain, the pool levels were still very high so that the only waders were a pair of Avocet and the wintering Lapwing, albeit in smaller numbers than when last visited in January.

Whilst fewer birds about, including ducks, I did manage to find a a late Fieldfare, a trio of Black-necked Grebes and an accompanying Slavonian Grebe.  In addition, whilst there were fewer birds making use of the feeding station, there was a regular appearance of a single female and a pair of male Reed Buntings.

Male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

A full report and list of the 47 species recorded can be found on the alternative blog at http://axarquiabirder.blogspot.com.

Thursday 13 March

You have to admit, once John and Jenny Wainwright get going, they get going!  Yesterday saw them at Fuente de Piedra and the nearby Laguna Dulce where, as you might well expect, the birds were waiting to be recorded.  As for me, a little overnight fog to clear but very quickly a lovely sunny morning so I was able to spend time at mt local patch here in England, Rutland Water.  Report later if time.  Meanwhile, John's report follows and all photos on this occasion were taken by John himself.


Fuente de Piedra & Laguna Dulce: 12th March 2014

A warm but breezy day, looked like rain later.  A ride over to Antequera to order Jenny´s new glasses and then off to Fuente de Piedra.

The flood meadow on the left of the approach was alive with waders, consisting of at least fourteen Black-tailed Godwits, several Ruff, Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Coots, a Black-winged Stilt, Moorhens, and a Little Grebe.

Black-tailed Godwit  (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

As we parked up a Short-toed Eagle soared past in the direction of Piedra village but very high.Also here we saw Meadow Pipits, one Pallid Swift, several Barn Swallows, House and Crag Martins, Jackdaws, two Gull-billed Terns and in the small bushes we found Black Redstart, three Spanish Sparrows, Sardinian Warblers and Chiffchaffs. 

Spanish Sparrow 

At the boardwalk we saw more Black-tailed Godwits, Shovelers, more male Spanish Sparrows, House Sparrows, a Grey Wagtail, Ruff, Shovelers, Snipe, Greater Flamingos and Chiffchaffs.  As we walked along the main track to the scrape a Little Owl was calling from the oak tree on the left, and on and around the scrape we saw four Little Ringed Plovers, Cetti´s and Sardinian Warblers, Black-headed Gulls, Shovelers, Moorhens, Black-winged Stilts and a few Linnets.

Little Ringed Plover 

The laguna itself had lots of Greater Flamingos, rafts of mixed gulls, including Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged.  We continued on to the closed hide where we found Pochard, Little Grebe, White-headed Ducks, Mallard, Teal, Shovelers, a Hoopoe, Jackdaws and Black-winged Stilts. Hirundines were in good numbers here, the majority being Barn Swallows, with House and Crag Martins.  A sudden lift-off of gulls and the arrival of a female Marsh Harrier which just cruised through and wasn´t seen again.  With the gulls coming back in we located, Herring, Yellow-legged and Black-headed and another Snipe flew into cover of the reeds.

Moving onto the small open hide we were amazed to find not one but four Mongoose just lazing about being scrutinised by the rabbit population and a few Moorhens, also here we saw Goldfinches, a lone Little Ringed Plover and a couple of Gadwalls.

Mongoose - and then carefully watched by his "friends" (or should that say "supper?")

Back to the car for some sustenance and off round the laguna to Laguna Dulce, en route seeing Stone Curlew, two Ravens, another Marsh Harrier, Common Kestrel and more Linnets.  Rounding a bend we came across another two Ravens feeding on road-kill and also about were Spotless Starlings, House Sparrows, Crested Larks, a Common Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk was seen sweeping over the olive grove.

At least the Raven has found his meal 

Arriving at Laguna Dulce, priority No 1 a cuppa then spent a while looking for the Ruddy Duck that Andy Paterson told us was here- no luck here!

Tufted Duck 

But we did see thirty plus Red-crested Pochards, four Tufted Ducks, Common Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Gadwalls and Shovelers representing the ducks, also present a Grey Heron, Purple Swamphens, Great Crested, Little and Black-necked Grebes, a female Marsh Harrier, Common Coots and Moorhens.  In the bushes and reed beds we found Goldfinches, Corn Buntings, Cetti´s and Sardinian Warblers, Chiffchaff, Chaffinches, Great Tits, Serins and Blackbirds.

