Birds, birds, birds, birds and even more birds!

Been wondering why no blog for the past week?  Well, I have just literally (6.30 pm) returned form six days out west; three days in Tarifa followed by three days in the Donana.  And then tomorrow morning, if I wake up in time (!), I am off to the Charca de Suarez reserve near Motril for the monthly meeting of the Axarquia Bird Group.  So, come Friday, all being well, I should be able to download the photos and write-up a blog covering seven magnificent days in exceptional company and weather and with over an hundred bird species recorded. If you see nothing on Saturday morning, then I am still asleep and trying to recover!


Anyway, I had an absolutely super time and I now look forward to sharing my birding experience with you all.

Bob

New avian airport for Malaga Province!

Never mind Malaga's second runway scheduled for next year, or the small airport at Velez Malaga, a new airport has been opened in Los Romanes in the Axarquia area.  This is purely a holiday operation and only open for very limited hours in the mornings of the next few days.  There are restrictions; the only destination is Africa, south of the Sahara, and there will be no on board service provided.  This service operates without any public toiletsnad is the ultimate in "no frills" travel. 


However, given that Ryanair are anxious to obtain the franchise, there were well over 1500 present to take up the offer this morning.  No fees or charges but also no seating.  Whilst waiting for the off, participants are invited to either sit on the overhead wires or cling to the vertical walls of the local apartment block support wall.

It is still undecided about the final flight capacity so new arrival are warned that, if the weather turns warmer, they may have to wait another day.  Should this happen, free food will be provided over Lake Vinuela but you will have to fetch it yourself!

The above pictures were taken last year during the evaluation trial.  Obviously, the departure point seemed so attractive that this morning the numbers were increased an hundred fold with just about every available wire and vertical wall crammed to the proverbial rafters - if there had actually been a roof!

There, that's hopefully put a smile on all your faces whilst waiting for the weather to improve so you get on with your birding.

Guadalhorce, Malaga

Tuesday 21 September

Jenny due back from the UK late afternoon so the opportunity for a lengthy morning's birding, a three hour break for lunch and "mooching" around the electronics shops of the Guadalhorce industrial estate and then back for a last look at the Laguna Grande before collecting Jenny at 6.15pm. The morning started dry with a little cloud but soon cleared up and became very warm.  I met up with Michael McLaine at 9.30 and we set off for the eastern arm of the river.

Little Grebe  Zampullin Comun  (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Before reaching the footbridge we had been bombarded by noisy hordes of Monk Parakeets, totalling at least 50 in a variety of flock sizes, and a small number of Red-rumped Swallows.  There were Herons resting at the river's edge and  pair of Sardinian Warblers flitted in and out of the bushes alongside the track leading to the bridge.  Crossing the bridge, we had a small flock of Goldfinches and a handful of Serin to welcome us into the reserve proper - and yet more parakeets!  With Yellow-legged Gulls and a Kestrel overhead we made our way to the Laguna Casillas.  This first pond contained a few Coot and Pochard plus a couple of female White-headed Ducks.  To be expected, there were also a small number of Little Grebe and Mallard.  A distant Purple Heron, the first of 4 seen during the morning, flew over whilst a Cetti's Warbler rattled on behind us and a lovely Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed warbler) showed very nicely immediately in front of the hide.  However, pride of place probably went to the magnificent Kingfisher that busied himself feeding on the opposite side of the water.

Kingfisher  Martin Pescador  (Alcedo atthis)

Approaching the Wader Pool we were entertained by a flock of 6 Spoonbill that wheeled immediately overhead before two of their number settled on the pool; presumably the remainder had move behind the trees to the main pool.  Already on the water were a number of Black-winged Stilts and a single Black-tailed Godwit.  Closer inspection revealed a party of 3 Teal and at least 3 Common Sandpipers.  Also scratching around were all three smaller plovers; mainly young Little Ringed Plovers and a couple of Ringed Plovers but, eventually, at least a pair of Kentish Plover.  No sooner had a party of 4 Avocet joined the stilts than we saw the arrival of a good number of Little Egrets and, to the edge, a couple of Greenshank.  Resting at the top of the "Osprey Tree", a single Cormorant remained at his post for the whole morning whilst small numbers of Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows busied themselves around the area, a few Barn Swallows fed overhead and a male Blackbird passed across the water.

