Sunny Algarrobo Costa

 Sunday 13 December

A lovely calm, clear and sunny start as I set out for my usual walk up the Rio Algarrobo at 9.30 and once at the start of the walk a couple of White Wagtails on the ground among the trees and a mixed flock of Starlings on the wire to the left, at least 8 being Common rather than Spotless Starlings.

Common Starlings Estornino Pinto Sturnus vulgaris

No sooner out of the initial wooded enclosure and onto the open trees than no less than about thirty feeding Monk Parakeets in the trees but goodness knows what they were eating.  Plenty of calling Collared Doves as well as many on view as I continued walking upstream.  On the ground a couple of Black Redstart and a small number of foraging Chiffchaffs.  No sooner had I spotted the single male Blackbird at the base of a tree than another couple flew off towards the river.

I count at least 11 Monk Parakeets Cotorro Argentina Myiopsitta monachus

The large, bare tree held not only held more Common Starlings but also a trio of Wood Pigeon.  Now that there had been overnight rain up in the mountains a small trickle was flowing in these lower reaches and, looking over the bank, the first Meadow Pipit of the morning was recorded.

Wood Pigeon Paloma Torcaz Columba palumbus

Once along side the Sports Hall I could see more activity on the grassy banks of the river which resulted in a small flock of Linnet plus both Goldfinch and many Serin.  A trio of Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over then I was in among the resident House Sparrows.  Approaching the motorway underpass I noticed a few of the House Sparrows drinking from the stream and then the arrival of a male Blackcap.  Even better, once underneath the motorway I looked at the couple of Spotless Starlings perched on top of the bridge support and noticed the odd-one out, a male Blue Rock Thrush.  What a lovely surprise.

Stonechat Tarabilla Comun Saxicola torquatus

The hedges and wires next to the hidden reservoir produced a small number of Stonechats plus more Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Chiffchaffs and White Wagtails but no Crag Martins on this occasion.  A handful of Rock Doves on the wires above the water and then a Cattle Egret flew over and away for the reservoir.  However, taking the usual detour past the sewage form the "usual" three Cattle Egrets were present and resting on their previous perches.

Starlings and Hoopoe in the old Eucalyptus Tree

A relatively quiet walk back to the start picking up the occasional Black Redstart, a few Monk Parakeets and another Hoopoe calling from the top of the large, almost bare Eucalyptus tree.

Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epos

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Monk Parakeet Cotorro Argentina Myiopsitta monachus

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A different Algarrobo Costa

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

 Thursday 10 December

Working most of the morning and outside dull and cloudy with rain promised ere long.  But, putting aside temptation, I decided I would venture to the nearby Rio Algarrobo but instead of walking would take the car up to the motorway and spend more time exploring north of the motorway towards Algarrobo Pueblo where, on recent visits, most of the birds have been found.

Collared Doves as I drove u[ the lane adjacent to the river and sports complex and a Blackbird as soon as I got out of the car which was parked on gravel between the enclosed football ground and the motorway underpass. Below me near the stream which was now flowing so, obviously, some overnight rain up in the hills, a female Black Redstart.  As I walked under the motorway I noticed the female Kestrel resting atop one of the major supports, probably best place to be out of the wind and cold.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus below the motorway

As I walked towards the Experimental Station and the hidden reservoir  a number of Spotless Starlings and the first of many White Wagtails.  Plenty of Crag Martins flying around and a constant stream of both Lesser Black-backed and Black-beaded Gulls above the unseen water.  Behind the fence a Stonechat to add to the male seen below near the river.  Next stop was my favourite little grass corner at the far end of the hidden reservoir and this time it was a number of Serins that were on show.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Off on my walk once more and much care crossing the ford which now left only a few stepping stones to stay free of the liquid stuff.  On the far side of the stream now flowing on my right I found first a White Wagtail then a single Grey Wagtail working the edges.  The bird seemed happy enough to concentrate on feeding so I was able to walk along with it for five minutes or more.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cineria

In front of me I found a quartet of Meadow Pipits on the grass along with more Serins and Stonechats.  

Record shot of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Nearer to me the first of the morning's Chiffchaffs.  Back at my grassy corner for a last check I managed to add both Goldfinch and a Great Tit.  Outside the Experimental Station I looked at the sunken grass patch and found four Common Starlings at the back.

Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris

Rather than drive straight back I set off south to take a loop round the local sewage works duly recording the three Cattle Egrets.  At the same time I took the opportunity to take a good number of landscapes for future reference when referring to specific places on my regular walks.

