Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Beautiful sunny day but a still, cool breeze and a dusting of snow on the top of Maroma as I drove down to Torre to post lots of magazine on behalf of the Andalucia Bird Society and decided to pay a short visit to the Rio Velez to check out the state of the river following all the carnage in November.  Whilst the river was still wide and plenty of water coming down it was, nevertheless, fairly shallow and seemed to be sorting itself out by exposing some gravel banks and islands so hope yet that the breeding waders will find a new home in the next month or so.  There is till much vegetation missing but the area was much calmer than my last visit a month ago.  Even the elongated sand bars stretching out into the Mediterranean have been somewhat curbed but the whole area looks so different than the  pre-November storms.  It remains to be seen what will happen when the spring rains produce the net deluge of water.

Arriving at the beach end of the new road alongside the eastern growing fields I was welcome by a good number of Meadow Pipits and a handful of Crested Larks along with a Sardinian Warbler, many Chiffchaffs and also the usual White Wagtails.  Immediately I noticed that some fields which have remained unworked for the past ten years have now been ploughed and sown with what looks like brassicas of one sort or another.  Just think, in a month's time these seedlings are going to be almost full groan cauliflowers and/or cabbages such is the magic of this land.  A Zitting Cisticola took off as I headed for the mouth of the river where I was greeted by well in excess of 500 gulls on the water and neighbouring western fields.  Most were Mediterranean but there were also at least 150 Black-headed, a good number of Yellow-legged and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls, the last mainly on the sea.  A Cormorant flew past in an easterly direction and a Sandwich Tern fished in front of me.

On the river margins were at east 30 Sanderling and a couple of Ringed Plover whilst a solitary Little Egret hunted the far side.  The first of about a dozen Moorhens was also noted along with one of the trio of Mallards seen during my relatively short stay.  The return walk down the main track to the road bridge and back to the pumping station produced many more White Wagtails and Chiffchaffs along with another Stonechat, Black Redstart and a noisy pair of Monk Parakeets.  Best of all, though, was the single Little Ringed Plover that dropped in right in front of me.

The final walk back to the car through these eastern growing fields also produced both Serin and Greenfinch along with the resident House Sparrows and then a couple of Crested Larks, a Kestrel and more Meadow Pipits upon arrival.

Driving home, just to prove that I do not need to visit the usual high mountain sites, I had a Black Wheatear sitting on top of an electricity pylon as I approached Los Romanes and a small number of Rock Buntings followed by Thekla Larks on the track leading up to the house.  A very interesting morning with 30 species including five new birds for 2013 which has brought my year's total to date up to 105.  What will I see next week to potentially add to the list?

Birds seen:
Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Sandwich Tern,  Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starlings, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Rock Bunting.

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

The active life of a Short-eared Owl

The visit to the Guadalhorce, Malaga on Thursday 10 January produced four individual Short-eared Owls and it was a pleasure and a privilege to see the birds both resting and flying as they sought out their evening meal.  What a special treat for all who witnessed the show.

Which way to go?

I think we'll start off to the left. (Your right!)

"This is busy, busy.  I need a rest!"

Here we go again.

"Well that was fun and kept all those birders happy.  Shame they've got nothing better to do!"

I trust that you enjoyed looking at the photographs as much as I did enjoying the real thing and more.

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

Laguna Dulce and Fuente de Piedra

Adult & juvenile Crane Grulla Grus grus

Friday 

Having business to attend this morning it seemed perverse to drive straight past Laguna Dulce and not stop so decided I would take a short break on both the outward and return journeys with the latter preceding a quick trip over to Fuente de Piedra for the Cranes and Flamingos.  Black Redstart, Stonechat, Thekla Lark and White Wagtail as I came down the mountain and then a rather tidy-looking pair of Collared Doves as I needed the laguna itself.  Here, in pleasant weather conditions, the water level was much higher than I had seen it in years so, obviously, no evident signs of waders other than a handful of Black-winged Stilts and a couple of Lapwing taking a short excursion to the water to get away from their compatriots feeding in the field on the far bank.

