Almeria Province including Cabo de Gata

Jenny having to attend a meeting in Mojacar re all the "illegal" builds in this part of the country (not just Andalucia) on Saturday, it seemed a good opportunity to see what was about on the Friday and visit Cabo de Gata for a little bird-watching on my own on the Saturday whilst she sat in the proverbial stuffy hotel conference room! So, we duly set off after breakfast calling in at both Torre del Mar and Torrox to do a little shopping on the way and had a picnic lunch on the beach south of Adra, before meeting the motorway. By the time lunch-time arrived, we had already seen a Hoopoe fly over the road plus Swift, Barn and Red-rumped Swallow, Blackbird, Collared Dove and Thekla Lark.

Seeing the closeness of some of the pools to the south of Edjico, we left the motorway to call in at the abandoned salinas close to Almerimar. Depart the blowing wind making it difficult to hold binoculars, nevermind camera, we did see about 20 Coot, Moorhen, a couple of Black-winged Stilt and 2 Little Terns hawking over the water accompanied by a number of House Martins plus a very laboured flight, against the wind, as a lone Bee-eater tried to make the short journey to the other side of the water.

In for a penny, in for a pound so we decided to drop down to the large lake at Las Norias. Well fenced so making it difficult to get top the water's side but, nevertheless, some lovely sightings. A lone Heron and a pair of Little Egrets plus a good number of Great Crested Grebes and, at the eastern end, a beautiful Black-necked Grebe in breeding plumage; such a lovely change from our normal eclipse sightings during the winter months in Malaga. Both Pochard and Red-crested Pochard were present (but no sight of a Red-nobbed Coot) and Sand Martins were feeding over the water. At least an hundred Coots present with chicks of various ages ranging from less than a fortnight to some probably approaching two months. A sole White-headed Duck plus a couple of Mallards and them, not having seen one all month, along came a flock of about 10 Cattle Egrets.

Returning to the motorway we continued on our merry way passing good numbers of Jackdaws and on arrival at the hotel a lone Greenfinch plus feeding Barn Swallows and Swifts plus a few Pallid Swifts.

Friday birds:
Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Mallard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Little Tern, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Pallid Swift, Swift, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and Jackdaw.

The idea was to leave the hotel for the approximate forty-fifty mile journey very early but then, on awakening, discovered that we had only ten minutes to get down before breakfast closed at 9 am. There must have been something in the air! Saturday proved to be a very hot day and much calmer as I set off for Cabo de Gata in what proved to be doing myself a great "tern" (every pun intended).
Driving south along the motorway, it was obvious that the litter collectors had made a great job of securely tying off their bags, much to the frustration of the ever-present Jackdaws! Add Blackbird, Spotless Satrling and Collared Dove and I was then at the first hide approaching Cabo de Gata. Straight away it was obvious that the water levels were low and that any birds resent would be further down the salinas and best seen for the hides off the coast road. However, it was rather pleasant to see a pair of Oystercatchers at the nearest water point.

With a Kestrel hovering overhead, the first hide conformed that the main sightings would be Flamingos and Avocets. On these front pools there must have been around an hundred of both species with a good number of the latter sitting on eggs on the sandbars. from the first hide I was able to watch about half a dozen Sandwich Terns feeding over the water, presumably driven inland by the tourist on the beach enjoying the sun and water, which, I must admit, did look very inviting. Also present were a couple of Black-winged Stilts but far more seen from the next two hides.

Very little to be seen form the middle hide other than Crested Larks as I approached, a couple of Mallards and Shelduck and a lone Ringed Plover. Most was to be seen from the last (public) hide - and I had it all to myself! Lots of Flamingo and Avocet plus a pair of Redshank right in front of me that were joined by a group of Kentish Plover. Not to be left out, a Blue-headed Wagtail dropped in on the beach to make sure that he was recorded with the other birds. Further out near the small island were a couple of Dunlin and the odd Sanderlings looking somewhat lost. but the real treat were the terns. Having spotted a number of Gull-billed Terns feeding in the area, I then "scoped" on the resting group only to discover that this last number were in fact Common Terns with their lovely black-tipped red beaks.