Finally, a stop at the bottom of the trail to take a few more landscapes and I picked up both Monk Parakeets and Mediterranean Gulls along with more Chiffchaff, Black Redstarts and White Wagtails.  Only birding for about ninety minutes and that included stopping to take many landscapes but, nevertheless, managed to record 22 species.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret, Kestrel, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

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Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Wednesday 9 December

Up early for my 9am hospital appointment in Torre del Mar but it did mean, following completion, that I could be at the relatively nearby Rio Velez by 9.45.  beautiful clear blue skies and the warming sunshine increasing the initial 12C temperature as I parked up the car.  But where was the water?  Not a drop in sight despite last week's heavy showers but, at least, the actual river bed looked relatively clear so, presumably, most of the rubbish had been washed away last week.  A couple of foraging Serins and then my first of many White Wagtails on the shingle of the river bed.  Walking under both bridges I made my way towards the beach and almost no birds to be seen anywhere.  A single Rock Dove followed by a couple of passing Collared Doves before I heard the Hoopoe as I approached the open bird hide.  What a mess this has become with damaged hand and protective rails and the end result of recent bamboo cutting ought to shame those responsible.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

A couple of White Wagtails on the grass in front of the hide but nothing else to be seen either near or far so continued on with the walk to the beach.  A female Black Redstart put in an appearance and I found the Hoopoe resting on a low wall to the side of the water treatment plant.  At the far side making its way to the water was a Moorhen and in front on the grass the first Crested Lark. 

A very sleepy Hoopoe Upupa epos

Once on the beach it was advantageous that a couple of fishing boats were returning to harbour as they brought with them numerous Lesser Black-backed Gulls and even a couple of Gannets.  Behind me, looking up river there was not only a good-sized lagoon but the river seemed to stretch further than I had expected.  In the forefront a Coot and pair of Mallard whilst, partly hidden by the reeds what looked like a mas of white and grey.  I had my suspicions but decided to wait until I had made my way further upstream on he far, western, side of the river.  A number of Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls were making their way back towards the river as I worked my way upstream.

Eventually reaching a crossing point beyond the end of the water I had scores of low-feeding Crag Martins along with a number of Chifchaff.  A lone Grey Wagtail was obviously disturbed by my approach and departed to the nearby growing fields.  At the same time a couple of Snipe took to the skies and zigg-zagged away.  I then worked my way back down stream close to the water and watched a couple of Heron fly overhead and then found the half-dozen Cattle Egrets that I had seen when looking upstream from the beach.

Resting Herons Ardea cinerea

Back to the main track passing a male Stonechat and on towards my parked car a few hundred metres away.  Monk Parakeets flew over and, approaching the bridges the fist House Sparrows.  Once under a Great Tit and then a drive upstream into the arable fields finding more Crested Larks.  First stop at the "muck heap" where a number of White wagtails were foraging but also a Ringed Plover. 

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

 Parking up on the corner near a plastic greenhouse I watched a quartet of Waxbills along with a single Linnet.  A handful of Spotless Starlings were also recorded and looking towards the muck heap saw the arrival of a trio of Cattle Egrets. A second Hoopoe flew past as I made my departure.

Common Waxbills Estrilda astrild

My final call was to the arable field to the west of the river and an anti-clockwise circuit of the farm tracks produced a good number of Cattle Egrets, Black-headed Gulls and White Wagtails that were taking advantage of the potato sowing following the two working tractors.  A few more Crested Larks and Black Redstarts but nothing new for the morning.

Female Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

All done and a total of 30 species recorded for the day.  making my way back to Algarrobo Costa I made a very brief stop at the entrance harbour at Caleta and noted the hundreds of resting Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with a few Yellow-legged Gulls and a trio of Sanderling working the water's edge.

Birds seen:

Mallard, Gannet, Cattle Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Birding during the Covid Shutdown

Tuesday 8 December

Received a lovely email from my Danish friend Viggo Diness who, as a result of the present Covid restrictions, has been both unable to return to his home in Caleta but also very limited in where he can travel whilst back home in Denmark.  But you must not give up as there is always somewhere that you can take yourself and, as such, I am posting Viggo's recently received email.

My name is Viggo Diness.  I live in Denmark, but my wife and I also have a house in Caleta de Velez.  In Denmark we live in a small town called Taarbæk which is 15 km north of the center of Copenhagen.  Our house is situated 100 m from the coastline of the sea between Denmark and Sweden and 100 m on the other side of the house lies Dyrehaven, an open woodland which is formed by the many deer that live within the fence as well as by the fact that trees ( mostly oaks) are allowed to become very old and fallen trees are just left on the ground.   Some of the characteristic birds are Short-toed Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker and Stock Dove.

