Another three "Firsts" for the year!

Monday 29 March

It seemed like a great idea at the time! Take Jenny down to La Vinuela to catch the organised coach to Gibraltar at 7 o'clock and then go on to Alhama de Granada to see if I could find the Dippers. I duly arrive at the pantaneta by 7.30 to discover that it was both too dark to see anything and too cold and miserable to make birding enjoyable, never mind a pleasure. So, sit in the car for fifteen minutes and then venture to see what was on the lake. A few early Coots, a Little Grebe and about 15 Pochard swimming out from their overnight shelter in the reeds at the top end. A walk past the inn to the small spinney produced Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon (what a noise they make; anyone would think I was looking for something to put in the pot!), Blackbirds, naturally, Chaffinches, Greenfinches and a number of Blackcap. The n the first of the morning arrivals, a single Heron.

Leaving the car at the start of the track, I wrapped up warm, organised camera, folding seat and refreshments and set off down towards the gorge. A couple of White Wagtails to welcome me and a lovely singing Song Thrush. However, the water was still, I think, a little on the high side and certainly rushing down at speed. Not only was the water level up, the previous raging torrents had ripped out most of the vegetation so removing almost all of the cover, for both birds and self, and making it very difficult to access last year's site. So, no Dippers seen. But I did have the pleasure of Robin, Great Tit, loads of Spotless Starlings and, of course, the resident Jackdaws. Serins to greet me upon returning to the car where I then set off cross-country to El Robledal.

Strange, arriving by about 10.30 (9.30 only two days ago so certainly not late!), there was once again very little about. Yes, plenty of Jays and at least 3 Green Woodpeckers not to mention a single Barn Swallow. I eventually found, or they found me, the Nuthatches but, again, not as many as I would have expected. More Chaffinches and Greenfinches and the, from the back of the wood, that unmistakeable harbinger of spring, the call of the Cuckoo.

With time on my hands, I took Eric's advice and, upon leaving, headed up the track to the right (the continuation on the bend as you leave to enter the car park of El Robledal). Initially, all looked well and I had some beautiful panoramic views including snow-covered mountains in the distance. At the highest point as many as 30 Pallid Swifts were feeding as they, presumably, made their way north. However, on descending to the valley I discovered that the recent rains had both washed away the road and left an impassible lake. So, turn round, with difficulty, and make my back along the same route seeing Thekla Lark, a pair of male Cuckoos and a solitary Mistle Thrush on the way. Good job too, as the return journey on the original track brought my second newcomer (following the Cuckoo) of the year; a lovely male Pied Flycatcher. A very shy bird this individual so, presumably, it had only recently arrived in the area.

Before long I was back in the Ventas de Zafarraya so I made a quick visit to the "Muck Heap" to find only a handful of House Sparrows and single Thekla Lark and Blue-headed Wagtail (Iberiae). Next it was to the old railway track o confirm that their were plenty of Choughs about, all now very busy getting underway with the breeding cycle as were the pairs of Blue Rock Thrushes. Amazing, all this perfect habitat and you find four females squabbling over their preferred choice! Also present, plenty of Rock Buntings, a couple of Crag Martins, at least 3 Black Wheatears, Stonechats, my third new species of the year, a female Spectacled Warbler and a pair of Sardinian Warblers.

Then it was home whilst I was still awake and the hope that I might, just might, get a little Siesta before that dreaded phone call to inform me that "'er indoors" is back and waiting to be collected. However, just for a change, I drove the whole of the old railway track and so down to Periana. Apart from more Goldfinches, the only other bird of note was a party of about 5 Red-rumped Swallows high above Periana.


Photos (from top to bottom):
Jay Arrendajo Garrulous glandarius
Chough Chova Piquigualda Pyrrhorcorax graculus
Rock Bunting Escribano Montesino Emberiza cia
Black Wheatear Collalba Negra Oenanthe leucura


Birds seen: Little Grebe, Heron, Pochard, Coot, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo, Pallid Swift, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, White Wagtail, Blue-headed Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Nuthatch, Pied Flycatcher, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chafinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Rock Bunting, Spotless Starling, Chough and Jay.

"Flamingoland" well and truly lived up its name!

