Fuente de Piedra and Laguna Dulce

Stonechat Tarabilla Comun Saxicola torquatus

Tuesday 9 December

Back in the proverbial saddle at last and out birding for the morning.  I needed some stamps and had to post a load of letters so rather than dropping down to Torre del Mar I drove over to Fuente de Piedra and then followed on round to the Laguna Dulce near Campillos.  Dry and clear but very windy when I left Lake Vinuela, sent off by a couple of Thekla Larks and a most handsome male Black Redstart at the bottom of the track, but almost calm upon arrival.

Looking at the laguna from atop the railway bridge, it was obvious that the recent rainfall had started to flood the filed on the left and below the wooden causeway.  The lagunetta seemed full as it had been for most of the summer but whereas there was now some water in the scrapes below the Visitors Centre the main laguna looked very sad and in desperate need of some water.

The flooded field held a good flock of Teal along with a few Shoveler and Coots with large flocks of Spotless Starlings swirling around and a dozen or so of feeding Crag Martins.  Indeed, Crag Martins seemed to be feeding over all the available sheets of water.  On the far bank the first sight of the local Jackdaws.  However, closer inspection as I made my way round to the back revealed that the "Annual Jackdaw Convention" must have been in session as I stopped counting when I reached 150!

Just two of over an hundred Jackdaws Grajilla Corvus monedula

Needless to say there were House Sparrows present and on the main water good numbers of both resting Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls.  Scoping the edges of the, mainly, dried up laguna I came across a pruning Marsh Harrier and at the very edge of the water a small flock of scurrying Sanderlings.  There were plenty, maybe a thousand or more, Greater Flamingos present but they were almost exclusively at the far end.  The grassy area just beyond the scrape held both a couple of White Wagtails and a small number of Meadow Pipits.

Reaching the small lagunetta at the rear of the Visitors Centre I found a small number of Coots along with even fewer Mallards and Shovelers but about a dozen Common Pochards.  At least eight Little Grebes were present but neither Black-necked nor Great Crested Grebes.  A single Hoopoe made a hasty retreat as I arrived but there were plenty Stonechats about along with a few Chiffchaffs and a male Sardinian Warbler.  On the water a small number of gulls arrived but soon left when the Kestrel few over to be replaced by a handful of Black-winged Stilts.

The pair of Snipe Agachadiza Comun Gallinago gallinago

Working my way back along the edge of the laguna I found good numbers of Moorhens and, suddenly, a quintet of Red-legged Partridges flew up from almost under my feet. It was as I was driving out of the reserve that I found a pair of Snipe huddled up together at the edge of the roadside pond.

A feeding family of Common Cranes Grulla Comun Grus grus

Stopping at the Mirador de Cantarannas I discovered where all the Flamingos were gathered along with nine Cranes in the pool immediately below me.  I even manage to find a couple of Grey Herons sheltering in the reeds.  But, on the other side of the road in a familiar field, I counted a further fifty-five Cranes in mainly one large group but a small family of three nearer to me.  Looking at the birds I also noticed a Raven on the grass which, a little later on, departed to my left.  A pair of Crested Larks added to the totals list and then on to the Laguna Dulce.

Anyone for a Coot Focha Comun Fulica atra?

Whilst the Dulce appeared to have plenty of water the same could not be said of the birds present. No more than a hundred Coots in total, many on the bank below me to the left, and no sign of any grebes.  A few Mallards and as many as a dozen Gadwall spread over the back of the water and feeding in pairs.  To the far right the sight of a flock of eight Red-crested Pochards which seemed evenly split by sex.  A Cetti's Warbler let off a brief blast from the reeds to my left and that was about it, if you include both Collared and Rock Doves.

But, at least, I was welcomed back to the mountain by a lively male Blue Rock Thrush.


Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Crane, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Sanderling, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow

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

Friday 5 December

Just received a report from John and Jenny Wainwright who ventured up to the top of the Sierra Loja on Wednesday in search of Ring Ouzel and Alpine Accentors.   Whilst I was making my way back home to Lake Vinuela in calm, light cloud and a little sunshine, it would appear that conditions were not so favourable on the top even, as John states, he was able to look down upon a sunny Salar well below him!


Wednesday 3 December

Blimey, that was cold up there with that wind.  It was so strange to look down from the sierras onto our village - which was bathed in sunshine - while the windscreen wipers were going full belt up here.  Still one has to bear small knocks to gain the rewards, which the Alpine Accentors and Ring Ouzels brought us.. the thrushes seem to be very thin on the ground though!

A very chilly day with rainy intervals.

A bright, but cloudy sky saw us on the way up to our favourite destination in the Sierra Loja´s.   A few Spotless Starlings, Collared Doves and House Sparrows, Great Tits, Chaffinches, a large flock of some forty or so Meadow Pipits, Goldfinches and a Blackbird were seen before ascending the main mountain track.  It is nice to see the small Spanish Lilea out again for the winter.

A small charm of Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

The forestry men were still here today, and very little - bar a Wood Pigeon - was seen at the tree line, and even at the cliffs the area was silent - not even the raucous cry of a Jackdaw and here it started raining slightly.

It wasn´t until we got to the old working quarry that our next sighting took place, which was of a male Sparrowhawk, hugging the contours of the mountain - looking for lunch probably.  Then a male Black Redstart, and while we were watching him a Booted Eagle was noted circling aloft. 

The pond area was quiet also and the temperature had dropped to 3C with a biting wind but as we progressed along to the Fossil Cave a huge number of Rock Sparrows - we counted over one hundred - were seen flitting from the newly harrowed meadow across to the rocky slopes on our left and back again.  One Corn Bunting and several female Black Redstarts were about here also.  At the cave itself six Black Wheatears, Stonechats, Thekla Larks and Goldfinches were noted - but at least the rain had stopped for the moment.

Male Ring Ouzel Turdus torqatus (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

As we moved on - the hawthorn bushes which still had masses of berries on - it wasn´t until we had gone another kilometre or so that we picked up our first Ring Ouzel then, like the proverbial "Red Buses", they came in profusion; well, eight of them anyhow.  Further along we picked up another ten birds along with a male Blackbird, a family of Rock Buntings, five Chaffinches and another Great Tit.  A trilling sound and eleven Alpine Accentors flew over but landed out of sight - all except one which only stayed for about thirty seconds before disappearing in the direction of the rest of the flock, not to be seen again.

More Ring Ouzels  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Retracing our steps we flushed a Song Thrush and a couple more Ring Ouzels (probably the same birds as before) from the bushes as we stopped for a cup of tea.  While Jenny was brewing up I found a group of Chough feeding in the valley and two Little Owls were calling to each other.

Little Owl  Athene noctua (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Over to Sierra Gorda and again the birdlife was virtually non-existent, the odd Goldfinch, a Mistle Thrush and a Southern Grey Shrike was the sum total there and as we descended to the substation valley we located a Little Owl and a few red-legged Partridges.  So down to the hidden quarry where three Dartford Warblers, a Sardinian Warbler and several more Stonechats were noted.  Two Azure-winged Magpies were seen as we exited the mountain and down into the sunshine.

So, it looks as if the Ring Ouzels are still about so I think a visit might be on the agenda for next week!  And jenny, what a cracking shot of the male Ring Ouzel.

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

Charca de Suarez

Monday 1 December

Just had an email report from John Ross who managed to get over to the Charca de Suarez reserve at Motril with his wife, Carol yesterday morning.  Managing to keep away from other visitors they were able to see some fine birds and even enjoyed that magical moment, as John reports, when looking at an "obvious" bird you suddenly realise that there is something a little more special standing right next to the bird in question.  It would also appear that the new laguna is rapidly filling up following the recent rain so may be less inviting to any passing wader.  Sounds like a great morning John and Carol.

