Saturday 9 May
I took my Belgian friend, Marieke over the to the Charca de Suarez reserve last Saturday morning where we met up with Steve and Elena Powell - and also came across mick Richards and friends during our relatively short walk around the reserve. A beautiful warm and sunny day but, sad to say, not all that many birds but we did get good views of all the resident water fowl (save Water Rail) in Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Common Coot and Red-knobbed Coot.
Greeted by both Blackbirds and House Sparrow we had hardly moved down the track when a Night Heron passed over on its way west and, at the first hide overlooking the Laguna del Lirio, we also had a Little Bustard along with Coot and Mallard. Just the briefest glimpse of a Purple Swamphen but the Nightingales were singing well and we had a reasonable view of an individual as we moved on to the Lagunadel Alamo Blaco. meanwhile, at least a pair of Turtle Doves were happily cooing away above and eventually showed for a very short period. Add on Serins and Goldfinches and then our only waders at the new laguna which was now well-covered in reeds and so restricting the view. A handful of Black-winged Stilts present along with a few Mallards and both Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers along with a single Common Sandpiper. The greater surprise was a pair of Dunlin coming into breeding plumage. Just the single Little Egret seen.
Next to the main hide overlooking the Laguna de las Aneas accompanied by Spotless Starlings and Cetti's Warblers but Steve was in time to see the Hobby fly over whilst speaking with Mick and friends. The main water held a very few Yellow-legged Gulls and only the occasional Barn Swallows and House Martins feeding overhead. Common Swifts put in an appearance and Elena managed to find a roosting Cormorant hiding in a nearby tree. On the water itself a number of Coots, Mallards, Pochards and Moorhens along with the occasional Yellow-legged Gull, a couple of Grey Herons and another Purple Swamphen. A single Willow Warbler was busy working the reeds immediately in front of the hide
The walk down to the hide overlooking the Laguna del Trebol produced my first Spotted Flycatcher of the year and then we managed to find at least a quartet of Red-knobbed Coots. Finally, in addition to good views of the Turtle Doves, we also managed to find both Collared Doves and Crested Larks as we made our way back to the gate having decided not to stay the additional ninety minutes with so few birds about.
Birds seen:
Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Little Egret, Heron, Hobby, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Laguna Dulce and Fuente de Piedra
Tuesday 12 May
A very pleasant start to the day as I drove over to the Lagna Dulce near Campillos to collect the latest supply of magazines for the Andalucia Bird Society and, at the same time, took the opportunity to check out both this water and then wander round to Fuente de Piedra before returning home. The usual Thekla Larks and Serins as I descended the mountain and, upon arriving, I was already aware of the white mass on the laguna. It would appear that hundreds of Flamingos had either turned up to feed or were on their summer holidays, perhaps due to the shortage of water at nearby Fuente.
In addition to the Flamingos, there was a good supply of Coots and no shortage of ducks. The latter seemed to be many Common and Red-crested Pochards but also a few Gadwall and Mallard. Indeed, I even found a few Shelduck on the far side. Very few grebes to be seen with just the single Black-necked and a couple of Little Grebes. Around me I had feeding Goldfinches and House Sparrow with the ever-calling Cetti's Warbler. Over the water, the occasional Black-headed Gull and a number of Gull-billed Terns put in an appearance with the occasional Barn Swallow and Common Swift. Similarly, much searching eventually found a handful of Black-winged Stilts and a visit would not be the same without finding a Corn Bunting.
Then it was on round to Fuente de Piedra with a short stop at the Mirador de Cantarranas on the way. The relatively short journey produced both Buzzard and Kestrel along with Serins, Spotless Starlings, Collared Dove and the first Hoopoe of the morning. Cantarranas had very little different from the Dulce but I did find a small number of Avocets.
Entering the Fuente reserve I was surprised to still see water on the field to the left and this held a good number of waders in addition to more Coots and overhead feeding Gull-billed Terns, Barn Swallows and House Martins. The majority of waders were either Ringed Plovers or Curlew Sandpipers, most of the latter in their summer plumage. However, whilst there were also a couple of Little Ringed Plovers and the odd Dunlin to accompany the many Black-winged Stilts and Avocets the main attraction for me was the number of Little Stint still present.
Lots of Jackdaws about as I walked round the back to the laguneta and yet more Goldfinches and a Crested Lark. A handful of Red-rumped Swallows were seen and a couple of Lapwing flew across the site. In the near distance a number of Turtle Doves were calling and a Moorhen was found on the small pool.
Returning to the car I stopped once more at the flooded field and also added both Common Sandpiper and Redshank. A Blackbird passed by and the Reed Warblers were in good voice before I found my first new bird for the year, a singing Great Reed Warbler. To complete the morning, I had a Raven fly across the motorway as I made my way back to Casa Collado.
Birds seen:
Shelduck, Gadwall. Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Flamingo, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
A very pleasant start to the day as I drove over to the Lagna Dulce near Campillos to collect the latest supply of magazines for the Andalucia Bird Society and, at the same time, took the opportunity to check out both this water and then wander round to Fuente de Piedra before returning home. The usual Thekla Larks and Serins as I descended the mountain and, upon arriving, I was already aware of the white mass on the laguna. It would appear that hundreds of Flamingos had either turned up to feed or were on their summer holidays, perhaps due to the shortage of water at nearby Fuente.
