Padul and Charca de Suarez

Cormorant Cormoran Grande Phalacrocorax carbo

Wednesday 18 February

Still on my own so can bird when I want and after yesterday's rain with the sun and warmth once more back with us, I left after lunch to spend a little time at Padul before travelling back down tot the coast for the evening opening at Charca de Suarez.  In summary, I would say that the Padul reserve is not worth the extra journey as very little to be seen that cannot be seen just about everywhere else.  Indeed, the only bird worthy of note was the reed Bunting that made a hasty departure when I reached the boardwalk to access the old, but weather-proof, hide.  On the other hand, the Charca produced two new birds for the year with a Feruginous Duck and Little Bittern so certainly not a wasted afternoon.

Padul is a strange sort of birding site; neither a natural reserve nor arable fields.  Very much think a much smaller version of La Janda and very arable with, at this time of the year, little reed but plenty of water, but the latter almost devoid of birdlife.  Arriving just before 3pm I took a very wet track into the reserve from the southern approach road and quickly recorded White Wagtails and House Sparrows.  Up to a dozen Corn Buntings were resting on a bare tee and then a couple of Blackbirds "flipped" over the grass.  To my right, on the large sheet of water, just a handful of Cormorants, three pairs of Mallards and a couple of Coots.  A Kestrel passed overhead and then I move on round to the back of the stream.  The arable fields on either side of the track produced regular sightings of Crested Larks and nearing the water once more I even had a trio of Sky Larks take off in front of me.

Chiffchaff Mosquitero Comun Phylloscopus collybita

parking up at the end of a short track I then took the boardwalk to the hide.  A Reed Bunting rapidly moved away as a I parked and there were a number of Chiffchaffs feeding in the low vegetation. Just the one  Heron and a pair of Mallards on the water in front along with a pair of Cormorants who took one look at me an then, quite naturally, beat a hasty retreat.  Deciding there was nothing to be gained here after sitting or some time in the hide with no birding activity, I set off for the Charca de Suarez in Motril recording both Rock Doves and Spotless Starlings as I approached the main road to the coast.

The light breeze had now developed into a strong wind when I reached Motril and it was difficult to find anywhere to shelter as I waited outside the Charca de Suarez gates for almost twenty minutes till the opening time.  Apart from a single Collared Dove and a few Yellow-legged Gulls struggling against the prevailing wind, there was nothing to see for om outside the gate other than a pair of Mallards and a single Moorhen on the newly-filled pond on the left just inside the reserve.

Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta

With the gates unlocked almost on time and four other birders now in the queue, I made my way straight to the southern hide on the Laguna del Trebol in the hope that either or both the Water Rail and/or Bluethroat might put in an appearance.  Neither did.  On the other hand, more good views of the potential breeding pair of Red-knobbed Coots as they continued to work on their nest site with, as I now know, collar-ringed 290 the male and the female (hopefully!) the un-ringed youngster from last year.  There was also a second ringed bird on the water but no evidence that he/she might have a partner for the coming breeding season.  Again, plenty of Chiffchaffs and Common Coots along with Mallards, Moorhen and many feeding Barn Swallows over the water.

Mr and Mrs (top) Red-knobbed Coot Focha Moruna Fulical cristata

The proposed nesting site - conveniently close to the hide

But there was also one odd duck.  I would like to think that it was a pure female Ferruginous Duck but I have a sneaking feeling that somewhere in her genes there may be just a touch Common Pochard.  No Pochards on this water so, maybe, it is a pure bird and, possibly, the individual that was reputed to have inter-bred with a Pochard last year.  A Grey Wagtail did a quick clockwise flight round the water and then I, too, departed to look at the water from the opposite hide.  Nothing different to add other than a short sighting of a wandering Purple Swamphen in the reeds.

Female Ferruginous Duck Porron Pardo Aythya nyroca with, I suspect, a hint of Common Pochard flowing through its veins

The Laguna de las Aneas as expected produced a good supply of Cormorants along with both Coots and Moorhens.  No shortage of Mallards, Shoveler and Common Pochards and even a Little Egret resting immediately on front of the hide.  On the island in front a pair of Black-winged Stilts and at least half-a-dozen Grey Herons strategically resting around the perimeter.  Still a few Barn Swallows over the water but no other hirundines present.