Sunday 30 November

We started at Laguna Taraje with Coot and Moorhen and were pleased when a Little Egret dropped in.  Even more so when we realised that there was a Little Bittern almost beside it.

We had a look outside the gate at the now very wet area with Teal and Wigeon - last time I was here, I saw Snipe and Black-winged Stilt (but far less water then).  Moving on to Laguna Aneas we saw Shoveller and Mallard along with the usual Coot and Moorhen.  Several Grey Herons and lots of Cormorants.  A lone Reed Warbler close by and on the wooden perch, taking it in turns seemingly, White Wagtail and a female Stonechat.  Last time here I had also seen Black-winged Stilt and a solitary Eurasian Spoonbill.

At Laguna Trebol we also found Purple Swamphen with the Coot, Moorhen and Little Grebe.  There seemed to be be a couple of Barn Swallows overhead.  (Might they have been Crag Martins down off the hills for the winter?)  Some Mallard and another Stonechat.  A fleeting glimpse of Cetti's Warbler and a Kestrel seen  overhead.

Walking south down the eastern pathway we stopped short in our tracks - ahead of us was a Grey Heron with a good-size snake in its bill.  It must have been 40-50 cm long.  We had obviously disturbed it and it flew off carrying the snake.  A Monarch butterfly joined us.  Revisiting Laguna Trebol from the south we saw several Greyhheron on the pathways.  The hide was full with cameras - watching a pair of Purple Swamphens  - so we moved on.

We pressed on to Laguna Lirio where a single Red-knobbed Coot was in charge chasing the other (Common) Coots about the place.  Moorhens and Swamphen here too with a Grey Wagtail doing some posing.  Lots of Chiffchaff everywhere and a pair of Greenfinch as we moved to the exit.
Certainly a good start to our day.

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

More from Rutland Water

Monday 1 December

Redwing Turdus iliacus awaiting my arrival

Not long to go before we get back to "sunny Spain" so took the opportunity to meet up with my God-daughter's father, Ron for a late morning at Rutland Water.  It was a typical late autumn grey day; calm and cloudy with very poor light so yet to try and assess any photos taken.  We undertook the usual walk to lagoons 3 and 4 starting at the Information Centre where it was also good to meet up once again with Tim Mackrill, the assistant warden and officer responsible for the Osprey Project.

Any different from last week?  The icy last last Monday and Tuesday certainly seems to have brought in more birds but m not necessarily in great numbers.  A very good range of ducks including all last week's species plus almost a dozen Goosander, scores and scores of Pintails, Shelduck, a female Red-crested Pochard and a Slavonian Grebe- but the Red-necked Grebe had gone walkabout, or "flyabout" even!

Scores of Pintail Anas acuta to be seen on the various lagoons (above and below)

 Yet more ducks to be seen:

Teal Anas crecca

Goldeneye  Bucephala clangula

Wigeon  Anas penelope

In addition to the hundreds of Lapwing we also found a pair of Black-tailed Godwits and a score or more of Golden Plover, the latter on Lagoon 3.

A pair of visiting Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Plenty of Blackbirds and a good number of Redwing but no visible Fieldfares.  Again, Robins everywhere and a few Greenfinches on this occasion at the feeding station but no Bullfinches, Reed Buntings or Marsh Tit.  On the other hand, we did have a couple of Goldcrests and a rather delightful Wren to attract our attention.  Of the larger birds, Canada, Greylag and Egyptian Geese were conspicuous by there absence.

See the yellow flash on the crown and you see the Goldcrest Regulus regulus

On the whole a very pleasant three hours before the cold and lack of different species got the better of us and we headed back to Stamford for something warm to eat.

Just a fleeting glance to get the record shot of a "Jenny" Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Always a friendly Robin Erithacus rubecula to welcome you to Rutland Water

Birds seen:
Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Redwing, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

The ever watchful Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

 

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

Fuente de Piedra with John and Jenny

I may be back in Blighty and now experiencing continuous, miserable rain after two mornings of severe frost but John and Jenny Wainwright are back on the birding road again having suffered a dose of bronchitis these past two weeks or more - so the weather must be better out in Malaga province!

