Rufous Bush Chat, Golden Oriole, Hawfinch and much more

Rufous Bush Chat Cercotrichas galactoles

Friday 13 June

It may be unlucky day back in the UK (the equivalent in Spain is Tuesday13th) but for me the day could not have got off to a better start. Leaving the house at 8am I disturbed three Blue Rock Thrushes that had roosted in a bush at the bottom of the drive, drove round the corner and a Turtle Dove took off in front of me and I had not gone 500 metres!  Naturally, there many Thekla larks to be seen as I drove down the mountain and off to Torre del Mar where I joined Steve and Elena Powell (Monk Parakeets resting on the overhead wires) for the drive over to the Antequera area where we met up with Mick Richardson to see if we could find that elusive Rufous Bust Chat (Rufou-tailed Scrub-robin) of which it is reported that there may only be a couple of breeding pairs in Malaga Province.

No sooner had we arrived on site (protected and "secret" for obvious reasons) than, amidst the numerous Blackbirds, Barn Swallows and House Sparrows. we found our bird.  Sitting on a fence top about fifty metres ahead we were bust taking record shots, even if the Rufous Bush Chat was facing away from us, just in case this might be the only opportunity.  A Collared Dove wandered about, Crested Larks seemed to be in good supply and even a handful of Common Swifts flew over us at low level.

Crested Lark  Cogujada Comun  Galerida cristata

With the bird apparently at ease and regularly using the same stretch of fence we moved the car closer and sat inside hoping for that closer look.  Yes, up on the fence it came again and again along with the Crested Lark that was obviously also nesting nearby.  A pair of Linnets joined the far end of the fence and Mick even had a couple of distant Gull-billed Terns over the far hill.  But could we get an even better view?  Once more we moved the car and backed up the return fence in the hope that the Rufous Bush Chat might actually perch on the corner post and so enable us to take a photograph or two without having to try and focus through the near fence.  The bird only made one such move; but we there ready and waiting and all three of us got some great shouts of this very scarce bird.  Absolutely marvellous!

Rufous Bush Chat Alzacola Rojizo Cercotrichas galactoles from distant record shot to less than five metres

What to do now?  We were not going to get a better or closer view so we decided it was time to head off to the Arroya de Marin near Archidona for some butterfly and dragonfly searching.  No sooner had we started the drive that a most handsome male Montagu's Harrier passed low to our right and, if one was not enough, a second male Rufus Bush Chat was on the wires less than 150 metres away!  The perfect end to the morning.

No sooner had we arrived at Marin than it was obvious that both Bee-eaters and Barn Swallows were in residence and in good numbers.  Lots of young Barn Swallows taking their first flights and looking quite "grey" against the blue of their parents.  Whilst Steve and Mick had their face almost on the ground, I wandered on along the lower track, looked up in the dead branches at the top of a smallish tree and their was a Hawfinch just waiting to be photographed.  Steve had seen but never photographed a Hawfinch, one of his target aims, so I could not resist the temptation to wander back and ask if he could identify the bird I had just taken.  (What a naughty boy I am!)

The mighty Hawfinch Picogordo Coccothraustes coccothraustes with its cherry-cracking beak

But not to digress.  There were numerous butterflies and dragonflies to be seen, recorded and photographed and whilst i probably only immediately recognised the Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra, no doubt a full sighting report will appear on one or both of Steve and Mick's blogs (see end for links).

Feeding Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra with BumbleBee for company

Swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon gorganus

 Back to the birds.  Mick had heard a distant Great Spotted Woodpecker and then, almost in front of us, a very loud and clear call from a Green Woodpecker.  The others were looking down whilst Elena and I looked up and ere long I watched a warbler land in the nearby large tree to which the Hawfinch had disappeared and there was a Subalpine Warbler working its way down to the lowest branches at bush level.  Watching this tree we then saw another pair of Hawfinches fly in and managed to get a clear view through the canopy.  Meanwhile, a Chaffinch had disturbed the Hawfinch by the time Steve arrived with his long lens but he did manage to get a shot of the resting Rock Sparrow.  A Greenfinch was seen along with more Bee-eaters as we made our ways back to the cars and then, looking out of the windows on our side, we watched a female Sardinian Warbler moving through a low bush not three metres away.

