Las Campinuelas, Algarrobo

Hoopoe Upupa epops

 Sunday 26 September

An hour to spare before driving into Velez Malaga to collect Jenny from church so took the opportunity to pay a first visit to Las Campanuelas, on the other side of the motorway from the local golf course, since before June last.  Hot and sunny with  just a little thin, scattered cloud and everything dry and dusty.  No sooner reached my parking spot and a Barn Swallow on the wire and as I started my walk towards the spring recorded both Hoopoe and Crested Lark.

Once at the spring area counted no less the 32 Collared Doves on the wires in front along with a couple of Spotless Starlings.  Almost immediately joined by a Blackbird and a few House Sparrows.  Once across the road and on my anti-clockwise circuit a few Goldfinch followed by a Black Redstart.  Next up both Sardinian Warblers and Great Tits before coming across a feeding Blue Tit and many more Crested Larks.

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

The bottom end of the circuit produced a couple of Stonechat and as I approached the road I picked out a distant Buzzard above the far side which had, presumably, been disturbed by the passing cyclists.  And that was just about it until I spotted the Spotted Flycatcher as I approached the car.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Birds seen:

Buzzard, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch.

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Charca de Suarez

 Saturday 25 September

Common Kestrel?  These days nothing "common" about these small, delightful falcons.  On the other hand, this was the first species recorded as I approached the Charca de Suarez in Motril and also the last species seen at the end of Camino Patria in the growing fields at the back of the reserve as I started back to Mezquitilla.  An early morning visit and only time for ninety minutes as I had to be back early for a local appointment.  Great to meet up again with friend Mick Richardson along with his Spanish birding pal, Juan Perez.  Still warm and calm but sufficient cloud to keep the temperature down a little.

Approaching the Charca itself both Collared Dove and even a Wood Pigeon traversing "Tip Alley" before meeting up Mick and finding Blackcap almost immediately.  Numerous calling Cetti's Warblers and ere long a small group of Red Avadavat flew over.  Once at the Laguna del Alamo Banco Mallard and a couple of White Stork.  A Heron was resting atop the pole in the middle of the water.

Heron Ardea cinerea with Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata below

Moving across to the small hide at the bottom of the Laguna del Taraje we found more Mallard along with a couple of Teal, Gadwall and Moorhen.  Ere long a pair of Purple Swamphen were found along with the first Red-knobbed Coot followed by a very short-stating Kingfisher.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca

Continuing on to the main hide overlooking the Laguna de las Aneas we found Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff and Blackbird.  A Nightingale was calling from the depths of the very dense bushes to our left and then the first Great Tit.  On the water quantity rather then depth of species including mainly Mallard, Common and Red-knobbed Coot along with a few resting Heron.  However, more diligent searching also produced Little Grebe, Purple Swamphen, a couple of Ferruginous Duck, single Pochard and more Moorhen.  Lovely to find a juvenile Night Heron at the far end and whilst no Cormorant, on this occasion there were at least a quintet of Black-headed Gull.

Distant record shot of juvenile Night Heron Nycticorax nyticorax

Whilst at the Laguna del Trebol north end we witnessed a Ferruginous Duck fly past which was later located at the far end when we visited the southern hide to this water.  Perhaps the bizarre sighting at the northern hide was the very rough-looking Blackbird in just about the worst state of moult; talk about "hen pecked!"  The walk between the two hides produced a lovely Pied Flycatcher and another Great Tit.

Heavily moulted Blackbird Turdus merula

Leaving the hide to walk to the Laguna del Lirio I happened to look up and watched a Booted Eagle circling high above.  Then, at the water, the massed observers were watching the Kingfisher that was happy to remain atop a water height post for the duration.  What a way to end the short visit.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

But that was not the end of the birding.  Taking the Camino Patria at the back of the reserve, rather than turn right into Turtle Dove Alley, what I now refer to as "Tip Alley", I continued straight on and my journey was most worthwhile.  Stopping near a rather dilapidated greenhouse on the right to check out some "strange looking" doves resting on the bare top wires, I realised that only were they Turtle Doves but immediately below was both a Hoopoe and a Zitting Cisticola along with a rather large flock of House Sparrows.  Just a little further on and I stopped to watch the feeding Common Waxbills at the side of the road and, on the opposite side of the road, a large charm of Goldfinch.  hardly worth mentioning that I was welcomed home by the screaming Monk Parakeets!

Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Birds seen:

Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Little Grebe, Heron, White Stork, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Common Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, House Sparrow, Waxbill, Red Avadavat, Goldfinch.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

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

Cadiz Palegic with Dave Elliott-Binns

 Saturday 18 September

A lovely report from friend, Dave but this time without his Arboleas Birding Group in which he outlines his recent palegic trip down in Cadiz province.  He may have thought himself short on bird life but he certainly made up for it with close sightings of the mammals in the Strait.

