Alcaucin and El Robledal

 Friday 14 May

A morning in the woods.  Leaving home just before ten I immediately passed a White Wagtail foraging near the bins and then on up to Acaucin to take the mountain track up to the picnic site.  Barn Swallow, House Martin, Spotless Starling and House Sparrow as I started my ascent and the first Blackbird as I approached the picnic entrance.  Having said that, all very quiet and with the trees now if full leaf little to be seen so a case of chasing the bird calls.

Serin and Chaffinches, the latter in good numbers, before I enjoyed a departing Mistle Thrush.  Even luckier, I just happened to look up from checking the tree tops to identify the passing raptor and delighted to identify one of the local Goshawks.  Then, following the short walk up the smaller track to where the tit nest boxes have been recently deployed I returned to take a rest at the picnic tables and concentrate n finding an elusive Nuthatch.  But it was no to be despite my attention being grabbed by a Great Spotted Woodpecker which arrived to start hammering away in the next tree.

Can you find the Great Spotted Woodpecker Pico Picapinos Dendrocopos major

Down the steps to walk through the lower levels where fist a Serin and then the sighting of a Firecrest above me.  A little further on I saw (could it be another Serin?) cross in front of me and perch at the end of a branch long enough to find with the bins and conform as a lovely male Linnet.  Finally back to the car keeping my eye on the lone Crossbill that was perched in the large Eucalyptus tree opposite the car park.

Crossbill Piquituerto Comun Loxia curvirostra

Whilst amongst the trees lovely to watch the local Red Squirrel - which look almost black out here - as it walked down the trunk then paused to take stock of the surroundings.  The third photograph certainly gives an impression of how imporatant the tail is to the animals balance.

Red Squirrel La ardilla roja Sciurus vulgaris

Continuing on up the track and past the top, empty picnic area I eventually disturbed a pair of Rock Buntings feeding on the track in front of me and near the end of the wooded section a Jay slipped quietly over the track immediately in front of me.  Finally, near the industrial area, a single Collared Dove on the wires.

next it was the relatively short drive eastwards to the woods of El Robledal which were even quieter.  A Wood Pigeon as I made my way along the entrance track and then a couple of Blackbirds.  Once in the parking area a Golden Oriole was calling nearby and, again, lots of Chaffinches.  All done and decided I would e better off back at home so making my way back I observed both Thekla Lark and Spotless Starling and was finally welcomed back to Algarrobo Costa by the resident Monk Parakeets with a good screech or two.

Birds seen:

Goshawk, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Firecrest, Golden Oriole, Jay, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Linnet, Crossbill, Rock Bunting.

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Las Norias and Roquetas de Mar

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris

 Wednesday 12 May

A wonderful long morning's birding up in Almeria province with friend Dave Elliott-Binns and a couple of his Arboleas Birding Group members, Neville Colegate and Kevin Borman.  Beautiful, clear, sunny day and almost perfectly calm until well into the early afternoon.  Not having to meet until 10 o'clock at the industrial-looking irrigation lake at Las Norias, I left home early enough to make a slight diversion and visit the vega area adjacent to the Charca de Suarez in Motril to check out a recent report of a large Common Waxbill flock feeding in the area. I found the site with no problem and was pleased to observe the large mixed flock feeding in the dense vegetation.  

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild (bottom) with Red Avadavat Amandava amandava

These are not easy birds to photograph at this time of the year as the flock seemed to be constantly on the move; up and for a few metres then dropping straight below the cover.  However, I was able to confirm that the flock was mainly Common Waxbill and Red Avadavat with a few Goldfinch and Linnet.  Closer inspection also detected at least a quartet of the local Black-rumped Waxbills and, on checking a couple of small birds that briefly landed on the nearby fence, also a Tree Sparrow. As I approached the site along the narrow country lane I noted Blackbird, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling and whilst watching the small finches also noted both Collared Dove and Wood Pigeon.  Leaving to continue on through Motril and pick up the eastbound motorway again, as I drove along Turtle dove Alley more Waxbills and overhead feeding Pallid Swifts.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus (above) with Red Avadavat

Barn Swallows as I approached Las Norias and once introductions completed settle down with Dave and friends for some great birding in lovely company.  Lovely to see the very close Red-crested Pochard and three ducklings with a nearby Mallard with also three, more advanced, ducklings.  Night Heron overhead and then the sight of the Great Reed Warbler and I knew I was in for some very positive sightings as outlined by Dave in his following report.

