Fuente de Piedra

Saturday 16 January


Along with over thirty other members of the Andalucia Bird Society I spent the morning at the, almost dry, salinas of Fuente de Piedra in glorious sunny weather and almost perfectly clear blue skies but, on the other hand, somewhat on the chilly side at only 5C when we met up at 9.30.  However, by the time we set off for home to get ready for a night at the opera watching the Met, New York's live (relay) production of Bizet's "Pearl Fishers" at Rincon de la Victoria the temperature had almost reached the twenty mark and most were discarding clothes like there was no tomorrow!

Greeted by a mixture of White Wagtail, Jackdaws, House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings and it was surprising to see that the recent showers had actually created a small pond on the field to the left as we approached the  car park.  A handful of Lapwing were the first birds seen but as we left at the end of the morning they had also been joined by a quartet of Back-winged Stilts.  No sooner had we parked up and it was a case of gathering at the top of the steps alongside the Visitors Centre so that we could be actually be in the sun.  Below us the scrape was completely dry and no sign of any water in the main laguna at this end albeit a shallow stretch to our left held scores of Flamingos and at least twenty Shelduck.  In front of the birds was a large flock of Lesser Black-backed and on closer inspection the edges contained a good number of Mediterranean Gulls.  About a dozen distant small waders close to the Shelduck were eventually identified as Dunlins.  Overhead a few Crag Martins and then the first House Martins of the year.  A quartet of Mallard flew overhead heading towards the small lagunetta at the rear whilst below us a male Blackcap fidgeted about in a nearby tree.  To our right on the now completely arid scrape a large flock of Greenfinches were busy feeding on the ground and in their midst at least a handful of Spanish Sparrows.  A very distant scan to the far end of the main laguna not only revealed many more Flamingos but also a good number of Cranes feeding in the nearby fields.

On round to the lagunetta which was full of water but only the two islands immediately in front of the hide visible and another couple of Flamingos before noting Mallards, Shovelers, Pochards and a couple of Teals.  A pair of Cormorants rested on the main island whilst on the other a lone Water Pipit wandered casually along the edge looking for further sustenance.  No shortage of Coots or Moorhens along with a small number of Little Grebe and a Marsh Harrier rested on top of the tall shrubs on the opposite bank.  A Cetti's Warbler could be heard calling and then the lovely sight of a Bluethroat wandering about the ground immediately below the hide, a first-ever sighting for some of the members present.  The small trees themselves were full of Chiffchaffs and even the occasional Stonechat.  Above the water there was a constant movement of feeding Crag Martins and ever more House Martins plus a at least a couple of Sand Martins by way of variety.  Some even manged to find a skulking Snipe

A walk to the nearby open hide provided more Chiffchaffs and a female Sardinian Warbler before returning to the car park via the lower path alongside the now dry stream.  A Dartford Warbler had been seen just before arriving but the female Black Redstart as a delight to see.

Small groups of Cranes Grulla Comun Grus grus passing overhead

Leaving the centre we drove round to the Mirador de Cantarannas which, again, looking down on the very patch that usually held a good-sized area of water and home to many ducks and waders, was completely dry.  Nothing.  Just beyond one could see more Flamingos and many small groups of Cranes.  From here there was a regular dispersal with handfuls of Cranes passing overhead to join the hundreds on the field behind opposite the mirador.  Immediately below the mirador a number of House Sparrows were very active and a single Robin put in a very brief appearance.  To our left a solitary Iberian Grey Shrike stood sentinel at the top of a small bush overlooking a bare patch of ground and from the way it reacted after about five minutes it had apparently seen its next meal.

Record shot of Iberian Grey Shrike Alcaudon Real Lanius meridionalis

Time to head off home by completing the circuit round the laguna and almost at once a Raven resting atop an old tree stump and then a small mixed flock of mainly Linnets accompanied by a handful each of Goldfinches and a Serins.   However, the Stone Curlews seen by some at the start of the morning as they approached the village were not to be seen and the Blackbirds did not show themselves until we were almost home.

Very much like juvenile Cranes Grus grus looking for parents

Birds seen:
Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Crane, Stone Curlew, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove,Crag Martin, Sand Martin, House Martin, Water Pipit, White Wagtail, Robin, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Iberian Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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

Fuengirola shore and the mountains

Thursday 14 January

Whilst some of us were hanging around the local hospital awaiting our respective appointments, Barbara and Derek Etherton along with Micky Smith were able to do something far more practical as they set out at first light to try and find the elusive Purple Sandpiper that frequently resides near the lighthouse just west of Fuengirola.  Derek's report follows:

Yesterday we had planned a trip to Sierrania de Ronda for the higher altitude birds, but like so many plans this one had to change beforehand.  It turned out Barbara's results were back at the Medicare Clinic in La Cala so we decided to hunt for the Purple Sandpiper at El Faro en route.