Common Pochard  Porron Europeo  (Aythya ferina)

The walk to the Sea Watch proved rather disappointing with only a Crested Lark for our trouble but, on reaching the sea, we were in time to see a party of 4 Oystercatchers flying westwards, about five metres out to sea, parallel to the beach.  (They were later reported as making landfall on the beach opposite the little path that leads into the reserve.)

Greenshank  Archibebe Claro  (Tringa nebularia)

The return journey to the Laguna Escondida produced Moorhen at Casallas on the way but nothing else.  On the water, more Little Grebes, Coots and a few White-headed Ducks plus the recently-resident Great Crested Grebe.  So, on the main pool, the Laguna Grande.  Here it was relatively quiet with very few gulls; mainly Yellow-legged and the occasional Black-headed Gull.  More Herons and Little Grebes and a party of 3 Gadwall.  Along with the Barn Swallows, a few distant Common Swift and then the arrival of a party of 6 Avocets to join to pair of feeding Spoonbill.

From left to right: Avocet  Avoceta  (Recurvirostra avosetta), Black-winged Stilt  Ciguenuela  (Himantopus himantopus) and Spoonbill  Espatula  (Platalea leucorodia)

The return visit just before 5pm produced very little else other than small numbers of House Martins but a walk to the small pool on the seaward side of Laguna Grande did reveal, amongst the 6 Black-winged Stilts, another Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper "seeing off" a Redshank.  A quick chat on the phone to Andy to hear the latest news re the Slender-billed Curlews and it was time to set off for the airport.  In the end, it was rather surprising to see that we had actually recorded 44 species.  More importantly, I had had a very pleasant morning in good company.

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Kingfisher, Swift, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.

Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

On a calm and clear day with the sun shining but not too hot, I took myself off down to the Rio Velez at Torre del Mar on the basis that the weather forecast is not good for Monday - and also Jenny will be back Tuesday so I had better use the morrow to make sure that all is clean and tidy at home!  On arrival, a few clouds and a somewhat masked sun at times and what can only be described as "still" with hardly a breath of air.  Even the birds were quiet and all that was to be seen on parking below the lower bridge were a pair of Grey Wagtails and a male Blackbird as I started to walk down the track towards the beach.

Grey Wagtail   Lavandera Cascadena  (Motacilla cinerea)

Half-way to the pumping room and some signs of bird life at last.  A motionless Grey Heron on the river bank and then a clear view of a Cetti's Warbler giving a delightful and sweet little song from his perch just above me. A Hoopoe followed by a small flock of House Sparrows and looking at the river downstream a single Little Egret in the water accompanied by a juvenile Black-winged Stilt and a handful of Moorhen.  A Zitting Cisticola was seen in a nearby bush followed by a couple of Greenfinch and then it was on to the beach.

Little Ringed Plover  Chorlitejo Chico  (Charadrius dubius)

The beach was all but deserted and the large lagoon was no more.  It would seem that the river has broken through once again and significantly lowered the water level but, to our advantage, created a couple of islands for the smaller birds.  The newly-exposed river edges have attracted a large mixed flock of small plovers, well in excess of 50 individuals; mainly Little Ringed and Kentish but a few of the larger Ringed Plovers.  A little further upstream on the left 10 Mallards resting in the company of 3 Coot. A Common Sandpiper arrive on the right and, in doing so, revealed the feeding Bar-tailed Godwit.  Whilst the Black-headed Gull flock swirled around overhead, a small party of 10 Sanderling arrived from the direction of the sea and settled on the larger island.  Again, watching the Sanderlings revealed the lone Little Stint feeding on the edge.

