Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, 29th January - 5th February 2003

Andrew Holden and myself spent a week on the island of Fuerteventura in late January/early February with several species being targeted as well as the need to observe several distinct forms of species that are endemic to either the island or the Canary Islands as a whole. During the week period, 70 species of bird were recorded (including Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove and some Laughing Doves of unknown origin) as well as up to 3 Sacred Ibises at Jandia (presumably emanating from the Stella Canaris collection) and a Cockatiel at Barranco de la Torre. All target species (Canary Islands' Chat, Houbara Bustard, Cream-coloured Courser, Ruddy Shelduck, Barbary Falcon, Barbary Partridge, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Monk Parakeet, Berthelot's Pipit and Trumpeter Finch) were observed well with several other interesting species noted (including 4 Slender-billed Gulls, 2 Spoonbills, 1 Gadwall and 1 Rock Sparrow). The distinctive subspecies' of Stone-Curlew, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Blue Tit, Linnet, Goldfinch and Southern Grey Shrike all added interest to the proceedings.

The trip was most enjoyable but in order to enjoy the avifauna of the island, it is necessary to endure the many building sites that appear to be a never ending blot on Fuerteventura's landscape and, particularly in the south (Sotovento beach area), you may find yourself having to converse with naked Germans and explaining what you are looking at! This report is split into two sections, with the first section containing a list of the sites (and to an extent directions) visited and the second section containing a full systematic list of the bird species recorded by ourselves during the period 29th January - 5th February 2003.

FUERTEVENTURA SITE GUIDE.

1) Barranco de la Torre. Access to this valley can be either approached by: -

i. from the FV2 south of Caleta de Fustes, take the turning to Las Salinas (Del Carmen), drive through the village on the gravel track (checking the small bay and the rectangular shaped salt pans) and the road will, after c.1km meander down to a derelict tower adjacent to a small bay. 20 metres beyond the tower is a small area on the left to park a car and continue on foot up the valley from here. A regular pair of Canary Islands Chat were seen by the palms about 500m inland from here, and the area also produced sightings of Barbary Partridge, Egyptian Vulture and Trumpeter Finch.

ii. Coming from Caleta de Fustes, the FV2 will cross the Barranco near km18. Drive across the Barranco and after about 200 metres on the right, you will see a small track leading to a building where there is ample parking. Walk back along the road and access the valley either upstream or downstream. Canary Islands' Chat, Barbary Partridge and many Sardinian and Spectacled Warblers were located here.

iii. Further west than access ii. You will see a couple of building on the north side of the FV2 - one of these is a restaurant. 200-300 metres after this restaurant, turn right (if you are coming from Caleta de Fustes) and follow this track around to the right and after c.2km you will reach a small network of pools that lie adjacent to the dam at the north end of the Barranco. Many hirundines were seen hawking over these pools, with Common Sandpiper at the dam. However, this area was not as well-vegetated as the two other access areas and was hence relatively unproductive.

2) Casas Risco del Paso/Los Gorriones Hotel Gardens. Just to the south-west of Costa Calma, the Playa de Sotovento appeared to be the best beach/coastal area for birds. Access is off the FV2, either by taking the turnoff to Sol Gorriones Hotel (where the gardens appear lush compared to the arid surroundings and are hence a potential magnet to passerines) where one can access the east end of the beach, or by taking a discreetly signed 'Casas Risco del Paso' off the FV2 to access the west end of the beach. At Casas Risco del Paso, a large, shallow lagoon has formed on the beach due to the tidal processes with Spoonbill and 4 Slender-billed Gulls recorded amongst the more common species of shorebird.

3) Jandia. On the east side of Jandia, adjacent to the FV2, the Stella Canaris gardens offer an exceptionally easy site to see Monk Parakeet. Parking can be found immediately adjacent to the main road and the Monk Parakeets will be heard and seen almost immediately. Opposite the gardens and just east of the lighthouse, a small pool attracted a first-winter Black-headed Gull, 1 Greenshank and a Cattle Egret during our visits to the area as well as numerous Berthelot's Pipits on the surrounding rough ground.

4) Costa Calma plains/La Pared. Access to Istmo de la Pared can be achieved several ways: -

i. Just south of the village of La Pared, a network of tracks lead off to the west. There is one track that leads to a cliff top car park where the coastal plains can be viewed, though further south along the FV605, a track that leads west from by a brown roadside sign allows one to gain a better vantage point of the plains.

ii. Coming from the east along the FV2, turn right at the 1st r'bout at Canada del Rio, head straight across the mini r'bout and you will branch left and through some holiday apartment blocks. Carry this road on until it peters out into a sandy track, following this track north for c.1km until you come to a farm building on the left where the car can be parked (soon after parking here you will see a cut-off fence by the track). Walk north to explore the plains. Houbara Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Barbary Partridge, Stone-Curlew, Trumpeter Finch and Lesser Short-toed Lark were all observed by walking north from this point.

iii. Coming from the east, turn right at the 2nd Canada del Rio r'bout (just after a petrol station), follow this road thru where it narrows by La Palmeral supermarket and go up the hill until the road bend sharply right. On this right hand bend, either park and walk up the track and explore the plains or simply drive up the track until it becomes too rough to drive (I was able to get a Seat Ibiza c.5km up the track before I was forced to park). Black-bellied Sandgrouse are common, with Houbara Bustard and Cream-coloured Courser all being observed here.