What a beautiful sight awaiting all at the lighthouse (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Picking up Smithy at Benalmadena we were parked up and walking the sea front as the sun rose casting it's golden rays on the water, already Turnstones were busy and joined by a few Sanderling.  On the scrub by the side of the walkway Black Redstart, Meadow Pipit and Serin were busy feeding.  Wishing I had put gloves on, getting soft in my old age, we continued walking and searching the shore and rocks for the elusive bird.  A pair of Kentish Plovers ran around in the sand and both Grey and White Wagtails searched for breakfast amongst the stones.  Plenty of Black headed gulls were around but sat up on one of the lamp standards was an enormous, well in context to the Black-headed Gulls.  It was of course a Lesser Black Backed but with it's very yellow legs and extremely black back feathers we came to the conclusion it may well have been the 'Baltic' sub species.

Further along, and no warmer, Gt Cormorant were busy and a solo Gannet, full adult, was quite close to the shore.  A Little Egret flew in to land on the rocks to immediately investigate the pools for it's breakfast.  A little further along the more distant rock held the outline of a Whimbrel and to the side the tell tale iridescent blue of a Kingfisher.  No sooner had the group viewed the Kingfisher when it decided to fly closer to us and perch on rocks just below us.  A charming, beautiful sight and the early morning sun backlit the orange of the females lower bill.  It stayed for what seemed ages, not bothering to fish but happy just to pose for us, and it went through my mind that all those cars, lorries and buses thundering along on the road immediately behind us containing so many people are probably oblivious to what's on their doorstep!

A very accommodating Kingfisher Martin Pescador Alcedo atthis enjoying the early morning sunshine on the rocks at Fuengirola (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

The Whimbrel flew closer for us to have a good look and as we did a solo Razorbill flew across the bay on a mission!  But still no target bird, so having reached one end of the stretch we hoped for better luck on the return journey, but as we went to turn our eyes were attracted to a Turnstone on the lower pathway fighting with what we presumed was it's breakfast.  We watched until it had finished then walked in to see a 'Turnstone Anvil', well knowing of 'Thrush Anvil's' we presumed this served the same purpose because around this flat rock were several remains of Sea Urchins from previous meals, cunning little birds they are.

Walking back we picked up Rock Doves, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling and House Sparrow, but no Purple Sandpiper.

Turnstone Vuelvepiedras Comun Arenaria intepres making us of a covenient anvil (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

1015hrs now so back to the car and along to the clinic in La Cala and the good news of 'all clear' for Barbara, a quick conflab and a drive to Marbella and up the Ojen road to Refugio Jaunar for some mountain and forest birds.  Bullfinches were the main target but at the start of a year anything goes as they say, so we set out on the known trail to try to locate this little charmer.  Great Tits seemed to be everywhere and calling incessantly, a Nuthatch, soon joined by Long Tailed Tits were on full view very close to us as we negotiated the track.  Greenfinches were heard making their monotonous call and male Blackcap looked resplendent in the winter sunshine.  Serins sung from the tree tops and several Chaffinches were about, sadly no Brambling among them.  We resorted to 'calling' the Bullfinchs and were rewarded with two males answering and singing well, however in the dense bramble scrub they were only heard not seen.  Walking on the main forest path we viewed Short-toed Treecreeper [such a long name for a tiny bird], Crossbills, Crested and Blue Tits. Nearer to where the olive plantation starts both Robin and Wren put in an appearance.  We walked to rest on large rocks in the more open olive grove and soon picked up Song Thrush, Wood Pigeons,Red-legged Partridge and Sardinian Warbler.  Ambling back on the main walking trail to our parked car a large feeding flock of finches gave us stunning views of Firecrest and all the woodland tits together.

By now it was time for visit to the hotel and the Siskins that can be found here, and pleasingly,  today was no exception.  Whilst partaking in a bevy, non alcoholic of course, a Woodpecker was heard busy nearby, sadly not seen to confirm the species, however the quantity of Siskins compensated.

