Tuesday 17 March
Now that John and Jenny Wainwright are back home in Salar from their wanderings down in the Donana National Park and the Odiel I can reveal that the latest email from John confirms that not only did they make the "hundred mark" but that they finally recorded 115 species. A truly great five days even if the return journey via the "Osuna triangle" failed to deliver a Great Bustard.
Home from Donaña Monday 16 March
Quite a nice day with lots of cloud but sunny periods
The old adage of pride comes before a fall is pertinent here as we were expecting a number of good sightings on the way home, a veritable crash was therefore inevitable.
Our first sightings were of two Southern Grey Shrikes, Linnets, Spanish Sparrows and Goldfinches. Lots of Black Kites about (near Osuna) but the Great Bustard we could not find, even after transversing the usual areas that are common to them. Even at the "Roller site" the afore mentioned bird was not seen (probably two weeks early for them) but the Lesser Kestrels were not about either. Lots of Red-legged Partridge, Crested Larks, White Wagtails and House Sparrows but little all else.
So it was with a saddened heart, but overall a total of 115, that we are not in a too abjective state. We hope that you enjoyed our trip around the area of the Parque Nacionale Donaña.
John and Jenny Wainwright
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Monday, 16 March 2015
Last day in Donana with Spanish Imperial Eagle
Sunday 15 March
I say "Spanish Imperial Eagle" when , perhaps, I ought to be using its "new" - Iberian Imperial Eagle. As you will see from John's report that follows he and jenny seem to have had a fabulous five days down in that fabulous birding area that covers the Donana National park and the Odiel Marshes. And just when I think that there cannot be any more surprises as they see bird after bird, along comes the close views of Spanish Imperial Eagle. I think my awe and wonder can best be summed up in John's words that accompanied his report, "I hope that you are sitting down and that you have no heart pills to take, but have a look at the results of our final day; we are having a job to believe them ourselves."
A truly wonderful five days and, I would imagine, that John and Jenny must have recorded about an hundred species during their expedition including some really iconic birds of southern Spain. No doubt John will let me know his final tally in due course and I look forward to hearing about their exciting experience when we all meet up this Wednesday at Ventas de Zafaraya for the March field visit of the Axarquia Bird Group.
Donaña: Day 5 15 March
Another hot but comfortable day due to light breeze.
It was a mix and match day today as we had gotten most of our "special birds", so we transversed the countryside around El Rocio/Pilas and ended up with a flourish in the Valverde area. No fog today and by the time we had emerged from the accommodation the sun was well up.
Our first sightings were Common Buzzard, Corn Bunting, Common and Azure-winged Magpies, Blackbirds and House Sparrows. Driving across country we located Goldfinches, Woodchat Shrikes, Black Redstarts, Southern Grey Shrikes, Meadow Pipits and a few Barn Swallows. Several Hoopoes were noted and Zitting Cisticola seemed to be everywhere, as were White Storks, Cattle, Great White and Little Egrets.
Lot of Spanish Sparrows about and the ditches seemed to be alive with Cetti´s Warblers. We took a small drive down a "green lane" and picked up Black-shouldered Kite as well as Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. Up another side track and we located an Osprey, which sat quite contented until a farmer drove under it and he flew off. Calling in at the Dehesa de Abajo we saw Crested Coot (non-collared), Great Crested Grebe, over twenty five Night Herons, Purple Swamphens and Glossy Ibis.
Going across country again, we joined one of the tracks to the Valverde Centre. Here we found another Black-shouldered Kite as well as Black and Red Kites, male and female Marsh Harriers, a ring-tail Hen Harrier and Purple Herons.
After lunch we drove along a no-through road where we saw Yellow Wagtails, a Great Reed Warbler, a Great Spotted Cuckoo, two White Wagtails, Corn Buntings, Short-toed and Calandra Larks and above us a group of thirty five Griffon Vultures, circled, then landed on
a "cow carcass". A few Ravens were seen on the fence posts and in the fields. When I said to Jenny, "I think three Griffon Vultures have landed by the cattle shed!" but only one of these was the latter, the other two were juvenile Spanish Imperial Eagles, which Jenny promptly photographed while I was identifying them.
Well we were not too bothered what happened after that as we were in seventh heaven, so "Goodbye Donaña and Hello Osuna" on our way home!!!!