Red-crested Pochard 

On the sandy water line to the left of the hide we found two Little Ringed Plovers and two Kentish Plovers and three Lapwings.  Behind us and across the main road to Campillos we could hear a Buzzard mewing but could not locate it.  Lots more House Martins and Crag Martins here with a smattering of Barn Swallows.

The wind has freshened somewhat and it is spitting every now and then so back to Salar, after a very good days birding.


Definitely some great birds seen during the day.

Back on the "Old Zafarraya Road"

Wednesday 12 March

It sounds very much like some old music hall song but, once again, John and Jenny wainwright have been out and about including a return visit to the old road to Zafarraya.  It says "Closed" at the top but, even with a saloon car, you can still get through if you drive carefully.  From the lower end you have direct access top the arable fields that regularly produce the Calandra Lark flocks, indeed you can often find at least five lark species here.  Then you are within easy reach of the old railway at Ventas de Zafarrya having driven through the "Magpie Woods" or the opposite direction will take you to the pantaneta above Alhama de Granada.  Both directions also lead one towards the woods of Robledal.

Meanwhile, I am back in Stamford and trying to sort out all sorts of things that need completing before the return flight t o Spain this Saturday but I am determined to get one visit in to my (here) local patch of Rutland Water.  "Watch this space," as they say. John's report follows:

Old Zafaraya road & Alhama de Granada area:  Tuesday 11th March 2014.

A warm day but blustery winds at times.

It was much warmer outside than in the house so we drove out of the village up to km16 and onto the old Zafaraya road, prior to this we saw Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Spotless Starlings, Blackbird, House Sparrows and a Common Buzzard was hunting over the olive groves.

Common Buzzard  Buteo buteo  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

On the first part of the track we found Mistle Thrushes, Chaffinches and a Black Redstart, the wind was very blustery here, but we did manage to pick up another Common Buzzard sitting in a field, which moved up into the trees, as we stopped.

After this we headed for the ford. Although the latter was almost dry we did see Robin, Azure-winged Magpies, Jays, Corn Buntings and House Sparrows. A Green Woodpecker was yaffling somewhere along the crest where there are a fair amount of lichen covered trees, but we only snatched glances through the trees, until Jenny spotted it (or another one) feeding not a hundred metres away from us among the grasses and bracken. 

Green Woodpecker  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

We then retraced our steps and headed once again for Zafaraya, the fields were devoid of the smaller birds probably due to the strength of the wind, although the Magpies were in good numbers and a Hoopoe was seen. As the birding was scarce we headed for the gorge at Alhama de Granada.

Hoopoe  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Here, we were out of the wind and the birds were showing themselves. Our first sighting was of a Grey Wagtail, then Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches, Serins, a Greenfinch, Blackcap, Mistle Thrush and a Blackbird. At the ford/pedestrian bridge we found Wren and Blackcaps searching the brambles for food. Chiffchaffs were flying out from the bushes and over the stream catching midges and a couple of White Wagtails were seen also.

From here we moved onto the Las Paloma laguna, where the predominant bird was the Common Coot, we spotted two Cormorants perched on the overflow and then about a dozen Pochard came out from the cover of the overhanging trees, a few Mallard were about as were good numbers of Barn Swallows and two Crag Martins and a Moorhen.

We then crossed the road and drove up the other side of the gorge, in the fields we found Crested Larks, more Barn Swallows and a few female Black Redstarts. Looking over and into the gorge we saw a small flock of some thirty Jackdaws some flying and some perched on the cliffs across the gorge, Crag Martins were also here. A surprise viewing was of some twenty Humming-bird Hawk Moths, flying backwards and forwards along the edge of the cliff, but never seeming to land at all. 

As we progressed along the top of the gorge we saw Linnets, Black Redstarts ( all females), Goldfinches, Collared Doves, Rock Doves, Meadow Pipits and Crossbills.

Crossbill  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Through Alhama de Granada and back to Salar seeing en route a few Crested Larks, Corn Buntings and our only Southern Grey Shrike of the day - surprisingly not one Kestrel was seen today and this road is usually a real hot spot for them.

Lots of good birds seen by John and jenny so really looking forward to getting back amongst the action next week.