A pair of the Siskins Lugano Carduelis spinus found at the hotel (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

1600hrs and that's long enough as there was shopping to get on the way home and Smithy to return to his abode.

Sounds as if the birding trio had the better day!

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

A great morning's birding at the Rio Velez

Monday 11 January

The early morning rain cleared up to give a generally bright and sunny start to the day so, with Barbara and Derek Etherton, I took off down to the the Rio Velez, Torre del Mar where we had a most enjoyable three hours birding, and all the better as it was my guests first visit to this site.

No mass flock of Rock Doves under the bridge, just the single passing over but they were all back on station as we returned to the car.  On the other hand, a single Kestrel rested near the top of one of the regular dove roosts.  A Heron took off and a few House Sparrows and Serin put in a brief appearance.  Then, looking closer, we found both Grey and White Wagtails and there seemed to be a constant stream of Blackbirds criss-crossing the river bed.  Similarly, the Cetti's Warblers were both calling and being seen all morning.

The first of two Great Tits was seen as we made our way to the hide and a Cormorant worked itself upstream.  Finally we found a couple of pairs of hiding Mallards and then a Little Egret flew in to perch on a tree top.  A Green Sandpiper dashed off downstream and the first of many Moorhen were seen.  Up popped a Zitting Cisticola, took a flight round the neighbourhood as we watched and then settled on top of a relatively nearby bamboo shoot.

Zitting Cisticola Buitron Cisticola juncidis (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

By the time we reached the hide we were aware that there were Chiffchaffs everywhere; on the fields, bushes, fences, everywhere.  Not too many Spotless Starlings and then a most handsome male Black Redstart before Derek found the concealed Bluethroat and both Goldfinches and Crag Martins were overhead.  Again, looking out of the back of the hide we found a pair of Blackcaps and Sardinian Warbler.  A Stonechat posed briefly in front of the hide and a Little Grebe was seen in the narrow water channel.

On to the beach and very little on sea other than a number of Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls but we did find a single adult Gannet way out near the passing fishing boat.  Lots of Moorhen feeding on the mass of floating rubbish in the lagoon and what looked like a couple of dead birds turned out to be three sleeping Shoveler.  Also a handful of Coot and another pair of Mallards.

Having made our way back to the car we drove upstream under the bridges so that we could explore the next three or four hundred metres upstream.  The first of a few Meadow Pipits was found and then a couple of Cattle Egrets.  A Hoopoe was resting at the top of a tree on the opposite bank and was then joined on a lower branch by a single Blue Tit.  However, feeding on the nearby gravel were six Sanderling (where had the  other three gone that were seen her last week?).  Making our way back to the car we then picked up both a Robin and a good-sized flock of Greenfinches.  Needless to say we eventually picked up a Monk Parakeet before getting home.

Sanderling Correlimos Tridactilo Calidris alba (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Bluethroat, Back Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Backcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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

The Day of the Osprey

Saturday 9 January

Friends Barbara and Derek Etherton along with Micky Smith from Benalmadena took part in the "great Osprey Day count" on Saturday and chose Zapata on the Rio Guadalhorce at the back of the airport as their chosen destination followed, after breakfast at a local bar, by a visit to the Rio Grande.  Seems to me that they had not only a fabulous day, finding their Osprey but also a number of other choice birds including three Wrynecks just to prove that these delightful birds are very much still about.  Derek's very full and illustrated report follows. (All photographs are by Derek himself on the actual day.)

Having only returned from a wet & windy UK after a prolonged Christmas break on the Thursday we were looking forward to Spanish sunshine to accompany the Osprey count.  Wrong!  Up at 07:00hrs, peek out into the dark and see rain tipping it down.  OK we need it, but not today please, just give us 12 dry hours. However, ever intrepid and having arranged to meet Mick Smith, we left to meet him in Lidl's car park at 0830hr.  Peering through the rain we eventually found him hidden in his camouflage gear and looking very cheerful! 

So off down to Zapata for the days target bird, the Osprey since it was Spanish count day for this species. Entering the track with rain beating down, several Chiffchaffs were ignoring the elements - food obviously comes first.  A little further down the track a string of Greater Flamingos flew down river towards Malaga. Arriving by the ford with the rain still tipping it down, we wisely stayed in the car and watched a covey of Red Legged Partridge near the river.  Standing on a rock to the side of the ford crossing was a juvenile Night Heron intent on it's breakfast, a couple of Cormorants soon joined in as did Moorhen, Grey Heron and Coot. 

