Donana Adventure - Part 5

Saturday 23 October

 All good things must come to an end and it was time to go home.  All packed and away from the hotel in Matalascana by just after 9 am to take the same journey home through the Donana via Isla Mayor and then the Seville to Malaga motorway, calling in at the Laguna Herrera as we passed through Antequera.

You will not be surprised to see that we noted the many Spotless Starlings, Magpies and Azure-winged Magpies within minutes but, at least, they were accompanied by a plentiful supply of Stonechats and the first Southern Grey Shrike of the day.  Before long, as in previous days travelling this road, we also had our first Common Buzzard.  Both Greylag Geese and Flamingos could be seen on the water at El Rocio and then  a mixture of small birds including Robin, Blackbird, White Wagtail, Crested Lark and Goldfinches as we moved towards the rice fields.  Next came Kestrel and Corn Buntings but before meeting up again with the large numbers of Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Grey Heron, it was good to stop and admire a solitary Little Owl.  This was to be the first of four (yes 4) new birds seen during the week as we progressed towards Casa Collado.

Whilst we did expect the variety of heron species on the recently-harvested rice fields, coming across "flocks" of Purple Swamphens out in the open was a little surprising to say the least; a maximum count of 9 individuals at one point.  The birds were accompanied in the area by White Storks whilst, overhead, the continuing quartering of Marsh Harriers.  Of all the very many of this species seen during the week, not one was an adult male!  As we drew nearer and nearer to Isla Mayor the number of gulls increased with mainly Yellow-legged and Black-headed recorded.  In the town itself, as last Saturday, we came across a small flock of Barn Swallows not exceeding more than 20 individuals.  Strange how this place, even the same corner, was the only place during the whole week where these birds were seen.

Our final stop in the area was at the same small wetland on the edge of the Park where we started our Donana sightings the previous Saturday.  Again, we were not to be disappointed as we recorded another new bird for the week with 3 Meadow Pipits.  Also seen was a small flock of Glossy Ibis, a single Ringed Plover, pair of Skylarks, a couple of Pied Flycatchers and a flock in excess of 50 Lapwing.  Following morning coffee and fruit we then set off for Antequera and the Laguna Herrera where, all being well, we could enjoy a picnic lunch whilst watching the newly-discovered Ortolan Buntings.

We were not to be disappointed for, whilst the laguna seemed to have lost a little more water, there were still a handful of juvenile Flamingo feeding plus about 40 Avocet and a dozen Black-winged Stilts.  The gulls, as earlier in the day, were a mixture of Yellow-legged and Black-headed but we did have a small party of Teal to give a little more colour.  However, feeding with the Avocet was our third new bird of the day, more than a handful of Little Stint - and looking very lovely in the hazy sunshine.  With the water birds being regular disturbed and, especially the gulls and Avocets taking to the air every-time another micro-light passed over from the nearby airstrip, we almost missed the arrival and flight over of yet another female Marsh Harrier.

Ortolan Bunting   Escribano  Hortelano  (Emberiza hortulana)

Then it was time to examine the ditch and hedgerow on the opposite side of the track.  We were not to be disappointed for, apart from the good numbers of Stonechat, Serin, Goldfinch and Linnet, not to mention the occasional Corn Bunting and Thekla Lark, we did easily find our target bird with a small group of 4 Ortolan Buntings perched in a very exposed position at the top of the bank.  Nearby we also had a pair of very bright Willow Warblers feeding who moved on to be replace b a Chiffchaff.  Finally, a single female Whinchat came out to join in the fun and provide us with our fourth new bird of the week.

Female Whinchat  Tarabilla Nortena  (Saxicola rubetra)

So, time to head for home with a fond farewell from yet another Buzzard and a Kestrel before joining the motorway in the knowledge that during the past week I had recorded a magnificent 129 species.  I really must do this again - so I have booked rooms for the Axarquia Bird Group for next April!

Photos also shown:

Top:     Azure-winged Magpie  Rabilargo  (Cyanopica cyanus)

Below:  Female Kestrel  Cernicalo Vulgar  (Falco tinnunculus) 

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron,White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Flamingo, Greylag Goose, Teal, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Little Owl, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Skylark, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Southern Grey Shrike, Robin, Whinchat, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie and Raven.

Donana Adventure - Part 4

Wednesday - Friday; 20 - 22 October

These three days were more a question of "filling in the gaps" with a mixture of spending more time at certain sites coupled with a little sight-seeing; and even here we managed t find a new embalsa and add to the totals list.

Wednesday:

Eic and I returned to El Acebuche to see if we could once more find our illusive Water Rail.  Whilst we were not successful, we did by the time we returned to bas manage to add another five new species including 3 Ring Ouzel.  Passing a Raven on the fifteen minute journey to the site, we had no sooner settled down in the hide than we were watching a trio of wild Boar on the far scrape.  The 6 Spoonbill were still present, including the marked bird, along with many Stonechats, Mallards and Little Egrets.  A Green Sandpiper was busy feeding at the backof the nearest pool and we were constantly entertained by the passing Kingfisher and at least 9 Snipe.  Again, there was no shortage of either Azure-winged Magpies or Common Magpies and the morning was enlivened by the appearance of 3 Purple Swamphen close by showing off their vivid colours in the morning sunshine.  The first new bird of the day was a first year Ring Ouzel messing about in the reeds immediately in front of th ehide like an over-excited Blackbird and, on stepping outside to check on all the noise, two more were found along with a nearby Hoopoe. With a Spotted Flycatcher perched on the roof to the next hide, a Heron on the water and Crested Larks on the grass we entered to discover, at last, our second new bird, a single Pochard in eclipse plumage.

Moving on to the Victorian mansion of Acebron so that we could walk the trail and explore the old woods, we soon encountered both Robin and Chaffinch.  However, it was in the old woods that we found the reamining three new birds; a couple of Firecrests, a small party of Longtailed Tits and a Blue Tit.  Before reaching the car we had also added Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler and Willow Warbler.

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Greylag Goose,  Mallard, Pochard, Buzzard, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Ring Ouzel, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Longtailed Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie and Raven.


Thursday:

Thursday saw us on a cultural visit to the lovely old town of Niebla.  Howver, apart from the number of Feral Pigeons and a single Black Redstart it did not stop us finding our way to the Embalsa de Candoncillo and another four new species for the week.  No sooner had we spotted the Red Kite than we became aware of the large passage of House Martins and, almost immediately, a number of passing Crag Martins.  Not to be outdone, at least a dozen or more Red-rumped Swallows were feding overthe water close to our shore.  A look behind us to the neighbouring stream with its dense vegeation produced the fourth new bird, a couple of Mistle Thrushes.  Meanwhile, we also had Little Egret, Robin, Blackbird, White Wagtail and a pair of Sardinian Warblers before 7 Griffon Vultures drifted over the water.  A Southern Grey Shrike, Thekla Lark and Serin were addedtot he list before we set off for La Rabina to visit the Columbas museum on the way back to the hotel.

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Buzzard, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Southern Grey Shrike, Serin, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Azaure-winged Magpie and Magpie.

Friday:

A somewhat cooler day to start with a good cloud coverage so Eric and I paid a vist to the main lagoon at El Rocio before checking on both reservs at La Rosina and El Acebuche.  Yet again, the initial journey produced a Buzzard in addition to the usual birds and then the water itself contained hundreds of birds of many species including Greylag Goose, Lapwing and Coot.  Indeed, as we watched we could see skein after skein of geese passing over above the far trees.  There were scores of Mallard, Shoveler and Teal plus in excess of 100 Avocet.  Closer inspection also revealed Grey Heron, a number of Black-tailed Godwit, maybe 50 Flamingo and at least a dozen Pintail, the first of 3 new birds for the week.  Needless to say, there were also Spotless Starlings, Stonechats, House Sparrows and a couple of Cetti's Warblers.