Friday 26 March 2010

The promise of pleasant weather and Jenny and I agreed to meet up with Andy Paterson for a visit to Fuente de Piedra and the Laguna Dulce. An early start to accommodate the road closure between Rio Giordo and Colmenar which necessitates the use of the old, back road (a road itself which is just about to fall apart) and we met up, in reverse order, at the Laguna Dulce just after 9 o'clock. Lovely sunny weather, hundred of Flamingos on the flooded pool and more and more "honking" as they were joined by two further flocks to make a total of something approaching 300 or more individuals. What a great start to the day but not so sure that this was the best way for Andy to spend his birthday with an old reprobate like me! On the other hand, the morning got better and better and the sight of at least 10 Garganey and a mixed flock of Yellow Wagtail, including at least three sub-species, surely made his day as well as mine. Of such little pleasures are we pensionistas content!
Before reaching the Laguna Dulce, we had the pleasure of seeing a pair of raven cross the road and then the "honking" background to hundreds of Flamingos. At the same time, on the water about 8 White-headed Duck, a lone Pochard and a couple of Coot. From overhead came a solitary Marsh Harrier whilst a Mallard out in an appearance at the rear of the lagoon. Whilst watching the latter, a pair of Black-necked Grebe in summer plumage drifted by. Finally, after the appearance of a couple of Shoveler (surely the "Duck of the Winter"), a group of five birds arrived from afar and we were seeing some beautiful Shelduck.

Next, it was off to Fuente de Piedra with a series of short stops on the way to the first at Mirador of Cantarranas. First a Buzzard, many Corn Buntings, Barn Swallows and a stop to look at the main flock at the end of the lake. A good selection of birds to be seen, especially Lapwing, but no Cranes now that these magnificent creatures have returned north, including both Redshank and Greenshank and so we moved on towards the main entrance. No sooner had we set off than we were stopping to watch a disappearing Short-toed Eagle, then displaying Corn Buntings, Thekla Larks and a pair of Woodchat Shrike.

With so many calling Gull-billed Terns overhead, a stop was made at the usually missed Mirador of La Vicaria. Where did all these terns come from? So much activity with the water right up to the shore line, something I have not ever seen before, that there was bound to be more to see. And indeed there was. Looking through and past the many Flamingos, a very large, tightly grouped flock of approaching 90 Avocets. The odd Yellow-legged Gull but, generally, good numbers of Black-headed Gulls. A handful of Heron plus good numbers of Black-winged Stilts. Meanwhile, above us, the Gull-billed Terns continued to stream back and forth between the water and a large "puddle" on the other side of the road accompanied by large numbers of Common Swift and Barn Swallows. Likewise, a single Cattle Egret decided to join in the fun and fly past.

Meanwhile, the centre of attraction was on the grass immediately in front of us. One thing seeing a small number of Yellow Wagtail but we were looking at a flock in excess of thirty. Certainly, the birds were mainly Blue-headed of the Spanish race (Motacilla flava iberiae) but also present was at least 2 individual s of the Central Europe race (Motacilla flava flava) plus many British birds (Motacilla flava flavissima). Wow! Similarly, whilst busily moving from one individual/group to the next I was able to see the feeding Meadow Pipits and a pair of breeding Stonechat busy searching for food for the chicks in the nest. With so much activity it was almost to leave the wagtails to make use of the observation post. Good job we did though, as not only were there Coots, Moorhens and Flamingos as above but I was able to see those secretive, fabulous little ducks, the Garganey, pop out from cover at the rear of a small section of well-protected water. With such wondereful memories we eventually set off for the main car park.

Again, masses of Flamingos which was to our advantage. It meant that most of the casual visitors were at the front of the new Information Centre whilst we went round to the small pool at the rear, confirming Chiffchaff and more Moorhens on the way. The water there is still very high but, at last, one can begin to see signs of the re-emerging islands. Aside from more Flamingos, there were a good number of Avocets, a few Shoveler and a lone Stone Curlew resting below one of the protected new trees in front of the hide. Above, more Common Swifts and Barn Swallows and then a couple of the smaller, paler Pallid Swift. Our return to the car park produced Greenfinches, Linnet, House Sparrow and Spotless Starlings and, as we reminisced in front of the small scrub area where we had seen both Bluethroat and Spanish Sparrow on our last visit, I suddenly realised that we actually looking at a fine Spanish Sparrow in the same tree! Meanwhile, the Kestrel was back on his usual roost and, at last, an appearance from a small number of House Martin.