That be Africa over there! (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Chipiona & Tarifa pelagic:  Friday 17th, Saturday 18th September 2021

My mate, Paul, who's over from England drove to my house and we set off on the long journey to Chipiona, north of Cadiz.  We dropped our gear off at the hostel and made for the marina where we ate our snack dinner whilst watching 3-4 Little Swifts flying around.  A Turnstone landed on the quayside.

We were up at 04.30, leaving at 05.00, to give us plenty of time to get to Tarifa port.  We were lucky to find a close parking spot, but were concerned as it had a blue curb, which usually means you have to pay.  As we were eating our weetabix beside the car, I collared two locals who assured me it was ok. 

We met up with Javi and the seven other trippers.  The boat was a bit smaller than the one Javi uses out of Rota and Chipiona and the seats on this one faced inwards, but we coped.  We first travelled a mile or two offshore.  We saw numerous Yellow-legged Gulls, mostly immature ones.  There was the occasional Balearic and Cory's Shearwater, but not in the numbers previously seen.  They didn't want to hang around.  We then got into a good pod of Common Dolphins which were after Flying Fish, a first for me! 

Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We headed towards the Moroccan Coast seeing Mediterranean Gull and Gannet on the way.  Taking a roundabout route to avoid the container ships, we arrived at the designated spot and soon came across small family groups of Pilot Whales.  At one point the skipper stopped the engine and a mother and youngster swam slowly under the boat, by only a few feet.  You could hear them communicating.

Family of Pilot Whales Globicephala melas (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We headed back towards Spain, where the birds seemed to be.  A flight of Common Tern headed out towards the Atlantic as did a flight of Avocet, but I assumed they'd turn north to Donana! Javi tried chumming, but got only Yellow-legged Gulls. 

Young Yellow-legged Gulls Larus michahellis getting the chum (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A couple of Balearic Shearwaters came for a look but didn't stop.  Meanwhile all the bird action was above us.  Javi spotted the first of two Sparrowhawks, high up and Africa bound.  Then we had about 4 Egyptian Vultures, followed by at least 8 Short Toed Eagles.  Later we added Booted Eagles and topped off with two Marsh Harriers, one male skimming the waves.

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)us

We ended the day with 13 species.  Even though the volume of birds, especially the shearwaters, was down, we had a great morning.  Javi is a top man.  Got back to the car and no ticket.  Yay! Just the 5 hour drive home to look forward to....NOT!!

Regards,

Dave

Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Pilot Whale Globicephala melas (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Young Pilot Whale having a nose (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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

Charco de Suarez

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

 Friday 17 September

Needing to take some more boxes up to Velez de Benaudalla I extended the afternoon so that I could also pay an evening visit to nearby Charca de Suarez on the western outskirts of Motril.  It also made more sense than driving up to the reserve on the Saturday morning as the weather ought to be decidedly cooler rather then very hot and, perhaps, the smaller birds might be more active.  Approaching Velez I had a Hoopoe cross the road in front of me and and when I left the village and reached the water station on the Guadalfeo  I glimpsed the dark shape of a raptor drifting south just above the hill to my immediate left.  Continuing on for another couple of hundred metres I was able to pull over, prepare my bins and hope that the raptor was still gliding south.  It was indeed and turned out to be a very handsome Short-toed Eagle.

On this occasion I approached the back of the Charca reserve from the west and entering the narrow lane soon had a Kestrel resting atop a large tree on my left.  Almost immediately a pair of Red-rumped  followed by Barn Swallows as a Cattle Egret flew eastwards towards the reserve itself.  And just before turning left to drive down "Turtle Dove Alley" a delightful Bonelli's Warbler flew up onto the fence to my right.  

Female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Nothing to see in the alley until the Collared Dove at the far end and then a complete turn to travel back along the road towards the Charca.  At the far (southern) end I found a small charm of Goldfinch and a large flock of about two dozen Seri.  However, the most notable thing about Turtle Dove Ally was the tremendous increase in fly-tipping since my last visit in early June.  The quantity of building, domestic and rural rubbish was absolutely astonishing.  To say that this has made a lovely birding site a disaster is a gross understatement.  It must surely be more than obvious to the local council and police that this is on-going and without any sign of action from the appropriate authorities. The site is now a disgrace, dangerous and despicable. At this rate, the road will be unaccessible by the end of the year.  Turtle Dove Alley?  Needless to say not a bird in sight.  Therefore, time to rename this concrete alley to something more appropriate so, until further notice, I shall henceforth refer to it as "Tip Alley."