Black-winged Stilts Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus on the Laguna de las Aneas

Singing Cetti's Warblers as I walked round to the Laguna del Alamo Blanco where I found this site to now be very full of water and certainly no longer any chance for waders.  A dozen Teal present and a couple of Mallards so I continued on to the Laguna Taraje in search of the Moustached Warbler, assuming that it has not already departed for pastures new.  Again, lots of Chiffchaffs along with Mallard, Coots and Moorhens.  There was a very brief exposure of a Purple Swamphen and an even briefer visit of a Little Bittern that flew into the reed and quickly disappeared.

Just in time to see the Little Bittern Avetorillo Comun Ixobrychus minutus

Only about twenty minutes to closing time so I decided to make a first and final call at the Laguna del Lirio, passing a couple of Serin on the way.  With the light dimming a number of Blackbirds were making their way into the reserve and from the hide, in addition to yet another collar-ringed Red-knobbed Coot and many more Chiffchaffs I also managed to add a male Stonechat.

Departing the site and driving home via Turtle Dove Alley the light was gone for picking out any Red Avadavats but I did come across a flock of fifty Cattle Egrets enjoying a pre-roost get together.


Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Bittern, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Sky Lark, Barn Swallow, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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

Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Serin  Verdicillo Serinus serinus

Monday 16 February

Following on from the receipt of yesterday's email from Andrew Allport re his visit to my local patch on Saturday and the sun shining in an almost clear sky, I quickly completed my jobs around the house and took myself off to the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar in the hope that I, too, might find some exciting bird life.  A couple of hours of birding produced some new birds for the month but only one new bird for the year,  number of House Martins.  The were available in good supply along with a similar number of Crag Martins and a few Barn Swallows.

Loads of Chiffchaffs Mosquitero Comun Phylloscopus collybita both feeding and fleeing

Having been greeted by a pair of Mallards and a small number of Goldfinches I quickly found the wintering White Wagtails and the resident Rock Doves.  Cormorants are obviously still about as there was one individual up river and almost at the N340 road bridge.  I could also see the first of the Grey Herons resting low down in a tree on the opposite bank and, naturally, there were a few Moorhens to be seen.

Commencing my walk I added a single Ringed Plover then a pair of Little Ringed Plovers.  Serins were flitting around the trees and bushes whilst numerous Crag Martins fed overhead.  Indeed, as stated above, it was not long before I was also adding both House Martin and Barn Swallow.

Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Gordo Charadrius hiaticula (above) and Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico C. dubius (below)

Having seen a Common Coot a good way upstream from the lagoon I was somewhat surprised to see its neighbour with a large white mark on its neck so, yes, the (presumably) introduced  Red-knobbed Coot is still about and, potentially, looking for a nesting site but, unless it knows something that we do not, will have to consider a potential hybrid pairing for this year.

Red-knobbed Coot 27F Focha Moruno Fulica cristata is still alive and well down at the Rio Velez

A Little Egret made its way upstream and I was find another couple nearer the beach.  From the hide I had views of Serins and Black Redstarts behind on the fences whilst, in front, Moorhens, Coots, Stonechats and Chiffchaffs were in abundance.  Not too many gulls to be seen but using the scope  to confirm no large birds present other than a single Audouin's Gull, I did, nevertheless, manage to record both Black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls.  Meanwhile, the resident Cetti's Warblers were full of their noisy song.

Mediterranean Gull Gaviota Cabecinegra Larus melanocephalus almost moulted out

After a walk to the beach and back, the return trip to the bridge produced first a Blackbird quickly followed by a single Robin and, bathing on the edge of the river among the Goldfinches a single Linnet.  Until now the local Monk Parakeets have been conspicuous by their absence this month but within minutes there they were, screeching away for all and sundry to take notice.  Finally a solitary Grey Wagtail and then time to start of home.  However a stop on the far side of the bridge not only produced far more Chiffchaffs but also a single Green Sandpiper and the only Collared Dove of the morning.