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| Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus |
Then it was on round to Fuente de Piedra with a short stop at the Mirador de Cantarranas on the way. The relatively short journey produced both Buzzard and Kestrel along with Serins, Spotless Starlings, Collared Dove and the first Hoopoe of the morning. Cantarranas had very little different from the Dulce but I did find a small number of Avocets.
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| Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula |
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| Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginata |
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| Waders: Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus; Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula; Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginata; Little Stint Calidris minuta |
Birds seen:
Shelduck, Gadwall. Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Flamingo, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.
Tuesday, 5 May 2015
Guadalhorce, Malaga
Monday 4 May
The end of a very pleasant and enjoyable morning
with Bee-eaters calling above us as we returned to the road and so brought a
final total of 50 species.
Birds seen:
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
A very pleasant morning down at the ponds of the
Gualhorce in Malaga on a calm, cool and somewhat cloudy day; almost perfect for
birding. I met Mari, a young birder from
Finland who was over here for four days and together we set off from the
Guadalmar church recording Spotless Starling, Rock Dove and House Sparrow as we
approached the entrance track to the reserve.
A couple of Cetti’s Warblers were rendering a full blast of their song
as a handful of Goldfinches moved about the trees. In addition, we saw the first of a number of
Blackbirds encountered during our morning’s visit.
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| A trio of the feeding Curlew Sandpipers Calidris ferruginea |
Having watched a number of Barn Swallows feeding
above, reaching the footbridge a single Hoopoe crossed our paths and
disappeared over the river and then we had a good number of feeding House
Martins along with many Common Swifts.
Just the single Little Egret landed on the river bank and we were only
to see one more, on the Wader Pool, all morning. From the bridge to the first hide at Laguna Casillas we saw many Sardinian
Warblers and they seemed the most numerous small bird of the morning. Also recorded were a Zitting Cisticola and a
Crested Lark.
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| Common Pochards Aythya ferina |
The first hide was rather disappointing compared
with normal with just a pair of Coots, a Moorhen with six chicks and the one
female White-headed Duck. On the other
hand, apart from a pair of Mallards there were a score of male Common Pochards
fighting over/protecting the single female.
A couple pf fly-pasts by the raucous Monk Parakeets livened things up a
little and then a pair of Reed Warblers were found busily building their nest
right in front of the hide. Meanwhile,
the song of a couple of Nightingales could be heard from behind. A Common Sandpiper put in an appearance
followed by the arrival of the first Black-winged Stilt and we made our way the
second hide.
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| Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus busy nest building |
The Wader Pool had far more to off, both in numbers
and variety. On arriving we immediately saw the Spoonbill and then three
Flamingos at the back of the water. More
Black-winged Stilts here along with another couple of Common Sandpipers plus a
dozen or so of Curlew Sandpipers and a handful of Dunlin. Checking out the other waders we found three
Redshank, a quartet of Avocet, the Little Ringed, Ringed and Kentish Plover. In addition to the continuous supply of House
Martins, Barn Swallows and Common Swifts we also managed to record a single Sand Martin. Finally, a distant Kestrel
was found high in the trees at the back of the main pool.
Walking to the Sea Watch a Jackdaw passed us on the
canal side and the old river (Rio Viejo) produced more Ringed and Kentish
Plovers, many Redshank, Common Sandpiper and a pair of summer plumage Turnstone
along with a couple of Sanderling.
Whilst an immature Yellow-legged Gull passed overhead, a pair of Audouin’s
Gulls were resting on a small island in the river and then, perhaps best of
all, a single Collared Pratincole taken a rest on a nearby sandbank.
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| Common Sandpiper Actitus hypoleucos |
Nothing to add at the beach or nearby other than a
small flock of Serin so we retraced our steps and on to the Laguna Escondida
where we finally found a couple of male White-headed Ducks floating around with
their heads well and truly hidden.
However, one did eventually look up so that we could get a
photograph. This water also produced the
only pair of Little Grebes along with a male Gadwall preening on the left shore
and a resting pair of Shovelers at the very far end.
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| The heavily-ringed Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia |
The same was basically true of Laguna Grande where
we recorded all three small plovers along with more
Black-winged Stilts and a breeding pair of Avocet who had managed to produce
their first egg – and promptly left it unattended. Maybe incubation will commence with a full
clutch so that all chicks hatch at the same time. On the other hand we did have a visit form a
Black-headed Gull and a moulting Grey Plover was found on the far bank.
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| Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta with nest below and just the single, first, egg |
The end of a very pleasant and enjoyable morning
with Bee-eaters calling above us as we returned to the road and so brought a
final total of 50 species. |
| Lots of Black-winged Stilts to be seen Himantopus himantopus |
Birds seen:
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| Possibly the only Little Egret Egretta garzetta present during the whole morning |
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Saturday, 2 May 2015
Sierra Loja with John and Jenny
Saturday 2 May
Up to my proverbials as we try and complete the house sale having already signed the contract and moved in to the house on the coast. No Internet connection yet so back up the mountain to Casa Collado to try and keep up to date for these, hopefully few, remaining days. Thank goodness for John and Jenny Wainwright's birding adventures as they are certainly helping me to keep my sanity. Still, come Monday I shall be off down to the Guadlahorce to meet a Finish contact for a morning's birding, then back here to do the write up. Just before leaving for Malaga on Thursday last, Mari reported that it was snowing and that the Bullfinches were making the most of the berries still left on the bushes. Just reached 31C in the shade here!
Sierra Loja: 1st May
A hottish day (29C) with a good breeze at the top of the mountain.
As today was the "Romero", we decided to pop up the Sierra Loja´s for a few hours to keep out of the way.
