Last day of the month at the River Velez, Torre del Mar

Well, after the overnight rain we now have snow on the surrounding mountains. But the sun is starting to shine so down to the Rio Velez to see what might be about on the last day of the month.

All pretty much as usual with both Egrets, Heron, Cormorant and Mallard. Near the road bridge at least 8 Black-winged Stilts, Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Grey and White Wagtail. As I walked away from the pumping stations to look at the neighbouring tracks I was able to record Stonechat, Black Redstart, lots of Robins and Blackbirds plus Meadow Pipit, Serrin, Goldfinch and Crested Lark. But the real sightings were of a Skylark, a lone Greylag Goose that had decided to take a rest (bit chancy as he could end up in someone's cooking pot looking at some of the dubious characters wandering about!) and, whilst photographing the latter, a female Reed Bunting decided to come and perch on the branch right in front of me - but not long enough to let me re-focus. As far as the gulls were concerned, just relatively small numbers of Black-headed and Yellow-legged.

Well Stone me, was that a Curlew or a Little B'stard?

Having seen from the local forecast that yesterday was likely to be not only sunny but the best day this week, Jenny and I set off for Fuente de Piedra do do a little recce in readiness for next Tuesday's visit. A good long day that let us enjoy a menu, visit the Laguna Dulce (the only thing "sweet" about this lake is that ever since I have been here there has been "sweet fa water in the lake!) and take in a little shopping on the return trip in Antequerra, which also seems to have the cheapest fuel in the area (diesel at 90.7 and petrol at 83.7).

But first, a little update on the last entry. Having now seen the photos, cropped and enlarged, etc I can confirm that it definitely was a Wheatear seen in Zafarray. Evidently, friend Andy Paterson says they have been regularly recorded/caught for ringing as late as early December. However, Andy has just emailed me back to ask, having seen the photo, if I have any other views as there is now a possibility that it might be a very rare visiting Dessert Wheatear rather than our "common" Northern Wheatear. What with the Common Scoter at the beginning of the month, I don't think my little heart can take any more excitement!

And so to Fuente de Piedra. Loads and loads of gulls representing the Black-headed, Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed variety, a few Lapwing, good numbers of Ringed and Kentish Plover plus Shoveler and Little Grebe on the small pool and a single White-headed Duck. Moorhens, Coots and rabbits to be seen everywhere. Meadow Pipits, White Wagtails, Black Redstarts, Stonechats and Corn Buntings plus later a mixed flock of Serin and Linnets. back on the main water, to the far left, we were ale to see a good number of Flamingo, all reflecting pink, and probably totalling about 300.

Then, before lunch, we took a drive down the town (norther?) side of the main water. Stopping when we found a suitable plough field, which also coincided with three Cranes flying over, we were able to get good views of both Cranes and Stone Curlews. Whilst there a large flock (?) of Little Bustards flew over and settle on the other side of the road but, unfortunately, not only in the light of the sun but behind a small bank next to an olive tree plantation. Before returning for lunch, we also saw a good number of feeding Lapwing accompanied by many more White Wagtails, Spotless Starlings and a few Black Redstarts.

Lunch was very satisfactory at 17€ for two and Jenny had also had a coffee; paella followed by a fish selection (boquerones) whereas I opted for the Spanish Omelet and roast chicken. The stop at the mirador on the southern side seemed, at first, very disappointing; no feeding Cranes in the fields behind but hundreds of gulls on the water in front. Then a closer study revealed that the Cranes were resting at the far end of the lake; certainly at least a hundred or more. A glimpse of white brought our attention back to the long grass below and we were then observing a magnificent male Hen Harrier quartering a very small area. Indeed, at one point it came down to be met by a female Hen Harrier, almost certainly a "nesting" pair as the former the took off again and it was the last we saw of the female. The photograph, taken from so far away, does not do justice to the bird.

However, not to be outdone, Jenny referred to the large white and black birds on the edge of the water just beyond where we had been/were still watching the Hen Harrier. Surely, juvenile Flamingos but no, on closer inspection, three White Storks! Enlarging the photograph to silly (and fuzzy) proportions suggests that there may well have been four individuals. Again, I am indebted to Andy who informs me that Malaga Province holds four breeding pairs of White Storks and that the birds migrate very early but are also back early, often by December.

Still warm on our backs but the temperature was now beginning to drop from its (car exterior) high of 24C as we headed off to Campillos and the Lagunda Dulce. However, no sooner had we turned away from the lake than we were distracted by group after group of Cranes flying over the road in front of us! Once more a relatively sudden stop to see where they were all gathering. I gave up after counting to about 300 and reached for the camera. Meanwhile, Jenny continued counting and our final estimate was well in excess of 500 birds. But why do they all line up in a straight line? It was like some medieval army about to march forward and attack us - 'nough said!

