Rio Velez - Sunday 28 November

A message from Eric to say that, during the only dry- not to mention sunny - day of the week-end, Eric took his wife to Torre del Mar for her day's outing with the Sayalonga Mujeres Asociacion (not to Torre but to catch a coach!) and then proceeded on down to the Rio Velez to see what might be about.  Sounds as if he had a great couple of hours and recorded a total of 34 species.

A pleasant morning after all the recent rain and few people about at 9 o'clock.  Saw all the usual, including scores of White Wagtail, a couple of Grey Wagtail and (even!) one Yellow Wagtail.  Plenty of Black Redstarts about plus Robin, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit and Crested Lark.  Whilst there were good views of Cetti's Warbler no Zitting Cisticola were seen.  However, there were loads of Crag Martins feeding over the river and a Kingfisher was present on both the outward and return walk.  Waders were restricted to Black-winged Stilt and Little Ringed Plover with only Sanderling and Dunlin on the beach.  A pair of Kestrels were seen plus an Osprey, presumably looking for fish but, as Eric says, thought better of it and took off.

 

Axarquia Bird Group visit to Granada Province

Sleepy Stone Curlew  Alcaravan Comun  (Burhinus oedicnemus)

Eleven of us met at the hotel/restaurant just off the A92 motorway at Hueta Tajor at 9.30 on Thursday morning to set off in search of the wintering Stone Curlews and Little Bustards.  parking at the far end of the town we took the footpath out towards the fields, first seeing a Zitting Cisticola followed by very many House Sparrows looking as if they had just returned from the dry cleaners; their appearance was immaculate and they looked absolutely gorgeous.  All around us, on the path and in the neighbouring fields and ditch were dozens of White Wagtails, the odd couple of Thekla Larks and good numbers of Goldfinches.

Then, only a few minutes later, on recently farrowed land between last season's asparagus and the growing alfalfa, we found the Stone Curlews (Burhinus oedicnemus) resting close to small flock of 100 Lapwing.   A number of counts gradually resulted in higher totals as we obtained a better view with an eventual result of over 200 birds (the largest single count being 209).  Magnificent; and even more so when the Stone Curlews were disturbed, no sign of an overhead raptor, and the majority took off with the Lapwing for a an overhead flight to a neighbouring field on the far side of the railway line.

Most of the Lapwing  Avefria  Europea  (Vanellus vanellus) take flight

Quickly followed by many Stone Curlews

Continuing on along the footpath to its end we soon discovered a couple of Stonechat and even a few Tree Sparrows.  A small flock of Serin was a delight to see with their (very bright on this occasion) green rumps and then a single Chiffchaff busy feeding in a nearby olive tree. Spotless Starlings were very obvious and, before returning to our cars, we had also seen a handful of Black Redstarts and a couple of Meadow Pipits.

White Wagtail on path with House Sparrow

Still no sign of any Little Bustards so a tour via the fields behind the garage but, again, without success.  So, having reached the Genal river, we drove down the high bank and stopped to see what might be feeding in oar at the water's edge.  Lots more White Wagtails and then a Hoopoe.   A Common Magpie was noted at the far end of the field behind us and, eventually, we discovered our Water Pipits.  Further downstream a pair of Cattle Egret were feeding at the water's edge with the first of many small flock of Linnets that were seen during the morning.  But still no Little Bustard so a further short tour was taken along the old road to Loja through the olive groves.  No luck here either but we did see both Blackbird and Great Tit and then, as we returned to the town, also recorded a Corn Bunting and, to be expected, a few Collared Doves.

Deciding that we were not to be graced with the appearance of any Little Bustards this morning, we retreated to our original meeting point for an earlier-the-usual menu del dia.  Bidding our farewells, Ian was back of to Aroya del Miel (before lunch, Gerry and Louise to Salobrena and Patrick and Bryan home via Alhama de Granada to take a look at the pantaneta.  The remaining six of us made a relatively quick stop at the old quarry immediately above the Loja service station on the motorway but only added Chaffinch, more Black Redstarts, a pair of Black Wheatear and a single Rock Bunting.  The site was eerily quiet.  Not a single raptor.

