Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Golden Plovers  Chorlito Dorado Europeo  Pluvialis apricaria

A beautiful sunny day and, down besides the river, away from the strong mountain breeze.  So meeting up with Steve Powell we had a rather pleasant birding experience as we walked both the river track and beach.  Even more so when, on the far side of the eastern growing fields, a masked and hooded motor-cyclist pulled up, lifted his visor and revealed himself as Eric Lyon.  So, why carry on when we could retrace our steps ans how Eric the flock of a dozen Golden Plovers feeding nearby, not to mention the charm of Goldfinches totalling at least an hundred individuals.

Back to the beginning where Steve and I were welcomed by the usual resident Rock Doves and Moorhens plus a small number of Mallard.  A Grey Wagtail took off across the nearby field and Cetti's Warblers blasted out from the nearby bushes and reeds.  A Common Sandpiper fed in the river and a couple of Little Egret's arrived and perched in the top of the opposite trees.  No sooner had I got the sandpiper in view through the binoculars than a Kingfisher flashed by upstream.

Departing Little Egret  Garceta Comun  Egretta garzetta

Moving down the track there was no shortage of birds to be seen along the shingle river banks.  Plenty of White Wagtails and more Grey Wagtails to give a flash of colour.  With scores of feeding Chiffchaffs all around we then had our first Green Sandpiper quickly followed by a single Water Pipit, a Black Redstart and a few Goldfinches and Serins.  Next came a flock of twenty Sanderlings with a pair of Dunlin to keep them company.  A Robin pottered about in front of us and ere long we had also recorded Blackbird, Meadow Pipit and Hoopoe.  Overhead, a pair of noisy Monk Parakeets and then the ever-present Stonechats and a reasonably-sized flock of Spotless Starlings.  As a Snipe took off up river, we had yet another Ringed Plover and then the first Kentish Plover.

Sanderlings Calidris alba feeding on dead fish

The beach was deserted save for a pair of fishermen and the river had, once again, broken through to the sea.  Whilst we did not see the Guillemot that had recorded earlier in the day, we did have a flock of Black-headed Gulls!  Moving to the eastern growing fields, first House Sparrows then more Serins and the flock of a dozen Golden Plovers.  Huge flocks of Goldfinches (as above) were recorded along with a few Linnets.  At this point a dozen or so Cattle Egrets passed over heading westwards whilst we carried on to the "new" road, recording more Meadow Pipits and Crested Larks until we met up with Eric.

More Monk Parakeets Cotorra Argentina Myiopsitta monachus

Returning towards the beach and back along the track to our cars we, once again, recorded most of the birds seen on the outward leg of the walk plus another Sardinian Warbler.  However, we did manage to also add Cormorant, Crag Martin and Little Ringed Plover.  Steve then departed whilst Eric and I walked upstream beyond the first bridge in the hope that yesterday's Jack Snipe was still to be seen (as recorded by local Velez Malaga birder, Kiree) nut no such luck.  On the other hand, we did see another couple of Water Pipits and yet another Hoopoe.

The morning ended with a final total of 37 species but then I also managed to record Chaffinch and Thekla Lark as I drove up the rack to Casa Collado and a Kestrel was hovering over the house, so giving me a round total of 40 for the day.

All photographs by Stephen Powell

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Cormorant, Kestrel, Moorhen, Golden Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Water Pipit, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Golfinch and Linnet.

Axaquia Bird Group visit to Guadalhorce

Chiffchaff  Mosquitero Comun Phylloscopus collybita

Perhaps because of the rather late date for this month's meeting, a select handful found themselves at the Guadalhorce yesterday (Thursday) to discover the birds present on the reserve.  As Andy, Gerry, Louise Ian and I walked up the embankment we said goodbye tot he pair of Crested Larks and House Sparrows on the school playing field and hello to the first of very many Robins and Black Redstarts that were to be seen during the course of the morning.  A cold start with a chilling breeze even though there was little cloud and the sun was doing its best to get its hat on.  Definite a case of coats on!  On the other hand, we did have the usual raucous company of the wandering Monk Parakeet gangs.

Departing Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

From the river's edge we could see what appeared top be a rather quiet reserve with a pair of Mallards and the odd coot on the water itself and signs of Cormorants and Herons moving about overhead.  The resident Rock Doves were in smaller numbers as we crossed the footbridge but yet more Robins and the occasional Stonechat.  The walk down to the far bank and its trio of observation posts produced Sardinian Warbler and Zitting Cisticola plus evidence of much needed management to the site itself.  Lots of scrub clearing and removing of rubbish and, with the young workers already busy on their day's work, we took the opportunity for a brief stop to warm our hands over one of the small bonfires before entering the first hide to check out the Laguna Casillas.  (As with the neighbouring Wader Pool, bird life was somewhat restricted giving the temporary local disturbance.)  A few Coots and White-headed Ducks on the water but little else so on tot the Wader Pool where we found Black-winged Stilts, 8 Teal and a small number of Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers. A single White Wagtail on a sandbank and then the sight of our first Booted Eagle as the bird rose from the trees beyond the water.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Moving on down the track we had a few more birds on the Rio Viejo on the right.  First Black-winged Stilts and then a pair of Dunlin along with a pair of Common Sandpipers.  A single Redshank and three Snipe were observed on the far side of the river.  Kestrels hovering overhead and at least a pair of Booted Eagles resting in the trees to the rear with a small number of Spotless Starlings and Cormorants occupying the spare branches.  On the newly-cleared ground in front of the river a couple of Meadow Pipits and a good number of foraging Chiffchaffs and Stonechats plus the occasional Goldfinch and Serin.   Then, at last, a few Kentish Plovers located with their cousins on the near bank of the river.