A ride up the mountain and along the narrow road to the top produced absolutely nothing - as in nothing at all - and only a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls at the lighthouse. So, on the return journey I took the opportunity to find the track that leads to the back of the salinas. Was it worth it? Not a bird to be seen until I cam across a tight flock of 30 Avocets near a fence - and then discovered that the latter hid another hide! Continuing along the track, which must be an absolute nightmare in wet times and definitely only passable in a 4 x 4, I reached the main road.

Jenny was being "brought to me" in a couple of hours with a change-over at junction 460 on the motorway, so time to see what was about on the river which I approached from the camp site. I had hardly turned off the road when I was greeted (by way of welcome?) by a rather magnificent Southern Grey Shrike perched on top of the first bush. The river produced both Moorhen and Coot, both with chicks, plus Black-winged Stilts, a lone Cattle Egret and Barn Swallows hawking over the water. The real joy came as I approached the large pool at the river's mouth, like our nearby Velez with no outlet to the sea. A good number of Black-headed Gulls but also a handful of Audouin's and, yes, Slender-billed Gulls. One good turn deserves another and I realised that I was watching at least six Black Terns feeding in front of me. Finally, resting and feeding on the far bank facing upstream, Kentish Plover a single Turnstone amongst the Coots.

Cabo de Gata area birds:
Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Flamingo,Mallard, Shelduck, Kesterel, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Dunlin, Sanderling, Turnstone, Moorhen, Coot, yellow-legged Gull, Audouin's Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Black Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Bee-eater, Swift, Crested Lark, Blue-headed Wagtail, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Southern Grey Shrike, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling and Jackdaw.

Breeding Colony of Alpine Swifts at Ventas de Zafarraya

Following my last comment, Eric took himself off up to the Zafarraya pass to check out the possibility for himself. It also gave him the possible opportunity to see his first of this species. As can be seen from his comment (published below) his observations would appear to concur with mine. All we want now are some superb photographs. On a lighter matter, if asked I would have suggested looking at the cave from the far ens of the old railway tunnel! Just goes to show the possibilities for anyone wanting to check this site for themselves.

Definitely nesting in the cave you can best see from the car park end of the tunnel. Today there were 20+ Alpine Swifts with much squawking from the cave. Super views of the few that soared out rather than the fast zigzags of the majority.

Alpine Swifts breeding at Zafarraya?

A lovely sunny start to the day and, rather than lie-in, the lady wife suggested an early morning trip up to Zafarraya which would enable her to call in at the La Vinuela Ayuntamiento on the way home. So, well before 9 o'clock we were off our mountain and up towards Zafarraya, seeing both Stonechat and Thekla Lark as we departed.

Greeted by Choughs as we walked up to the old railway tunnel the Black Wheatear put in an appearance as soon as Jenny started to make her way back to the car; always the way! Plenty of Crag Martins about plus the odd Barn Swallow and House Martin and later joined a pair of Red-rumped Swallow. Near the tunnel a small party of Rock Sparrow and then, as I exited the tunnel at the far end a most strange sight to my right below the cliff face, very near to the "false" cave. Was I seeing things? Most definitely not; right in front of me were as many as a dozen or so Alpine Swifts all appearing to be feeding in front of the cliff and disappearing inside the above cave. In the past I have been surprised to see an individual of this species but now I am wondering if there might be a small breding colony. Definitely a case of requiring a little more investigation. Meanwhile, a couple of Black Redstarts put in appearance just to let me know that they were still around.

As I have been recently informed, the "muck heap" is no more but there is still sufficient food to attract our larks, usually Thekla Lark. However, when the "suspicious" individual was mobbed by an arriving Thekla it soon became clear that I had been looking at a Short-toed Lark, which would explain the lack of an obvious crest and the pale, plain front. Continuing on towards the woods on the old road to Alhama de Granada, I can also confirm that the track to the "Brambling Field" is also fenced off, presumably due to the number of sheep now grazing this part of the land. But the track on the opposite side was still open and I was able to see both Chaffinch and Azure-winged Magpie plus a pair of Mistle Thrushes as we re-entered the main road.

The final part of the journey to Alhama was relatively uneventful but still produced the usual Corn Bunting numbers and a single (common) Magpie and then we were at the pantaneta. Lots of Coots with their young which are now almost full grown and a good number of Pochard. The largest family was a brood of five youngsters,little bundles of fluff that looked less than a week old. The only other resident was a single Little Grebe.