There were regular fly-pasts by Wood Pigeons, the occasional Spotless Starling and many Blackbirds.  Elena picked up a Blue Tit and we were constantly serenaded by the singing/calling Golden Orioles.  Moving on down the main track we were welcomed by a Hoopoe and a departing Blue Rock Thrush from the old ruin as made our way to the first river crossing.  Once again, Steve and Mick were after their Bs and Ds so Elena and I wandered on up the track to yet more calling Golden Orioles.  A small family of Long-tailed Tits were feeding in the trees to our left on the bank of the stream and then we saw a Golden Oriole fly across the track at a very low level.  Amazingly, it then reappeared and seemed to perch in a shaded but relatively open bush giving me chance to get a few shots from about fifty metres distance.  Before flying of it was joined by a second bird which, being more in the shade, gave the appearance of a female but looking at the processed shot I suspect it was another male.

Down from the evasting tree calling to be seen; the very handsome Golden Oriole Oropendola Oriolus oriolus

Our final stop was at the second ford where there were yet more dragonflies to be recorded.  Serins were moving around along with Goldfinches and a pair of Crag Martins quartered the nearby cliff face.  To our right, on the other side of the stream, Elena and I watched a female Ibex with her new-born youngster as they watched us before moving slowly away.

Female Ibex Capra pyrenaica with calf

Then it was once more to our final site near Salinas where the rare dragonflies that were desired awaited Steve and Mick.  Meanwhile, there was a Lesser Kestrel overhead and a couple of Jackdaws along with a single Rock Dove seemed to have taken over the small ruin.  A number of Azure-winged Magpies were seen and even a Red-rumped Swallow flew over our heads to give a little variety from the many House Sparrows and Crested Larks.

A last look at the Golden Oriole

All in all, a marvellous day's birding and many thanks to my friends for such lovely company.








More on buttrflies and dragonflies visit the blogs of Steve and Mick as follows:

Steve:  www.wildaboutspain.com CLICK HERE
Mick:   www.lojawildlife.com      CLICK HERE







Birds recorded:
Montagu's Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Rufius Bush Chat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Golden Oriole, Azure-winged magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sarrow, Rock Sparrow, Chainch, Greenfinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Hawfinch.

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

Sierra Loja quarry

4 June 2014

It's certainly all happening today and this rate i shall never get the house ready before collecting Jenny from the airport!! After my Golden Orioles and Spotted Flycatchers, Angelina and Howard's Sardinian Warblers along comes a report form John and Jenny Wainwright with an update of their local Eagle Owls.  Whenever were John and jenny going to simply check on the breeding eagle owls?  No, you can see form John's report that they managed a not unimpressive sightings list in their seventy-five minutes or so.


Sierra Loja Tuesday 3rd June

A pleasant evening with a cooling breeze.

As we had business in Loja and as it was nearing 8pm we decided to see if we could get some pictures of Eagle Owl and chicks, without the harsh sunlight that is normally flooding the cliff face.

We arrived at about 8.15pm seeing on the way Little Owl, Spotless Starlings, Collared Doves and Crag Martins.

Just prior to the site a large flock of Serins took off from the road and the grasses close by the roadside.  At the site the Serins had flown up and were feeding here - amongst the small shrubs and grasses. Also here we located a male Dartford Warbler and a female Stonechat.

Above us were House and Crag Martin, mostly the former, and another small mixed flock of Linnets, Serins and Goldfinches flew past.  Also, a Sparrowhawk was seen flying along the crest.

House Martin Avion Comun  Delichon urbicum  (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Looking up at the owl site nothing was seen, so we scanned the bushes, finding a male Stonechat and some House Sparrows.  The Chough calling, brought our attention back to the cliff face, where one of the adult Eagle Owls had appeared.  Several Jackdaws were passing across the nest site and several times the Eagle Owl was seen to duck.