But where are the Cranes?


Lagunas Fuente de Piedra & Dulce:  Wednesday 26 November

A very pleasant day with a light breeze.

As we left our village of Salar a flock of some thirty Collared Doves flew over and around us, on the wires we saw Spotless Starlings and a few House Sparrows. Only one Jackdaw on way along the A92 and nothing more until we entered the reserve at Piedra.

The flood meadow had a good amount of water in and it held good numbers of Teal - mostly males, Shovelers, Meadow Pipits, Cattle and Little Egret and a couple of Common Snipe.  A female Marsh Harrier came out of the reed bed here and above us a Booted Eagle circled.  The boardwalk area was pretty deserted all bar White Wagtails, two Hoopoes, Chiffchaff and a Black Redstart, while walking alongside the small stream, more Chiffchaffs and Black Redstarts, but in the scrape we did find another Common Snipe.

Looking out from the mirador we saw Lapwings, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, Dunlin and Sanderlings and in the distance some Greater Flamingos but too far off to see if any Lessers were in the group.

Distant Pintail Anas acuta (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Moving on to the hide at the small lagunetta, masses of Black-headed Gulls interspersed with Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backs, these birds always on the move today.  Another Hoopoe was seen here as well as Blackcaps, Sardinian and Cetti´s Warblers, Goldfinches, a single Song Thrush, Corn Buntings, White Wagtails, a Blackbird, a Willow Warbler and several more Chiffchaffs.  On the back reedbed we spotted a male Pintail in company with Shovelers (a lot in eclipse here), Gadwall, Mallard and Teal, a few Little Grebe and one Black-necked Grebe and on the near shoreline a Green Sandpiper and three more Common Snipe were noted as well as a couple of Lapwings and a single Cormorant.  At the far end of the lagunetta a Grey Heron, Moorhens, Common Coots and a juvenile Greater Flamingo were seen.

Great White Egret Egretta alba (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Two Marsh Harriers (a female and a juvenile) flew in and while the juvenile caused the gulls and Coots to scatter, the female came to rest in the reeds on the far left-hand island.  As we left the reserve a Great White Egret was spotted, sitting on the bank of a ditch.

Looks time for the departure of the Great White Egret (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

Along to the Cantarranas mirador where we expected to see at least a few Common Cranes - not a sight or even a sound of them anywhere today.  A few Linnets, Pochard, Common Snipe, Shovelers and Stonechats were the only birds around at this spot.

At Laguna Dulce it was very bleak with only a few Gadwall, Shovelers, Mallard, a Marsh Harrier, Black Redstart and Goldfinches plus a huge raft of Coots in the far left hand inlet.  A few Large and Small Whites, plus one Red Admiral and several Crimson-speckled Moths.

Crimsoned-speckled  (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

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

A frosty morning at Rutland Water

Marsh Tit Parus palustris

Monday 24 November

I understand it might have been a little on the windy side back in the Axarquia area of Malaga province.  Her, back in the Midlands of the UK, it was definitely a case of get on your thermals and as many other layers as possible.  Old age shake is one thing bu then add on the minus four degrees and you start to winder why you even bother to get out of bed.  Just think, a fortnight ago I was swimming in our outside, unheated swimming pool!

Record shot of distant Redwing Turdus iliacus

But it might be my last, or even only, opportunity to do some local birding so up and away to nearby Rutland Water and, reaching the site, greeted by both Carrion Crows and Rooks followed by the resident Jackdaw tribe.  Something about Robins back in Blighty; rather than fly away they cam and give you the once-over before disappearing under the car as if you have some sort of built-in trap door that automatically drops food.  So, before buying mp pass for the morning and setting off to the distant Lagoons 3 and 4 a quick look at the feeding station where, as expected, I found numerous Great and Blue Tits but only the occasional Chaffinch and no Greenfinches or Goldfinches nevermind something a little more exotic.

