Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Off down to the river with brother-in-law Chris where we met up with Stephen Powell for a pre-lunch wander along the riverside track, beach and eastern growing fields.  With the weather getting warmer by the day, it was a question of taking off one layer before we started out under clear blue skies and a blazing sun but a little on the breezy side.

Departing Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epops

Immediately, in addition to the resident Rock Doves, we had a pair of Black-winged Stilts a few metres up from the road bridge, a number of Moorhen and a resting Kestrel in the trees opposite.  Three restless Mallards flew over whilst a number of White Wagtails occupied the river bank.  Needless to say there were scores of Chiffchaffs all over the place and before long we had both heard and seen Cetti's Warblers.  No sooner had we set off again than a Hoopoe decided that it was time to show itself.

Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta

By the time we were half-way down to the pumping station we had also seen Grey Wagtail and both Little Ringed and Kentish Plover.  A lone Grey Heron hung around the river's edge whilst a solitary Little Egret hunted a little lower downstream.  Next up was a Common Sandpiper quickly followed by a Robin, Goldfinches, Serins and the first of many Black Redstarts. The far end of the track produced both Blackbird and House Sparrows and then a disappearing Green Sandpiper before noting the single Meadow Pipit.

Looking towards the river we had a number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the air with a single Cormorant and as we approached the river's terminal lagoon we could see a t least a dozen Mediterranean Gulls resting on the water.  Out at sea, not far off the coast, was a reasonable-sized raft of mixed gulls, mainly Yellow-legged and Mediterranean Gulls but with a few Lesser Black-backs.  Meanwhile, immediately in front of us, about a dozen Sanderling took to the air but eventually settled on the beach, obviously disturbed by the number of people walking the edge of the sea.

Sanderlings  Correlimos Tridactilo  Calidris alba

Walking the eastern fields produced a trio of very pale Crested Larks and then a large flock of Spotless Starlings.  however, as soon as the latter took off we noticed the seventeen Golden Plovers flying above them.  Very restless birds these and they seemed to spend a considerable time circling and looking for a suitable resting field.

Goldfinch  Jilguero  Carduelis carduela

However, the most intriguing site was the fellow with his "Calling Cages" all of which contained a singing Goldfinch.  As we arrived, the first five were being packed away.  Being me, I asked Steve to take photographs of the cages, the man himself and his scooter complete with number plate for, if necessary, future action.  At this point we approached and Steve got very short shift when he enquired to what he was doing.  Whilst he insisted that he was not catching birds for the pot and produced a licence from the Junta which said he had permission, it was a most furtive action and everything looked most dubious.  No sign of any nets or lime sticks and the whole lot, two large camouflaged cases containing five individual bird cages in each plus his poles were all going to be transported on his scooter.

What could he possibly be doing?  I have no idea and as there was no sign of any Chardonnay Trap for catching live birds to study, ring, weight, etc I can only speculate.  I will make further enquiries and write a new blog when and if I get any answers and probable suggestions.

Common Snipe Agachadiza Comun Gallinago gallinago

Meanwhile, the walk back to the car also produced the only Stonechat of the morning, a single Ringed Plover along with two of is smaller cousins and another Green Sandpiper plus our second Snipe.  Finally, a little upstream of the road bridge where we had seen the Black-winged Stilts upon arrival, a solitary Cattle Egret was busy feeding on the river bank close to the water.

Barely two hours later we were setting off home having recorded 36 species in less than two hours.
 










Pictures taken by Stephen Powell with "Bird-catcher" to follow:

Grey Heron  Garza Real  Ardea cinerea

Part of the 17-strong flock of Golden Plovers  Chorlito Dorado Europeo  Pluvialis apricaria 

  

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Golden Plover, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's 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. 

Fabulous Fuente - again!!!!

Stone Curlew  Alcaravan Comun  Burhinus oediccnemus

A whole day to myself before collecting Brother-in-law from the airport so took the chance to visit Fuente de Piedra, in the hope that the Cranes were still about, and then on to check-out the Laguna Dulce on the outskirts of Campillos.  What a day!  Not only Cranes but all sorts including three very strange males in the distance undertaking the most peculiar behaviour pattern as if trying to establish pecking order.  Not to worry; it turned out to be Andy Paterson and Federico who had just met up with Ron Appleby!  But I digress; first things first.

Leaving home just after 9 I was up at the far end of the Fuente de Piedra laguna near the road junction outside the large farm so that I could complete an anti-clockwise circuit.  Just the chance that the Cranes might be on this side of the water and with the bright sun behind me.  Greeted at the farm by Spotless Starlings and Jackdaws and a range of small birds including Goldfinch, Great Tit, Stonechat, White Wagtail, I had just chance for a quick gulp of water before setting off on the said route.  A resting Kestrel first up followed by Corn Buntings and Thekla Larks with the first of the hundreds of Greater Flamingos away to my left.  A stop and search through the olive groves half way to the village duly provided the sought after species, a trio of Stone Curlew.  Finally, a short top in the olive groves brought me Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler and a number of Blackcaps.