The short visit to La Rocina confirmed that the Blackcaps and Robins were still about along with more Chiffchaffs and, on the water, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Cattle Egret and Gadwall.  Again, the Kingfisher was very busy and a walk in the pine woods above produced not only Goldfinch and Chaffinch but the next new bird, a single Short-toed Treecreeper.

As with La Rocina, El Acebuche still had its resident Kingfisher feeding below us along with the small party of Spoonbill, having first recorded a single Purple Heron and numerous Azure-winged Magpies plus a handful of Common Magpies.  On this occasion I was able to identify the ring colours so that further investigation can take place once I reurn to Casa Collado at the week-end.  A flock of 40+ Wood Pigeons passed over whilst half a dozen Snipe fed in the pool below the hide.  Again, the Green Sandpiper was present but, new bird number three, a trio of Wood Sandpipers then took up station immediately below us to the left.  A single Teal was present amongst the Mallard and, of course, there ws no shortage of Little Grebe or Little Egret.  As before, the Spotted Flycatcher was above the hide and a distant Red Kite was noted.  However, perhaps the sight of the morning was not the single Southern Grey Shrike but the gorgeous male Sparrowhawk that relaced him ten minuts later and remained for at least the next five minutes giving good views.  As always when this happens, not to mention the close views of both the Wood Sandpipers and Kingfisher, the camera was sitting snugly in the back of the car!

So, as we enter the last day of our stay in Matalascanas with the return journey via Isla Mayor to come in the morning, the presnt number of species for the week stands at 124!

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, White Wagtail, Southern Grey Shrike, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Short-toed Treecreeper, Spotted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie and Magpie.

Donana Adventure - Part 3

Tuesday 19 October

Today was "Wader Day" when we all travelled to the Odiel Marshes (Marismas del Odiel) and saw just about every wader possible.  Indeed, you could probably count on one hand the number of possible waders that we did not see!  Setting off from the hotel and seeing the usual birds on the way, we journey straight to the water inlet at the first car park, about a mile beyond the high bridge, to make the best of the tide situation, knowing that the pool by the Visitors' Centre would still be the same on the return journey up the isthmus.

No sooner had we started off down the spit than we had both White Stork and Little Egret.  By the time we had crossed the bridge we had added Spoonbill and Oystercatcher and were then ready for the wader explosion.  The first to appear, if only be size, was a splendid Curlew, quickly followed by Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Redshank.  Forgetting the Yellow-legged Gull, a scan of the (almost) empty pool revealed Cormorant, Kentish Plover,Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Knot, Sanderling and Ruff feeding on the muddy edges.

Walking a little way along the road, the first of a handful of Grey Plover was noted along with a very active Chiffchaff in the roadside vegetation.  Next a small group of Mallard and then the distraction of a single Ziting Cisticola before finding good numbers of both Turnstone and Black-tailed Godwits.  Spread over the area were a number of Grey Herons and then, as we entered the next car park area and the level ground, Stonechat, Willow Warbler, Crested Lark and a small flock of about 20 Short-toed Larks.  Next came a walk along the boardwalk towards the beach where a charm of about 30 Goldfinches was seen, not to mention the very many House Sparrows.  Out at sea, the fishing boats were busy with the usual accompanying gulls but also at least 10 Gannets of mixed age diving into the water from about ten metres.  The return walk provided a fleeting glimpse of a retreating Grey Wagtail and a distant Booted Eagle.  However, the Robin crossing the narrow causeway was somewhat of a surprise.  The last new birds to be seen before completing our seaward journey were a number of individual Bar-tailed Godwits.

Making our way back up the isthmus towards the Visitors' Centre we stopped to admire a lone Sandwich Tern from the top of the high bridge and then pulled over before reaching the river bridge neat the above center to walk the short tour of the reserve on the Odiel side of the road.  Here we had a Marsh Harrier overhead as we approached the entrance gate and had soon added both Common Sandpiper and a couple of Gadwall.  The first sighting of a pair of Osprey as we walked the banks and then a wonderful range of waders including both Ringed and Kentish Plover, a couple (at least) of Spotted Redshank, more Black-tailed Godwits and Black-winged Stilts.

The large pool near the salt works and almost dry small pool opposite produced a number of Teal, Mallard, Shoveler and a Pied Flycatcher in the former whilst a single Moorhen, Snipe, White Wagtail, Reed Bunting and Water Pipit were located in the reed covered small pool.  Opposite, a number of Flamingos were feeding on one of the shallow ponds whilst a good number of Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls rested on the adjoining barrier.

Leaving the Odiel, we made our way back to the three small lagoons on the Matalascanas road just west of the oil refinery.  The first produced Black Redstart, Great Tit, Collared Dove and Great Crested Grebe, whereas the second also had Great Crested Grebe plus many Azure-winged Magpies, at least 9 Squacco Herons and 3 Purple Swamphens, not to mention a lone Great Tit.  Finally, a quick look at the last pond turned up a pair of Common Waxbill.

By the time we returned back to our hotel, the number of species seen since leaving Casa Collado had risen to well over 100 - and still another four days to go!

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Gannet, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Whimbrel, Snipe, Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot, Ruff, Turnstone, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Short-toed Lark, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Water Pipit, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Pied Flycatcher, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie and Magpie.

Donana Adventure - Part 2

Sunday - Monday; 17 & 18 October

Two consecutive days exploring the Donana National Park; Sunday at the El Acebuche Centre and Monday at La Rocina followed by the circular drive along the rack to the Jose Valverde Centre and back.  Arriving by 9.30 each morning and with over 50 species seen each day in beautiful suuny weather, we were more than pleased before returning to the hotel for a late afternoon swims (in the sea on Monday!) before changing for dinner.

Sunday:

A birthday treat was called for so the message went out that a Kingfisher and Water Rail would be much appreciated.  Little did I think that within thirty minutes both targets had actually been achieved!  As is usual in this part of Spain, the fifteen minute drive to El Acebuche was accompanied by regular sightings of both Azure-winged and Common Magpies with a Stonechat thrown in for good measure on just about every stretch of fencing.

With shallow water in most of the pools we were off to a good start with Green Sandpiper, Little Grebe, Little Egret and a handful of Spoonbills.  Plenty of Mallard about and then a female Red-crested Pochard.  We had already had at least 5 Pied Flycatchers before our first 2 Spotted Flycatchers.  As already referred to, our presence was greeted by a lovely Kingfisher that kept us entertained and, just as we were thinking of moving on to the next hide, whilst watching a pair of female Mallard, out walked a Water Rail from the adjacent reed-bed.  Wonderful!  Another wonderful present was to notice a Buethroat whilst observing a feeding Green Sandpiper.  In the trees around us a continuing movement of Azure-winged Magpies accompanied by the occasional Chiffchaff and Chaffinch.  Back on the water there were a few Coot and a couple of Grey Herons whilst above a lone Marsh Harrier drifted over and away.  The long, circular walk through the grounds and back to the car produced a lone Hoopoe plus a number of Crested Lark before we came across a reasonably close Green Woodpecker.  Meanwhile, feeding on the grasses, the large flock of House Sparrows contained at least one Spanish Sparrow.  Greenfinch, Serin, a large number of Wood Pigeon and the odd Great Tit kept us company until we found a pair of Tree Sparrows.  So, with a Kestrel overhead, we made our way to El Rocio to check out the main lagoon.

Being a Sunday, we should have known better!  Not only the normal crowd of tourists plus the day coincided with one of the main pilgrimages to the shrine.  However, on the way down the road we did record Buzzard, an adult Woodchat Shrike and Southern Grey Shrike on the wires.  At the back of the town we also found the occasional Willow Warbler in the reeds plus a small charm of Goldfinch.  On the water itself were good numbers of Lapwing and Greylag Geese plus a few Shovelers, Black-winged Stilts and a party of Black-tailed Godwit.  A single Zitting Cisiticola was recorded before finding our lone Purple Heron and, finally, a pair of Raven as we made the journey back to the beach.