With a few Barn Swallows and a couple of Collared Dove flying overhead I made my way towards the growing fields east of the river, noticing that a small party of Blue-headed Wagtails were now also feeding on the exposed river shore. The walk back through these recently planted fields revealed mixed parties of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Serins as, overhead, I was accompanied by 5 screeching Monk Parakeets making their way towards the river.  The fallow field produced a couple of Crested Lark and then a large party of Spotless Starlings as I reached the pump house.  Walking back tot he car, a single Cattle Egret was feeding near one of the irrigation channels.

Hoopoe   Abubilla  (Upupa epops)

The final call was under the bridge and up to the fireplace factory.  Here, more Greenfinches and Goldfinches plus at least 5 Hoopoe feeding in the grass.  A Spotted Flycatcher in the first large tree and at least 3 White Wagtails by the waterside.  So, off home nice and early to telephone the lady wife and get to speak to the grandchildren being met in Los Romanes by a large flock of House Martins and a very proud and haughty Short-toed Eagle resting on the top of an olive tree as I approached the house.  A final total of 35 species in less than two hours.

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Mallard, Short-toed Eagle, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Sanderling, Little Stint, Black-headed Gull,  Hoopoe, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Blue-headed Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.

Birding in Granada and Almeria Provinces

Tuesday & Wednesday; 

14 & 15 September

My visit east earlier this week to Motril and Almeria province was quite a diamond occasion with over 60 birds recorded over the two days, mainly on the second day.  And this figure excludes the latest flock of Bee-eaters busying themselves around Casa Collado before my departure.  Having completed some maintenance work in the apartment I was off down to the Charca de Suarez reserve via the concrete track through the Motril Marshes.  A couple of Collared Doves on guard duty as I left the main road and, no sooner amongst the sugar beet canes and I was seeing plenty of activity.  Eventually, very close vies of a pair of male Red Avadavats looking most resplendent in their red tops and black bottoms - but still to show the dazzling white spots that will come in the next few weeks as they prepare for their autumn breeding season.


One of many Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) seen during the day


Now the bad news.  For the third (is it the fourth?) time running I arrived only to find that the reserve was closed.  This getting most frustrating and not good publicity for this site.  You only discover the disappointment when you actually arrive and read the very (and I mean very) small note on the gate.  There is a phone number for the reserve but it is only accessible during opening times!  I shall have to contact Motril and see if a better system can be introduced.  There, rant completed, and on with the report.

So, returning for a drive through the complete marsh, I soon picked up many feeding Barn Swallows, House Sparrows and then at least 30+ Cattle Egret.  A walk along the small farm track at the edge of the marsh produced another Red Avadavat, a small flock of Greenfinches and a single Zitting Cisticola.  There were small parties of Spotless Starlings moving around and so out of the marsh via "Turtle Dove Alley" which lived up to its name producing at least a dozen Turtle Doves "feeding" on the road.

Grey Wagtail  (Lavandera Cascadena)

But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining.  Having returned to Velez de Benaudalla by 7.30 I thought I would make a late call at the picnic site alongside the fast-flowing river; just in case anything was about.  A Jackdaw crossed the main road as I approached the turn to cross below and follow the track down to the site.  On arrival, all was still and quiet.  A short walk upstream along the bank produced sudden dark flash travelling in the opposite direction from under the bank.  Not a Kingfisher but wild thoughts of a Dipper.  Returning, my thought was confirmed as the Dipper made his way back in the opposite direction.  And then it got even better.  At the car park I happened to look at a shingle shelf below the fast flowing water and the there was the bird sitting in full view.  Ten metres tot he car, organist the camera and return - just as a family with free-running dogs arrived at the same spot.  A few choice words to myself and then the family moved on downstream.  Hung around for another fifteen minutes but the Dipper did not return.  However, a rather lovely Grey Wagtail did put in an appearance at the same spot.  It just goes to confirm my feeling that, apart from the road running alongside, the river rushing through the gorge below Velez seems ideal Dipper territory.