Butterflies today, Common Swallowtail, Painted Lady, Large and Small Whites and Clouded Yellows and an unidentifiable large dragonfly
A great report John and I have thoroughly enjoyed following your birding expedition.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
I say "Spanish Imperial Eagle" when , perhaps, I ought to be using its "new" - Iberian Imperial Eagle. As you will see from John's report that follows he and jenny seem to have had a fabulous five days down in that fabulous birding area that covers the Donana National park and the Odiel Marshes. And just when I think that there cannot be any more surprises as they see bird after bird, along comes the close views of Spanish Imperial Eagle. I think my awe and wonder can best be summed up in John's words that accompanied his report, "I hope that you are sitting down and that you have no heart pills to take, but have a look at the results of our final day; we are having a job to believe them ourselves."
A truly wonderful five days and, I would imagine, that John and Jenny must have recorded about an hundred species during their expedition including some really iconic birds of southern Spain. No doubt John will let me know his final tally in due course and I look forward to hearing about their exciting experience when we all meet up this Wednesday at Ventas de Zafaraya for the March field visit of the Axarquia Bird Group.
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| Raven Cuervo Corvus corax (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
Another hot but comfortable day due to light breeze.
It was a mix and match day today as we had gotten most of our "special birds", so we transversed the countryside around El Rocio/Pilas and ended up with a flourish in the Valverde area. No fog today and by the time we had emerged from the accommodation the sun was well up.
Our first sightings were Common Buzzard, Corn Bunting, Common and Azure-winged Magpies, Blackbirds and House Sparrows. Driving across country we located Goldfinches, Woodchat Shrikes, Black Redstarts, Southern Grey Shrikes, Meadow Pipits and a few Barn Swallows. Several Hoopoes were noted and Zitting Cisticola seemed to be everywhere, as were White Storks, Cattle, Great White and Little Egrets.
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| Red Crested Pochards Pato Colorado Netta rufina (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
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| Osprey Aguila Pescadora Pandion haliaetus (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
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| Great Spotted Cuckoo Crialo Europeo Clamator glandarius (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
a "cow carcass". A few Ravens were seen on the fence posts and in the fields. When I said to Jenny, "I think three Griffon Vultures have landed by the cattle shed!" but only one of these was the latter, the other two were juvenile Spanish Imperial Eagles, which Jenny promptly photographed while I was identifying them.
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| Spanish Imperial Eagle Aguila Imperial Iberica Aquila adalberti at rest and in flight (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
Well we were not too bothered what happened after that as we were in seventh heaven, so "Goodbye Donaña and Hello Osuna" on our way home!!!! |
| Swallowtail Butterfly Chupaleche Iphiclides podalirius (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
Butterflies today, Common Swallowtail, Painted Lady, Large and Small Whites and Clouded Yellows and an unidentifiable large dragonfly
A great report John and I have thoroughly enjoyed following your birding expedition.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Rio Velez, Torre del Mar
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| Grey Heron Garza Real Ardea cinerea
Offered to take Jenny to church in Velez Malaga this morning which gave me a bare hour to see what might be about down at the Rio Velez. Struck me that there was more water than I had expected so where has that come from? Also, a light wind but not the expected showers so, in total, managed a miserly 22 species but at least one surprise.
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| Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta |
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| Distant Mediterranean Gull Gaviota cabecinegra Larus melanocephalus |
Just a handful of the resident Rock Doves present today but still a large number of Cormorants and, to add to the pleasure, a group of six juvenile Flamingos feeding in the main lagoon. Add the occasional sighting of a Moorhen and three Coots but just a pair of Little Ringed Plovers.
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| What's that hiding behind the reeds? |
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| Five of the six juvenile Flamingos Flamenco Comun Phoenicopterus roseus |
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| I spy strragers overhead! |
Feeding on and in the grasses were Zitting Cisticola and Crested Lark to the accompaniment of singing Cetti's Warblers.
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| Distant view of one of the two Little Ringed Plovers Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius seen at the Rio Velez |
Both Goldfinches and Serins were seen upstream above the bridge and it was here that I also found a trio of Hoopoes and the only Barn Swallows of the morning. Needless to say I also recorded House Sparrow, Blackbird and White Wagtail.
