Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 13 February

Looks like another good birding day for Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group as can be seen by the following report.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa:Wednesday 13th February

Today was bright and sunny, but a tad chilly to start with.  I drove down to the Rambla de Almanzora in Richard's car with him sitting beside me.  We checked what was around from the road bridge to the ford.  We saw Magpie, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, and Moorhen.  At the ford pool we added a Snipe and a female Shoveler. 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We also saw Black Redstart, Woodpigeon, White Wagtail and Black-headed Gull.  We were joined by Charlie and then John and Alan who'd seen a Booted Eagle and Crag Martins near the Consum supermarket.  Next to arrive was Trevor together with daughter, Karen and son-in-law, Mark, the latter two being novices.  As we were about to commence the walk towards the sewage works we spotted Stonechat, Mallard, Great Tit, Carrion Crow and Hoopoe.  As we made our way along the rambla embankment a couple of Green Sandpipers flew up the channel, but the star bird was a female Sparrowhawk.  A Grey Heron took to the air.  On the large pool we had Common Pochard, Mallard and Teal.  On the opposite embankment Richard spotted the now regular female Blue Rock Thrush.  He also saw a Robin.  We were joined by Val as we were turning round to head for the vehicles.

Female Blue Rock Thrush Monticoloa solittarius  (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We added a Blackbird on our way to Villaricos village for a coffee.  John and Alan checked out the beach nearby and saw a Turnstone and Thekla Lark.  We all made our way to the harbour beach. There was nothing on the rocky islands as waves were splashing over the top.  I spotted a couple of Gannets out to sea and John found a Black-necked Grebe at the harbour entrance.  Karen the spied a Greenfinch on a nearby shrub.

Dunlin Calidris alpina (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We walked over to the estuary where the usual suspects were in evidence.  Cormorant, Coot, Moorhen and Grey Heron.  We made our way round to the beach.  About a dozen Dunlin were feeding on the shoreline.  Alan found a Sanderling on a rock and I found a single Audouin's Gull swimming on the lake.  John checked out the rocky outcrop and found the Whimbrel as it flew off. There was a small mixed group of Sandwich Terns and Audouin's Gull, two of which had visible rings, the details of which I'll send off.  Val found a Turnstone and Kentish Plover whilst John got a Kingfisher perched on a rock.  The final bird was a Grey Plover found by me.

Auduoin's Gulls Larus audouinii with Sandwich Terns at back Sterna sandvicensis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved on to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket at the back of Vera Playa. The usual wildfowl were there.  Shoveler, Mallard and Teal, but Shelduck were also seen as they took to the air as a Marsh Harrier quartered over.  John pointed out one of many Mediterranean Gulls amongst the Black-headed ones.  Also seen were Black-winged Stilt and Little Grebe.  Over the far side John found a Black-tailed Godwit whilst Alan added Redshank, Common Sandpiper and Little Stint.  Also seen was a Jackdaw.  We made our way to the raised concrete platform near the Agua Park.  We only added some White-headed Ducks.  We also heard Cetti's Warbler.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A lovely days birding in good company. 55 species in all.

Regards, Dave

About a quarter of the gull flock (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Sunday 10 February

The 10 Sanderling Correlimos Tridactilo Calidris alba on the Rio Velez

Up early to see of my brother-in-law to the airport,(I collect he and friend and the Friend's host undertook the return journey) so a chance to make an early morning visit to the local Rio Velez in Torre del Mar, arriving just after 8 o'clock.  Thankfully, although dry and coldish, no dog walkers nor "strange men" about so able to concentrate on the birding.  Still lots of water downsteam of the N340 road bridge but also far too much vegetation.  It was also soon very obvious that in addition to there still being many Chiffchaffs and White Wagtails about there were a good number of Blackbirds to be seen.  One wonders whether or not these might be migratory birds working their way back north.

Male Blackbird Mirlo Comun Turdus Merula

No sooner had I seen my first Blackbirds along with the resident Moorhens and Rock Doves plus a couple of passing Collared Doves than I changed my mind and drove up to the open hide (what a disgraceful place this is as it seems to be used as a toilet by humans rather than stray dogs), parked the car and then walked back to the bridge so that the low, rising sun was behind rather than in front of me.  A Cormorant flew over and then I came across a tree roost with more than 60 Cormorants complete with a solitary Grey Heron.