On arrival at the dried-up lake, where were the Little Bustards? A lot of scoping eventually found the birds in the far distance ding on what looked like young green shoots of whatever. By my count, probably at least 40 if not 50 birds. And happily sitting on top of a tree in the direct line of sight was a beautiful Southern Grey Shrike. Not a bad way to end the day, or so we thought as we set off to do the shopping and fill up with fuel in Antequerra.

After 4.30 pm and we decided, for a change, to come off the motorway above Antiquerra and take the mountain road to Colmenar. Here we were greeted by little men in red climbing up the sheer rock face whilst a pair of Choughs wheeled above them letting those below know, in no uncertain terms, that this was their territory, so clear off! A very promising area so I must make a point of re-travelling this road at a more suitable time of day.

All in all, a great day's birding.

Tits at last!

Well, it was sunny when I set out and up the mountain track from Alcucin to the top and home via Zafarraya and the old railway track at the Ventas de Zafarraya, even if the car was registering an outside temperature of 3C!!!! On the other hand, better out in the fresh air than waiting inddors for the promised rain.

My first stop was at the lower picnic area and already success. The single bird perched at the top was a Crossbill and more appeared as I looked around plus a good number of Chaffinches. The usual Robins, Blackbird, Stonechat, Black Redstarts and Chiffchaff and then, at last, a feeding Cole Tit closely followed by a group of about ten Long-tailed Tits. To round off the stay, a pair of Rock Buntings probing here and there.

Just before the end of the track I saw not one but two Jays. Then on along the road to the "manure pile" where a good number of Thekla Larks and White Wagtails were feeding plus a couple of Tree Pipits. Yes, I had to have another really good look and got a view of the short hind claw. Rather than straight back, I took the farm road towards the village of Zafarray and then stopped to see what all the fuss was about ion a relatively recently ploughed and harrowed field. Not just Wagtails and Theklas but Meadow Pipits, Stonechat, Black Redstart and at least a dozen Mistle Thrush. The colouring of the thrushes was such that, just for an exciting moment, I thought I had hit upon a mixed flock including Fieldfares - but it was not to be. However, there was one very "strange" bird which I hope will be in focus when I check the camera. Not quite right for a male Black Redstart and the way it held itself I would have said Northern Wheatear. But what would such a bird be doing here at this time of the year? As soon as I have finished this work and published I will be down to play with the camera to see if the photo can shed any light on the subject.

Finally, having already received a phone call to enquire as to my whereabouts given that the lady wife had dished (or should that be "ditched" in my case?) up lunch, I made a quick call in at the old railway track and, by jove, it was bloomin' cold up there! No Choughs or Blue Rock Thrushes but Black Wheatear, Crag Martins, Stonecats and Black Redstarts.

Lunch was eaten warm in a cool climate!

Good one Eric re your visit to the Velez yesterday. I went down on Monday and saw much of the same taking the same watch and wait tactics. I spent ages hoping to see the Pendulines but without success but, on the other hand, I did manage to cross the shore in front of the river - judging my run between the waves! What is the attraction to some very weird types that get down there, not to mention the old men (and I mean some very old and odd men) who like to do a little naked sun tanning and walk-about to cool off?

More on the Red-knobbed Coot

John Wainwright, who was with me when we saw the above bird on Sunday, emailed me the following message this morning plus his photo.

"With ref to the "Coot" anything is possible in these days of politics (or is it subterfuge?). I was down at the Pantaneta again today (Tuesday) and got some very good pictures (one attached). The bird was feeding well, still being chivied by other Coots and it too was doing some chivying of its own. Jenny even videoed it diving and feeding 20m out from the reeds. Personally, I hope that it survives. I will go down once a week to check on it. If it is a "plant", I hope that it is left to its own designs, and not re-sited."

I quite agree, John. Unless the bird has had a wing "clipped" (no visible sign when looking at the bird) then, presumably, it will decided for itself whether to remain and fly off and find some of its own kind.

Rio Velez again

Yesterday I had a little spare time before going to my fortnightly Probus club lunch and decided to stop off at Rio Velez to see if there was anything new. As usual there was lots of disturbance from field workers and rather strange individuals who seem to frequent that area and lots of other rubbish in the river bed.