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| Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epops |
Birds seen:
Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information
More from the Donana and Odiel
Saturday 14 March
John and Jenny continue with their exploration of the Donana National Park and the Odiel Marshes and, no doubt, are hoping not to start each day with the heavy mist that seems to accompanied them to date. When John in his last report said that they were off to the Odiel on the morrow, I said to Jenny that means they will be visiting on a Saturday and most probably every man and his boy will be out with a fishing rod! Guess what? Read on.
Donaña: Day 4 14 March
A continuation of the Donaña trip, a rather short one today, but the area was so full of fishermen/ladies that birding was quite a chore. Still it was enjoyable none the less
A very bright, sunny day with not a lot of wind. The trip across to km13 was very uneventful, if it had not have been for the myriads of Common Magpies this sentence would have been superflous. At the site a lot of clearance had been done and the track is quite negotiable, only Spotless Starlings and Azure-winged Magpies were seen on the way to the hide, mind you, I would have loved to have been across the fence in the strawberry tunnels!!
From the hide we saw Mallard, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Common Coot, Purple Swamphen and Grey Heron, whilst in the bushes and willow trees we saw Chiffchaffs, Sardinian and Cetti´s Warblers, House Sparrows, Zitting Cisticola, Goldfinches and Blackbirds. In the firs behind us a family of Long-tailed Tits were feeding. A flash of blue/grey and a Sparrowhawk streaked across the reed-bed, and a few minutes later two Little Bitterns came from the reeds by the opposite strawberry tunnels and dropped into the reed bed, not seen again this morning, but we did see Wood Pigeon and a Hoopoe as we departed.
Moving on to the Odiel Marshes and first stop is the closed off car-park just prior to the centre, walking down to the shoreline we spotted Gull-billed Terns,Whimbrel, Turnstones, Little Stints, Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits, Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls, Grey Plovers, Redshanks, a single Greenshank and Little Ringed Plovers. On the "pond" we noted Shovelers, Mallard, Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts, Gadwall and lots of immature gulls - mostly Yellow-legged I surmise as there were adults on the pond.
The visitors centre foreshore held nothing different than what we had already seen so we moved on up in the direction of Punto Umbria. Looking out to sea at various locations did gain us several adult and juvenile Gannets, whilst on the estuary shores we picked up Kentish Plovers, Sandwich Terns, three Dunlin, Redshanks, Cormorants, Grey Plovers, a few hirundines in the shape of Barn Swallow, House Martin and one Sand Martin.
On the return journey back towards the centre the Ospreys were in situ on their nest ( the heat haze was not the most conducive to good photos but have included one) and as we walked down to the shoreline close to the centre a male Marsh Harrier came off of the estuary. Three Hoopoes, Meadow Pipits and a few Sanderlings were also noted.
Lots of butterflies about today including Common Swallowtails, Painted Lady´s, Large White´s and Red Admirals.
Where next for John and Jenny?
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information
John and Jenny continue with their exploration of the Donana National Park and the Odiel Marshes and, no doubt, are hoping not to start each day with the heavy mist that seems to accompanied them to date. When John in his last report said that they were off to the Odiel on the morrow, I said to Jenny that means they will be visiting on a Saturday and most probably every man and his boy will be out with a fishing rod! Guess what? Read on.
Donaña: Day 4 14 March
A continuation of the Donaña trip, a rather short one today, but the area was so full of fishermen/ladies that birding was quite a chore. Still it was enjoyable none the less
A very bright, sunny day with not a lot of wind. The trip across to km13 was very uneventful, if it had not have been for the myriads of Common Magpies this sentence would have been superflous. At the site a lot of clearance had been done and the track is quite negotiable, only Spotless Starlings and Azure-winged Magpies were seen on the way to the hide, mind you, I would have loved to have been across the fence in the strawberry tunnels!!
From the hide we saw Mallard, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Common Coot, Purple Swamphen and Grey Heron, whilst in the bushes and willow trees we saw Chiffchaffs, Sardinian and Cetti´s Warblers, House Sparrows, Zitting Cisticola, Goldfinches and Blackbirds. In the firs behind us a family of Long-tailed Tits were feeding. A flash of blue/grey and a Sparrowhawk streaked across the reed-bed, and a few minutes later two Little Bitterns came from the reeds by the opposite strawberry tunnels and dropped into the reed bed, not seen again this morning, but we did see Wood Pigeon and a Hoopoe as we departed.