A few of the Cormorant Cormoran Grande Phalacrocorax carbo roost

A Hoopoe was calling to my right and then the first Robin of the morning plus a good number of Chiffchaffs.  There must have been at least a score of Mallards spread out along this stretch of the river plus a trio of Teal.  A Green Sandpiper beat a hasty retreat before I picked up a pair of Stonechat and the first Serin.

Grey Heron Garca Real Adea cinerea in the early morning low sun

Once back at the hide very little extra to be seen apart from a male Blackcap and a few Spotless Starlings and more Chiffchaffs and Blackbirds.  A handful of Serin landed on the fence on the opposite side of the track and a Yellow-legged Gull was seen above.  So off down to the beach which, unfortunately by now, had a handful of dog-walkers with their yappy friends running around.  Really a case of using the scope to see what was resting on the water; a large mixed flock of Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls with a smattering of both Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls.  Returning to the car in readiness to move on I also picked up a Cetti's Warbler, Meadow Pipit and a quartet of Goldfinch.

Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epops

The drive under the N340 to take a look up stream from the bridge produced more White Wagtails and Chiffchaff along with, presumably, the earlier Green Sandpiper and another calling Hoopoe.  Then on to the arable fields further up where I found many House Sparrows, a couple of Crested Larks and a flock of about 50 starlings with about a quarter being Northern rather than Spotless starlings.  next up a single Greenfinch followed by a solitory Black Redstart.  Posing on a wire on the other side of the now narrow river was a Little Egret and feeding in the water below a flock of 10 Sanderling.  Two Green Sandpipers now, more Meadow Pipits and then a couple of Grey Wagtail.  A single Cattle Egret flew across and then the, driving away, a kestrel resting on a pylon.

Two Green Sandpipers Andarrios Grande Tringa ochropus

Back to the N340 and across the river to take a clockwise circuit of the arable fields to the west of the Rio Velez but all very quiet.  More White Wagtails, Chiffchaff and House Sparrows and then the very last bird on the three hour visit when I came across a Blue Rock Thrush sitting on top of a ruin just as I approached the Go-kart track next to the N340.

Blue Rock Thrush Roquero Solitario Monticola solitarius

Birds seen:
Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Ceti's Warbler, Blackcap. Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Serin, Goldfinch.

Sanderling Correlimos Tridactilo Calidris alba

Common Starling Estornino Pinto Sturnus vulgaris with Spotless Estornino Negro Sturnus unicolor cousins

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The Sierras above Nerja

Thursday 7 February

Lovely warm sunny day as we discovered that the grown-ups' adventure playground near Marbella was only open at  week-ends, I took Jenny and brother-in-law Chris up to Maro so that we could explore a  little of the track up into the Sierra Tajeda from near the Maro caves.  Lots of calling/singing birds as we parked the car but the bright sunshine and the birds taking advantage of the high tree cover made recognition very difficult.  But we did quickly manage Collared Dove, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Chiffchaff.  Many tits heard but not seen.

Male Chaffinch Pinzon Vulgar Fringilla coelebs

A stop after about a km produced not only a sighting of both Stonechat and Blackcap by Chris and Jenny but also a the head-only sight of a young male Ibex on the rocks below.  Once at the picnic area, 5km from the bottom, all would have been perfect had not the local forestry gang been busy cutting and trimming.  Nevertheless, we quickly found more Chaffinches and then the first Great Tits plus a couple of Robin.  Chris found a Long-tailed Tit, just the one, I had a pair of foraging Crested Tits quickly followed by a couple of Coal Tit.

Coal Tit Carbonero Garrapinos Parus ater

Yet another few Chiffchaff and as I slipped behind a tree for the obvious reason I cam across a Wood Lark on the ground in front of me.  Who cares how you finish the morning and although few species seen I did record three new sightings for the year.  All the common tits other than Blue Tit which we heard singing upon arrival.

Birds seen:
Collared Dove, Wood Lark, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch.

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

Las Norias and Roquetas de Mar with Dave & Co

Wednesday 6 February 2019

Interesting reading Dave's report below of the Arboleas Birding Group's visit to the west of Almeria.  Like me he has noticed that Shoveler numbers are rapidly declining as they make their return migration northwards.  A little worrying about all the plastic filth at Las Norias and those ABS members attending the February meeting In Cabo de Gata on 16 February and taking in a stop at this site on the way up or back will see the ghastly mess for themselves.  I'll be there Friday morning and trying not to be too distracted whilst birding.  Little Terns would be a delight to see.

