Sierra Loja

Tuesday 11 June

Although still windy, a beautiful clear, blue sky and lovely sunshine as jenny and I made our way over to the Sierra Loja via Zafarraya.  Great to see both Pallid and Common Swifts low over the apartment blocks as we left home and soon added a range of common bird such as Goldfinch and Blackbird.  Working our way towards Loja we also managed to add Black Wheatear, Corn Bunting, Wood Pigeon and, approaching our destination, a lovely female Montagu's Harrier at its regular breeding ground.

After a short coffee break we made our way up the well-known track towards the summit of the Sierra Loja starting with House Martins and soon adding Chaffinches before reaching the main quarry.  No sign of the Eagle Owls but we did find Crag Martins and then on through the wooded slopes adding Black Wheatear, Azure-winged Magpie and Serin.  No sooner had we driven above the tree line that we saw our first Chough and Jackdaw and also the first Blue Rock Thrush of the morning.  Continuing on upwards we soon added both Crested and Thekla Larks and then our first Northern Wheatear.  Unlike my last visit, there seemed to be more Northern than Black-eared Wheatears.

Black-eared Wheatear Collalba Rubia Oenanthe hispanica

A stop to check-out birds moving in the nearby small bushes on the rocky ground found, in addition to Thekla Larks, a female Black Redstart and another Northrn Wheatear before our first Black-eared Wheatear.  Then another surprise as we found our first Subalpine Warbler closely followed by a second.  Stonechats were recorded and then the sight of our first Red-legged Partridge of the morning with many more to follow.  By now we were recording numerous Linnets and then, approaching the electricity sub-station, at last my first Little Owl for the year; what a long time in coming.

Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athene noctua

Then it was on the small pools above the Charca de Negra farm and time for our picnic.  As we approached a Raven flew over and one out of the car more Linnets and Goldfinches to be seen drinking at the pool's edge.  A look up was in time to see a magnificent soaring Golden Eagle, what a sight.  On round towards the "Fossil cave" and, as informed by friend John Wainwright, we duly found a lovely male Rock Thrush.  Continuing on we added a couple of Rock Bunting and on our return journey picked up a female Rock Thrush with a beak full of small worms for her growing brood.

Record shot of female Rock Thrush Roquero Rojo Monticola saxatilis through the windscreen

Returning to the Charca de Negra pools we had a lovely surprise in finding John and Pauline Horton.  having exchanged news and comments, noted the Rock Sparrows in with the still present Linnets and Goldfinches, we moved on down and withing twenty metres saw the Buzzard that was resting on the fence just before the sheep pen.  A turn to the right and drive up to the windmills found no further Rock Thrushes but on our way back a lovely view of a Bonelli's Eagle and then a stop near an enclosed spinney to look at the Blackbirds, Stonechats and a preening Hoopoe, our fourth of the day.

Distant Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epops

S on down the mountain and our journey home, this time via Salar and the "repaired" road down to Venta de Zafarraya passing a pair of Magpies on the way.  All in all, a very enjoyable morning and lovely to see Jenny out birding again.

Birds seen:
Red-legged Partridge, Golden Eagle, Montagu's Harrier, Bonelli's Eagle, Buzzard, Kestrel, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Subalpine Warbler, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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Charca de Suarez

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Sunday 9 June

Another lovely sunny day so able to spend a few hours up at the Charca de Suarez near Motril.  Not a lot of birds about and very strange not to see the resident White Stork but still some lovely sightings.  On the other hand, a short pre-visit trip up to the picnic site at Velez de Benaudalla was an almost complete waste of time with as early as 9am picnickers already arriving along with a group of at dozen older (18-22) lads who already had car doors open so the the "music" could blast out.  Not much chance of a Chaffinch nevermind the local Spotted Flycatchers, potential Golden Oriole and the Dipper, if still breeding at its traditional site.  So, picking up a Black Redstart on the track back if was straight off down to the Charca and taking the "Turtle Dove " Alley route which produced Common Swift, Kestrel, Zitting Cisticola and a large number of Spotless Starlings.

Look carefully and wyou will find the singing Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

Once at the Charca,  good views of the local Blackbirds and the House Martins and Barn Swallows were up and around.  First stop at the Laguna del Taraje produced families of both Mallard and Moorhen along with a pair of Coot and many vociferous Nightingales and Reed Warblers.  A lone Purple Swamphen put in a very brief appearance and after hearing the calls I was joined by a pair of Turtle Doves but too many branches in the way to try and get a photo.  Then the first of the morning's Cetti's Warblers started off with a great blasting of sound very close to hand.

