Cracking Cranes in the Antequera Area

Common Crane Grulla Comun  Grus grus

Saturday 26 November 2011

Leaving the house early we travelled down the mountain passing a Kestrel and pair of Hoopoes followed by half a dozen Azure-winged Magpies as we came off the last hill before Antequera on our way to join the monthly meeting of the Andalucia Bird Society (ABS) at Laguna Dulce.  Whilst we left in brilliant blue skies with lovely sunshine, as soon as took the Campillos road from the motorway we were in very low mist and much reduced visibility.  A good job that the start time was 10 rather than 9.30 or we would have seen nothing; as it was a couple of members actually drove past the laguna lay-by such was the poor visibility.

To be expected, the early sightings were restricted to the near water and consisted mainly of close by Coots, a trio of Black-winged Stilts and a few hazy Mallards and Shovelers.  We had already passed a small flock of Cattle Egrets following a ploughing tractor just before the venue and there was a further handful to the left of the hide along with the odd Lapwing and Moorhen.  As the mist rapidly lifted so we gained better views of the above plus a good number of both Little and Black-necked Grebes.  At the rear of the water a resting Marsh Harrier was quite visible perched on a dead tree until it, along with a second individual, entertained us to a slow fly-past.

Now with full light we were able to pick out more species including good numbers of both Common Pochard and Red-crested Pochards.  Similarly, there were very good numbers of White-headed Ducks but only a handful of Gadwall.  Only Black-headed Gulls were readily observable whilst, in the bushes below us, there was constant activity from mainly Chiffchaffs, a few Stonechats and a Black Redstart.  We also had the occasional Corn Bunting and, as usual, a good number of White Wagtails.  Similarly, a look at the trees behind the hide and neighbouring reeds also produced Goldfinches, Serins, House Sparrows and a pair of Zitting Cisticolas.

Part of a 300 plus-strong flock of Cranes

 Only a very small number of Cranes flying in the far distance but no chance of landing on their regular feeding field as the week-end hunters were out in force.  Even the Jackdaws and Spotless Starlings remained in closely grouped flocks near the distant ruined farm.  However, perhaps the biggest thrill of the morning was to find a Merlin resting on a distant fence post but still easily identifiable.  What a great bonus!

Whilst the remainder of the group were going to take a look at the neighbouring Campillos lakes and then move westwards towards Olivera, Chris and I left within a couple of hours to visit Fuente de Piedra and the small Laguna Herrera.  The drive round to the back of the Fuente laguna produced more Serins and Crested Larks before finding a large flock of 300+ Cranes on a grassy field between the olive groves in the direction of Laguna Dulce.  We had previously counted about 20 Cranes in the shallows of the laguna but little else and no sign of any Flamingos.

With very little else to see we continued on the main Visitors’ Centre passing a large feeding flock of Rock Doves.  Nothing in the nearby pools but there was plenty to see on the main water including a raft of about 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  In the same area there was a large flock of mainly adult Flamingos and a handful of Shelduck.  Even with more Flamingos to the left of the Mirador, the total number of Flamingos present is now probably down to the mid-hundreds rather than the tens of thousands of the early summer.  On the fence in front of the stream a lonely Sardinian Warbler competed with Stonechats and House Sparrows.

Quartering Marsh Harrier Aguilucho Lagunero Circus aeruginosus

 The small laguna at the rear of the Centre was relatively quiet with a mainly Shovelers and a few Mallards in addition to the resident Coots.  However, we did find five Teal and a rather lovely Marsh Harrier.  A very loud Cetti’s Warbler made his presence known along with a healthy number of Stonechats.

The continuing clockwise circuit of the laguna brought not only a good number of Lapwings and a large flock of Calandra Larks but a further 150+ Cranes.  This smaller flock was much nearer to the road so we were able to achieve far better views and distinguish many juveniles. 

The Laguna Herrera was rather disappointing in that, whilst there was water, the levels were still insufficient to start attracting ducks, Flamingos and Avocets.  A couple of White Wagtails, three Black-winged Stilts and a reasonable sized flock of Black-headed Gulls was all we got for our trouble.  On the other hand, we did have good views of Buzzard, a number of Kestrels and at least five individual Hoopoes.  On the flooded field behind, in addition to the gulls, were a couple of Herons and a single Little Egret.

Adult Common Cranes

 And so back to Casa Collado where we were welcomed back up the mountain by more Serins and a pair of Rock Buntings at the bottom of the drive.  All in all, a rather lovely extended morning with a final tally of 44 species.