A very dark Common Buzzard  Busardo Ratonero  Buteo bureo

Next on to the Information Centre and, with car duly parked, made my way over the low footbridge in search of Reed Buntings.  However, not before seeing the large mixed flock of Shovelers and Coots on the flooded field to the left as I approached the car park.. Only a couple of Moorhen and the odd Black-headed Gull and a disappearing Black-winged Stilt before I caught up with the last named as I crossed the bridge.  This small, shallow sheet of water held a couple of pairs of Teal.  No sooner at the end of the bridge and I managed to find at least four Reed Buntings whilst the first Barn Swallow flew overhead.

Returning over the bridge I found the above trio of reprobates and then had chance to look at the pool to the right of the track which contained a good selection of waders.  More Black-winged Stilts and a number of Avocets plus at least a dozen Little Stint and a handful of Dunlin.  Closer inspection produced a Greenshank,  three Snipe, a pair of Lapwing and a few Kentish Plovers before Andy directed my attention to the Black-shouldered Kite that had been perched on the top of a distant tree for the past ten minutes - and remained so for at least another similar period.  Other smaller birds included both Meadow Pipit and White Wagtail.  Not only the Kite but, on the main water, the two Lesser Flamingos were still about and posed beautifully in front of small group of their larger cousins.

Time to move on to check out the small laguna at the back of the Visitors' Centre with Andy's departing comment that only a few Cranes were to be seen very far to the back of the Laguna Dulce and they were in the air and already departing but not before a very brief glimpse of a Bluthroat skulking in the bushes in front of us.  But some of us are forever optimists!  As I searched the main water, a Heron flew right but it was the arriving Marsh Harrier from the opposite direction that put the birds to flight so rewarding me with both more Avocets and Shelduck.

First a Robin and more Black Redstarts and then on to the hide where the water contained a large flock of Shovelers, a few Mallards and the odd Black-headed Gull.  However, in addition to the Coots, I did manage to find a pair or two of Pochards and a number of Chiffchaffs busily feeding n the low vegetation.

A small selection of 400 Common Cranes Grulla Comun  Gnus gnus from Mirador de Cantarranas

Collecting Ron in the car park so that I could continue my circuit of the main water and visit the Dulce (Ron having arrived by public transport), we stopped at the Mirador de Cantarranas and had a wonderful treat.  Not just a handful of Cranes but, by my count, approximately 400 individuals, which is probably the whole of the wintering flock.  And they were all very well exposed and easy to count.  A range of water birds on the nearby pools but, above, a number of Barn Swallows, House Martins and Crag Martins.   A little further away we re-saw the three Buzzards and below them a pair of Ravens.  No sooner seen than we had two Marsh Harriers over, one with a most strange tail moult where he seemed to have lost all his middle feather giving the bird an almost Kite-like appearance.  Still not done yet as, almost at once, a quartering Hen Harrier put in an appearance.  At this point I did go back to the car to collect the camera but, upon returning, we had great difficulty in re-finding the bird and only able to get the briefest of record shots.

Spot the Hen Harrier  Aguilucho Palido Circus cyaneus  (lower left) with more Common Cranes in the background.

With all that excitement over it was time to make our way to the Dulce with the sight of a feeding Mistle Thrush on the way.  Upon arrival we noted that the water was full with almost no space to spare.  But, on the other hand, most were either Coots or Black-headed Gulls!  However, we did find Black-necked Grebes and just the one Red-crested Pochard.  Around the fringes we had a three small groups of Flamingos plus a small number of Mallards.  The last birds noted before our departure down to Malaga were two pairs of Gadwall on the far side and a couple of hunting Marsh Harriers.

At the end of the day, a great total of 53 species.

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Black-necked Grebe, Heron, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Black-shouldered Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Stone Curlew, Crane, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin, Greenshank, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Bluethroat, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting and Corn Bunting.

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

Wonderful Wednesday

What a day yesterday was!  It would appear that whilst I was wandering along the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar two other groups/parties were out and about.  Up to the east of Almeria, Dave and Gilly Elliott-Binns were out with their Arboleas Bird Group and including two new couples for their visit to Vilaricos and Vera.  Like me, they too had a lovely sunny day and the party of eleven members managed to record a tremendous total of 46 species.  Meanwhile, Steve and Elena Powell found themselves a the Guadalhorce in Malaga for a long morning which produced a magnificent 45 species.