Mummy Mallard Anade Azulon Anas platyrhynchos with 2 of her off-spring

So on to the Laguna del Alamo Blanco which was very quiet by usual standards.  A pair of Black-winged Stilt and a handful of mallard until I spotted the small flock of very active feeding waxbills, on this occasion mainly Black-rumped but still a few Common Waxbill.  A Heron flew over followed by a few Common Swift and the occasional House Martin and Barn Swallow.  Then a single Snipe put in an appearance at the far end of the water.

Lots of Red-knobbed Coot Focha Moruna Fulica cristata

More life at the larger Laguna de las Aneas but mainly Common Coot and Mallard though the result of this year's breeding did also produce a few Red-knobbed Coot.  A very close Little Grebe was surely a bird of the year judging by its diminutive size albeit in what looked like perfect adult plumage. 

Little Grebe Zampullin Comun Tachybaptus ruficollis

However, I did also note that our visiting Spoonbill was still at the reserve and even found the resting Heron.

Grey Heron Garza Real Ardea cinerea

A stop at the small spinney produced the first Spotted Flycatcher of the morning along with a quite handsome Serin.

A rather shy Serin Verdecillo Serinua serinus hiding away in te foliage

Spotted Flycatcher Papamoscas Gris Muscicapa striata

Waking down toth Laguna del Trebol I had the occasional Yellow-legged Gull fly past overhead and at this water, again very quiet, just a few Red-knobbed Coot and a White Wagtail.  A number of House Sparrows looking over this water from the far side and good to see that Red-knobbed Coot number 290 is still with us as a long-surviving breeding bird.  Not sure, but this individual must be at least seven or eight years old.  A Little Egret dropped in and promptly lost itself behind the reeds and there were certainly many Collared Doves about.  A handful of Goldfinch and then strange to see a beautifully-plumaged Rock Dove feeding on the grass at the side of the track as I made may way back to the gate; no intention of flying away so letting his beauty be appreciated by all.

Finally, driving back along Turtle Dove Alley a small party of Red-rumped Swallows and a single Great Tit.  And just when I thought I was finished for the day, whilst having a drink with Steve and Elena back in Frigiliana a lovely male Hoopoe drifted past the terrace.

Coukld it be that the Little Grebes are thinking about a second brood?

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Our visiting Spoonbill Espatula Comun Platalea leucorodia

Birds seen:
Mallard, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Nightingale, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Black-rumped Waxbill, Serin, Goldfinch.

Still many Terrapins Mauremys leprosa to be seen

But you have to search for the resident Chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon

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

Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 5 June

A windy day here so not surprised to see that Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group  seem to be blown away up at Cabo de Gata.  It certainly seems far removed form his El Fondo visit last Saturday nevermind the recent Morocco visit.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 5th June

Kindly Paul was press-ganged into driving myself, Reyna, Stan and new lady, Claire in his 4x4.  Five up in mine makes it too cosy in the rear!  We met up with John, Barrie and Trevor at the Pujaire cafe and were shortly joined by Abe and Jenny.  We'd seen Kestrel, House Martin, Bee Eater and Jackdaw after the motorway, but we were trumped by Barrie and John's sighting of a Peregrine Falcon near junction 471....only a bit away from the specified bird logging area!

After a coffee we made our way to the first hide where we were joined by Karen and Michael who'd dropped Michael's brother off at the airport.

On the rocky causeway sat a Grey Heron.  There were small groups of Avocet sheltering from the predicted high winds.  I counted 81 Greater Flamingos on that first expanse of water.  Little Terns were diving for fish.  Also seen were Mallard, Shelduck, Yellow-legged Gull and Kentish Plover. Barrie spotted both Black-winged Stilt and a Greenshank.  He then added a flying Oystercatcher and a Little Ringed Plover.  John, who wasn't hunkered down in the hide(!), added Audouin's Gull and Common Swift.  We also saw Black-headed Gull and Thekla Lark.

Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus sheltering from the wind (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We then drove to the second hide.  Here there was even less shelter and the waves were crashing onto the beach.  Trevor spotted a Greenfinch, whilst Barrie found an Iberian Grey Shrike atop the hide. Once inside he then found 2 Spoonbill and some Slender-billed Gulls in the pond to the right.  A Barn Swallow flew by.  As we were leaving Paul saw a Black Tern.

