Misty weather!

Sunday 23 August

You can't win them all!  Received a very short message from John Wainwright on Monday to let me know that he and Jenny had ventured up their local "hot spot" of the Sierra Loja for a day's serious birding only to find that the clouds had descended and were so thick it was all they could do to see the track in front, nevermind birds, bushes and sheet drops off the edge!  Read on see that Cloud was not their only problem and if thy could not see then goodness knows what the hunters were shooting at.

Went up the above yesterday but the cloud came down so thick that it was impossible to see anything at a distance, there were hunters about, so it was a quick up and down. I did see - possible - the last Rock Thrush (juvenile) for this year and Dartford Warbler. It was a tad chilly up there!  At the pond it was 11C.

As John reports, only two birds and one would be a great sight for most and the second a sight worth seeing on its own and a possible lifer.  Now is the time to keep your eyes peeled for these Rock Thrushes as they start to disperse and can often be found on much lower mountain slopes, especially the juveniles.  Think a very large juvenile Woodchat Shrike sitting on a wire.
 

Zapata and the Rio Grande

Saturday 22 August

They are at it again; will they never get a decent night's sleep?  Derek and Barbara Etherton were up early and collecting mutual friends Lindsay Pheasant and Micky Smith for yet another visit to their local patch to take in both the Guadalhorce at Zapata and the Rio Grande.  As with my visit earlier this month, still no sign of the elusive Barn Owl but I am sure that one of us will get another chance soon.  meanwhile, read Derek's report of another wonderful morning's birding and some very good species recorded to make it all the more worthwhile.  Now I wonder what Derek and Barbara will produce for me next week?  Whinchat and Bonelli's Eagle would be very rewarding.

Friday 21 August

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

The insomniacs meet up with Mick Smith and Lindsay Pheasant yesterday morning in the car park of Lidl's.  We get a lay in now that Autumn seems to be approaching and light does not appear until about 0700hrs.  We drove down the track at Zapata looking for the elusive Barn Owl that has stayed hidden for the last few weeks.  No luck again yesterday but as usual several Red Necked Nightjars were on the track affording superb views in the car headlights.  Several Iberian Hares crossed over together with a few Rabbits.  As the first glimmer of dawn broke and the early Crested Larks started to move a slightly different approach, one B and I tried last week, was suggested.  This entails driving to the weir/ford as daylight breaks [it happens so quickly], stop with the engine off in the middle of the water, and just sit and watch!  It's amazing, as your eye adjusts so much is happening, Common Sandpipers were bathing, 2 Night Herons busy fishing, Grey Herons behind them.  A male Kingfisher landed on the reeds a bare 5 metres. from us.  Little Egrets soon appeared with many of the Cattle variety rising from the roost in the reedbeds behind.  Little Ringed Plovers were plenty and a Green Sandpiper flew in up the river, over the car and landed to feed.  Luckily nobody was coming from the village to cross the water, few do very early, and in the 10 minutes we were there the first glimmers of sunlight were starting to show.  Sufficient for us to move the car 10 metres or so to dry land and get out to walk.  Moving up the side of the river a large flock of finches, Green, Gold and Linnets were joined by 5/6 Turtle Doves feeding in the bone dry scrub.  Viewing them it was thought that there was a Lesser Short-toed Lark among them, but even with the help of a 'scope the bird stayed too well hidden.  Moorhen and Coot were active and a flock of 30+ Mallard flew overhead and several Yellow Legged Gulls wheeled around.  Barbara was scanning the river edge some 400mtrs+ up under the motorway bridge and asked for the 'scope.  Yes, she had found the Little Bittern that seems now to be in residence in this area.  Super views for all for a good 5 minutes until it disappeared back into the reeds.