Stone Curlews resting with Lapwing

At this point, David and Janet headed back to Antequera whilst Jenny and I took Eric and Pat back to Lake Vinuela via Salara and Alhama de Granada.  Hardly had we passed through Salara than, on starting the climb up to the mountain ridge, we had a small flock of Azure-winged Magpies quickly followed by both Blue Rock Thrush and a resting Kestrel.  A Mistle Thrush took off in front of us and then, by the old ruin opposite the now abandoned, former turn to Zafarraya, we stopped to admire a solitary Little Owl.  Not finished yet, we had hardly turned on to the country road from Alhama to Ventas de Zafarraya than a splendid female Sparrowhawk dashed low across the road immediately in front of us.

So, finally, no Little Bustard but those in my car manage to record 33 species for the day.  I wonder how Patrick and Bryan got on at the pantaneta?

Not a Little Bustard in sight!

Birds seen:

Cattle Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Stone Curlew, Lapwing, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Collared Dove, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Rock Bunting, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie and Magpie.

Vagrant Snow Goose seen in Zeeland

One of the joys of the past three weeks whilst away from our mountain home was to do some birding in both old and new territories.  Already I have referred to our return journey across Spain from south to north and vice-versa plus the trips to my local sight in Stamford, namely the birders' paradise of Rutland Water.  A detailed account of the additional; visits to Norfolk and then Belgium on the way home can be found on my alternative blog site at http://axarquiabirder.blogspot.com (CLICK on address to be redirected to site).  The site also contains a good selection of the photographs taken at the varying sites.

Blue morph Snow Goose with Barnacle geese and a White-fronted Goose in Zeeland, Holland (18 November 2010)

However, perhaps the most exciting aspect, apart from the new birds seen was the discovery of a "strange" goose whilst visiting the polders of Zeeland on the far south border of Holland and only a very short distance away from where we were staying for a couple of nights with our Belgian hostess.  Having seen literrally thousands of (Greenland) White-fronted Geese and Barnacle Geese plus hundreds of Brent Geese already, the sight of a "stranger" amongst a small group of Barnackle Geese with a few more White-fronted Geese off to one side had me out of the car with binocluras and camera to take a closer look.

I was looking at a "Barnacle Goose gone wrong"; the neck was thicker and completely white (save for a dark "scratching on the lower part) along with a white head and belly.  The rest of the body was basically dark and the legs were pink.  Given that the birds were feeding on grass but in a very damp area the beak may have been somewhat discoloured.  What could the goose be; was it a possible Upland Goose or a possible vagrant Snow Goose?  Early thoughts leant towards the former but a look at the photographs and subsequent enquiries soon established the bird as a Blue Morph Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens).

Indeed, this bird goes by a number of contradictory names.  Some suggest it is a subspecies of the pure white Snow Goose whilst the latest thinking is that the bird is a species in its own right.  In some parts the bird is actually known as the "Blue Goose" which has most probably led to another confusion, that of its Latin name.  I have referred to the bird by the name used by the BOU.  "Anser" refers to the grey genus whilst "Chen" is associated with geese in the white genus.  However, it is certainly true that most, outside of Britain, especially in America, tend to use the latter Latin reference.

The Blue morph Snow Goose is a rare vagrant to Europe from its North American homeland and this bird, possibly, has travelled from Canada via Greenland where it met up with its cousins, the White-fronted Geese.  It is seen regularly in Europe, including Britain, and, especially if a genuine vagrant, in the company of Barnacle Geese and Greenland Gees with Brent Geese thrown in for good measure.  Exactly what we observed in Zeeland.

Not so much a "Red Letter Day" - more a Red Kite day!

Red Kite  Milano Real  (Milvus milvus)

Well; where to start, where to start!

Now back in my mountain home following three weeks in the UK but with at least 6 different birding experiences.  We arrive tired and "worn out" last night but had unpacked the car before retiring for the night.

Leaving our lat overnight stop just north of Lerma (Burgos) in the far north of Spain at 8.30 yesterday morning we were immediately confrointed with cold and clouds but, at least, no more rain - yet!  That came a little later but only showers before a couple of hours of sunshine accompanied by strong winds.  Interesting to note that the snow-ploughs were already out in force and parked at the motorway exits in readiness for you know what.  But we got back before any of that nonsense.

We were obviously not the only ones who had had a cold night and little to eat for within the first 45 minutes we had counted over 30 Red Kites, at least half a dozen Buzzards and a couple of Kestrels.  Similarly, there were plenty of corvids about with good numbers of Carrion Crow, loads of Magpies and even a Raven.  Two small groups of Griffon Vulture were noted, totalling about 30 birds and, of course, very many Spotless Starlings all the way home.