What a lovely "Christmas" Robin Erithacus rubecula

Then it was off to Lagoon 3 calling in at the hides overlooking the narrow Lagoon 2.  No sooner away from the road and I had Blackbirds and a Pied Wagtail but, joy of joys, a pair of Bullfinches feeding in the top of the bush alongside the path.  The single Song Thrush was also a very pleasant sighting.  On the water I found Mallards and Shovelers plus a good number of Cormorants with regular Moorhen sightings.  Lovely to see that the Wigeons were about which saved me having to detour via the North Arm on the way home.  The only Gulls present were Black-headed and, of course there were Mute Swans to be seen at every stop.  With limited birds seen from these hides, the Grebe Hide turned out to be the most productive as I was in time to see a Water Rail take to air, well at least a foot off the water, as it skittled round a corner and up the neighbouring channel.

The ever-present and graceful Mute Swan Cygnus olor

So on to the end of the path and approaching Lagoon 4 I had a small mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfare in the bushes in front with more restless Jackdaws above me.  A tiny charm of Goldfinches put in an appearance with yet more Blackbirds and then I was looking out over an empty expanse of water with just a couple of isolted Wigeon to keep me company.

Plenty of Wigeon Anas penelope to be seen

So on to the main (Shoveler) hide overlooking lagoon 3 to see what was really about.  A good number of Lapwing along with Mallards, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Mute Swans and a few Moorhens.  Closer inspection also produced a couple of Herons and even a Little Egret, a local resident of Andalucia which had managed to evade me all through the current month.  A few Gadwall were noted and then my birding neighbour used his telescope to find one of the two Red-necked Grebes that had been in residence for the past week, alongside a Goldeneye.  Meanwhile, the first Egyptian Goose of the morning decided that one of the "aerial" nest boxes would make a suitable perch.

Winter-plumage Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus (above) and Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus (below)

Walking to the neighbouring hides duly produced more Wigeon and a number of Great Crested Grebes plus very many Tufted Ducks and a single female Reed Bunting.

One of very many male Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula

Leaving the Shoveler Hide on the return journey I cam across a very relaxed Dunnock that posed nicley at the side of th epath, had a good scratch and then went off in search of an early lunch.  Then it was on to the Information Centre, where I had a few minutes to chat to warden Tim Appleby, I managed to find more Redwings plus a few Starlings and a small number of Wood Pigeons.  Still plenty of Blue and Great Tits on the feeders but now also a handful of House Sparrows and a single Marsh Tit that made numerous brief visits to the same trio of feeders, mainly picking niger seed.  Even a cock Pheasant patrolling around on the half-chance of picking up dropped seeds.

The very obliging Dunnock Prunella modularis

A very short walk to Lagoon 1 picked up a small flock of Canada Geese from the Mallard Hide  then I decided to make it back home as there was still shopping to be completed.  Driving away from the car park I was able to add both Collared Dove and Magpie with a Kestrel hovering alongside the road near Lagoon 4.Still not done as a Red Kite crossed the road in front of me as I drove back towards Stamford alongside the Northern Arm.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, the only wader on show during the morning

Birds seen:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Water Rail, Lapwing, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Marsh  Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting.

Always guaranteed a Pheasant Phasianus colchicus at the feeding station

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

Axarquia Bird Group visit to Ventas de Zafarraya

Thursday 20 November

A magnificent male Ibex  Capra pyrenaica

Normally at this time in November you would need to put many layers on to keep out the cold (well, certain lady member did!) but today it was calm and mainly clear with the sun shining brightly over the cliffs up at Ventas de Zafarraya.  Thirteen members of the Axarquia Bird Group present and, just to show confidence in the weather, one member found that shorts and T-shirt were ample coverage.  What was it they said about "mad dogs and Englishmen?"  Lovely to see Christine and Paul Stockton with us as part of their holiday and also  a long-awaited participation from my special friend Andy Paterson from Torremolinos.  David and Ann Jefferson along with Liz and Marcus Routes had driven over from Competa whilst Gerry Collins had made the long trip from Salobrena. Not to be missed after our recent exploits up in Aragaon, Steve and Elena Powell joined in the fun and then we had our local residents from Triana, discounting myself from Lake Vinuela, Jim Moore and Dan Wilkinson.  Very good birding company for the morning.