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| Whimbrels Zarapito Trinador Numenius phaeopus (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Moving on to the Odiel Marshes and first stop is the closed off car-park just prior to the centre, walking down to the shoreline we spotted Gull-billed Terns,Whimbrel, Turnstones, Little Stints, Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits, Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls, Grey Plovers, Redshanks, a single Greenshank and Little Ringed Plovers. On the "pond" we noted Shovelers, Mallard, Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts, Gadwall and lots of immature gulls - mostly Yellow-legged I surmise as there were adults on the pond.
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| Turnstone Vuelvepiedras Comun Arenaria interpres (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
The visitors centre foreshore held nothing different than what we had already seen so we moved on up in the direction of Punto Umbria. Looking out to sea at various locations did gain us several adult and juvenile Gannets, whilst on the estuary shores we picked up Kentish Plovers, Sandwich Terns, three Dunlin, Redshanks, Cormorants, Grey Plovers, a few hirundines in the shape of Barn Swallow, House Martin and one Sand Martin.
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| Grey Plover Chorlito Gris Pluvialis squatarola (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
On the return journey back towards the centre the Ospreys were in situ on their nest ( the heat haze was not the most conducive to good photos but have included one) and as we walked down to the shoreline close to the centre a male Marsh Harrier came off of the estuary. Three Hoopoes, Meadow Pipits and a few Sanderlings were also noted.
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| Breeding Osprey Aguils pescadora Pandion haliaetus at nest (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Lots of butterflies about today including Common Swallowtails, Painted Lady´s, Large White´s and Red Admirals.
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| Red Admiral Butterfly Vanessa atalanta (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Still in the Donana
Saturday 14 March
Onwards and upwards for John and jenny as they continue to find some great birds down in the Donana National Park including both Hen harrier and Great Spotted Cuckoo. John's report follows.
In the meadows approaching the lake we disturbed a large flock of Glossy Ibis, Little Egrets and a Great White Egret, while at the lake we could just make out a few Common and Red-crested Pochards, Great Crested Grebe, Little and Black-necked Grebe, Mallard and Shovelers. The fog suddenly lifted and we could then see the trees at the back of the lake crammed with White Storks while above them Black Kites circled. A female Common Kestrel sat on the power lines and above her a Sparrowhawk soared lazily across, whilst in the fields opposite the lake, good numbers of Meadow Pipits and Crested Larks were seen. In the reed beds we spotted five Purple Swamphens and a female Marsh Harrier arose from the reeds and started quartering the area. Spoonbills and Greater Flamingos were about in the lake and in the reeds along the banks Grey Herons were feeding. In the bushes along the front of the lake we found Spanish Sparrows, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff (both singing),Cetti´s and Sardinain Warblers, Goldfinches and Spotless Starlings.
At the centre itself, the only new birds were Black-tailed Godwits and Ravens, so we had coffee here and moved off in the direction of the new water catchments. On the waters to our left we found Common Coot, Moorhens, Pochard and Shoveler, Black-necked, Little and Great Crested Grebes,Spoonbills and Greater Flamingos, Grey Herons and Great White Egrets, two Black-headed and a Yellow-legged Gull. In the meadows opposite a small group of Short-toed Larks, Meadow Pipits and good numbers of Yellow Wagtails (iberiae). Carrying on down the track we put up three Purple Herons and located over a dozen Purple Swamphens , Green Sandpipers and more Yellow Wagtails. A few House Martins had now joined the Barn Swallows and two Crag Martins were noted also. Another female and a juvenile Marsh Harrier were seen hunting over the reeds and in a long grasses by a new screen-hide another Marsh Harrier was seen, resting.
A group of seven Common Cranes were coming into land across the fields and then from a ditch a ring-tail Hen Harrier flew out, the male Hen Harrier was seen about half an hour later. At the bridge (where the Marbled Duck was seen last year), we locate Little Ringed Plovers, Redshanks, White and Yellow Wagtails, a female Black Redstart, Green Sandpipers, more Great White and Little Egrets. As we headed back towards Matalascanas a pair of Red-legged Partridges were seen as well as two more Ravens.
Off to the Odiel Marshes on Saturday (14th).
Onwards and upwards for John and jenny as they continue to find some great birds down in the Donana National Park including both Hen harrier and Great Spotted Cuckoo. John's report follows.
Donaña: Day 3 Friday 13 March
A day of contrasts from bright sun to thick fog.