The solitary Green Sandpiper Andarrios Grande Tringa ochropus

Birds seen:
Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Audouin's Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Black Redstart Colirrojo Tizon Phoenicurus ochruros

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Spotted Crake AND Savi's warbler

Monday 16 February 2015

The Rio Velez in Torre del Mar was definitely the place to be last Saturday.  I had a fascinating email last night from visiting UK birder Andrew Allport who is out here for three months (but not sure how far into his stay he is at present).  He celebrated St Valentine's day at our local patch and was well-rewarded for his several hours of observation.

Not only did Andrew record both Bluethroat and Penduline Tit, no doubt in addition to the "usual range" of species at the Rio Velez, he also saw all five of our Spanish hirundines (Crag Martin, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow and House Martin) and heard both our wintering Reed Warbler and a Savi's Warbler.  Wonderful sighting and songs and, I wonder, what influence may have been placed on their presence following the heavy rain last Thursday and then the strong winds of Friday.

However, the pièce de résistance was the sighting of a close Spotted Crake and the opportunity to actually get a photograph.  Well done and congratulations, Andrew; now if only I could replicate your sightings!

Spotted Crake  Polluela Pintoja Porzana porzana (PHOTO: Andrew M Allport)

You do not need to be an "Einstein" to work our where I went this morning!  Of the above, I only managed to find a good number of hirundines just about equally split by Crag and House Martin with the odd Barn Swallow thrown in for good measure.  But there is always another day, especially when I can make contact with Andrew to discover where exactly he picked up the crake.

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

Guadalhorce, Malaga

Sunday 15 February

Up early, very early at 5am and following a late late when we did nor get to be till 1am, to take jenny to the airport for her flight to Stansted.  Very wet and windy en route albeit windy but dry in Malaga itself.  The end result, with no bars open in San Julian at this time of the morning, was that I was at the Guadalhorce by 7.15 am.  Still dark but a couple of male Blackbirds out on the road making use of the street lighting to look for a small morsel to keep the hunger pains at bay.  (I knew there was a reason why the street lights are kept on at night.)

Male White-headed Duck Malvasia Cabeciblanca Oxyura leucocephala

Straight over to the eastern arm and the Laguna Casilla where I could just about make out the far side of the water as daylight slowly crept in.  A couple of Coots on front of me and a give-away male White-headed Duck with its head and blue beak shining out like some kind of avian beacon.  W Mallard made its way across at the back but I decided to check out the Wader Pool rather than sit around.  Not much here either with the light still poor but at least I could see some early Black-winged Stilts, a Little Egret and a single Greenshank on the water.  What to do?  Check the Rio Viejo and beach the return to these two hides.

Nothing at all to add on the old river and the beach was also deserted.  However, I did reach 200 when counting the Cormorants resting on the water just off the beach.  A few Yellow-legged Gulls above and a handful of Herons making their way away from the reserve.  As I reached the Sea Watch a couple of White Wagtails departed from the path immediately in front and then on the return walk to the Wader Pool I had first a Crested Lark followed by a small charm of Goldfinches and the odd Greenfinch.

The Wader Pool now had some bird life but no small plovers.  Two Greenshank and a single Black-tailed Godwit along with a heavily-ringed Spoonbill, a couple of Little Egrets and at least 16 Black-winged Stilts.  (The last along with those seen at the Casilla, confirmed that numbers are beginning to grow and they are even getting a little of the fiesty side as they drive all interlopers away.)  A handful of Little Grebes, a single juvenile Flamingo and an assortment of Chiffchaff, Goldfinches and Serins completed the initial survey.  A single Crag Martin dashed over the water then up and over the hide and was quickly followed by a rather smart Kingfisher that made its way down the water to come to rest in a tree at the far end.

Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus

Similarly, there was also more activity at the Laguna Casilla with a number of Coots, Mallards and White-headed Ducks in view.  A Moorhen crept along the far bank whist, almost below me, a number of Teal were still busy resting along with a trio of Gadwall on the opposite side.   In the vegetation to the side first a male Sardinian Warbler then a true pair of Blackcaps along with a number of Goldfinches, Serins and Chiffchaffs.

Leaving the pool to walk to the Laguna Escondida I recorded first a female Black Redstart then Stonechat and the first of a few barn Swallows.  A Hoopoe flapped away to my right but there was very little on the water when I arrived, jut a couple of Coots and another White-headed Duck.

Ending up at the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande, I had already found a couple of meadow Pipits as I approached and, on arriving, could confirm that there were still plenty of Cormorants on site but no Herons.  At least a dozen Shoveler made up the duck population and I even found the "resident" Booted Eagle well concealed in its usual tree in front of the tall roosting pol to the left.

Booted Eagle Aguililla Calzada Hieraaetus pennatus

Getting quite windy and trying to keep awake after only about four hours sleep and only a Spotless Starling to add to the list, I decided that the best option was to head back to the mountains, light a fire and watch the rugby, "Cymru am byth!"  Mind you, now that I have completed the blog I am probably going to be fast asleep before the Welsh thrash the Scots.

Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Booted Eagle, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

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

Charca de Suarez Visit Update

Saturday 14 February

As always, no sooner do you publish your group visit report than you discover what you have missed!  late last night I received a report from John wainwright on hos sightings during yesterday's visit to the Charca de Suarez with the Axarquia Bird Group so I can now update and give the latest information.  In addition, Steve Powell has published photographs he took during the visit on the Group's Facebook site ("Axarquia Birds and Wildlife") and i invite readers with a Facebook account to visit the site and apply to join.  take a look at the great shots of both Water Rail and Bluethroat taken yesterday morning by Steve.

Water Rail Rascon Europeo Rallus aquaticus (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Bluethroat  Ruisenor Pechiazul Luscinia svecica (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

In addition to yesterday's bird record, John also managed to see Black Redstart when he first arrived along with Spotless Starlings and Black-headed Gulls.  Further, John and jenny picked up a single Black-winged Stilt at the new Laguna del Alamo Blanco and a Hoopoe at the Laguna de las Aneas.  And to really ramp up the great sightings, on returning to the first hide overlooking the Laguna del Taraje John and Jenny were in time to see a Great White Egret complete a short circuit above the water before making a temporary landing in the trees at the back of the laguna.  Also noted were a small number of Painted Lady and Small White butterflies.

Little Bustard Sison Comun Tetrax tetrax (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Then for John and Jenny it was a short stop at Padul as they made their way back to Salar.  John's report is as follows:

Padul

We then drove back to home (Salar) calling in at Padul en route.  As we pulled up to the main hide a male Marsh Harrier was spotted as was a Common Kestrel.  On the lake itself only ten Greater Cormorants were seen, but in the bushes and reeds close to the hide a Sardinian Warbler, a Robin and more Chiffchaffs were seen along with yet more Crag Martins and a Barn Swallow above us.

Grey Wagtail Lavandera Cascadena Motacilla cinerea (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

Little Grebe Zampullin Comun Tachybaptus ruficollis (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

At one of the culverts two Moorhens were seen and on a small cultivated area Crested Larks, Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches, House and Spanish Sparrows and a Southern Grey Shrike were noted.  Our last birds were Wood Pigeon, Collared Doves and Jackdaws.


It would seem, therefore, that yesterday's total of 38 species has been somewhat increased so I have added the Charca recordings at the end of the list which, to date , I make a final total of 43 species for the day until somebody tells me otherwise.