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Spoonbill, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Sanderling, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Hooper, Green Woodpecker, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Robin, Bluethroat, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler,Great Tit, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie and Raven.

Monday:

The usual Magpies and Stonechats on our way towards El Rocio and the La Rocina reserve.  However, the reserve itself was rather disappointing in both the number of species and totals compared with previous visits.  There was a little water (it was completely dry three weeks ago) so Mallard, Coot, Little Egret and Heron were quickly recorded.  In the bushes we had Blackbird, Blackcap and Zitting Cisticola with a singing Cetti's Warbler in the adjacent reeds.  Add on a couple of Robin and the "resident" Buzzard and by late morning we were done and heading off into the Park proper, along the tracks through the recently-farrowed fields to the Jose Valverde Centre in the hope that there might be some water.

What a journey and what some great birds were seen; numerous Northern Wheatears, Stonechats and Crested Larks but also a magnificent Short-toed Eagle on the ground in front of the car as he gathered in his breakfast, albeit a rather small lizard!  In addition to the eagle, we also had Red Kite, numerous Marsh Harriers - but not a single adult male, a Montagu's Harrier, a hunting female Sparrowhawk and at least an hundred Kestrel.  However, pride of place must surely go to the pair of sub-adult Spanish Imperial Eagles that were being harried by 3 Ravens.  The other large birds included a good number of White Storks and at least 5 Black Storks, not to mention the gaggle of Greylag Geese that passed overhead in true "V" formation as we left the Centre.

Small birds included Linnet, Goldfinch, Hoopoe and Black Redstart whilst we did find a good selection of water birds on the large pool near the Centre.  Here we had a large number of Spoonbill and White Storks plus both Little and Great Crested Grebe.  Ducks included Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal whilst the waders were represented by a handful of Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, Greenshank and many Black-tailed Godwits in the large company of Black-winged Stilts and Avocets.  Finally, I must not forget the large flock of Cormorant at the back of the pool or the single Purple Swamphen that popped his head out for a few seconds to see what all the fuss was about.  Then, as we worked our way back to the road through the rice fields, a single Great White Egret.

Another vey good day with 59 species recorded before returning to base.  Lots of photographs but, alas, if I am to keep the records up to date, insuffficient time to process before posting this and future blogs.  I shall have to create a "photographic blog" upon my return!

Birds seen:

Cormorant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, White Stork, Black Stork, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Chifchaff, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie and Raven.

Donana Adventure - Part 1.

Saturday 16 October


On the arrival of Eric and Pat Lyon at Casa Collado, the car was packed to the proverbial gunwales with scopes and camera on top and binoculars inside. Then, with Eric driving this year, it was off to thr Donana National park in Huelva province to book in for a week at our time-share hotel on the coast at Matalascanas. The best of all worlds, on the southern edge of the Park and within ten minutes of the Acebuche centre, the sea and beach in front with access to swimming (burghhhhhh!) and a direct route to the Marismas del Odiel just west of the city of Huelva.

However, first there was the matter of Mick Richardson's blog last month (see www.lojawildlife.com) which suggested that there might still be Ortolan Buntings to be seen at the Laguna Herrera, a little to the north of the A92 at Antequera, and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at a small laguna near Marchena. In the end we were to have mixed success, seeing the the first but not the latter. Approaching Laguna Herrada along the track we had regular stops as the number of Northern Wheatears and Stonechats increased and then th eraptors; first a Short-toed Eagle with a nearby Griffon Vulture, quickly followed by the first of many Kestrels to be seen during the day.


As soon as we approached the laguna it was obvious that this normally dry depression in the land still contained water. To the far side a number of Flamingos, mainly juveniles, accompanied by good numbers of both Black-winged Stilts and Avocets which fed in the shallow water. Nearer the shore 3 Ruff (no doubt including at least one Reeve) were very active and on teh shore itself a handful of Ringed Plovers and a couple of Kentish Plover. However,it was the ditch and vegetation to the left of the track that provided all the activity. Not content with good numbers of feeding Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet and House Sparrows we also had the "specials"; first a migrating Great Grey Shrike showing very well on an overhead cable quickly followed by the first Chiffchaff of the day and then our "target bird", the Ortolan Bunting. At least 4 individuals moving about but then we did manage to lock-on to a trio on the far side of the bank and get off a couple of photos to confirm that our birds were juveniles, albeit it would have been better if the birds had been a little more co-operative and actually turned towards the camera before departing over the bank!

Ortolan Bunting  Escribano Hortelano  (Emberiza hortulana)

Continuing to the end of the track to pick up the main road, we also had a Common Sandpiper on the final stretch of water and then 3 White Wagtails plus the expected Thekla Larks. The last birds to be seen before regaining the A92 to continue our drive westwards were a Corn Bunting and an immature Marsh Harrier.

As suggested above, the detour from Osuna to Marchena was rather disappointing. We did find a dried-up water bed but the intended laguna seemed to be well and truly secured to prevent vehicular access and we did not have time for a 2km hike. However, during the process and stop for a picnic lunch we were able to see a gorgeous Red Kite, at least 3 Common Buzzards and a flock of feeding Jackdaws next to the, fortunately penned in, fighting bulls. What is it that specially attacks Jackdaws to these massive creatures?

Squacco Heron  Garcilla Cangrejera  (Ardeola ralloides)

So, with well over 30 species already recorded we headed off for the Isla Mayor and the gateway to the Donana National Park. As we approached the Donana we had good numbers of Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Grey Heron. our first stop at a regularly visit small pool produced a Reed Warbler and then the first of at least 5 Squacco Herons. A distant Marsh Harrier flew over, the first of many to be seen in the next hour, and then we were amongst the many White Storks as we continued on. An adult Woodchat Shrike was a delight to see and then a sudden stop was called to take a double-check on the lone, large white heron sitting in the rice paddy. Yes, you've guessed, a lovely Great White Egret and, even better, close by sightings of both Little Egret and Grey Heron to get the desired comparison for all concerned. No sooner sighted and then we had good numbers of Barn Swallows and a large flock of Glossy Ibis pass over to their new feeding field. On the recently-harvested and now flooded rice fields we found three gull species; Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and a small number of Mediterranean Gulls, not to mention nearby pair of Cormorants.

Marsh Harrier  Aguilucho Lagunero  (Circus aeruginosus)

Leaving the rice fields we made our way over to that weird and wonderful town of El Rocio in the centre of the National Park. A quick look at the laguna as we passed revealed a Redshank, a small flock of Lapwing, small numbers of Flamingo and White Stork plus a recently arrived flock of Greylag Geese. Then it was simply a matter of taking the main road down to the coast and our hotel at Matalascanas. However, we were not done birding! Travelling down we had a Southern Grey Shrike on the wires and then the first of very many Azure-winged Magpies and at least 6 Common Magpies. In addition to the Thekla Lark, we had 3 other larks, almost certainly Skylarks with their lack of crest and showing all the visual and behavioural aspects other than get off the ground and expose their white outer wing and tail edges as we peered into the sun. Finally, 3 Red-legged Partridge on the sandy track beyond the fence and then we had arrived at our destination having seen a total of 56 species during the day.

Birds seen:

Cormorant, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, White Stork, Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Red-legged Partridge, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Thekla Lark, Skylark, White Wagtail, Barn Swallow, Stonechat, Wheatear, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Grey Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Spotless Starling, Magpie, Azure-winged Magpie, Jackdaw and Raven.

NOTE:

On holiday so photographs processed using jpgs and Picasa.

Axarquia Bird Group Visit to Venta de Zafarraya

Bright and sunny this Thursday morning as I set off to meet the group at Puente don Manuel followed by the mirador at Venta de Zafarray which is more than could be said for the weather on arrival at the latter!  Here there was cloud and a very cold wind on the shady side of the mountain which necessitated much additional clothing being wrapped over our bodies.  However, once through the old railway tunnel and out into the, now bright, sunshine again it was more a case of what to do with the extra clothing.  In total we were nine for the visit; Eric and Pat Lyon from Sayalonga, Gerry Collins, Louise Gray and Audrey Bates from Salobrena, Ian Kirk from Benalmadena, Lesley Laver and Patricia Shaw from Nerja, David and Janet Fisher from Antequera and myself from the relatively close Lake Vinuela.