As we stopped to get the cameras and binos ready, a Spotted Flycatcher perched just to our front, also about
here were Collared Doves, Serins, Spotless Starlings, Blackbirds and House Sparrows.
Passing under the autovia bridge and parking up we spotted Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinches, Azure
-winged Magpies and Coal Tit, plus a quick view of a dark-phased Red Squirrel.
Up to the hidden quarry where we failed to find the Eagle Owl, but two walkers and their dog, did put up three
Spanish Ibex. Also about were Barn Swallows, Crag and House Martins, Sardinian Warblers and a couple of
Stonechats.
The tree line held nothing that we hadn´t seen, so we moved on up to the cliff areas, here we found Chough,
Jackdaws, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting.
As we climbed higher we spotted - down below - the "Romero", making its way to its site at Vento del Rayo
and here we picked up Thekla Larks, Red-legged Partridges, a very vocal Spectacled Warbler and a Black-eared
Wheatear.
So onto the sub-station valley, where a Little Owl was noted "hiding" in a tamarisk tree, a Hoopoe was seen
in the old bare tree and more Chough and Thekla Larks feeding in the clearings.
Moving along to the ponds and here the first bird was Rock Thrush, then three Black-eared Wheatears, Linnets,
another Hoopoe and then a Blue Rock Thrush emerged from off the ground, displacing the Rock Thrush, which
headed over to the rock face and started displaying there. While on the cliff top a Chough landed disturbing a
small flock of Rock Sparrows and two Rock Buntings, a single Common Swift and a few House Martins were
the only hirundines about here.
So round to the "fossil cave" area, where another Black Wheatear was spotted along with more Rock Sparrows,
Spotless Starlings, Blue Rock Thrush and Black-eared Wheatear. A Hoopoe was calling here but I couldn´t find it,
but, I did find a Wren and a Blackbird.
Going over to the Sierra Gordo region we located a Woodchat Shrike, two more Mistle Thrushes and more
Rock Sparrows. Lots of Goldfinches about as well as Linnets, Chaffinches, Thekla Larks, Black-eared Wheatears,
a Blue Rock Thrush and another displaying Rock Thrush. While we were watching the latter a Griffon Vulture
sailed over in the distance and two Lesser Kestrels were spotted hunting over by the wind turbines. Another Spectacled Warbler was spotted on the way down - at a different location than the first - as well as two more Rock Buntings, a Great Tit and the only Northern Wheatear of the journey.
Lots of good sightings John and I see you still manage to name the birds that I have yet to see this year; namely Coal Tit, Spectacled Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Rock Sparrow. Still plenty of time!
Up to my proverbials as we try and complete the house sale having already signed the contract and moved in to the house on the coast. No Internet connection yet so back up the mountain to Casa Collado to try and keep up to date for these, hopefully few, remaining days. Thank goodness for John and Jenny Wainwright's birding adventures as they are certainly helping me to keep my sanity. Still, come Monday I shall be off down to the Guadlahorce to meet a Finish contact for a morning's birding, then back here to do the write up. Just before leaving for Malaga on Thursday last, Mari reported that it was snowing and that the Bullfinches were making the most of the berries still left on the bushes. Just reached 31C in the shade here!
Sierra Loja: 1st May
A hottish day (29C) with a good breeze at the top of the mountain.
As today was the "Romero", we decided to pop up the Sierra Loja´s for a few hours to keep out of the way.
As we stopped to get the cameras and binos ready, a Spotted Flycatcher perched just to our front, also about
here were Collared Doves, Serins, Spotless Starlings, Blackbirds and House Sparrows.
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| Little Owl Athene noctua (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Passing under the autovia bridge and parking up we spotted Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinches, Azure
-winged Magpies and Coal Tit, plus a quick view of a dark-phased Red Squirrel.
Up to the hidden quarry where we failed to find the Eagle Owl, but two walkers and their dog, did put up three
Spanish Ibex. Also about were Barn Swallows, Crag and House Martins, Sardinian Warblers and a couple of
Stonechats.
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| Stonechat Saxicola torquatus (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
The tree line held nothing that we hadn´t seen, so we moved on up to the cliff areas, here we found Chough,
Jackdaws, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting.
As we climbed higher we spotted - down below - the "Romero", making its way to its site at Vento del Rayo
and here we picked up Thekla Larks, Red-legged Partridges, a very vocal Spectacled Warbler and a Black-eared
Wheatear.
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| Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicilata (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
So onto the sub-station valley, where a Little Owl was noted "hiding" in a tamarisk tree, a Hoopoe was seen
in the old bare tree and more Chough and Thekla Larks feeding in the clearings.
Moving along to the ponds and here the first bird was Rock Thrush, then three Black-eared Wheatears, Linnets,
another Hoopoe and then a Blue Rock Thrush emerged from off the ground, displacing the Rock Thrush, which
headed over to the rock face and started displaying there. While on the cliff top a Chough landed disturbing a
small flock of Rock Sparrows and two Rock Buntings, a single Common Swift and a few House Martins were
the only hirundines about here.
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| Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Spotless Starlings, Blue Rock Thrush and Black-eared Wheatear. A Hoopoe was calling here but I couldn´t find it,
but, I did find a Wren and a Blackbird.