Mainly distant Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei

Well, what a day we've had.  Good birding in good company.  Las Norias, followed by Roquetas were today's locations.  I picked up Neville from Los Gallardos and we headed south on the A7/E15 to junction 420 where we had a coffee waiting for Kevin to arrive. Once he'd had his, we headed for the first causeway at Las Norias.  The sun was out and no noticeable wind so the water was reasonably flat.  There wasn't a lot on the water.  Great Crested Grebes, a pair of Gadwall and the usual Coot, Moorhen and Mallard.  We were joined by Bob Wright.  I spotted a Grey Heron down the far end.  There was a male Red-crested Pochard down there as well.  Bob found a female plus ducklings just below us.  A Great Reed Warbler was loudly exercising its repertoire.  Luckily it was perched on top of a reed and I managed to locate it.  Meanwhile Kevin had popped over the road to view the other lake.  He located an adult Night Heron at the end of the reeds.  Also seen were a Little Grebe and a Black-headed Gull.  Bob then found a Purple Swamphen that obligingly flew a short distance before belly flopping in the water.  He also spotted a Cattle Egret and Barn Swallow.  A Common Sandpiper flew low over the water.  Little birds included a male Sardinian Warbler and some Spotless Starlings.  The odd Night Heron flew over.

Female Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved round to the next stop and gingerly picked our way through the rubbish to get to the viewing area.  Disappointed that there were two illegal anglers below us.  A couple of Turtle Doves flew over.  Kevin found a Yellow-legged Gull.  A Common Tern was identified, closely followed by some Little Terns.  Also seen were Common Swift and a Little Egret.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons with Turnstones Arenaria interpres

We drove to the bottom end of the small lake, but with nothing of interest visible we quickly moved to near the bridge at the plastic recycling centre end.  I spotted both Greenfinch and Serin plus some Jackdaw.  Bob went to check out the trees by the goat (?) compound.  He came back having seen both Collared and Turtle Dove. Unfortunately he missed Kevin spotting a Little Bittern which disappeared into the reeds before Neville and I had a chance to see it.  Luckily for us it did another short flight in full view!

We then travelled towards San Augustin where we stopped for coffee.  Bob led the way to a shallow pool beyond the Roquetas lighthouse.  Never been here before.  It was great.  Had good, reasonably close views of the numerous birds feeding there.  There were a lot of Slender-billed Gull as well as a smaller number of Audouin's Gull and a couple of Shelduck.  Later Bob and Kevin simultaneously found a Mediterranean Gull on the beach.  En route we'd seen a Hoopoe. Waders included Kentish and Ringed Plover, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet.  I spotted our first Gull-billed Tern of the day.   As we left a flight of Greater Flamingos was seen in the distance.  A Crested Lark flew behind my truck but in front of Bob's car. 

En route to the freshwater lake by the hotels we spotted a Magpie on the road side power line.  We stopped in the usual place by the vegetation gap.  To the left on the leafless tree in the water was a Cormorant.  On the little spit was both Red-crested and Common Pochard.  I found a pair of Black-necked Grebes in the middle of the lake as Kevin found about half a dozen more to the left.  I spotted a distant flying Collared Pratincole, a good omen for later! Bob found a Whiskered Tern perched on a post.  He was also happy to add Little Grebe to his personal list as he'd miss the Las Norias one.  A couple of House Martins flew over. 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We then entered the reserve itself.  I led the way with Neville whilst Bob had Kevin as passenger.  We bypassed the  little pool and made for a shallow pool to the right of the track. There were lots of Collared Pratincoles around, some resting, others hawking for insects.  About 40 in total my wild guess would be.  Feeding in and around the water were Dunlin, Little Stint, Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover.  There was the odd Sanderling, a group of Turnstone and some Curlew Sandpipers not to mention the Black-winged Stilts. Some of the Collared Pratincoles were only a few metres from the vehicles.  We were glad to see various rangers keeping an eye on the area. 