The rain now started to ease, well  enough to open the car windows which sure makes life easier and a male Black Redstart obliged close by.  A little further away the first Bluethroat was spied feeding hungrily.  By now we decided to cross the river and, as usual, to stop half way through the ford to view both Grey and White Wagtails, Mallard, Green Sandpiper and the Lesser Black Backed Gulls up stream.  A Cetti's Warbler announced it's presence in the usual way, but unusually posed in full view.  Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls wheeled overhead as we continued on our way to the other side.  

Greenshank Archibebe Claro Tringa nebularia (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

With the rain now well on its way to stopping, we drove to the bridge to view the concrete drainage gully and whilst we did, something made Barbara turn around in time to see our target bird.   An Osprey, rose from the river with breakfast in its talons.  Job done and it was only 0910hrs!  But no, we three musketeers (OK, ardent birders) were enjoying this and there was so much more to come.  The drain, now running well with water from the motorway contained Common and Green Sandpiper, Serin, Goldfinch, Robin, preening and displaying Zitting Cisticolas, Ringed Plover, a solo Snipe flew in and then the first of two more Bluethroats were seen.  The first, a juvenile without it's tell-tale bib was soon joined by a beautiful adult with the tell-tale red, white & blue markings so prominent.  As the rain had now stopped the 'scope was out and the birds just posed for us.....fabulous. Soon both Little and Cattle Egret appeared as did Meadow Pipit, Crested Lark, Sardinian Warbler - such a busy place!

Leaving here to drive and stop under the motorway viaduct nothing new was found on the river but a distant Common Kestrel called for a 'scope for viewing.  Just as well because panning round the bamboo Greenfinches were being viewed when suddenly the first of the days Wrynecks appeared.  What a bonus! 09:45hrs with Osprey, 3 Bluethroats and Wryneck in the book; this doesn't happen everyday I can assure you!

So now to cross back through the river, stopping again  midway to check, but only adding House Sparrow, we continued the circuit to take in the reed bed.  Literally hundreds of Serin and Goldfinch were in scrub feeding away and constantly moving to avoid us.  Passing under the landing light pier we stopped to view an almost tame Corn Bunting that seemed determined not to move because of us.  Lucky we stopped for him because Barbara was scanning the bushes in the reeds only to discover a preening Penduline Tit.  What a bonus, all 3 of us out of the car to watch this lovely bird [the Corn Bunting staying put] but it was just too far away for a decent photo.

Corn Bunting Triguero Emberiza calandra (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

Moving down to 'Short toed Lark corner' a Hoopoe flew over and a couple of Common Kestrel renewed their mating bonds only to be interrupted, and to chased off, by a passing Sparrowhawk.  A Booted Eagle was spotted circling high and behind us Common Waxbills made their strange buzzing noise as they flew among the reeds. Suddenly we were aware of the second-for-the-day Wryneck that had flown in to pose delightfully in a bare fig shrub.  Then, would you believe, it was joined by a second and the two birds stayed around for a few minutes before flying a short distance away.  Whilst watching the Wrynecks loud Water Rail squealing came from the reeds behind us and amongst the 'gang' of Sparrows was a perfect, deeply marked, Spanish variety.  Collared Dove completed our pre-breakfast birding so it was off to our local venta for coffee and sustenance.

Water Pipit Bisbita Alpino Anthus spinoletta (PHOTO: Derek Etherton)

The second part of the morning consisted of driving up to the Rio Grande to fill in a few blanks - well hopefully. Chaffinch & Greenfinch were bathing in a puddle as we entered and so we drove round under the bridge to tackle to top end.  Several Common and Green Sandpipers were about and a solo Greenshank looked resplendent in the now bright sunshine.  A little further up the river a Water Pipit went about it's business oblivious to us.  Black Winged Stilt and Great White Egret were viewed as we drove across the river to the top end and here Blue Tit, Linnet and Rock Dove joined the list.  Whilst standing on the bridge and scanning the skies above the distant Alora two displaying Bonelli's Eagles were spied.  What a way to end a great morning.

Anyway, enough of this boasting and the bird list is as below in alphabetical order.