At first sight there never seems to be much birdlife but standing around for a while produces all the birds that Bob has mentioned in other posts. For instance, I was by the top pool next to the bridge with little other than the pigeons, White wagtail, Serin, Goldfinch and Moorhen when I eventually spotted a Snipe sunning itself by a rock - shortly followed by two other Snipe feeding in the mud only yards from where I stood - where had they appeared from? - but the three have been in the same spot for some weeks now. And following a couple of Mallard up the stream came a pair of Teal which dabbled away with the Snipe equally unconcerned by my presence.

Similarly, down by the pumping station not much to be seen for some time until a pair of Penduline Tits decided to attack the seed heads of the reeds opposite.

All things considered the visit was a worthwhile detour before lunch.

More on the Red-knobbed Coot

This is a brief extra on the bird in the Pantaneta de Alhama de Granada. I commented on this bird to a friend in Granada, and here is the gist of how it comes to there.

I thought the Pantaneta at Alhama was an odd place for a Red-knobbed What's-it when Bob first mentioned it and it appears there are murky circumstances surrounding its appearance.

It appears that the bird suddenly appeared at the beginning of October at the time of International Birds' Day of BirdLife International. The belief is that it was caught from somewhere else (Almería?) and released to impress the new delegate of Dept. Environment as it wasn't there in the morning of the day when first reported and had suddenly appeared by the afternoon, coinciding neatly with the new delegate.

There had been requests from conservation organisations in Granada province to have reintroductions at one or two places in Granada but the Pantaneta was NOT on the the list of places as the place is no good for them, too shallow, not the weed growth, heavy sedimentation and a large etc.. All these requests had always been denied by Environment and then suddenly, hey presto! - a Red-knobbed Coot is present.

Regrettably there are no known photos of its release there. According to my informant- and I fully agree with him - it should be caught and transported back whence it came.

Poor bloody bird. Another political victim!

Beautiful Bramblings and a Colouful Coot

Yesterday morning, Sunday, I decided to take a ride up to the Ventas de Zafarraya to see what was about and, specifically, to explore the woods just beyond the growing fields where I can usually guarantee on seeing Azure-winged Magpies. Very cold once on the top at the pass, about 11 o'clock, and nothing to be seen from the old railway track.

So, on to the woods on the left and follow the track all the way down. Not only no magpies but, apart from loads of Robins, only a solitary Great and Blue Tit plus a few Chaffinches. No Crested Tits, no Coal Tits, no Long-tailed Tits and no Firecrests. Back to main road and try the track on the other, right-hand side. Again, plenty of Robins and more Chaffinches plus a pair of feeding Mistle Thrushes. Using the scope to look at the last on the "grassy area" below, I was able to pick out a small flock of Bramblings accompanied by some of the Chaffinches. A mixed group but the male Bramblings were still showing most of their summer plumage around the head.

What to do next? I carried on along the main road but no sign of the magpies so ventured off to the right at the bottom of the hill if only to see where the road would lead; I had previously seen vehicles so assumed that there might be a parallel farm road. No sooner round the corner and there was a Song Thrush having a leisurely rest on the high electricity cable. All right for some!

The road, rather than returning to my normal route, took me onto the Loja road out of Alhama de Granada so, as I was in Alhama anyway, I decided to call in on the small pool above the village and, as they say, the rest is history! No Red-crested Pochard this time but lots of Common Pochard, Coots, Little Grebes, a Cormorant and White Wagtails. But where was this illusive Red-knobbed Coot that I had read about last week - and still carrying his knobs if you will pardon the expression? We looked everywhere, all over the lake, inspecting individual Coots on the off-chance that we would find something different.

And there it was, right in front of us all along , not ten metres away. It paddled out of the reeds right in front of the hide, gave us a good photo opportunity and then paddled back. Within seconds cameras and telescopes were being removed from the cars and, like a well-trained exhibit, out he/she came again for further confirmation. In the end I must have taken twenty or more shots so I will have to find a way of displaying them on the web. The photos show the Coot from front, side and rear so that you can use the knob identifiers plus the bluish tint to the bill (Common Coot has more of a pinkish tint) and the rear-end-heavy side profile. It is also possible to distinguish the different size and shape of the white frontal plate, squared rather than rounded like the Common Coot. Finally, I quite like the photo with the tail feathers blowing giving the bird a somewhat crazy look!


One final word from Andy Paterson. Evidently there has been a reintroduction programme of Red-knobbed Coots in this part of Spain with the individuals concerned wearing white dog collars with an alpha-numeric code. However, there is no sign of a collar on the individual shown and we certainly saw no sign of human intervention on the bird during our observations. So, perhaps this is a genuine example who quite fancied a late autumn break on the edge of the Axarquia!