However, once nearing Madrid there was relatively little to be seen apart from the odd Blackbird, White Wagtail and small flocks of House Sparrows.  Just as we had most of our birds first thing, so the same applied at the back end of the day as we approached Lake Vinuela.  Always good to be welcomed home by your regulars including Collared Dove, Serin, Stonechat and Sardinian Warbler and we even had a  Blue Rock Thrush as we came up the track.

Returning to the various experiences referred to above, these can be summarised as follows:

1.  The outward and return journey across the Spain
2.  Rutland Water near our little house in Stamford, Lincolnshire
3.  Norfolk reserves including Titchwell Marshes and Cley-next-the-Sea
4.  Titchfield Haven at the mouth of the Meon River in Hampshire
5.  The polders that make up Zeeland in the very south of Holland and
6.  The mixed woodland and boggy heath on the army firing range in Wuustwezel adjacent to our Belgian friend with whom we stayed on the way home.

In previous accounts I have already referred to the first two and I will now attempt to complete my birding accounts for the remainder; hopefully before the end of the week!  However, rather than publish on this blog, I will use my alternative blog site but put a link on this site as and when the various blogs have been completed.

Birds seen on the return journey across Spain (in very poor weather):

Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Magpie, Crow and Raven.

Rutland Water 2: Loads of Ducks, etc

As promised (to myself!) back to Rutland Water for an early start and in the hope that I might see my first Fieldfares, Redwings and Waxwings of the winter.  Unfortunately, I was to be found wanting with all three species but I did manage to record 50 others during the morning.  But first, especially given that the weather chappy promised a dry and sunny day, I travelled, camera at the ready, via the north side of the dam in Sykes Lane to see if the Grey Phalarope was still about.  Not only had the bird moved on but there were a few spots of rain in the air and it was bloomin' cold;  just not used to this non-Spanish weather.

So, passing Magpie, Crow and Rook closely followed by Starling and Collared Dove, I arrived at the Bird Centre to take a look at the feeding station before setting off for the northern hides.  Loads of Chaffinches about and very good numbers of (mainly) Great Tit and Blue Tit.  A single Robin and then a Dunnock before all were disturbed by the arrival of "Mother Rat" and off-spring.  However, within seconds the birds were back feeding along with a family of Mallard and all in close proximity, on the ground below the feeders, as if they were of one species.  Obviously, so much food available that none felt threatened.

On the "observation pool" could be seen Cormorant, Mute Swan, Shoveler and Teal with the odd Moorhen scrabbling about on the water's edge, so of to the hides.  very soon we were into large numbers of Tufted Duck, well in excess of 150, Great Crested Grebes, Wigeons and a many large flocks of Lapwing.  The predominant gull was, again, the Black-headed Gull but with a few Herring Gull and the occasional Lesser Black-backed Gull.  needless to say, the walk was accompanied by many Jackdaws and there were also a good number of Blackbirds about.  In addition the more common tits found a the feeding station, it was pleasing to come across a small party of Long-tailed Tits.  Also good to see a couple of Pied Wagtails and a Wren that made a speedy evacuation of the hide as I entered.

Other ducks seen included a lone Shelduck flying over the lagoon, Gadwall, Mallard, Pintail, Pochard and Goldeneye.  A few herons were present plus at least 3 Redshank, single Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper and a small group of 7 Dunlin that dropped in near the end of the morning.  On the open water, as with last Thursday, a large raft of Coot totalli8ng in excess of 100 had moved nearer the hide.

 

Away from the water, Both Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen flying either above or past the hides and a small party of Siskin were busy feeding in the tree tops.  Finally, apart from the single kestrel, I had to wait until I started the return journey home before finding the mixed flock of geese which consisted mainly of Canada Geese plus a number of Greylags. There was no sign of any Egyptian Geese on this occasion.

Photographs (From top, left to right):

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula); Grenfinch (Carduelis chloris); Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis); Chafinch (Fringilla coelebs); Long-tailed Tit (Aeglithalos caudatus); Great Tit (Parus major); Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula); Redshank (Tringa totanus); Teal (Anas crecca); Wigeon (Anas penelope); Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and Black-headed Gul (Larus ridibundus).