So we bade our farewells to return home. For us it was via the scenic high to Colmenar, so missing out the motorway journey down to Casabermeja. Great as it resulted in the sight of a solitary Griffon Vulture drifting westwards over the peaks. A last minute decision saw yet another variation as we missed out Colmenar to enjoy the scenery and beauty of the even higher deviation that tok us the long way round to Rio Gordo via Alfenarte, etc. A truly memorable day's birding with almost 50 birds recorded; more if you the Yellow wagtail as three!

nged Stilt, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Blue-headed Wagtail, Woodchat Shrike, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling and Raven.

Motril and Almeria Province

Tuesday & Wednesday, 23 & 24 March

Up to check on the apartment in Velez de Benaudalla on Tuesday so what better excuse to do a little birding? So, it was "off East" to see what could be found. Nevermind birds, you see that damage and destruction that has been done to the Motril marshes. Gerry did hint that the marshes were being drained to try and get rid of some of the surplace water but to see the present result was absolutely appalling. Great rivers, nevermind streams, have been dug through what was a very promising birding area. Now there is almost no point in visiting prior to or after a visit to the Charca de Suarez. How long, I wonder, before some form of stability returns to this most promising site?
Enough griping, back to the birds. The above situation meant that I was at the Charca car park far earlier than expected and joined by Gerry Collins, who like me was expecting a 5 rather than 5.30 opening. However, Manola arrived early so we were both on site by 51.15 - and the only visitors of the evening. Should you be visiting in the next few months, be aware that the site from now until the end of the breeding season is only open for escorted visits; unless known, etc. The gates open at 5.30 every day and then close once the tours commence. There are additional tours at (I think) 10 am and 1.30 pm oat week-ends.
Whilst waiting for the gates to open I did have a range of sightings including White Wagtail, many Cattle Egrets (and even more by the end of the evening when at least 50+ were on the reserve for the nightly roost), Barn Swallow, Kestrel, Blackcap and Greenfinch. As usual, most of the activity was on the main pool and even a short visit to the eastern pond revealed nothing other than a Little Grebe, a couple of Coot, a White Wagtail and a pair of Mallard, albeit a single Black-winged Stilt did fly in.
Back on the main pool again, Moorhen numbers were up and accompany by a good number of Coot, a few Mallard and lots of Little Grebe. Up to a dozen Cormorant were using the water and about 5 pairs of Shoveler. Overhead, constant streams of Barn Swallow and Sand Martins and, near the end of the visit, the return of the local House Martins. The occasional "drop-in" of a few Black-headed Gulls and the odd Yellow-legged Gull gave a little variety whilst, around the edges, we had the constant calling of Cetti's Warblers and fidgety feeding movements of the Chiffchaff. Then again, all good things come to he who waits and we were rewarded by a very close sighting of a Blue-headed Wagtail before the local Marsh Harrier put in his regular appearance. Finally, at the end of our stay,we looked up to watch the arrival overhead and circling of the site before disappearing of a lovely group of 21 Night Herons. That an the mass movement of over 50 Cattle Egrets over the opposite reeds made quite a spectacular ending of our visit.

Wednesday saw me up and away along the non-motorway towards Adra and then arrival at Las Norias just before 10, about half an hour later than I had intended! First a good luck at the far end of the lake (pool, reservoir?) taking advantage, again, of the hole in the fence. What a range of birds and a good thing that I approached the water this way as, half and hour later, the workmen arrived at the same spot and all bird disappeared off towards the middle. No sooner at the water's edge and I was seeing many Great Crested Grebe , distant and flying Cormorants plus swarms of swifts, both Common Swift and Pallid Swift and hirrundines, almost exclusively Barn Swallow and Sand Martin with a good number of Crag Martins thrown in for good measure. Then the ducks became obvious including a pair of drake and a female Tufted Duck, many Shoveler and Pochard and the first of the White-headed Duck.