Taking the opportunity to visit the River Velez in Torre del Mar this morning whilst the lady wife was on a shopping spree was, after yesterday, something of an anti-climax. Three Snipe, Cattle Egret, Heron, Common Sandpiper, lots of Robins and Black Redstarts plus Hoopoe, Zitting Cisticola, Grey and White Wagtails and a range of other small birds and gulls hardly bears comparison. But, on the other hand, at least I was out in the sun before the clouds descended and the wind picked up to give a thoroughly cold and blustery afternoon.

Go east to see the best Tits in the area!

It would appear, according to Eric, that we need to be heading east to the hills around Competa if we want to see a good variety of Tits. Not content with Great, Blue, Long-tailed and Coal, Eric is now taking Crested Tits for granted along with their playmates the Firecrest.

His latest walk yesterday up towards the Puerta de Collado (also named Col de Collado) in the area of Casa de la Mina revealed within 20 metres a pine tree full of Coal Tits and Firecrests with a handful of Crested Tits and a Short-toed Treecreeper; and all this within a range 5 - 10 metres. Following a long view of a Dartford Warbler, the birds were suddenly everywhere along the track and numbered at least 12 in a very short period of time. Who now needs to know about the Serins in fantastic clean plumage? But where were the Siskins?

So, if you want to see loads of Tits and Dartford Warblers with no end of Firecrests thrown in for good measure, then it looks as if you will have to head up to the Sierra Tejeda!

A Glorious Golden Eagle

Thursday

First, thanks Andy for your update on both the Richard's Pipit and Common Scoter down at the Guadalhorce. Much appreciated.

It's not only eclipse plumage and some females ('er indoors excluded!) than can, at times , give one some identification problems. The juvenile of the species is not without causing more than a little upset at times. Also, it goes to show that you should never complain about being messed about by Seviana Endesa which results in a detour to Motril from Salobrena on one's way to Velez de Benaudalla. Having, we thought, wasted an hour or more we eventually took the mountain road back to our apartment in the latter and just after we had passed under the new motorway got the shock of our lives. There, right in front of us, just above eye-level and no more than about 60 metres off the ground was a very large raptor slowly turning on a thermal but without rising.

It was a case of a very quick look in the mirror, slam the brakes on (thank goodness most people use the fast coast road) and shout for the camera whilst trying to watch the bird, get the car as far off the road as possible and rapidly think about what to do next. Unfortunately, I had been on an inland photographic exercise the previous day and so the camera had been left set to "Raw" rather than ".jpeg" which requires a longer period to re-set, even using a high speed 4GB card. I did manage, I though, to get one emergency photo through the windscreen before getting out of the car. But by the now the bird was moving off so just one last, hurried, chance of a picture.

What was the raptor? At the time one is busy saying out loud what you are looking at and trying to think of all the possibilities. A very large "bright" brown bird with some hints of gold/yellow but also a lot of white on both wings, rather like the "eyes" that one might see on a Buzzard. But the bird was too big so what about about a Red Kite? No way, no forked tail but on looking it was clearly a squared tail, reasonably long and with a distinctive black edge. The wings were well spread at the end and held in a shallow "v" shape. I was thinking Golden Eagle but not quite right, my wife was suggesting Spanish Imperial but, again, not right. Resorting to the in-car Guide, there was the bird, a juvenile Golden Eagle where the bird still has considerable white on the the body rather then the grey that comes the second year. Indeed, whilst the illustration showed a "coma-like" pattern of white on the wings, the description does state that there are many variations to these white markings and that they have nothing to do with age. So why did my individual opt for the roundish eye-like pattern? Just trying to catch me out, that's why!

The result on later checking the camera showed that the first shot had a lovely view of glass but little else and the bird was quite small in the second and final shot. However, enlarging on the picture on the camera most clearly showed all the identifiers that one could wish to see.

What a sight and who knows whether I will ever be so close again. Carrying on later to the Charca de Suarez was all quite a let down; thirty species recorded including Kingfisher, Purple Swamphen, Gadwall, Garganey and Pintail, over 60 Cattle Egret and almost as many Grey Herons with Tree Sparrow, Black Redstart and Grey Wagtail as I walked back to the car. But none of them can compare to an unexpected large raptor that seems to be almost flying into your car!

Richard's Pipit and Common Scoter at the Guadalhorce

I am adding a bit to Bob's last blog where he mentions these two species, this being written from Madrid where it was damned cold first thing this morning with frost on my daughter's car after being awoken at first light by what sounded very much like a small flock of Cranes flying over - something which is not impossible.