On arrival we were greeted by 3 Ibex walking the cliff edge and debating whether or not they should become lunch for a wandering Griffon Vulture and then the first of many Rock Sparrows.  Only a single Rock Bunting but before long we were recording plenty of Crag Martins.  The first of our Black Wheatears (3) were seen below the big cave with a number of Goldfinches feeding below.  Below the track "loads" of Stonechats representing all ages and both sexes plus a good number of Sardinian Warblers.  Just before entering the tunnel the first view of a male Peregrine Falcon and a single Great Tit scurried away from a nearby bush.

Chough  Chova Piquiroja  (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)

The Stonechats and Sardinian Warblers continued to dominate the scene as we left the tunnel but then the welcome sight (sound later) of the local Choughs.  By the time we returned to this spot, the Chough numbers had increased with a maximum of 12+.  A few Greenfinches with a small party of Serin below the track and a hunting Kestrel.  Then, at last, we managed to locate the Blue Rock Thrushes; mainly singles and totalling about five in all.  The return walk towards the tunnel also located a small party of about half-dozen Mistle Thrushes high on the bank below the cliff face.  Similarly, there were a good number of Thekla Larks to be seen.  The final sight before setting off for the "Magpie Woods" was a party of 3 male Black Redstarts which presented themselves very well.

Black Redstart  Colirrojo Tizon (Phoenicurus ochruros)

No Azure-winged magpies to be seen so we took the long-way round to Alhama de Granada to take in some of the recently-ploughed fields.  Having seen a pair of Short-toed Larks at the "Muck Heap", it was pleasing to record a number of Calandra Larks on the back road along with 2 Northern Wheatears and a part of 9 White Wagtails.  Just a little way off a single Grey Wagtail was found feeding before it, too, beat a hasty retreat.  A couple of Robin were seen by three of the group and the we all found the magpies; a total of 3 Common Magpie but none of the blue-wing variety.

Northern Wheatear  Callalba Gris  (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Ans so it was on to the pantaneta above Alhama de Granada.  Plenty of Coots and a good number of Shoveler with a few Little Grebe but very little else.  A walk to the adjacent small spinney produces 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a single Wood Pigeon whilst Cetti's Warblers were calling from the nearby reed-bed.  A Chaffinch was moving about near the car park with, no doubt, his eyes on the fallen walnuts; presumably, if like last year, waiting for passing cars to crack open one or two to provide an extra meal.  A Blackbird had crossed the road during the journey to the pool and also seen were House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and Rock Dove to take the daily total up to 35 species.

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Pochard, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Coot, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Thekla Lark, Short-toed Lark, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Crag Martin, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Rock Bunting, Spotless Starling, Magpie and Chough.

FOOTNOTE:

If visiting Fuente de Piedra (Cranes should be arriving by the end of this month) take extra care as there has been a report of a break-in to one or more of the cars in the Visitors Centre car park.  Take care and make sure that all valuables and anything else that might draw attention to optic/camera equipment is safely stored in boot and car properly locked.

20 Raptor Species and both Storks

Friends Tony and Margaret Noble from Northampton, UK over for eight days so we took the opportunity to go down to Tarifa in the hope of catching the "tail end" (no pun intended) autumn migration.  We were not to be disappointed and though very cloudy on the first day and somewhat cooler and fresher on the final day's return journey, we did see a good selection of birds; not in mass numbers, apart from large flocks of Griffon Vulture, but more a case of one of this, two of that, etc.  Indeed, add on the Black Kite we saw at the hotel, the Red Kite, Bonneli's Eagle, three different Harriers (Marsh, Montaju's and Hen), Lesser Kestrel and Little Owl in La Janda and we finished up with a total of 20 raptors plus both Black and White Stork.

Thursday 7 October:

An early departure (good news, the motorway is now back on winter prices!) and we weer at El Algarrabo, east of Tarifa by 11.45.  Not the first to arrive with representatives from SEO's "migres" volunteers busy at work.  Immediately good numbers of Griffon Vulture soaring on the available thermals, maybe as many as 500, then 4 Booted Eagles quickly followed by at least 7 Short-toed Eagles.  " Hobbies were a good sighting and then a single Black Stork, presumably seeking out his mates who had gone before.  Whilst waiting for the next group, a lone Blue Tit and the occasional Kestrel kept us occupied plus a Sardinian Warbler.  Up went the shout as the first Egyptian Vulture was spotted and then a solitary Honey Buzzard.

Lesser Short-toed Lark  TerreraMarismena  (Calandrella rufescens)

With the ladies desperately in need of certain facilities, not to mention a hot drink, it was down off the mountain and eventually to the Las Palmas beach at Tarifa.  Relatively quiet with a few Cattle Egret, a handful of Yellow Wagtails (Iberian, Blue-headed, sub-species) and a couple of Zitting Cisiticolas we pushed on along the boardwalk.  Good numbers of Stonechat and then the first Lesser Short-toed Lark.

The tide was well in with water up to the path and covering all the small islands so very few waders.  However, we did identify Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.  The larger birds were mainly Yellow-legged Gull and every post occupied by a Sandwich Tern.  Needless to say, there were also a number of Grey Herons.  Above us, the air was full of Barn Swallows plus the occasional Red-rumped Swallow and a single House Martin.

Griffon Vulture  Buire Leonado  (Gyps fulvus)

The early evening was given over to a visit to the well-known cliff cave above Bolonia in the hope hat we just might catch a glimpse of either a Little or White-rumped Swift.  Whilst awaiting dusk, we were rewarded with the sight of a number of Griffon Vultures and the late sortie around the cliff face to give us a photo opportunity.  A charm of Goldfinches passed over followed by a handful of Lesser Kestrels and then the usual evening flight  and display of the resident Common Kestrels.  We had a lone Blue Rock Thrush which presented itself very well in the fading sunlight and then a single Peregrine Falcon.  Finally, our wait was successfully rewarded with not one but 15 Little Swifts and in the background below, low over the sea, a solitary Gannet flying westwards.  A very rewarding first day.

Friday 8 October

Having seen the beach at high tide it was time for a change of plan.  Rather than have a busy day before making our way home a second night was booked at the very comfortable hotel that we had booked into the day before (and the very good discount an even better reason for joining the Andalucia Bird Society).  So, straight after breakfast, off to Las Palmas beach to see what waders might be about at low tide.  Lots of Stonechats as we entered the site and the first Cattle Egrets of the day.  There were, again, very large numbers of Barn Swallows overhead feeding and preparing for the sea crossing to Africa and beyond.  On the beach and in the shallow waters a number of Grey Heron and Little Egret were, it seemed, digesting their early morning desayuno.  Nearer to us there were also good numbers of small waders including Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin plus a couple of Little Stint and 4 Black-tailed Godwits.  Gulls were represented by Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black-headed Gull with continuing good numbers of Sandwich Terns.  Even better, a lone Osprey drifted eastwards at the tide's edge.

(Ringed) Ringed Plover  Chorlitejo Grande  (Charadrius hiaticula)

Next it was up to Cazalla to check on the raptor situation.  The resident Common Buzzard seemed to present the whole time with the main movement, again, Griffon Vultures, Short-toed Eagles and large numbers of both Barn Swallow and Red-rumped Swallow.  A couple of Booted Eagles drifted over and we also had a single Sparrowhawk.