Going over to the Sierra Gordo region we located a Woodchat Shrike, two more Mistle Thrushes and more
Rock Sparrows. Lots of Goldfinches about as well as Linnets, Chaffinches, Thekla Larks, Black-eared Wheatears,
a Blue Rock Thrush and another displaying Rock Thrush. While we were watching the latter a Griffon Vulture
sailed over in the distance and two Lesser Kestrels were spotted hunting over by the wind turbines. Another Spectacled Warbler was spotted on the way down - at a different location than the first - as well as two more Rock Buntings, a Great Tit and the only Northern Wheatear of the journey.
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| Great Tit Parus major (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
Osuna with the Andalucia Bird Society
Saturday 25 April
Following a very good day's birding on Friday (see previous blog) I spent the night at a quiet hostal in Los Corales in readiness for the relatively short drive over to Osuna to join the second field visit this month of the Andaucia Bird Society. The twenty minutes or so drive over the mountain produced a gorgeous Red Kite, the only one seen all day, and a Griffon Vulture and then we twenty-two set off on the "Osuna triangle" in search of Great Bustards, Collared Pratincoles and Rollers amongst others. Great news, all three were seen on this calm and cloudy day with just the occasional brief period of hazy sunshine.
Taking the country road westwards alongside the new, unfinished high speed railtrack we soon saw numerous Corn Buntings and Crested Larks along with House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Goldfinch and even a Zitting Cisticola. A small number of Bee-eaters were heard as they passed high overhead. Naturally, whenever we came across human occupation we also found both Rock and Collared Doves. Our first stop was at the first high bridge over the above track and we soon picked up the seven or more ravens that were flying around. A couple of Marsh Harriers but then at least six Black Kites resting on a rocky outcrop not too far distant and then a Griffon Vulture drifted across the far side of the neighbouring olive grove. There seemed to be no shortage of Red-legged Partridges and a local Common Kestrel went through his hovering procedure as he sought out his morning breakfast. Finally, hidden in the distant wheat field, we found our first Great Bustard. Fortunately it was on the move or we would never have found it even with our massed ranks of scopes. As it was, what we saw was just a head showing about the cereal crop. This and the following bridges seemed to be playing host to a large number of Red-rumped Swallows, presumably nesting below.
Time to move on to the second bridge and as we last two cars came down to take the road we stopped to watch the Stone Curlew that was resting under an olive tree. Then it was on to catch up the other five cars and see our first Montagu's Harrier of the day, a most handsome male. A very high Booted Eagle was seen along with the first of the Gull-billed Terns and a Sky Lark was soaring and giving us a sweet flight song. Looking over the distant fields towards the third bridge we then found a small, exposed flock of distant Great Bustards including at least a couple displaying males. Now a question of how much nearer to the birds we could approach with our cars on the way to the third and final bridge.
Whilst the other cars took to the track alongside the new railway, I followed the road in the hope that we might find the Collared Pratincoles. Indeed we did and in good numbers along with at least an hundred Gull-billed Terns, some wheeling around above us and the majority resting on a farrowed field. Also seen were more Corm Buntings and a few Calandra Larks. Whilst watching the Collared Pratincoles a single Blue-headed Wagtail leisurely walked past without a care in the world. Them, taking aright turn to drive up to the final high bridge a quartet of Lapwings in the sky along with a handful of Lesser Kestrels. From the top of the rise we had much closer and better views of the Great Bustard flock and managed to count at least fifteen.
Just before we were all once more together, in addition to more Montagu's Harrier and Raven sightings we saw a quick flash of a Turtle Dove, heard it singing and then it reappeared to perch on a nearby electricity wire; the first of the year. We were to hear at least two more during the day. Our final stop in this area was at the turn to the ruined farm where we came across a large flock of Spanish Sparrows and a second Roller having found one on the pylon as we drove along the road. Also present were numerous Rock Doves and a couple of Common Swifts flew over. Whilst listening to, and finally sighting, a Nightingale we also had the pleasure of seeing a Melodious Warbler but could not find the suspected Sedge Warbler. However, the final bird on this corner was the sudden appearance of a Green Woodpecker that flew from the olive grove into the dense trees on the pother side of the track.
We then headed off to La Lantejuela where arrangements had been made for a private, escorted, visit to the local reserve based at the ponds collecting the grey water which is normally shut to the general public. Not just Serins and Barn Swallows on the way but both a Southern Grey Shrike and a lone Little Owl resting on the roof of an old barn as we passed the farm. No sooner had we entered than we had a sight of our first Little Egret passing over and a pair of Glossy Ibis rose out of the long grass on the right. A good number of Flamingos were resting on a pool to our left but as we approached they took to the air to join their "friends" on a neighbouring, larger pool. Also on the original water were a couple of Little Grebe, Mallard and the odd Black-necked Grebe. Calling in the tree to our immediate left and eventually seen was a rather lovely, if somewhat shy, Olivaceous Warbler.
The next pool held a flock of Black-necked Grebes and the opposite pool provided Gadwall, Common and Red-crested Pochard. By now we were seeing many Cattle Egrets as we approached their nesting colony and also found were a few Night Herons. No shortage of either Coots or Moorhens and a couple of dozen White-headed Ducks. A distant view of one of the resident White Storks was achieved. Overhead numerous Barn Swallows and fewer House Martins but also a single Sand Martin was spotted. There were also a few Yellow-legged Gulls and Black-winged Stilts plus at least a couple of Common Sandpipers. Cetti's Warblers were screaming their heads off at the last hide where we also obtained a better view of the Night Herons along with more Spanish Sparrows, a Greenfinch and a Hoopoe as we made our way to the cars.