Charca de Suarez and Padul with John & Jenny

Last day away from UK and all packed ready to leave Hong Kong (Kites over the water yesterday) when I received the latest news from John and Jenny Wainwright.  This time over in Granada province visiting both the Charca de Suarez site near Motril and Padul, alittle further inland on th eway to Granada itself.  Jenny sent me a reminder that now we have reached March teer is restruicted access to Charc during the breeding season.  See her photograph of the times (below).



Here follows John's report:

Charca de Suarez: 8th March 2014

A very hot bright day, with very little wind about.

We both woke up very early, so Jenny decided a trip down to Salobreña, would be nice, so an hour later and we were underway. Enroute we saw good numbers of Little Egrets and Grey Herons coming off from the direction of the small laguna just prior to the Morelada turn on the A92. A few pockets of Jackdaws and Cattle Egrets were also seen opposite this laguna on and above the fields.The rest of the way down gave us Spotless Starlings, Collared Doves, Woodpigeo Ps, Magpies, Blackbirds, a Common Kestrel and a couple of nigh suicidal Red-legged Partridges which missed the car by inches.

We arrived at about 8.50am and waited by the small entrance gate for Manuel, at 9.10 he still wasn´t about so we phoned him..Oh, sorry the times have now changed to 10pm - there is an attached photo with new times of opening.  (See above)

So across the road and down to the beach. In the small stream running into the sea we saw literally hundreds of Chiffchaffs, a Greenfinch, two Mallard, Serins, Stonechats, a Great Tit, Black Redstart, House Sparrows, Goldfinches and a single Crag Martin was seen over the flats.

The tide was coming in fast and not a wader was to be seen along the beach, but out at sea we picked up several Gannets and Cormorants also Lesser Black-backed, Yellow-legged, Black-headed and a solitary Mediterranean Gull. 

Gannet  (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Back to the reserve gate for 10am where we had two Little Bitterns fly overhead, in the old car park we saw Serin, Collared Doves, Chiffchaffs, Goldfinches, a House Martin, Coot and a Moorhen.

The walk to the open hide (Taraje) was a cacophony of Cetti´s Warblers, Blackcaps and Goldfinches, but at the hide things were pretty quiet, although we did pick up a Kingfisher, Little Bittern, three Purple Swamphens, Little Grebe, Coots, Mallard and a few Spotless Starlings.

At the large (Aneas) hide, the centre island was awash with Cormorants in all poses - wings spread, sleeping upright and lying down, a few Mallard, Black-winged Stilt, a Snipe, some Coots and about a dozen Shovelers.  In the reeds we found another two Purple Swamphens and seven Grey Herons, the Crested Coots were nesting across the laguna, hence the small hide was out of bounds. Also at the back of the laguna we managed to pick up the Ferruginous Duck also here were Pochard, Coots, Little Grebes and more Moorhens. The reeds were a flurry of activity in the shape of Great Tits, Chiffchaffs, White Wagtails and Cetti´s Warblers.

Along now to the Trebol hide, again it was very quiet although we did get our first Barn Swallows of the day and the Crested Coots were in the throws of nest building.  

We did manage to locate three of the four Night Herons - in the trees, just prior to the Punto de Encuentro

Night Heron  (PHOTO:  John Wainwright)

We got to the entrance at 11.30and was told as we were friends of Bob Wright we could go back in until 1pm - Oh, what power that man wields even from New Zealand!!!

A few butterflies namely Red Admiral, Bath White, Speckled Wood and Large White.

Apart from that there was nothing new except perhaps the two Tree Frogs, so we headed for Padul, seeing a Buzzard and more Barn Swallows enroute.

Tree Frog  (PHOTO:  Jenny Wainwright)

 
Padul: 8 March 2014

Lots of people here today - walkers and families mainly. As we approached the hide, a Hoopoe flew away in the distance,a Meadow Pipit hopped out from the grasses and in the fields opposite there were Crested Larks. A couple of Grey Herons were flushed from a dry stream bed as we passed and in the hedgerows we saw Sardinian Warblers, House Sparrows, Black Redstarts and a small group of Linnets.