Re-parking at the start of the track leading to the Alhama gorge I had a walk down to the small footbridge. No Dipper but we did see both White and Grey Wagtail and a pair of very busy and noisy Wrens. By this time with the sighting of a Turtle Dove we had seen all three common doves; Turtle, Rock and Collared. Lots of Blackbirds chasing back and forward in what appeared to be a mixture of feeding young and preparing for a second brood. A Hoopoe floated (floated?) over and a good sight of a male Cirl Bunting.

A coffee stop was called for at Alhama as we started the return journey which gave me the chance to look over the gorge and see the feeding hirundines and Swifts plus a pair of Jackdaw. Finally, a singing Blue Tit on the electricity cable and it was back up our mountain to be greeted by our resident Woodchat Shrike awaiting our return; or at least, that is what it appeared to look like!

Birds for the day:
Little Grebe, Pochard, Moorhen, Coot, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Swift, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Thekla Lark, Short-toed Lark, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Wren, Stonechat, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Black Wheatear, Blue Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Spotless Starling, Magpie, Azure-winged Magpie, Chough and Jackdaw.

Axarquia Bird Group Visit to Guadalhorce, Malaga

What a gorgeous morning for this month's Bird Group visit to the ponds at the Guadalhorce, Malaga - if you forget the horrendous traffic crawl on the way in! The promise of beautiful weather was upheld, with the early morning mist and haze cover giving a little protection against the very warm sunshine.

So it was that I arrived at the river in time to greet my friends, totalling nine for this occasion including Javi from Velez Malaga, a friend of Mark who we will hopefully see on future occasions, and Felix, a young German gentleman currently undertaking "work experience" with a German language newspaper in Torrox. I was also pleased that Andy Paterson, dodgy knees and all, was able to join us along with regulars Eric and Pat, John Denny, Patricia, Ian and Mark.

I had already encountered Thekla Lark and Stonechat as I travelled down off my mountain which meant that my daily total fell two short of the half century. Maybe the others encountered at least four other species to make up their half century; no doubt I will hear about it in the coming days. The, waiting for the above arrivals, a passing Blackbird was eclipse by a departing Hoopoe from the neighbouring field along with a couple of Rock Doves, the usual "hordes" of House Martins and a handful of screaming Monk Parakeets. Then it was on to the river and across the bridge to the reserve, visiting first the hides on the far bank before returning to the main pond's hide.

The new footbridge seems to have been quickly adopted as both a nesting and resting place for the House Martins and, in addition, there were regular fly-pasts of both Barn and Red-rumped Swallow with a few Common Swifts putting on their usual rapid flight display. Very little on the river itself but as soon as we crossed the bridge it was evident that the Goldfinches had had a good breeding season, judging by the number of juvenile birds feeding below, plus sightings of a Sardinian Warbler, Greenfinch, Serins and a close sighting of a Spotted Flycatcher. Crested Lark seen from the path plus the calling of both Cetti's Warbler and Reed Warbler as we approached the first hide on the far bank.

Already plenty of evidence of young Black-winged Stilts as parents wheeled about the sky trying to distract us before taking a closer look at the birds themselves as they fed on the pools below. These birds may have had a good breeding season but, judging by the evidence, most had only the one chick; who or what had predated the rest of the broods? Also present were good numbers of Pochard and Mallard plus Coot and the occasional, very wary, Moorhen. Even a couple of White-headed Ducks although most were to be found on the main pool on the return journey.

The last hide overlooking the rapidly emptying pool and its exposed "islands" provided just about all of the morning's waders, save a couple of Sanderling on the beach to the east of the sea-watch and a single Redshank on the main pool. At least five Redshank and a similar number of Dunlin who were keeping company with a pair of very fine looking Curlew Sandpiper. All three small plovers were present, mainly Kentish Plover but also a couple of pairs of Little Ringed Plover and, finally, a Ringed Plover.


Whilst walking to the sea-watch we were "entertained " to a lone Flamingo being given a somewhat horrid time by a small gang of Black-headed Gulls and then, resting in the last pool, about a dozen Sandwich Tern. At the coast proper, other than both Ringed and Kentish Plover, the pair of Sanderlings already referred to (one in eclipse and the other in summer plumage - very good for identification purposes) the only other bird of note was a good sighting of a Zitting Cisitcola. On closer inspection on the return walk, this last pool also turned up a very splendid specimen of a most beautiful Slender-billed Gull plus at least one Audouin's Gull; well-worth the wait and the journey to Malaga itself. Within seconds of this sighting, we also spotted a lone Squacco Heron trying to "hide" in our usual "Osprey Tree" - but we saw him before he departed elsewhere! The bird looked good to us but, it would appear, was of no interest to the Kestrel perched in the neighbouring tree.