Gadwall Anas strepera

Arriving at the reserve itself I immediately went to the Laguna del Taraje where I found many Mallard along with a pair of Gadwall and a couple of Moorhen.  Both Common Coot and a solitary Snipe put in an appearance before I transferred to the opposite end of the water and added Red-knobbed Coot, Shoveler and a well-concealed Purple Swamphen.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Very little at the Laguna del Alamo Blanco other than a pair of Moorhen and two, not one, White Stork.  A single Greenshank wandered into the main area before I departed where, looking up, I was able to follow the passing Booted Eagle.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

Once in the main hide overlooking the Laguna de las Aneas I was immediately confronted by scores of Common along with many of the resident Red-knobbed Coots.  Only Mallards noted on the water itself along with more Little Grebe, a good number of Moorhen and a dozen Black-headed Gulls.  In the trees to my right a quintet of Heron with another at the far end of the water.  A Kingfisher dashed across the water then reappeared at the far end for a brief rest.

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata

Making my way to the northern hide overlooking the Laguna del Trebol I added a Cetti's Warbler and once settled was suddenly surprised to see a Pied Flycatcher in the bush to the left of the hide.  Well-concealed by twigs in front, the bird flew off rather than make a potential photograph possible. Again, more Red-knobbed Coots on show. Moving to the hide at the far end provided the first Spotted Flycatcher of the evening followed by a male Blackbird and then a second Kingfisher sighting but no chance of a photo as it sped across the water.

Not one but two White Storks Ciconia ciconia at the Charca

The last hide on the circuit overlooking the Laguna del Liro produced a second Spotted Flycatcher and finally, checking the small Laguna del Junco on the way out I not only found a single Little Egret but no less than tree Spotted Flycatchers along with a pair of Cetti's Warblers.  With House Sparrows as I left the site giving a final total of 30 species, excluding the two "specials" near Velez de Benaudalla, not too bad a result for less then two hours at the Charca de Suarez.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:

Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, White Stork, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Common Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Snipe, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Bonelli's Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus with Common Coot Fulica atra

Well-hidden Purple Swamhen Porphyrio porphyrio

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Greenshank with White Stork

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

My Cabo de Gata Visit

Wednesday 15 September 

Following yesterday's excitement at Roquetas de Mar and an overnight stay in nearby Aguadulce, it was time to head off along the A7 motorway to Cabo de Gata and meet up with Dave Elliott and his Arboleas Birding Group.  A somewhat cloudy and cool start to the day but arriving in Pujaire, less than  five minutes with plenty of time to spare I was able to take a break and enjoy my breakfast.  Just as well as a few spots of rain and looking very dark but twenty minutes later the sun was working its way out through the breaking cloud for what was to be a very warm and sunny day.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta and Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei at the salinas

Arriving at the hide on the entrance entrance bend to Cabo de Gata Dave and colleagues were already in attendance and had already recorded some good birds as per Dave's already published report.  On the wires across the road an Iberian Grey Shrike and a little later joined by a Kestrel.  Meantime, on the water, no shortage of Flamingos, Slender-billed Gulls, Black-tailed Godwits and Avocets.  Use of bins and scope soon added a rage of waders including Dunlin, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover and Redshank. Towards the back of the this first pool a few Herons were also noted along with the many Little Egret.  I missed the Curlew that a couple of members saw briefly behind the dune towards the sea but the Crested Lark posed  patiently on the neighbouring wall until all had taken notice.  

Distant Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis

Very few ducks to be seen with just a single Shelduck and a handful of Mallard.  A very distant raptor was seen above the church and by carefully tracking the bid with scopes it eventually revealed its rump and we were all able to confirm a female Montagu's Harrier.  Spotless Starlings were also on the wires and nearby tree.  The final addition was a Woodchat Shrike working the low trees away to our right in front of the dune.

Juvenile Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

Having been pre-warned about the "specials" found at the week-end we all then made our way down the back track to the rear hide.  Lots of Barn Swallows on the move and more and more Avocets and Slender-billed Gulls noted as we made our wat eastwards.  During a brief stop we were able to check the Turtle Dove that had crossed in front of Dave's car and was now resting, well-hidden in a low bush between track and pool.  Out across the water we watched the approaching female Marsh Harrier that soon had most of the Slender-billed Gulls and Avocets up in the air.

The quartering Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosis

Once at the hide much time was spent trying to find one or more of the reported Lesser Flamingo, Red-necked Pharlarope and Temminck's Stints - buy with no success.  On the other hand, amongst the Dunlin, Redshank and Ringed Plover we did find a single Ruff and a Greenshank.  Behind us we also recorded a very active Willow Warbler foraging in the nearby bushes.