 

Juvenile Crane looking for his Mum!

Juvenile Crane

The graceful flight of departing Common Cranes

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe,  Flamingo, Cattle Egret, Heron, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Moorhen, Coot, Crane, Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Hoopoe, Crested lark, Calandra Lark, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Azure-winged Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting and Rock Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information. 

Axarquia Bird Group - November Field Trip

Grey Wagtail Lavandera Cascadena Motacilla cinerea

Wednesday 23 November

This month’s field trip of the Axarquia Bird Group was very much “home based” with a day’s birding completely within the Axarquia area and included a variety of habitats.  Starting at the Rio Velez on the outskirts of Torre del Mar in beautiful sunny weather, we seven (Eric Lyon, Gerry Collins, Steve Powell, David and Janet Fisher, brother-in-law Chris and myself) took in the river bed, surrounding files and beach before moving inland to visit the wooded slopes above Alcaucin and, finally, after a most enormous and enjoyable Menu del Dia a forty minute visit to the old railway track up to the tunnel above Venta de Zafarraya to walk off some of the excess food and drink!

Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epops

Everything seemed very quite at first, literally, with hardly a bird song or sound to be heard.  Yes, there were the usual resident Rock Doves below and around the road bridge and a small group of Moorhens but little else until a pair of Grey Wagtails were spotted.  After that, birding seemed to pick up with a steady stream of sightings all morning.  Almost immediately our first White Wagtail (and we were to see many more Grey Wagtails as we walked down the riverside track), a drake Mallard accompanied by two ducks and in the neighbouring shrubs and trees a range of smaller birds including many Chiffchaff, Serin and Goldfinches.  A Robin put in an appearance and the first of a few Blackbirds scuttled across the river whilst, immediately in front, we had a rather obliging Cetti’s Warbler.  Meanwhile, feeding on the fields to our left, were at least half a dozen Ringed Plovers, Black Redstarts and Crested Larks.  At the back a pair of Cattle Egrets and then the first Stonechat.

Snipe  Agachadiza Comun Gallinago gallinago

 Arriving at the pump house we found a number of Meadow Pipits on the grassy waste between track and river and at least a pair of Hoopoes.  Spotless Starlings were about and as we walked to the beach via the eastern growing fields, the bottom part of the track being somewhat under water, we also had loads of House Sparrows, a single Greenfinch and an over-flying pair of Monk Parakeets.  A number of Zitting Cisticolas were observed before reaching the beach where all appeared to be very quiet save for a solitary Sanderling watching the lone angler.  A small number of Crag Martins passed overhead along with the occasional Black-headed Gull and a pair of Cormorant.  Meanwhile, out at sea, a rather large raft of Lesser Black-backed Gulls was taking a morning siesta and, in the distance, the occasional diving Gannet could be observed.

Crossbill Piquituerto Comun Loxia curvirostra

The walk back to the cars located at least three Snipe and a single Common Sandpiper plus a lone Little Egret.  More sightings of the previously seen passerines plus a Sardinian Warbler.  Gerry took his leave of us and then we made our way up the mountain above Alcaucin and its wooded picnic site.  Naturally, we saw many Collared Doves along the lower road and then, as soon as we were on the mountain track above Alcaucin we had our first Chaffinches quickly followed by a pair of Red-legged Partridge.  As with the river bed at the start of the day, all seemed very quiet when first we arrived at our destination; we were desperate to hear any sort of bird including House Sparrows!  But, with a little patience, all was revealed.  First a Nuthatch in reasonable view (and a better view later) quickly followed by more Chaffinches and then a whole range of tits including Great Tit, Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit.  A walk to the end of the site produced a single Firecrest before returning to the picnic area and, finally, hearing then seeing our first Crossbill of the morning.  Just like the “Number 9 bus” no sooner had we seen one than we seeing dozens of these strange finches.  Indeed, back in the car park overlooking the tree tops, we had many views of the Crossbills and, below us, more Black Redstarts and then both a Short-toed Treecreeper and a single Crested Tit.  Just to add to the pleasure, feeding on the grass between the lower level picnic tables was a rather large and healthy looking Mouflon and her well-grown kid.  Unlike the Ibex of the higher slopes, whilst a little wary of our presence there was no desire to rush away so giving us plenty of time to study these rather “woolly” animals with the distinctive dark lines down the front of their legs.