Disgraceful discarded plastic rubbish at Las Norias

Las Norias & Roquetas de Mar  -   Wednesday 6th February

Ssssh! Don't shout it too loud, but the weather seems to have changed for the better.  As I drove Richard, Paul, Reyna and Peter down from Arboleas the temperature increased from 5C up to nearly 20C by the end of the day.  Blue skies, sunny and very little wind. We met up with Alan and John at the Repsol Service Station (Jct 420).  After a cup of coffee we headed for Las Norias lake, seeing a Cattle Egret perched on a power line on the way.  As we approached the first causeway, we saw White Wagtail, Black Redstart and the first of numerous Cormorant.  Richard saw a Robin and John a Black Headed Gull.  I scanned the far shore and counted over 70 Cormorants resting or drying their wings together with one Little Egret and a few Grey Heron.  We also saw Mallard, Red Crested Pochard, Coot, Moorhen and Great Crested Grebe on the water.  John found some Crag Martin.  On the right hand side, the best birds were 17 White-headed Duck in a raft.  A line of a dozen or so Cormorants were combining forces to fish.  Little Grebe were present.  Alan found an elusive Shoveler.  Most seem to have now departed.  A lot less Chiffchaff as well.  We heard the usual Cetti's Warbler.  Also seen were Serin, Greenfinch and Stonechat.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Moving round to second stop, half way round, we picked our way through the ever increasing piles of discarded rubbish.  Alan found some Black-necked Grebes.  A flight of Goldfinch flew over.  A Sardinian Warbler was in the reeds.  I then spied a Spotted Redshank in the rocky area, together with a Green Sandpiper and a Northern Starling.  There were hundreds of the latter swarming around in large flocks.  A Grey Heron flew out of the reeds below us.  Richard thought it could've been spooked by a Purple Swamphen.  We then spotted 4 Little Terns fishing over the far side.  A Gadwall landed on the water in front of us.  I spotted a flying Little Stint.  Also seen were Meadow Pipit, Jackdaw and Blackbird.

We moved to the near end of the littler pool.  The fact it is only 500 metres from the Plastic Recycling factory makes the piles of discarded plastic sheeting all the more abominable!  We saw more Red-crested Pochard, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe and Cormorants.  We drove round to the little bridge. Paul spotted a Kingfisher and I saw a Snipe fly over.

On the way to Roquetas we stopped for a coffee at San Augustin.  We drove to the far end of the Roquetas salinas.  As we crossed the causeway, a Marsh Harrier flew above us. 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Alan and John in the leading car also saw a Zitting Cisticola.  We checked out the reeds and eventually John persistence was rewarded with glimpses of a Purple Swamphen.  Greater Flamingos were, of course, present.  We also saw a distant Shelduck.   Mosquitoes rampant in this area!  On the way to the next stop we added Magpie and Kestrel.  There, Alan spotted Black-winged Stilt and Redshank and John had Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus at Roquetas de mar

We then moved on to the main pool.  Large rafts of Common Pochard, Coot and Black-headed Gulls. A few Gadwall.  Not the numbers of the previous visit.  Also seen were more Marsh Harriers and Cormorants.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

We ended up with 52 species. Lovely weather in great company. 

Regards, Dave

All photographs by David Elliott-Binns

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Zafarraa and the Sierra Tejeda

Broad Leaf Iris Iris subbiflora

Saturday 3 February

Sunny, reasonably calm and the forecast a sunny day as I set out for the old railway track u at Venta de Zafarraya.  However, upon arrival the temperature had dropped to 2C, the wind was blowing a gale and light snow/frozen rain falling.  To make matters worse my arrival coincided with the meeting point of one of the local walking groups.  Not much point parking up so slowly drove up the track, through the tunnel and on to the old ruins before returning.  What a dearth of birdlife or any sort of life.  A handful of Chaffinches,  male Stonechat and a couple of Great Tits as I returned to  the mirador with overcast skies and contuing light snowfall.  Give u and go home where, at least the sun was shining on the coast?  Not at all; after all things could only get better - couldn't they?