The walk on down to the Sea Watch revealed the great progress achieved at improving the breeding area for the Kentish Plovers.  With all the debris cleared away we can all expect to see the benefit in a few months time and, perhaps, lots more[pipits and wagtails, etc.  Looking at the area revealed another pair of Crested Larks and a small flock of about five Sky Larks.  From the far end of the track and Sea Watch we could see a reasonable number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the sea but no terns.  Then, just off the beach, a group of three feeding Black-necked Grebes which remained in the area the whole time that we were present.  The bank of the eastern arm of the Guadalhorce held a dozen Sanderling and at least four Turnstones plus, surprise surprise, another Black-necked Grebe.

Black-necked Grebes Podiceps nigricollis

The walk along the beach gave us an opportunity to further appreciate the recent management work to the area and also good sightings of the soaring Booted Eagle.  Just to add tot the fun, we also had a magnificent view of a male Marsh Harrier displaying itself in all its handsome glory.  Over the area a score of Crag Martins were busy feeding and a solitary Hoopoe flew eastwards along the edge of the reserve.

And so to the Laguna Grande where most of the bird life was congregated - probably as a result of the work currently under progress on the eastern bank.  Lots of Shoveler and White-headed Ducks, a few Pochards plus five juvenile Flamingos and a good number of Black-winged Stilts.  The occasional Coots put in an appearance along with a single Moorhen and there was no shortage of Little Grebes plus a small number of Black-necked Grebes.  In front of the hide we had a couple of feeding White Wagtails and a Little Ringed Plover with yet more Chiffchaffs.  Needless to say, there were scores of Cormorants present, a lone Little Egret and a small number of Herons.

Finally, the Laguna Escondida produced very little other than a small number of White-headed Ducks so we made our way out of the reserve to the accompaniment of Robins and Black Restarts with the sun beating down and the temperature rapidly rising.  A wonderful way to end the morning with a final tally of 44 species.

Kestrel  Cernicalo Vulgar  Falco tinnunculus

Stonechat  Tarabilla Comun  Saxicola torquatus

Sleeping juvenile Greater Flamingos Flamenco Comun  Phoenicopterus roseus

Birds seen:

Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Turnstone, Dunlin, Redshank, Snipe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sky Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Restart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin and Goldfinch.

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

Back to Birding!

Having been conspicuous by my absence for almost four weeks as we cruised aboard the Queen Victoria (but only two weeks on ship!), we arrived home at Casa Collado tired but safely on Monday night.  So, one day to recover and download the many photos, etc then it was certainly time to get back to the serious occupation known as "Birding" - or "Bird Watching" or whatever.  Dry and calm this morning so up the local mountain circuit to take in the old railway track above Venta de Zafarraya, the "Muck Heap" and "Magpie Woods" on the road to Alhama de Granada, a quick trip round the back on a new circuit and then home via the mountain track down to Alcaucin, calling in at both the top and lower picnic areas.  And I even found time to stop off and buy some water!   By the time I returned I had managed to record a reasonable total of 32 species.

Female Black Wheatear Collalba Negra Oenanthe hispanica

The old railway track produced birds as soon as I arrived and continued to do so; lots of variety but in small and steady numbers.  Both Rock and Collared Dove along with Blackbird were soon on the list along with a good-sized flock of Spotless Starlings on the overhead wires and then a steady stream of all the more common passerines including Stonechat, Linnet (there were scores about all along the track as far as the tunnel), Rock Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, a pair of Blue Tits for a pleasant change, Black Redstart and Sardinian Warbler.  All the time I was accompanied by the mournful cry of a few Choughs and, once through the tunnel, was also able to add Serin, House Sparrow, Black Wheatear and Great Tit.

Walking along the track I could not help but notice the number of small, wild irises (Broad-leaf Iris?) that gave a touch of lovely colour to the otherwise dull-coloured soil.  And, as if on cue, along came the sandy coloured Crag Martins to keep me company.  The small copse just before the ruined railway cottage produced a male Blackcap and both Thekla Lark and a female Greenfinch were recorded on the return walk back to the car. However, the first surprise of the day was to see a Meadow Pipit ferreting around in its usual mouse-like walk; could this be an early returnee preparing for the coming breeding season?  Possibly, given that I also had a couple of Black Redstarts later on which were carrying food.