Back to the car and fifty metres later I was turning left at the plastic recycling plant and making my way to the short causeway over the link to the small eastern pool. Great views of the sheltered water on both sides of the road from the bridge, and without having to look through the chain-link fences. No sooner on the eastern side and a pair of very close Great Crested Grebes and a single Pochard but, against the far bank, at least 7 Red Crested Pochards and a pair of Mallard. On the other side a group of half a dozen White-headed Duck, more GC Grebes, the first of many gorgeous Black-necked Grebes in their summer plumage. Meanwhile, on the electricity poles at the back of the eastern pool, resting Yellow-legged Gulls and then a couple of Black-headed Gulls on the water. A walk along the track to the larger pool then produced more of the same plus a pair of Gadwall, a single Kestrel, Blackbird and Hoopoe in the neighbouring farmyard plus Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows. From the sheltered area to my right a single Little Egret took to the air accompanied by mush splashing of disturbed Moorhen.

Continuing along the road to the far corner I duly uncovered at least 3 individual Purple Swamphen plus another on nest. Above me the first of the Red-rumped Swallows and in the opposite field a Crested Lark and resting Woodchat Shrike.At this point I was joined by a trio of wandering Junta employees in their car. What a great way to spend tor working life, travelling around the rivers and waters checking the state of the Region's wildlife. Turns out, like everyone else in a Junta uniform, that they all knew Andy so, after much mutual discussion about where's and wherefores, we joined forces and headed off to Roquetas del Mar in search of the elusive Red-knobbed Coot. In this venture we were to be unsuccessful; the birds well-hid in the flooded and overgrown pools and, probably, sitting tight of eggs. An amazing amount of water here; even more fun driving across a lake with the knowledge (in the hope) that it really was no more than a foot deep! The gravelled area around the water was very well blessed with Black-winged Stilts and a very good number of Little Ringed Plover, the occasional Crested Lark, a Common Sandpiper and a feeding pair of Ruff. No sooner had I said my goodbyes to the Junta party tan a flight of 3 Spoonbill passed over whilst a solitary Greenshank landed on the nearby puddle to join the ruffs and plovers.

Time to start working my way back to Almerimar and the Chinese restaurant with its much-as -you-like buffet, if only I could find it again and the place was open at 2pm. (I did and it was!) Stopping at the access to the light-house proved how much water we have received this winter. The causeway that normally leads across a relatively damp settling area was now barely above water but, nevertheless, I took the chance and crossed over. More Little and Cattle Egrets about plus Little Ringed Plovers and a lonely White Wagtail. In addition, a single Ringed Plover. The journey to lunch over the cliff coastal road produced a Hoopoe, Serin and a very large flock of Greenfinches.

Following lunch, a visit to the pools amongst the sand dunes of the Almerimar produced another White Wagtail plus a couple of Blue-headed Wagtails then a Kentish Plover. With over 50 birds recorded, it was time to head for home and, eventually, see the first House Martins of the day as I made my way up to Los Romanes above Lake Vinuela and picked up the local residents.

Photos (Top to bottom):

Great Crested Grebe Somormujo Lavanco Podiceps cristatus
Flag Iris Iris pseudacorus
Cormorant Cormoran Grande Phalacroxorax carbo
White-headed Duck Malvasia Cabeciblanca Oxyura leucocephala
Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus
Blue-headed Wagtail Lavandera Boyera Motacilla flava flava


Birds seen: Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Blue-headed Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.





White-headed Duck

female &male

Black-necked Grebe

Black-winged Stilt

Purple Swamphen

Red-crested Pochard

Little-ringed Plovers










Greenshank








Ruff











Woodchat Shrike











Greenfinches










White Wagtail

Day 4 of 4: Andalucian Bird Society (ABS) visit to Guadalhorce, Malaga

Saturday 20 March

It may have been cloudy with a hint of rain to come but twenty members and guests duly turned up at the Guadalhorce ponds in Malaga to see what"leader" Bob Hibbert and friends could find. In the end, the rain held off until we had completed our tour of the reserve and retired to a local restaurant but, nevertheless, the temperature remained mild and warm. Arriving with Eric and Pat Lyon, it was also good to meet old and new friends once more; the moreso given that over 60 species were recorded in about four hours, albeit I missed out on the gannet, Robin and Stonechat.

