Day 1. Saturday 19th Sept. Malaga – airport – Guadalhorce Natural park – Tarifa
The group arrived in several stages of the morning, and from different parts of the world, the early arrivals were dropped off at the Guadalhorce nature reserve near to the airport whilst the leader made a return trip to the airport to collect the remaining members. During the two spells at the Guadalhorce nature reserve we notched up nearly 30 species most of which were new birds for our American friends. The highlights being, Monk Parakeet, 7 Audouin’s Gull, 13 Eurasian Spoonbills, great views of Zitting Cisticola, Mediterranean Gull, (2 contentious Caspian Terns flew by whilst the leader was at the airport), Whiskered and Common Terns and several finch flocks. The journey to the hotel, located just outside Tarifa, went smoothly and we enjoyed a lovely meal and we welcomed an early night.
Day 2. Sunday 20th Sept. Tarifa – raptor watch at Cazalla, Bolonia, La Janda, Barbate.
An early start in the hotel grounds produced very little in a chilly dull morning, Cetti’s Warblers sang from deep in the undergrowth, Collared Doves, House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings appeared and several early morning Griffon Vultures drifted over a nearby ridge.
Los Lances beach on the outskirts of Tarifa provided our morning entertainment with some very pleasant sunshine, no wind and lots of birds to see. The grassy scrub behind the beach held Stonechat, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Goldfinch and Linnets, we also found a Tawny Pipit, Yellow Wagtails (iberiae) and a large flock (200+) of Calandra Larks. On the beach many plovers were seen along with more Audouin’s Gulls together with Sandwich Terns. There were also Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Sanderling on the beach and many Northern Gannets offshore. However the most impressive sight was the huge number of Alpine Swifts above us, 500 is a very conservative estimate of the numbers seen throughout the morning. They were joined by Barn Swallow, House Martin and the odd Red-rumped Swallow. The bird of the moment had to be the Common Kingfisher, two of these azure little gems sat on a dead tree for all of us to admire.
At Cazalla raptor watch point we were treated to great views of a number of raptors, the huge passage flocks seen during the previous week were not repeated but good close views of the eagles satisfied the group. Short-toed Eagle excelled whilst Booted Eagle came a close second in the ‘most-showy’ competition. Black Kite, Black Stork, Griffon and Egyptian Vulture drifted by in ones and twos. Several Sparrowhawks sped passed and a low flying male Montagu’s Harrier was impressive. We ate our picnic lunch and then moved onto Bolonia having made a vow to return for more raptors at a later date.
The magnificent view from the Sierra de la Plata was much admired by the group, we looked down over Bolonia and the Roman town of Claudia Baelo, equally admired were the Griffon Vultures perched above us on the vertical rock face. We also notched up Blue Rock Thrush, Common Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher and Blue Tit.
At La Janda it became very windy and reduced our enjoyment somewhat. A Hoopoe on the track cheered the troops whilst distant Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers drifted over groups of Cattle and Little Egrets. A flock of 82 White Storks loafed in a distant ditch and large flocks of Spanish Sparrows, Goldfinches and Linnets buzzed passed the bus. Most of the rice paddies were dry and ready for harvest so not much water was visible, the only waders seen were Green and Common Sandpipers.
Barbate provided very little bird-wise, it was late afternoon and the tide was very high, we noted several gull species with Sandwich Terns and not much else. Lastly we drove the picturesque route along the Ojen Valley back to Tarifa. We stopped to scan a large hirundine flock and we walked a track hedged by prickly pear plants. Birds of note were many Stonechats, a Whinchat, a small flock of 6 Lesser Kestrels, a couple of Common Buzzards and more Corn Buntings.
Day 3. Monday 21st Sept. Gibraltar – Pinar del Rey pinewoods, Palmones salt marshes.
An exciting morning began with an early start as we left the hotel at 7am and headed for Gibraltar. We got onto the rock without too much delay and arrived at Europa Point just as the sun was rising, the lighthouse provided a spectacular dawn setting with a superb red sky behind it. At Jew’s Gate we were met by Ray the resident bird-ringer who delivered a superb and informative dialogue whilst demonstrating the ringing process on Pied Flycatchers, Sardinian Warblers, a Blue Tit, a Blackcap and a Nightingale. We toured the rock, putting down our binoculars and picking up the tourist guide for 3-4 hours, we had a great time, the views from the rock are breathtaking. After a shopping spree we ate lunch in an ‘English style’ pub and then left the rock for more birding.