Our final stop was at the Laguna Verde de Sal where we found a number of Flamingos but precious little else in the almost dry pool. We did eventually find both a Little Ringed and a Kentish Plover and both Sardinian Warblers and Southern Grey Shrikes were flying around the edge of the area. And so time to make our way back to the starting point and our respective journeys home but not before adding yet another lovely Marsh Harrier, more Spotless Starlings, Blackbird and a Jackdaw. A long day and very tiring but thoroughly enjoyable in good birding company and a total of about 70 species recorded.
Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, White Stork, Flamingo, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Lessser Kestrel, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Great Bustard, Black-winged Stilt, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Swift, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Sky Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blue-headed Wagtail, Nightingale, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Olivaceous Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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| Buzzard Buteo buteo |
Taking the country road westwards alongside the new, unfinished high speed railtrack we soon saw numerous Corn Buntings and Crested Larks along with House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Goldfinch and even a Zitting Cisticola. A small number of Bee-eaters were heard as they passed high overhead. Naturally, whenever we came across human occupation we also found both Rock and Collared Doves. Our first stop was at the first high bridge over the above track and we soon picked up the seven or more ravens that were flying around. A couple of Marsh Harriers but then at least six Black Kites resting on a rocky outcrop not too far distant and then a Griffon Vulture drifted across the far side of the neighbouring olive grove. There seemed to be no shortage of Red-legged Partridges and a local Common Kestrel went through his hovering procedure as he sought out his morning breakfast. Finally, hidden in the distant wheat field, we found our first Great Bustard. Fortunately it was on the move or we would never have found it even with our massed ranks of scopes. As it was, what we saw was just a head showing about the cereal crop. This and the following bridges seemed to be playing host to a large number of Red-rumped Swallows, presumably nesting below.
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| The hiding Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus |
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| Part of the distant flock of Great Bustards Otis tarda |
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| Collared Pratincoles Glareola pratincola found on the expected site |
Just before we were all once more together, in addition to more Montagu's Harrier and Raven sightings we saw a quick flash of a Turtle Dove, heard it singing and then it reappeared to perch on a nearby electricity wire; the first of the year. We were to hear at least two more during the day. Our final stop in this area was at the turn to the ruined farm where we came across a large flock of Spanish Sparrows and a second Roller having found one on the pylon as we drove along the road. Also present were numerous Rock Doves and a couple of Common Swifts flew over. Whilst listening to, and finally sighting, a Nightingale we also had the pleasure of seeing a Melodious Warbler but could not find the suspected Sedge Warbler. However, the final bird on this corner was the sudden appearance of a Green Woodpecker that flew from the olive grove into the dense trees on the pother side of the track.
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| Not only gorgeous Montagu's Harriers Circus pygargus but a first Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur (below) |
We then headed off to La Lantejuela where arrangements had been made for a private, escorted, visit to the local reserve based at the ponds collecting the grey water which is normally shut to the general public. Not just Serins and Barn Swallows on the way but both a Southern Grey Shrike and a lone Little Owl resting on the roof of an old barn as we passed the farm. No sooner had we entered than we had a sight of our first Little Egret passing over and a pair of Glossy Ibis rose out of the long grass on the right. A good number of Flamingos were resting on a pool to our left but as we approached they took to the air to join their "friends" on a neighbouring, larger pool. Also on the original water were a couple of Little Grebe, Mallard and the odd Black-necked Grebe. Calling in the tree to our immediate left and eventually seen was a rather lovely, if somewhat shy, Olivaceous Warbler.
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| The Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus change pools |
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| Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricolis in almost full summer plumage |
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| Male White-headed Duck Oxytura leucocephala (Come late autumn the beak will have turned almost black) |
Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, White Stork, Flamingo, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Lessser Kestrel, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Great Bustard, Black-winged Stilt, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Swift, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Sky Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blue-headed Wagtail, Nightingale, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Olivaceous Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.
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| Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinelus |
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Friday, 24 April 2015
Fuente de Piedra and neighourhood
Friday 24 April
Lovely sunshine on the mountain breaking through the thin cloud base and no sign of a breeze. Different story down on the coast at Torre del Mar at 8.30 when I took Jenny to meet her travelling companions as they set off for four days in Morocco. Thick cloud. As she headed south, a flock of Cattle Egrets headed inland overhead and i split the difference by heading towards Malaga and Funete de Piedra via the motorway. As expected as soon as I moved away from the coast the sun broke through and it became a rather war, very warm if somewhat humid day, with a mix of full and hazy sunshine.
Nevermind the Spotless Starlings and Collared Doves as I approached the reserve, the flooded fields and scrapes were full of waders. Where were all the waders during the winter? I have no idea but I certainly know where they were this morning/. There must have been upwards of 100 Curlew Sandpipers and many sporting their best breeding colours along with three score or ,more of Little Stints. A single Spoonbill was energetically working the water and at least thirty Flamingos were also present. Just the single Avocet and a handful of Black-winged Stilts, more of all these were to be seen as I explored the various waters. Another small wader making its way north was the Ringed Plover; loads of them but only the odd Little Ringed Plover and the pair of Kentish Plovers were not found till near the end of my stay. Meanwhile, feeding overhead, we had both Barn Swallows and House Martins plus a few Whiskered Terns which rather made the Rock Doves look somewhat out of place.
Although I had seen a single Moorhen, more were found on both the scrape and the laguneta at the rear of the Visitors Centre. Also on the scrape, as well as most of the above, were both Common and Green Sandpipier along with a couple of Wood Sandpipers and both Ruff and Reeve (female Ruff) to add to the mix. By now I had located a few Dunlin and a trio of Redshank whilst he Jackdaws seemed to appear out of nowhere. I was also able to add both Kestrel and Crested Lark. Isn't it lovely to have the place to yourself save a couple of other birders before the first coach arrived - fortunately as I was leaving!