The day was bright - albeit fresh - as we started off from out base at Matalascanas and headed for El Rocio and from there across country to the Dehesa del Abajo. Just after leaving El Rocio the fog came down but not before we had seen a Black Kite, three Common Buzzards and a few Barn Swallows. As the fog descended we could still see the park's boundary fence and on this we spotted several Woodchat Shrikes, Black Redstarts, Goldfinches and Blackbirds. In the fields - as we left the boundary fence - several large flocks of Greenfinches were seen, also about were Linnets, Spanish (being in the majority) and House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Corn Buntings and a couple of Sardinian Warblers. From a newly-harrowed field a single Stone Curlew lifted off followed by a few Crested Larks and Common Magpies.
A day of contrasts from bright sun to thick fog.
The day was bright - albeit fresh - as we started off from out base at Matalascanas and headed for El Rocio and from there across country to the Dehesa del Abajo. Just after leaving El Rocio the fog came down but not before we had seen a Black Kite, three Common Buzzards and a few Barn Swallows. As the fog descended we could still see the park's boundary fence and on this we spotted several Woodchat Shrikes, Black Redstarts, Goldfinches and Blackbirds. In the fields - as we left the boundary fence - several large flocks of Greenfinches were seen, also about were Linnets, Spanish (being in the majority) and House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Corn Buntings and a couple of Sardinian Warblers. From a newly-harrowed field a single Stone Curlew lifted off followed by a few Crested Larks and Common Magpies.
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| Spanish Sparrow Gorrion Moruno Passer hispaniolensis (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
As we passed the now defunct cotton factory White Storks were to be seen on virtually every conceivable platform, be it man-made or natural. Lots of Cattle Egrets about in the groves and as we approached the turn-off to the Dehesa del Abajo ( which I note has now been newly signed) several Little Egrets and Cormorants and two Night Herons came out of the ditches, which had copious amounts of water in them, as well as a lot of the fields hereabouts.
In the meadows approaching the lake we disturbed a large flock of Glossy Ibis, Little Egrets and a Great White Egret, while at the lake we could just make out a few Common and Red-crested Pochards, Great Crested Grebe, Little and Black-necked Grebe, Mallard and Shovelers. The fog suddenly lifted and we could then see the trees at the back of the lake crammed with White Storks while above them Black Kites circled. A female Common Kestrel sat on the power lines and above her a Sparrowhawk soared lazily across, whilst in the fields opposite the lake, good numbers of Meadow Pipits and Crested Larks were seen. In the reed beds we spotted five Purple Swamphens and a female Marsh Harrier arose from the reeds and started quartering the area. Spoonbills and Greater Flamingos were about in the lake and in the reeds along the banks Grey Herons were feeding. In the bushes along the front of the lake we found Spanish Sparrows, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff (both singing),Cetti´s and Sardinain Warblers, Goldfinches and Spotless Starlings.
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| Purple Heron Garza Imperial Ardea purpurea (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
Moving from here and making our way over to the Valverde Centre, as we left the metalled road, a large flock of Corn Buntings were seen and along this track the following were noted; Common Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, Common and Lesser Kestrels, Grey Herons, Little and Great White Egrets and hundreds of Glossy Ibis. As we pulled up alongside the old pumping station, we counted at least seventy Night Herons - a lot of juveniles included, and as we continued along the main track two juvenile Black Storks in company with White Storks were spotted. Lots of raptors about mostly Black Kites and Marsh Harriers although we did spot one Red Kite a bit later on, and while we were parked here watching the raptors, two groups of Common Cranes numbering sixteen birds were heard, then spotted, very high up ( I wonder if they are leaving??).
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| Black Storks Ciguena Negra Ciconia nigra (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
Moving on we located Lesser Kestrels, more Great White Egrets and Grey Herons, Spoonbills and Greater Flamingos, White Storks and the inimitable Glossy Ibis. The hedgerows held Spanish Sparrows, Chiffchaffs, Zitting Cisticolas, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Corn Buntings and Woodchat Shrike. Two Black-eared Wheatears - spotted by Jenny - on the fence posts as were two Green Sandpipers and our first of the year Great Spotted Cuckoo. From one of the many flooded meadows a large number of ducks took off due to the arrival of two female Marsh Harriers and a Short-toed Eagle and then a Peregrine Falcon took off from a pylon - I would not have seen it, if it hadn´t called as it left its perch as we had passed by.