Little Grebe  (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Black-necked Grebe  (podiceps nigricollis)

Wednesday morning saw an early start to collect Gerry Collins in Salobrena before 8.15 and then the journey up to Las Norias.  A very strange site this; a very large sheet of water completely surrounded by plastic greenhouses and a large plastic re-cycling plant but, nevertheless, a somewhat birding paradise.  Most of our birds were seen here although we id later cross over to nearby Roquetas del Mar to visit the salinas for a few waders, etc..  Having remembered the  birds missing from the log, the final count for the day was a magnificent 61 - plus a Sardinian Warbler in the garden that welcomed me back home.

Great Crested Grebe  (Podiceps cristatus)

Greeted by a colony of Collared Doves pretending to be Rock Doves, there were one or two present, we were quickly on the bridge separating the main lake from the small sheet of water at the eastern end. There was certainly no shortage of Coots, they were everywhere, plus very large numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebes and Little Grebes.  It was truly amazing to see how young were some of the former; they must have been very late breeders.  However, on e of the first birds as we looked over the bridge into the smaller pool was the sudden movement of a single Little Bittern.  Also at the back of the water below the plastic factory, a pair of domestic-looking geese; how did they manage to survive in what looked like the dirtiest area of the whole site?

Squacco Heron  (Ardeola ralloides)

I can still see you!

On the other side of the road, the small sheet of water leading into the main lake contained a few Mallard, more Coots and the a rather lovely Night Heron that sat patiently whilst we "snapped" away before taking the track towards the main pool.  Lots of activity in the pool-side vegetation and a Meadow Pipit recorded before the first of many Chiffchaffs and a smaller number of Willow Warbler.  On the water many Grey Herons and a few Little Egret with a large flock of Cattle Egret resting on the reed and bushes. On the far side at lest a handful of Cormorant.   Nearer us, a single Purple Heron was a rather pleasant site.  Needless to say, there was a range of duck on the water including Mallard, Gadwall and Pochard.  Further round we found a small number of female Red-crested Pochard plus the first of many Squacco Herons.

Gadwall (Anas strepera) with Common Coot (Fulica atra)

Overhead there was the constant movement of Barn Swallows and feeding terns.  Lots of Little Terns that took great delight in diving in front of us but also a few Whiskered Terns.  Eventually, over the more open water, we even picked up a couple of Gull-billed Terns.  Then, to our delight, a passing female Marsh Harrier.  Back to the more "mundane" with the confirmation of both Yellow-legged Gull and Black-headed Gull.

Hoopoe  (Upupa epops)

All to soon it was time to move on a few hundred metres to the far corner to check for swamphens and larks on the waste land opposite.  Greeted by a small flock of Goldfinches we had soon counted at least 10 Hoopoe and a small number of juvenile Grey Wagtails.  Behind us on the water, more Great Crested Grebes and the odd Night Heron.  returning to the field, first a male Black Redstart and then a rather delightful Whinchat.  A couple of White Wagtails came to join the party plus a very small number of (Iberian race Blue-headed) Yellow Wagtails.  Amongst the feeding Barn Swallows were more than a handful of  Sand Martins.  Finally, a total of 3 (Common) Magpies.

Feeling tired but cheerful we then set out for the salinas to the west of Roquetas del Mar.  The most westerly stretch leading to the lighthouse.  No sooner alongside theater than we were next to a feeding party of a dozen Bar-tailed Godwits.  A Kestrel passed overhead and then a few Black-winged Stilts were recorded before the rival of a single Redshank.  To the far end a small raft of Flamingo and more feeding Little Terns.  To our delight, on returning from the lighthouse we were rewarded with a great site of a female Montagu's Harrier and then a stop at the turn back to the causeway across the salina.  Here we had a good number of Kentish Plovers, a small flock of Dunlin and a couple of Common Sandpipers.