Back in Almeria Province, the Arboleas Group started with a very vocal Southern Grey Shrike and followed on with a range of waders including Greenshank, Snipe, Little Ringed Plover and Black-winged Stilt.  As appears to be the norm at he moment there were hundreds of Chiffchaffs; they were everywhere.  Also on or near the water Dave's group had Teal, Cattle Egret, Heron, Water Pipit and Grey Wagtail not to mention the brief appearance of that gorgeous river bird, the Kingfisher.

Record of Penduline Tit  Pajaro Moscan  Remiz pendulinus

Other birds of note included Hoopoe, Red-billed Chough and Goldfinch but, perhaps, the star of the show and seen by all was that splendid little bird that we all hope to see during the winters down here, the Penduline Tit.  Unfortunately, as Dave reports, he was only able to capture a record shot with the camera but, nevertheless, still worth seeing as a reminder of a fabulous experience.

The beach provided Audouin's Gulls, Great Crested Grebe, a dozen Sanderling, Greenshank and a Grey Plover, whilst out on the briny three Gannets were spotted and recorded. Back at the pools in Vera, the Group added Shoveler and Little Grebe and, at last, the first Stonechats of the day.  Overhead the only hirundines to be seen were Crag Martins but they did have a magnificent Booted Eagle soaring in the distance.  Finally, the pool opposite the local supermarket provided six White-headed Ducks and a flock of thirty Common Pochard.  It certainly sounds as if a cracking day was had by all.

If Penduline Tit was the Arboleas Group's star bird then, as far as Steve and Elena were concerned, that accolade went to their Spoonbill which they watched fly over the Laguna Casillas and came down on the end lagoon of the old river, Rio Viejo.  According to Steve all the expected regular species were seen plus some great raptors including a most handsome male Marsh Harrier and "our" Osprey.

Eurasian Spoonbill  Espatula Comun  Platalea leucorodia  (Stephen Powell)

Other lovely birds included an Avocet, both Common and Green Sandpipers, Greenshank and Redshank and not forgetting a Black-tailed Godwit.  With the vast majority, but not exclusively, of the latter spending their winter in Great Britain this was certainly a good sighting.  Other waders included both Dunlin and Snipe and, unlike the Arboleas Bird Group, Steve and Elena had both Barn Swallow and House Martin in addition to the local Crag Martins.

Black-tailed Godwit  Aguja Colinegra  Limosa limosa  (Stephen Powell)

Next month the Axarquia Bird Group ventures up into Almeria Province with a visit to Las Norias on Thursday 15 March so, who knows, perhaps out two Groups will be able to meet up for the day.  As they say, watch this space for further information!

Kestrel  Cernicalo Vulgar  Falco tinnunculus   (Stephen Powell)

Little Ringed Plover  Chorlitejo Chico  Charadrius dubius  (Stephen Powell)

Common Snipe  Agachadiza Comun  Gallinago gallinago  (Stephen Powell)

Male White-headed Duck  Malvasia Cabeciblanca  Oxyura leucocephala  (Stephen Powell)

  

 

Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Down to Torre to collect the car from the paint shop but, because of Jenny's art class, the need to hang around for almost two hours so where better to go than wander along the Rio Velez.  Beautiful sunshine, not a cloud in the sky (so much more the promised rain!) but just the hint of the cool nip in the air.  To be expected, all the usual species seen giving a total of thirty but including a half-dozen Skylarks, Common Sandpiper, Zitting Cisiticola and a Grey Wagtail.  Always lovely to see a Robin and still hordes of Chiffchaffs about.  Lots of Moorhens but no Mallard until back on the dam at Lake Vinuela as I made my way home.

Other species included Meadow Pipit and Serin plus both a single Little Egret and Black-winged Stilt whilst, on the lagoon at the end of the river, a mixed package of gulls included mainly Mediterraneans plus a number of both Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls.

Meanwhile, up on the mountain.not only Thekla Larks but a good number of Chaffinches near the house along with a rather splendid Southern Grey Shrike.

Birds seen today:

Mallard, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Kestrel, Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Sothern Grey Shrike, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin and Goldfinch.

Red-knobbed Coot at Alhama de Granada?

Little Owl  Mochuelo Comun  Athene noctua

Friday 17 February

Down to Torre del Mar to order some cut wood to build more shelves in the morning and, given that Jenny was going to be out all day and not back before about 5pm, decided to drive over to the pantaneta above Alhambra de Granada to see if I could find the immature Red-Knobbed Coot that Patrick had had reported to him earlier in the week.  But first, organise the refreshments by buying a couple of doughnuts (not exactly the diet of the day or even millennium!) and stop at the flooded field on the back road into Velez Malaga where I recorded three Snipe and half a dozen Lapwing plus a pair of White Wagtails and the usual gang of Spotless Starlings.  A lone Cattle Egret flew over as I departed and set off towards Lake Vinuela.