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Moving further on we all saw some Redshank.  Neville and I were lucky to see a Roller.  We met up with Bob and Kevin at the old pump house.  The water level was quite high but Bob found some Greenshank on a sandy spit.  There were numerous Gull-billed Terns quartering the shrub filled areas.  Neville and I left first.  We missed the Kestrel seen by Bob and Kevin.  Getting closer to the little pool I noticed some pale ducks to my left.  They were 5 Marbled Duck.  Two flew off and landed near to where Bob and Kevin were.  At the little pool we only saw Mallard and House Sparrows.

Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 58 species.  As I said at the start of this report, a brilliant day!  Thank you all.  I was asked last week where the name "pratincole" came from.  Here is Google's answer :- 

The name "pratincole" comes from the term "pratincola" coined by German naturalist Wilhelm Heinrich Kramer from the Latin words prātum meadow and incola resident.

Well there you go!

Best regards, Dave

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Drat and double-drat as I think about the missed Little Bittern and the distant Roller as both would, for me, have been new sightings for the year.  The only consolation being that the bare tree I visited near the farm not only held very many Collared but also a single Turtle Dove.  

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

But having said our goodbyes, I returned to Las Noris to eat my picnic and just, perhaps just, catch up with the Little Bittern.  It was not to be but, nevertheless, lovely to find a Night Heron posing nicely opposite the bridge and a walk round the back near the adjacent farm did produce a Spotted Flycatcher.  Time to move off  and on the waste ground beyond the lake as I turned left towards the plastic greenhouses three Cattle Egrets in full breeding colour, a single Glossy Ibis and a few more Crested Larks.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Now it was on to Velez de Benaudalla in Granada province where I needed to deliver a letter and, upon leaving for home, took the track alongside the Rio Guadalfeo and on down past the picnic area. In addition to both House Martin and Common Swifts I also picked up Chaffinch, Serin and Hoopoe and whilst at the above picnic site found a trio of White Wagtail and a couple of Great Tit.  Goldfinches and Serins as I continued and once back on the main road a very brief stop at the water control centre on the river duly found not only Coot but also both White and Grey Wagtails along with a pair of Little Ringed Plover in the drainage channel.

Very pleased when home at last to discover that I had actually recorded 72 species for the day including four new sightings for the year.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola

Birds seen by me:

Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Marbled Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Glossy Ibis, Flamingo, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin's Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Whiskered Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Black-rumped waxbill, Red Avadavat, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Distant Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

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Guadalhorce, Malaga

Thursday 6 May

Up very early and straight to the Desembocaduro de Guadalhorce by 7.30 where I stayed for two and a half hours which enabled me to leave before the temperature got too hot.. A beautiful clear day but the low cloud and shade not doing justice to some of the earlier birds. Plenty of water in the ponds but most of the birds seem to have departed with no Flamingos, only a couple of Shelduck and few gulls, etc.  However, what was seen was very special and, for me, four new sightings for the year.

Welcomed by a couple of Blackbirds and walking towards the footbridge the Nightingales were singing away and the first House Martins were up in the sky.  As I crossed the footbridge I stopped to watch a lone Squacco Heron circle like a plane coming in to land and once alighted on a branch slightly down river I had the opportunity to take a photograph, albeit the bird was in the shade as well as poor light.  Continuing on I soon added both Goldfinch and Sardinianian Warbler then a Zitting Cisticola as I approached the first hide.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

Laguna Casillas was rather quiet with a Moorhen in front of me and six Pochards on the water.  A  Mallard made its way towards the next pool and a Crested Lark took its leave from below the hide.  Eventually a couple of Black-winged Stilts dropped in and a single Little Grebe was noted at the far end.  Above and around me lots of feeding House Martins, the occasional Barn Swallow and calling Reed Warblers.