A movement below the owl site led us to two Blue Rock Thrushes chasing one another until they finally went their opposite ways.  Then below us in the quarry entrance a Black Wheatear put in a welcome appearance.

The pine copse close by held Crossbills, Wood Pigeon, Sardinian Warbler, Blackbirds and Chaffinches also a Black Redstart was heard but not seen.

Eagle Owl Buho Real Bubo bubo resting above nest entrance (PHOTO: John Wainwright

Back to the cliff and a Common Kestrel hovered high above and the then dived down across the owl site making the Eagle Owl spread its wings - we actually thought it was going to leave the nest site - but no!   Bee-eaters were heard but not seen but we did spot a single doe Spanish Ibex and her young and a Red-legged Partridge started calling.

A last look before we left but no owlets were seen tonight - no movement in either cave was noted, although we had the scope up all the time on the site.

And as we drove down - through to Loja itself - we did see Short-toed Treecreeper, Rock Bunting, Azure-winged Magpies, Great Tit and more Chaffinches.

Still not a bad hour and a quarters birding, hope the owlets are OK!!!

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

The Sardinian Warblers have fledged!

Wednesday 4 June

Those of you who received the latest bi-monthly e-magazine Malaga Birds last week, will have red the illustrated comment about the pair of Sardinian Warblers that nested in the interior patio, withing striking distance of the outdoor bar in case they needed a quick "pick-me-up", of Angelina and Howard Heerens's home near Almarche.  Well, great news, I received an email this morning from Angelina and Howard to let me know that the birds had successfully fledged.  Also attached were the following photographs of the growing family.

The Sardinian Warbler Curruca Cabecinegra Sylvia melanocephala amily  (PHOTOS: Angelina Heerens)

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

Wednesday 4 June

Making a quick visit to Velez de Benaudalla to check on post, etc I decided to make a brief stop at the Gualalfeo on the return journey.  No sooner had I left the village than a Golden Oriole crossed the road in front of me and upon arriving at the picnic site there were at least two calling from the surrounding trees along with Nightingales in the reed beds near the river itself.

Both Barn and Red-rumped Swallows were feeding over the water and, in front of me at the water's edge, I could also see both White and Grey Wagtails feeding.  Lots of Chaffinches and Blackbirds about along with the resident House Sparrows who continue to nest in the dry drainage channels in the opposite wall but, sadly, no sign of the Dippers which have had a traditional nesting site here for many years.  Perhaps they were away feeding; I hope so.

Spotted Flycatcher  Papamoscas Gris  Muscicapa striata

On the other hand, it was also lovely to see so many Spotted Flycatchers about and then, to finish, I also had a Collared Dove and couple of Coots.

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

Cuckoos and Hawfinches a Plenty!

Monday 2 June

A lovely clear, calm and sunny morning as I set off to meet John and Jenny Wainwright just south of Archidona so that we could explore the wooded valley known as the Arroya Marin.  In the event, arriving on site just after 9.45 it turned out very warm after yesterday's rain with everything looking green and lush.  The only real drawback was the fact that for most of the time we were looking at birds either in bushes or the tree canopy and all was in the shade, hence the poor photographs.

Smelly Iris

Lots of flowering plants but the Smelly Iris had just about gone over.  On arrival we were welcomed by a cacophony of bird sound and calls, if not sightings.  There were at least two Cuckoos calling along with Golden Orioles, Nightingales, Wrens and Short-toed Treecreepers.  However, before we made our final departure to our respective homes we had manage to finally see all, the Cuckoo and a male Golden Oriole coming right a the end of our four-hour visit.

