Monday, April 30, 2012

Alcaucin - the last day of the month

Spanish Ibex Cabra Montes Capra pyrenica hispanica
The last day of the month and rain due about midday to follow on from the previous two days when it rained continuously, so a quick visit to the picnic site at Alcaucin was called for just to confirm that the usual birds were still present.


The journey from my mountain top down to the valley at Punto don Manuel and then on up the other side though the outskirts of Alcaucin produced the expected crop of birds including Collared Dove, Thekla Lark, Spotless Starling and House Sparrow plus a lone Cattle Egret making its way, presumably, to the area around Lake Vinuela.  Continuing up the mountain track I then came across Goldfinch, Serin and Stonechat before reaching the picnic site.  As usual, a sole Crossbill was awaiting me in the top of the "usual" Eucalyptus tree but, apart from a drumming woodpecker all seemed quiet.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Pico Picapinos Dendrocopus major

Then the fun and games started as I wandered around the site.  First a number of Blackbirds and then the first Chaffinch quickly followed by a Great Tit.  Once the first Nuthatch had come down to scavenge on and below the picnic tables it was quickly joined by the rest of the gang.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker was taking in the scene and surrounds from the very top of a tree whilst a single Long-tailed Tit fed amongst the lower branches.

Deciding to walk down to the lower levels, I was joined at the neighbouring small tree by a pair of Firecrests.  What a shame they were so close as the camera was set to 8m rather than the closer 1.5 m to infinity naturally, the resulting shots, whilst perfect to the natural eye, were all out of focus.  A lesson learned I hope!  On the other and, perfect for the pair of female Ibex that had wandered into the site looking for fresh grass or whatever.  With rain expected any minute I decided to head back home recording a lovely Mistle Thrush as I started the drive back down the mountain track and then both White Wagtail and Barn Swallows as I made my way up to Los Romanes from the lake below.


Poor record shot of Firecrest  Reyezuelo Listado Regulus ignicapilla


A hungry Nuthatch Trepador Azul  Sitta europaea in search of cheese bits

The ever watchful Serin  Verdecillo  Serinus serinus
A pair of female Spanish Ibex  Cabra Mintes  Capra pyrenica hispanica


































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