Back to the hide overlooking the "hidden lagoon" where we were able to see our resident pair of Gadwall taking their off-spring for a mid-morning swim. This after watching a handful of Bee-eaters with Mark able to capture a picture as he passed. Only the one Little Grebe and Moorhen but no sign of a Purple Swamphen. Arriving at the main pool we were greeted with good numbers of White-headed Duck, Pochard and Coot and, at last, a couple of Little Egrets and a single Grey Heron perched high in the one of the large trees at the back of the pond.

So it was that we made our way back o the cars at the end of a very good morning's birding with, unless anyone corrects me, a total of 48 species.

Next month's visit will be to the small pool at Alhama de Granada and a walk through the gorge to the town itself. All being well, we may still achieve the opportunity to see both Grey Wagtail and the special species for this area, the Dipper. Unless you hear otherwise, to meet the needs of two members who have other engagements and my fleeting return to the UK to check up on my aged mother, the date has been set for WEDNESDAY, 24 June. More details, as usual, will be emailed to all at least a week before the event. Hopefully, though, I may have chance to meet some of you before the next Group visit to undertake some additional bird-watching.

PHOTOGRAPHS:
(1) Mixed group of Black-winged Stilt, Curlew Sandpiper, Redshank and Dunlin (Bob Wright)
(2-4) Bee-Eaters, Black-winged Stilt family and Ringed Plover (Mark Metcalf)

Birds seen at the Guadalhorce, Malaga: Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Squacco Heron, Flamingo, Mallard, Gadwall, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little-ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Audouin's Gull, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Monk Parakeet, Swift, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackbird, Cetti's warbler, Reed warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Zitting Cisiticola, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting and Spotless Starling.

Back to Birding !

Saturday and a perfect day for being out in the countryside, the more-so as it was my brother-in-law's last day with us and I also needed to see whether or not I was up to walking. So, off to "Flamingoland" at Fuente del Piedra and then a circular route that took in the far viewing point, Laguna Dulce, the lakes above Ardiles and then down to Chilches for a swim in the sea (well, Jenny and Chris given my physical condition!) followed by a slight detour through the growing fields near the "Go-cart" centre as we approached Torre del Mar. What a day it turned out to be with a grand total of 48 species seen including loads of Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts and Avocets at Fuente, both Shrikes, Bee-eater and Chough on route to Ardiles and a pair of Hoopoes, Spotted Flycatcher and a lovely Tawny Pipit at the last stop in Torre. Indeed, rather than go home to change we even had an early dinner at Miguel's Bar to finish the day!

Given it was a Saturday, Fuente was surprisingly quiet when we arrived and we had a delightful visit. What a joy to see the young Avocet practising their skills, thousands of Flamingos, many at very close quarters, and all three small Plovers (Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish) plus a single Redshank and three Dunlin. Approaching at least sixty Gull-billed Terns plus a very small number of Black Terns also cheered us up as did the sight of a male Montagu's Harrier and single Southern Grey and Woodchat Shrikes. Finally, what could be more pleasant to see a Calandra Lark as left the water to be quickly followed by a pair of Bee-eaters on the road-side fence?

A single Chough as we approached Ardiles and then, on the top reservoir, a single Great Crested Grebe with a new "wild look" in hair fashion!

Having had the swim whilst I read my book, and noticed a pair of Sandwich Terns fishing immediately off shore, it was home via Torre del Mar. Not only did the growing fields turn up no end of Serin and Greenfinch plus a single feeding Spotted Flycatcher but, in the sandy ploughed fields in front of us a single Tawny Pipit. Lots of time to watch the bird before moving on only to be greeted by a pair of Hoopoes on the path. Funny to see one easily fly up to the top of the two-metre fence for a rest before continuing whilst his/her partner could not manage such "severe" heights and had to be content with resting on the path before deciding how best to continue the journey! As already mentioned, a final total of 48 species to round off a marvellous day - and I even managed to walk without too much discomfort.