One of many Short-toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

By now it was half past eight and time to move down to the reed beds to find the usual and unusual suspects.  Walking along in the now warming sun several Common Waxbills, Zitting Cisticolas, more Turtle Doves, Barn and Red-Rumped Swallows, Common Swifts, House Martins flew over the reed bed.  Two more Kingfishers were having a game of chase low over the reeds.  We were fortunate enough to see the second Little Bittern of the day fly over the reeds to land quite close by and spend 5 minutes 'chuntering' away.  Walking down to 'Short-toed Lark corner' we were not to be disappointed.  I'm sure these little birds know us now as they seem not to fly away quite so quickly.  Stonechat, House Sparrows, Spotless Starlings and Sardinian Warblers were a plenty. A wander back to the car at Spanish breakfast time had 3 juvenile Red Rumped Swallows perched performing their morning ablutions.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica at their ablutions (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

So 39 species in under three hours and a well deserved breakfast for all.  After that it was up to the upper reaches of the Rio Grande where some interesting birds have been found recently.  We soon added Purple Heron, White Wagtails, the family of Booted Eagles we have followed recently and discovered their nest area.  A Grey Wagtail eventually was found and as we scanned the area between the two bridges on the track we found a Lesser Short-toed Lark, lovely 'scope views for all of us.  Many Bee-eaters were wheeling around, gathering perhaps to leave us, amongst them were many House Martins and the adult Booted Eagles were above.  A Golden Oriel was briefly spotted flying up in the eucalyptus trees.  Another Kingfisher was seen fishing away [5 for the morning!] and several Little Ringed Plovers, Green and Common Sandpipers were by the water.

You can never see too many Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Returning to the car, two Black Storks glided in low above us to land in the nearby water.  Sadly not to stay long enough for a picture.  Still another ten species added for a morning total of 49.  

By now it was too warm, so home and lunch was the general consensus, a good mornings birding and nice company. 

It sounds like an absolutely fabulous morning and I especially like the thought of the Booted Eagles, Little Bitterns and the fleeting view of the gorgeous Golden Oriole.  Similarly, you can never see too many Red-rumped Swallows.

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

Arroyo Marin, Archidona

19 August 2015

Leaving Mezquitilla with a couple of Common Swifts feeding above the main road, within the hour I was passed the "white elephant prison" and arriving at the Arroyo Marin just before Archidona. Entering the valley track I was immediately greeted by a number of Bee-eaters and managed to get a couple of quick photos through the windscreen.  Then, having decided to get out of the car for a better shot, I was suddenly confronted by another car right behind me so had to move on.  Indeed, this was the only other vehicle i came across all morning!

taking the first side track on the right I had more Bee-eaters along with a couple of Blackbirds and a male Blackcap.  A few Barn Swallows were feeding above and the bee-eaters were joined by a handful of Spotless Starlings on the distant wires whilst a small flock of Rock Doves took to the skies.  The dead weeds seemed to be providing plenty of food for the foraging Serins.

Bee-eaters Abejaruco Europeo Merops apiaster through the windscreen

Back onto the main track and down to the usual parking place in the shade near the ruined farm.  A good walk both up and down stream from the broken concrete bridge produced a number of species including Chaffinch, an out-of-place Rock Bunting, Blue Tit and a pair of Cirl Buntings. Returning downstream I had a lone Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Collared Dove and clucking Red-legged Partridges nearby.  Over the hills a good-sized flock of Crag Martins were quartering the hillsides.

Cirl Bunting Escribano Soteno Emberiza cirius

Closer to the ruins were a small charm of Goldfinches and even a male Blue Rock Thrush on the roof of the ruined building.  A young Stonechat was in a nearby tree.  A drive down to the bridge only produced Great Tits and then it was time to make my way home picking up a trio of Azure-winged Magpies and Spotted Flycatcher before reaching the main road.

Distant Blue Rock Thrush  Roquero Solitario Monticola solitarius

The scenic return via Ventas de Zafarraya rather than the motorway to Malaga duly found Corn Buntings, House Sparrows and a resting Short-toed Eagle.  Even a small flock of Mallard on the irrigation pond at the back of Zafarraya.