My wife and I had tickets to Malaga for March 11, but before then we decided  not to go due to the Corona virus situation.  On March 11 schools in Denmark were closed and people were asked to work from their home if possible.  Later further restrictions were introduced, but we were always allowed to walk and run etc outside as long as we kept a distance of 2m to other persons.


Normally, my wife and I walk with our dog in Dyrehaven.  However, during the close down a lot of people used this woodland for exercise and we found it difficult to keep a distance of 2 m, especially on the paths and when passing the gates.

Therefore, we took the car and went to a smaller wood called  Jægersborg Hegn only 2 km from our home.  In the old days this wood, like Dyrehaven, was part of the King’s deer hunting area. Now it is separated from Dyrehaven only by the fence.  Without the deer it is more like a traditional Danish wood with the Danish national tree, the beech.

Although it has been my neighbour for 5 years I have not spent much time there since I found that from a birding point of view it had little variation and was not very interesting.

Nevertheless, when you start looking carefully you are often rewarded.  Actually, there are very nice places such as small ponds and even an open plain - and without leaves on the trees in early spring the wood appears bright in sunshine.

One morning in March I went out alone to look for birds.  A few minutes after I entered the wood  I heard lively pips from a large flock of small Birds.  I followed the sound and found a flock of Bramblings which were sitting all over in the trees over a distance of 100 m, most likely on their way back to Sweden after their visit to Denmark during wintertime. 

I went on and heard and saw the very common smaller birds such as Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Nuthatch and Blackbird as well as Wood Pgeon which are very common in Danish woods.  A Song Thrush was singing.  Two Hawfinches made sound and could be seen in a distant tree.  In the small ponds were Mallards and Coots - as always.  Also the tapping of several Great Spotted Woodpeckers was heard.  Between the trees far away I saw the pair of Buzzards, which I had been seeing almost  daily.  And then I heard the call from a larger bird that I did not recognise.

I was quite satisfied with what I had seen when I approached my car.  Suddenly, I heard a loud bird call and a beautiful Goshawk showed up close to me.  It was kind enough to circle twice above my head before it went up into the blue sky.

Then I heard the well known call of a Buzzard behind me.  I turned around and  saw 5 Buzzards in a circle apparently also heading north to Sweden.

A very nice morning indeed.

Encouraged by my lucky day, I went out on another morning in March.  Again I heard the Bramblings.  In an attempt to see them I went into an area with young trees.  Suddenly one, then another Woodcock flew up just in front of me.  Minutes later I met a flock of Redwings, also on migration going north.

In the same afternoon my wife and I walked with the dog.  Suddenly the male and female Goshawk came tumbling just in front of us in what appeared to be a kind of dance before mating.  We were on our way back, passing a small pond, when my wife almost stepped on one of the Woodcocks.

One day later we saw 40 Cranes going north high above our heads.  This was on the day when approximately 3000 Cranes passed the area of Copenhagen.

Later I looked for a possible nest of the Goshawks and found a good candidate, although I was not sure that it was in use.



In May with leaves on trees the wood turned dark and became less attractive for a birder. However,  I went out one afternoon in June and found out that the nest I had found in March was occupied by the well known pair of Buzzards.

It is sad what has happened in Spain due to Co-Vid 19. But congratulations with the improvements now made.

My wife and I look forward to go back to Spain, hopefully soon.

Best regards

Viggo Diness

A most interesting report Viggo and very descriptive.  Made one feel as if they were actually walking through the woods with you both,

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Algarrobo Costa

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

 Tuesday 8 December

Off once again up the Rio Algarrobo and this morning very dark and windy as I set off through the first spinney.. Both Black Redstart and Collared Doves as I started my walk followed by a couple of Monk Parakeets and then very quiet until reaching the more open space where I had a Kestrel above me followed by a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a few Spotless Starlings away to my left.  Not sure whether it was a Bank Holiday today but there certainly seemed far more walkers along the path and even met four dog walkers approaching and not one of them wearing a mask, not even loosely hanging round their respective necks.  Perhaps it is because they are walking a dog that keeps the virus away!!!

Record shot of male Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Approaching the Sports Hall a few birds at last with a good-sized flock of Mediterranean Gulls making their way to the coast along with about a score of Crag Martins.  A single Cattle Egret flew away upstream and then I was up and under the motorway to stop near the entrance to the Experimental Station. A number of House Sparrows in the hedge and a couple of White Wagtails below.  Above the hidden pool scores more Mediterranean Gulls along with lots of feeding Crag Martins.