Stonechat Tarabilla Comun Saxicola torquatus

Rather than return in the same direction, we continued on up the mountain track seeing Jays, more Red-legged Partridges, three Mistle Thrushes and a small flock of Azure-winged magpies to the top and, following the main road, made our way to Venta de Zafarraya where we had a rather large Menu del Dia.  It seemed a pity not to take advantage of the old railway track across the road so a quick walk up to the tunnel and back was called for just to check that the usual birds were about.  Again, as had happened oat the two previous sites, it was a rather slow start but soon we had Black Redstarts and Stonechats.  By the tunnel we had also recorded a few Rock Buntings and a very large,probably in excess of 50 individuals, flock of Rock Sparrows.  A single Blue Rock Thrush and a number of Black Wheatears we also seen but we had to walk through the tunnel (which also took us back into the warm sunshine) to find the Choughs.  However, before the 40+ black birds drifted over we were rather spoilt by the sight of the resident Peregrine Falcons wandering away from their crag-like fortress.  No wonder the Crag Martins kept on the move and the single Great Tit dived into the nearest bush!

Returning Choughs  Chova Picquirroja Pyrrhocrax pyrrhocorx

No doubt other members of the group, like Chris and I, recorded a Kestrel on the way home so that our final tally for the day was a rather splendid 54 species.  Great, unexpected, weather and, yet again, great company to complete a rather special day.

 

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Ringed Plover, Snipe, Sanderling, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Hoopoe, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreper, Nuthatch, Crested Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Azure-winged Magpie, Jay, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Crossbill and Rock Bunting.

Journey Home from Portugal

Saturday 19 November

Azure-winged Magpie  Cyanopica cyanus

It was a really wet and stormy night but much brighter at daybreak so that the car could be packed in dry weather.  After breakfast and check-out we started our journey back from Quinta do Lago, Portugal to Casa Collado in the mountains above Los Romanes via Huelva, Matalascañas, El Rocio and Seville in lovely sunny weather with sun glasses on.  Lots of Azure-winged Magpies, Blackbirds and Collared Doves as we left the site and then a rather lovely female Hen Harrier near Almancil.  But from here it was downhill all the way!

With the cloud increasing and the light rapidly disappearing, we were welcomed over the Rio Guadiana bridge into Spain as the first drops of rain fell.  Before long it was pouring and continued for the next hour plus with a mixture of persistent light and heavy showers.  Arriving in the Donana National Park from the coast we were quickly encountering both Cattle and Little Egrets plus Herons and White Storks.  The usual Rock Doves near Matalascañas and a pair of Carrion Crows flew over the road as we approached the main roundabout for the turn to El Rocio.

What a shame as we wanted to introduce our friend to the delights and wonder that make up El Rocio.  However, as we drove into the town, which was packed with cars and people, the rains stopped and we were able to park at the new SEO Observatory.  Considering the amount of water which had both filled the lagoon and flooded many of the low-lying roads, I was amazed at how relatively easy it was to actually drive on the sand-sodden roads.  Very dull weather and choppy waters but we were able to make out Mallards and a few Teal plus a small number of mature Flamingos on the far bank not to mention the Coots and a good-sized flock of Greylag Geese.  The only wader n sight was the Lapwing of which there were a good number.  A single hunting Red Kite over the far bank was a bonus but not as good as actually seeing the resident Spanish Imperial Eagle take a short exploratory flight over the far trees.

White Stork  Ciconia ciconia

A short coffee break and then it was on towards Seville via the Isla Mayor.  The initial part of the journey brought Crested Larks, Corn Buntings and Stonechats plus the odd Kestrel in addition to more Azure-winged and Common Magpies.  In addition, at least three Southern Grey Shrikes were seen during this part of the journey.  The rice had already been harvested and most fields ploughed but still enough flooded land to show our guest.  Loads of White Storks, Cattle and Little Egrets plus numerous Herons before a single Spoonbill flew overhead.  Approaching the Isla Mayor township, we also had a pair of Squacco Herons take off down the main drainage channel.  Needless to say there were plenty of gulls to be seen made up mainly of Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls. A number of Marsh Harriers were also seen.  However, the biggest surprise was to see at least five very late Barn Swallows in and around the above town.