A Richard's Pipit has wintered at the Guadalhorce for at least the past three winters. If it is around, and it does move around a lot, it is in the general area just before the seawatch mirador at the end of the eastern arm, between the path and the old river. It's rather bigger bird than the Meadow Pipits which are now around but is extremely flighty and as soon as it detects anyone looking at from less than 100m , the thing is off and it doesn't stop and is often away for considerable periods of time.

The female Common Scoter on the big pond is also a flighty bird to see and I'm still not sure if it shoves off to the sea for a bit of salt water experience, which is where it should be, although in the UK there are plenty of records of this sp. on inland waters and during the migration periods birds cross the Pennines between the Humber (where I have seen flocks going upstream well past Hull in the evening just befiore sunset in years long gone by) and the Mersey, usually at night, following the river systems. The interest in it down at the Guadalhorce is that usually one sees the Common Scoters at considerable range, often diving and usually bobbing up and down on the waves as distant blobs, whereas this bird, if she isn't being shy, gives very good views.

Covey and Conspiracy on same day!

Down to the local Health Centre this morning to have a blood sample taken and on the way back literally stopped in my tracks on the track! A covey of 9 Red-legged partridge gently wandering up the mountain with me following in the car no more than two metres behind. Did I have a camera with me? Of course I didn't! The birds continued in the same fashion for another fifty metres before finally reaching the bend with open access to the valley and away they flew. Just goes to show that not all the birds weer shot last week-end when "World War 3" seemed to break out around our mountain home.

Then, late morning whilst repainting the front wall, an horrendous mewing and calling from above. On looking up both Jenny and I had very close views of the wheeling and reeling conspiracy of 7 Ravens. Maybe the same party of seven that we saw a couple of months ago, who knows?

Great fun trying to put collective nouns to individual birds, such as "Covey" and "Conspiracy". Thanks to a Google search on "birds + collective nouns" which gave some good sites.

Sunny Sunday Surprise!

Off to Malaga to collect the wife at 1.30 pm so departed house at 9 o'clock to call in at both Montes de Malaga and Guadalhorce on way. Well, I did say it was sunny!

The former site produced very little save Great Tit, lots of Blackbirds and Robins, a Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff and a Firecrest. But best of all, wait for it, a magnificent view of a Hawfinch right above me an in full sunlight. What to do; keep watching or take out the camera? I kept watching and then the bird moved over the path to another tree where, yes, you're ahead of me, he/she was joined by another Hawfinch. Made the journey worthwhile if nothing else was seen. Fortunately, as I left just before eleven the public was starting to arrive for picnics and litter-spreading.

On reaching the Guadalhorce I was greeted with Andy's bad news that some idiot on a bike, heads down and wrapped up in his music, had run into his tripod. Tripod completely wrecked and scope badly damaged but latter might be saved with emergency treatment - but has to be sent to Germany for repairs. And I then proceeded to see what a venue the site is for the locals; all the family out riding their bikes, dogs for walks and not one seen on a lead, music blaring away. Even teenagers on mobiles; if they need to shout to make their voice reach the receiver, why don't they simply just buy a bigger phone? Still, at their age it is important that they let their friends know that they have now turned the corner and will be at the next bend in two minutes time! It's as bad as train travellers telling the other half where they are and always when they are in a tunnel so that they have to shout and let the rest of the world know.

That off my chest, what about the birds? I was only able to stay for about an hour but the water level seems to be slightly down so, hopefully, more waders on the way. No sign of the Flamingos or Spoonbills but still Black-necked Grebes plus Gadwall and Teals. Even a pair of Black-winged Stilts but no Avocets yet. Earlier in the day, both Penduline Tit and Richard's Pipit had been seen. It can't all be bad though as the Osprey was in his usual tree and a March Harrier was floating around. However, when with a large group of local birdwatchers in the main hide, it was interesting/amusing to hear them enquiring after the Common Scoter - first seen by us on 4 November. Seems as if the word has got around and now everybody wants a piece of the action!

Fair enough, but I want to see the Richard's Pipit! Bigger than a Meadow Pipit and brighter/lighter below if you get to Malaga before me.

Chuffin' Choughs!

A lovely ride up to the "other" Canillas via Sayalonga and back over the mountains to the Venta de Zafarraya. Not a lot to see at the former other than"Billy Goat Gruff" but on returning from seeing about a dozen Azure-winged Magpies at the usual site, I took the opportunity to see what was about at the latter.

Meadow Pipit, Thekla Lark, lots of White Wagtails, Crag Martins, Black Redstart and Stonechat and then the real joys; a single Black Wheatear and at least 15 Choughs coming home (noisily!) to roost after a busty day's feeding.