Birds seen:
Blackbird, Black-winged Stilt, Bluethroat, Corn Bunting, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Coot, Cormorant, Dove - Collared, Dove - Rock, Eagle - Bonelli's, Eagle - Booted, Egret - Cattle, Egret - Great White, Egret - Little, Flamingo - Greater, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Greenshank, Gull - Lesser Black-backed, Gull - Yellow-legged, Heron - Grey, Heron - Night, Hoopoe, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Lark - Crested, Linnet, Mallard, Monk Parakeet, Moorhen, Osprey, Pipit - Meadow, Pipit - Water, Plover - Ringed, Red-legged Partridge, Redstart - Black, Robin, Sandpiper - Common, Sandpiper - Green, Serin, Snipe, Sparrow - House, Sparrow - Spanish, Sparrowhawk, Starling - Spotless, Stonechat, Tit - Blue, Tit - Penduline, Wagtail - Grey, Wagtail - White, Warbler - Cetti's, Warbler - Sardinian, Water Rail, Waxbill - Common, Wryneck, Zitting Cisticola

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

Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Thursday 7 January

My first visit of the year to the Rio Velez arriving late morning for a couple of hours with Lindsay Ferguson who has bit just a week to go of his visit to Competa before returning to the UK.  Greeted this time by a Great Tit as we drove down to pass under the N340 road bridge and park in the usual place, we then had single Little Egret and Grey Heron but there was relatively little about on what was turning out to be a very warm and sunny day with clear blue skies.  A couple of Mallards took off from cover on the opposite bank and as we started to walk towards the hide a further handful or so were found sheltering under the trees on the same bank.  Similarly, the resident Rock Doves and House Sparrows put in an appearance and the first of many Blackbirds crossed the track.

No shortage of Chiffchaffs and the occasional Goldfinch, the latter usually in pairs or threes, and then we were at the hide.  Looking out over the deserted front area we had the occasional Chiffchaff and a Serin whilst above, save for a passing Black-headed Gull, there were a number of feeding Crag Martins.

Chiffchaff Mosquitero Comun Phylloscopus collybita

On down to the beach where we found two distinct flocks of gulls resting on the water close to the shore at the end of the track; Black-headed to the west and Mediterranean Gulls to the east.  Looking up the river there were a number of White Wagtails feeding, it appeared, on the floating rubbish along with Moorhens and Coots.  A single female Teal was well-camouflaged as she, too, sought out a meal but, on disturbance, took off along with another seven of the same species.  Further up the river a single Little Grebe was actively diving for food.  A few Spotless Starlings and Rock Doves passed over the area as we made our way back to the car.

Black Redstart Colirrojo Tizon Phoenicurus ochruros

Driving under the bridge we parked again a little upstream where we had a very close view of both a gorgeous male Black Redstart and a female Stonechat.  Plenty of Chiffchaffs, White Wagtails and House Sparrows to be seen until a couple of locals arrived to gather something or other from the short vegetation near the river and all birds disappeared.  A circuitous drive took us further  up stream where the water was shallow and narrow but appeared quite fresh.  A Green Sandpiper took off upstream and a single Hoopoe downstream.  Walking along this section of track we then found a second Green Sandpiper and a small flock of nine Sanderling feeding on the gravel.  A slight movement to the right caught my eye and then the bins revealed a lone Water Pipit working the edge of the stream at a narrow point on the  far side.  Not many birds recorded but we where present for a relatively short time and late in the very warm day.

Birds seen:
Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Water Pipit, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.

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

Charca de Suarez, Motril

Robin Petirrojo Europeo Erithacus rubecula

Saturday 2 January 2016


The New Year has arrived and time to get up and about and, knowing my luck, I will probably see half-a-dozen birds I missed last year within the first week or so!

Off early to one of my three local sites at the Charca de Suarez on the western outskirts of Motril after first spending a few minutes on the high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean just east of the town where I recorded mainly Yellow-legged and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls plus the occasional passing Gannet, a small number of Cormorants and a handful of Crag Martins as I departed for the Charca.

House Sparrows and Collared Doves as I arrived and the site was quite quiet with very few birds about but that, I suspect, was mainly because I was enjoying the company of fellow-ABS member Jacinto Villalvilla from Malaga rather than concentrating on the birding.  Anyway, it was a very enjoyable morning for me made even better when Steve and Elena Powell arrived and informed me that they had been watching the wintering Black-shouldered Kite in nearby "Turtle Dove Alley."  But the bird was not to be seen on the way home though I did pick up a Hoopoe.