Following lunch at the roundabout venta on the edge of the Donana, we took a short detour up to the main lake of the Dehesa de Abajo passing a rather sodden and bedraggled Buzzard taking shelter on a cable in the shelter of the roadside trees.  Again, just about every next occupied by a White Stork (or two in many cases) but, on arrival, and no rain once again, the water was heaving with birds, mainly ducks, and a constant movement of Cormorants to and from the lake.  Whilst there was a good number of Mallards, the population consisted mainly of Shovelers and Common Pochards with a good number of Red-crested Pochards thrown in for good measure.  In addition, there were a small number of Gadwall and a couple of Little Grebes.  On scanning the periphery of the main flock with the scope I was rather pleased to find a single Ferruginous Duck and then a single Marbled Duck sheltering in the lee of a nearby island.  All the Coots were gathered at the back of the lake with a small number of Flamingos close at hand and many more White Storks roosting in the nearby trees.  A number of Jackdaws were busy scavenging around the animal pens.  Nearer at hand, half a dozen resting Night Herons whilst, on the road in front of me, some large-sized flocks of House Sparrows, a smaller flock of Serins and the occasional Chiffchaff flitting about in the poolside bushes.  Meanwhile, on the neighbouring fields, there were dozens of Marsh Harriers quartering the ground plus large numbers of Lapwing.

Red-crested Pochard  Netta rufina

With the rain restarting, it was time to make a start on the final leg of the journey back to Lake Vinuela.  Basically very quiet as the rain really settled in once again but we did have a handful of Red-legged Partridges fly across the motorway immediately in front of us and eventually recorded a White Wagtail to take the day’s total up to 48 species.

 

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Marbled Duck, Teal, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin and Corn Bunting.

Ludo - Ria Formosa National Park

Caspian Tern

Another warm sunny day but with a little more light cloud forecast so off to Ludo in the Ria Formosa National Park straight after breakfast. The girls dropped me off at the entrance to the salina tack so that I could explore the ponds on a receding tide whilst they continued on over the causeway to the beach just beyond Faro Airport.

No sooner inside the gate than a Sandwich Tern dived into the eater immediately in front of me whilst, to the left, there was the usual flock of Coots. A pair of Common Magpie passed low over the track so revealing a pair of Crested Larks foraging below me. There was a small flock of Serin feeding and then a larger number of Goldfinches moved away. In the distance on the far ponds I could see a small number of Flamingo but nearer, as the water edges became exposed, the first of the small waders starting with Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and a number of Redshanks.

Zitting Cisticola

As I left the main track and made my way to the now mainly empty ponds a number of Herons and Little Egrets could be seen. Nearby, flitting in and out of the low shrubbery, a number of Sardinian Warblers, Stonechats and Zitting Cisticolas. However, before reaching the main pool itself, in term of bird life, a small pool on my left held a couple of pairs of Shoveler and a couple of prospecting Sanderling. But, on the small island to the back, not just a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls but seven (7) resting Caspian Terns. The birds seemed to be in mixture of moulting plumage and three were wearing metal rings. I wonder from whence they had come? In the trees at the back of the pool a number of Cormorants were busy sunning themselves as the temperature began to soar.

Looking in the opposite direction at the “main pool” there were not only Herons and Little Egrets but twenty Spoonbills, a couple of White Storks, the odd Moorhen and Black-winged Stilt plus about 50 Black-headed Gulls. Meanwhile, at the far end in front of me above the trees a Kestrel hovered and four Buzzards made lazy circles in the sky (shades of “Oklahoma”!!!!).

Great Crested Grebe

Making my way back to the entrance I had more Crested Larks, Sardinian Warblers, Goldfinches and Stonechats plus a single feeding Great Crested Grebe. By now the water had receded far enough to attract a small number of Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, Redshanks and the odd Kentish Plover. Walking across the causeway I stopped to observe a number of Grey Plovers and picked up a solitary Oystercatcher whilst a Kingfisher dashed up a drainage channel and a number of Chiffchaffs fed in the neighbouring trees and bushes. Having met the ladies, taken coffee and started our return trip the Quinta do Lago site, I stopped once more on the causeway to point out the Oystercatcher. Whilst, unfortunately, this bird had moved on he had at least been replaced by a rather grand Whimbrel.

Sanderling

Back on site we made a short stop at our local lagoon, having passed scores of Azure-winged Magpies on the way, where, in addition to the many Coots and Cormorants, there was a single juvenile Flamingo and half a dozen feeding Sanderling. The neighbouring small pool held a pair of Gadwall, a pair of Teal and a very active pair of Little Grebes in addition to both White Wagtail and Common Sandpiper. Finally, back to the villa for a late lunch and Portuguese siesta with a total of 44 species recorded.