In the public hide we only added a Yellow Wagtail.  It was generally agreed a coffee was required, so we stopped in a Fish Restaurant.  Peering out the window, Barrie spotted something flying low over the water.  We all went outside and had reasonably good, but fleeting views of some passing Cory's Shearwaters! 

We saw more when we went up to the lighthouse.  There was a steady stream....a pair would pass every few minutes or so.  Barrie then spotted one, then another Alpine Swift.  Trevor later found a Raven.  Paul and I saw a Sardinian Warbler flying across the road.

White water below the lighthouse (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

On the way to the Rambla Morales a number of Sandwich Terns were seen out to sea.  I'm sure the wind speed had increased as we egressed the vehicles.  We were definitely being sand-blasted now! Barrie spotted two pairs of White-headed Ducks.  We walked down to the "hump" which gave us views over the reed tops.  There were more White-headed Ducks.  I spotted two Shoveler.  Also seen were Coot and Moorhen.  John found a Little Grebe and Abe spotted a Purple Swamphen.  Barrie was first to hear, then see a Zitting Cisticola.  As we tacked back towards the vehicles a single Gull-billed Tern was observed by John.  The final bird for the list was a juvenile Gannet spotted by Paul.

Windswept birders on Rambla Morales's "hump" (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Despite the wind, we had a great day in lovely international company.. Claire, French. Abe and Jenny, Dutch and Rena from the Philippines. 

Regards,

Dave

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

The end of my "big camera" days

Wednesday 5 June

It's come at last, that day when I have decided that all my "big camera" gear must go as I downsize to a quality bridge camera.  Gone are the days when I want to carry large lenses and a scope as well as the bins hanging round my neck.  So come the end of this month I shall be taking my present equipment back to the UK to sell on eBay.  Now that should be a new experience and, hopefully, the grandchildren will hold my hand as they show me what to do.

But for any reader interested I have the following along with initial asking price:

Camera Bodies:

DSLR Canon EOS 7D Mk1       (£350)
DSLR Canon EOS  50D            (£300)

Lenses:
Canon f5.6  400mmm prime lens         (£400)
Canon f5.6 100-400mm zoom with IS  (£400)
Canon ET-73B  70-300mm with IS - almost new (£500)
Canon EPS 17-85mm  - little used        (£85)

Canon Extender EF 1.4x - used once   ( £85)

Anyone interested please get in touch.  Most come with skylight filters and the camera bodies with spare batteries as well as original box and all therein.

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

Turron & Tajarja area with John and Jenny

Monday 3 June

Just back and my first message is from my friends John and Jenny Wainwright with a short report on their Sunday visit to Turron/Tajarja area.  Looks good to read about Little Owl, Green Woodpeckers and Short-toed Eagles.

Turron_Tajarja area: Sunday 2nd June

A very hot and dusty day today.  Not a lot to be seen along the autovia but en route to Turron via Morelada we saw Collared Doves, House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings.

Nothing in the "Saker" cages, or at the ruin, but lots of Crested Larks in the fields just prior to the track and the turning through the campo to Castillo de Tajarja.  As we approached the ruin, two Little Owls were noted but they had dropped out of sight before we got to them.  So we turned left at the solar farm and quickly spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike and several Common Magpies on the camera heads.  We then took a track that we had never driven down and to our right another Little Owl was logged,  atop a large dirt-pile, then a couple of Goldfinches and some Blackbirds.  Woodpigeons were in good numbers, most of them were feeding in the recently harvested fields.  A little later, we surprised two Green Woodpeckers that were feeding on the ground under the olive trees, while above them Jenny spotted a soaring Booted Eagle.  There were a few Barn Swallows about as were Common Swifts and another ruin held Jackdaws and a Common Kestrel.  As we passed over a dry streambed Nightingales were heard singing but no sightings today.

Short-toed Eagle Culebrera Europea Circaetus gallicus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Another two Little Owls were then seen in a broad-leafed tree along with Sardinian Warblers, Greenfinches and Goldfinches.  As we approached a bend in the track an Ocellated Lizard sat there, and gave us ample time for photos before it scarpered back into the undergrowth.  On the wires Collared Doves and two Turtle Doves were logged just before the main road.

Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athene noctua (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Heading into Tajarja on the pylons we saw two Short-toed Eagles, another Iberian Grey Shrike, a few Bee-eaters and a Corn Bunting. 

Roller carraca Europea Coracias garrulus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

After coffee in the village we headed back in the same direction and took a different track.  Here we spotted number six Little Owl sitting under an olive tree, then two Jays were logged, more Blackbirds and another Common Kestrel.  As we passed a small group of olive trees a Roller flew past us and landed in a tree not fifty yards away it then moved away to be joined by another one (a female) and posed for us on the top of an olive tree.  While we were scanning the fields for more Rollers a Stone Curlew was noted; this was the male as we located the female even closer, but hunkered down in a depression.

Stone Curlew Alcaravan Comun Burhinus oedicnemus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

As we were coming back into Turron several pairs of Stonechats and Crested Larks were seen.
We stopped for lunch at the exercise equipment and as we were lunching a pair of Golden Orioles landed in a pine tree to our right, they flitted about for several minutes before moving off down the valley.  Here we had Azure-winged Magpies, Greenfinches, Serins, Jackdaws, a Hoopoe and down the track a Common Buzzard was seen.

Maybe not a great total, but some great birds. And by the way we have never seen so many rabbits as we did today, there were literally scores of them.


Great report from John and I especially like the shot of the Stone Curlew.

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

El Fondo with the Arboleas Birding Group

Saturday 1 June

Good to see that my friend Dave Elliott-Binns is back from his fortnight's birding in Morocco but devastated to read about his computer problems after having downloaded photos from camera and then re-formatted same.  Good news is that that he has been able to rescue most of the photos so now that long process of downloading and working on them to show the rest of us what he and Gilly have been up to in May.  By way of celebration he has just spent a great morning birding with his Arboleas Birding Group up at El Fondo near Elche.  He must have been up well before me as the gate opens at 8.30 sharp and that after a potential three hour drive!

El Fondo, Elche   -   Saturday 1st June

I met Barrie at the Overa hotel at 05.30hrs and made our way to another service station further north where we picked up Mary.  At the Cox service station we were joined by Trevor, Karen, Michael and his visiting brother, another Barrie. (Any Barrie sightings are from Barrie Puttock!)  Suitably refreshed with coffee, we made our way towards the El Fondo Bird Reserve.  Having left the motorway we commenced our log.  Mary spotted the first bird.  A Little Owl on the power line.  On the way to the football field area, we added Spotless Starling, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Serin and Woodpigeon.  We parked up and went for a little wander.  We heard a Sardinian Warbler, but saw Black-headed Gull, Jackdaw and Blackbird.  Barrie then spotted an Alpine Swift amongst the "Commons".  Trevor found a Roller.  I spotted a flight of Black-winged Stilts.  As we drove off, Barrie observed some Crested Larks.

We parked up at the North Gate barrier to await the ranger.  I spotted a Roller in the trees to our right. We heard Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's and Reed Warbler.  The ranger arrived at 08.15hrs and let us through the barrier and then the gate.  He came over to inform us today's procedure was different as it was World Wildlife day.  This restricted area was open to the public till 14.00hrs. Didn't bode well, but to be honest, we were not disturbed by hoards of "public".  In fact it was quieter than previous visits!  As is now the practice, we walked down the track towards the furthest elevated hide.  We saw a flight of Greater Flamingos.  As we passed the water channel we flushed about half a dozen Night Heron and some Greys.

We reached the hide. I scanned the water and saw Great Crested and Little Grebes, White-headed Ducks and a Slender-billed Gull.  The first of many Little Bitterns flew low over the reeds.  In the distance we added flying Glossy Ibises.  I spotted a couple of Goldfinches, but the commonest birds seen in the reeds were unfortunately House Sparrows!  Squacco Herons became a regular occurrence. We later saw both Little and Whiskered Terns.  We heard a Great Reed Warbler and then Barrie heard a Moustached Warbler.  Also seen were Moorhen, Coot, Common Pochard and Mallard.  I found a Purple (or is it "Western") Swamphen.  Trevor, Mary and I went along to the small hide to the right. It's no longer there.  Been temporarily replaced by a screen with viewing slot.  Nothing new added to the list.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We then walked back along the side track to the next hide.  This had been refurbished and with a new wheelchair-friendly entrance.  Mary spotted a Kestrel.  I found some Black-necked Grebe and Barrie spotted some distant Red-crested Pochard.  He also identified a passing Purple Heron in flight.  We also heard a European Cuckoo.

