Borneo: Part One

One of Kuching's many "Cats"

March 2019

Borneo: Part One

Now that I have been back from Borneo almost a fortnight, visitors have all departed and some time to download photos, etc it is, perhaps, time to record what was seen on the large island of Borneo during my recent visit.   I shall present two reports, this first blog looking at "other" wildlife then concentrate on the birds in Part Two.

Leaving a week later than originally booked so that friends Steve and Elena Powell could accompany me, we had our base in Kuching, the provincial capital of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest province.  However, we did fly to the north-east to Sabah, the second Malaysian province on the island, staying at Sepilok to visit the highland rain forest followed by three days in the unique jungle habit that borders the River Kinabatangan.  Some interesting accommodation here compared to the three-bedroom, two bathroom apartment that we had in Kuching!  By the way, in the local language "kuching" means  "cat" so no wonder as you move around the lovely town you come across a number of statues of cats, nearly all painted white.  On the ground, the actual animals remind you of Manx cats in that most have a short stubby tail rather than what we tend to associate with these felines.
Borneo, apart from its well-known Hornbills, has a range of interesting wildlife that is relatively easy to find from a range of primates to lizards and crocodiles not to mention wild boars, snakes, insects and even its own endemic elephant.  So, to us some sort of order perhaps I ought to start with the smallest.

Sarawak's provincial parliament building in Kuching.

Bugs

How about these monstrosities; a huge bug about 3 centimetres long and a huge millipede.  If I also include ants then the photo below shows what I am told is the second largest ant in existence.

Dragonflies

Not that many seen and these were almost by accident.

Butterflies

Lovely to see a good variety of butterflies albeit I took very few photos.  But there seemed to be a very common small yellow variety and one huge specimen that we came across.  Given time I suppose I could try and discover the various names.

Frogs

Lots of frogs in Borneo with the present number of species exceeding 180 and new species still being found on a regular basis.  Indeed, a pea-sized frog Microhyla nepenthicola was discovered in the Kubah National Park in Sarawak as recently as 2004 and finally recognised as a new species in 2010.and is thought to be the Old World's tiniest frog.   A tadpole emerges from a single frogspawn laid inside a native pitcher plant and relies upon the natural drip of water into the plant.  Just imagine, a full grown frog the size of your thumb nail.  We may not have seen the frog itself but Ron was able to show me the small group of pitcher plants that are used by the frogs.

Snakes

We were introduced to two snake species.  The Green Pit Viper was first seen resting in the undergrowth near our cabin when visiting the Baku National Park near Kuching for an overnight stay.  There was a similar snake found resting in a tree whilst on one of our River Kinabatangan exploration cruises but I suspect a different species given the change of habitat.

But not to be outdone, the vivid yellow and black of the larger snake, also resting in a tree above the same river, was very attractive and may well have been either a King Cobra or a member of the Boiga family which includes grass snakes and thought not to be venomous  The native guides simply called it a "Swamp Snake"

Crocodiles and Lizards

We saw a number of crocodiles on the river banks whilst on our boats but most were resting youngsters, no more then about 40cm long.  However, the one larger specimen we came across was actually in the water and its head measured about forty or more cm so so the math as they say; certainly not the time  to jump in for a swim!

In the forest it was the Skeet (lizard) that was fascinating as it appears to have no neck, just a head on the end of the body.  On the other hand, we did also find a much larger lizard on the river bank and this time it looked about a metre or more in length.

Just a mere metre or so

But this chappy was almost 2 metres in length

Squirrels

Once near the trees we were always coming across very small squirrels.  I even went to the Highland rain Forest at the end of the dark where, accompanied by about forty others on the high canopy walkway, we waited for the "flight" of the Flying Squirrel.  Nest boxes had been fixed high up in the very tall trees and just after nightfall came the squirrel and glided across to the next tree.  Shame about the photograph but you can make out the squirrel as it sets sail.

 

Silhouette of a Flying Squirrel just before take-off in the dark forest

However, pride of place must go to the Tufted Ground Squirrel.  Walking back to our base to catch the bus down the mountain this huge and lovely squirrel walked out of the bush to our right, stopped as soon as exposed when it realised that there were people about and promptly disappeared.  My friend Ron Orenstein who had accompanied us explained that no recent still photographs nor videos had been take of the animal for many years and some even suggested that the Tufted Ground Squirrel was now extinct.  But we saw it, although unfortunately it disappeared so quickly that none of us was able to lift our cameras in time.  But what an experience to actually see this huge, bushy-tailed squirrel!  The animal measures over 30 cm in length and then you can add the same figure for its tail and is the sole species in the genus Rheithrosciurus and endemic to Borneo.