Birds seen:

Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Kestrel, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Starling, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook and Crow.

Rutland Water 1: Only an 100 minutes but ending with a Grey Phalarope

Today was the only day with a dry forecast so, obviously, the day to spend some time at Rutland Water in preparation for a visit next Sunday.  That was before jenny informed me that we had visitors coming to lunch and that she needed to do some early morning shopping.  In the event, it was just before 10 before I could undertake the ten mile journey from Stamford to the Bird Centre and it was very windy and cloudy to boot!  So, no point taking the camera; just the small Nikon on case I got a chance of an "Autumn" picture.  On arrival at Rutland Water there was even a few drops of rain in the air so both small camera and scope left in the car as I walked down to the feeding station.  As I always tell you; take the camera and few birds, leave the camera and the birds come out to play!

Whilst the nut feeders looked a little on the depleted side, there was no shortage of Chaffinch and Goldfinches plus good numbers of both Great Tit and Blue Tits.  Feeding happily on the "droppings" at least half a dozen Mallard and the the first Dunnock quickly followed by few Greenfinches.  The House Sparrows seemed to have moved in from the neighbouring hamlet and a lone Robin was searching the road behind.  Overhead, more noisy Jackdaws and a solitary Red Kite drifting away from the marshy area.  However, the highlight was the arrival of a male Great Spotted Woodpecker on the far feeder, not five metres away.  The bird remained quite still awaiting the expected photograph and only moved into the trees upon the appearance of a Grey Squirrel.  However, within two minutes he was out of the trees and onto the nearer feeder for another couple of minutes.  Just as exciting was the appearance on the nearer feeder of a very shy and flighty Marsh Tit.  This bird, too, hung about for a few minutes or so and would easily have been photographed - had I had a camera with me!

And to think that the morning had started with both Crows and Rooks plus a couple of Magpie.  The filed adjacent to the lane leading up to the Bird Centre contained well over 50 Jackdaws and, eventually, a flock of 35 Egyptian Geese.  Back to the Centre.  On the nearest pond the prevalent duck was the Shoveler but there were also a number of Teal and Mallard.  A single Pied Wagtail was foraging in the mud; indeed, I was surprised at the low water levels in general.

A very quick clockwise walk to some of the northern lagoons produced a variety of duck including the above plus also Gadwall and Wigeon.  A couple of Cormorant were present and the new water (Lagoon 4) produced another surprise, not the 100 plus Lapwing but the over 300 Golden Plover.  Black-headed Gulls were abundant but there were also a small number of Herring Gulls.  Lagoon 3 produced the expected Great Crested Grebes and a small number of Moorhen whilst the main water, viewed from the Lapwing Hide, confirmed that there was a large flock of roosting Coot, probably in excess of 250, a pair of Goldeneye fighting their way through the choppy waters and about a dozen Mute Swans.  Also, in a sheltered a corner, a lone Redshank was quietly going about his daily feeding routine.  Finally, a last look in at Lagoon 3 also provided a pair of Greylag Geese in the company of a handful of Canada Geese.

Returning to the feeding station for a last look before heading home, my 100 minutes was up, it was a little disturbing to see the Mallard replaced a by a pair of ginormous rats feeding below the nut-holders.  Even worse, what appeared to be a slightly smaller rat had even got himself inside the enclosed feeder!  However, the Chaffinches, Goldfinches and tits continued to feed as if there was no difference.  At this point, I was joined by warden Tim who in formed me that a Grey Phalarope had been seen below the north side of the dam a couple of days ago and that a visitor had just reported to him that the bird was still resent and had a photograph of same.

Without more ado, and even better as the site was on my way back home, I set off for the dam, passing a good-sized flock of Wood Pigeon and a hovering Kestrel.  My word was the water choppy!  Huddled up in the corner, feeding as best they could, were Gadwall, a good number of Teal, a few Mallards and a couple of Great Grested Grebe.  I even had 3 Goldeneye in close proximity.  Then, at last, a very good view of the Grey Phalarope (RED Phalarope in summer depending upon how you interpret the naming of this bird which, by all rights, should not be anywhere near Rutland Water).  Well worth the slight detour and, hopefully, the bird will still be about when I return on Sunday morning, calling first at the dam.  If the bird is still present, then, again hopefully, it will be in calmer waters rather than fighting its way through the swell like some demented teenager.