Male Teal

Male Sardinian Warbler

Caspian Terns (3 of 7 present wearing rings)

Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Flamingo, White Stork, Spoonbill, Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Whimbrel, Turnstone, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Sanderling, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Tern, Sandwich Tern, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Crested Lark, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, House Sparrow, Serin and Goldfinch.

Formosa Estuary and Tavira Area

Spoonbill

The promise of a long, dry and sunny day with a visit to the Rio Guadiana, which forms the border between Portugal and Spain, to explore the area to the north of Castro Marim, the lovely, scenic hilltop village of Cacela Velha and then, via the coastal road, to Tavira in order to take the little narrow gauge railway to the beach at Pedras del Rey. But first, up very early in order to be in the hide overlooking the golf course lake before daybreak in the hope that a Little Bittern or something else might be seen before the day’s general disturbances.

It may have been warm and sunny later in the morning but at 7 o’clock it was decidedly on the cold side! No Little Bittern but I was in time to see the dispersal of the roosting egrets, about 150 Cattle Egrets and at least 50 Little Egrets. In addition, there were at least 20 Glossy Ibis roosting in the same reed beds. As the light increased so the ducks started to show some activity; first the Coots and then the Gadwalls closely followed by a few Teal and Shoveler. The odd Moorhen but the Purple Swamphens had empty stomachs to fill so at least half a dozen were busy either climbing reeds or tugging at the roots. With even more light, the Moorhens were seen and the first of the Tufted Ducks. Blackbirds were active around me as the gulls arrived, a mixed flock of Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls. Finally, a couple of Herons and a few Little Grebes were seen before I set off for the alternative hide overlooking the Formosa estuary.



Serin

Outside the second hide there was much activity in the nearby low cover as a good-sized flock of Serins set about their morning search for food. Crested Larks made an appearance whilst, on the little exposed mud, a couple of Turnstone and Redshanks could be seen. A Kingfisher flashed across the water, and, in the trees behind, a small number of Azure-winged Magpies was recorded. House Sparrows, Chiffchaffs, Sardinian Warblers, Grey Plovers and a number of Ringed Plovers then time to think about returning to the villa and some breakfast and a hot drink. This time, no Green Woodpecker but a pair of Red-legged Partridges on the grass verge deciding which luxury villa would provide their morning sustenance.
However, at the last minute, I decided to call in at the Quinta do Lago pool and check its water level and what birds might be about. A White Wagtail and a Hoopoe on the way and then lots of Coots and Cormorants plus the usual water birds which did include a couple of Spoonbills and a White Stork. A Greenshank and two Sanderlings fed at the water’s edge and then to the neighbouring small pool which held Teal, Shoveler, Black-winged Stilt, a pair of Common Sandpipers and a most handsome Grey Wagtail.

Resting Wigeon

Breakfast completed and we were off to the Guadiana. A total of four Buzzards and a hovering Kestrel on the journey but very little, other than a Green Sandpiper, Robin and a number of Stonechats at the Castro Marim reserve. On the other hand, as we left the area we did have both a good-sized flock of Goldfinches and a number of Meadow Pipits.

Meadow Pipit

All that remained was to complete the journey to Cacela Velha with a Southern Grey Shrike on a roadside electricity cable. Very little on the mud below but we did find a single Bar-tailed Godwit.

Arriving at Pedra del Rey to cross the river and take the little train to the beach we had our first Collared Dove of the day and a small number of feeding Dunlin in the exposed mud below the track. At the beach, a small number of Sanderling were playing “chase” along the water’s edge whist, out at sea, even with the scope, we could see a number of Gannets diving from on high in search of their next meal. The return journey, on arriving back on the mainland, produced, in addition to the aforesaid Dunlin, a Whimbrel, Grey Plover, number of Ringed Plovers and a handful of Little Stints.

Tufted Duck

Birds seen:
Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, White Stork, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Heron, Little Egret, Buzzard, Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, Little Stint, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Azure-winged magpie, Spotless Starling, Southern Grey Shrike, House Sparrow, Serin and Goldfinch.

Loule Parish, Portugal

Wednesday 16 November

Another lovely day with very warm sunshine in the morning but some cloud during early afternoon and a little cooler. Today we explored the hills above Loule, taking a circular tour through the countryside and then returned in time to visit the coast at Quinta de Lago and the fresh-water lake overlooking the golf course. By the time we returned in the late afternoon another 40 birds had been recorded.