The most obvious sign was that my visit seemed to have coincided with the "January Coot Convention" as there were hundreds everywhere; long rafts of Coots along the back edge, flocks in the bays and even a good number on the centre of the water itself.  But was there a Red-knobbed Coot?  I have no idea and made no effort to try and locate one - if, indeed, there was one present. With regards to ducks,there was at least a dozen Red-crested Pochard and a few more Common Pochards, a dozen or so Gadwall along with a very small number of White-headed Ducks, a few Shovelers and odd pairs of Mallards hiding in the most sheltered parts of the laguna.

Black-necked Grebe  Zampullin Cuellinegro Podiceps nigricollis

A small number of Black-headed Gulls were making use of the water along with a very few Little Grebes and only one Black-knecked Grebe recorded.  A female Marsh Harrier sat patiently on top of a bush on the far side, presumably waiting for a little more warmth before setting out an the breakfast run, or flight in her case.  I found a second Marsh Harrier sitting on the bank to the far left but, strangest of all, was a Purple Swamphen perched/feeding at least two metres up at the top of a bush not twenty metres away from the first Marsh Harrier.  Away to the right beyond the ruined farm at least thirty Common Cranes were very busy feeding taking no notice at all of the working tractor in the next field.  In front of me numerous Chiffchaffs fed and, as everywhere else, there were scores of White Wagtails to be seen.

A small selection of the large Crane Grulla Grus grus flock

Returning about three hours later, the Coots were now well spread as were the ducks, so much so that they took a little finding.  Crane numbers had dropped to half a dozen occupying the same feeding site and there was both a Kestrel and a Buzzard in the old bare tree in front of the distant farm ruin.  Most of the morning's birds were still present but in addition tot he Robin in the tree in front of the hide I actually  found a single Great Crested Grebe on the far side and then a most gorgeous male Hen Harrier drifted into view as he followed the far bank from right to left.

Red-crested Pochard Pato Colorado Netta rufina on the laguneta at Fuente de Piedra

Very active Snipe  Agachadiza Comun Gallinago gallinago

Time to move on to Fuente de Piedra and both Cattle and Little Egrets noted in the flooded field opposite the small bridge as you approach the reserve entrance.  However, just below the Cantarranas Mirador at least an hundred Cranes were feeding in fields not so far away from the main road.  A closer look also revealed eight feeding Snipe.  The flooded field on the left as you entered contained a good number of Teal, and they also appeared on all other waters, along with a few Shovelers.  Best of all, though, was the single Ruff, presumably the same bird seen a couple of weeks ago.  A walk over the long causeway produced a number of Black-winged Stilts and a single Black-tailed Godwit but the only birds recorded on the far side were a couple of flocks of Greenfinches and Corn Buntings respectively.

Southern Grey Shrike Alcaudon Real  Lanius meridionalis

The final walk around the edges and on up to the hides overlooking the laguneta produced a fine Southern Grey Shrike, lots of White Wagatils, a Blackbird and a pair of Hoopoe.  A few ducks on the water including a pair of red-crested Pochards and then back for a last look at the main water.  All is looking very favourable as the Greater Flamingo numbers continue to build and these birds can now be counted in the many thousands and seem to be spread all over the laguna.  Nearer the shore there were hundreds of Shovelers and at least a couple of Shelduck.  Then all was completed and time to head for home having recorded a respectful 43 species during the day.









Birds seen:
Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Crane, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Southern Grey Shrike, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Corn Bunting