A little chilly as we gathered at the mirador near the old railway bridge and much of the early time was taken up watching the large family of Ibex including a magnificent male.  Elena finally counted a minimum of seventeen individuals as they scramble ever nearer down the cliff face to take up a close rest on the nearby rocks.  Then the first bird seen was a Song Thrush so, all being well, a good morning's birding would seem to be at hand.  This was backed up when we had continuous sighting of a rather handsome male Peregrine Falcon plus the first Black Redstarts and Rock Buntings.

Distant Peregrine Falcon Halcon Peregrino Falco perigrinus (What is he carrying?)

There followed a couple of Rock Sparrows on the wires and the first of ant Blue Rock Thrushes and Black Wheatears.  It would appear that many of the local Crag Martins had yet to descend to lower heights as they flew all around us whilst, more sensibly, a rather lovely male Stonechat simply perched on a stick and watched over all the excitement.  But the real reward came when Andy Spotted a Citril Finch was later watched at great length by Elena as the rest of the party walked the track via the old tunnel for a kilometre or more.

One of a few Rock Buntings Escribano Montesino Emberiza cia seen along the track

Thekla Larks and Rock Buntings on the track in front and then both a Greenfinch and Blackcap just below us on the left.  First the call and then we all looked up as the resident Chough flock, probably about an hundred on this occasion, rose from behind the cliff to our right before momentarily disappearing.  A couple of Serins flew back behind us whilst the small charm of Goldfinches flew ahead and who would not want to miss the occasional Rock Sparrow that put in n appearance.  Before starting our return walk tot he cars we had a single Kestrel on the wires and a very obliging Southern Grey Shrike that remained long enough for everybody to get a good sighting.

Here come the hundred Choughs Chova Piquirroja Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Then the piece de resistance as an immature Golden Eagle drifted over through the clouds above the cliff face.  It may appear on the Facebook page but certainly David managed to get a cracking photo of the raptor.

More of the same as we made our way back with many Black Wheatears, Blue Rock Thrushes and Crag Martins - but the Ibex herd had moved on save for the odd individual.  On the other hand, a male Great Tit was a welcome addition.

The well-concealed male Blackcap Curruca Capirotada Sylvia atricapilla

At this point eight of us drove through the village to the hinterland and the recently ploughed and harrowed fields in search of the local lark population.  A first stop just inside the "Magpie Woods" produced both Blackbird and Mistle Thrush along with a small flock of Meadow Pipits, Chaffinch and a Robin.  A few Azure-winged Magpies were noted as we drove on having spent more time at the stop looking for the magic "monkey toy" than the corvids themselves!

Once near the arable fields both Crested Larks and Corn Buntings were seen followed by a good-sized flock of Calandra Larks.  Indeed, as we pulled up a single Sky Lark took to the skies and away from us whilst, apart from both House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings, a small number of Lesser Short-toed Larks were identified along with their larger cousins, the Calandar Lark.

Record shot of the distant Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athene noctua

Another Kestrel and more White Wagtails seemed to sum up the morning until Steve spotted the lone Little Owl on small rocks near the road.  Whilst the owl flew off before we could all get our cameras and bins out, it did return and we all managed to see this small chap.  So ended a rather pleasant morning just as the cloud arrived but not before we had managed to record 35 species if you include the numerous Collared Doves seen both at the bottom and lower slopes of the climb up to the pass.


Birds seen:
Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Calandra Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sky Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Great Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Citril Finch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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