Purple Swmphen Calamon Porphyrio porphyrio (PHOTO: John Wainwright)

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

Axarquia Bird Group at Charca de Suarez

Friday 13 February

What a beautiful day; warm sunshine with clear blue skies and no breeze at all.  It may be "Friday 13th" in Britain but certainly not unlucky here as witnessed by the fifteen members of the Axarquia Bird Group who turned up for the private entry to the Chara de Suarez reserve on the western outskirts of Motril.  Never min the Red-knobbed Coots and Purple Swamphens, or even the Water Rail and Bluethroat seen by Steve Powell, the bird of the day, and seen by all, was the solitary Little Bustard taking refuge on the right-hand side of the main pool, Laguna de las Aneas.  What was this steppe bird doing here?  I have absolutely no idea and, as confirmed when we spoke with the chief warden, Manolo, a first for the site.  Wow!  We may have seen only 38 species during the morning but what a list.  (no doubt, some members will now email me to let me know the birds that I may have missed!)

The colour difference in the Chiffchaffs Mosquitero Comun Phylloscopus collybita was very noticeable

Arriving early there was time to make a slight detour along "Turtle Dove Alley" where Crested Larks, House Sparrows and Goldfinches were seen along with a possible Red Avadavat.  Then it was on to the main entrance where fifteen members were duly let into the reserve for our private viewing.  Blackbirds and Collared Doves plus a single Barn Swallow amongst the Crag Martins overhead as we headed for the first hide overlooking the Laguna del Taraje.  John and Jenny Wainwright had started towards the new pool but turned round to join the main group as a couple of Red Avadavats flew over.

This first water held a good number of Mallards, a couple of Moorhen and more Common Coots along with scores of feeding Chiffchaffs.  The main bird, however, was a Purple Swamphen that remaining for a long tome pout in the open giving splendid views to all and we were to see at least another four individuals during the morning.  Still a number of Crag Martins overhead as we made our way to the now relatively new Laguna del Alamo Blanco which is rapidly filling so no waders; just a single White Wagtail and a number of Teal.

Purple Swamphen Calamon Porphyrio porphyrio

Walking to the main hide overlooking the Laguna de las Aneas produced more Goldfinches, Serin and Chiffchaff along with another, distant, Red Avadavat and a Common Ketsrel.  On the water itself a good number of Mallards, Shovelers, Gadwall and Pochards along with a small number of Coots and Moorhens.  Another Purple Swamphen and just the one resting Grey Heron.  Three Cormorants close to the hide were either resting and/or drying their flight feathers whilst Chiffchaffs and White Wagtails "buzzed" around the vegetation.  Then, way down on the right-hand edge, Derek found what he thought might be a Little Bittern hiding in the tall grass and only occasional showing its head.  Derek is nothing if not thorough and persistent and, soon enough, the bird ventured forth into the open ground at poolside and proved not to be a Little Bittern but a female Little Bustard.  What was this steppe bird doing her? No answer to that question but on discussion with the warden at the end of the morning, Manolo confirmed that it was a first sighting at the Charca for this species.  Certainly one up to our little Axarquia Bird Group and well done, Derek, especially as every one got to see the bird.  We even had a friendly Robin walk into the hide to see what all the fuss was about!

Distant shot of the Little Bustard Sison Comun Tetrax tetrax

Meanwhile, Steve Powell had walked on round to the far  (coast) side of the Laguna del Trebol and, no doubt as a result of being on hos own managed to find the illusive and very shy Water Rail along with both a Bluethroat and Grey Wagtail.  When told of the Little Bustard that he had missed he was off to the main laguna and just in time to see the prize bird fly up and away for the reserve.  Steve also managed to be the only one to get a very brief view of a Little Bittern that flew into and out of the Laguna del Lirio.

White Wagtail Lavandera Blanca Motacilla alba

As expected, the Laguna del Trebol duly produced a number of Red-knobbed Coots including last year's youngster which, I am pleased to say, is without a neck collar so that you can see that bird as was intended.  It looks very much as if this bird has paired up with one of the introduced adults and has established a nest site very close to the southern hide.  Also sen from this hide was our first of two Marsh Harriers for the morning and a Great Tit. Whilst leaving this hide Jenny Wainwright managed to fins one of the incredibly small Little Green Frogs Hyla meridionalis which posed on a green reed right next to the path.