Even more Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

However, as on my last visit here, it was the little green area at the far end of the hidden pool that produced the goods.  Among the resting Spotless Starlings a number of Common Starlings and on the ground a trio of Meadow Pipits.  A Linnet flew over the fence to the grassy land at the back where, upon looking, I also found Greenfinches and a male Stonechat.  A couple of feeding Goldfinch before continuing on upstream and over the ford.  This area produced more Black Redstarts and a male Blackbird and, on the return journey a couple of Serin on the small grassy field.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

All very quiet on the return journey as I kept my eyes open for a twentieth specie but the sewage works only provided another three Cattle Egrets.  Back over the river and approaching the end of the enclosed barbeque area and a couple of Chiffchaff feeding on the ground.  But then, once in the open tree space, an additional species with the finding of a Hoopoe.  And sitting atop the very last tree on the walk, screeching its head off, a solitary Monk Parakeet wishing me "Bon voyage!"

By the time I reached home the clouds were still very threatening but at least the wind had greatly eased back.

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret,  Kestrel, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Back-backed Gull, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, White wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Algarrobo Costa

 Sunday 6 December

Gannet Alcatraz Atlantico Morus bassanus

Late walk this morning not leaving here till almost 12.30 and with Jenny walked down to Caleta harbour and back along the shore paseo.  A lovely male Black Redstart almost immediately followed by the usual Monk Parakeets and Rock Doves.  Approaching the outer harbour wall on our side three Gannets diving very close, too close I would have thought, and once in the marina area, no doubt encouraged by families feeding the fishes, a good number of Black-headed and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Watching over the gulls chasing the fish which in turn were chasing the loaves of bread, a Little Egret whilst a Cormorant was enjoying a little fishing in the middle of all this chaos.

Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta

Passing by the port entrance scores of Crag Martins seen and resting on the outer harbour beach many Lesser Black-backed and a few Yellow-legged Gulls. A fearsome quartet of Sanderling were working the edges and beach in between the many gulls.

Making our way back, 25 Monk Parakeets, a few Rock Doves and a Collared Dove were gorging themselves on spilt food of some sort on the pavement.

Monk Parakeets Cotorra Argentina Myiopsitta monachus

Almost back to the footbridge and, in addition to more beautiful Black Redstarts, both White Wagtail and a Blackbird.  From the top of the footbridge as we stood up against the cold wind a Goldfinch came to drink from an isolated small pool and was joined by a Linnet.  Only when the former flew away did it reveal a trio of relatives making for the nearest bush which, in turn, exposed a couple of Chiffchaff. Don't often get to see this many birds on my short walks.

Black Redstart Colirrojo Tizon Phoenicurus ochuros

Birds seen:

Cormorant, Gannet, Little Egret, Sanderling, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crag Martin, White Wagtail,  Black Redstart, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Algarrobo Costa

 Tuesday 1 December

Full Moon still looking down on me

First day of the month and once more back up my usual riverside walk upstream of the Rio Algarrobo.  But this time, off just after first light at 8.20 before the walkers, I hoped.  Not exactly to be but very few about.  On the other hand, very few birds about.  The Sun was just coming up to my right (east) and the Full Moon was still very clear in the sky to my left on the other side of the river.

Welcomed to the opening spinney by a lone Collared Dove and immediately  a Black Redstart and a White Wagtail foraging around the roadside rubbish bin. Plenty of warning of the approaching squadron of screaming Monk Parakeets, quite deafening, then onwards and upwards.  A couple of Spotless Starling and a single Blackbird before noting the 14 Wood Pigeons resting on the wire above and to my left.  A further couple of Wood Pigeons were resting high up in a Eucalyptus tree and the start of seeing a continuous supply of Collared Doves.

Early morning Wood Pigeons Paloma Torcaz Columba palumbus

Regular sightings of Black Redstarts as I continued up the the motorway underpass where I picked up a handful of House Sparrows and many more Spotless Starlings and once near the entrance to the "Experimental Station" a further four White Wagtails and a score or more Yellow-legged Gulls were noted.  Making my way back towards the road crossing over the weir I noticed the half-dozen Linnets foraging at the riverside.  

One of the half-dozen Linnets Pardillo Comun Carduelis cannabina at the river's edge

A lone Cattle Egret was seen heading up river and once at the sewage works a second Cattle Egret resting atop of a pole.  Nothing to be seen inside the works on this occasion as too much activity.  Back over the river and on down stream where I eventually found some of the resident Chiffchaffs, again feeding in the Eucalyptus trees.

Cattle Egret Garcilla Bueyera Bubulcus ibis keeping watch over the sewage works

Birds seen: 

Cattle Egret, Yellow-legged Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, White Wagtails, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Linnet.

Not so much a "Parrot in a Pepper Tree" but one of many Monk Parakeets Cotorra Argentina Myiopsitta monachus

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