A scan of the main water with the scope produced thousands of distant Flamingos and diligent searching of those nearer to me produced a single Lesser Flamingo - which became two when checking on way back. To the right a trio of Shelduck and resting Whiskered Terns whereas the Gull-billed Terns seemed to have booked in on my left for their morning slumber.
Ignoring the small charm of Goldfinches I pushed on round to the laguneta hide to check the duck situation. More Greater Flamingos, Coots and Moorhens along with a Little Grebe and the breeding Avocets. Ducks included a good number of Red-crested Pochards plus Commmon Pochard, Mallard, a pair of Gadwall and a single Shoveler. Wonder of wonders,my first real treat of the day when the long-sought after Squacco Heron flew past me along the water. The Black-headed Gulls seemed to be on this water but not in great numbers. And away to my right a couple of Grey Herons were patiently waiting for breakfast to move within range of their darting spear-like bills.
My return walk towards the mirador and then down along the edge of the scrape produced a surprise before I had even reached the open hide. Had I been a photographer who went birding rather than a birder who takes photographs, I might have captured a shot of the Cuckoo sitting on top of a small bush. As it was, I just enjoyed the privilege of watching the bird, which then cleared off when he saw that saw what I was doing.
More Avocets and Black-winged Stilts plus even more Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints, not to mention Ringed Plovers and the pair of Kentish Plovers as I crossed the boardwalk. I had been busy photographing a Ruff when I notice a "moorhen-like" shape wander out of the reeds to my left. Turning my bins I watched as a Water Rail strode out and then disappeared into the next clump of short reed and before I could get the scope out of the way to try and capture a photograph. Onwards to the end of the bridge where I picked up my first Blue-headed Wagtail (Yellow Wagtail of the Iberian persuasion) of the day. Returning to the other end I was in time to see the Willow Warbler flit over the bridge and onto a nearby tree.
The Mirador de la Canterranas produced a gorgeous male Marsh Harrier having seen a few Corn Buntings on the approach road and a closer view of the distant Flamingo breeding colony. On round the loop and back to the village where I stopped for lunch passing a quick sighting of my only Litttle Egret of the day. Following lunch I returned the way I had just arrived and recorded House Sparrows, Chaffinch and Linnet before coming across the Buzzard resting on top of a pylon near the level crossing then more Corn Buntings. Both Great Tit and Serins were seen before taking the main road towards Campillos and finding a Southern Grey Shrike on the wires as I approached.
Laguna Dulce seemed back to normal with hundreds of Coots on and at the side of the water making it seem difficult to find anything else. There were a good number of Flamingos on the far side and then I found the ducks; on this occasion nearly all were Gadwall save a few Mallards. I also found a pair of Great Crested Grebes and all the gull s were Black-headed Gulls and the same applied to the Gull-billed Terns. Just a handful of Moorhens but plenty of House Sparrows. I had seen a distant Marsh Harrier but the a second individual relatively close with its lovely golden head came to rest nearby. As if this were not good enough, my second special treat of the day as a magnificent male Montagu's Harrier drifted over the water from right to left. As I left I had more Goldfinches and calling Cetti's Warblers and then another handful of Collared Doves as I approached Campillos itself.
From here it was the mountain road over to Los Corales and my overnight stop. First a Hoopoe, then yet more Corn Buntings and finally a Blackbird, my first and only of the day, as I approached the village. However, before checking in I made a quick trip over to the nearby Laguna Gosque at Martin de la Jara. Very overgrown compared with my previous visit but there was a small mixed party of finches in the tree in front as I parked including Greenfinches, Serins, Goldfinches and Spanish Sparrows. I even had a couple of Stonechats as I drove down the track and a Wood Pigeon was active away in the olives to my left. On the water itself, having to try and scope through the dry rushes that were partly obscuring my view, were more Flamingos, a handful of Gull-billed Terns, Black-winged Stilts and a pair of Mallards.
A very pleasing tally of 63 species and now quite tired and ready for bed!
Birds seen:
Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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| Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea |
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| Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta and part of the large flock |
Nevermind the Spotless Starlings and Collared Doves as I approached the reserve, the flooded fields and scrapes were full of waders. Where were all the waders during the winter? I have no idea but I certainly know where they were this morning/. There must have been upwards of 100 Curlew Sandpipers and many sporting their best breeding colours along with three score or ,more of Little Stints. A single Spoonbill was energetically working the water and at least thirty Flamingos were also present. Just the single Avocet and a handful of Black-winged Stilts, more of all these were to be seen as I explored the various waters. Another small wader making its way north was the Ringed Plover; loads of them but only the odd Little Ringed Plover and the pair of Kentish Plovers were not found till near the end of my stay. Meanwhile, feeding overhead, we had both Barn Swallows and House Martins plus a few Whiskered Terns which rather made the Rock Doves look somewhat out of place. |
| There were over an hundred Curlew Sandpipers Calidris ferruginea |
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| Ruff Philomachus pugnax |
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| Lovely to watch the acrobatics of the Whiskered Terns Childonias hybrida |
Ignoring the small charm of Goldfinches I pushed on round to the laguneta hide to check the duck situation. More Greater Flamingos, Coots and Moorhens along with a Little Grebe and the breeding Avocets. Ducks included a good number of Red-crested Pochards plus Commmon Pochard, Mallard, a pair of Gadwall and a single Shoveler. Wonder of wonders,my first real treat of the day when the long-sought after Squacco Heron flew past me along the water. The Black-headed Gulls seemed to be on this water but not in great numbers. And away to my right a couple of Grey Herons were patiently waiting for breakfast to move within range of their darting spear-like bills.My return walk towards the mirador and then down along the edge of the scrape produced a surprise before I had even reached the open hide. Had I been a photographer who went birding rather than a birder who takes photographs, I might have captured a shot of the Cuckoo sitting on top of a small bush. As it was, I just enjoyed the privilege of watching the bird, which then cleared off when he saw that saw what I was doing.