Given the very pleasant, warm and sunny weather, we then retreated to Bolonia to make use of the sea for our nautical pleasures before taking a menu del dia at the San Jose del Valle hotel back at the Bolonia turn-off from the main road.  Come almost 5 pm (and much later than I had anticipated) and we were in La Janda and amongst the Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets and Grey Herons.  Only a few, no more than 9, White Storks but a plentiful supply of Marsh Harriers and Common Kestrels.  Leaving aside the small passerines, including Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting, we gradually made our way alongside the canal.  Yet more Cattle Egrets and then both a Sardinian Warbler and Zitting Cisitcola in quick succession.  No sooner had we seen our first Montagu's Harrier, a magnificent male specimen, than we also had a Black-shouldered Kite.  What could possibly get better?  A small party of Mallard in a drainage ditch or a large flock of Jackdaw?  I hardly think so.  But we did have a couple of Raven fly over.

Whilst checking the numerous large flocks of House Sparrows that frequented the bushes at the sides of both the fields and canal, it was really pleasing to find a small number of Spanish Sparrows mixed in with these flocks.

A Green Sandpiper was flushed and then a Common Sandpiper and, to be expected, the drive up to the farm produced a large number of Wood Pigeon and at least 200 Jackdaws.  Just before the farm a pair of juvenile Bonelli's Eagles were sighted plus numerous Pheasant and Red-legged Partridge; all, no doubt, eventually destined for some Spanish pot (the latter two that is)!  Crossing the little stream a Cetti's Warbler was "blasting forth" and we had good views of Crested Larks.  At the far, a late single Turtle Dove and then a quick sight of a beautiful Red Kite.  A little scope work in the field opposite produced, probably, the same Little Owl that had been recorded two weeks previously.  Finally, a very close sight of both a posing Northern Wheatear and a magnificent male Hen Harrier.

However, perhaps the sight of the evening was watching the arrival of the Cattle Egrets for their evening roost.  Sitting quietly in the car not ten metres away we soon lost count of the numbers moving about but, eventually and well into darkness, the final count must have been in excess of 5,000 accompanied by and aerial display from almost a thousand Spotless Starlings before all settled down for the night and we could return top our hotel to do likewise.

Spotless Starlings Estornino Negro  (Sturnus unicolor) making for their over-night roost

Saturday 9 October

Rain had been promised overnight but the day dawned clear with only a little cloud and good sunshine.  Barn Swallows were very plentiful overhead and then a single Black Kite passed over as the car was being packed.  A Sardinian Warbler as we left the hotel with a few Cattle Egret moving off for a day's feasting as set off for home via San Roque and the scenic route through the mountains to Ronda.  Leaving the main road, every pylon seemed to contain a nest with at least one White Stork in residence and, before long we had also seen Kestrel, a single Griffon Vulture and the first Blackbird.

That's when it all changed.  The clouds got lower, the mist came up and the drizzle started.  A late coffee break was taken in Ronda in pouring rain accompanied by thunder and lightning which did not auger well for the stops at the Laguna Dulce and Fuente de Piedra.  However, things were not as bad as they seemed and when we discovered Frank Hair at the former it was evident that the weather was improving.  Not good light but thousands of birds on the water, mainly Common Coot but at least a pair of Red-knobbed Coot, one carrying a numbered neck collar.  There were also Moorhens and a few Little Grebe, more Black-necked Grebe and a good number of Great Crested Grebe.  Mallards were present along with a handful of Gadwall and Shoveller but far more Common Pochard.  Again, use of the scope, produces sightings of Red-crested Pochard.  The far, rear bank contained a number of Little Egret whilst in the margins could be found Grey Heron and a pair of juvenile Flamingo.  However, as discovered earlier, by far the greatest number of duck were of the White-headed variety.  Not many gulls about but we did find both Yellow-legged Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull.  And as we left a friendly Great Tit popped in to say "Hello!"

Flamingo  Flamenco Comun  (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The drive round to the main water at Fuente de Piedra produced a Red-legged Partridge, a sodden Marsh Harrier, Thekla Lark and a small flock of Linnets.  A quick stop to admire the thousands (30,000 pus?) Flamingos from the far end of the water and then on to the mirador at La Vicaria.  On arrival, another pair of very wet looking Marsh Harriers and a small number of Iberian race Yellow Wagtails on "dry land" plus thousands of Flamingo on the water plus the odd Black-winged Stilt.  A Southern Grey Shrike made itself known plus a single Lapwing before we moved on to the main entrance and a chance to see how much, if any, water was in the small pool at the rear of the Visitors' Centre.

More Stonechats and then at least 3 Snipe and a handful of more Lapwing on the hallow pools at the rear.  Add on a Heron, more Ringed Plovers and Kentish Plover before finding both Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper.  Now much drier and clearer so a pleasant drive back to Casa Collado, seeing both Thekla Lark and Hoopoe on the way.  All in all, three lovely days which produced a final total of 94 species.

        Juvenile Flamingo  Flamenco Comun  (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Unlabelled photos (top to bottom):

Griffon Vulture   Buitre Leonado  (Gyps fulvus)

Black Stork  Ciguena Negra  (Ciconia nigra)

Peregrine Falcon  Halcon Peregrino  (Falco peregrinus)

White Stalk  Ciguena Blanca  (Ciconia ciconia)

Black-shouldered Kite  Elanio Comun  (Elanus migrans)

Cattle Egret (2)  Garcilla Bueyera  (bubulcus ibis)

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Black Stork, White Stork, Flamingo, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Red Kite, Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Buzzard, Honey Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Kestrel, Kestrel, Hobby, Peregrine, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Audouin's Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Little Swift, Hoopoe, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Blue-headed Wagtail, Southern Grey Shrike, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling, Jackdaw and Raven.

Fuente de Piedra is alive with Birds!

Tuesday 5 October

Having been suitably impressed by Andy Paterson's report on his recent visit to Fuente de Piedra, Eric and Pat Lyons took themselves off on the same adventure first thing yesterday morning, departing home by 7.30.  Not content with trying to run down numerous Northern Wheatear, Crested Lark and several Red-necked Nighjar before they even got off their mountain, they were then confronted with thousands of Flamingo (far too many to count) upon arrival at the well-known lagoon, spread as they were, across the water and, therefore, close to all the viewing points.

Apart from the Flamingos, the water mainly held Shoveller, Great crested, Little and Black-necked Grebe.  Presumably, because there is no water on the fringes or in the small lagoon at the rear of the visitor centre, waders were limited in number.  They saw Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, Ruff, Ringed and Kentish Plover and Black-winged Stilt.  The bushes near the visitor centre held numbers of Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Pied Flycatcher and were pleased, once again, to see the resident Little Owl but were keen to get to Laguna Dulce so were happy with the 33 species seen at Fuente.

The amount of water standing at La Laguna Dulce is amazing when you see how dry the land around Fuente is. The hide is a picture window on to thousands of Coot and significant numbers of Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, White headed Duck, Shoveller, Pochard, Red crested Pochard, Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe and Little Grebe and a few Gadwall.  A Grey Heron, Cormorant and Little Egret flew in and they had Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher around the hide. Then off to the ponds around Campanillos where they saw much the same water birds and again very close viewing. Also the same large numbers of Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and Willow Warblers but this time with Azure-winged Magpie, Raven and Calandra Lark.

Back to Fuente for a menu del dia and a pleasant after lunch meander across the boardwalk and towards the next hide (La Vicaria); which was just as well because they saw some of the birds they should have seen earlier - such as Serin, Zitting Cisticola, Kestrel, and Common Sandpiper.  But they were also able to get close to an obliging Water Pipit and Northern Wheatear and a Great Grey Shrike (clearly not the Southern Grey species/race). But for Eric and pat, the best birds of the day were the 6 Collared Pratincoles which flushed up from the drainage channel 20 yards away and wheeled away.  So a grand total of 60 species on a beautiful day's bird watching.

Great report Eric and the envy of us all.  Now that you have whetted my appetite, will the birds still be present if I drive out next Monday, assuming the week-end visitors have not driven them all away?