Birds seen:
Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Short-toed Eagle, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Robin, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Azure-winged Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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

Sierra Loja AND Zapata's Guadalhorce

Friday 14 August

As I said only a few days ago, never mind the continuing heat wave as there are birds to be found and seen if you put your mind to it.  John and Jenny Wainwright proved a point with a visit to their local and favourite site, the Serra Loja and had no sooner completed their day when Derek and Barbara Etherton were off down to their favourite local site on the Guadalhorce at Zapata behind the local airport.  Not just birds to be seen but exciting species that make the journeys even more worthwhile. What is also interesting, is that both make a point to say what was not present so that you have a better feel for the day, Barn Owl in the case of Derek and Barbara and Eagle Owl with John and Jenny, but a timely reminder of what might be observable on a more fortunate day.

Sierra Loja 13th August

A warmish  25C, down below only, but a cool 19C up the Sierra.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

We started off from Salar about 7.45am and it was with a nice breeze that we gained the base to the
Sierra Loja´s.  Here we found a good flock of Crossbills and disturbed five Collared Doves that were
foraging on the main track.  A few Goldfinches about here and a couple of Blackbirds.  Going directly up to the hidden quarry, no Eagle Owl was seen, but we did get two Dartford Warblers, a Sardinian Warbler and yet more Goldfinches. Scanning the mountainside we located five Spanish Ibex, and the a Short-toed Eagle appeared above the "owls roost", followed by two Black Kites.

Moving up through the tree line, several Great Tits, Chaffinches were noted as well as a dark-phased
Red Squirrel, while at the cliff face, Stonechat, Rock Buntings, Chaffinches, a Wood Pigeon, Thekla Larks, two Chough (no Jackdaws at all today- which is very surprising as this is their main roost-site), a Black Wheatear, Common Kestrel and a juvenile Woodchat Shrike were logged.

Between here and the substation valley it was very quiet, but as we descended into the valley a large
 - very young - family of Red-legged Partridges scattered in all directions.  Here we picked up Southern Grey Shrike, our first of many Northern Wheatears and also lots of Black-eared Wheatears (in various stages of plumage),  A few more Rock Buntings and Thekla Larks were also noted.

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)

As we approached the ponds (Charca de Negra - which are both bone dry), Black-eared Wheatears
were everywhere, several Black Redstarts, Linnets another two Northern Wheatears and a sprinkling
of House Sparrows.  Moving round to the "fossil cave area", a large flock of Chough were feeding on the down slopes and our one and only Little Owl of the day was spotted here, in and amongst the rock piles.  A couple of dozen Spotless Starlings flew over and on the cliff face Rock Buntings and Linnets were seen.

Backtracking and then heading off in the direction of Salar, at the walnut grove we found a Hoopoe,
 Stonechats, more Blackbirds and Black Redstarts, the latter being  forever harassed by Black-eared
Wheatears.  The fir copse held more Hoopoes plus three Mistle Thrushes, Chaffinches, another Southern Grey Shrike and a female Sardinian Warbler.  Dropping down to the catchment area a Black Wheatear flew off at our approach, then a flock of some twenty two Bee-eaters came across the face of the mountain heading west,  House Martins and Barn Swallows were noted here as well. We had a cuppa  and a sandwich here before moving off, when a wasp landed on my hand, I though it had landed for a drink as my hands were wet, but it turned out he was after a chunk of skin from between my fingers.

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

Retracing our steps and scanning the area around the stone trough, a pair of Bonelli´s Eagles circled and gave us some great views and as they disappeared from sight a Short-toed Eagle came over from
the opposite direction.  A little further down four Griffon Vultures were spotted and a Short-toed Eagle (probably the same one as before) came over breaking up a party of Common Swifts, Barn and
Red-rumped Swallows and House Martins.  A couple of Crag Martins were seen on the downslopes
and to finish up a Spectacled Warbler and a family of Long-tailed Tits were seen and a Coal Tit was heard.

Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

A few butterflies were seen today,ie: Small Copper, Striped Grayling, a Scarce Swallowtail and some
Small Whites.

Guadalhorce, Zapata and Rio Grande: Friday 14 August

Short-toed Lark Calandrella  brachydactyla (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Now whilst John and Jenny were up the mountain on Wednesday, Derek and Barbara were off to their local and ever-poplar site down at the verdant area of Zapata checking out the Guadalhorce just behind the airport, on Thursday morning..  It never ceases to amaze me what they find here and when you visit you see beautiful green countryside as you look upstream with its wide bubbling brook (well perhaps not a brook!) you easily forget that you are just a couple of miles from Malaga town centre.

Yet another Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis caught in the headligjhts (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

As usual, no hanging around in bed of a morning for D & B as they are up with the lark (actually on site before the lark is up!) but, unfortunately, no Barn Owl again although lots of Red-necked Nightjars and all the usual water birds including Little Bittern and Night Heron.  This is also a a great place for seeing Short-toed Larks and having seen the fly-past by the extended Black Kite squadron it was breakfast and the short hop up to the Rio Grande to complete their birding morning and a final tally of 57 species including Purple Heron and Short-toed Eagle.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

All this positive birding and me just about recovered, test results  due back next week when I have the return visit to the Doc and hope the outcome will not be that I have had a serious dose of Gastro-entritis, as got me dreaming of birds, birds and more birds.  But where to go?  me thinks I might have a wander up to the Arroyo Marin next Wednesday and then play it by ear.

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

As always, very many thanks to both John and Derek for sending me their reports and photos so that I can enjoy them along with readers of the blog.

Black Kites Milvus migrans on their way south (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

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

Guadalhorce and further upstream

Monday 10 August

Just received a lovely report from Derek and Barbara Etherton who, along with Micky Smith, have been exploring the Guadalhorce from Zapata upstream.  Certainly proves that there are birds to be found and seen if you put yourself out as can be seen by Derek's report.

Zapata and Rio Grande

Met Mick Smith this morning, later than usual, to try and find this elusive warbler.  We headed straight to the area we had seen it on Friday last, but our combined luck was out.  Locking the car with several Red Rump Swallows seemingly within touching distance we walked on to see a Spotted Flycatcher  busy feeding and numerous mixed finches, Gold, Green, Serin and Linnet were feeding on the ground.  A Hoopoe walked a few yards in front of us and several Little Ringe Plovers were on the large rock.  House Sparrows went from the ground to the bamboo and Cetti's Warblers seemed to be everywhere, and not just calling but highly visible.  A couple of Jackdaws flew by the motorway bridge & a flock of 30+ Mallard flew over going down river, perhaps they just enjoy flying because 10 minutes later they were back again!  Walking through the dried river bed to where the Guadalhorce still flows quite strongly a Kingfisher flashed past up to the top weir.  It passed over several Blue-headed Yellow Wagtails feeding and in the grass, semi hidden, there appeared to be a Sandpiper of sorts.  It soon revealed itself to be a Green Sandpiper but then from behind us another Sandpiper flew in and low and behold we had a cracking Wood Sandpiper right in front of us.  Long green legs and the white eye stripe prominent.  A couple of Barn Swallows were resting in the reeds & a solitary Common Swift passed by.

By now it had started to rain, yes rain, that weird stuff we seem just hear about but seldom experience.  So we hopped in the car and drove over to the reed ditch to what was about.  Now, two hours later than I normally visit, it seemed so different, and dare I say so quiet.  However we saw a Purple Swamphen climbing the reeds and ten minutes later saw it fly past us to land.  A debatable Spanish Sparrow [think it's that hybrid] was feeding.  A small flock of Common Waxbills flew past and several Short-toed Larks showed themselves.  I suspect the birds were confused by the falling rain.  A Nightingale posed well for Barbara and the Zitting Cisticola's were there usual affable selves.  Sardinian Warblers were active along the fence.  Collared, Rock and Turtle Doves all flew over.  Flying from the placed rocks towards the water deposit a Black Eared Wheater [they bred here this year] showed very well.  A solitary Blackbird issued it's usual warning call of our approach. By now we actually sheltered under the landing light pier and as soon as the rain eased made our way to obtain essential supplies, coffee and tostada!