At this point we were joined by Alan and Audrey Leishman from Sydney, Australia who were mid-way through a birding visit to Spain.  Having spent the past couple of days at Cabo de Gata, they were now on their way to the Donana via Malaga and Gibraltar.  Before leaving and having exchanged email addresses, I was able to enlighten them about the delights of the Guadalhorce in Malaga and also not to miss the Tarifa area and catch a sight of the raptor migration.  Good luck Alan and Audrey and happy birding.  I trust that you have a very enjoyable stay in Spain.  As a way of parting, we then had an overfly of Red-rumped Swallows.




Party of a dozen Bar-tailed Godwits  (Limosa lapponica)

Red-knobbed Coot  (Fulica cristata)

At Roquetas we called in at the small pond to confirm that not only were the White-headed Ducks still present but to also to record the Red-knobbed Coot alongside the more common Coot.  Approaching winter, the "knobs" are gradually disappearing and now look more like a pair of dull growths, best seen from the rear.  Again, more feeding Little Tern and the odd Whiskered Tern plus a single Common Tern but the stomach called so we withdrew to the town for refreshment.   On finishing, it was the start of our homeward journey but not before a last call at Las Norias in case any larks had decided to put in an appearance.  No larks but more Hoopoe and the Whinchat returned, once more, to the same perch as seen before lunch.  Then the excitement of a new bird.  Much stalking up a side track to where what looked like a Great Spotted Cuckoo rested on top of an electricity pole, partly obscured by the wiring and accompanying bits and pieces. Photos taken regularly as we approached and then the "disappointment" of discovering that the bird was simply a Common Magpie.  Still, the exercise did us good!

Female White-headed Duck  (Oxyura leucocephala)

Male White-headed Duck  (Oxyura leucocephala)

Common Magpie  (Pica pica)

Whinchat  (Saxicola rubetra)

  
Finally, having watched yet another Night Heron at relatively close quarters, we tried to get better views of the Squacco Herons that were resting in the reeds on the opposite bank.  In trying to locate and photograph the birds I ignored the small blue colouration as I took one photograph.  Playback on the computer confirmed that the "blue colouration" was indeed a resting Kingfisher!

Can you spot the Kingfisher  (Alcedo atthis) ?

Then it was the journey back to Salobrena and, for me, to Casa Collado where I arrived in time for a late swim.  A really enjoyable day with Gerry and lots of good bird giving a grand total of 63 species.

Marsh Harrier  (Circus aeruginosus)

Common Coot  (Fulica atra)

Purple Heron  (Ardea purpurea)

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, flamingo, Gadwall, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, White-headed Duck,Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Term, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue-headed Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Dipper, Black Redstart, Whinchat, Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Red Avadavat, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Magpie and Jackdaw.

Zafarraya and El Robledal

Black Wheatear  (Oenanthe leucura)

With both wives absent (with leave!) in England, It was time for Eric and I to take a trip a the mountain to see what feathered birds were about.   Red-rumped Swallows and Thekla Larks as we made our way to the pass at Venta de Zafarray, arriving a little after 9 o'clock with the sun on the far track but we in the shade of the car park, and House Sparrows on the way down.  In between a further 36 species including four raptors to  give a final total of 39.

Rock Bunting  (Emberiza cia)

Departing Booted Eagle  (Hieraaetus pennatus)

As last time, we were greeted by "singing" Collared Doves and then inundated by Goldfinches of all ages.  Everywhere we looked, more Goldfinches.  Walking the track towards the tunnel, when not looking at Goldfinches, we had plenty of Crag Martins and regular sightings of both Stonechat and Sardinian Warbler.  However, the first birds were a pair of Rock Buntings looking very dishevelled as they waited for the sun to warm them up.  The occasional House Martin and then our first Black Wheatear quickly followed by our first Black Redstart.  Before entering the tunnel our first pair of Rock Sparrows on the overhead wire to be followed by a flock in excess of 20 on the return journey.  By the time we had reached the ruined railway cottage we had added three raptors; a pair of Common Kestrel put on a display on the main rock face and then a passing Booted Eagle being seen on his way by some very brave small passerines.  Finally, a grand Peregrine Falcon resting on the cliff top and make a good show of its facial markings.  We had to wait until the turning point before finally sighting a male Blue Rock Thrush and, at the same time, heard (but did not see) both Great Tit and Red-legged Partridge.  To add to the colour and noise, we were joined by a small party of about a dozen Bee-eaters as they screamed their way past us to feed on the slopes both above and below the track.  Before reaching the car park on the return journey, we were also able to record a couple of Greenfinch and a Serin.