Passing through the village I took a slight detour to visit the duck pond but found only a few "wild" Mallards amongst the domestic ducks and geese.  But other than a few House Sparrows all was deserted so on down to the "muck heap" and growing fields.  At first very quiet, even though the weather was improving and temperature now up to 4C where it remained till the afternoon when it reached the dizzy height of 5C at the woods of El Robledal.  A barren field held a few Greenfinch and Goldfinch as I drove down to the pond where I found a female Mallard and a White Wagtail.  However,  stopping on the way back to the main road  found a flock of 15 Mistle Thrushes busy feeding amongst the "left-overs" and then Crested Lark, Serin and Linnet.

Mistle Thrush Zorzal Charlo Turdus viscivorus

Nothing to report from the "Magpie Woods" so on to the cereal-growing fields in the hinterland.  Now here we did start to see some bird life once the first small flock of Calandra Larks and a couple of Black Redstarts had been found.  Feeding nearby both Sky, Crested Larks alongside a dozen or more Meadow Pipits and then the discovery of a handful of Short-toed Larks to really put a smile on my face.  Even a (common) Magpie sat in an old tree at the end of the fields. It was whilst stopping to check out the Magpie that I first noticed the movement a field back from the road.  Taking out the scope I found well in excess of 300 Greenfinches along withe the odd Goldfinch and Linnet and more Meadow Pipits.  Wow!

Meadow Pipit Bisbita Pratense Anthus pratensis

Setting off towards the old road up to Salar so that I could take the anti-clockwise circuit through the woods and stony moor I added a number of Corn Bumting and a Red-legged Partridge crossed the road in front of me and almost ended up on my dinner table!  Once through the woods and up to the small holdings I added many more White Wagtails and then a handful of Azure-winged Magpies.  A flock of a score or more Wood Pigeons flew over and I set about checking the many small flacks of Chaffinches.  Great news (luck?), I managed to find  male Brambling in with the third encounter. A few more Crested Larks then out on the stony terrain.

 Again, stopping just past the last farm house, that with the noisy wandering dog, I stopped to check a handful of small brown birds hidden just behind the edge of the road, on my side of the car.  Not just a trio of Rock Buntings but also a first Northern Wheatear of the year.  Only a hundred or so metres further on I finally found my Thekla Larks and a few more Azure-winged Magpies moving around near a score of more Spotless Starlings, the flock of which also contained at least two Common Starling.

Male Chaffinch Pinzon Vulgar Fringilla coelebs

With the skies now much clearer I moved on to the woods of El Robledal.  Stopping on the main track towards the picnic area I checked out the brown raptor atop the electricity pylon which turned out to be a Buzzard.  A Robin was moving around in the undergrowth but little else to see at the woods themselves.  However, stopping to once again check out the feeding finches as I exited the woods near the newly-restored cortijo, having seen another couple of Black Redstarts,  I not only found a good number of Chaffinches along with a few Goldfinch and Linnet but also another three Brambling in the large willow tree.  But the big surprise was to suddenly catch site of a lovely male Cirl Bunting on the bank immediately below me. Much as I waited, I could not encourage/wish the bird back into sight for a photo.

Stony terrain which produced both Rock Bunting and Northern Wheatear

So to the final leg of my journey as I set out for home; the mountain track relatively nearby that would take me down through the Sierra Tejada to Alcaucin and then on back to the coast.  Another Robin as I mad my way up past the last form and then the large flash of a white rump as a Jay moved away and down through the tree-covered sloe o my right.  A walk around the main picnic area produced a few more Chaffinches and Chiffchaff and then a quartet of Crossbill to end a long, cold but enjoyable day's birding.  And once down off the mountain I was once again in full sunlight, clear skies and a temperature of 16C.  There may have been few birds on show other then the large finch flocks but the 36 species recorded included 10 new records for the year.  It just goes to show, don't give up just because you get off to a bad start.  You just have to work a little harder for your birds.

Distant record shot of male Crossbill Piquituerto Comun Loxia curvirostra

Birds seen:
Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Buzzard, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Calandra Lark, Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Jay, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Brambling, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Crossbill, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting

Almond still in blossom

A different habitat to that on the other side of the mountain

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

Zapata

Thursday 31 January

Not just the last day of the month but also time to say good-bye to our visiting Dutch-birder friend, Lisette as she leaves for home early next week.  Still, come November Lisette will be back with us to continue her Malaga birding and walks in the neighbouring countryside.  We eventually met up with Olly and Corrinne Hibbert and John and set of for Zapata to see if the tracks and area around the ford were as safe as led to believe.  Indeed they were.