Climbing up to the pass at Ventas de Zafarraya I had a number of both Stonechats and Black Redstarts and straight on through the village to the “Muck Heap.”  A late addition of the steaming substance had brought with it, as far as I could see, only a small number of House Sparrows to join the feeding Thekla Larks.  However, there was a resting Mistle Thrush in a nearby tree and a small flock of Goldfinch as I climbed the small bank up to the “Magpie Woods.”

"Who're you looking at?  I was here first."

Almost at the end of the woods and just about to drop down to the junction at the bottom before I saw the one and only Azure-winged Magpie.  However, with two minutes I had added two of the birds that I missed yesterday.  A few hundred metres further on I glimpsed a low flying bird head into the fields from the road side and come to rest on a conspicuous rock so stopped the car, wound the window down and raised the bins.  Yes; a rather lovely Southern Grey Shrike. So, just about to move on when, less than five metres in front of me, I was looking at a Little Owl happily sitting on a concrete edge.  What to do?  Dare not turn the engine off and distract the bird yet had to twist round in the car, fumble about with the camera bag to try and extract the camera (thankfully with the 400mm prime lens already attached), then wind the window down and get off a few shots.  One of those great occasions when it proved useful to be in a right-hand drive car.  Next, engine off and owl still sitting, so yet more photographs.  In for a penny so I edged the car up another couple of metres, a few more shots and then the Little Owl departed.  Not, as I expected, up and away but simply a hop of less than five minutes into the neighbouring ploughed field.  So at least twenty shots to mull over upon my return home.

This departing Cormorant Cormoran Grande Phalacrocorax carbo had obviously seen enough of me.

Continuing on to the pantaneta I had a solitary Kestrel and plenty of Chaffinches as I approached the water.  Four Cormorants sitting on the dam wall and another four resting on the main water.  Other than that, the water was relatively quite with just a handful of Pochards, a similar number of Shovelers and a few Mallards.  A single Little Grebe was feeding in front of the hide and a pair of White Wagtails and a number of Chiffchaffs on the edges but no sign of the Red-knobbed Coot amongst the dozen Common Coots seen from the Venta side of the pantaneta.  Above the water, there were many feeding Crag Martins but no other hirundines.  A walk down to and through the neighbouring copse produced a singe male Blackbird and the first of many Blackcaps, both male and female, to be seen in the area, and a couple of Great Tits.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Pico Picapinos Dendrocopus major

No Red-knobs this side so a drive round to far side of the water was called for but, first, a quick look in the adjoining picnic area.  All seemed very quiet and still until the rattle of the first Great Spotted Woodpecker started up.  Deciding this time that I was going to find the nearby bird I set off walking back towards the entrance only to hear even louder tapping (hammering?) behind me.  So, change of direction and off into the trees until, finally, I caught sight of a pair flying towards me and then set to work with a vengeance on a tall, thin tree.  Unfortunately, not so much the distance but the intervening branches made a photograph difficult but, at leas, I got the record shot as can be seen.

Sad to say, the view over the water from the second hide, whilst producing more Coots did not reveal a Red-knobbed cousin.  Shame really though you would have to query why such a bird would be on this water in the first place. 

Very high Bonelli's Eagle Aguila-azor Perdicera Hieraaetus fasciatus

Still good light so I drove back over the dam and turned onto the track leading down to the gorge.  Car parked and off I set noting that much work had been (is) going on to clear the trees. Looking up I noticed yet more Crag Martins and then, high above, a Bonelli’s Eagle making tiny circles in the sky.  Whilst relying upon size, wing shape and ratios it was not until I got home and highly enhanced the photos that I could pick out the markings of a juvenile bird.  On down the stream and a most gorgeous male Serin before crossing the footbridge.  On the other side I was watched by a Black Wheatear sitting on the uppermost rock, a Grey Wagtail feeding at the side of the rushing water and a pair of Mistle Thrushes flew past.  Finally, on the return walk back to the car, not so much the regular Blackbirds and Black Redstarts but the lovely little Wren was the pick of the birds seen.  All that remained was to find the five (common) Magpies as I headed back towards the “Magpie Woods” and at the very end, ready to drop back down to the growing fields, another dozen or more Azure-winged Magpies flying around he very last trees.

Considering that I did not set off till gone one o’clock, a final total of 36 species including some real crackers made it a very exciting afternoon.

"Where's the other half with the meat; I've got the sauce nicely warmed up?"  (Look behind the legs.)

 

Very enhance shot of the Bonelli's Eagle.

 
Birds seen:

Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Bonelli’s Eagle, Kestrel, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Crag Martin, Wren, Black Redstart, Black Wheatear, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin and Goldfinch.