So, still no Crested Tit to photograph. I will just have to try again and hope something shows up in the Montes de Malaga on Sunday morning along with a Firecrest or two.

Everybody's out birding!

The Guadalhorce would appear to be very popular at the moment. Carol informs me that husband, Patrick has been done yet again (not an inconsiderable journey from their home up in the mountains), friend Andy was down last Sunday and saw a small flock of Knot, feeding gannets, "our" Southern Shrike near the Seawatch Point and, probably best of all, a very, very late single Common Swift. My visit will have to wait until Sunday morning when I go to Malaga to collect the lady wife from an the early afternoon flight arrival.

Meanwhile, Eric Lyon has been busy beyond words! Despite coinciding with visiting parties of school children, Eric managed to record 43 species yesterday morning. Most had already been recorded on our visit of the 4th but, this time, Eric was able to also add 2 Spoonbill, 3 Black-winged Stilts and a Greenshank in the main pool, a Purple Swamphen at the back of the pool nearest the sports stadium and off-shore about 6 feeding/diving 6 Gannets followed by a couple of Stone Curlew just behind the shore fencing. It may be repetition but it is still great to see the Osprey again plus 2 Marsh Harriers, a Booted Eagle and at least 3 Kestrels, one of which was giving the Booted Eagle a good mobbing!

Nearer to home, Eric reports that his local walks in the hills around Canillas de Albaida and Sedella have produced 5 Black Wheatears, Rock Buntings, Crested and Coal Tits, Griffon Vultures and a Peregrine. The bonus was to have a Booted Eagle drift over his house. (I shall have to take a little drive that way on my way home from Torre later today and see what is about.)


At last; water in the River Velez!

Wednesday morning saw me down at the Velez in Torre del Mar. I should have known that I was in for a treat as son as I saw the Grey Wagtail on the road leading down to the river below the road bridge. Real, flowing water at last; and creating some good feeding ground for, hopefully, the waders to come. On arrival, a good number of feeding Mallard plus a pair of Black-winged Stilts. Good numbers of both Cattle and Little Egret, especially a little up river beyond the road bridge, where I also saw a couple of Hoopoe.

The downside of all the new water is that the river has broken through to the sea and so almost emptied the holding pool at the river mouth. However, it has re-created the sandbars and will provide more feeding opportunities. It did mean, though, that I could not cross to walk the other side of the river, short of stripping of the lower parts.

With things looking up I decided a visit to El Torcal was called for yesterday, Thursday, to check out the Griffon Vultures. Fortunately, I did see at least five individuals so no additional visit to El Chorro called for. But by gum it was cold! I don't know why I happened to look at the car's external temperature gauge - but I certainly wished that I had not when I saw the reading of 8C. Also present were Robins, Blackbirds, Goldfinches, Thekla Lark and Black Redstart. And sunning themselves on the flat rocks a good number of Ibex.

Then on to "Flamingoland" at Fuente de Piedra. Yes, there were plenty of Flamingos, hundreds of gulls (Black-headed, Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed) and a good number of Lapwing. But before all this I almost trod on a Bluethroat! On the back pool was a single White-headed Duck and 3 Garganey. Travelling round to the back of the lake to see if the Cranes had arrived I was not to be disappointed. At least eight feeding in the Fields on the inland side of the road. But then I had the good grace to take one last look through the scope before leaving and, yes, the Cranes are back in numbers. At least 100 feeding on the fields next to the lake which promises well for the weeks to come when, hopefully, we can expect the wintering flock to top the thousand mark.

Sorry that the photo is not too good; I am yet to master quick shots with the tele-adaptor fixed tot he front of the camera. Perhaps it is not supposed to work that way! Anyway, the picture below will give a flavour of what to expect when you see these magnificent birds in flight.

Birding Bonanza ! What birding bonanza?

I had the opportunity few a dew days away and was looking forward to a "bonanza of birds"; fat chance! On the whole, the three days were quite disappointing in terms of species seen, especially given the sites that I visited. Indeed, the Cato de Gaba was so quiet that I simply returned home early rather than stay overnight.

The trouble is that, perhaps, I was expecting too much and it is only on reflection that I can see the positives. At least the Cabo did confirm that all the Black-winged Stilts in the world have not been wiped out; even if there was only one small group of no more than ten individuals rather than the expected many tens. On the other hand, lots of Avocets, a good number of Flamingo and a sizable number of Kentish Plover. But wader numbers were very small with a few Redshank, a couple of Dunlin and precious little else. Yet there was plenty of exposed mud unlike the Guadalhorce of late.