Serin and House Sparrow plus Monk Parakeets as I made my way to the Wader Pool where there were many more Black-winged Stilts but not as many as my previous visit.  Lovely to see a quintet of Avocet and a single Redshank.  And certainly no mistaking the Cetti's Warbler as it announced its presence.

Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta

As you might expect it was the Rio Viejo (Old River) that once again produced the goods.  Far fewer birds on the water now and mainly Black-winged Stilt along with a dozen Slender-billed Gulls.  The water also held the only, two, Shelduck seen during the morning.  On the edges a small number of waders including Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover plus a Sanderling, Little Stint and another Redshank but also two Dunlin.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Moving on to the Swea Watch a couple of Hoopoes crossed the track in front of me followed by Greenfinch and once on site it was necessary to use the scope to find the many distant Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  However, whilst scoping westwards at he far end of the beach, and no pedestrians yet, a single Oystercatcher was foraging at the water's edge.  A rather lovely, if distant, sight.

Redshank Tringa totanus

Working my way back I stopped again to check a dark corner of the Rio Viejo and eventually found the lone Grey Plover resting in the corner next to a Dunlin, Redshank and Black-winged Stilt.  Fortunately, I took a few shots experimenting with the light compensator.  Good job as when cropping to find a better shot of the Grey Plover I discovered the Knot!

Grey Plover Pluvialus squatarola (top centre)

Approaching the Laguna Escondida a Wood Pigeon flew across and once in the hide, initially, just the single Coot and a lone Little Egret on the left side.  However, in addition to a couple of Pochard there were eventually four Coots and five male White-headed Ducks paying special attention to the single female.  About to leave when the flock of Common Swifts arrived and on a concrete "box" in the distant meadow a Red-legged Partridge stood on the top surveying the surroundings.

Mainly Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis

Finally the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande.  As I approached the local wardens were completing the grass cutting in front of the hide and I am sure that the noise must have kept most wildlife as far away as possible.  But all was finished within about ten minutes.  Still plenty of Black-winged Stilts to be seen and now with fledged chicks looking like wandering balls of fluff.  At least another six Avocet and a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls.  About a half-dozen Slender-billed Gulls arrived and on a small island away to my left a couple of Black-headed and a single Mediterranrean Gull were resting with the dozen Sandwich Terns.  Ere long I added Collard Dove, Spotless Starling and a male Kestrel before taking leave of the site.  And as I crossed the footbridge still plenty of House Martins and the occasional Barn Swallow but also two Red-rumped Swallows and a couple of the resident Rock Doves.  A most interesting and satisfying morning which produced exactly 50 species. 

Fledgling Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Birds seen: 

Shelduck, Mallard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Knot Calidris canutus (left) with Dunlin, Redshank and Black-winged Stilt but also showing Grey Plover at very top

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 5 May

Great day's birding for the Arboleas Birding Group even if the weather was somewhat dubious. Lovely to note the Oystercatcher but it would appear that the Reef Egret reported and photographed yesterday was not putting in an appearance for the gathered members of this friendly and lovely birding group.  Getting quite melancholic about when next I might visit this beautiful area of Spain, nevermind Andalucia, and especially disappointed to learn that the local hotel I use is no longer offering single rooms; pay the full price and enjoy the spare bed!

Cabo de Gata   -   Wednesday 5th May

Today's weather was supposed to be hot and sunny.  Well, they lied especially early on!  Our destination was Cabo de Gata.  I picked up Juda from Los Gallardos and headed south on the A7/E15.  South of Sorbas we hit an extended bank of fog which lasted for about 30kms.  It cleared but it was still overcast. Coming off the motorway at Jct 467 our first bird was a Magpie.  Travelling through Retamar Sur towards the reserve we saw the usual suspects.  Collared Dove, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Barn and Red-rumped Swallow and Common Swift.  As we approached the first hide a Hoopoe flew across the road in front of us with a beak full of food. 