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

February Axarquia Bird Group visit to Venta de Zafarraya and El Robledal

Woodcock  Chocha Perdiz  Scolopax rusticola

A lovely clear and sunny morning for this month’s Axarquia Bird Group visit to the old railway tack above Ventas de Zafarraya followed by a wander around the old woods of El Robledal.  It sounded idyllic as we welcomed both new guests and visitors until we actually stepped out of the cars at the Mirador.  My goodness it was cold; we even had a howling gale behind us, which not only helped to keep the birds down but promised all sorts of torture once we turned for the return walk to the cars.  Nevertheless, with Stephen and Elena Powell leading the way with Canadian visitors Naish and Sheila McHugh, quickly followed by Eric and Pat Lyon, then Myself with Ceri and Jackie Levi and the “Eastern Crowd” of Gerry Collins, Lesley Laver, Louise Gray and new-visitor Della Boyes we struggled up towards the tunnel quickly sighting Blue Rock Thrush and the first of many Stonechats.  By the tunnel e had also recorded a pair of Blue Tits and a number of Great Tits not to mention a distant Black Wheatear.

Great Tit Carbonero Comun Parus major

Once through the tunnel we were back in the sunshine and the wind had eased back slightly.   Whilst watching more Black Wheatears and Blue Rock Thrushes we were also joined by Antequera’s David and Janet Fisher.  A Peregrine Falcon was sighted above the high peak and then the unmistakable call of the Choughs.  Not one but a final tally in excess of 70 individuals whirling and wheeling about the sky above the peaks.  Closer at home, Sardinian Warbler and more Stonechats kept us active.  However, with little prospect of the weather getting any warmer we decided to return and head on up to El Robledal. As we made our way back we not only had closer and clearer views of the Black Wheatears but a small party of up to eight Griffon Vultures above.  No sooner had we had a Thekla Lark the, at last, we finally managed to locate a pair of Rock Sparrows.

Short-toed Treecreeper Agateador Certhia brachydactyla

The journey up to El Robledal produced a Southern Grey Shrike and a small number of Spotless Starlings and then, once on the track to the picnic area, first Jays then Mistle Thrushes not to mention a small tree hosting a flock of 30 Corn Buntings.  Ready to start our wanderings, we had the constant sound of Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming and then the call of a Red-legged Partridge and a “yaffling” Green Woodpecker.  A couple of Goldfinches and then the first Nuthatch, albeit not very clear.  But not to worry, son we had more to observe plus the whole range of “little Birds” including Chiffchaff, Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Tit, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit.  Both Hoopoe and Blackbird were then recorded plus a good number of Robins.

Well into the woods we found Rock Bunting, a lone female Crossbill and a Firecrest.  A very small number of Crag Martins were feeding in the meadow and, overhead, a Buzzard was making lazy circles in the sky whilst being mobbed by a brave little Kestrel.  Finally, almost back to the cars, we not only found our Wood Larks but also a Greenfinch and more Chaffinches.  Time to retreat back to the main road and make the necessary stop for a Menu del Dia.  On the way, most saw the Little Owl whilst on arrival we were greeted by a White Wagtail, an over-flying Grey Heron and a number of House Sparrows.

Long-tailed Tit  Mito  Aegithalos caudalus

Making our farewells at 4 o’clock, in the company of distant Rock Doves and a Wood Pigeon, Gerry and company set off by road for the return journey to Salobreña whilst David and Janet headed off towards Antequera.  The rest of us in our three cars decided to take the mountain track down to Alcaucin to see what might be a the picnic site, especially the possibility of the Dunnock seen by Steve and Elena last Tuesday.  Having mastered (survived!) the deeply rutted stretch near the start, we stopped at the top site where we quickly found up to a dozen Crossbills in the nearby trees.  Then on down to the bottom, main, picnic site for another exploration.  Lots of Crossbills and Chaffinches plus, after a little coaxing, a good number of Nuthatches.  As earlier, there were plenty of Chaffinches and Great Tits about but, even, better, a solitary Song Thrush.

Then came, some might say, the best sighting of the day.  Walking the water channel in search of the Dunnock we only found Great Tits, Crossbills and Robins.  Eric and I walked on as Steve halted us to call us back having almost stepped on the “big” brown bird sitting in the shallow water.  Snipe?  No, the beak’s not long enough and it would have been up and off like a shot well before we got there.  Jack Snipe?  No, look at the crown where we should be comparing the gold coloured stripes.  Instead, look at the plain front and then horizontal stripes rather than vertical stripes from front to back.  It is one thing to be in the midst of Breckland’s leafy floor and almost step on the bird but a Woodcock resting in a trickle of water with his head up against the bank?  I’ve heard of “If I can’t see you then you can’t see me” but this was ridiculous.  The bird, presumably well exhausted, simply refused to move as we all walked past within inches and even stopped for a closer look. 