A Common Kestrel was seen hovering over the ploughed fields and a male Stonechat began singing from atop a bush.  By this time we had gotten to the boardwalk. As we were having a cup of tea, a flash of brown along the small stream here gave us a female Merlin, we ran round the car to get a look at her and she was perched on a bare tree overhanging the stream, but seeing us she flew off again, probably to ambush one of the many White Wagtails or Meadow Pipits that frequent this habitat.

We walked up parallel to the boardwalk and looked over the marshy ground, here we saw a Water Pipit, Meadow Pipits, a Snipe broke cover and headed into the reeds further up, and as we walked back to the car a Zitting Cisticola and a Cetti´s Warbler serenaded us.
  
Having also just read Dave's report from El Fondo, up near Alicante, it would appear that everyone seems to be seeing Merlins at the moment.  Please save one for me!   Look forward to being back in Spain in a week's time.

Huetor Tajar & old Zafarraya road

5 March 2014

Just received a report from John and jenny Wainwright's latest birding foray and the really good news is to read that Jenny is out of hospiatl after her ten-day stay and once more directing John on hois birding exploits.  Welcome back Jenny and look forward to seeing you later this month.  Today is our last full day in New Zealand and we start the return process tomorrow with a flight to Auckland and then Hong Kong beofre landing in London on Sunday evening.

Whilst here we have suffered the worst weather in living memory with driving rain, winds in excess of 145 kph and even told that the only road off he Banks Peninsular back to Christchurch is presently closed due to flooding and landslides.  Interesting!  And last week they were suffering 28C and water rationing!

Huetor Tajar & Old Zafaraya Road:  4th March 2014

A warm, bright day with a chilly wind now and then.

We had been to the local market at Huetor, so we thought a look along the local stream was called for.

Stone Curlew (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

As we drove round a small flock of some twenty Stone Curlews flew out from the stream, split into three flocks, and one of them - comprising of only six birds - came down in the fields on the north side of the stream. We located three but never saw hide or hair of the remainder. Here also we saw Tree and House Sparrows, Black Redstart, Linnets, Spotless Starlings, Collared Doves and Linnets.

A Little Egret sat motionless in the far field and all about were White Wagtails and a few Red-legged Partridges.

We dropped our shopping in at Salar before continuing on to the Old Zafaraya Road (km16 on the Alhama de Granada road). En route seeing Mistle Thrushes, Common Kestrel, Wood Pigeons, Corn Buntings, Blackbirds and a couple of Rock Doves.

Meadow Pipit  (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Along the track we found three Spanish Ibex feeding in the valley, then a good flock of Chaffinches plus two Bramblings in the almond trees, several Common Magpies were seen in the fields, along with Goldfinches, Crested Larks and a Blackbird. A Greater Spotted Woodpecker was heard here but not located.

A Lesser Kestrel was spotted hovering over the fields to our left and several Wood Pigeon flew off the fields further down the track, also fourteen Corn Buntings in a tree, a Black Redstart, Chiffchaffs and a few Stonechats.

We turned right at the cross-roads towards Sierra Loja and stopped at the ford, where we picked up Azure-winged Magpies, Green Woodpecker, Sardinian Warbler, a Jay, a Blackbird, Goldfinches and a Great Tit.

Onward through the farm where we saw Meadow Pipits, Crested Larks, White Wagtails, House Sparrows, Spotless Starlings, Linnets, Collared Doves, a female Common Kestrel and some Wood Pigeons.

Southern Grey Shrike  (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Southern Grey Shrike (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

The track has been repaired very well here - although work is still in progress and there is still a chance of meeting the construction lorries on the track. But we persevered and in the next three km we saw Red-legged Partridges, four Chough, a pair of Southern Grey Shrike, and a km further on a lone - possibly, a Great Grey Shrike - as I could not see any pink hue on its breast. I remain undecided as it flew off very quickly out of sight!!! though I did get a quick snapshot of it.

Lots of Black Redstarts in the area as well as Spotless Starlings and White Wagtails. Retracing our steps we saw Serins and Chaffinches. And as we joined the main road back to Salar a beautifully marked Common Buzzard flew no more than twenty foot over the road to our front and another Common Kestrel was seen on the wires.

Not a bad few hours birding, lets hope the weather stays good for a while now.
 



Great report John and also enjoyed the photos.