We parked up and began to birdwatch in earnest.  Our first delight was a flight of eight Gull-billed Terns flying over.  A further three were on the rocky causeway.  Also sat there were some Mallard.  In the water were Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Slender-billed Gulls, Black-winged Stilts, a few Black-tailed Godwits and a number of Little Egrets.  I found a Kentish Plover on the far side and an Iberian Yellow Wagtail perched on top of a shore line shrub.  There was an Iberian Grey Shrike on the power lines behind us.  Also seen were Yellow-legged Gull and House Martin.  We were then joined by Kevin, John, Trevor, Peter and Adrian. John and Trevor had seen Kestrel and Jackdaw en route.  Kevin then did a scan and added Spoonbill, Ringed Plover and Shelduck, all of which were obviously hidden from me in full view when I did my initial scan!

Resting Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus with Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After a coffee stop we went to the second hide.  Out to sea, John found a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Our only additions to the list from there was some Little Terns and a Cattle Egret which I discovered on the photo I took of some more Spoonbill on the island with a Yellow-legged Gull.

As we stopped next to the road to go to the middle hide a Raven flew by.  I spotted a shearwater far out to sea. All I can say it was the size of a Balearic Shearwater.   From the hide we saw two Oystercatchers, a Dunlin in breeding plumage and a Sanderling which John found.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Moving to the public hide, we were met by a pair of Greenfinch on the power line.  I saw there were numerous Shelduck to the right. Kevin and John also saw an Audouin's Gull there.  From the hide we also had Shelduck plus Ringed and Kentish Plover.  There were about 6 Little Stints there as well.  Juda found a medium sized wader.  It was bigger than the passing Plovers but not as big as a Knot. Thin,  slightly curving down bill and dark legs.  Checking my Collins, the nearest contestant was a young Curlew Sandpiper.  Definitely too big for a Broad-billed Sandpiper, two of which were seen at Roquetas yesterday.  Kevin said his goodbyes.

We left by the church track, seeing only a Thekla Lark.  At the church an army small coach was stuck in the soft sand.  I tried without success to pull it out with my truck.  They were grateful anyway.

Having decided to miss out on the Rambla Morales after someone got stuck in the sand there last time we had a trip up to the lighthouse.  I lead the convoy.  John and Trevor were thrilled to see a Trumpeter Finch pass behind my truck....double drat!  We only saw Yellow-legged Gull and Spotless Starling at the lighthouse.  We retreated to Cabo village for lunch.  By this time the sun had actually broken through the clouds.

In addition to the Bee-eater Juda and I saw on our way back to the motorway, we ended up with 41 species.  A so so day, but enjoyable all the same. Great company!

Regards, Dave

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Granada Birding

You know what this is! 

Tuesday 4 May

After Monday's torrential afternoon rain it was lovely to set out early for Huetor Tajar in beautiful sunshine with many circling Pallid Swifts, Barn Swallows, Blackbirds, Spotless Starlings and Collared Doves even before I reached the motorway not three minutes away.  But then it all turned pear shape.  Not so much the few minutes stop at Ventas de Zafarraya to pick up Crag Martin, Black Wheatear and Black Redstart before carrying on through the village with its House Sparrows and Martins but the low mist followed by dense fog that was to accompany me most of the way to Salar where I joined the A92 motorway.  However, making my way through the arable fields beyond the "Magpie Woods" I soon recorded Serin, Crested Lark and Corn Bunting with the Little Owl resting, cloud bound, on its usual roosting rock.  Approaching the top of the old road up the hill beyond a Red-legged Partridge took flight to me left and a few local Chaffinches note near the top.  From then on for the next 15 km it was a cast of bright sunshine followed by almost no visibility every kilometre or so.

Once across the ford at the Huetor Tajar fields no sooner had I got out of the car than a Whitethroat in the bush not five metres away and both Reed and Cetti's Warbler calling from the riverside. Wandering Blackbirds followed by Sardinian Warblers and then a small flock of Bee-eaters passing over in what was now clear weather and getting warmer by the minutes as the skies cleared to reveal the massed blue covering. Moving to the end of the straight we then recoded Serin, Wood Pigeon, Nightingale and Iberian Yellow Wagtail before a walk along the track at the end also produced Melodious Warbler and then a pair of Garden Warblers.  Finally a Tree Sparrow before driving back along the far bank to the large olive grove where we finally located our first Turtle Dove plus and a Little Owl on the roadside wires having previously also found Short-toed mixing with the local Crested Larks.