The rather fluffed-up (fat?) Woodcock Chocha Perdiz  Scolopax rusticola resting in the water channel

Was that it, would see anything else to come even close to this?  Well, almost.  High over the skyline a young Golden Eagle drifted along and a Tawny Owl was heard from the distant woods.  Great, just another bird to make the round fifty and that shortly followed as we picked up a couple of Collared Doves on the way down to Alcaucin.  Given that we had already seen a couple of Barn Swallows on the drive up to Ventas de Zafarraya and Eric and Pat recorded one of the Lapwings presently holidaying in Trapiche, that should have been it. 

Typical bird, "If I can't see you then you can't see me!"

I do not know what other birds the rest of the group saw on the way home but on the drive up to Los Romanes from the lake I nearly drove off the road as, rounding one of the numerous bends, I came across a male Cuckoo resting on the near-side crash barrier.  Even better as I was driving a right-hand drive car and that put the bid within ten metres before it took off and slipped away down the nearby valley with its typical downward wing beat.  What a way to end a marvellous day in great company with a final tally of 53 birds including the four “heard” species.

Birds seen:

Red-legged Partridge, Heron, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Lapwing, Woodcock, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Wood Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Black Wheatear, Stonechat, Blackbird, Blue Rock Thrush, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Southern Grey Shrike, Jay, Chough, Spotless Staling, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Crossbill, Rock Bunting and Corn Bunting.

First Cuckoo of the Year

Returning from the monthly meeting of the Axarquia Bird Group, more later with photos and a very unexpected rare sighting at close quarters - and I mean close as in inches rather than feet, approaching Los Romanes a rather handsome male Cuckoo perched on the road barrier.  Obviously, no chance of a photo as the bird took flight down the valley with downbeat wings as the car approached.  What luck!  Presumably, I was the first "visitor" since the bird landed but, nevertheless, still a wondrous sight.

Dunnocks in Alcaucin

Just received an email from friends Steve and Elena Powell re their most recent birding exploits.  Not content with having both Blackcap and Blue Rock Thrush in the garden yesterday morning (Tuesday), not to mention recent Rock Bunting, Chiffchaff and Crossbill, but in the afternoon they took a trip up to the picnic site above Alcaucin and added both Nuthatch and lots of Crossbills.  As Steve reported, lots of calling/drumming woodpeckers but none actually seen.

However, the real bonus was proof that you could find Dunnocks in this part of Spain.  They may be common back in Britain but they are very much a rarity in these southern parts.  Steve was pretty sure that he had seen one in the garden these last few days but unable to get a photo.  Well, he has now!  Steve and Elena were fortunate enough to not only get out of the strong northerly winds but managed to find a deserted and peaceful site.  It also helped to leave a few bread crumbs on the picnic table; just shows what the local birds have come to expect.

All the photos are by Stephen Powell except the last - as will be explain at the end.

Dunnock  Acentor Commun  Prunella modularis at the Alcaucin Picnic Site

Nuthatch  Trepador Azul  Sitta europaea

Your friendly neighbourhood Blue Rock Thrush   Roquero Solitario  Monticola solitarius

Those of you who know Elena will now realise that there is a definite omission in Steve's report; where is Elena's favourite bird?  Just so that she does not feel left out I have added a lovely male Passer domesticus to keep that lovely smile on her face.  Our next report should reflect on whether or not the House Martins have returned and, if so, are they going to make use of the newly-installed nests.  It's certainly seems to be the only building going on in this part of Spain!

House Sparrow  Gorrion Comun  Passer domesticus

Update on Guadalhorce Reserve Improvements

For those of you who have visited the Guadalhorce Reserve in Malaga in recent months you will have seen the marvellous work being undertaken by a group of workers on the management of the site.  Wonderful!  Starting at the Sea Watch, the team have worked their way back along the track and have now actually rounded the corner towards the footbridge.   In addition, lots of work has been done on other parts of the site as tracks are cleared and cleaned to give wide boundary edges, overgrown bushes and trees have been cut back and pruned to open up the area and some of the banks when I was there last Friday were being to look like sloping lawns down to the water’s edge.

Naturally, much of the vegetation will regrow over time but there are plans afoot to plant small acebuches (wild olives) on some of these slopes to provide both shelter for the smaller birds and actually act as a form of screen, which can only be for our, the birders, benefit.

Indeed, the mess that was the breeding site for our Kentish Plovers which had long been a wilderness with unchecked ground cover and all sorts of rubbish deposited by high tides and winds has now been cleared and looks a marvellous achievement.  No longer, hopefully, an area where rats, snakes and other vermin can predate the nests, etc but, rather, an open space which will, we all hope, result in a great breeding year for these delightful little plovers.  Similarly, this is one of the best spots for finding early arrivals such as Black-eared Wheatears, Northern Wheatears and all sorts of small passerines so, again, let’s hope that we will reap the benefit this year and for many years to come.