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

Axarquia Bird Group visit to the Guadalhorce, Malaga

Short-eared Owl Buho Campestre Asio flammeus

Thursday 10 January

Very windy and quite cloudy as I set out for the monthly visit of the Axarquia Bird Group visit to the Guadalhorce in Malaga.  By the time we started the wind had somewhat abated, the cloud was breaking up and the promise of a warmer day was in the offer as the sun rose higher in the sky.  Indeed, by mid-afternoon the clouds had just about all gone, the breeze had abated and the sun shone down on a very warm day.  Excellent birding with over fifty species recorded before I finally headed off for home.  For this first meeting of 2013 we had a splendid turn out of thirteen including Eric and Pat Lyon, Malcolm and Susan Austin, John and Jenny Wainwright, Patrick Raines, Bryan Stapley, Gerry Collins, Lesley Laver, Louise Gray, Ellie Wallbank and myself.  Also a pleasure, Andy Paterson was able to drop down from Torremolinos and see us on our way as he returned for more legal work and the continuation of trying to finally settle estate matters.  Andy also brought news of a new publication by neighbour and friend, Ron Appleby, whose book on the study of Honey Buzzards in Yorkshire should interest many.  (If so, get in touch with Andy as shall I.)

Mallard Anade Azulon Anas platyrrhynchos on Laguna Grande

Back to birding.  We were greeted by a light morph Booted Eagle and numerous Cormorants, a Moorhen and a couple of Coots on the (western) river plus a Little Egret or two.  Straight on to the Laguna Casillas where we found a small number of Teal, Mallard, Little Grebe and, eventually, a handfull of Pochards.  A very tame female Black Redstart joined us on the path and the occasional Goldfinch flew past along with a Blackbird.

Sleepy juvemile Flamingo Flamenco  Phoenicopterus roseus with Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Himantopus himantopus

Approaching the Wader Pool a Zitting Cisticola sat on top of a fence post and then, at the water, we had further views of the juvenile Flamingos plus more Teal, a number of Gadwall and more Little Grebes.  Both Green and Common Sandpipers were present and then we found three Greenshanks and a single Redshank.  Apart from a dozen plus Black-winged Stilts we also had a handful of Shovelers and the bushes in front held a score of Greenfinches.  Both Black-headed Gulls and Spotless Starlings flew over and then, at the back of the pool, a low-flying Marsh Harrier.

Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Himantopus

The walk down to the Sea Watch produced another Booted Eagle plus Buzzard along with a number of Meadow Pipits and a couple of Robins.  Monk Parakeets regular passed overhead accompanied by their raucous calling and hen more Black Redstarts and a few Stonechats and White Wagtails.  Out at sea in addition to a small number of Black-headed Gulls we had the occasional Lesser Black-backed Gull and more than a score of Common Scoters.  At least six gannets were fairly close to shore as they went about their search for a fishy lunch.  We even had a single Black-necked Grebe out on the open water and a Grey Heron lazily flapped its way ashore.  No sooner had we started on or return walk than we had, first , at least a quartet of Crested Larks and then a rather lovely Bluethroat.  Naturally, there were also very many feeding Chiffchaffs and then a trio of House Sparrows paid a short visit to the beach area.

Between here and the Laguna Escondida we then had a couple of Kestrels, calling Cetti's Warblers, another Sardinian Warbler, Serin and Blackbird.  The water itself held very few birds and nothing new.  On to spend some time at the  Laguna Grande where there were numerous Cormorants and a good number of Herons.  A couple of Little Egrets and a distant Cattle Egret along with the resting Buzzard at the back of the water. On the water, a couple of Black-necked Grebes, Coots, Pochards and Mallards plus, eventually found, a single female White-headed Duck at the very back of the water.  More Chiffchaffs and White Wagtails and time to split up and go our various ways.  For some this meant the journey home or shopping whilst a half-dozen of us took advantage of a Menu del Dia in neighbouring San Julian.  Interestingly, John and Jenny remained at the hide as the rest of us departed and were greeted by the arrival of a low-flying Buzzard which put up the Herons and Egrets to the left of the water.  Surprise, surprise, Pat was right.  One of the skulking Cattle Egrets hiding behind the reeds was indeed a Great White Egret; so yet another specie to add to the day's tally.