The "Muck Heap" site was looking really bare and only managed to produce the first Mistle Thrush of the morning along with a score or so of House Sparrows.  Approaching the start of the "Magpie Wood" as I drove up the small hill I had the pleasure of a half-dozen Azure-winged Magpies cross the road and, making a short stop, also recorded more Mistle Thrushes and a lone Robin.  Continuing through the woods and then off to the left to tour the "new" circuit, I son had a number of (Common) Magpies plus White Wagtail and, finally, the first Corn Bunting of the day.

Golden Eagle  Aguila Real  Aguila chrysaetos

It would be untrue to say that the final trip of the day down the mountain track was a disappointment in that only a couple of Chaffinches were seen at the top picnic site and the lower site, at first, also seemed to be devoid of birds.  But, parking the car, there was a solitary Crossbill atop the usual Eucalyptus tree.  Then, happening to look up as I turned round, I was in time to see a magnificent Golden Eagle soaring and drifting over the mountain top with, as the sun broke through once more, that lovely golden reflection that makes the birds look so impressive.  No Nuthatches to be seen but more Chaffinches and Crossbills, a few Goldfinches and, completely out of the blue, a rather lovely Song Thrush.  What a lovely way to finish the morning and head off home for a late lunch.

Birds seen:

Golden Eagle, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Chough, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Crossbill, Rock Bunting and Corn Bunting.

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

What's been happening these past two weeks?

Welcome to 2012

I know there were no tears; too near to get the whole 3 metres in the frame!

Hello again now that I am back in England following our anti-clockwise cruise aboard the Queen Victoria from Los Angeles to Miami via the Panama Canal; Home to our mountain home in Spain on Monday.  Whilst the cruise was wonderful, the same could not be said about the birds.  Lots initially but then relatively few on our shore visits and, apart from the activity around the main locks, very little if anything to be seen whilst travelling the Canal.   However, I must not shed "crocodile tears" and there was certainly no shortage of vultures, mainly Turkey Vultures but also good numbers of Black Vultures.  Once back home I can sort out the bird pictures and then publish to seek some identification help from you all!

An immature White Stork rapidly moulting out into adult plumage.

The ever-present Turkey Vulture; from Mexico through Panama to Aruba and Florida

Meanwhile, all has not been quiet back in the Axarquia with both Eric and Pat Lyon and Stephen and Elena Powell out and about.  Having recorded 71 species at Rutland Water at the end of last month, Eric and Pat were soon up in the local mountains to see what could be seen.  The Salares/Sedella area produced lots of Griffon Vultures plus Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecrepers, Firecrests, Rock Buntings and the occasional Dartford Warbler.  Then it was off to Zafarraya where, Eric reports, numbers were in short supply other than the Choughs but all the usuals, including Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush, were recorded along with a single Alpine Accentor.

A different walking route at El Robledal produced a whole range of woodland birds amongst the on-going tree clearance programme.  Great, Blue, Crested, Coal and Long-tailed Tit along with Firecrest, Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper made a great start.  Next came at least 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle and Song Thrush plus Cirl and Rock Bunting.  Just when a dozen Woodlarks seemed to be the proverbial "icing on the cake" up popped a lone Hawfinch.  Great birding Eric and Pat; I just hope that you have left something behind for me!

Golden Plovers at the Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

As for Stephen and Elena, they were down at the Rio Velez near Torre del Mar as we were struggling back from across the "Pond" and, at last, finding all the missing waders.  With, I am informed, no rain since November there must now be plenty of exposed mud which might explain the good numbers of both Ringed and Kentish Plovers not to mention Snipe, Common Sandpipers and Sanderlings.  However, pride of place probably went to the flock of Golden Plovers in the adjacent fields.  The bad news, from my point of view, is that I have been told to expect rain this coming Monday/Tuesday to welcome us home! 

Departing Golden Plovers   PHOTO: Stephen Powell

Ah well, best to get it out of the way before the next meeting of the Axarquia Bird Group, next Thursday, 26 January, at the Guadalhorce in Malaga.

Photographs include Stephen's Golden Plovers plus my untouched jpegs from the cruise.

Happy New Year readers!

Stonechat (Saxicola torquaia) at the Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

That's it, the old year has passed away and welcome to 2012.

I hope that you have enjoyed the blogs and photos over the past twelve months and look forward to starting afresh as we move into the New Year.  I thank you for following me on the blog and hope that you will wish to continue over the coming months.  There should be lots of birding visits to familiar sites and, hopefully, the chance to find some new locations to report back to you, the readers.

I have been very fortunate to meet some lovely people over these past years and I hope that our paths will continue to cross.  So, to you all, I wish you every happiness, health and good fortune for 2012 and may it bring a bumper crop of great birding.

My first report for 2012 should be from somewhere west, very west, as I head out tomorrow for Los Angeles and then sail along the Mexican coast, through the Panama Canal and back up to Miami.  I've got the bins, camera and laptop with me.  All I need now is access to the Internet to bring you my sightings!

My very best wishes to you all

Bob Wright