Starting off down the upstream path from our parking area near the old ruin, we soon had a brief sighting of a Wren and then a couple of Robins and a Long-tailed Tit plus a calling Red-legged Partridge.  With so many singing/ calling Nightingales it was not long before we had a few sightings.  In the trees we recorded first a couple of Chaffinches and then, in total, a handful of Nuthatches.  The Golden Orioles, at least two, were in good voice but not a sighting to be had.  The same with the Cuckoos; one to our right and one further ahead.  No matter how hard and how long we looked we just could not find the birds.  On the other hand, as above, when one of the Cuckoos moved nearer us we thought we would be in luck but, no, we had to wait for another bird working down stream along the skyline before both Jenny and I finally got a good view as it moved southwards.

Now well along the narrow path and it also became very apparent that we were surrounded by Blackcaps, mainly males but we did find a female with a single fledgling.  A female Black Redstart made a dash from cover to cover and then a male Sardinian Warbler slipped away to the left.  As might be expected, there were numerous Blackbirds foraging in the trees and bushes and they remained with us all morning and on every part of the site.  One of the later Blackcaps, moving to the lower branches of a good-sized tree, did us a favour by dislodging a pair of Bonelli's Warblers.

It was whilst walking this path and crossing the open spaces that we had our first fly-past of three Red-rumped Swallows.  The birds reappeared at fairly regular intervals along with a number of Barn Swallows.  (The only House Martins had been seen as we left the main road to enter the track down to Marin.)  This space also provided a number of Spotless Starlings and many calling Azure-winged Magpies.  But, just like the proverbial number nine bus, once we had seen our first magpie were seeing them all the time.  Then  the call followed by the tapping of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.  Just in time we were able to see it move across in front of us and disappear into the nearby canopy.


Time to return to the cars for a short break and also time to pick up our first Goldfinch of the morning and a couple of Serins.  A pair of Greenfinches were roving around the tree top and, yes, we definitely heard a Hawfinch.  Whilst refreshing ourselves we were able to observe the male Blue Rock Thrush on the cliff face beyond the main track.

One of the handful of Hawfinches Picogordo Coccothraustes coccothraustes seen during the morning

Next a short walk down stream and no sooner had we started than a couple of Short-toed Trecreepers put in an extended appearance.  The first visible Hawfinch suddenly arrived in a neighbouring tree and left to join a second bird on the other side of the stream.  Returning to the car we then had a good sighting of a female Cirl Bunting low in a bush to our front.

More refreshments, lovely coffee John, and we walked downstream on the other side adjoining the olive plantation.  John could hear Wyrnecks, it seemed, all the time but it was right at the end of this patient observation period that a specimen flew in to our immediate area and let out its piercing call.  Very lovely, thank you very much.  There were Wood Pigeons calling and moving in the trees on the far side of the main track along with many more Blackbirds and Azure-winged magpies. Blackcaps were in and out of the olives and then the first of the Hawfinches.  Whilst watching we must have recorded at least half  a dozen of these large nut-crackers.  Also in the area we picked up both Great and Blue Tits.  A second Woodchat Shrike was feeding near the cars and giving good views.

Short-toed Treecreeper  Agateador Comun Certhia brachydactyla

There were a number of butterflies to be seen and a special sight was the lovely yellow Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra with its orange tips.  But these butterflies never seem to land so no chance a photograph.  For me, a rather special moment, whilst trying to find our persistently calling Cuckoo, was to see a male Goshawk take off out of the trees and head up a narrow valley before disappearing once more into the trees.  And then, of course, Jenny and I finally had the view of the Cuckoo flying off along the skyline.  I happened to mention that it would be great to hear the bird call again confirming we were correct and no sooner said than the bird duly obliged!  And that was about the time that we had our very near call from the Wryneck.

A great morning in lovely company so thank you very much John and Jenny.  John and Jenny headed back to Salar via Archidona picking up House Sparrows, Collared Dove and more Serins whilst I headed the other way past the long-completed but unoccupied new prison picking up a Corn Bunting on the wires followed by House Sparrows, Collared and Rock Doves and a White Wagtail in Rio Gordo.  Add to this the Thekla Larks as I drove up the mountain to Casa Collado and the Turtle Dove I saw near Los Romanes on the outward journey (my first in the local area this year) and I had had a very enjoyable and profitable day. 