White Wagtail Lavandera Blanca Motacilla alba at the parador

For me, an ulterior motive as I intended to check out the Parador Golf Hotel and then back to the reserve in the hope of finding the wintering quartet of Short-eared Owls that have been present for the past two months.  The first objective proved unsuccessful but I was back at the Guadalhorce by about 3.45 and came across John and Jenny Wainwright with the same task in mind.  A check first of all at the mouth of the western canal produced nothing so on to the main reserve and across the bridge with yet more Black Redstarts, Stonechats and Coots.  Also Little Egrets, Rock Doves and, of course, the constant movement of Cormorants moving in and out of the reserve.

Not yet 4.30 as we walked along the main track towards Laguna Grande and John found a single Short-eared Owl resting on a small, bare tree not so far away from the path.  After a considerable time watching the bird it took to the air, probably as a result of the second individual that passed close by.  Finally, a third individual joined in the search for food and the next thirty of minutes was spent by the three of us watching these fabulous birds.  What a privilege.  Deciding to take a last look at the Laguna Grande having now recorded the target species, we found the final member of the Short-eared Owl quartet on the other side of the track; yet more time watching this lovey bird.

Look out owls, here comes the Marsh Harrier Aguilucho Lagunero Circus aeruginosus

The laguna itself held a distant Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier, probably the individual we saw fly over us during this last walk, along with scores of Cormorants and very many Herons and Little Grebes.  The Black-necked Grebes were much closer to the hide as were the Gadwalls, Mallards and Shovelers.  In addition to the Coots, a pair of juvenile Flamingos and many Chiffchaff, we also found a Snipe below the hide.

"Now where's that Harrier?" thinks the Short-toed Owl Buho Campestre Asio flammeus

Having completed our check, it was back to the "Owl Field" to watch the lovely Short-eared Owls and we were not to be disappointed.  For over another forty minutes we watched the bird as for, probably, the fifth or sixth time we put off our departure.  We even had a Hoopoe fly past the owls; obviously too big for supper!  Eventually, reaching the footbridge, we were met by a returning Ellie who had not seen the bird so yet another twenty minutes as we, too, watched again and took more photographs, albeit the light was now rapidly deteriorating.  As we, finally, set off for home a pair of the Short-eared Owls were still very active and showing well.  What an incredible and pleasing way to end a day's birding with a final tally of 52 species.

Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Common Scoter, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Blac-necked Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Short-eared Owl, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Robin, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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

Sierra Loja and Huetor Tajar

Stock Dove Paloma Zurita Columba oenas

Monday

The start of a beautiful sunny day with clear blue skies following on overnight minimum temperature of 12C so much anticipation as I set off over the mountain at Ventas de Zafarrya for a day's birding up the Sierra Loja and around the fields of Huetor Tajar.  Kestrel, Thekla Larks, Black Redstart as I came down the mountain then scores of White Wagtails which seem to appear at every bend in the road along with regular Collared Doves in the valley.  Passing beyond Zafarrya itself I had a Jay fly across in front of the car and there were many Corn Buntings and Chaffinches to be seen in the bare trees along with a couple of Mistle Thrushes and many Blackbirds as I made my way towards the distant motorway near Loja.  And then the fun and games started.  Just as I was beginning to think that the fields and grass below the olive trees had a certain "paleness" about them I hit the frost on the roads.   No sooner had I got over this shock, not far beyond the turn back towards Alfarnarte, than in the distance I could see the thick mist and/or fog in the low-lying distance.  Yes, it was drive down to the motorway on full lights and, on reaching the service station above Loja where I met up with Mick Richardson and Juan Perez, we were in the thick of it and I was informed that, whilst I had been enjoying +12C, Loja had been experiencing -12C overnight!!!

A Brambling Pinzon Real Fringilla montifringilla at last!

All into my car and we off by 9.45 and driving up to the first, small, quarry where we emerged from the mist into bright sunshine; sunshine that was to get warmer and warmer as the day progressed so necessitating the removal of a couple of layers of clothing and even bobble hats and gloves.  The small tree to the top left of the quarry contained a small flock of Long-tailed Tits as we arrived and as these departed they were replaced by both Blue and Great Tits.  A Robin scratched around below and a couple of Meadow Pipits passed over along with a small number of Wood Pigeons whilst both Mick and Juan heard Short-toed Treecreepers calling. Carrying on up to the main quarry past a flock of House Sparrows which included a single Tree Sparrow, we arrive to find the cupboard bare, not a bird to be seen or heard.  However, within a few minutes we had a flock, indeed a clattering, of thirty plus Choughs above the Eagle Owl's nest and then at least three individual Dartford Warblers were heard and one seen.