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| Great Spotted Cuckoo Crialo Europeo Clamator glandarius (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
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| Great White Egret Garceta Grande Egretta alba (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
Off to the Odiel Marshes on Saturday (14th).
What a fabulous day's birding and such a variety of good sightings. Purple Herons, Hen Harriers Stone Curlew and departing Cranes never mind the Black Storks and a Great Spotted cuckoo. I obviously went too soon! Not only great birds but very evocative photographs by Jenny, who was obviously in charge of the camera today!
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Friday, 13 March 2015
Donana with John & Jenny Wainwright
Friday 13 March
It would appear that John and Jenny Wainwright have taken themselves off down to the Donana National Park for a few days judging by the photos I received last evening. Not sure how long they have been gone or how long they will be away but, all being well, they will have lovely weather and see a great range of species. Having looked at the photos first, I noticed that four out of the five would have been a first of the year for me. Am I missing something or are you all trying to tell me something? But great shot of the Black-eared Wheatear and I love the picture of all those little Waxbills.
Donaña Day 2 12 March
A very foggy start and no clarity until after 11.30
We headed for Acebuche firstly as it the nearest site to our accommodation, the fog was still bad but we did manage to see Azure-winged Magpies, Great Tits, and Greenfinches, but on our return journey we did manage to see a male Stonechat, Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler (both the latter birds were singing), White Stork, a Hoopoe, two Woodlarks and a wonderfully fresh Black-eared Wheatear (a first for the year).
So on to La Rocina. Here the fog was still fairly thick and the first part of the walk was by sound alone. We picked up Serin, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Great tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Cetti´s Warbler and Robin (all these birds were later physically id´d). As we arrived at the "bridge" we could see Glossy Ibis lined up along the handrails and in the bushes Little Egrets were perched. I could hear Savi´s Warblers in the reeds but no sightings were had today. Also about were Pochard, Mallard, Sardinian Warblers and Wrens while, overhead, we noted two Black Kites.
Next stop was the SEO centre at El Rocio - fog lifted, good visibility, getting very hot. Lots more Glossy Ibis here as well as Shovelers, Pochard, Mallard, three Pintails, Little Egrets, Common Coots and Moorhen, and in the reed bed close to the centre we located a Purple Swamphen.
Across the marismas we found Greylags, Spoonbills, Black-tailed Godwits, Greater Flamingos, Grey Herons, Black-winged Stilts, Teal and a Cormorant. A Booted Eagle came low across the water and was mobbed by several Black-winged Stilts and in the distance the Spanish Imperial Eagle was noted. Lots of Barn Swallows about and later on joined by good numbers of House Martins. More Black Kites flew over the site as we headed for the old stream at the back of El Rocio. Huge numbers of Serins here as well as House Sparrows, Cetti´s Warblers, Sardinian Warblers, White Wagtails, Spotless Starlings, Cattle Egrets, a male Blackcap, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warbler.
Just as were about to leave the stream a flock of some thirty Common Waxbills landed in the brambles under a tree along with some House Sparrows. Then to finish off here a Woodchat Shrike flew up from the stream and perched for its photo before heading off into the fields.
It sounds like an absolutely fabulous day despite the early morning fog. I just wonder what they have been up today so look forward to the next report.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
It would appear that John and Jenny Wainwright have taken themselves off down to the Donana National Park for a few days judging by the photos I received last evening. Not sure how long they have been gone or how long they will be away but, all being well, they will have lovely weather and see a great range of species. Having looked at the photos first, I noticed that four out of the five would have been a first of the year for me. Am I missing something or are you all trying to tell me something? But great shot of the Black-eared Wheatear and I love the picture of all those little Waxbills.
Donaña Day 2 12 March
A very foggy start and no clarity until after 11.30
We headed for Acebuche firstly as it the nearest site to our accommodation, the fog was still bad but we did manage to see Azure-winged Magpies, Great Tits, and Greenfinches, but on our return journey we did manage to see a male Stonechat, Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler (both the latter birds were singing), White Stork, a Hoopoe, two Woodlarks and a wonderfully fresh Black-eared Wheatear (a first for the year).