Parking near the entrance, we three walked down the embankment to meet the main group nearer the beach and recorded Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Crested Lark, Moorhen, Coot and many Cormorants on the way. In addition, the Monk Parakeets were very active with much screaming and carrying of building material their "apartment" nest site whilst, from the side, the resident pair of Jackdaw watched with disdain. Link these with the first of many Barn Swallows and House Martins in the air and a Ruddy Shelduck on the river and it certainly looked as if we were in for a productive morning.

Rather than visit the main pool, our tour went straight to the "wader pools" at the back of the reserve and then on to the sea watch. A good range of ducks and raptors seen on the way to the latter where, as hopefully expected, the bare ground would produce the odd "rarity" or two. Indeed, we were not to be disappointed and the "Sea Watch" produced my best ever sightings. The return journey was to take us directly back to the beach car park and on to lunch but six of us "rebelled" to visit both the hidden and main pools. As a result, we saw a few more birds for our day's list.

Rather than refer to every species (see list at end), the day might be summed up in groupings. At least five raptors present with plenty of Kestrels and the Osprey back in residence, this time favouring the smaller pole to the right rear of the main hide. A magnificent male Marsh Harrier made itself known and then at least two Booted Eagles; one each of both light and dark phase. Finally, there was chance to see a single Peregrine Falcon as it was moved on by a returning Booted Eagle. In the process, it in turn disturbed a resting Hoopoe.

Unusually, a larger number of Moorhen were seen but Coot numbers were down. Plenty of Cormorants (at least 30+) with a mixture of passage, swimming and roosting birds. A couple of Little Egret and, eventually, at least a dozen Grey Herons. Less than a handful of Little Grebe but a visit to the main pool did find a single, immature, Black-necked Grebe. Also, very much skulking in the reeds at the back of the hidden pool, a solitary Purple Swamphen.

Shoveler would still seem to be the "duck of the present season" but there were also a handful of Mallard and Pochard, a single Ruddy Shelduck on the river which then moved back to the main pool, at least f4 pairs of Gadwall and a good number of White-headed Duck.

Waders were very few and far between and ridiculously short in number for this time of the year; all down to the high water levels. The above-mentioned Common Sandpiper on arrival and a single Redshank as we left the main pool. In between, a few Kentish Plover on the bare land to the left before the Sea Watch. 4 skittish Sanderling on the beach to the right and 4 Turnstone to the left. That and the half-dozen Black-winged Stilts on the main pool accounted for the day's waders.

The big surprise was the number of sea birds at seen at sea from the Sea watch. Very large numbers of gulls; mainly Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged with at least 3 Mediterranean. Then, after careful study, a single Slender-billed Gull quickly followed by a single Great Skua moving west and being harried all the way. That took our sights to the west where we found a pair of Razorbill who were happily floating only about fifty metres off shore. Meanwhile, a handful of Sandwich Terns were busy diving in to feed on the, obvious, plentiful supply of tiddlers. And to cap it all, an elegant flight of 3 Flamingos gliding past showing off their beautiful red and black markings.

Passerines were limited with four warblers; Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisiticola, Sardinian Warbler and Chiffchaff. However, we did have some lovely Black Redstarts, at least 3 Northern Wheatear including first-summer males, a couple of Woodchat Shrikes and a Great Tit. No shortage of Spotless Starlings and what visit to this reserve would be complete with scores of Serin, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.

So a great day to round off the 4-day Biding exercise. Weather permitting, I will be off up to the apartment next week so an opportunity to look in at the Motril Marshes and the Charca de Suarez reserve. If nothing else, I am told that there are loads of martins about, the Little Bitterns are back and, of course, I should get a good sighting of the resident Purple Swamphens.














Photographs (from top):

Flamingo family moving eastwards Flamenco Comun (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Ruddy Shelduck Tarro Canelo (Tadorna ferruginea)
Osprey Aguila Pescadora (Pandion haliaetus)
White-headed Duck Malvasia Cabeciblanca (Oxyura leucocephala)
Turnstone Vuelvepiedras Comun (Arenaria interpres)
Razorbill (if you look carefully!) Alca Comun (Alca torda)
Northern Wheatear Collalba Gris (Oenanthe oenanthe)
Gadwall Anade Friso (Anas strepera)
Woodchat Shrike Alcaudon Comun (Lanius senator)
Grey Heron Garza Real (Ardea cinerea)
(Resting above 2 Cormorants Cormoran Grande (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Birds seen:
Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Litle Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Sanderling, Great Skua, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Northern Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and Jackdaw.