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| The very close, unringed, Spoonbill Geronticus eremita and with Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus |
More Avocets and Black-winged Stilts plus even more Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints, not to mention Ringed Plovers and the pair of Kentish Plovers as I crossed the boardwalk. I had been busy photographing a Ruff when I notice a "moorhen-like" shape wander out of the reeds to my left. Turning my bins I watched as a Water Rail strode out and then disappeared into the next clump of short reed and before I could get the scope out of the way to try and capture a photograph. Onwards to the end of the bridge where I picked up my first Blue-headed Wagtail (Yellow Wagtail of the Iberian persuasion) of the day. Returning to the other end I was in time to see the Willow Warbler flit over the bridge and onto a nearby tree. |
| Yellow Wagtail (Blue-headed) Motacilla flava iberiae |
Laguna Dulce seemed back to normal with hundreds of Coots on and at the side of the water making it seem difficult to find anything else. There were a good number of Flamingos on the far side and then I found the ducks; on this occasion nearly all were Gadwall save a few Mallards. I also found a pair of Great Crested Grebes and all the gull s were Black-headed Gulls and the same applied to the Gull-billed Terns. Just a handful of Moorhens but plenty of House Sparrows. I had seen a distant Marsh Harrier but the a second individual relatively close with its lovely golden head came to rest nearby. As if this were not good enough, my second special treat of the day as a magnificent male Montagu's Harrier drifted over the water from right to left. As I left I had more Goldfinches and calling Cetti's Warblers and then another handful of Collared Doves as I approached Campillos itself.
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| Three Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus including a distant male in middle shot |
From here it was the mountain road over to Los Corales and my overnight stop. First a Hoopoe, then yet more Corn Buntings and finally a Blackbird, my first and only of the day, as I approached the village. However, before checking in I made a quick trip over to the nearby Laguna Gosque at Martin de la Jara. Very overgrown compared with my previous visit but there was a small mixed party of finches in the tree in front as I parked including Greenfinches, Serins, Goldfinches and Spanish Sparrows. I even had a couple of Stonechats as I drove down the track and a Wood Pigeon was active away in the olives to my left. On the water itself, having to try and scope through the dry rushes that were partly obscuring my view, were more Flamingos, a handful of Gull-billed Terns, Black-winged Stilts and a pair of Mallards. |
| Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus |
Birds seen:
Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Axarquia Bird Group visit to the Rio Velez, Torre del Mar
Wednesday 22 April
Great to be back home and my first birding outing for the month was at the Rio Velez, Torre del Mar with the Axarquia Bird Group's monthly meet. Lovely weather with the promise of mainly cloud by mid-morning when, in reality, it simply got warmer and warmer with glorious sunshine. Great to see old friends again from far and wide even of the birds were in somewhat short supply albeit we eventually topped the thirty-five mark at the meet itself before dispensing and almost 60 in total.
John and Jenny Wainwright managed to encounter several Bee-eaters, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, Corn Buntings and House Sparrows, I had to be satisfied with Thekla Larks, Chaffinches and Collared Doves. Then, further of with their journey, they even ,managed to turn up a quartet of Lesser Kestrels, Calandra Larks, Mistle Thrushes and Blackbirds.
No sooner had we nine members gathered at the start of the track near the N340 road bridge than, never mind the resident Rock Doves, we had Nightingales singing here, there and everywhere along with Goldfinches and Serins. A handful of (iberian) Yellow Wagtails flew over followed by the first of regular sightings of Zitting Cisticolas and the calling Cetti's Warblers and Blackcaps. Strange how one visit produces no Blackbirds and another, like this morning, seemed to have a passing Blackbird at every step of the journey. Overhead we had numerous Common Swifts with a small number of Barn Swallows, the occasional House Martin and even a Red-rumped Swallow.
Working our way to the hide a rapidly departing Green Sandpiper was a pleasant change of species and even a couple of Reed Warblers. A male Mallard flew overhead and a lone Woodchat Shrike was found resting on the nearby canes whilst, on reaching the hide, we were able to find another Mallard along with both Grey and Purple Heron. Also recorded were both Coot and Moorhen and from the beach, looking up the river, a few Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls and, on the far bank, a single Little Ringed Plover which was later joined by a pair of Common Sandpiper. Meanwhile, a Sanderling circled above us trying to decide where to land and then thought better of it and flew off east. House Sparrows were in good number and even a single Cattle Egret flew over. John even managed, just in time, to get a glimpse of the distant Raven disappearing beyond the headland north of the N340.
Working our way back to the start point we had a trio of Crested Larks and a very close Monk Parakeet feeding on thistle heads whilst perched in a tree but, perhaps, even better was the single Common Waxbill found by John amongst the "gang" of Serins and Goldfinches (and there were many juveniles on the wing), Similarly, a lone Night Heron disappearing upstream was also a pleasant bonus. Again, no shortage of Spotless Starlings and another Woodchat Shrike.