So started our birding day and by the time we split up to start our respective journeys home it might be easier to record what we did not see (e.g. Crag Martin, Crossbill, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Rock Sparrow) rather the birds actually seen!  A cracking day which eventually reached the 60 mark and without visiting any large sheet water to record ducks and waders.

One of many Rock Buntings Escribano Montesino Emberiza cia seen on the mouintain

The target was to try and record all the present seven species of thrush so we decided to head straight to the top and the last-known feeding area about three or four kilometres beyond Charco de Negra.  We did, however, have a couple of short stops on the way as we recorded more Choughs and then Jackdaws, a Hoopoe walking along the track in front of us and the occasional Red-legged Partridge doing what Red-legged Partridges do when confronted out in the field.  Just beyond the turn we came across a reasonable -sized mixed flock of Thekla Larks, Rock Buntings and Corn Buntings and the previous short stop had produced a number of Black Wheatears, a Blue Rock Thrush, Stonechats, Sardinian Warblers and more Black Redstarts.  And just before the turning we recorded the local Little Owl perching, this time, on top of a small rock pile on the opposite side of the track, perhaps because his usual rock pile was now occupied by a Southern Grey Shrike.

A well hidden Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

So on to the thrush-feeding area where there were still many Hawthorne trees bearing berries, albeit some looking a little on the shriveled side.  Soon we had a single Ring Ouzel and further searching produced a few more giving a probable total of about eight or nine.  Mistle Thrushes were added  but, sadly, no sign  on this occasion of either Redwing or Fieldfare and, during the while day, we were unable to add Song Thrush.  The school teacher in me tells that 4 out of 7 probably deserves a "Could be better!"  However, feeding with the Ring Ouzels were many finches including Goldfinch, Serin, Chaffinch and even a single Hawfinch.  Add on a small number of Alpine Accentors and this was a very worthwhile stop.  Add on Crested Lark and a passing Kestrel and our cups almost overfloweth.

Green Sandpiper  Andarrios Grande  Tringa ochropus

From here it was back down the mountain and re-organise the cars for a drive around the Huetor Tajar fields.  Lots of Lapwings every where and we soon added Magpie along with Serin and many Meadow Pipits.  The drive along the river produced a number of Grey in addition to the White Wagtails plus three Green Sandpipers and a very timed Moorhen hiding behind the reeds.  Above the reeds, Chiffchaffs fed as if there were no tomorrow along with numerous Chaffinches and Linnets.  A Cattle Egret in the field took no interest in our passing but, soon, we were also starting to see the first of the wandering groups of Azure-winged magpies.  A Cetti's Warbler gave forth a loud burst of song and then exposed itself as it crept through the undergrowth.

Part of the large Lapwing Avefria Europea Vanellus vanellus flock to be seen

On and around to the usual river bank where we found more Chaffinches, Linnets and Goldfinches but still no sign of a Brambling.  The group of nearby House Sparrows also included a couple of Tree Sparrows and then, resting on a vertical branch of the tree, a female Cirl Bunting was also recorded.  A Little Egret flew over and a juvenile Pergrine Falcon rested on (more like in) a distant electricity pylon whilst atop the next pylon a Buzzard took its ease.   Watching the large flock of Lapwings a small flock of Sky Larks flew past and then , probably, the sight of the day.  Sat at the top of a distant pomegranate tree a small greenish "blob"; could it be?  Telescopes out and confirmation that we had a Stock Dove.  Further scoping produced another trio on the fields in front and then, perhaps coinciding with the Buzzard taking to the air, a flock of fourteen Stock Doves in the air giving a probable total of eighteen for the area.