Internet photograph of the very rare and scarce Tufted Ground Squirrel

 Flying Lemur

Another of Borneo's "Fling Squirrels" is the Colugo of which there are now at least four species.  The Fling Lemur is not a lemur and does not fly but it is the only known venomous primate and in real danger as the number of these nocturnal animals greatly depreciates year on year, especially as a result of the pet trade.

Flying Lemur (Colugo)

Bearded Pig

Borneo's wild boar.  But what a strange face with its beard that you have difficulty in trying to place its eyes and snout in perspective.  Whilst at Baku National Park a number of these animals seem to have taken to visiting the camp site to root around for food and we even had a sow with three youngsters in front of us at close quarters.  And just like our wild boar they were the familiar "humbug" colouration.

But whilst out in the boat in one of our river cruises we came across an individual in the water swimming round in circles.  The sight had attracted a couple of other boats and as we looked and took photos we wondered what on earth we were looking at.   The animal measured about almost two metres and seemed like a crocodile gone wrong.  The head was big and weird- looking and the tail appeared short so obviously not a crocodile.  Only when it eventually walked out of the river did we not only recognise the animal but realised that rather than swim with a "doggy paddle" it seemed to have both sets of legs stretched out.  Amazing.

Turtle

We may have seen the occasional terrapin on the river bank as we might do in Spain but the true turtle, measuring about 60cm across, was dead and belly-side up.  The guides, knowing that there was no poaching, surmised that the animal might have been caught and drowned in a fishing net.  Interestingly, the guide explained that as a way to stop poaching when an animal dies it is left to be fed on as carrion.  No doubt, come darkness, a hungry crocodile(s) will take advantage of a large, free meal.

Sun Bear

In common with certain other countries, the main threat to the Borneo Sun Bears are we humans.  Orphaned cubs are taken as pets and/or for display purposes.  The main task of the local rescue centres is to remove these cubs and rehabilitate them for eventual realise back into the wild.  Talking to one of the keepers on seeing a bear with a large collar, I was informed that they are able to rehabilitate the very young cubs quicker than those that may have been removed from captivity, etc.  The collar is actually a geo-satellite recorder so that, once released, a check can be kept on the young bear when back in a protected forest.  My two examples were due for release within the next fortnight when the keepers were confident that they would be able to survive back in the wild.

Pygmy Elephant

When you read the name and see the photograph your mind created the picture of an animal about the size of a very large dog but, no, the endemic Pygmy Elephant looks the real thing if slightly smaller then a full-grown Indian Elephant.  We had only the one sighting of a female which did bring some concern to the local guides.  Female elephants live in herds yet we had an individual feeding on the long grass at the river's edge.  The feeling, therefore, was perhaps this might be a sick animal and would eventually die.  Then came the expected comment that as nobody had ever found a dead elephant the animals seem to know where to go when the time to die arrives.




Primates

I have deliberately left the Borneo primates till the end.  Amongst the various primates inhabiting Borneo,  perhaps the most well-known and emblematic is the Proboscis Monkey.  With a lovely shade of almost orange in colour and its white legs and tails it is the animal's nose that stands out - literally.  Indeed, I was informed that the common local name for this monkey is Dutch Monkey, named because the white settlers from Holland had such large noses when compared with the indigenous population.

But there are other monkey breeds that can be seen all over the island.  The most numerous that we saw were Long-tailed Macaque with other groups of Short-tailed Macaque.  The other breed we regularly came across was the Silver Leafed Monkey also known as Silvery Lutung.