Wood Lark  (Lullula arborea)

Leaving Zafarraya, we travelled, passing White Wagtail and Spotless Starlings, over to the woods of El Robledal and, as we approached, a close sighting of a Common Redstart immediately followed by the first of 5 Pied Flycatchers. To the left, a pair of Souther Grey Shrikes sat patiently on the fence waiting to be recorded.  No sooner had we reached our destination than the first Jay made an appearance.  Leaving the cars to walk the circuit, we immediately found Firecrest and Chaffinch and then regular sightings of Spotted Flycatchers and a further Black Redstart.  The initial part of the walk may have been quiet but we did eventually find a Nuthatch and then more of the very small birds.  The other bird of note was a family group of 3 Wood Lark.  A couple of Crested Tits feeding with a good number of Firecrests and at least one Coal Tit followed by single Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.  At this point a Great Spotted Woodpecker passed over and rested long enough on each stop for reasonable views.  Finally, walking down the track towards the car park, a very brief view of a passing Sparrowhawk, our fourth raptor for the day.

Coal Tit  (Parus ater)

 A trip out would not be complete with some form of liquid refreshment so, after partaking a glass and tapas we started our return journey with a quick drive over the growing fields of Zafarraya and back where the only new birds recorded were a small number of Barn Swallows and at least 3 Wood Pigeon.  Still very warm and sunny so back home in time for a late swim; naturally, after a short siesta!

Birds seen:

Booted Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Bee-eater, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Wood Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Common Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler,  Firecrest, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Southern Grey Shrike, Chaffinch, Serin, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Rock Bunting, Spotless Starling and Jay.

Guadalhorce - again!

Fist winter Little Tern  (Sterna albifrons)

Brother-in-law to airport for a late morning flight back to Southampton so able to be down at the Guadalhorce by 10.30.  A quick dash round in just under two hours produced 35 species including a few different to last week but, on the whole, the numbers were down and certainly not as many waders as seen with the Axarquia Bird Group last Thursday.  A few broken clouds and a hint of a light breeze but still warm and sunny for this time of the year as I headed off towards the river and the footbridge whilst the lady wife went off shopping.  (Rather a double bonus as it turned out to be a "Bank Holiday" with all the shops shut!)

Teal  (Anas crecca)

As soon as I hit the bank track I disturbed a Stonechat and then I was serenaded by Red-rumped Swallows as I made my way along the river bank.  As usual, plenty of Rock Doves below the motorway bridge so straight on the eastern arm and the Laguna Casillas.  Here there was plenty of activity with 15 Pochard on the centre of the water and at least 10 Coot.  The occasional Moorhen before spotting the single female White-headed Duck, quickly followed by a pair of Little Grebe.  Overhead, there seemed to be a constant movement of Grey Heron and a small number of Common Swift.  Just as I set off, at the sea end of the pool a lone winter plumage Little Tern bust fishing a very small area of water.

On to the Wader Pool  where I was confronted by at least 26 Black-winged Stilts of varying age and sex plus 3 Spoonbill.  Accompanying the latter a pair of Avocet and, eventually, the arrival of almost 20 Little Egrets; very flighty and soon moved on.  However, it was rather pleasant to see a small party of 4 Teal and 3 Common Sandpiper.  The smaller plovers consisted of a single Ringed Plover and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers.  Only a single Curlew sandpiper on this water but a large flock of Spotless Starlings, a small number of House Sparrows and a lone Collared Dove.