Pinar del Rey is a lovely woodland consisting mainly of Stone Pines but several others species have managed to encroach including the versatile Eucalyptus. Late afternoon in any woodland isn’t the best time to visit and our bird tally was limited to Short-toed Treecreeper, Jay, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Great Tit and the ubiquitous Pied Flycatcher.
The salt marsh and estuary of the river Palmones is an excellent area for birds, we visited the river mouth first and we were disappointed by the very high tide which submerged the usual sand-spit and denied us any views of roosting gulls, terns and waders. Not deterred we travelled to the west bank and entered the small nature park with its concrete elevated hide. From this new perspective we notched a good list of species, in the park-like grounds several Hoopoes dashed for cover, Goldfinches, Serins, Spotless Starlings, Chaffinches and Greenfinches showed well. On the salt marsh over 100 Grey Herons loafed, two Caspian Terns drifted over (perhaps these were the two I missed at Guadalhorce????) an Osprey perched on a prominent post, a Marsh Harrier sat on the ground and several waders fed in a distant pool. The waders consisted of Bar-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, Sanderling and Dunlin. A Kingfisher sped by and was noted by a couple of the group.
Day 4. Tuesday 22nd Sept. Tarifa – Donana via Laguna Medina and El Rocio
It was time to leave our lovely hotel perched in the hills overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and the mountains of Africa, but before we left we spent two hours at the raptor watch point of Cazalla. Many repeat sightings were made of Eagles and Vultures, Hawks and Harriers, but better views were had of Black Stork (5), Egyptian Vulture (3), Sparrowhawk (10+) and Booted Eagle (many). Our journey to Laguna Medina took about an hour so we ate lunch in the car park in bright sunshine. The walk along the boardwalk was interrupted by many stops to watch warblers and flycatchers and many ducks sat on the water. White-headed Duck was the star, about 100+ were scattered over the entire lake, they were joined by a couple of thousand Common Coot and various numbers of Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Great-crested, Little and Black Necked Grebe. All in all an impressive sight, we also found Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Whiskered Tern, Cetti’s Warbler and lots of flycatchers.
The long journey to Coto Donana was broken by stops for ice-cream and coffee, we eventually arrived at El Rocio late afternoon. The usual picturesque laguna was completely dry and covered in dry grass, wild horses, Cattle Egrets and Yellow Wagtails. We did not linger and made our way to the vistor’s centre at El Acebuche. We spent sometime near the car park and after scattering some crumbs we were rewarded with close views of a flock of Azure-winged Magpies, we also saw a distant Hoopoe and usual Pied Flycatcher. Having had our fill of magpies we ventured to a couple of the hides that overlooked the Laguna de Acebuche. This proved to be very rewarding because the water level was so low and only very small pools remained, in these pools a good concentration of birds fed. The most impressive sighting was very close-up Common Snipe, glorious markings in the afternoon sunlight, there were also good numbers of Spotted Redshank, all dressed in winter garb, that showed very well.
We reached our hotel by 7pm and we quickly settled into our rooms, each had fantastic views out over the Atlantic Ocean. Northern Gannets performed their dramatic dives whilst gulls, terns and Cory’s Shearwaters passed by. Dinner was excellent and so was the house wine followed by delicious ice-cream.
Day 5. Wednesday 23rd Sept. El Rocio, Corredor de Verde, Dehesa de Abajo, Jose Valverde Centre.
A windless, cloudless morning greeted us as we emerged from the hotel, a little chilly but lovely nevertheless. We viewed the sea for passage birds from the ‘cliffs’ found just west of the town, it was very busy out there. Northern Gannets were plentiful, so were gulls and terns. A special sighting was the passage of two Caspian Terns (surely not the same two beasts from earlier days???), we also saw several small flocks of Balearic Shearwaters and a line of Common Scoter (5 birds) was an unexpected but welcomed sight.
We headed off northward to visit the northern marshes of Donana, driving adjacent to El Rocio we couldn’t resist dropping into the town. It is a wonderful place to visit, with its famous church, sand-roads, hitch rails and ‘lodges’. We travelled right through the centre and out to the Boca de …… where we watched a few birds and took in the ambiance of the real Donana, horses, nature and people.