On our walk to the next hide we heard, then saw, a couple of Bee Eaters.  Nothing much at the hide, so we carried on the the smaller elevated hide into which we all managed to squeeze into.  I added Shoveler and Shelduck.  A Purple Heron obligingly flew in and posed well on a reasonably close bush. A Yellow-legged Gull flew by.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I hadn't mentioned the mosquitoes.  There were loads.  Although we'd covered ourselves in anti mozzy stuff, I think we all lost some blood!

We drove out of the open gate and made our way to the Information Centre.  Again we expected the car park to be full, but there were only a few vehicles there.  As usual there was a cacophony of noise from the Great Reed Warblers.

At the enclosed pool overlooked by the picnic area, we added Red-knobbed Coot.  A Glossy Ibis was also present.  Our first and only one of two Barn Swallows flew low over the water for a drink.  As we made our way along the raised wooden walkway some Collared Pratincoles flew over.  More Whiskered Terns were seen.  A fight between a pair of Moorhen and a Purple Swamphen ended with the swamphen making a hasty retreat.  A Squacco Heron was observed in the sparse reeds.  The two hides didn't add anything to the list, but we had a good view of a sitting Pratincole.

We ended the day with 50 species. Even though the weather was hot, we all enjoyed the day. Good birding in great company!

Regards, Dave

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

Rutland Water (3)

Saturday 1 June

The promise of a lovely warm and sunny day so up early and at Rutland Water by 7.30.  All very quiet on Burley Fishponds having already recorded Collared Dove, Magpie and Rook as I approached this fabulous site.  Woodpigeons and Jackdaws in the neighbouring trees and Mute Swan, Greylag and Canada Geese on or near the water itself.  Just a couple of Great Crested Grebe and no more than a dozen Coot so I made my way over to the Visitors Centre picking up a Pied Wagtail as I departed and both House Sparrow and Common Starling as I drove through Egleton.

Apart from the occasional Jackdaw and a Goldfinch atop a nearby tree all seemed very quiet and no activity on the feeding station so on towards Lagoons 4 and 3.  A number of Blackbirds were moving around and a quick stop at the Redshank Hide on Lagoon 2 produced Mallard, Tufted Duck and the breeding Sand Martins at the artificial nesting site opposite the hide.

One of many Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

So onto the first main stop at the Sandpiper Hide at Lagoon 4.  A few Carrion Crows in addition to the local Jackdaws and immediately settled I could see the good number of Lapwing and Black-headed Gulls.  Mute Swans on the water and both Canada and Greylag Geese nearby  but also maybe a dozen or more resting Common Tern.  Not just Shelduck present but also a distant Oysercatcher and Grey Plover.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

The short walk to the Shoveler Hide overlooking Lagoon 3 was also relatively quiet but a number of Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Pochard and especially Tufted Duck were recorded.  Just the odd Great Crested Grebe and a number of nesting Black-headed Gulls in addition to a few feeding Common Tern.  Both Greylag and Canada Geese, many with goslings, were also seen here.  A Heron came to rest in the shallow pool to my right and immediately below the hide a pair of nesting Reed Warblers.  Finally, a lone Moorhen put in an appearance at the back of the pool to my left.

Record shot of Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A quick look at the same water from the Crake Hide produced a Cormorant and then to the Smew Hide where not only nesting Black-headed Gulls were found once more along with Coot, Mute Swan and Tufted Duck but also Common Tern on both small artificial islands.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

making my way back to the feeding station near the main Visitors Centre I found a small family party of Long-tailed Tits at at the feeding station itself both Great and Blue Tits along with Dunnock, Blackbird and House Sparrows.  Pheasants were busy calling all around me but for me it was homeward bound via the Lyndon Centre.

Male Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Passing the eastern end of Manton Bay I could see one of the Osprey parents at the traditional nest (four chicks this year) and once at the Visitors Centre a close view of a visiting Great Spotted Woodpecker along with Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch.  A family of Pied Wagtails was feeding nearby and on the water many more Mute Swans and even a small number of Herring Gulls on the far bank.  All in all a lovely couple of hours which produced over 40 species.

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Osprey, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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