Newly fledged Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

Next up, for me, was a visit to the Cacin Valley but not before a slight diversion to take in a track up one of the local mountains.  Goldfinches and a Hoopoe as we set off and once in the wooden area many Chaffinches and a White Wagtail near a sheep pen.  A Great Tit dashed across the track into the tree cover.  A stop on the way up produced a Short-toed Treecreeper, Dartford Warbler, Crossbill, Linnet, Coal Tit and Mistle Thrush and later we were to find a trio of Spectacled Warblers.  

Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata

Once on the higher ground beyond the tree line, Red-legged Partridge, Rock Bunting, Black Redstart and Thekla Lark along with a couple of Blue Rock Thrushes and a few Chough. Rock Sparrows seemed to be much in evidence before we saw a solitary Griffon Vulture wandering around in the distant sky.  And, of course, a delight to see the Black-eared Wheatears along with Azure-winged (Iberian) Magpie and Magpie. 

Distant Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

A lot of searching but I did eventually find a male Rock Thrush.  But before, and a complete surprise to me, a pair of Cuckoo and I was to find a third later on in the day.   Have got excited I continued with my searches and managed a Blue Tit before finding a pair of Orphean Warblers not so far away.  Then it was, for me, back down the mountain encountering the resident Rock Doves at the bottom, and on to the Cacin valley.

Male Rock Thrush Monticola saxatallis

A stop for refreshments on the way and arriving above the Cacin valley it was now somewhat on the very warm side and none of the target birds were seen.  I did add a couple of Iberian Grey Shrike, a number of Common Swifts and a Kestrel along with a pair of Iberian Hare (Lepus granatensis) at close quarters.

Iberian Hare Lepus granatensis

The final stop was at the Cacin reservoir having already passed a Grey Wagtail alongside the channeled canal on the way down.  Upon arrival a Water Rail was exploring the reed fringes along with a Coot and nearby Moorhen whilst on the nearer edge both a single Little Ringed Plover and Black-winged Stilt.  Out on the water itself very many Coot along with a handful or more of Mallard and good-sized flock of Common Pochard.

Distant Water Rail Rallus aquaticus (right) with Coot

So with just about 70 species recorded during the day I made my way back to Mequitilla and as I was about to leave the Magpie Woods to slip down to the prolific growing fields of Zafarraya, a Green Woodpecker flew across the road in front of the car.  A great but toting day so now regain my energies for a potential visit to the Guadalhorce come Thursday.

Distant male Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

Birds seen:

Muscovy Duck, Mallard, Pochard, Red-legged Partridge, Griffon Vulture, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Little Owl, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Nightingale, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black-eared Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Iberian Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Iberian Magpie, Magpie, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Crossbill, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia

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Las Campinuelas

One sleepy Little owl!

 Monday 3 May

A calm, cloudy and cooler day for my morning visit to nearby Las Campinuelas.  The Pallid Swift colony was active as ever as I passed through the Algarrobo Costa and on up towards the motorway then taking the country lane down towards the dry river bed that borders the site.  Once on the track alongside the river bed immediately seen were Goldfinches, Serin, House Sparrows and Blackbirds.  Turning up towards my usual parking area I also noted a number of both Barn Swallows and House Martins.

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

Once parked I took the track through the olive grove parallel to the road and immediately had a couple of Wood Pigeon fly past along with a few Crested Lark sightings and more Blackbirds.  Overhead a good number of Common Swifts were feeding low in the sky and once within sight of the old ruin on top of the hill I noticed the sentinel Little Owl.