Moving on through the pine woods we skirted Villamanrique and joined the track alongside the Coredor de Verde. A stop at the laguna de Quema provided good views of Gt. Crested Grebe, our first Great Egret, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail and another Kingfisher. Further along the Coredor de Verde we rejoiced in finding Black-winged Kites, Booted Eagle, Thekla Lark, Common Buzzard, Hoopoe and many finch and sparrow flocks.
Generally the whole of Donana was very dry and many lagunas were either tiny pools or completely dried out, consequently there were not many birds to see. At the end of the coredor we found good numbers of roosting Black-crowned Night Herons, but not much else. At dehesa de Abajo the lake was almost completely dry, just a couple of small pools held Little and Kentish Plover. However just across the road a rice paddy was completely flooded and covered in birds. We had a great time sorting out the waders, Green, Common and Wood Sandpipers, Green, Red and Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Snipe, Black-winged Stilt, Little, Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpipers and one Little Stint. What a great selection, they were joined by Cattle and Little Egrets, Glossy Ibis, Grey Heron, shoveler, Gadwall and Mallard.
As we ate our lunch the sun moved behind us casting great light on the birds, a photographers’ dream. Just before we left a flash of bright yellow and black dashed by, we caught up with the bird perched briefly some distance away, a Yellow-crowned Bishop. Well, all of the group failed to see the bird, so we searched a nearby reedbed and discovered several of these little gems. They performed their ‘bumble bee’ display flight by puffing out their bright yellow feathers and making short darting flight using rapid wingbeats, a superb sight and loved by the group. A bonus was a flock of Common Waxbill feeding on seeds along the side of the track.
The rest of our visit was spent touring the tracks and dykes that led us to Jose Valverde Centre where a coffee and/or cold drinks were consumed. Highlights were a flock of Lesser Kestrels (14), in fact we saw many more over the afternoon. We had great views of Lesser Short-toed Lark, Marsh, Montagu’s and Hen Harriers, Short-toed Eagle, Red Kite, Common Buzzard and lots of wagtails, wheatears and chats. There was hardly any water on the whole of the northern marshes.
Day 6. 23rd Sept. Laguna Primera de los Palos, Marisma de O’Diel, Laguna El Portil, El Rompido
Due to the lack of water in Donana we decided to venture out of the park to visit a great marshland area on the shores of Huelva. However, our first stop was the Laguna Primera de los Palos, many birds were present with over 200 Shoveler and smaller numbers of Teal, Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, Wigeon (2), Coot, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Grebes, Cormorant, herons and egrets. Another Kingfisher added a splash of colour but we failed to see our target species the Red-knobbed Coot.
At the Calatilla visitor centre on the Marismas de o’Diel nature reserve we saw our first Turnstone, a single Avocet, lots more Greater Flamingos on the salt pans and many ducks and waders. Deeper into the marshes we made frequent stops to scan the shoreline of the Rio O’Diel and found many more waders, gulls and terns at each stop. Our first Red Knots were notable by their singularity instead of the usual huge flocks, perhaps it was a tad too early in the winter season. The moulting Grey Plover was a revelation to the Americans and so were the thousands of Fiddler Crabs found in the muddy inlets. At one stop we watch a group of Stone Curlews, very well camouflaged in the dry sandy soil, these were especially pleasing to the group. We ate our picnic lunch whilst looking down over a sandy beach which held, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Redshank, Greenshank, Ringed and Kentish Plovers.
We left the superb marismas and drove into El Portil hoping to view the large laguna found there, however there was just a small pool of water lying in the centre of a dried out dust bowl. A few birds milled about, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover and a few Common Snipe. Disappointed we ventured through El Portil and then through El Rompido, stopping at a garage for fuel and the obligatory ice-cream before arriving at the heathland adjacent to the Rio Piedras.
We spent an hour or so walking the heath and noting some good birds, Sardinian Warblers were everywhere, Dartford Warbles were sporadic in their appearances. We found Common Whitethroat and its smaller cousin the Spectacled Warbler both were feeding on small berries along with Garden Warblers and Blackcaps. It took quite a while to get reasonable views of our target bird but we persevered and our efforts were rewarded with the sighting of a male Bluethroat, this little gem spends the winter on the heath and we were lucky to see this early arrival. We birded the river for a while and guess what, there were two Caspian Terns there! We also found Sandwich Terns, 50+ Eurasian Curlews, Whimbrel, Sanderling, Cormorant, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwits and the usual array of peeps.