So there you have it; 100 minutes birding producing 40 species including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit and a Grey Phalarope to put the icing on the proverbial cake.  Home just as our guests were arriving and the sun came out - for a short while!

Birds seen:

Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egytian Goose, Goldeneye, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Red Kite, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Redshank, Grey Phalarope, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Marsh Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook and Crow.

Birding Spain from South to North- Literally!

Now back in the UK for a couple of weeks when, with luck, I ought to be able to visit Rutland Water, the Norfolk coast (probably Wells next Sea) and Titchfield Haven, Hampshire.  However, to get here required a drive from, literally, the south coast of Spain near Torre del Mar to the far north with an overnight stay just east of Miranda de Ebro and a final stop on the border at the very pleasant reserve in Irun.

Leaving casa Collado just before 9.30 on Friday morning we were wished "Bon voyage" by a good number of White Wagtails as we drove down the mountain and through Los Romanes to the main road for our journey, via Zafarraya, to the motorway west of Granada.  Obviously we also passed both Collared Dove and Spotless Starlings in these early miles, sorry - kilometres, and, with the sun shining and being in no particular hurry as we had given ourselves and extra day to reach Calais, we made a very brief stop at the old railway track above Ventas de Zafarraya.  However, with noisy walkers already on sight there was no Rock Bunting to be seen but we did have a very handsome male Black Redstart at the far end of the car park and plenty of crag martins hunting along the cliff face.  Goldfinches were in good supply as we made our way through the "Magpie Woods" and, sure enough, 4 Azure-winged Magpies were seen on the cattle trough as we made our way up the slope.

 Continuing on along the mountain roads towards the motorway we also encountered a few Common Magpies, Rock Doves and a flying Mistle Thrush, not to mention Blackbird and Jackdaw.  Once on the motorway it was the usual, but very pleasant, slog up to Madrid and onto the A1 northwards.  no shortage of Kestrels and then a flock of Wood Pigeon over the car an, finally, some raptors.  First, a Booted Eagle about 100 km north of Madrid and as the weather deteriorated and the first spots of rain appeared on the windscreen, a nearby Red Kite (relatively) quickly followed by a pair of Griffon Vultures.  Finally, between showers and the heavy wet stuff, a Common Buzzard and then the first of the many Crows that were to be seen in the far north of the country.

Saturday morning saw us under way in early order and we were at the Irun reserve by 9.30.  On a dry but cloudy day we were surprised by what was on show on the pools and river; albeit too early for the arrival of the divers.  bu, who knows, they may have arrived by the time we make the return journey, providing we hit the site in daylight hours!  Walking from the car park we soon encountered Blackbirds, Spotless Starlings and the first of a handful of Robins and then, on the first pool, a number of Coot, Teal and Gadwall plus an individual Little Grebe.

Cormorant  Cormoran Grande  (Phalacrocorax carbo)

The walk along the path to the main river produced a small family party of Long-tailed Tits and a male Great Tit before finding the resting Grey Herons and a number of Cormorant.  A Cetti's Warbler was sounding off as we found the first hide and were then confronted, against the sun, by a small number of Black-tailed Godwit, a lone Little Egret and 4 Great White Egrets.  Walking anti-clockwise around the pool we eventually visited a further four hides and, by the end, had the sun more or less behind us.  A small island in the middle of the shallow pool was masking a handful of Bar-tailed Godwits and a good-sized flock of Dunlin.  In amid the latter were a few Knot looking very fat (no wounder the Spaniards call them "Gordo"), a half-dozen Redshank and at least one Greenshank.  A plentiful supply of Moorhen around the fringes and a couple of Common sandpipers mad up the numbers.  Finally, as we departed the site to the sight of Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls for the (very) nearby border with France, an overflying small flock of Mallard.

Teal  Cerceta Comun  (Anas crecca)

Other than the very short stop at Zafarraya and the hour or so at Irun, all the birds were seen on transit; a final total of over 40 species including the five raptors.

Un-labelled photos from top:

Great White Egret  Garceta Grande  (Egretta alba)

Redshank  Achibebe Comun  (Tringa totanus)

Knot  Correlimos Gordo  (Calidris canulus)

 


Birds seen:

Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Griffon Vulture, Booted Eagle, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Knot, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, White Wagtail, Crag Martin, Robin, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Spotless Strling, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Jackdaw and Crow.