More local raptors on the move

 An email from Eric at the week-end confirmed that we still have raptors moving through the Axarquia as they work their way south in readiness for the crossing over the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa and onwards

 

In Eric's words, the flurry of migrants passing over and alongside the house started with mainly Barn Swallows quickly followed by some Red-rumped Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins.  The the first raptor appeared at terrace level and slowly ascended on a thermal or updraught followed by 11 others; all Honey Buzzards.  (Who says these lovely birds complete their journey past us in August/September and off and away before October?  Not so.)  Ten minutes later a Bonelli's Eagle was following the same flight path followed by 2 Booted Eagles.  And even better, all at a very nice viewing height.

The Bonellis's Eagle also had a very much smaller raptor with it which circled once and then was gone westwards.  The small raptor had a long tail, broad rounded hawk-like wings with pale barring underneath but with a pale rear/base of the tail similar to harriers.   My instinct tells me that it was almost certainly a Sparrowhawk.

I shall be off down to Tarifa on Thursday so, hopefully, there will still be some good raptor movements for me to observe.  "Watch this space," as the proverbial saying goes!

 

Seven magnificent days; a whole week's birding!

There are times when you are unable to get out once a week for some serious birding and then, low and behold, all the days come together and you get seven in a row.  Last week was one of those weeks for me.  I had already arranged to go down to Tarifa with Andy Paterson last Friday to check out both the on-going autumn migration and look in at the Second International Bird Fair when the Andalucian Bird Society finally decided it would be a good opportunity to have our first committee meeting on the Sunday morning at the conclusion of the above Fair.  That required an additional night and no sooner had that been arranged and I was making arrangements to take a visiting American couple to the Donana (as well as Tarifa) for the following three days.  With the monthly visit of the Axarquia Bird Group already arranged for the last day of the month, I eventually ended up with seven consecutive birding days.  Wow!  Now that, eventually, I have time to write-up all the details and sort out some photos I am feeling absolutely exhausted.  But; friends arrive next Tuesday for eight days and we have already arranged for another overnight stop in Tarifa which will just about take me up to the annual pilgrimage to the Donana (again!) for the week beginning 16 October.  For this last visit we will be staying with our birding friends in a time-share in Matalscanas on the coast.  (Anybody like 2 weeks time-share - 8500 points with Diamond Resort - for free?  See the website for more details; should be uploaded by the week-end.)

With so much to record it is difficult to know what to include and what to omit.  Our daily highlights are recorded below with a full list of the 115 species seen at the end of the six days.  Finally, there will be an additional report on the Axarquia Bird Group visit to the Charca de Suarez reserve.

Part 1:  Tarifa and La Janda

Friday 24 September

Leaving home not long after 8 in the morning, I was able to collect a most delightful couple, Bruce and Sue Seger, from their Novotel hotel near Malaga airport and start on the journey south.  By noon we were at the El Algarroba observation point and able to start our birding experience.  However, with a very strong wind blowing there were only limited numbers of birds passing over to attempt the crossing over the Straits.  A single Sardinian Warbler greeted us upon arrival and, rather than scores of raptors, we had to be content with seeing single figure numbers for most species.  Moving across were Short-toed Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Booted eagle, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and reasonable numbers of Griffin Vultures.  Nearer the beach below were Common Swifts and a good passage of Alpine Swifts.  Above and around us, as on every day, were numerous Barn Swallows and, as always, no shortage of both House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings.

Griffon Vultures over Bolonia

A good start in terms of quality if not quantity.  So, after a short rest, we set out for an evening visit to Bolonia to try and track down the illusive White-rumped and Little Swift.  Plenty of visitors to the well-known cave where we arrived just before 6 pm and were joined by Andy Paterson, three visiting Finish birders and a a delightful young couple from near Minsmere in east Anglia.  Having seen numerous Stonechats on the journey up to the cliff face, we were promptly entertained by the resident Griffon Vultures.  Still no sign of any swifts but a rather nice dark phase Booted Eagle quickly followed by a trio of Peregrine Falcons.  To add to the fun we also had a Honey Buzzard and Raven.  As the evening wore on and the mood remained rather jolly with everyone in state of anticipation, eventually the arrival of swifts.  Bruce and I had just seen a flash of white move into the cave from the right but were unable to get another view to confirm the possible White-rumped Swift when, at last, about 8.20 the first sightings of at least four Little Swift with their very distinctive straight tail ends.  Only when, finally, all the excitement had died down did Bruce and Sue mention that they had been watching these birds since 7.30 and wondering what they were as they did not look like swallows and were somewhat small for House Martins!  Just goes to show that a pair of "foreign" eyes can sometimes be more useful than well-experienced native eyes; they are not tuned in with binocular (excuse the pun) vision focusing on the expected.  With that, it was back to the hotel and the promise of more to come in the morning.

Saturday 25 September:

Most of the day was spent in La Janda.  Andy in his car with the usual, "If you had been here yesterday.....) and Bruce and Sue with me.  However, we were not alone as once again we met up with both yesterday's Finnish birders and another couple of birding groups.  Entering the site, we had plenty of small finches including Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.  There were both Stonechats and Corn Buntings on the fences and plenty of White Storks and Cattle Egrets in the fields.  Nearer the canals were very many Little Egrets and Grey Herons, a singing Cetti's Warbler and Griffin Vultures passing overhead.

Not the numbers of yesterday but we did eventually record Glossy Ibis and a Booted Eagle.  A small pond on the other side of the main canal produced a Ringed Plover and small flock of Calandra Larks.  With plenty of Marsh Harriers quartering the rice fields, it was a pleasure to record a Black Kite followed by at least seven Honey Buzzards resting and feeding from the water booms.  Then a very special treat.  The flushed Black-shouldered Kite took up station on the same water boom giving relatively clear, if somewhat distant, views.  Not to be outdone, we then had a rather lovely immature Montagu's Harrier, numerous Common Kestrels and the first of many small flocks of Lesser Kestrels.  But before leaving the area we did have four Osprey pass over.

The journey up to the "smelly farm" produced Jackdaws and Pheasant and a very late Rufous Bushchat whilst the long haul back towards Fasinas along the well-rutted central track was disappointing.  More Grey Wagtails, lots of mature fighting bulls awaiting their one-way ticket to some bullring in the region or country, and then a couple of rather lovely Northern Wheatear.  The only other birds of note were a few Short-toed Larks and a very small flock of Linnets.

Back in Tarifa it was time to check out the beach before seeing what had developed at the Bird Fair.  Still very windy and, being a Saturday, the beach was crowded with wind-kiters, sun-bathers and walkers.  However, it did not prevent us from recording Crested Lark, Zitting Cisticola and Black Redstart on the land side whilst the beaches held a range of gulls including Yellow-legged, Black-headed and Mediterranean; Sandwich, Little and Whiskered Terns, Sanderlings and a good number of Black-tailed Godwits.


Sunday 26 September:

Today was to be the second "Raptor Migration" day; this time at the new Cazalla observation post just above Tarifa.  What a disappointment.  Very windy with only a regular passage of Griffin Vultures and a flock of about 45 Black Kites.  Rather than wait and hope for better things, we three took ourselves off down to the Las Palmas beach once more in the hope that we might beat the Sunday revellers.

On the land side Cattle Egret, both White and Yellow (Iberian sub species) Wagtails, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Stonechats,and Golfinches whilst on the beach side plenty of Black-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling and Little Stint.  More terns and gulls including Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull and Audouin's Gull plus Sandwich and Little Tern.  However, perhaps, pride of place probably went to a fairly close Whimbrel.

Overhead, Barn Swallows continued to feast on the plentiful supply of midges whilst on the grass below more Crested Larks and Short-toed Larks sort out their preferred diet.  A couple of Common Kestrels passed overhead and a Common Sandpiper put in an appearance in a nearby creak.