Birds recorded:
Red-legged Partridge, Goshawk, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Wryneck, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, White Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Nightingale, Black redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Bonelli's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreper, Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting.


Two for the price of one!  No sooner finished my report and John's had arrived.  You can now compare both and see if either of us has missed one or the other's sightings!

Marin 2nd June 2014

A very warm day but nice and cool in the shade.

We(Jenny and I) met Bob at the weighbridge a little earlier than planned and headed for the parking spot below the ruin, en route seeing Serins, Blackcap, Nightingale and Long-tailed Tits.

As we parked up the Cuckoo was calling and a Wryneck was heard downstream of us.

We crossed the broken bridge and headed upstream. Our first views were of a Wren and then a Robin, followed by two Nuthatches a bit further down the track. Lots of Chaffinches calling along with Nightingales and a Golden Oriole was heard. Azure-winged Magpies were in good numbers and their screeching could be heard, but only fleeting glances as they darted in between trees.A few Blackcaps could be heard and then a Red-legged Partridge started calling. A single female Black Redstart was noted and three Red-rumped Swallows flew by.

A little further down the track a Greater Spotted Woodpecker was heard, but not seen until on the way back, also about were Spotless Starlings, and a Sardinian Warbler was located in an arcacia bush.

Jenny left us here to return to the car, but a little further down the track we spotted two Bonelli´s Warblers, these were given short shrift by a male Blackcap, and they weren´t sighted again. We did sight a Greenfinch though a bit later.

A horse approached us on the track and we met it and four others feeding later also a young colt so we turned about seeing nothing extra to our return journey, although we did hear Short-toed Treecreepers, but didn´t see them until later.

Back at the car we spotted the Blue Rock Thrush over the ruin on the cliff face, the Cuckoos - actually two of them - were heard quite frequently now, but still not seen.

After refreshments Bob and I walked downstream and here we had good views of two Short-toed Treecreepers, Blackbirds were numerous as were Chaffinches. another robin, more Nightingales and Azure-winged Magpies then a Cirl Bunting was heard as well as a Great Tit. Two Hawfinches flew into the tree tops but views were difficult and the Wryneck started to call again. Returning to the cars Bob located the Cirl Bunting.

Jenny then joined Bob & I and we walked downstream on the meadow side, hoping to find the elusive Wryneck.

Here we saw Great and Blue Tit, Blackbirds, Woodchat Shrike, Short-toed Treecreeper, Goldfinches Hawfinches, and Wood Pigeons.

Short-toed Treecreeper  Agateador Comun Certhia brachydactyla (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

The Cuckoo was spotted flying across the face of the firs, but the Wryneck which was so tantalisingly close was still unsighted. At the cars we had coffee/tea and watched a Woodchat Shrike in the fig tree, the a male Golden Oriole flew at the back of the ruin and landed in an olive tree.

We drove down to the first concrete ford but very little about as it was at the next ford and then down as far the cars can go, where we parted company.

The journey home gave us Collared Doves, House Sparrows and Serins.

A very pleasant few hours.

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

A Heron-like morning at the Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Sunday 1 June

Just like old times!  Everybody back from their holidays so able to spend ninety minutes down at the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar with Steve and Elena Powell.   Driving down from the mountain I had first a small party of Serins then a male Kestrel on the wires; even a couple of Red-rumped Swallows as I approached the lake.  Lovely sunny weather with just the odd cloud as we set out but by mid-morning the skies were beginning to darken so we made our way back to our parked cars, in the usual place on the track near the bridge.  No sooner had we got into our respective cars than the heavens opened and that was it for the rest of the day so, having dropped in to help the Spanish exchequer with a load of fuel of the car, it was up to Frigiliana to chew the proverbial cud.