Little Green Frog Hyla meridionalis

having enjoyed more Chiffchaffs and another Red-knobbed Coot plus Little Grebe on the Laguna del Lirio we ended the morning back at the Laguna del Taraje where, despite much searching, we were unable to produce one of the wintering Moustached Warblers, just loads of Chiffchaffs and a couple of White Wagtails plus our friendly Purple Swamphen who re-appeared to say farewell to us as we made our departure.

Red-knobbed Coot Focha Moruna Fulica cristata at potential nest site

Another very enjoyable morning with the Axarquia Bird Group.

Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Bittern, Cattle Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Little Bustard, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Bluethroat, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Red Avadavat, Serin, Goldfinch.   PLUS: Great White Egret, Black-winged Stilt, Black-headed Gull, Hoopoe, Black Redstart, Spotless Starling. 
(Total: 44 species)

Cormorant Cormoran Grande Phalacrocorax carbo with Mallard Anade Azulon Anas platyrhynchos in front

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

Ventas de Zafarraya and the Sierra Tejeda

Wednesday 11 February

At last a clear, sunny day with hardly a breath of wind so, with Jenny out at some sort of exercise class, I was up, up and away, passing Goldfinches, Black Redstarts, White Wagtails and House Sparrows as I drove down the mountain, Collared Doves as I climbed up to the pass and then parked up ready to tackle a leisurely stroll along the old railway track at Ventas de Zafarraya.

Plenty of Rock Buntings Escribano Montesino Emberiza cia this morning

First up was a rather dashing male Serin dressed in his best yellow finery before the first of many Black Wheatears put in an appearance.  A male Great Tit, male Blackcap and female Black Redstart as I walked along but no sign of any Choughs.  No shortage of Rock Buntings all morning but I had to wait until the other side of the tunnel before adding Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Robin and the single Crag Martin.  Again, plenty of Stonechats to be seen and evidence that the breeding season is just about to get under way.

Female Black Wheatear Collalba Negra Oenanthe leucura

A male Blackbird put in an appearance as I made my way back to the car and then it was on through the fertile growing fields, picking up House Sparrows, Spotless Starlings and White Wagtails, before reaching the "Magpie Woods."

All very quiet so on towards the arable fields to see if there were any Calandra Larks about.  There were not but I did find a very obliging Little Owl, a half-dozen Magpies and a couple of Mistle Thrushes.  A Wood Pigeon took to the skies and then a handful of Azure-winged Magpies.  It was in this area that I also found a small flock of Chaffinches feeding in an almond orchard and a pair of Red-legged Partridges casually wandered across the road immediately in front of the car without a care in the world.  Returning towards the magpie Woods I had a resting Kestrel on top of a pylon followed by a small flock of Corn Buntings.  Stopping to take a closer look at the Corn Buntings on the wires on the opposite side of the road, I could not but notice the four distant Griffon Vultures circling for height above, presumably the pass at Ventas de Zafarraya.

A lovely Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athene noctua taken by surprise - by both of us!

Off you go, you've seen enough of me.

You still there?  Clear off, I'm trying get a little rest here!

Finally, it was on over to the Sierra Tejeda to take the mountain track down through the woods to Alcaucin and home.  All seemed very quiet until I spotted an adult Golden Eagle in the clear blue sky just above the trees.  Only about three or four sightings as it appeared and disappeared from view but no sensible place to stop the car for a photograph.  I had hope that it might be visible at the nearby top picnic area  but, no, the bird had either moved on or dropped below on the other side of the mountain.

A very hungry and obliging Nuthatch Trepador Azul Sitta europaea

I though very little at the lower picnic site other than a Great Tit until a very obliging Nuthatch dropped into the tree in front of me for some serious feeding activity so giving me the opportunity to try and get a reasonable shot.  I had heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming away in the trees and as I returned to the car I was fortunate to be looking up as the bird flew into view to work some nearby trees.  Not the clearest of views but sufficient to at least capture some record shots.

Record shot; brief appearance of the Great Spotted Woodpecker Pica Picapinos Dendrocopos major

All in all, a very pleasant morning which finally resulted in 32 species recorded.


Birds seen:
Red-legged Partridge, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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