Long-tailed Macaque

Short-tailed Macaque

Silver-leafed Monkey

Then, of course, there is the primate most associated with Borneo, the Orangutan, a large ape with a life span of between 35 to 45 years in the wild.  The name translates as "Man of the Forest" but, sadly, the forests are rapidly disappearing as huge swathes of forest are being replaced with the planting of palm oil trees.  Individuals are captured as pets and then pose a problem as they mature and grow so, again, much work is being undertaken in both rescuing individuals and trying to find protected forests where they can be re-introduced to the wild or found shelter elsewhere if this proves impossible.  Whilst we were able to see Orangutans in rehabilitation centres, it was entirely different to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Chance to see an Orangutan in the wild

Flora

Not only where there numerous beautiful flowers to be seen but we were on the island in time to see one of Borneo's special rarities, the Rafflesia arnoldii, commonly called the corpse lily.  This is a species of flowering plant in the parasitic genus Rafflesia and is noted for producing the largest individual flower on Earth.  Individual flowers can grow in excess of one metre diameter and weigh up to 10kg!  There are eight species but only one in Sarawak.  The flower takes ten months to mature and bloom.  Once bloomed, you have just five days to see this huge flower before it dies.  We were fortunate that a specimen bloomed the day before our arrival and we were able to visit the Gunung National Park, 100km from Kuching, to see it on day 4.  Indeed, even at that stage the once 65cm diameter plant had already shrunk to a "mere" 45 cm.

Sarawak's Rafflesia on day 4 from blooming and already reduced to just 45cm

Pepper Tree

Ever wondered where your ground pepper comes from as opposed to the salad peppers grown under plastic in Andalucia?  Many are grown in Borneo and we made a special stop to take a closer look whilst driving through Sarawak.




Bio-Diversity

We had the privilege to be taken to Borneo's internally famous Bio-Diversity headquarters on the outskirts of Kuching in Sarawak province.  Set up at the beginning of the present century under the leadership and guidance of my friend Ron's wife, Eileen, the centre receives visitors from across the globe and until her retirement Eileen was invited to many countries to talk about the work of the establishment.  Working with local rural populations, often in remote areas of Sarawak including jungle clearances, the scientists, now numbering 104 plus a huge support staff, gather information from the indigenous population on their natural cures and treatments.  These are then scientifically studied and developed to produce modern day medicines and treatments in a joint commercial partnership with individual villages so that successful products produce a market value which can then be passed back to the individual village.



Now the work starts on trying to complete my report on the Birds of Borneo and, especially, the magnificent Hornbills of which I think we saw four, or was it five, of the eight native species.

Sunset over the River Kinabatangan

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

Ventas de Zafarraya & Hinterland

Monday 25 March

It seems amazing to think that I have already been back for ten days since my Borneo holiday.  The photographs are finally downloaded, visitors have departed home and this week, other than a car service and couple of medical appointments, looks as if I might be able to complete an illustrated report on my visit by the end of the week.  Watch this space as the saying goes.

Ibex Capra pyrenaica

Today was beautifully clear and sunny so by way of a break from the computer I took myself off up to Ventas de Zafarraya to walk the old railway track and take a look at the neighbouring growing fields beyond the "Magpie Woods."  No sooner had I arrived, having already recorded both Blackbird and Crested Lark on the way up to the mirador, than I was aware of the many calling Chough.  During my stay of about 75 minutes I must have seen at least forty individuals.  Not only Choughs but also Alpine Swifts.  If swifts return to their previous breeding sites then the last couple of years must have been excellent as there were at least a score making use of the breeding cave near the old tunnel.  The tunnel itself had also received the returning Crag Martins, many of whom nest inside.

Home of maybe 10 pairs or more of Alpine Swift Vencejo Real Apus melba

However, before setting off on my walk I did notice the lone, young Ibex Capra pyrenaica on the cliff top and in the car park area was able to record Black Redstart, Robin and House Sparrow.  A few Goldinch put in an appearance and I also picked up the distant Blue Rock Thrush. Moving of towards the tunnel I added more Black Redstart and a pair of Serin before seeing my first Black Wheatear of the morning.  A pair of Stonechat posed nicely at the side of the track.

One of our resident male Black Redstart Colirrojo Tizon Phoenicurus ochruros

Once through the tunnel I had a pair of Sardinian Warblers and a very vociferous Great Tit and ere long I was back at the car to take a look a the growing fields at the other end of the village.  First a few Meadow Pipit the near the pond a pair of Thekla Lark along with both White and Blue-headed Wagtails.  A quintet of Mallard were happily floating on the water and, on the beach, a single Little Ringed Plover.

Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius

Once in the arable fields of the hinterland no sign of either magpie which in itself was most unusual.  However, I did pick up a couple of Mistle Thrush quickly followed by Corn Bunting and Linnet.  Further on a handful of Wood Pigeon were disturbed as they fed at the roadside and a Red-legged Partridge made a hasty retreat up the bank.  A male Kestrel hovered over the nearby field and soon after a Jay crossed the road in front of me.  My final stop was to record a small mixed flock of feeding finches, mainly Gold but also the occasional Green and Chaffinch.  A most enjoyable morning which produces 31 species.

Now what might this beautiful wild flower be?

Birds seen:
Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Kestrel, Little Ringed Plover, Collared Dove, Alpine Swift, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Blue-headed Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Jay, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.
 

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

Las Norias & Roquetas with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 20 March

Good to see that all is back to normal now that I have returned from my fortnight's holiday in Sarawak, Borneo.  Mick is finding Short-eared Owls and Little Crakes at the Guadlahoe and Laguna Dulce respectively and, as below, friend Dave and his friends of the Arboleas Birding Group are once more out and about.  Me next providing I can sort out my painful back.

Las Norias & Roquetas   -   Wednesday 20 March

Gilly and I picked up Lucia in Arboleas and headed south to the other side of Roquetas.  We met John, Alan and Les at the Repsol Service Station at junction 420.  After a cup of coffee we made our way to the first causeway at Las Norias.  The really good news was that the powers that be had removed all the vegetation near to the pumping station and had replaced it with a chain link fence, so visibility was great.   Immediately we saw above us both Pallid and Common Swifts together with Barn and Red-rumped Swallows plus Crag, Sand and House Martins.  On the water we had Great Crested and Little Grebes, Mallard, Shoveler, Coot, Gadwall and Red-crested Pochard.  Les also saw a Moorhen.  Little birds included Thekla Lark, House Sparrow and Zitting Cisticola.  At the same time Les and I spotted a very high flying Sparrowhawk, circling way above the hirundine and swift flocks.  A Meadow Pipit was seen on the rocks.  Down the far end Alan spotted some Little Terns near a group of Cormorant and Grey Heron.  I checked out the other side of the causeway and found more Red-crested Pochard, Great Crested Grebes and some Black Necked Grebes.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus (PHOTO: David Elliot-Binns)

We moved round to the next stop by the rocky point.  Here we saw Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint and Little Ringed Plover.  Les found a Snipe and Gilly spotted a Iberian Yellow Wagtail and another Meadow Pipit.  John observed a Teal.  Also seen were Chiffchaff and Sardinian Warbler.

We drove to the near end of the second causeway.  As well as more Red-crested Pochard and Great Crested Grebe we saw a small group of Common Pochard.  Gilly heard a Cetti's Warbler.  We left there and parked up by the meadow.  John disappeared down the lane and added Chaffinch and Green Sandpiper to the list.  A walk up to the bridge only added Magpie and Spotless Starling.

Mr & Mrs Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (PHOTO: David Elliot-Binns)

We made our way to the Roquetas salinas via a San Augustin coffee break, seeing a Hoopoe and Kestrel on the way.

The wind speed had increased somewhat.  Good for lack of mosquitoes but not good for birdwatching.  At the first stop we found an immature Audouin's Gull.  I briefly spotted a male Garganey, but it had disappeared rapidly.

At the second stop we added Greater Flamingo, Mediterranean, Slender-billed, Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Also seen were Shelduck and Marsh Harrier.  On the final stop before the lake we added a Redshank.

Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (PHOTO: David Elliot-Binns)

At the large lake by the hotels, the wind was considerably lighter.  John was first to spot a couple of Glossy Ibis feeding close by.  Also seen were Black-winged Stilt and a Blackbird.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (PHOTO: David Elliot-Binns)

We ended up with a very impressive 62 species. A good day's birding in good company!

Regards,

Dave

 

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

Guadalhorce, Malaga

Saturday 16 March

By the time I was approaching home from the long drive back from Cadiz I though it might be worthwhile to make a second detour to take in the Guadalhorce at Malaga with, just perhaps, the chance that I might see the visiting Short-eared Owl.  Arriving at 17.35 I stayed for ninety minutes but was unsuccessful. On the other hand, I did get to see some interesting birds. Walking the the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande a Booted Eagle appeared overhead and then a small flock of Greenfinches.