We left at 4pm and drove back to Donana, we had a little time left as we approached El Rocio, so we visited the ‘ancient’ woodland adjacent to the Palacio de Acebron. Flycatchers, Chafffinches, Blue Tits and Robins were the best of a measly log. It was late afternoon and the birds were quiet and well hidden. On the track leading to the palacio we scoured the heathland finding Southern Grey shrike, Stonechat, Crested Lark and a superb male Subalpine Warbler feeding in a bramble bush.
Day 7. 24th September. Coto Donana – Ronda – Gaucin - Tarifa
Today we left Donana and headed for the mountainous area around Ronda hoping to see a new variety of species. The journey began with excellent views of Red-legged Partridge found just inside the fence of the National Park as we left Matalascanas. The journey took a couple of hours and we arrived late morning on a minor road that led to Montajaque just southwest of Ronda.
Our first stop of the day was a grass verge opposite an area of Cork Oak Dehesa, the cork had very recently been harvested, the rusty-red colour of the tree-trunks gave the impression that they had just been painted. The other side of the road overlooked a large basin where the recently cropped sunflower fields held many small flocks of birds, we logged many Serins, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Mistle Thrush and Corn Bunting.
Next we arrived at the dam at the ‘Embalse de Montejaque’, I use the word embalse very loosely as I have never seen water behind this dam! Parking just above the impressive Puerto de Tabizna, which is a very rugged and picturesque mountain pass, we arrived at the equally impressive Cerro de Tabizna, which is a massive rock outcrop reaching some 900 meters above sea level! We took the track that led us down towards the dam, a Rock Bunting showed briefly to those at the head of the group, we spent sometime looking across the valley back towards the pass and we were rewarded with good sightings of Black Wheatear and a pair of noisy Ravens perched on top of the ridge. Above us several Griffon Vultures wheeled across the sky, they were joined by a brief sighting of a soaring Bonelli’s Eagle, this bird soared so high I am sure it landed on the moon! We noted small groups of Crag Martins weaving in and out of the pass whilst Alpine Swifts dashed across the valley together with House Martins and Barn Swallows.
Down by the dam a path encircled a grassy knoll which supported several pine trees and a few Cork Oaks. We circumnavigated the knoll but not before watching a Great-spotted Woodpecker, which took a while to locate but eventually it showed very well, my American companions were delighted with the woodpecker and put it at the top of their list. We ventured around the knoll and walked back towards the car park, we stopped to view the craggy gorge once more and had much better views of Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush.
Next we drove to Benaojan to view the river Guadiamar but did not add any new species to our list so we made the short trip to Ronda. At the wonderful and picturesque gorge in the centre of Ronda we caught up with Red-billed Chough we saw a Grey Wagtail and had one more sighting of Blue Rock Thrush. A nice cold drink at the Parador and a short walk around various sites in the town concluded our visit, then it was back to birding.
We took the road to Algerciras making several stops to view the beautiful countryside and to watch a number of species that lived there. We located many more Black Wheatears, we also saw Northern Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Lesser Kestrel, Griffon Vulture, Raven, Corn Bunting and had really good views of Thekla Lark. It was getting late so we made the short trip down into Gaucin, my adopted home town. After dinner which was served in my courtyard we made the final leg of the tour to Tarifa, passing through several villages we noted White Stork, Spotless Starling, Booted Eagle and many Cattle Egrets before arriving at our hotel just at it got dark.
Day 8. Saturday 26th Sept. Tarifa – Malaga.
We were awoken at 5am by a terrific thunder storm, bright lightening flashes that lit up the sky were followed by a series of earth-shaking rumbles. We ate breakfast at 8am as the rain poured down outside which curtailed any plans of last minute birding. We departed for the airport at 9am and made the journey in good time passing along the coast driving into drier weather as we made our way ever further north and eastward. The group disbanded at the airport going in several different directions in dribs and drabs just as they had arrived a week before.
We recorded 159 species (3 of them seen only by the leader) which was a very good effort and a tribute to the hard work put in by the group as a whole. The Yellow-crowned Bishop was voted bird of the week, followed by Great-spotted Woodpecker and then the beautiful Kingfisher.
1. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis very common on all lagunas 20+ at Guadalhorce on 19th
2. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus seen on most lagunas, 15 on Laguna Medina on 22nd
3. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps ruficollis several pairs on Laguna Medina on 22nd
4. Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus small groups passing offshore at Matlascanas, 23rd , 24th
5. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea singles seen from hotel balcony at matalascanas 23rd, 24th
6. Northern Gannet Morus bassanus good numbers offshore on 20th, Tarifa and Matalascanas 23rd, 24th 25th
7. Great Cormorant Phalacoracorax carbo 1 offshore, Tarifa on 20th , several at Laguna Primera de los Palos, 24th
8. Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 15 seen at the roost site along Coredor de Verde 23rd
9. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis common and widespread seen throughout the tour
10. Little Egret Egretta garzetta common near water, seen most days.
11. Grey Heron Aredea cinera common everywhere we went, 128 seen at Rio Palmones marshes, 21st
12. Great Egret Egretta alba 1 seen at Laguna de Quema, 4 seen in a ditch near Jose Valverde 23rd
13. Black Stork Ciconia nigra 1 at Cazalla 20th , 5 at Cazalla 22nd , 1 along track to Valverde 23rd
14. White Stork Ciconia ciconia seen on most days, large flocks held 100+ birds. 82 at la Janda, 20th
15. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus only seen on one day near Dehesa de Abajo on 23rd where 7 birds fed
16. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 13 seen at Guadalhorce, 19th small flocks near Jose Valverde on 23rd
17. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber 20+ Laguna Medina on 22nd , 500+ at Marismas O’Diel salt pans, 24th
18. Wigeon Anas Penelope 2 seen at Laguna Primera de los Palos on 24th
19. Gadwall Anas strepera seen on most days when we visited lagunas
20. Teal Anas crecca seen in small numbers, Laguna Quema 23rd , Laguna Primera 24th
21. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos seen most days in good numbers – on the menu at Tierra Mar, 23rd
22. Pintail Anas acuta small numbers at Laguna Quema 23rd and Laguna Primera 24th
23. Shoveler Anas clypeata good numbers on all lagunas, 200+ on Laguna Primera on 24th
24. Common Pochard Aythya farina common on most lagunas, 100+ on Laguna Primera on 24th
25. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra one group of 5 birds from Matalascanas cliff on 23rd
26. White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala good numbers present at Laguna Medina on 22nd
27. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus small group of 6, Tarifa on 20th good views of 2 near Valverde on 23rd
28. Black Kite Milvus migrans ‘kettle’ seen over cazalla on 20th , singles passing over Cazalla, 22nd
29. Red Kite Milvus milvus good views of 2 near Villamanrique on 23rd and later at Valverde 23rd
30. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus great sightings of a pair along the Coredor de Verde on 23rd
31. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus several seen during each visit to Cazalla 20th & 22nd
32. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Common and and widespread seen most days
33. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Fairly common, seen most days, including Cazalla watch point.
34. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Seen once near Valerde Centre on 23rd
35. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus One at Cazalla 20th, 6 near Valverde centre 23rd two at O’Diel 24th
36. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus seen every day near the coast at Tarifa, 10 at Cazalla 20th & 22nd
37. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus many seen on passage at Cazalla 20th & 22nd
38. Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus 1 seen over the Cerro de Tabizna at Montejaque dam 25th (leader only)
39. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 seen at La Janda 20th , several seen in Donana 22nd – 24th
40. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 10 seen at Cazalla 20th then 20+ on 22nd also at Cazalla.
41. Osprey Pandion haliaetus surprisingly, only 1 seen at Palmones marshes on 21st
42. Lesser Kestrel Falco Naumanii small group of 6 in Ojen valley 20th, 14 near Valverde Centre 23rd
43. Common Kestrel Falco tinnuculus common and widespread seen most days
44. Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 seen over Cazalla on 22nd
45. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2 seen near Palacio de Acebron 23rd, 3 on 24th at Matalascanas.