A pair of Stock Doves Paloma Zurita Columba oenas at Heutor Tajar

Now it was just a case of a circuit to the back fields, having first made a brief stop for refreshments at Mick's favourite bar where we found a male Blackcap, to find the missing birds.  Still no Bramblings with the Serins, Golfinches, Chaffinches and Linnets but then a flock of about thirty Little Bustards which came down in the thick vegetation.  But they were eventually found, or at least a handful or more were seen.  Whilst watching the Little Bustards we checked out the local flock of Spotless Starlings and, sure enough, we managed to locate at least three Common (Northern) Starlings.  Then it was back to the main road and the fields opposite did produce our Stone Curlews but, try as we did, we could only find a handful.  Where were the others even allowing for smaller numbers this winter?

Record shot of Little Bustard  Sison Comun  Tetrax tetrax

Heading back to the cars along the far stretch of the river we finally managed to find our Brambling, a single male.  What a way to end a splendid day's birding in great company.  60 cracking species to get the year well and truly under way.


Birds seen:
Red-legged Partridge, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Moorhen, Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Southern Grey Shrike, Jay, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Chough, Jackdaw, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Brambling, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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

Bermejales with the Wainwrights

Another report reflecting a good day's birding by John and Jenny Wainwright; they really are busy beavers at the moment and beginning to put me to shame so I shall have to get out and about tomorrow!

5th January

A bright, warm day but cold in the shade.  We started off for the embalse at about 10am, we have found that it is not good setting off too early in the winter months as nothing moves until about lunchtime, when things have warmed up and the insects are about.  We drove down the autovia A92 and off at the Morelada junction, through the village and then the road to Cacin.  Just outside the village on the Cacin road we saw Blue Rock Thrush and a bit further on a Black Wheatear, Azure-winged Magpies and a few Stonechats.

Song Thrush Zorzal Comun Turdus philomelos (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

At the Cacin dam - the water level was really low, exposing plenty of mud - but no waders were located.  On the water there were Teal, Pochard, Mallard, Coots and Moorhens.  On the mud and in the small bushes in the centre of the water there were masses of White Wagtails and Chiffchaff.  A few Cormorants lined the skeletal trees on the far bank and on the power lines we found Wood Pigeon and a Common Magpie.

Common Sandpiper Andarrios Chico Actitis hypoleucos (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

After coffee break, we parked up in our usual spot, our first sighting was a Common Sandpiper searching the waters edge for food and a White Wagtail which didn´t bother about me - as I got the picnic seat ready for Jenny - he was only five feet away at the most.  A few Crossbills were heard in the trees and they were seen a tad later on.

Coal Tit  Carbonero Garrapinos  Parus ater (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

On my walk down towards the camping site, I found a family of Short-toed Treecreepers, Coal Tits, Serins, Wood Pigeons, Great Tits and Chaffinches.  On the water's edge by the pedalo enclosure I located the lone Egyptian Goose but some hikers put it to flight onto the embalse (sorry about picture quality I am having to learn the foibles of another camera, the other one gave up the ghost).  Also in the area I saw Serins, a Robin, Blackbirds, Mistle Thrush and more Crossbills.

Egyptian Goose Ganse de Nilo Alopochen aegyptiaca (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

After lunch we moved location and sat alongside the embalse and an olive grove, here we saw Long-tailed Tits, Song and Mistle Thrushes, male and female Blackcaps, Blue and Great Tits, Crested Larks, Magpie, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, White Wagtails, Sardinian Warblers, Crossbills and a couple of Collared Doves.

Strikes me the best policy is to sit and eat your lunch whilst the birds come to you!  Great report John.

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

A Birding Visitor's view of the Axarquia Area

Friday 4 January

I have just received an emailed report about the visit Nigel Smith from the Barnsley, Yorkshire area of the UK made to Nerja last month and his birding experience.  I have tried to copy verbatim the result so that others may see how the area is appreciated and viewed by non-residents.