Ruff C with Dunlin Calidris alpina in front 

Back to the village for a coffee break then along the sea road, noting Rock Doves (Ferral Pigeon) and Lesser Black-backed Gulls to check out hides 2 and 3 before making a longer stop at the Public Hide. At the first of these hides we found both Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes and watched the arriving trio of Glossy Ibis.  A Cormorant was seen resting on an island.  Another Willow Warbler and I found a single Spotted Flycatcher in front of me.  Dave also note a single Spoonbill crossing the pool to our right as it headed towards the sea side of the water.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Walking to the Public Hide the best bird of the day with the appearance of a Whinchat on the fence but, having flown away, it was soon re-discovered in low bushes and all managed to get a sighting albeit the camera would not not focus on the bird - a sort of drat and double-drat!  Once safely ensconced in the hide itself Black-necked Grebes were found on the water along with a single Sandwich Tern.  The water to our right held a good number of Black-headed Gulls in addition to more Flamingos and Avocets. Leaving the hide where Dave and friends said their goodbyes to return home we found a trio of Thekla Lark but, still too early for me, I decided to stay on a while.

First up the hill and over towards the lighthouse but nothing to see so returned and once more took the back track for the whole length of the salinas to try and locate the "missing" trio of species.  Between the roundabout and hide there were very many Black-headed and Slender-billed Gulls along with numerous small waders.  Mainly Black-winged Stilts,  Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling but also Redshank, Kentish Plover and Little Stint. 

Ruff Philomachus pugnax with Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

I even found a single Turnstone and despite the constant movement of Barn Swallows there were no other hirundines.  Now very warm so decided to head on back to Mezquitilla arriving home by mid-afternoon and a total, for me, of 40 species.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, Whinchat, Willow Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei

Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

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 15 September

My pleasure to join friend Dave Elliott-Binns and his Arboleas Birding Group for a morning session at beautiful Cabo de Gata up in Almeria province.  However, having stayed on after the group's departure, here I am back in Mezquitilla and Dave's report has arrived before I have even looked at my photos, never mind starting on the blog.  So here follows Dave's report and in the fullness of time I shall complete my own account of the day's happenings, hopefully before tomorrow!

Cabo de Gata   -   Wednesday 15th September

The day didn't start well.  Only about 3 hours sleep.  I picked up Nevill and Juda from Los Gallardos and headed south on the E15/A7 towards Cabo de Gata.  Weather was overcast.  As we were a bit early we checked out the Pujaire end of the rear track.  We saw  Collared Doves and House Sparrows.  On the power line were Spotless Starlings and some resting Barn Swallows.  During the day there was a continuous flow of Barn Swallows heading south west.  Carrying on I spotted a Marsh Harrier.  We then had an immature Woodchat Shrike followed by a Thekla Lark.  I then found a pair of cuddling Turtle Doves atop a shrub.  Juda spotted a pair of White Wagtails followed by a flight of 10 Grey Heron heading towards the salinas.  By the deposito as we rejoined the tarmac was a pair of Red-rumped Swallows.  A Hoopoe flew by.

We made our way to the first hide where we met up with Alan and Trevor.  Bob Wright arrived a short time later.  Meanwhile Alan had logged Redshank, Greenshank, Spoonbill, Dunlin, Kentish Plover, Avocet and Greater Flamingo.  There was an Iberian Grey Shrike on the power line.  Alan found a Shelduck.  A scan revealed Slender-billed Gulls, Little Egrets and a few Black-tailed Godwits.  A distant bird of prey was spotted.  It eventually revealed itself to be a female Montagu's Harrier.  A Kestrel was seen by a pylon and Trevor added a Hoopoe.  Alan then saw an Eurasian Curlew head over the village.

Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) 

Bob said that a Lesser Flamingo had been seen round the rear of the reserve, but further on from where Juda, Nevill and myself had turned round.  We headed back past the ruined building and towards the rear hide.  We stopped and scanned the Greater Flamingo flocks but without success, but we did add Black-winged Stilt, Ruff and Sanderling.  Bob found a Willow Warbler.  A Turtle Dove was seen landing in a bush.

Skulking Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) 

After a reviving cup of coffee in Cabo village, we made our way to the second hide.  Bob found a Spotted Flycatcher.  Another Willow Warbler was seen as was a Woodchat Shrike and two Iberian Grey Shrikes.  I found a single Cormorant and Alan spotted 3 flying Glossy Ibises.   A search for Stone Curlews only revealed some Kestrels.  I interrupted Bob to point out a flying Spoonbill.

Juvenile Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) 

We moved on to the public hide.  A small bird was on the fence but flew off before a proper ID.  Luckily Trevor re-discovered it...a Whinchat.  Alan found about half a dozen Black-necked Grebes and also found a resting Sandwich Tern.  Also seen were lots of Avocets, Lesser Black-back and Black-headed Gulls.

I was decidedly waning by now so we did the church track, only seeing Thekla Lark before heading home after saying our goodbyes. 

Many thanks to Bob for coming out with the group (and for the bottle of wine!). We ended with 40 species for the day. Great 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