A short visit to the Bird Fair to pay our farewells and then it was off once more to La Janda for some late afternoon birding.  Not only Corn Buntings and the usual finches but on this occasion a small party of Red-rumped Swallows feeding on the opposite side of the track to their Barn Swallow cousins.  Lots of White Storks and numerous Little Egret and Grey Heron as we passed along the tracks towards the bridge over the canal.  There followed a single Glossy Ibis, Montagu's Harrier and Green Sandpiper before finally sighting a pair of Turtle Doves.  Lesser Kestrels were still feeding overhead and there was always a Common Kestrel to be seen.

Monagu's Harrier

The area just beyond the "smelly farm" really turned up trumps on our way back from the far side of the site where we recorded Jackdaw, at least a dozen Lapwing, Raven and a flight of 30 Mallard.  Having stopped to watch a Whinchat on the fence next to a juvenile Woodchat Shrike, we then had the pleasure of a pair of Little Owl plus at least 5 Red-legged Partridge and numerous Pheasants.  Joined by a party of Belgian birders, we had no sooner shown them our birds when we discovered the first of 3 Spotted Flycatchers.  Watching these last two Spotted Flycatchers at the farm, we hen had the sight of a juvenile Spectacled Warbler on the same fence.

Cattle Egrets at roost

So, it was then time to make for our hotel which coincided with the hundreds of Cattle Egrets coming in to roost in the trees alongside the track on which we were driving.  Needless to say, we stopped immediately in front of the trees and spent a very enjoyable fifteen minutes watching these lovely birds settle down for the night.

Part 2:  Donana and the Odiel Marshes

Monday 27 September:

Breakfast completed and the car packed we set off for the Donana National Park to the west of Seville in Huelva province.  rather than take the motorway west of Seville, we headed to the Isla Mayor and the acres of rice fields.  Surprisingly, compared with the past two years it looks very much as if the harvest will be starting earlier with some signs already of early work.  Lots of Cattle Egrets and Grey Herons about and we stopped at a little farm just inside the park where there is always a small wet area.  Not to be disappointed, this small field held about 200 Glossy Ibis and a range of small waders including, mainly, Ringed Plover, Common and Green Sandpiper.  However, we did have a good view of a single Wood Sandpiper.  To be expected, there were plenty of Black-winged Stilts and a single Sandwich Tern resting on the opposite track.  A Hoopoe flew across the site and then all the Glossy Ibis took to the air as we tried to get a better view with the sun behind us.  However, once settle in against the hedge, the birds gradually returned to carry on with their feeding.  Also in the field with a good number of Iberian race Yellow Wagtails.

Wood Sandpiper

Moving on towards Isla Mayor village, there were scores of Little Egrets wherever you looked and white Storks in the distance.  However, we had to stop and photograph the Squacco Heron that sat very proudly at the side of the field within five metres of the car and waited most patiently whilst we completed our videoing and photography!

Crossing the river into the Donana Park proper before heading off to the distant Jose Valverde Visitors' Centre at (a 40 mile/61 km circuit), we had our first Purple Heron with both Marsh and Montagu's Harrier along with a single Booted Eagle overhead - but no Great White Egret.  The long haul to the visitors' centre produced over an hundred Common Kestrels and a small flock of Lesser kestrel.  Regular sightings of Crested Lark, Stonechat and Northern Wheatear kept us on our toes (even inside the car!) and the occasional sight of a Little Grebe, Buzzard and Green Sandpiper was an added bonus.  We even had a single Greenshank.

The far end of this part of the park was disappointing in that, apart from being brown and barren following the harvest and ploughing of the massive field, there was water.  Only one small pool was available but this was well occupied by a variety of birds.  Lots of Black-winged Stilts, Mallards and a few Teal immediately came to sight and then about 50 Spoonbill and a dozen Avocet.  Closer to us,  very many Black-tailed Godwit, lots of Ringed Plover, Redshank, a few Kentish Plover, the occasional Moorhen, many Coot and a single Snipe and Whimbrel.  In the distance at the back of the pool were 3 Cormorants and then the arrival of a small party of Dunlin.

Glossy Ibis on tour

The drive back to the road produced more Northern Wheatears and Crested Larks plus, eventually, our only Red Kite.  Continuing towards El Rocio we picked up Common Magpie and then the first of very many Azure-winged Magpies that we were to see in the next two days.  Checking in at the Centro de La Rocina visitors' centre just beyond El Rocio on our way to the pre-booked hostal in the town itself, we were sadly informed that there was no water; everything was dry.  There may have been a number of Flamingos on the lake at El Rocio but all we had to show at above Centre was a Blackcap and a Blackbird.  It was, therefore, time to return to our hostal with House Martins overhead, check in and think about the long-awaited evening meal and a bed.

Sandwich Terns with Black-headed Gull on the river Odiel

Tuesday 28 September:

The "Big Wader Day" at the Odiel marshes (Marismas del Odiel).  But before setting off, or even having breakfast, Bruce and I made the short trip to the main laguna in front of the church to see what would be on El Rocio's water.  Well in excess of 30 Black-tailed Godwits and at least an hundred Lapwing.  About 90 Flamingo were busy feeding and a small number of White Stork until we witnessed the arrival of the main flock, about a further 50 individuals.  The ducks were represented by scores of Mallard and and a handful of Shoveler and the herons by numerous, too many to count, Grey Heron, a single Purple Heron and 5 Spoonbill.  Of the waders, we had about 10 Avocet, Common Sandpiper and a number of Redshank and Sanderling.  The Barn Swallows were already awake in the low light and busy feeding overhead and, as we made our way back to the hostal for breakfast they were joined by a small number of House Martins.  It was as we started this return journey that we noticed our first Little Egret of the day and had a Chiffchaff in the bushes immediately in front of our observation platform.

After breakfast, another lovely day with no wind so the challenge was set as we left El Rocio towards the coast.  How many Magpies of both species and Southern Grey Shrike would we see before reaching Mazaron?  I went for 10 each magpies and 2 shrikes.  Bruce opted for two 5s and a zero whilst Sue opted for a total zero rating.  In the event I lost on all counts with 7 Azure-winged Magie (one up to Bruce), 2 Common Magpie (win for Sue) and 1 Southern Grey Shrike!

After a very pleasant drive we were at the small pool just beyond the salt workings next to the entrance to the restaurant.  The gate locked so no problem parking the car right next to the pool.  Plenty of activity on the water with a small number of Flamingo, mainly juveniles.  (The main flock were beyond the salinas on the far side but at quite a distance.)  Once again, the most common wader was the Ringed Plover with in excess of 20 plus a small party of Curlew Sandpipers.   Also present were a couple of Little Stint and a Snipe made a very brief appearance.  A good number of both Moorhen and Coot but the ducks were mainly Mallard and a good number of Shoveler.  At the back of the water a couple of Common Pochard and a handful of Teal.  However, there were plenty of Little Grebe bobbing about, Barn Swallows overhead and a calling Cetti's Warbler in the nearby bushes.

Leaving the car at the Visitors' Centre, we set off to explore the mud flats alongside the neighbouring river and the distant hide on the other side of the road.   The river held more Black-tailed Godwits and a single Curlew plus a few Ringed Plovers.  A Redshank put in an appearance and then the first of many Whimbrel.  Again, very many Grey Herons - and all the way down the river.  So, on down the spit and over the high bridge to the parking area at the top of the inland lagoon.  Many individual White Storks and Herons with Barn Swallows overhead.

With the tide just about at its lowest, there were limited numbers of waders near the car park.  However, we could find good numbers of Curlew, Whimbrel and Green Sandpiper plus a Greenshank.  On the scrub behind us a few Northern Wheatear and a walk towards the sea produced more large waders in the muddy lagoon plus Oystercatcher, Grey Heron and White Storks.  Returning to the car, we then continued to the end of the spit (but not the extra kilometres to the lighthouse!) seeing good numbers of waders, herons and gulls on the sandy beaches alongside the Odiel.  Lots of Ringed Plover, Sanderling and a family of Oystercatchers.  With the Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls were a few Lesser Black-backed and a small number of Sandwich Terns plus a couple of Little Tern.  In the first such group was a single Cormorant and it was much later before we found a few more.  Nearing the end of the drive we also found a single Mediterranean Gull, lots more Cattle Egrets and Green Sandpipers plus, eventually, a Bar-tailed Godwit.  On the river side a single Grey Plover was noted and, as we started our return trip up the spit, with the Crested Larks on the road were small numbers of feeding Sanderling.  However, the real surprise was the single Turnstone at close quarters.