46. Common Coot Fulica atra seen in most lagunas and lakes, 1,000+ in Laguna Medina 22nd
47. Moorhen Gallinula Chloropus several at Guadalhorce 19th and at Primera de Palos 23rd
48. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 2 seen at Primera de los Palos on 24th
49. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostrelegus 2 at Los Lances 20th, 3 at Palmones 21st , 10+ at O’Diel 24th
50. Black-winged Stilt Himatopus himatopus 50+ near Deshesa Abajo on 23rd and several seen at O’Diel 24th
51. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 1 seen at Salt Pans – O’Diel marshes 24th
52. Eurasian Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus 7 seen at roost site on O’Diel marshes 24th
53. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 6 seen on rice paddy near Dehesa Abajo on 23rd
54. Grey Plover Pluvialis pluvialis 10+ seen at O’Diel mudflats on 24th #
55. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula very common 50+ Los Lances 20th 100+ O’Diel Marshes 24th
56. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius good views of 5 at Laguna Acebuche on 23rd
57. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 50+ on Los lances beach 20th, common on O’Diel marshes 24th
58. Red Knot Calidris canutus another surprise – only 3 seen at O’Diel marshes 24th
59. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea small groups seen in rice paddy on 23rd and at O’Diel on 24th
60. Sanderling Calidris alba very common at all water sites, 20+ Los Lances beach 20th
61. Dunlin Calidris alpine 1 seen at Los Lances 20th, 10+ in rice paddy on 23rd
62. Little Stint Calidris minuta 1 seen well in rice paddy near Dehesa Abajo on 23rd
63. Ruff Philomachus pugnax small flock of 8 seen in rice paddy, Dehesa Abajo on 23rd
64. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 6 seen at O’Diel Marshes on 24th
65. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago superb close views at Laguna Acebuche on 22nd
66. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus seen most days, very common near water, 10+ in Donana 23rd
67. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos 1 at Guadahorce, 19th. Several in Donana 23rd
68. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 12 in rice paddy at Dehesa Abajo on 23rd
69. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus flock of 22 at Laguna Acebuche, 22nd
70. Common Redshank Tringa tetanus common in Donana and O’Diel, 23rd & 24th
71. Greenshank Tringa nebularia 2 at Guadalhorce 19th, singles most days.
72. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa flock of 15 birds in rice paddy on 23rd
73. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 3 birds on Los Lances beach 20th, 10+ on beach at O’Diel 24th
74. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1 on beach Los Lances 20th, 5 on beaches and mudflats O’Diel 24th
75. Curlew Numenius aquata several on O’Diel marshes 24th, 100+ at Rio Piedras 24th
76. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus small flock at Guadalhorce 19th, 10+ at O’Diel 24th
77. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus common seen most days.
78. Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii 11 seen at Guadalhorce, 19th , 20+ Los lances beach 20th
79. Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Common and widespread seen most days
80. Lesser Black-back Gull larus fuscus Very common at all shoreline habitats
81. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 2 at Guad/horce 19th , 2 at Palmones 21st , 2 at Mat. 23rd 5 Piedras 24th
82. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis 10+ Los Lances 20th, 2 at Barbate 21st , 10+ O’Diel on 24th
83. Common Tern Sterna hirundo 2 at Guadalhorce 19th , 3 at Barbate 21st .
84. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 3 at Guadalhorce 19th , 2 at Palmones 22nd
85. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus seen most days in wooded areas
86. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Coloumba livia seen everyday
87. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto common and widespread
88. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 2 seen at Gudalhorce on 19th
89. Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus small groups seen on 19th at Guadalhorce and at nest site
90. Alpine Swift Apus melba massive passage on 20th 500 over Los Lances beach, more over Cazalla.
91. Common Swift Apus apus only small numbers seen on 20th over Cazalla
92. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus ones and twos seen over Tarifa area 20th, 21st
93. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 2 at Los Lances 20th, 1 at Laguna Acebuche 22nd ,1 at Palos 23rd
94. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster only 1 seen over the whole week! On a wire at La Janda 21st
95. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 at La Janda 21st, 3 in Donana 0n 23rd singles - O’Diel & Piedras 23rd
96. Gt. Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major 1 seen well at Montajaque Dam on 25th
97. Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra flock of 200+ at Los Lances on 20th. Smaller flocks at La janda 21st
98. Crested Lark Galerida cristata common seen most days. 50+ along the tracks of Donana 23rd
99. Thekla Lark Galerida theklae 3 seen along Coredor de Verde, 23rd great views at Ronda 25th
100. Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rusfenens small flocks seen along tracks near to Valverde Centre 23rd
101. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris several birds seen at Montejaque and Ronda 25th