Avocet  (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Black-winged Stilt  (Himantopus himantopus)

A short walk tot the Rio Viejo only produced a rather sad and forlorn Ringed Plover but, on the other hand, a single adult Flamingo making its way to the coast for onward flight provided a smile to the face.  Then it was back to the the Laguna Escondida accompanied by a "fly-over" of Monk Parakeets.  Her, a single Mallard and the lone Great Crested Grebe was still present.  Of the ducks, another 5 Pochard and then a family of 4 Gadwall.  Also, at least 20+ Coot and a dozen Little Grebes.

Curlew Sandpipers  (Calidris ferruginea)

For the second time in a week, the flash of a Kingfisher as I approached the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande.  Very few gulls about; just a dozen each of Yellow-legged and Black-headed.  A Hoopoe departed over the pool to the trees at the back and a single Reed Warbler "popped up" in front of me.  Overhead, a few Barn Swallows and a small number of Pallid Swifts.  Around the edges of the pool there were at 40 Little Egret and, probably, about a dozen Heron.  of waders there was a single Ringed Plover and a handful of Black-winged Stilts.  However, it was rather lovely to see a party of 6 Curlew Sandpipers arrive on the muddy bank in front of me.  And all too soon it was time to head back to the waiting wife.


Travelling light this morning so only the old camera, as you can probably deduce from the picture quality!

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Little Tern, Reed Warbler, Pallid Swift, Common Swift, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Stonechat, Reed Warbler, House Sparrow and Spotless Starling.

Hunt for the Slender-billed Curlew

Dave Elliott-Binns's latest report of his Aborleas Birding Group contained a reference to the Slender-billed Curlew (see Andy Paterson's "Birding-the-Costa" blog).  Like Andy, Dave has recently returned form the UK where he, too, attended the International Bird Fair at Rutland Water.  Whilst at the Fair he participated in a presentation on the latest news of the hunt to discover what has happened to this small and very special curlew.

Slender-billed Curlew  (Numenius tenuirostris)

The situation of the bird can be summed up as follows:  The Slender-billed Curlew is the rarest bird in Europe, North Africa and the Middle east, its population perhaps numbering fewer than 50 individuals.  It is critically endangered with global extinction. 

As a result, there is now a "last push" on to try and find the Slender-billed Curlew before it is too late.  Birders are being urged to remain vigilant when checking curlews and to organise birdwatching holidays and expeditions to likely Slender-billed Curlew sites.

There is a special site for finding out the latest information which is being coordinated by the RSPB in England.  Visiting www.slenderbilledcurlew.net will take you to the specific part of the RSPB site and its opening remarks on the "Quest for the Sender-billed Curlew" includes the following:

The Slender-billed Curlew is Europe and the Western Palearctic's rarest bird, critically endangered and with no confirmed sightings since 1998.

In 1994, the Convention on Migratory Species Slender-billed Curlew Memorandum of Understanding was adopted.

In 1997, a Slender-billed Curlew working group (SBCWG) began to coordinate action for the bird.  The work of the group was dormant from 2003 untul mid 2008.  Then the relaunch of the SBCWG began, with Nicola Crockford as chair and, on behalf of the RSPB, Tim Cleeves in the voluntary role of Slender-billed Curlew Database and Fieldwork Coordinator.

Scroll down through the numerous links and you will find the direct link to the comparison charts; well worth the effort.


This is a bird with a normal migration path taking it from its breeding grounds in Siberia through central and eastern Europe its wintering grounds in North Africa and the Middle East.  Flocks of over 100 birds were recorded from Morocco as late as the 1960s and 1970s.  So there is just the possibility that it might be seen in our distant south of Spain.  It is certainly worth taking particular care when sighting on single Whimbrels. 

Slender-billed Curlew (centre) flanked by Whimbrel  (Numenius phaeopus)

Birdlife International referred to the hunt as the "Slender-billed Quest" with it and its RSPB partners launching a last push to find one of the world's rarest birds.  Amazing (or disastrous) to think that this bird was regarded as "very common" in the 19th century.