I was surprised to see that there are still scores of Cormorant present and, on this occasion, a good number of Grey Herons.  Both Collared Doves and Monk Parakeets made their presence known as did the large flock of Spotless Starlings in the far trees.  On the water many Shoveler and Shelduck plus two pairs of Teal along with  the long-staying group of Black-necked Grebes plus a much reduced quota of Coot and a few Moorhen.  Mainly Black-headed Gulls on the water but also a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Five Flamingos were a surprise sighting.

Waders were working the shore below the hide and included Dunlin and Greenshank plus Black-winged Stilts.  Also present both Little Ringed and Kentish Plovers.  A single White Wagtail came to explore as the Cetti's Warbler sang away.

Moving over to the Laguna Escondida more Common Pochard and White-headed Ducks along with Little Grebe, Moorhen and a the odd Coot.  More feeding Barn Swallows over the neighbouring meadow and a quartet of Jackdaws took up residence on the lampposts of the neighbouring motorway.  Just a single Chiffchaff in the bushes to me left from the hide and a Blackbird as I departed.  32 species in such a short time was not bad but I would have preferred a view of the Short-eared Owl; I wonder it came out later on?

Whilst at the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande, in addition to seeing a Greenshank I also had this wader as illustrated below.  probably about the size of a Redshank, seeing the yellow legs and shortish bill I initially thought Ruff till I then saw the slightly upturned end to said bill and the clear white front. Greenshank?  A little on the small size and, again, those yellow legs.  Marsh Sandpiper went though my mind but I suspect the bill is not long or fine enough.  So what have I seen; any suggestions?

Birds seen:
Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Flamingo, Booted Eagle, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Greenshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch

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

Bonaza: Cadiz Day 2

Glossy Ibis Morito Comun Plegadis falcinellus

Saturday 16 March

Bonanza, Cadiz Province

Up early and off to Bonanza near Sanlucar de Barrameda visiting the small pools just outside the village where I found a party of ten Night Herons along with Collared Dove, Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows before taking in the two better-known pools.  Here I found good numbers of Red-Crested and Common Pochard along with White-headed Ducks, Mallard and both Moorhen and Coot.  Barn Swallows were feeding overhead as I made way back to the village for breakfast.  Great news; as I finished John and Jenny Wainwright also arrived early so I had very pleasant company for the rest of the day as the three of us explored the nearby salinas before heading off to Agaida to check out the large lake.

Juvenile and adult Night Heron martinete Comun Nycticorax nycticorax

Entering the salinas we were soon added Cormorant then a a good range of waders including all three small plovers plus Grey Plover, Redshank, Little Stint and Dunlin.  Moving along John also recorded a small flock of Waxbill and we all picked up Grey Heron, Little Egret, scores of Flamingo and very many Avocet.  Goldfinches and Crested Lark were recorded and a Turnstone before encountering our first Blue-headed Wagtails of the day.  In terms of gulls, mainly Black-headed and Yellow-legged but lovely to see a good number of Slender-billed Gulls including a few juveniles.  Not so much the Sandwich Tern seen over the Guadalquivir later on but the two resting Caspian Terns that caught our intention. Also on the water were a number of Shelduck.

Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta

Working our way towards the pumping station we added Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Sardinian Warblers and more Iberian Yellow Wagtails.  A couple of Glossy Ibis flew over.  Zitting Cisticolas were "zitting" about and then the raptors arrived in the form of a pair of Short-toed Eagles and Buzzards.  An unidentified raptor, possible a male Marsh Harrier, spent twenty minutes or more ripping apart his avian breakfast watched over, often very closely, by a female Marsh Harrier and we later had good views of both Black Kite and a pair of Booted Eagles, one each of light and dark morph.

Kentish Plover Chorlitejo Patinegro Charadrius alexandrinus

Once at the river, not only a Whimbrel and the passing Sandwich Tern but a resting Osprey on the far bank.  Back to the main salinas adding Little Egret and ore herons before meeting the approximate thirty members of the Andalucia Bird Society led by Frank Hair.  A brief stop to exchange pleasantries and then on to the lake at Agaida.  As we left John and Jenny noticed the handful of Red-rumped Swallows.