Recently, new signs have been erected reminding owners that their dogs must at all times be kept on a lead and we birders, a sign informing cyclists that hikers/walkers have priority.  Hopefully, this will mean no more jumping out of the way when using the scope as some made cyclist comes racing down a track, head down and noise blaring into his ears from the latest music pod or whatever.  It is too late when the resulting collision occurs with both personal injury and a very expensive repair bill for damaged equipment.  The signs are in Spanish with English subtitles so let us just hope that visitors not only read the message but take note.

It really is a case of saying “Well done!” to the Junta or whichever body is responsible for this work, even if it comes as a result of much pressure and persuasion by many interested bodies and individuals, far too many to mention without missing somebody out.

Whilst this message has been posted on both the Blog and website, a fuller description can be found on Andy Paterson’s Spanish language blog.  Yet another opportunity for we “foreigners” to practise our Spanish.  (Or like me, cheating by copying and pasting onto the “google” translation page!  Well, at least we get to read the message; that’s my excuse anyway.)

Click HERE or enter the following blog address:   http://guiri-pajarero-suelto.blogspot.com

Guadalhorce, Malaga

Off early to Nerja collect a lovely Canadian couple, Naish and Sheila McHugh for a morning at the Guadalhorce sighting a House Martin west of Torre del Mar as we our way towards Malaga.  A lovely birding experience in great company which is more than can be said for the weather!  On arrival very cold with a brilliant sun shining straight in to our eyes and, returning back from the Sea Watch a very strong wind in our faces.  No wonder we had to fight hard to find the birds! However, it was good to be welcomed by both Blackbird and Collared Dove and then have a rather lovely Booted Eagle fly over us at a relatively low level; all before actually taking our first steps.

One Cormorant Cormoran Grande Phalacrocorax carbo that had seen enough of me for the day

The western river was relatively quiet in the wind and with a few anglers on the near bank but it seemed not to worry the Coots, the odd Moorhen and the Cormorants passing over above us.  Straight away we had the first of very many Stonechats walking along the track plus our first Robin of the morning.  Not to be outdone, the occasional Black Redstart was also noted.

StonechatTarabilla Comun Saxicola torquatus

So on to the far side where ground maintenance was continuing and the site is beginning to look very neat and tidy with some lovely grassy banks – but much of the overgrown cover at the water’s edge has now gone so probably less chance of finding those skulking passerines.  Naturally, the noisy strimming disturbance had some effect but there were still a dozen or so Pochards on the Laguna Casillas plus a similar number of White-headed Ducks.  All in the company of a lone Little Grebe.

The Wader Pool reflected just how little rain we have received this past month or so with very low levels.  A small flock of Teal were sheltering against the bank along with a score of Black-winged Stilts whilst on the water a couple more Little Grebes.  Running around the sandy banks we had both Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers and a single Common Sandpiper at the back of the pool.  Ever onwards and, in addition to more stilts and plovers on the Rio Viejo, we found five juvenile Flamingos and a trio of Avocets.  Next up came another Common Sandpiper quickly followed by a pair of Redshank and a single Greenshank.  But the main target managed to avoid us for another five minutes until, at last, we finally found our Kentish Plovers.  Indeed, on our way back from the Sea Watch which only produced a small number of Gulls, mainly Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed with the odd Mediterranean, and a single feeding Black-necked Grebe well out from the shore, we also found a party of Sanderlings and a pair of Dunlin on the waterline of the old river.

Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico  Charadrius dubius

Meanwhile, overhead, we had constant sightings of many Kestrels, both male and female, and a lovely male Marsh Harrier.  Our Booted Eagle ventured forth to give another sighting whilst, at ground level, more Goldfinches and Greenfinches and Crested Larks but, especially a party of seven Sky Larks, not to mention the constant supply of Chiffchaffs and a single Meadow Pipit.  Another bonus for we with the prostate problems is that you have to regularly disappear behind the nearest bush!  Thank goodness a son one of the said visits one of us was able to watch a Zitting Cisticola busying itself in the nearby vegetation.

The Laguna Escondida was very quiet in the exposed wind with a small number of Shovelers and White-headed Ducks finding what shelter they could at the far end.  So on to the main hide at the Laguna Grande.  Again, most birds seeking shelter with only the occasional paddle out to the exposed waters but a good variety of species.  In addition to the score or more Cormorants, a single Grey Heron was found hiding below the tress along with a couple of Little Egrets.  More Teals and Shovelers but only a single pair of Mallards and the juvenile Flamigos had moved from the old river.  On the water a number of Little Grebes and a least a handful of Black-necked Grebes whilst immediately in front of the hide we were able to watch the antics of a lone Robin, a pair of Stonechats, more Chiffchaffs and both White and Grey Wagtails.  We even had a lonely Little Ringed Plover come and join us

Very sleepy juvenile Flamingos  Flamenco Comun  Phoenicopterus roseus

Starting our walk back to the car a solitary Cattle Egret led the way down the track whilst a pair of Jackdaws took to the air from their nesting site amidst the local parakeets.  Then, stopping to speak with a local “ringer” on his way out of the reserve we were informed that the most interest catch of the morning was a previously ringed (“banded” in the USA) Penduline Tit.  Although wearing a Spanish ring the bird had not been ringed on the reserve so we now wait to see from whence it had travelled. 