Whilst munching we decided there was time to visit the upper reaches of the Rio Grande to see what else we could add.  At the very top end between the road and the water pipe we were fortunate to find and see Grey & White Wagtails, many European Bee-Eaters, a super Squacco Heron [juvenile], Woodchat Shrike and Black Winged Stilt.  Among the many Cattle and Little Egrets were two 'Little Egrets' that looked decidedly different.  Not at first sight but when 'scoped they showed many grey feathered areas particularly around the neck and wings.  We put them down as juveniles, but something just didn't seem right.  I now have second thoughts, just look at page 83 of the current 'Collins' and you'll see what I mean!  Doubling back on ourselves we were lucky to see a Golden Oriole [male] fly up into one of the eucalyptus trees that abound around here.  He moved from tree to tree affording super views.  Crossing back over the water by the goat farm something caught my eye by 'crashing' into the trees on the bank.  Stopping the car and getting out we witnessed a juvenile Booted Eagle being as clumsy as you will ever see; falling off branches, hanging on by looping a wing over a branch, so untidy!  It's concerned parents were constantly calling to it and circling close by and eventually it untangled itself, had a shake and took to the skies, right place, right time!  A lone Common Kestrel completed the morning.

A total of 50 species and yes we did record the noisy, raucous green parrot-like bird! (Those "Monkeys" seem to get everywhere.)

Sounds like a great day was had by all and most definitely the real fifty shades of grey!  Your "strange" egret reminds me that Steve and I saw a "strange" Barn Swallow on Sunday morning down at  the Rio Velez.  We both were thinking Hobby as the bird looked so big but decided, watching it with our 'bins' that it was, literally, just a rather large individual rather than the hoped for raptor.

Rio Velez, Torre del Mar and Frigiliana

Sunday 9 August

Off to lunch with Steve and Elena Powell but time first for about an hour with Steve down at the Rio Velez.  Our first visit to our local patch for about six weeks and what a difference.  Everything seemed green and overgrown and even difficult to see where the river, if there was any water, should be.  Yes, we had the resident Rock Doves drifting around but noticeable was the number of Barn Swallows present, and, it seemed, mainly adult birds.  We were also greeted by a single Collared Dove and a dozen plus juvenile Barn Swallows on the wires.  Nothing but it but to head towards the hide and hope that there might be some breaks in the tall bamboos at the track side.  To make matters worse, the cloud began to clear and the weather became very hot and also humid, so unlike this part of Spain but, on the other hand, norm for the past couple of months.

Barn Swallow Golondrina Comun Hirundo rustica (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

No sooner had we mad fifty metres progress than we came across a pair of displaying Cetti's Warblers very close to the track but, unfortunately, with much obstructing vegetation.  Meanwhile, House Sparrows were making the most of finding food on or near the ripening tomatoes on the other side of the track and a quintet of Cattle Egrets made their way downstream - where we later found them roosting in reeds on the far side of the "hidden" river.  A single Mallard flew upstream.  As with last week at Zapata, it seems that the flocks of Spotless Starlings are beginning to increase in size.

Cetti's Warbler Ruisenor Barstado Cettia cetti (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Once at the hide we were able to watch the many Barn Swallows with the occasional House Martin and even a Common Swift feeding both in front and above the hide.  Also present, as expected, a small band of marauding Monk Parakeets and then a lone Reed Warbler.  Plenty of gulls about, mainly Black-headed and Yellow-legged but also lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Continuing on to the beach we found a single Crested Lark and a pair of Common Waxbill and on the reed-infested water both Coots and Moorhen.  A pair of Blue-headed Wagtails flew over our heads and into the reeds.  The walk back to the car found very little else other than a solitary Little Grebe.