A short walk upstream beyond the bridges produced little new although on our return Susana managed to see our only Hoopoe of the morning. However, in addition to more Blackcaps, Barn Swallows, Nightingales, Serins and House Sparrows John also managed to hear the calling Quail in the field adjacent to the chimney factory - trying to actually see the bird was an altogether different matter!
And that was just about it as we bade our fond farewells. Whilst a number of us retired to the new home in Mezquitilla, John and Jenny made their way up to Ventas de Zafarraya on their way back to Salar. here follows John's description of birds seen on this final part of their journey:
Back at the cars we parted company with the group and headed for the old railway line at Zafarraya, where parking up at the tunnel, we found Crag Martin, male and female Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting, Blue and Great Tit, a male Black Redstart and of course the resident flock of Chough. As we progressed along the track we noted Sardinian Warblers, Stonechats, Corn Buntings, Blackbirds, Bee-eaters, another male Blue Rock Thrush and then from the bushes a Melodious Warbler started singing, he flew back and forwards from there to the tree were were parked under, then another was heard and as I walked on up the tracked two more males were heard.
On our return journey to Salar we saw more Bee-eaters, Mistle Thrushes, a Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie and Crested Larks. And as we approached the village a Raven was disturbed feeding on road-kill and a Short-toed Eagle took off from a pylon on our left, to finish the trip a pair of Common Magpies were logged.
Birds seen:
Mallard, Quail, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Short-toed Eagle, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sand martin, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Nightingale, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Melodious Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Rock Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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| Purple Heron Ardea purpurea |
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| Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright) |
John and Jenny Wainwright managed to encounter several Bee-eaters, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, Corn Buntings and House Sparrows, I had to be satisfied with Thekla Larks, Chaffinches and Collared Doves. Then, further of with their journey, they even ,managed to turn up a quartet of Lesser Kestrels, Calandra Larks, Mistle Thrushes and Blackbirds.
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| Blackbird Turdus merula |
No sooner had we nine members gathered at the start of the track near the N340 road bridge than, never mind the resident Rock Doves, we had Nightingales singing here, there and everywhere along with Goldfinches and Serins. A handful of (iberian) Yellow Wagtails flew over followed by the first of regular sightings of Zitting Cisticolas and the calling Cetti's Warblers and Blackcaps. Strange how one visit produces no Blackbirds and another, like this morning, seemed to have a passing Blackbird at every step of the journey. Overhead we had numerous Common Swifts with a small number of Barn Swallows, the occasional House Martin and even a Red-rumped Swallow.
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| Nightingale Luscinia Comun (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Working our way to the hide a rapidly departing Green Sandpiper was a pleasant change of species and even a couple of Reed Warblers. A male Mallard flew overhead and a lone Woodchat Shrike was found resting on the nearby canes whilst, on reaching the hide, we were able to find another Mallard along with both Grey and Purple Heron. Also recorded were both Coot and Moorhen and from the beach, looking up the river, a few Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls and, on the far bank, a single Little Ringed Plover which was later joined by a pair of Common Sandpiper. Meanwhile, a Sanderling circled above us trying to decide where to land and then thought better of it and flew off east. House Sparrows were in good number and even a single Cattle Egret flew over. John even managed, just in time, to get a glimpse of the distant Raven disappearing beyond the headland north of the N340.
Working our way back to the start point we had a trio of Crested Larks and a very close Monk Parakeet feeding on thistle heads whilst perched in a tree but, perhaps, even better was the single Common Waxbill found by John amongst the "gang" of Serins and Goldfinches (and there were many juveniles on the wing), Similarly, a lone Night Heron disappearing upstream was also a pleasant bonus. Again, no shortage of Spotless Starlings and another Woodchat Shrike.
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| Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
A short walk upstream beyond the bridges produced little new although on our return Susana managed to see our only Hoopoe of the morning. However, in addition to more Blackcaps, Barn Swallows, Nightingales, Serins and House Sparrows John also managed to hear the calling Quail in the field adjacent to the chimney factory - trying to actually see the bird was an altogether different matter!
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| Serin Serinus serinus |
And that was just about it as we bade our fond farewells. Whilst a number of us retired to the new home in Mezquitilla, John and Jenny made their way up to Ventas de Zafarraya on their way back to Salar. here follows John's description of birds seen on this final part of their journey:
 |
| Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestria (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
Back at the cars we parted company with the group and headed for the old railway line at Zafarraya, where parking up at the tunnel, we found Crag Martin, male and female Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting, Blue and Great Tit, a male Black Redstart and of course the resident flock of Chough. As we progressed along the track we noted Sardinian Warblers, Stonechats, Corn Buntings, Blackbirds, Bee-eaters, another male Blue Rock Thrush and then from the bushes a Melodious Warbler started singing, he flew back and forwards from there to the tree were were parked under, then another was heard and as I walked on up the tracked two more males were heard.
 |
| Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta (PHOTO: John Wainwright) |
On our return journey to Salar we saw more Bee-eaters, Mistle Thrushes, a Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie and Crested Larks. And as we approached the village a Raven was disturbed feeding on road-kill and a Short-toed Eagle took off from a pylon on our left, to finish the trip a pair of Common Magpies were logged.
Birds seen:
Mallard, Quail, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Short-toed Eagle, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sand martin, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Nightingale, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Melodious Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Waxbill, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Rock Bunting.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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