That was Sunday afternoon. The morning and previous evening had seen me at the Charca de Suarez on the outskirts of Motril. Lots of Herons about but only individual Cattle and Little Egret rather than many. On the other hand, there were still loads of Coots (Are these birds making a take-over bid for the inland waters of Axarquia?), Little Grebe and Mallard.

Of the smaller birds, as you would expect very many Chiffchaff and White Wagtails, Robin and Blackbird but no sign of a Red Avadavit. I nearly forgot, a "tame" Kingfisher than seemed to spend ages flying around the pool and perching to give all the photographers a reasonable chance!

Yes, I did see Purple Swamphen. There were at least four individuals foraging about on the reed edge and hiding well in at least three Common Teal. However, the real gem was seeing a little group of three Marbled Teal in the company of a "stranger". Closer inspection, and use of Collins, confirmed that the birds were with a Pintail. On enlarging the photograph, I think I can safely say that were at least a pair. Indeed, if I find out how to produce a mirror image, then the group was an almost exact replica of the sketch in Collins' Guide showing Marbled Teal with Pintail.

The week-end had been lovely and sunny and continued the same as I returned home vis the mountains and Alhama de Granada. As I left Velez de BenaudallaI looked in on the new reservoir and, apart from the Cormorants, there was a pair of Great Cretsed Grebes. Good start, I thought, and making a stop in the middle-of-nowhere up in the mountains I also saw a beautiful Southern Grey Shrike. Too good to last. The little lake near Alhama produced nothing but the scores of Coots, a good number of Pochard but the Red-headed individual seems to have moved on. No Azure-winged Magpies as I drove through the woods and the reached the pass at Zafarray only to discover that the cloud had come down, so reducing visibility to less than 110 metres! But I could hear the Choughs calling so, perhaps, another visit before "Her indoors" returns at the week-end!

A read of Andy Paterson's blog earlier this afternoon confirms that the Common Scoter seen last Tuesday with the group from the Axarquia Bird Club/Group is still about but has now received permission to take up residence on the main pool.

Birding Bonanza for Bob on Way?

Having dropped wife off at the airport yesterday, I can look forward to a week's birding with no threats of shopping or chores! A start was made by spending the afternoon at the Guadalhorce before returning home and this afternoon I shall be off to Motril to visit the Suarez de Charco reserve. Weather looks good so will also be able to spend tomorrow morning at the same venue. This site has limited opening hours so it is make the most of it whilst you have the choice. By the time I leave I should be, hopefully, fed up with the site of Purple Swamphens and maybe even Red Avadavits. That would be nice as would the sight of returning Penduline Tits.

Monday, and maybe even Tuesday if the first day seems promising, should see me at the Cabo de Gata. Here the specimen species to find will be Trumpeter Finch and, no doubt, Black Wheatears in the hills near the lighthouse.

As some of you will already know by now, the ten Griffons seen on Thursday turned out to be nearer thirty. My neighbour on the other side of the mountain reported that he was able to pick out a paler bird which he assumed was a juvenile travelling with adults. I'll have to ask him a few questions when I next see him on the off-chance that the bird, if smaller, might well have been a Booted eagle.

As above, yesterday's visit to the Guadalhorce produced a good selection of birds but no sign of the Common Scoter seen on Tuesday, nor the Booted Eagle or Southern Great Grey Shrike. The Crag Martins were also missing but this was probably do to the recent warmer weather with the little midges much higher (or all eaten!) and the next hatch not yet completed. As Tuesday, no Black-winged Stilts to be seen so where are they feeding at the moment?

Not walking down to the sea watch hide and along the beach probably contributed to some missed birds but on the other hand an initial walk along the road bank to the sea exposed a great number of gulls including Lesser Black-backed, Yellow-legged, Black-headed and a small group of Mediterranean. Also, not too far out over the sea, a diving Gannet.

The island at the far side of the large pool produced a Spoonbill who joined the pair of Flamingos seen on Tuesday. Given the former's liking for the back of this island, the bird may have been there on Tuesday but well hidden from view.

Nearer home, John and Elaine Taylor report that recent sightings in Las Lomas, near Frigiliana have included Blue Rock Thrushes, Black Wheatear, Black Redstart and, more rare, Common Redstarts. Always good to know what others are seeing in the area.