Day 3 of 4: Axarquia Bird Group visit to Granada Province

Thursday 18 March 2010

A cloudy start to the day following the recent sunny period but, nevertheless, ten of us met up at Puente don Manuel in readiness for our visit to the old railway line at Ventas de Zafarraya to be followed by calls at the pantaneta at Alhama de Granada and the woods of El Robledal. Considering that only two, John Watson and Ian Tull live in this community and I am reasonably local at Los Romanes, this is a marvellous response. We had Patrick Raines and Bryan Stapely from Canilles de Albeida, Eric Lyon from Sayalonga, John Dennis from Nerja and Gerry Collins all the way over from Salobrena. Then our two new participants put in an equal distance; Hilary Briffa coming up from Rincon de la Victoria and bringing with her Andy Woodward who lives in Granada itself. A fine turn out and all very welcome.

Birding wise, the weather may have been poor and very much carrying on from that of recent visits but it did not prevent the group from recording 50 species. One of the advantages of ten pairs of eyes in three cars is that you get a far greater opportunity to see all the birds that the single pair of eyes might miss. The disadvantage, if that is what it is, is that not everyone, necessarily, gets to see all the birds! For today some saw a Goshawk whilst others saw a Wryneck and another a pair of Sparrowhawks but, at least, we all got to see a beautiful Griffon Vulture.

Arriving at the old railway track at Zafarraya we were greeted by low cloud and mist. Whilst the Goldfinches were easily seen we could only hear the Choughs above. Three Ibex presented themselves and then we set off for the old tunnel. On the way a couple of Crag Martin, scores of Spotless Starlings on the electricity wires and a lovely male Kestrel. As we returned from the tunnel it was obvious that we were in for some light rain but, nevertheless we did get very good views of Black Wheatear, male Black Redstart and Rock Bunting. A single Great Tit was present most of the time and we eventually found the Blue Rock Thrush. Needless to say, Stonechats were regularly in view and a Sardinian Warbler was seen scratching around in the low vegetation.

However, on reaching the cars we noticed the large raptor drifting over. That soon got the remaining members back out of the cars as we all watched a solitary Griffon Vulture slowly circling above; so close it was very easy to pick out individual flight feathers and notice the wear on the tail. At this point the cloud lifted long enough for all to see at least 3 Choughs as the latter made their way back to the cliffs.

The drive to the pantaneta at Alhama de Granada was not without interest. The "muck heap" revealed Thekla Lark and Barn Swallows above and then a maximum of 4 Azure-winged Magpies (but not seen by all) as we cleared the woods plus a single (common) Magpie. The arable field produced Corn Bunting and then 3 Skylark closely followed by a flock of 20+ Wood Pigeons. Collared Doves were seen on the outskirts of Alhama.

The pantaneta held a range of birds, both on and around the water. More Coot than earlier in the week and at least a dozen Pochard with single Little Grebe and Moorhen. At the water's edge both Grey and White Wagtail and a "skulking" Blackcap. Over the water there were good numbers of both Barn Swallow and House Martin accompanied by a handful of Crag Martins. The close proximity of habitation produced the expected House Sparrows and overhead the first of 3 Short-toed Eagles that were to be seen during the morning. At the same time and not so far distant, a pair of Sparrowhawks put in a short appearance. A very vocal Cetti's Warbler as we walked down to the small copse where we saw the first of our Jays with at least 3 present in the trees. At the canopy top at least 2 Coal Tit and many Chaffinches followed by a very small flock of Serin as we worked our way back to cars.