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| Black-eared Wheatear Collalba Rubia Oenanthe hispanica (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
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| Barn Swallow Golondrina Comun Hirundo rustica already busy with nest building (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
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| Woodchat Shrike Alcaudon Comun Lanius senator (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Just as were about to leave the stream a flock of some thirty Common Waxbills landed in the brambles under a tree along with some House Sparrows. Then to finish off here a Woodchat Shrike flew up from the stream and perched for its photo before heading off into the fields.
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| Look at these lovely Common Waxbill Pico de Coral Estrilda astrid (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
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| Wood Lark Alondra Comun Alauda arvensis (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
It sounds like an absolutely fabulous day despite the early morning fog. I just wonder what they have been up today so look forward to the next report.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Rio Velez, Torre del Mar
Thursday 12 March
An hour or so to spare this morning so I took myself down to the local Rio Velez in Torre del Mar in the hope that there might be something different about. An interesting stay and I even bumped into Marcus Rootes who was also taking a look at the local river.
Arriving at the the usual parking spot below the N340 road bridge I was greeted by a Collared Dove, Mallards and a number of Cormorants perched in the trees on the opposite side to dry themselves in the lovely warm sunshine. A Chiffchaff and a handful later in the morning but most seemed to have now departed. Next up a female Blackbird and also a few more during the course of the next hour. As I walked down towards the hide a sudden movement in one of the river bushes attracted my attention and, having watched the bird slip in and out of the leaves, it turned out to be a Subalpine Warbler and, even better, another feeding in the trees in front of me.
No shortage of Moorhens and there also seemed to be plenty of Grey Herons this morning along with at least a handful of Little Egrets. The "strange" small wader turned out to be a Little Stint and there were also three Redshanks in the river bed. By now I had reached the hide from where I saw numerous Spotless Starlings, Mallards and more Cormorants. A couple of Barn Swallows flew over and there were a number of Serins on the track behind me. Just the one White Wagtail but I did also manage to find a single Corn Bunting and the lone Zitting Cisticola. On the other hand, this did not suppress the constant calling (singing?) of the local Cetti's Warblers.
On the lagoon in front of the hide to the left, with much less water ow, just a single Yellow-legged Gull but three pairs of Black-winged Stilts, a Little Ringed Plover and more Mallards, Herons and even a lone Coot. making my way back to the car I added Rock Doves, House Sparrows and a couple of Cattle Egrets following the tractor on the worked agricultural plot.
Before leaving the area I took a short drive up river above the road bridge and managed to find both more Cattle Egrets and a singing Hoopoe high in a tree. Interestingly, whilst there was only one gull on the main lagoon, I had a mixed flock of about a dozen gulls resting on a ploughed field along with a couple of Crested Larks. Mainly Mediterranean in a range of moult but also a few Black-headed Gulls.
Time to return to Casa Collado having registered 29 species plus Thekla Lark, Blue Rock Thrush and Stonechat as I drove up the mountain.
Birds seen:
Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Back-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cistocola, Subalpine Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.
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| Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo |
Arriving at the the usual parking spot below the N340 road bridge I was greeted by a Collared Dove, Mallards and a number of Cormorants perched in the trees on the opposite side to dry themselves in the lovely warm sunshine. A Chiffchaff and a handful later in the morning but most seemed to have now departed. Next up a female Blackbird and also a few more during the course of the next hour. As I walked down towards the hide a sudden movement in one of the river bushes attracted my attention and, having watched the bird slip in and out of the leaves, it turned out to be a Subalpine Warbler and, even better, another feeding in the trees in front of me.
No shortage of Moorhens and there also seemed to be plenty of Grey Herons this morning along with at least a handful of Little Egrets. The "strange" small wader turned out to be a Little Stint and there were also three Redshanks in the river bed. By now I had reached the hide from where I saw numerous Spotless Starlings, Mallards and more Cormorants. A couple of Barn Swallows flew over and there were a number of Serins on the track behind me. Just the one White Wagtail but I did also manage to find a single Corn Bunting and the lone Zitting Cisticola. On the other hand, this did not suppress the constant calling (singing?) of the local Cetti's Warblers.
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| Record shot of Subalpine Warbler Curruca Carrasquena Sylvia cantilans at the Rio Velez |
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| Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius |
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| A few of the Mediterranean Gulls Gaviota Cabecinegra Larius melancocephalus |
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| Cattle Egret Garcilla Bueyera Bubulcus ibis |
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| Grey Heron Garza Real Ardea cinerea |
Birds seen:
Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Back-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cistocola, Subalpine Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information
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