Egret colony

 The lake itself turned up all sorts of goodies including a single visiting Ring-necked Duck associating with the local Common Pochards.  Also present were a good number of White-headed Ducks, Red-crested Pochards and both Coot and Moorhen.  Searching produced a few Night Herons and as we scanned the far bank we managed to find bit a couple of Marbled Duck and a single Purple Heron.  The island contained a good population of Cattle Egret as well as both Little Egret and Spoonbill along with a juvenile Night Heron.  Also on the water a few Little and many Black-necked Grebes and we finally found a handful of Black-winged Stilts.

Record shot of very distant Ring-necked Duck Porron Acollarado Aythya collaris with Common Pochards

Then for me it was through the neighbouring woods and the road towards Trebujena where I found a few Corn Bunting on the fences and wires.  A great shortage of water but, eventually, close views of Glossy Ibis and many more Flamingos.  And just as I turned inland to start the long journey back a pair of White Stork on their nest.

Great Crested Grebes Somormujo Lavanco Podiceps cristatus courtship display

Passing though the hills near Olvera on the Cadiz/Malaga border I came across a few Griffon Vultures and then on to the Laguna Dulce near Campillos but no sign of the Little Crake seen recently.  However, I did find a good number of Great Crested Grebes along with their Little and Black-necked cousins plus Mallard, very many White-head Ducks and both Common and Red-Crested Pochards.  A couple of Lapwing was a pleasant addition as was the pair of distant raven resting in the bare tree near the ruined farm buildings. More Flamingos on the far side, Moorhen and cot along with some very vociferous Cetti's Warblers.

Red-crested Pochards Pato Colorado Netta rufina

Birds seen:
Shelduck, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Ring-knecked Duck, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Osprey, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Tern, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill, Goldfinch.

Glossy Ibis Morito Comun Plegadis falcinellus

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

A Sort of "Cadiz Plus" - Part 1

Friday 15 March

Cadiz: Day 1

Having returned less than eighteen hours previously from a fifteen-day visit to Borneo (more of this later once I have downloaded the photos), I was back on the road leaving mid-morning for the long drive down to far Cadiz province for an overnight stop in Chipiona on the mouth of the mighty Rio Guadalquivir in readiness for the morrow's ABS monthly visit to Bonanza near San Luca.  But which route to take and where to put in some additional birding on the way and so break up the journey?

Just a short detour took me La Janda and what a difference form my last visit.  Water in the canal but the fields were dry and much activity with ploughing and harrowing as the land was being prepared for this year's rice crop.  Most ditches were damp, if not dry, but still the lake half-way down the track and other than this specific site very little bird life to be seen and the total visit, including the drive up and past the "smelly farm" and out at at the far end only produced a total of 24 species.

Driving down the entrance track from the Zahara turn I quickly recorded Spotless Starling, Cormorant, Stonechat, Crested Lark and a few White Storks.  Both a hovering Kestrel and and Goldfinch were added before coming across a one Hoopoe upon reaching the canal.  Driving the track I added Serin, Crested Lark, Little Egret and Jackdaw and then the small "lake" produced 15 Spoonbill along with Snipe, Mallard and Common Sandpiper.

Spoonbill Espatula Comun Platalea leucorodia

Barn Swallows were feeding overhead and as I made my way up towards the farm I had a lovely view of a female Hen Harrier.  A trio of cock Pheasants looked most resplendent in the their finest breeding plumage and so down to the small, reeded water at the end of the road.  Here I came across a Great White Egret and a single Purple Swamphen whilst a Marsh Harrier quartered the immediate area and more Cattle Egrets were seen.

Find the Great White Egret Garceta Grande Egretta alba

And that was it.  However, passing near Acuna I came across a quintet of Griffon Vultures before taking the motorway and checked into my hotel in Chipiona at about 5.30.  Once unpacked, I drove up to the fish dock and looked in dismay at the state of the nests under the canopy.  It looked as if every single nest had been destroyed by visiting House Sparrows and all was quiet.  Then, as if from nowhere, a party of about a dozen Little Swifts arrived to visit their appropriate nests and in the next twenty minutes or so I had the great pleasure of recording at least twenty individuals as a few of the local Yellow-legged Gulls wandered around.  A great way to end the day and, looking at the pristine beach, it was well occupied by visitors enjoying the beautiful sunshine and clear blue skies and even people swimming in the sea at a quarter to seven.  And the sunset; wow!

Birds seen:
Mallard, Pheasant, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great White Egret, White Stork, Spoonbill, Griffon Vulture, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Little Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Stonechat, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch

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