RIO VELEZ - 25th DECEMBER - Mallard c20, Black Necked Grebe 1 on sea, Gannet 1 adult, Cormorant 6, Cattle Egret 1, Little Egret 1, Grey Heron 2, Kestrel 1, Moorhen c25, Coot 1, Ringed Plover 2, Sanderling 3, Green Sandpiper 1, Mediterranean Gull 100's, Black Headed Gull c100, LBB Gull 100's, Yellow Legged Gull c25, Crag Martin 2, White Wagtail 12, Grey Wagtail 3, Black Redstart 1, Cetti's Warbler c10, Meadow Pipit c20. As you mentioned the rains have certainly altered the course of the river especially towards the beach. Nearly all the gulls were on the western side of the river on the fields covered in plastic?

NERJA - 25th DECEMBER - Gannet 2 adults, Cormorant 1, Cattle Egret c20, Kestrel 1, Mediterranean Gull 100's heading west, Crag Martin 9, Grey Wagtail 2, Black Redstart 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 4, Sardinian Warbler 6.

FUENTA DE PIEDRA - 27th DECEMBER - Shelduck c20, Gadwall c20, Teal c100, Mallard c20, Shoveler 100's possibly 1000's, Pochard 2, Tufted Duck 2, Little Grebe 28, Black Necked Grebe 2, Cattle Egret 2, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 3, Greater Flamingo 100's possibly 1000's, Marsh Harrier 3++ around visitor centre, roost at Cantarranas had a minimum of 18 birds, Hen Harrier 3 males and 1 ringtail in roost at Cantarranas, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 1, Water Rail calling at Cantarranas, Moorhen c20, Coot c100, Common Crane 43 in field at Cantarranas plus groups of 10, 4 and 2 over, Black-winged Stilt c50, Avocet 4, Lapwing c250, Little Stint 4, Dunlin 5, Ruff 2 males and 1 female, Snipe c20, Green Sandpiper 1, Black Headed Gull 100's, LBB Gull 100's, Kingfisher 1, Meadow Pipit c30, White Wagtail c100, Robin 1, Black Redstart 6, Stonechat c20, Cetti's Warbler 3, Chiffchaff c100, Southern Grey Shrike 2, Corn Bunting c20. The Harrier roost at Cantarranas was a fantastic sight, I arrived about 4pm intending to go onto the Laguna Dulce but ended up staying at Cantarranas until dark. When I arrived there were about 6 Marsh Harriers sitting in the tops of the bushes, the numbers increased and included 6 sitting in the ploughed field to the right. At about 6 o'clock they all got up, flew around for quite a time before settling into the reedbed. The Hen Harriers arrived much later, about 6 o'clock and went to roost more quickly than the Marsh Harriers. All the Hen Harriers roosted in the reedbed/long grass to the left. 

RIO GUADALHORCE - 28th DECEMBER - Gadwall c10, Teal c30, Mallard c15, Shoveler c50, Pochard c30, Common Scoter 37 on sea, White Headed Duck 1 male, Little Grebe c30, Black Necked Grebe 2, Gannet 7, Cormorant 360+ roosting, Little Egret 5, Grey Heron 19, Greater Flamingo 8, Marsh Harrier 10, Sparrowhawk 1, Buzzard 1, Booted Eagle 2, Osprey 1, Kestrel 2, Moorhen c20, Coot c30, Black Winged Stilt 7, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 1,  Turnstone 2 on beach, Black Headed Gull 100's, LBB Gull 100's, Short Eared Owl 1, Meadow Pipit c15, White Wagtail c50, Robin 1, Black Redstart c10, Stonechat c10, Cetti's Warbler c10, Fan Tailed Warbler c10, Sardinian Warbler c10, Chiffchaff c50. Again stayed untill dark for roosting Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Saw 1 Short-eared 4 times, firstly at about 4pm behind hide at Laguna Grande. Harriers came in much later than at Cantarranas and were split 5 over Laguna Grande and 5 over reedbed at rear of hide with Short-eared. Counted Cormorants when they flew into large trees, a fantastic sight. There were about half a dozen local birders still there when I left, presumably for Short-eareds. 