The hills produced Common Magpie, House Sparrows, Chaffinches and Goldfinches but as soon as we returned to our home site we had a very close look at a feeding Green Woodpecker and “tame” Hoopoe. Continuing on to the first hide overlooking the Ria Formosa inland waters, a single White Stork greeted us and a whole selection of small waders including Dunlin, Turnstone, Grey and Ringed Plovers, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel.

Next off to the second hide overlooking the golf course pool where seven ducks and at least that number of Purple Swamphens were seen along with Moorhens, Coots and the roosting Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls. Ducks included Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard and Tufted Duck. Meanwhile, over head we had a passing Kestrel, a couple of Crested Larks and a small flock of Serin. Back at the car, a Robin, Sardinian Warbler and a few Chiffchaffs in the nearby bushes.

Ria Formosa Estuary National Park

 

Spoonbill

With the weather promising a sunny day and only a slight possibility of a light shower and the ladies off to tour Cliff Richard’s winery, I took myself off for a long morning to explore the Ria Formosa Estuary Reserve for a long morning.  Starting at Ludo I quickly progressed to both sides of the river itself just to the west of Faro and then back to Quinta do Lago and a couple of the fresh water lakes. In the end, a most successful few hours with a final tally of 47 species but no Hoopoe, Kestrel, Goldfinch, Robin or Tit of any species.

Little Egret

An early stop produced a couple of Cattle Egret, some Moorhens and Mallards plus the odd Coot and a Little Egret.  As always, there were Azure-winged Magpies all over the place plus the resident flocks of HouseSparrows, a good number of Blackbirds and Serins and occasional White Wagtails.

However, it was a stop to walk the trail out into the eastern bank of the Ria Formosa that started the real fun. Sardinian Warblers all around me and the odd Stonechat but, on the mud below, first a couple of Turnstones and Little Egrets followed by the first of many Redshanks and then the silhouette of numerous ducks, waders and Cormorants on the bank of an island.  On the retained, looking fresh, water behind me many Coots, a handful of juvenile Flamingo, Little Egret, Heron and Mallards.  There had to be a way to get to the other side and so put the sun behind me.  Yes, I could see a causeway that would allow me to cross as if going to the beach.  So, back to the car, passing a rather tired looking Crested Lark, and over the traffic light-controlled causeway to the western bank.

Turnstone

With the scope out to scan the mud flats and edges I was in for a real surprise.  Not just the expected Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Redshanks and Turnstones but a whole range of ducks and waders. Resting with the Cormorants were a few Herons and a pair of Spoonbills plus at least a dozen Wigeon and a handful of Pochard.  In front of me Sanderlings were chasing the water and, further out on the mud, a feeding Whimbrel and at least three Curlews.  Perhaps the most common of the larger waders was the Grey Plover, of which there were many individuals but also a rather lovely Bar-tailed Godwit.  On the other hand, a lone Oystercatcher was also worth observing.  The many gulls seemed to be mainly Yellow-legged Gulls and mostly resting.

Redshank

Back at the nearby Quinta do Lago pools I was rather surprised to see that the lower pond still contained water; obviously this pool is not allowed to drain naturally as, I think, it is still used for fish farming.  Lots of Cormorants and Coots on the water plus more Redshanks and Turntones.  A couple of Sanderling had turned up to join the Herons and Little Egrets but most of these larger birds were in the creeks between the pool and the sea.  Then, including the Spoonbill and the very large flock of gulls, everything was in the air other than the odd White Stork as a quartering Marsh Harrier drifted over the marsh.

White Stork

Returning to the car park I stopped at a very small and shallow pool to look a pair of Shoveler and discovered both Black-winged Stilt and more Redshanks.  As I settled down, at least a dozen Gadwall (the most common duck of the area) put in an appearance and there were also a pair of Teal in a small creek at the back of the water.  I even had a very sleepy Green Sandpiper resting on the sand just across the water. The bushes and trees were alive with Chiffchaff and we even had a visiting Zitting Cisticola and Sardinian Warbler.

Finally, it was off to the hide overlooking the golf course lake.  I expected and found Gadwall, Mallard and Shoveler along with Moorhens and Coots but the remaining were a very pleasant bonus – even if the camera battery expires at this moment and, to my horror, the spare battery in my pocket was also flat. (But all now re-charged in readiness for future visits!)  There were a number of Common Pochard present and scoping the reeds I found first a pair if Red-crested Pochard quickly followed by a small number of Wigeon.  However, the real delight was to find a pair of Tufted Duck and, as the minutes passed by, so more and more became apparent. Once the numerous Black-headed Gulls had moved away I was able to concentrate on the Purple Swamphen that put in an appearance immediately in front of the hide.  And so, in a very happy frame of mind, it was back to the villa.