Little Owl Athene noctua

Moving down to the spring and neighbouring green cover I could hear a couple of Reed Warblers and a Collared Dove was drinking from the spring.  The wire over the road held a Great Tit as I crossed to take my circular walk around the main dehesa.  Almost immediately a Booted Eagle was not that high above the ruin in front of me and a couple of Spotless Starlings few my way.  At the bottom of the slope I stopped to observe a bird below a dense tree with bare branches at the bottom near the ground.  Such a bright yellow upper breast above the white and the whole bird had a glossy look about it in addition to the vivid face markings; my first Wood Warbler of the year.  Continuing on a constant calling of the local Chaffinches and in a rough area to my right a very large charm of feeding Goldfinches plus a few Serin and Crested Larks as I took notice of the gathering Bee-eaters. 

A small selection of the Bee-eaters Merops apiaster

To my right a couple of Sardinian Warblers and a first Woodchat Shrike of the morning.  Once down the bank and making my way round the model aeroplane runway, lots more Crested Larks and passing Bee-eaters but also a another handful of Woodchat Shrike.  Finally, across the road and along the last stretch over the relatively open field where I saw my last species of the morning, three squawking Monk Parakeets, and more Barn Swallows, House Martins and Common Swifts.

Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator

Birds seen:

Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Little Owl, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Wood Warbler, Great Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch.

Could this possibly be a pair of newly-fledged House Sparrows Passer domesticus?

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

Velez de Benaudalla

Sunday 2 May

A beautiful clear, warm and sunny start to the day as I set off for the Charca de Suarez on the western outskirts of Motril with "swarms" of pallid Swifts over the nearby apartment blocks to see me safely on my way.  A truly wonderful site that has been out of bounds until yesterday when the provincial border closure was lifted so, naturally I was very much looking forward to see how the site has changed since my last visit in mid-January.  With restrictive access during the breeding season no need to rush of early as the gates would not be unlocked until 10 o'clock.  Passing through "Turtle Dove Alley" all seemed very quiet with just the one Woodchat Shrike and a handful of passing Spotless Starlings. Exiting at the rear of the site the occasional Blackbird to add to the Wood Pigeon noted before entering the alley and scores of House Martins making use of the traditional nesting colony on the concrete wall.  A lone White Wagtail foraging on the road and then round the front to the main entrance.  

Waiting the five minutes for the gate to be opened I noted a couple of Collared Doves and then we were in.  But hold your horses, not so fast!  A new warden that I did not recognised called me back to check that my name was on his list and this point it became clear that admission arrangements had changed during lockdown.  Now you had to make a previous appointment to attend and as I had not, no excuses or simply signing the list with my details, I was expelled from the site.  So, if thinking of just turning up as used to be the case then one needs to think again and make the necessary phone call!

What to do?  A drive back to Turtle Dove Alley and explore a little of the abandoned ground just beyond the turning revealed Common Swifts, House Sparrows and Red-rumped Swallows plus a passing Lesser Black-backed Gull and a a very small charm of Goldfinch.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

No point hanging around and as I was already in the area I drive up to Velez de Benaudalla and entered the picnic track rom the south.  Immediately I left the main road a couple of Barn Swallows and then stopping within less than a hundred metres I got out to search the trees for the Golden Oriole I could calling.  Very difficult but I did manage the occasional glimpse before two males flew over the adjacent river into the trees in front of me before continuing on slightly upstream.  What a wonderful sight and I was to hear at least two more individuals as I made my way up and beyond the the actual picnic area.  On the opposite side of the track a pair of Grey Wagtails were noted and the males looking particularly handsome.

Moving on the continuous calling of Chaffinches and the occasional Blackbird.  A pair of Mallard took flight from the river and then a beautiful male Serin resting on a branch immediately in front of me.  Add on a noisy Cetti's Warbler and a Nightingale at the far end of the track and it just about completed my morning before an early return to Mezquitilla.  However, taken the coastal road from La Herredura and a diversion to Cerro Gordo I did not find a White-rumped Swift but did manage to get the camera out in time to capture a shot of the magnificent male Ibex feeding alongside the road with not a care in the world.

Male Ibix Capra Pyrenaica

Birds seen:

Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch.

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