LAGUNA DULCE - 30th DECEMBER - Teal c20, Mallard c20, Shoveler c30, Red Crested Pochard 3 pairs, Pochard c50, Tufted Duck 17, White Headed Duck pair, Little Grebe 2, Black Necked Grebe 4, Black-shouldered Kite 1, Marsh Harrier 1 male, Hen Harrier 1 male, Coot 565, Common Crane 2, Lapwing c50, White Wagtail c50, Black Redstart 2, Stonechat 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Corn Bunting c10.

FUENTA DE PIEDRA - 30th DECEMBER - Shelduck c20, Gadwall c20, Teal c100, Mallard c20, Shoveler 100's possibly 1000's, Pochard 35, Little Grebe 31, Black Necked Grebe 3, Cattle Egret 2, Greater Flamingo 100's possibly 1000's, Marsh Harrier 2 around visitor centre, roost at Cantarranas had a minimum of 17 birds, Hen Harrier 6 males and 1 ringtail in roost at Cantarranas, Water Rail calling at Cantarranas, Moorhen c20, Coot c100, Purple Swamphen 2 at Cantarranas, Common Crane 81 in field at Cantarranas plus groups of c150, c50, 38 and 8 over, Black-winged Stilt c20, Ruff 2 males and 1 female, Snipe 1, Southern Grey Shrike 2. 

Called in at Laguna Dulce first today, highlight being a Black-shouldered Kite hunting over fields to right hand side of hide. Had a quick visit to visitor centre area at Fuenta De Piedra then onto Cantarranas for roost. Both Harriers behaviour was as 27th, this time though 10 Marsh Harriers were in ploughed field to right and 6 male Hen Harriers were counted. Fantastic again.

RIO GUADALHORCE - 31st DECEMBER - Shelduck 2 + 7 on sea, Gadwall c10, Teal c10, Mallard c20, Shoveler c30, Pochard c40, Common Scoter 71 on sea, White Headed Duck 1 male + 2 females, Little Grebe c15, Black Necked Grebe 2, Gannet c20, Cormorant c200, Cattle Egret 1, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 22, Greater Flamingo 4, Buzzard 2, Booted Eagle 1, Kestrel 2, Peregrine 1, Moorhen c20, Coot c30, Purple Swamphen 1,Black Winged Stilt 12, Kentish Plover 1, Sanderling 3, Redshank 1, Greenshank 3, Green Sandpiper 1, Mediterranean Gull 1, Black Headed Gull 100's, LBB Gull 100's, Yellow Legged Gull c50, Sandwich Tern 13, Meadow Pipit c30, White Wagtail c50, Robin 2, Black Redstart c10, Stonechat c10, Cetti's Warbler c10, Fan Tailed Warbler (Zitting Cisticola) c10, Sardinian Warbler c10, Chiffchaff c50.

NERJA - 31st DECEMBER - Greater Flamingo 31 in off sea, Cattle Egret c40, Crag Martin c60 roosting on cliffs eastern end of Burriana beach.

A mid-day visit to Guadalhorce today and back to Nerja for New Years Eve festivities. Very few people at Guadalhorce today, had a very pleasant walk round this very good reserve. Very impressed with the hides, notice boards and paths. Had fantastic views of a Purple Swamphen and the Sandwich Terns were nice to see.

I think that you will all agree that Nigel seems to have a great birding experience whilst in this part of Andalucia and it just goes to show what can be expected if you put your mind to it - and the wife/partner is not with you if she is a non-birder!!!!!  

If you were not sure where to visit during the next couple of weeks then the above should give a very good indication of what birds are about.  Have you seen a Common Scoter this year or recently?  What about the Black-shouldered Kite at Laguna Dulce or the Harrier roost (Marsh and Hen) at the Cantarranas Mirador at Fuente de Piedra.  This is also the site where you are most likely to see our wintering Common Cranes.

Very many thanks Nigel for sharing your experience with us and reminding we residents what is out there waiting to be observed.  We look forward to your return to this area and the hope that you will be able to join us on a future birding visit.

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