First to the Laguna del Taraje where I found a number of Mallards along with Coots and loads of Chiffchaff plus a pair of Stonechats, a skulking Purple Swmphen and single Moorhen and Little Grebe.  Just before departing for the relatively new Laguna del Alamo Blanco a very quiet Buzzard slipped in under the radar below the hide and up into the tree to the immediate left.  Just a few seconds respite and it was off as silently as it had appeared.  Very strange behaviour for a Buzzard, so much so that it might easily have been mistaken for a Sparrowhawk.  Good job there were two of us in the hide and both saw this brief, silent appearance.  At the new water there were a number of Teal and Coots along with Moorhens and Chiffchaffs.  A single White Wagtail had taken over the "Kingfisher perch" giving good photographic opportunities and a Little Egret put in a brief appearance a the far end of the water.  The two Snipe seen were well concealed and took some finding.

Chiffchaff Mosquitero Comun Phylloscopus colybita

On to the main hide overlooking the Lagunade las Aneas where most of the Mallards were congregated along with a few Pochard, many Coots and Moorhens plus Little Grebe , a small flock of Black-headed Gulls and a couple of Cormorants.  Another displaying White Wagtail and more Chiffchaffs as might be expected.  It was at the Laguna del Trebol that I met up with J  and we enjoyed a long discussion and reminiscences before also being joined by Steve and Elena and suitable introductions made.  We then all remained together until it was finally time to depart for our respective homes.  On the water itself mainly Common but also a handful of Red-knobbed Coots along with a single Purple Swamphen, Mallards and a small flock of Shoveler.  Still plenty of Chiffchaffs but also a couple of Stonechats.

Purple Swamphen Calamon Porphyrio porphyrio

Nothing different to add at either the Laguna del Lirio other than a couple of Robins or on the return visits to both the lagunas Taraje and Del Alamo Blanco.  However, at the last we were informed that since my departure an hour or so earlier a Jack Snipe had turned up to add to the three Common Snipe that were now visible along with a Kingfisher that made a very brief stop and a Water Pipit.

Record shot of distant Water Pipit Bisbita Alpino Anthus spinoletta

In addition to the Hoopoe mentioned above, the return journey towards and along Turtle Dove Alley also produced both a Black Redstart and a couple of Cattle Egrets.

Red-knobbed Coot  Focha Moruna Fulca cristala without a priest's collar!

Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Little Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Buzzard, Moorhen, Purple Swamhen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Water Pipit, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Chifchaff, House Sparrow.

White Wagtail Lavandera Blanca Motacilla alba

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

Looking back on 2015

1 January 2016

It was quite a year with many visits including the UK for weddings and northern Germany and Belgium not to mention many favourite birding sites in Spain.  Indeed, the main omission would appear to have been the Tablas de Daimiel in La Mancha; perhaps this year.

The final total for the year in Spain was exactly 250 and if you add on the birds also seen in the UK plus Nutcracker, Woodcock and Common Nightjar in Belgium then the final total was 276.

Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes

The Spanish birding is reflected in the total species seen by month

January            125
February          132
March              124
April                 105   (+ 28 in UK)
May                 144
June                   64   (+ 5 in UK & 5 in Belgium)
July                  101   (+ 11 in UK & 2 in Belgium)
August               86
September       117   (+ 16 in Belgium)
October            148  
November          70   (+ 55 in UK)
December        107

Not so bad considering that we were away from Spain for almost four weeks from mid-June.

Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis

Birding sites visited by month

Regular visits (most months to one or more) to the local patches of the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar, Ventas de Zafarraya and Sierra Tejeda, Guadalhorce in Malaga and Charca de Suarez in Motril plus the following;

January:        Fuente de Piedra
February:      Bonanza, Cadiz;  Odiel Marshes & Donana National Park (Huelva)
March:          Sierra Loja/Huerta Tajar; Fuente de Piedra;
April;             UK (Rutland Water; Titchfield Haven)

May:             Sierra Loja; Osuna; Odiel Marshes & Donana National Park (Huelva); Arroyo de Marin
June:             Belgium (Wuustwezel); UK
July:              Hecho Valley, Pyrenees
August:         Arroyo de Marin
September:  Tarifa/La Janda/Barbate; Belgium (Ardennes)
October:       Odiel Marshes & Donana National Park (Huelva); Tarifa/La Janda/Barbate
November:   Sierra Loja/Huerta Tajar; UK (Rutland Water; North Norfolk)
December:   Fuente de Piedra; Arroyo de Marin; Sierra Loja/Huerta Tajar

2016 will start with visits to Charca de Suarez, Rio Velez, Fuente de Piedra, and the Guadalhorce in Malaga.

Here's to a very happy and successful birding year in 2016.

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