Birds seen: Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Flamingo, Mallard, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, Montagu's Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed tern, Black Tern, Sandwich Tern, Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin,Bee-Eater, Hoopoe, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Tawny Pipit, Stonechat, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling and Chough.


Sunday and it was time to take Chris back to the airport at Malaga so what better way than to really push my luck than a practice walk down at the Guadalhorce! At the ponds by 11.30 and a very enjoyable couple of hours as Jenny and I made our way "cautiously" round the tracks between the four main hides. Having thought we had had a good morning, just like yesterday the real surprise, indeed bonus, came at the end when to our great delight we spied a beautiful Roller taking his rest in very good light and very exposed for a great photographic opportunity. And where was the camera? Like the telescope, at home on the basis that we did not think I would be up to a long enough stay to justify taking the additional weight. Isn't it always the way!

After the Sardinian Warbler, Serin and Blackbird introduction, it was to the main pool where we were delighted to see that the single Grey Plover was still in residence - and right under our proverbial noses along with a goodly number of Black-winged Stilts, Ringed and Kentish Plovers. On the water, we were in time to see the single Spoonbill "flip" over the water from the far side leaving the company of three Little Egrets on the sandbank. A small number of White-headed Ducks, Pochards and Coots plus a "motley" collection of Black-headed Gulls. Overhead, bar Sand Martin, all the insect-gatherers were busy feeding including Common and Pallid Swift, Barn and Red-rumped Swallow and House Martin, only to be regularly interrupted as the squawking Monk Parakeets moved backwards and forwards.

The second hide provided mainly White-headed Ducks and Pochards plus a single Moorhen and a couple of female Gadwall, always lovely to see, and singing Reed Warblers. With the water levels now beginning to recede, the last hide provided most of the waders including four Redshank and a similar number of Dunlin in addition to a good number of Black-winged Stilts, including a family with three very young chicks. Then the bonus; looking over towards the "Osprey tree", a single Roller sitting quite happily in a very exposed position and just begging to have his photograph taken. But no camera with me - again!

Having already seen Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Stonechat and Southern Grey Shrike on the way to Malaga and Woodchat Shrike on the return journey near our house, the final count for the morning came to a very respectable 39 species.

Birds seen: Little Egret, Spoonbill, Mallard, Gadwall, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Dunlin, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Roller, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.

Walking with Eric!

Lovely to hear from Eric who informs me that he has been very quiet on the birding front for the past week or so as he dutifully obeys orders and gets the jobs done! All was very quiet until late Monday afternoon when he took a walk up through the gorge above the caves of Maro. Possibly the last act of the condemned before setting off to Malaga airport to double the gentle gender in the house!

A titillating experience to titivate the day with lots of Tit nesting activity including several pairs of Long-tailed Tits, two pairs of Wrens and several pairs of Crested Tits, one with a nest in a pebble hole in the cliff face about fifteen feet above the track. Little else to be seen other than a speeding Sparrowhawk, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Chaffinch, etc - but a very pleasant walk all the same as those last minutes of solitude were appreciated!

Happy days, Eric!

Back home in Spain

What a fortnight! Emergency admission to Portsmouth hospital within twelve hours of touch down in Bournemouth followed by a week of misery and not really up to anything much. However, I did manage a quick visit to Rutland Water before returning to my Brother-in-law's house and our departure for Bilbao on the "Pride of same" last Wednesday. The outstanding bird at Rutland water followed my flippant comment to friend Ron that I had not seen a White-headed Duck; shades of Spain and all that. No sooner said than done; we had a close view of a Ruddy Duck and do the birds look familiar, especially the blue bill. No wonder the poor old lady White-headeds keep getting assaulted by those, literally, ruddy ducks!

We had a beautiful, calm crossing but very little activity out at sea. We did eventually see a small pod (?) of Dolphins and the birds were mainly Gannets, a flock of Cormorants, a possible Manx Shearwater early on the Thursday and, I think, a couple of quick sightings of a Petrel, variety unknown. We were also joined by a small flock of Barn Swallows looking as if they were searching for a roosting place late on Thursday.

And so to Spain with the first bird seen being a White Wagtail. The drive down through the country to the Tablas de Daimien near Ciudad Real through up Red-legged Partridge, Red and Black Kites, Griffon Vulture and Crow.