Grey Plover

Before returning to the hostal our final call was at the lower visitors' centre at El Acebuche to see and photograph the Azure-winged Magpies.  With, probably, about 30 in the area we were not to be disappointed.  We even had a couple of Common Magpie to keep us company.

Bar-tailed Godwit

 Before dinner with about a couple of hours to spare, I took one of our fellow guests, Marieke Berkvens from Belgium over to the Isla Menor so that she would know the direction for her journey to Seville in a couple of days and in the hope that the Glossy Ibis would still be present.  They were not.  However, we did have a female Montagu's Harrier rise up from the road immediately in front of the car and what a state it was in with almost a full wing moult.  Also, a couple of Marsh Harriers, close view of a Squacco Heron, a pair of carrion Crows, Blackbird and lots of Blue-headed (Yellow) Wagtails and a Snipe at the "Glossy Ibis pool" near the Park's entrance along with the Black-winged Stilts and a few Redshank.  Whilst watching the Squacco Heron near the shallow lagoon, the Lucio de Rianzuela we did have a very large flock, in excess of 200 birds, of Jackdaw plus Little Grebe and Mallards on the water.  A Hoopoe flew over and then on the return journey, just past the village of Isla Mayor, the Purple Heron seen the previous day was still present.  Add on the numerous Kestrels and the day was a complete success.

Azure-winged Magpies in the picnic area at El Acebuche

Wednesday 29 September:

Our last morning in the Donana before setting off for the return journey to Malaga so a last, early, look at the main El Rocio lagoon as the sun rose behind the distant buildings.  A small number of White Storks were joined by the incoming main flock as well as a good number of Flamingos.  A Raven passed overhead on our way to the water and, already, the Barn Swallows were up and feeding.  Still good numbers of both Mallard and Shoveler and plenty of Black-winged Stilts and Ringed Plovers. A number of Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits were present and a couple of Snipe on the far side whilst a pair of Chiffchaff flitted about in the reeds immediately in front of Brian and I.  There were still at least an hundred Lapwing present and very, very many Grey Herons.  As with yesterday, the Little Egrets were the last to arrive.

Having originally been informed that the El Acebuche site had no water, Marieke was able to contradict this last night so we set off south, passing numerous Common and Azure-winged Magpies for a last visit before leaving the Donana.  However, upon arrival the gates were securely locked with ten pickets on duty outside to make sure that nobody was going to enjoy any birding on this , Spain's national  strike day.  Ah well, it seemed a good idea when we left the hostal!  However, the loop round to the Isla Mayor followed by a visit to the Lucio de Rianzuela more than compensated.  A number of Marsh Harriers and than a good view of an immature Spanish Imperial Eagle.  Lots of Cattle Egrets to be seen, a passing Hoopoe and a small flock of Linnets before approaching Isla Mayor.  Strange to relate, the single Purple Heron was still present for the third successive day and then we were amongst the Little Egrets and White Storks.  First a party of about 60 White Storks which were then joined by ever increasing numbers until we had in excess of 2,000 birds present.

Glossy Ibis

The stay at the Lucio de Rianzuela produced the missing Glossy Ibis with about 200 on the western shore whilst a few score Cormorant were either feeding on the open water or resting on the far bank.  Again, well in excess of 100 Jackdaws moving around at the back and a good number of Little Grebes nearer to us.  There were plenty of Coots present, a few Pochard and a number of Avocet.  Immediately in front of us we had a departing Squacco Heron whilst overhead a Kestrel quartered the grounds.  The Gulls present consisted of Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed.

White Stork over the Isla Mayor rice fields

Being ahead of our schedule, I decided that a slight detour near Osuna was in order so that could try and locate the small resident flock of Great Bustards.  On the way to the favoured site we encountered 3 individual Common Buzzard, Thekla Lark and a large covey of Red-legged Partridge totalling a little over 40; mainly in small parties of about five and six working the olive plantations.  We also had a party of 3 Ravens, a small flock of Goldfinch and a couple of Northern Wheatear but, sadly, no Bustards, Great or Little.

Northern Wheatear

 Then the fun really started!  Returning to Osuna to pick up the motorway to Malaga we stopped to fill up the now almost empty diesel tank.  We were greeted not only by a locked and deserted petrol filling station but a cheerful local who informed us that all petrol stations in Spain were closed in support of the national strike.  What to do?  WE set off at a steady 55 mph (80 km/hour) in the hope that we might make Antequera and be able to get Jenny to come and rescue us.  The first couple of stations were, indeed, closed with what appeared to be parked cars not prepared to risk the journey.  However, no need to panic as we eventually came across an open filling station and were able to top up as the warning light made its first appearance.  So, back in Malaga just after 5 o'clock and I was able to bid a fond farewell to Bruce and Sue before carrying on back to Casa Collado and crash out in front of the football - but i did wake up in time to see the only goal!  I had had a super six days and the company of Bruce and Sue was truly wonderful; a most charming and delightful couple whose company I had thoroughly enjoyed, who, I trust, will take many happy birding memories back home to Wisconsin in the United States.

Part of a 2,000 flock of White Storks passing overhead

Birds seen in Tarifa and the Donana:

Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Flamingo, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Booted eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Red Kite, Black Kite, Black-winged Kite, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Osprey, Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Hobby, Peregrine Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Lapwing, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover,Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper,Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Snipe, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Audouin's Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Alpine swift, Common Swift, Little Swift, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail (Iberian race), Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Rufous Bushchat, Black Redstart, Whinchat, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Common Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Raven.


Wednesday 30 September:

Axarquia Bird Group visit to Charca de Suarez

This months visit, whilst undertaken in pleasant sunny weather, was rather disappointing in numbers seen.  Our smallest number yet for the private visit to the reserve with Gerry Collins, Louise Gray and her mother, all from Salobrena, Patricia Shaw plus Jenny and myself.

However, what we lacked in quantity we made up for in quality.  Red Avadavat and Kestrel as we entered the reserve plus Crested Lark outside and a good number of Blackbirds and Serin inside.  The main pool itself contained a good number of Coot and plenty of Mallard, with even more flying overhead.  As always, there was a good show of Little Grebe and we were joined by 2 Grey Herons.  Whilst a Chiffchaff moved around in front of us, completely ignoring the large frog, a glorious Marsh Harrier circled the pool at about two metres above the water line before moving off.  We also had regular visits from a couple of Common Kestrels and both Cattle and Little Egret flew over the site.

However, the speciality of the morning was the active behaviour of at least 3 Kingfishers and the 7 Purple Swamphens present on the main pool.  All those previous visits through the summer without a "Boghen" and then 7 turn up at the same time!  Me thinks of the "Number 9 bus" syndrom once again!

Purple Swamphen

Leaving the reserve at 12.30 we wandered up to the picnic site at Benaudalla where we recorded 3 Grey Wagtails, had a very pleasant rest and then retired to the Bar Rio for a Menu del Dia.

Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Kingfisher, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Serin, Red Avadavat and House Sparrow.

Little Grebe

Future Axarquia Bird Group visits.

Please note the following dates for the rest of the year (details to follow by email):
Thursday 14 October:  Ventas de Zafarray and Alhama de Granada
Thursday 25 November:
Thursday 23 December:
Subject to confirmation, the above two visits will be to two of the following; Fuente de Piedra for Cranes, Guadalhorce, Malaga and Sierra de Loja for Stone Curlews and Little Bustards.