Taking the track route from the far side of the water we made our way up to the woods of El Robledal. More and more Jays and then the first of many sightings of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Mistle Thrushes. The track itself had previously produced a pair of Short-toed Eagles and more Stonechat. Then, as we left the main track, the sight of a lone Wryneck with its distinctive black head marking, looking almost like a collar as the bird turned its head about but not exposing its back. Rather, we had a side view of shape and colour. At first the woods seemed rather disappointing as it took some while to actually find our first Nuthatch but by the time we left all, I think, had had a great view. In the not too far distance we could hear at least 2 Green Woodpeckers and more Chaffinches. Next a Robin, Greenfinch and Blue Tit before we decided to head back towards Zafarraya. The exit route was even more exciting with many stops for Blackbird, more Nuthatches, a pair of soaring Kestrels and then a large eagle which proved, on stopping, to be a dark phase Booted Eagle. No sooner had the lead car moved on and the other two cars stopped to gaze in wonder, not at the two early Common Swift, but at the disappearing Goshawk as it soared higher and higher in, what appeared to be, ever decreasing circles.

Finally, we all made it back to the Ventas de Zafarraya for a well-earned Menu del Dia and a chance to compare notes and confirm what had and had not been seen during the day. Despite the weather, I felt it had been a good day's birding with lots of surprises; who would not consider five raptors including a Goshawk a great experience? And the final number of species actually reached the 50 mark!

Next month we are due to visit the mountains above Loja but you will need to watch this space in case of late changes to both date and venue. When all is confirmed, I will email all those on the Axarquia Bird Group mailing list.

Birds seen:
Little Grebe, Pochard, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wryneck, Swift, Thekla Lark, Skylark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Rock Bunting, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Jay and Chough.

Day 2 of 4: Guadalhorce Ponds, Malaga

Wednesday 17 March

Jenny off on her public demo to support SOHA on its parade through the city (got some extra food in in case she is detained and extra clothes in the boot less she be "canonised"), so of down to the Guadalhorce for a short visit. All the time spent at the main lagoon plus a quick walk down tot beach. Latter was a waste of time as nothing on the beach and only a couple of White Wagtails and a Redshank feeding on the mud on the lower camino and a distant Woodchat Shrike in the plover breeding grounds.

On arrival I was greeted by the usual 4 Cattle Egrets feeding with the tethered ponies and then the first of the Goldfinch. Overhead a lone Cormorant was making his way back tot main pool where, eventually, I countered at least 20 individuals of varying sex and age. Next a Stonechat, the usual flock of Rock Doves and the screaming Monk Parakeets checking to make sure that everyone was still wide awake and a pair of Sardinian Warbler as I walked to the hide.

On the main pool only a few Coot and about a dozen Mallard but fewer Shoveler. No sight of any White-headed Duck but there was a single Ruddy Shelduck. I am led to believe that this is a ruddy duck that has escaped from a ruddy pond in the centre of the ruddy city. Or is it just per chance the genuine article? Meanwhile, roosting with the band of Cormorants, 7 Night Herons including at least one immature bird. In front of the hide a group of 15 handsome looking Black-winged Stilts. Overhead yet another pair of Kestrels, there must have been at least half a dozen on the reserve, and a single, light phase Booted Eagle.

It would seem that there are two pairs of Gadwall on the pond but I only saw single Little Egret and Little Grebe. Of the smaller birds, passerines, around and above the water there were a number of Barn Swallows and House Martins (and a pair of Red-rumped Swallows as I walked back to the car), numerous Serin and Greenfinches, a handful of Spotless Starlings and a single female Black Redstart playing about on the top track just before the exit to the main road. Needless to say, I heard (and saw) the obligatory Cetti's Warbler as I crossed the footbridge in both directions.

Finally, it would not be a visit to the ponds if you did not see at least one gull and mine turned out to be a third winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. This and the Moorhen on the main river completed the morning's visit and it was time to see if I still had a wife to collect in the city centre.

Birds seen:
Little Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Night Heron, Grey Heron, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Redshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Barn Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Woodchat Shrike, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.


Photographs (from top):
Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta
Ruddy Shelduck Tarro Canelo Tadoma ferruginea
Night Heron Martinete Comun Nycticorax nycticorax
Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus
Cormorant CormoranGrande Phalacrocorax carbo
Kestrel Cernicalo Vulgar Falco tinnunculus
Booted Eagle (2) Aguililla Calzada Hieraaetus pennatus
Gadwall Anade Friso Anas strepera