On arrival we quickly recorded House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and Collared Dove as we made our way down to the Rio Gualhorce.  Soon up came a pair of Great Tit and an over-flying Cattle Egret plus a resting Kestrel on top of a bare tree.  As ever, there seemed to be White Wagtails everywhere.  Once parked a the for we could take in the birds either on the water, such as Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Shoveler plus those feeding or resting at the edges.  Here we found a very concealed Heron plus both Green and Common Sandpiper along with a single Greenshank.  A brief appearance from a Meadow Pipit before we added a Ringed Plover to the sightings.  Behind us the loud calling of Cetti's Warblers, foraging Chiffchaffs and the occasional Blackbird before a Grey Wagtail put in an appearance at the water's edge.  A Cormorant flew over on its way up river and taking a short walk up stream we found a dozen Jackdaw.

Linnet Pardillo Comun Carduelis cannabina

Having crossed the ford in just the one car a stop on the other side produced another couple of Green Sandpipers in the concrete run-off and the sight of an Osprey above us making its way downstream.  Both Serin and Blackcap were found in the neighbouring trees along with more White Wagtails.  Another good sighting was that of a male Black Redstart.  A Little Egret was resting at the water's edge.

White Wagtail Lavandera Blanca Motacila alba

Back across the river and then up to the reed bed.  Here we found numerous Goldfinch and Linnet plus another Robin and a couple of Meadow Pipit, most enjoying a lovely bath in the exposed stream.  A couple of Greenfinch in the nearby trees along with a female Reed Bunting whilst two Moorhens made the mad dash across the exposed water.

Meadow Pipit Bisbita Pratense Anthus pratensis

Working our way along the track we also found a trio of Sardinian Warbler and Stonechat.  On a nearby post a Buzzard came to rest and a second Kestrel was seen over the airport perimeter. Whilst two dozen Cattle Egrets and about a dozen Jackdaws were feeding on the turned soil as they followed a tractor in the field behind us we also had a the first of a couple of Zitting Cisticola in the reeds.  Crag Martins were by now feeding above us.  Checking out the local starling flock we even managed to find a Common Starling in their midst.

Returning by taking the same route back rather than straight onto the nearby road, we stopped near the turn to the ford and watched a female Marsh Harrier drop down in front of us and, at the same time, also saw the Osprey circling above before moving away.  A Hoopoe was calling away to our left and a lovely male Kestrel was back in the original tree seen on entry to the site and then back towards the airport where we found a Red-legged Partridge walking across the top of the underpass entry!

Male Kestrel Cernicalo Vulgar Falco tinnunculus

No Waxbill or Penduline Tit but we did manage a final species total of 43.

Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Red-legged Partridge, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.
 

Linnet Pardillo Comun Carduelis cannabina and White Wagtail Lavandera Blanca Motacila alba enjoying their ablutions.

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

Sierra de Maria and Cabo de Gata

David Elliott-Binns, the man himself with his new T-shirt.  Well it made Dave smile!

Wednesday 30 January

Two for the price of one!  Looks like Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group have taken to double-day birding and well-rewarded with some very good sightings despite the strong winds.  Good to read that the Trumpeter Finches are being easily seen as I shall be up at Cabo de Gata in a fortnight's time.  And all being well the weather will have improved with some delightful sunshine but, even better, calmer days!

Sierra de Maria   -   Wednesday 30th January

I picked up Paul and Reyna and made our way to the Overa hotel where Paul and Kath were waiting in their car to follow us to Maria.  We passed the bird count starting point at the garage outside Velez Blanco, but only saw a Collared Dove before we arrived in Maria.  We were joined by John & Alan, who'd fared better when Alan had spotted a Booted Eagle.

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We decided to take the loop road from near the La Piza entrance towards the village of Canada de Canepla and beyond.  We saw a large flock of Chaffinch followed by Carrion Crows, a Raven, and singles of Spotless Starling and Crested Lark.  As we approached the village there was a small flock of Goldfinch.  After the village we had small numbers of Calandra Lark and Magpie, but a good flock of Corn Bunting.  Also seen were Linnet, House and Rock Sparrow.

Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We back-tracked past the village and turned right onto the loop road.  We stopped by the reed bed, half of which had been destroyed by fire, whether accidentally or deliberately, I don't know, since Paul and I were here last week.  It will regenerate in time.  We did see a Moorhen!  Reyna then spotted some Griffon Vultures, some of which came quite low and close.  Also seen were Greenfinch and Red-legged Partridge.  I spotted a Blue Rock Thrush on top of the cliff face.  Paul spied a Kestrel.  As we departed Paul found a Black Wheatear and some Sardinian Warblers.  As we were approaching the hamlet from the opposite direction, we saw a flock of birds in a ploughed field. Mostly White Wagtails, but at least two Meadow Pipits.  Alan had seen a Black Redstart.  At the hamlet we added Thekla Lark.  Paul also saw a Woodpigeon.

Record shot of Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus through the bar window (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

It was then time to head for La Piza for lunch.  I'd bought a supply of peanuts for the feeders but they were already half-full.  We saw all the common Tits.....Blue, Coal, Crested, Great and Long Tailed.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker came a-calling as did a Jay.  After lunch we headed home, apart from John and Alan who made a quick visit to the chapel area before the Botanical Gardens.  On the way back to Maria we all saw a small group of low flying Griffon Vultures.  Alan and John added Cirl Bunting, Mistle Thrush and Blackbird to the list.

Jay Garrulus glandarius (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

38 species in all. Thank you to Kath for being scribe for the day. Great company.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales  -  Thursday 31st January

On this second consecutive day of birdwatching as requested by my friend, Paul (Groves).   It started with me picking up the other Paul and Reyna and heading south towards Cabo de Gata.  We'd already seen White Wagtail, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Black Redstart and Magpie by the time we'd reached Pujaire.  Paul and Neville were already having a coffee in the cafe as we, and Peter and Alec, arrived.  As forecasted, there was high winds, but are we fair weather birders?  Never!  We headed for the first hide.  There were as usual plenty of Greater Flamingos.  A Little Egret was to our left and 5 Black-tailed Godwits were feeding in front of the hide.  Another small flock joined them.  Three small birds flew past with a slightly pinky beige colouring.  Trumpeter Finches.  I spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike perched just beyond the right hand stone wall.  Paul (G) then spotted an Eurasian Curlew walking near to the water line in front of us.  I found a Water Pipit walking on the yellow floating weeds to the left.

Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove round to the beach across from the second hide.  High winds meant large waves.  We sea-watched for a bit without success.  A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over as we walked towards the hide.  Knowing where the Spoonbills had previously been seen, I checked the small island opposite and sure enough half a dozen or more were there. as was some Yellow-legged Gulls.   Paul (G) found a Redshank and Mallard.  A male Stonechat showed well atop a shrub in front of us.  A pair of Greenfinch perched briefly to our right.  We tacked back to the vehicles and seeked the shelter of the enclosed public hide.  In front of it was a line of mostly Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but there were also half a dozen Audouin's Gulls.  Later Paul noticed two Mediterranean Gulls had joined them.  A Sardinian Warbler flew past.  

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

There were small flocks of Shelduck on the water and I spotted a couple of Cormorant on the far left causeway.  Paul (G) checked out the waders to the right and found small numbers of Sanderling, Dunlin, Avocet and Black-winged Stilt.  I found a distant Greenshank. We left the area using the track to the church, seeing the odd Stonechat on the way.  As we waited for the others to catch up we saw an adult Gannet fly by quite close to the shore.  We drove back along the beach road, stopping once to check out a Meadow Pipit.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

The wind speed had increased as we drove along the beach-side track towards the Rambla Morales. We added Thekla Lark and Corn Bunting en route.   The wind pushed us towards the "hump".  Once up there a quick scan produced Coot, Shoveler and about a dozen White-headed Ducks.  I spotted a raft of 20 Wigeon, a good record here.  We struggled back to the cars against the wind and getting sand-blasted as well.  We headed for the warmth and shelter of the pasteleria opposite the new BP petrol station.  Through the window we added Spotless Starling and Kestrel to complete the list.

39 species in total.  The winter cobwebs have definitely been blown away! 

Regards,

Dave

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you, Ann Smith, wife of Trevor, passed away on Monday. I'm sure you'll join me in expressing our sincere condolences to Trevor and the rest of the family.

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