Relaxing on the terrace after lunch we were able to follow a high passage of Bee-eaters whilst being entertained by the resident Collared Doves.  The pine trees at the edge of the terrace produced first a Great Tit and later a single male Sardinian Warbler.  House Martins were busy feeding overhead and making frequent visit to their nests above and we even had a few Common Swifts and a visiting Kestrel.

But best of all, given that I am yet to see a Coal Tit this year, as we sat drinking a late cup of tea on the terrace, a Coal Tit decided it could not wait any longer to be omitted from the annual record and suddenly popped up on the terrace railing less than three metres away.  Talk about,, "If Mohammad won't go the mountain then the mountain must come to Mohammad!"

Black Percher Diplacodes lefebvrii seen at the Rio Velez (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Birds seen:
Mallard, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Crested Lark,Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blue-headed Wagtail, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

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

Forty Shades of Grey!

Thursday/Friday, 6 & 7 August


No, not some filleted female fantasy, rather the fact that Jenny and I spent Thursday evening and Friday staying with our friends Barbara and Derek in Alhaurin de la Torre (and, no that's not the fantasy either!) so that in the darkening grey of Thursday evening we could visit the Guadalhorce at Zapata just to the north of Malaga Airport to try and find Red-necked Nightjars and the illusive Barn Owl that appears to hold a local territory and then Derek and I returned in the lightening grey of Friday morning for a second shot at the targeted birds plus anything else that might be found in the early morning dawn as the little brown jobs rose from their overnight slumbers.  In the event, by the time we returned for a late breakfast we had managed to record a respectable forty species.  Just imagine the title if we hand found a further ten species!

So, Bee-eaters over the pool along with passing barn swallows and House Martins, not to mention the growing numbers of Collared Doves, and as the grey of evening approached we set off for the river.  Always a late Blackbird to seen dashing between bushes and as the grey darkened it was apparent that the Red-rumped Swallows were going to be one of the last to retreat to their bulky clay nests under the overbridge.  A lone Night Heron headed away from the river to seek the shelter of nearby reeds and we continued our search of the "usual" sites fr our targeted birds.

No sign of a Barn Owl although we dd have one very brief and distant image of something white suddenly disappear behind the bushes and vegetation and not to be seen again.  Was it the local Barn Owl?  We will never know.  But more luck with the Red-necked Nightjar.

Night photography of a Red-necked Nightjar Chotacabras Pardo Caprimulgus ruficollis

Returning to the narrow, banked track as we turned the car the headlights picked out the familiar double red dots of the bird's eyes.  Great views of the resting bird at the side of the track albeit trying to describe to Jenny where to look took a while and then "bingo" she was on the ball.  At that the bird took off to the right but was soon down again and in a position that enabled us to search the area.  We thought we had it in our sites so Derek turned the car slightly, headlights on full beam and there was the bird all lit up like a Christmas tree.  Strangely the bird seemed happy to remain and although it made two very short flight it, on both occasions, returned to almost the same spot.

Photographs taken through the windscreen, everybody happy to strain and find the bird with their binoculars when I happened to look up and there, on the car's on-board forward-facing camera was the bird itself.  It had been there all the time but nobody until that moment had seen the picture!

Never great to photograph through the windscreen so, having I hoped, got some record pictures I quietly opened the door, on the far side from the Nightjar, and managed to creep out and get a few more shots.  The bird never moved but continued to rest in the full glare of the car's headlights. Nothing ventured nothing gained so a few steps forward and able to get what I thought might be a clearer shot avoiding the stalks sticking up from the ground.  The main question would be whether or not any of the photographs would be usable.


Onwards and upwards as we continued another couple of circuits in the hope that we might find the barn owl but we were to be unsuccessful.  On the other hand, we did have a calling Little Owl before finally returning home via appropriate taps and a late night drink.