A very hungry Common Sandpiper Andarrios Chico  Actitis hypoleucos

The homeward journey east of Malaga was back along the coast where we stopped to check out the roosting gulls east of Chilches and found to be mainly Lesser Black-backed and Mediterranean with the odd Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls.  All in all, a very enjoyable morning and, despite the bad weather conditions, we did manage to record 50 species which included three “lifers” for Naish.

Birds seen:

Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Pochard, white-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Dunlin, Greenshank, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crested Lark, Sky Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.

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

Rio Velez with Golden Plovers and Bluethroat

Stonechat Tarabilla Saxicola torqatus

Still blowing a gale up on the mountain top but as the wind was coming off the mountains to the north I decided that the local river bed might be a little calmer.  So, well dressed up against the bitingly-cold wind, I ventured forth this morning.  What a surprise; not the decreasing water level but the warm and almost blinding sunshine in my eyes and the cold breeze from behind.  As usual, I was greeted by the resident Rock Doves at the road bridge plus a half-dozen Mallards and a good supply of Moorhen.  No sooner had I started off down the track towards the pumping station and I had many sightings of both Grey and White Wagtails.  As before, there were also numerous Chiffchaffs busy feeding in the low vegetation.

Sanderling Correlimos Tridactilo Calidris alba  before taking flight

With flying Hoopoes as I approaching the widening water, in addition to the Moorhens and a single Little Egret there was a handful of Mediterranean Gulls and a similar number of Sanderling.  However, once on the beach and looking back up the Rio Velez there were numerous resting gulls.  Numbers seemed to be equally divided between Mediterranean, Black-headed and Yellow-legged with just a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Again, more Moorhens plus a dozen Sanderling and a single Little Ringed Plover.  Overhead, the lone Cormorant seemed unable to settled as he wandered up and down the river.

Bluethroat  Ruisenor Pechiazul  Luscinia svecica

Having to put my glasses back on, not so much for the bright sunshine but to try and keep the strong breeze out of my eyes, I made my way towards the eastern growing fields.  No sooner arrived than I had my first Bluethroat, still feeding in the same area close to the ditch alongside the new road.  Soon the bird was joined by a couple of Meadow Pipits and a passing Crested Lark.  Having watched a large flock of Spotless Starling take to the air and return, I then realised that the additional birds were very light under the wing and realised that the two dozen Golden Plover had not departed but were back to feed on their favourite area.  Lovely birds that settle and seem quite content to let you count, watch and photograph them.  Indeed, whilst also checking the feeding Spotless Starlings, sure enough I found a Common Starling in their midst.

Departing Spotless Starlings  EstorninoNegro  Sturnus unicolor

Arriving and settled Golden Plover  Chorlito Dorado Europeo  Pluvialis apricaria

Onwards then to complete the circuit back to the river noting first a number of Black Redstarts, more Crested Larks and a very large, over an hundred,  mixed flock of mainly Goldfinches and Serins with  few Meadow Pipits feeding in a flooded corner of the neighbouring field.  A good number of Stonechats were regularly seen on their sentinel posts plus many feeding House Sparrows.  Not to be outdone, even a handful of Greenfinches put in an appearance.

Goldfinches  Jilguero  Carduelis carduelis by the hundred

Greenfinch  Verderon Comun  Carduelis chloris

Serin  Verdecillo  Serinus serinus

Back alongside the river, I was able to revisit the Grey and White Wagtails, Chiffchaffs and pick up the occasional Robin.  Over the water a good number of Crag Martins were busy feeding whilst some of the restless gulls drifted up and down much to the consternation of the Mallards.

Grey Wagtail  Lavandera Cascadena  Motacilla cinerea

Returning home via Trapiche, not only were the Collared Doves on the wires but the flooded field on the back road held at least a dozen Lapwing, albeit on this occasion no Cattle Egrets.

Amazing, given the very unfavourable weather, that I actually managed to record over 30 species yet with lots of the more common birds not seen.  Such is the fun and pleasure of birding; always the unexpected!

Birds seen:

Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Little Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Bluethroat, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.

Meadow Pipit  Bisbita Pratense  Anthus pratensis

 

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