More Griffon Vultures on the move

My neighbour reported to me that at least ten, probably twelve, Griffon Vultures were drifting over my house as I was, as it happens, typing out the report that you have just read!
Similarly, at about this time yesterday afternoon, about 5 pm, a lone Booted Eagle was rising from the grape field immediately behind their house, less than 200 metres away from here. Could this be the same individual that visited Carol just round the corner? If so, perhaps we should lock up the cats. On second thoughts, forget the last piece of advice!

Answer? Write less and spend more time looking up!

Those ruddy ducks !

After much debate, consultation and detailed checking, I can now confirm that we are all agreed that the pair of birds seen on Tuesday morning at the Guadalhorce were NOT Ruddy Ducks but Common Scoter. I'm happy as it is a first for me! So, one off the list but a different one back on still leaving a total of 46.

Bob

Axarquia Bird Club visit to Guadalhorce, Malaga

What a day; lovely weather after the heavy rain and storms with mainly blue skies, little cloud and pleasantly warm, all things considered. And great company as I was joined by eight others for a four-hour wander around the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve, only a few hundred metres from the end of the Malaga Airport runway, making full use of all four hides on the way plus a short stay at the "sea watch" point. Then back along the beach, past the main pool and so on to neighbouring San Jualian where we all partook of a very pleasant Menu del Dia before finally departing at about 4.30 pm.

In all a total of 46 species seen including, more most present, many firsts and, as was said, "...the sort of thing you see on television but not for real". Seeing a Booted eagle followed by Marsh Harrier immediately overhead then a resting Osprey enjoying a little self-grooming was only to be outdone on the return trip when the bird in question flew right over us with its lunch! Or was it a flying Fish with an Osprey resting on its back?

Lots and lots of Crag Martins and Chiffchaffs but then the first of the specials, a White-headed Duck quickly followed by Black-necked Grebes. Given no need to rush on we were able to pick out a solitary, very late Swallow feeding and resting at times, with the Crag Martins. probably poor parenting with his mother forgetting to tell him he should be heading south not playing with his new friends who are going nowhere special for the winter season! At the back of one of the nearer islands on the main lagoon a Flamingo was spotted which was accompanied by a juvenile. Again, lots and lots of Herons and Cormorants but only a single Little Egret.

What ruddy duck?

Continuing on round to the nest hide we were able to see Sardinian and Cetti's Warblers, Zitting Cisticola and even more Coots. But then the real problem. What was that pair of ruddy ducks feeding right in front of us. Much debate about Gadwall, already seen in the main pool, but finally, having photographed the bird and given it much thought, they had to be actual Ruddy Ducks in winter plumage. Just to confirm, I contacted friend Andy Paterson plus photos and back came the message, definitely NOT Ruddy Ducks but possible "lost" Common Scot er! And so this little mystery will continue a while longer as much pondering is undertaken!

Not to be outdone, before leaving the hide we were all able to see the flash of a magnificent Kingfisher as he flew straight down the pool with the sun on his back, Wonderful!

Reaching the sea were able to see a Sanderling and then close views of a feeding Sandwich Terns as they dived ("dove" in the States?) looking for lunch and, yet again, reminding us that we, too, had not eaten. Given how close to the shore the birds were feeding, I expected to see a rising tern with a bent beak!

All that is left now is to have a repeat day out so let's look forward to Tuesday 2 December when we will be visiting Fuente del Piedra to see the Flamingos, waders and, hopefully, newly-arrived Cranes.

Black-necked Grebe

Flamingo

Little Grebe

Full list of birds:
Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron,Flamingo, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Ruddy Duck (?), White-headed Duck, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Sanderling, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Kingfisher, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Southern Grey Shrike, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Zitting Cisticola, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.

Red Avadavats

What a day and night; non-stop rain and no way of seeing what it was really like outside through the thick cloud! Almost dry now but the promise of more rain for the next three days so keep your fingers crossed for the Guadalhorce visit on Tuesday.

Lots of activity down at the Rio Velez in Torre last week. I went down twice and I think Eric has moved into temporary accommodation amongst the reeds!

On Wednesday Eric was able to confirm his previous sighting of Red Avadavat with four more individuals flashing in and out of the reeds. Our river bed is the suggested original source for the Spanish colony of these small African birds and it is good, at last, to get some recent, definite sightings. Good on you, Eric!

I met up with Eric on Thursday morning, calm and sunny before the storm that was to hit us yesterday, but all was very quiet. Single Heron, Little Egret and Mallard, lots of Robins again but at least we saw a couple of Snipe before heading off home. Strange to say, on the way back to the mountain I passed a flock of Cattle Egret near Puente don Manuel the came across a pair of strutting Red-legged partridge within 200 metres of reaching home. Just goes to show that those damned shooters did not get everything - thank goodness!