Birds seen:

Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Flamingo, White Stork, Spoonbill, Cattle Egret, Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Turnstone, Sanderling, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Crested Lark, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Azure-winged Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow and Serin.



Whimbrel



Almargem - Monday 14 November

Purple Swamphen  Calamon

Continuing our stay on the south-west coast of Iberia, yesterday saw us at the mouth of the Almargem stream, slightly east of the small resort of Quarteira. It had been a strange day with a continuous mix of very warm sunshine when out of the breeze and short, heavy rain showers. We were on our way back to the resort and decided to pay this recommended site a visit as in was directly on our route. The guide suggested that this small lake during the winter can hold a number of ducks, including Red-crested Pochard and, in low water when the mud is exposed, is very good for waders.

Presumably, mid-November does not constitute winter. We found the lake very full with a good number of Coot at the northern end and a healthy flock of Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls sheltering at the coastal end. However, there were also a few Moorhen and a handful of Mallard plus a male and two female Gadwall in addition to at least one pair of Little Grebe. On the other hand, there were seven Purple Swamphen busy feeding and quite exposed on the far side of the narrow water.



Drake Gadwall



Zitting Cisticola

In the short reeds between us and the water we had a very active Zitting Cisticola and there were White Wagtails and Blackbirds on the track with the occasional Azure-winged Magpie. The short walk over the golden sands to the beach confirmed that swimming in the rough water was not an option, even if you were prepared to accept the sea temperature, and the edge was devoid of any bird life. So, an interesting stay of well less than an hour and we were on our way home again as the next heavy shower commenced.

Rio Formosa, Quinta do Lago,Portugal

Sunday 13 November

Suddenly back on GMT time so, although the clock says we are out early, it really is nearer 10.30 by the time we reach the end of the now empty inlet. Driving down we had already seen Azure-winged Magpies in the garden and more on the way plus a very close Hoopoe that flew parallel and level with the car. A departing Green Woodpecker was rather a pleasant surprise and then the waterside.

Common Waxbill

On the fresh-water side we had a few Coots and Little Grebes plus a solitary Little Egret whilst, on the now empty salt-water side there were no end of Coots plus a range of other water birds including White Storks, Herons and Little Egrets. In between a single Spoonbill provided a little variety. Only a few ducks to be seen; a mixture of Mallards and Shovelers. Waders included many Redshank, a few Ringed Plovers and Turnstones plus a couple of Black-winged Stilts and a number of Black-tailed Godwits. Whilst there were many gulls resting further over n the lee of the beach, representative Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls could be seen on the exposed mud.

The low scrub, bushes and trees on the landward side of the water held a mixture of passerines including Hoopoe, Azure-winged Magpie, House Sparrows, a Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler and Serin but then a good-sized flock of Common Waxbills. A lone Jay dashed from cover into the nearby trees. Further along the nature reserve track there were Goldfinches and, in the muddy inlets, a mixture of waders including Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Whimbrel and Curlew. Then there were the lovely Grey Plovers and, not to be missed, a number of Turnstones. A Stonechat was seen perched on the marsh and, overhead, a passing Gannet to complement the number of resting and feeding Cormorants below.


Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Spoonbill, White Stork, Heron, Little Egret, Gannet, Cormorant, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Azure-winged Magpie, Jay, House Sparrow, Goldfinch and Common Waxbill.


NOTE:
Only limited access to the Interner so more photos will appear when i return home.

Casa Collado to Portugal

Saturday 12 November

All packed and off the mountain to collect our friend Pauline from Los Romanes in time for a 9.30 departure to Portugal. The car was not so much full as packed to the gunwales with even a large suitcase on the back seat, albeit I did manage to make sure that the binoculars and camera were also inside the car. But, immediately before our departure, I did have a new “First” for Casa Collado. On going up to the studio for a last check for emails, shut down the system, etc I saw a brief light flash from a small bird in the almond grove behind the house. Thinking it was probably a departing Great Tit, I fetched the spare bins from the studio. No sign of a Great Tit but there was a small flock of Greenfinches accompanied by a few Chaffinches. Strange to also see a pair of starlings but, on closer inspection, I actually had a single Spotless Starling and a first Common Starling. Add on Sardinian Warbler, House Sparrow and Stonechat and the first half-dozen plus for the day had already been recorded.