The above website gives links and access to a variety of information including migration map routes, comparison charts and details of the bird.  Looking at the bird on a full screen, one can see how it might easily be confused with our common Whimbrel.  BUT, it has no dark head and stripes yet retains the distinctive vertical striping of the Eurasian Curlew.

So, are you up for the challenge to support the "Quest for the Slender-billed Curlew?"

Eric and Pat's visit down south!

Just received more details from Eric about his visit with Pat to the Genil Valley earlier in the week.  Makes good reading and leaves one somewhat envious.  Anyway, thought that you might all enjoy his report.

.... The lower Genal valley and villages were much nicer than the upper which we visited last May - Benarraba was especially pretty and with a very relaxed rural hotel.  We did a fair bit of walking in the woods around Gaucin and Benarraba (although it got seriously hot in the afternoons) and saw the woodland bird species you would expect including lots of Robin and Wren that are scarce around here.

On Tuesday we travelled on to Zahara de los Atunes and stopped off at the migration watchpoints on the way.  Low cloud and gale force 8 easterly winds didn't prevent us being thrilled with the passage birds at El Algarrobo - the usual concentrations of Black Kites, Honey Buzzards, Booted and Short toed Eagles and Bee-eaters with small numbers of Griffon, Montagues Harrier, Raven and good but short-lived sightings of Egyptian Vulture, Peregrine and Hobby. But no storks at all - the wind was obviously holding them back somewhere. We managed to drive up to Cazalla (see below) but there was nothing to be seen other than a couple of Black Kites passing through the turbine blades in the distance and repeatedly being blown back through them - I'm not sure how they avoided being mincemeat.

Dark phase Booted Eagle  (Hiertaaetus pennatus)  *  see comment at end

The wind if anything strengthened during the day and it was difficult walking against it when we staggered along the boardwalk at Playa de los Lances. Not much flying - a Montagues Harrier and Black Kite were trying to make progress at ground level but as soon as they gained any height they were blown back - almost sumersaulting.  We were surprised to see an Osprey (that gave up and went back toward Barbate) and a Lesser Kestrel clinging to the rail of the boardwalk.  Passerines included Lesser Short-toed Larks and Northern Wheatear.

The following morning we had a super time at La Janda - lots of White Stork, Glossy Ibis, and Montagues Harriers everywhere -  a few Spoonbill but no Collared Pratincoles and only one Heron to be seen. Lots of raptors including more Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel and another Osprey.  The track back towards Facinas held lots of Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrike and both Northern and Black-eared Wheatear (and the chap in the picture having lunch).

This is my dinner; go find your own!

But the most impressive sight of the day was at Bolonia - lots of Honey Buzzards and enormous flocks of White Stork, too big to get a complete photo.  No special Swifts - in fact in the couple of days we only saw a handful of Common Swift but lots of Barn, Red-rumped Swallows and House Martin.  On the way back home we stopped again at Cazalla - but now you have to go up to a new scrape on the southern side of the road.  The main observation point (and convenient carpark) is permanently chained off - we were told that it is closed because there is no funding to complete the cafe/exhibition building.  Again the expected migrants - now thankfully lower and in clear skies - with juvenile Egyptian Vultures and three Black Stork.

White Stork  (Ciconia ciconia)    Marks out of 10 the formation display?

A super break from the grandchildren and although not especially a birdwatching holiday we saw nearly 80 species.  And amazingly met the same couple as we had last year - but they had been visiting for the autumn migration for thirty years - I think we have left it too late to match that!!

Migrating White Storks.  Can you estimate the number in picture?  50, 100, 150, 200, 250+   Now count!

Hi - just entered stuff onto the PC and found we saw 84 species including 17 raptors!! 

Footnote from Eric:  (I originally thought that I had photographed a Black Kite) .... but having looked again at the picx I think it's a dark phase Booted Eagle - viz. feathered legs and pale grey upperwing coverts and uppertail coverts - also "straw-coloured crown and nape giving impression of Golden Eagle" is seen better in this pic...

Eric and Pat Lyon

Comments re the actual identification/confirmation would be gratefully accepted.    Bob