Friday morning saw us back on site before the grey of dawn but still no Barn Owl.  The Red-necked Nightjar was back on its favourite track and a further individual was found immediately in front of us on the main track remaining long enough for good vies but not able to photograph.  Also present, as with the previous evening, were good numbers of Crested Larks roosting on the track itself.  How do these little birds manage to avoid predation sleeping out in the open?

With the coming light, having first seen a Little Ringed Plover feeding near the ford, smaller birds began to appear including Blackbirds and House Sparrows whilst, overhead, we had moving Cattle and Little Egrets and the first, a juvenile, Night Heron of the morning.  Next up a very colourful display of Common Waxbills in a flock of at least thirty, feeding on both the track and neighbouring reeds, followed by Greenfinches, Serins, Goldfinchs and Linnets.  A Turtle Dove announced its presence before settling on a fence on the opposite side of the reed-bed and we had many Rock and Collared Doves about us.  Large numbers of Spotless Starlings were seen, a sure sign that autumn is approaching and that theses birds are already beginning to flock up for the winter so, maybe, a few Common Starlings will shortly be joining them from northern Europe.  On the other hand, perhaps it was the quartet of Red-legged Partridges that caught my attention in these early minutes of daylight.

Very early morning shot, little light, of the flock of Common Waxbill Pico de Coral Estrilda astrild

Also putting in an appearance before we mad our way to the riverside near the ford were both Barn and Red-rumped Swallows along with small groups of Yellow (Iberian sub species) Wagtails. Next we had a visit from some of the local House Martins and a single Common Swift.  Still to find the local Short-toed Larks we were but surprised and delighted to see a lone Peregrine Falcon which put on a special stoop display for us and, as looked eastwards we were rewarded by a flock of at least an hundred Flamingos flying high overhead as they appeared to be making their way towards Fuente de Piedra.  But where had these magnificent birds come from?  Too high to have come from the mouth of the Guadalhorce and as they are known to migrate at night it left me wondering whether they had made travelling westwards from as far away as Almeria and possibly Cabo de Gata?

No sooner had the Flamingos disappeared and we had the pleasure of the arrival of a small number of Short-toed Larks, feeding alongside both Greenfinches and Serins and a small number of Crested Larks not too far distant.  It was also pleasing to find a Spanish Sparrow resting on the fence and the shortened black bid might suggest that this was a hybrid with some House Sparrow in its genes but it did have that lovely white cheek and gorgeous chestnut crown.  So it was on to the Guadalhorce proper passing a Zitting Cisticola and with both Cetti's and Reed Warbler calling from the reeds below and the sight of at least a pair of male Sardinian Warblers.

Spanish Sparrow Gorrion Moruno Passer hispaniolensis

Our stay at the river produced more Little Ringed Plovers along with a Little Egret and many Blue-headed Wagtails, mainly juveniles.  The second pair of Jackdaws passed overhead along with a lone Yellow-legged Gull and then, in quick succession, first a Green followed by a Common Sandpiper.  A lone Hoopoe wandered across the area and there were feeding finches on the damp area this side of the main water to the north.  A Mallard drifted across the river and there were regular sightings of Moorhens, mainly juveniles.  But the final mystery was not the very briefest glimpse of a Kingfisher flashing upstream but the little warbler feeding in the low tamarisk.. What was it?  First impression suggested a Willow Warbler but wrong colour on the back; too much yellow on the front and too green to be a Bonelli's Warbler.  Derek had initially thought Iberian Chifchaff and, on reflection and much use of Collins, we also considered both Savi's and Isabelline Warbler.  Whilst we had immediately ruled out Melodious Warbler, on reflection I suspect that the bird may have been a juvenile which is somewhat similar in proportion to Willow but has less yellow, and not the deepness, on the breast - and it was in an appropriate habitat.  Over to you Derek and do I need to amend the list below?

Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:
Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Flamingo, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Red-necked Nighjar, Common Swift, Kingfisher, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blue-headed Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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