Who goes there?  Compare the larger Squacco Heron Garcilla Cangrejera Ardeola ralloides (at rear) to the Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus in the foreground

There may have been a number of Mallards and Moorhens along with the resident Rock Doves upon arrival but the morning was really one of herons and related species.  First a departing Grey Heron  then a quick dash past us under the trees by a Little Bittern, a bird that was to present a much better view on our return walk to the car.  Next u a pair of Squacco Herons along with a couple of Little Egrets.  I think we even had a high juvenile Night Heron but the bird was silhouetted against the darkening sky and partly hidden by the tall trees in front of us; it may be a question of trying to check any photographs with the help of the computer and then adjust the sightings if necessary.

Time for this Squacco Heron Garcilla Cangrejera Ardeola ralloides to male a hasty retreat

However, it was not just herons making the most of the refreshed banks following overnight rain.  The first birds seen were a party of seven marauding Monk Parakeets and a single Goldfinch in the tree above the parked cars along with a single Nightingale that decide to make a leisurely crossing of the track in front of us. 

Little Egret  Garceta Comun  Egretta garzetta

Above and around us were numerous feeding Common Swifts, House Martins and Barn Swallows whilst, on the opposite bank, Steve managed to locate a pair of Orphean (Isabelline) Warblers.  White Wagtails on the water's edge and then off down towards the public hide. Two Ringed and a single Little Ringed Plover along with a pair of Black-winged Stilts before we also encountered a pair of Redshank.

(Greater) Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Grande Charadrius hiaticula (above) and Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius (below)

We had already seen a couple of Zitting Cisticolas and more were to be found from the hide.  In addition, we also had a single Cetti's Warbler and more songs and sightings of the many Nightingales present at the site.  Forget the few House Sparrows that were about, of far more interest was the large family of Serins feeding immediately in front of us.  A couple of really handsome males and even the females were looking splendid against the more sober plumage of the juveniles.

The Serin Verdecillo Serinus serinus family with Male (above) and female (below)

At lest twice the local Hoopoes flew parallel to the rive along the bank in front of us and , looking ahead on the return walk, we even had an adult Robin on the path.  Just a case of adding on the numerous Blackbirds and Spotless Starlings and the morning was just about complete and finished of with more views of the Little Egret, Squacco Herons and Little Bittern.

Little Bittern  Avetorillo Comun  Ixobrychus lentiginosus

Birds seen:
Mallard, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, White Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Orphean Warbler, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.

 

 

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

Mountain walking with Liz and Marcus Rootes

Saturday 31 May

I was obviously not the only one out and about birding on the last day of the month.  Whereas I probably got up to about 800 metre at Ventas de Zafarraya, Marcus and Liz Routes really climbed the heights as can be seen from the email I have just received from Marcus.

A few notes on our walk in the Mts.on the 31st May.

 

We start at 1,100 metres,  walking through a pinewood where Chaffinches, Wrens and Robins are singing.  Coal and Crested Tits, Mistle Thrushes and a single Wood Pigeon are seen and heard.

 

Now out of the pinewood at 1,500 mts and a Cuckoo is heard.  Superb view of two Griffon Vultures overhead being mobbed by a dozen Red-billed Choughs.  After a 15 minute breather, Rock Buntings and Woodlarks are noted and a superb view of female Sparrowhawk below.  On our way to 1,750 mts, a Kestrel is seen and a single Tawny Pipit.   Now at the top; several pairs of Black-eared Wheatears appear, several Stonechats with young, Linnets and a number of Whitethroats.  Thekla Larks and Rock Buntings are common up here.

 

On our return to 1,500 mts a pair of Northern Wheatears make an appearance along with a rare sighting of a female Rock Thrush.   Magnificent !

 

Back at 1,500 mts a Booted Eagle is seen and calling it's mate.  The Woodlarks are still singing, a Sardinian Warbler and Red-legged Partridge are noted.

 

We have noted an extreme lack of Turtle Doves in the Competa area this year; or are they very late arriving.   But surely not this late.

 

Have enjoyed the May E-magazine and look forward to Charca de Suarez in a few weeks.   (*)

 

Marcus and Liz

 

 

(*)  If you are a follower of this blog nut do not/have not received an email with the latest bi-monthly e-magazine Malaga Birds then please do send me an email and I will gladly add your address to the mailing list.       Bob Wright

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