With the cloud gradually breaking up as we progressed westwards via Casabermeja, It became a lovely, warm drive down to the Spanish border and so on to the golf course at Quinta do Lago where we had reserved a luxury villa for the week. But could you travel that far and simply bypass some great birding sites? You could not; so a first short stop was made at Fuente de Piedra and, later in the day, a very slight detour to the pool and salinas at the northern end of the Odiel marshes.

Roosting Little Owl

Arriving at Fuente de Piedra we were greeted by a couple of Thekla Larks on the front drive and then a rather lovely Southern Grey Shrike perched on top of a tree at the entrance to the cark acting as a sentinel over all who entered. A Marsh Harrier appeared as soon as I walked round to the back track, keeping low over the nearby pool and managing to scare off just about everything. As I approached this now disappearing water, plenty of Stonechats moving about and then the vision of the hundreds of Flamingos on the main laguna. At this point, only a lonely White Wagtail occupied the pool but there were many Black-winged Stilts on the water’s edge at the other side of the bank. Still a very large roost of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls to the right as I made my way towards the path up to the mirador and on to the back pool.
Looking back, the Moorhens were gradually coming out of the reeds to once more feed on the above smaller pool plus a single Black-tailed Godwit but nothing else until I reached the hide overlooking the rear pool. Relatively quiet at first sight with mainly Mallards and the occasional Coot. However, to the right and also reappearing from cover, a small number of Shoveler and a single female Teal were noted. Not to be outdone, concentrated searching did eventually find the resident Little Owl that was roosting on the ground in its usual place next to one of the small saplings. Walking back to the car via the Visitors’ Centre but noting on the way that there were at least 30+ Shelduck on the edge of the main laguna plus a small number of Avocets whilst, on the nearby small pool, a single Redshank was wading across the shallow water. Both Chiffchaffs and Black Redstarts were seen in the vegetation and, as we departed, a Kestrel moved by overhead to wave us goodbye.

There is always something to see on a long journey and our drive towards Sevilla was no exception. First a large flock of over 50 White Storks soaring up into the sky rapidly followed by the sight of more storks on the old nests above many of the electricity pylons, with increasing occupation as we moved through Huelva Province. Next a Buzzard and then a pair of Magpies.

Departing Redshanks

Crossing the Odiel at Huelva for a quick detour to the Odiel Marshes, it was obvious that our arrival had coincided with high tide and the water lapping at the field on each bank. With no exposed feeding area on the river, well in excess of an hundred Ringed Plovers were resting on a dry salina opposite the salt works and accompanied by a small number of Kentish Plover and Dunlin. The small pool before the Visitors’ Centre held mainly Shoveler but also some Mallard, a pair of Gadwall and Little Grebes. A couple of Little Egrets fed on the neighbouring marsh with a second Southern Grey Shrike for the day looking on from above whilst, across the road, on the water-covered salinas, were over a hundred Redshanks with mainly Black-headed Gulls and Yellow-legged Gulls plus a small number of Flamingos. More Flamingos could also be seen in the distant pools. In the hedges and trees at the side of the water a trio of Tree Sparrows were bust feeding.

The final drive down to the border produced a number of Azure-winged Magpies criss-crossing the road between the trees, the occasional Collared Dove and then a small flock of Cattle Egrets feeding amongst a flock of sheep. Finally, another pair of Ravens and then a second Buzzard just before the river border between Spain and Portugal. And so, having crossed the border into Portugal, we arrived at our destination to be greeted by a pair of Blackbirds, the first of the day.

Birds seen:
Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, White Stork, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Owl, Collared Dove, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Raven, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch and Greenfinch.

An Evening out with a Marsh Harrier

 The Marsh Harrier  Aguilucho Lagunero  Circus aeruginosus

Forget going out for a "Take-away," whether it be fish-and-chips,  a Chinese or an Indian.  If you want really fresh food then you need to catch it live and really savour the taste.

First decide where you want to shop

Was it here?

Could it be there?

Maybe here?

Ah, this looks a likely place and full of potential

 

This definitely looks the place

Yes, I'm coming down to check out the menu

 

That's it, I'm full up and need a little siesta after all that.

Ah, raptor rapture!  Any pudding?

Move over sunshine, I've just seen my afters!