102. Sand Martin Riparia riparia seen in flocks in Donana on 23rd over dry marshland.
103. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica 1 seen over Los Lances 20th, 2 seen 24th El Rompido
104. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica common and widespread, large flocks moving over Tarifa 19th – 22nd
105. House Martin Delichon urbica Common and widespread seen everyday.
106. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 1 seen on the grass scrub behind Los Lances beach 20th
107. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae seen on several days in small flocks, 30+ El Rocio 22nd
108. White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 seen at O’Diel Marshes 24th
109. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 seen from the bridge at Ronda (leader only) 25th
110. Eurasian Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 seen in the woodland at Palicio de Acebron 24th
111. Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos 1 seen in the hand at Gibraltar 21st
112. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica 1 seen on the scrubland at Rio Piedras, El Rompido 24th
113. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros a family party seen at Puerto Tabizna, Montejaque, 25th
114. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 1 female seen on 21st , Pinar del Rey, 1 male seen 24th Rompido
115. Stonechat Saxicola torquata common and widespread, seen most days
116. Whinchat Saxicola ruberta 3 seen Los Lances 20th , 2 seen La Janda 22nd , 4 seen Donana 23rd
117. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Common passage migrant, seen on several days. 10+ Los lances 20th
118. Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura common in the mountains around Ronda, 25th
119. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1 seen at Sierra de la Plata on 22nd , several near Ronda 25th
120. Blackbird Turdus merula common and widespread, seen most days
121. Mistle Thrush Turdus iliacus 1 seen in cork woods near Montejaque, 25th
122. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis good views of 1 at Guadalhorce, 19th and several in Donana 23rd
123. Gt. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 1 seen at Laguna Medina, 22nd
124. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cettia heard most days, 1 seen well from the blind at Laguna Medina, 22nd
125. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin seen on several occasions, seen well in scrub on O’Diel marshes 24th
126. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla seen everyday, 2 in the hand at Gibraltar, 21st
127. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata a few glimpses on the heath at the Rio Piedras, 24th
128. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 1 seen from the bus near Palacio de Acebron, 24th
129. Spectacled warbler Sylvia conspicillata 1 seen on the heathland at the Rio Piedras, El Rompido, 24th
130. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis several sightings on the heath at Rio Piedras, El Rompido, 24th
131. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala seen and heard most days, in the hand at Gibraltar 21st
132. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita several on Gibralatar and Pinar del Rey 21st
133. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 1 seen at Guadalhorce 19th, 2 on Gib 21st , several Donana 23rd, 24th
134. Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 1 seen very well at guadalhorce 19th
135. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuco very common migrant, seen most days, in the hand on Gib 21st .
136. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata as above, seen most days.
137. Eurasian Blue Tit Parus Caeruleus seen in most woodlands throughout the week.
138. Great Tit Parus major not as common as Blue Tit but seen well on several days.
139. Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 1 seen (LEADER ONLY) in the pine woods Pinar del Prey, 21st
140. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 1 juv. seen flying passed at Cazalla 22nd, 1 juv. seen Rio Piedras 24th
141. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis seen well most days in Donana 22nd , 23rd & 24th
142. Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus seen in Donana 22nd – 24th. Large flock at Acebuche coming to bread
143. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandaris a few brief sightings 21st at Pinar del Rey
144. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica seen all three days in Donana, very common
145. Northern Raven Corvus corax 2 birds seen in Donana 23rd and 24th
146. Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula a large at la Janda 20th. Smaller flock in Donana 23rd
147. Red-billed Chough Phyrrocorax phyrrocorax a flock of 50+ birds in the Ronda gorge 25th
148. Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor seen most days, large flocks on wires at Tarifa 19th & 20th
149. House Sparrow Passer domesticus very common in all habitats, seen everyday
150. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Large flocks in La Janda 20th and Donana 23rd
151. Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina small flocks in Donana 23rd
152. European Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs several in Pinar del Rey 21st and in Donana 24th
153. European Serin Serinus serinus good numbers in Donana 23rd and a large flock near Ronda 25th
154. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis very common and widespread, seen every day
155. European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris small numbers at guadalhorce 19th , Hotel Meson 20th Donana 23rd
156. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 1 female seen at Puerto de Tabizna, 25th by just two of the group
157. Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra seen weel in la Janda 20th . Large flocks in Donana 23rd
158. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild small flock seen near Dehesa de Abajo 23rd
159. Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer several males displaying near rice paddy, Dehesa de Abajo 23rd