Arriving at the Tablas reserve by 6.30 pm we decided to walk the site immediately and then travel on home rather than stay overnight in the area, the moreso as rain was forecast for Saturday morning. What a lovely area this is and, although the water levels were very low, we had a great couple of hours. The reserve has established an "acclimatisation pool" with netting to all sides and overhead. Room enough for small birds to gain access but the ducks protected from potential enemies. Still, it did give a great photo opportunity as the birds were very close, even allowing for the low sun.

Outside, the Reed Warblers and Greater Reed Warblers were blasting away (one advantage of arriving late in the day) along with "hooping" Hoopoes and a lone White Stork.

The journey home was four hours away plus a stop to eat so getting Jenny out of bed at 1 o'clock Sunday morning. The last pleasant surprise was as we approached Alhama de Granada above the cemetery. Coming up to a road junction a Long-eared Owl upped from the field in front of us, complete with his supper, and drifted over the road not five meters in front of the car. Wonderful.

Saturday and Sunday were back to normal with sightings around the house of Barn Swallow, lots of Red-rumped Swallows, Swift, Woodchat Shrike, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Turtle Dove, Goldfinch and Serins, etc.

Whilst I thought that I might now be ready to "hit the road" again and get out and see all those birds that you have been experiencing both at Fuente and the river Velez, the pain problem returned last night and Jenny had to rush me down to Velez hospital at 2 o'clock this morning. Fortunately, only away for a couple of hours and now trying to catch up on sleep and get better. Keep taking the tablets and keep feeling lethargic and not wanting to do anything in a hurry! What a choice!

However, I am determined to be fit enough to join you all at the Guadalhorce ponds on 21st - even if I do appear to be walking with a limp!!!!

Birds seen on return journey - 9 May:
White Stork,Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Shelduck, Marbled Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Greylag Goose, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Black Kite, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Moorhen, Coot, Red-legged Partridge, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove,Short-toed Lark, Hoopoe, Thekla lark, White Wagtail, Long-eared Owl, Barn Swallow,Reed Warbler, Sedge Warblwer, Great Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling, Magpie and Crow

Bob

Late April at Guadalhorce

A little late in posting but here are some brief recollections of happy hours spent at Guadalhorce on 23 and 27 April.

On the earlier visit I saw 54 species including Gull-billed Terns wandering up and down the river and Sandwich Terns over the sea; a Purple Heron perched at the top of the dead tree near the middle hide; 5 or 6 Northern Wheatears on the gritty stuff near the sea lookout point; a single Whimbrel behind the beach; my first Spotted Flycatcher of the year; the single Greenshank that seems to have been around a while among loads of Redshank; and above the rear track the sky was full of Swifts, mainly common but quite a few definite Pallid Swifts joined by two Collared Pratincoles.

On the 27th the total was two better including much of the same but a greater quantity of waders. Gull-billed Terns were still around as was the Purple Heron and Purple Gallinule both on the intermediate pond. The waters at the back of the reserve were full of waders - large number of Dunlin and Redshank, the continuing Greenshank and selection of Ringed Plovers and Common Sandpipers, a handful of Whimbrel and Avocet, at least one Curlew Sandpiper and good views of an extremely smart Grey Plover, and a Godwit which was too far away to see clear identification points but the russet colouring seemed to extend toward the tail suggesting Bar-tailed Godwit - I must get a scope sometime. A small number of Collared Pratincoles were resting behind the beach and during the morning a loose flock of 20 or so floated overhead.

Closer to home in the campo a drinks party laid on the eye level flypast of a Booted Eagle followed by a Red-knecked Nightjar at throwing out time in the early hours. And a walk in the hills behind Canillas reacquainted me with common english species such as Blue Tit, Robin and Wren.

All in all some great birdwatching. With luck I will get to Fuente de Piedra to join in the fun ... but later this next week after the holiday crowds have gone ... hopefully.

1 May, Fuente de Piedra

In the continuing absence of our leader, just a brief note to point out that Fuente de Pîedra continues to be just as attractive.



If one arrives early, ie: before 09h which is before the masses start to arrive and NOT on Saturday or Sunday, although we are now in the season of school trips, Gawd help us!, stand on the walkway and wait. It is great. The two photos attached are to titillate your jaded appetites and there are others in my own blog.