5) La Lajita. Park in the zoo car park immediately west of the village and beside the FV2, walk across the main road to an area where camels are. Walk west (i.e. away from the village), keeping the road and palm trees to the right and explore the area as far as the Barranco, with a track leading off uphill to the left (with a no entry sign for vehicles) being productive for both Canary Islands' Chat and Barbary Partridge. A pair of Canary Islands' Chat were particularly confiding in the scrub below the trees immediately opposite the zoo entrance, and at least 10 Laughing Doves (of unknown origin) frequent the area with Black-tailed Godwit, Cattle Egret and Barbary Falcon all seen in the immediate area.

6) La Vega de Rio de las Palmas. Coming from the north (from Betancuria) on the FV30, Vega Rio Palmas is signposted off to the right. Take this tarmac road, crossing a bridge after a few hundred metres, and then drive for about a further 1km until you meet the river/stream bed again. Immediately before you cross it again, it is possible to park on the right. Walk down the valley, following the stream-bed until after c.3-400metres you encounter a couple of nest boxes. Blue Tits of the race degener appear to be using at least one of these, and up to 4 birds of this species were seen in the valley. Turtle Dove, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Goldfinch and Chiffchaff were all found along this stream-bed, although Embalse de las Penitas (c.1km walk from the car, continuing past the nest boxes) was relatively unproductive despite it containing water.

7) Rosa de los Negrines. Take the FV10 north from La Oliva (signposted El Cotillo) and opposite the last house on the edge of La Oliva, turn left to a steep-entranced track. Almost immediately this gravel track levels out and on the left after c.50 metres is a parking area where in the near vicinity 1 Rock Sparrow was found along with Corn Bunting, Trumpeter Finch, Lesser Short-toed Lark and many Spanish Sparrows. Continue this track downhill until you pass a garage and a farm building on your right (with a cage full of dogs), the fig trees behind this farm previously being a favoured evening site for Houbara Bustard. If you continue the track uphill and around to the left, you will get a good vantage point of the plains on both sides of the road. 1 male Houbara Bustard was seen to fly in to the right of the road (as one goes uphill) and then it walked down the slope away from the road. Spectacled Warbler, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Berthelot's Pipit, Lesser Short-toed Lark and Trumpeter Finch were all observed in this area.

8) Rosa de Catalina Garcia Reservoir. From the FV2, take the FV20 north towards Tuineje for about 5km, passing a brown sign on the right stating 'Rosa de Catalina Garcia'. A further c1km, take a track off to the right of the road (immediately before a building) and follow it for c.1km until you reach a small pull-off with a sign with Marbled Ducks and Ruddy Shelducks on it. A pair of Ruddy Shelduck and a couple of Little Ringed Plover were observed on this small area of water.

9) Barranco de Rio Cabras. Take the FV20 out of Puerto del Rosario (signed Casillas del Angel/Antigua). After a few kilometers, you will reach a r'bout with Triquivijate signed to the left. Turn left here and after c.500m, park and explore the Barranco both upstream and downstream of where the road crosses it. A pair of Canary Islands' Chat were seen on the cliff edge downstream, with a Grey Wagtail and, surprisingly, a Laughing Dove found upstream.

10) Rosa del Taro. Continuing south along the road to Triquivijate (from site 9), c.4-5km north of the village of Triquivijate, you will see an obvious pool 100m from the roadside on the right (by a Ceramica/Pottery sign). The pool offered 2 Snipe and a few Coot, with the adjacent sallows producing Robin, 2 Redwing, Spectacled Warbler, Chiffchaff and many Lesser Short-toed Lark.

11) Costa Calma 'Forest'. Alongside the FV2 in Costa Calma, a large area of palm/pine trees make up this site. Parking is restricted at the eastern end of the forest, yet there is ample parking in the petrol station and adjacent souvenir shop area at the western end of the forest (just east of the second Canada del Rio r'bout). 1 Redwing as well as a few of both Greenfinch and Goldfinch were found at this site.

12) Embalse de los Molinos. The largest area of freshwater on Fuerteventura producing up to 7 Ruddy Shelduck, Barbary Falcon, a female Gadwall, many Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Plain and Pallid Swifts, Trumpeter Finch, many Lesser Short-toed Lark and a pair of Canary Islands' Chat on our visits. Access can be gained from either end of the reservoir: -

i) South end. Traveling north along the FV207, about 2km from the FV207/FV30 junction two prominent palm trees set back from the road on the right will be visible. Take the gravel track on the left just before you pass these trees. After a couple of km, you will approach a gate which may/may not need to be opened. Pass through this gate and then take care to evade the numerous goats immediately ahead and park by the farm buildings. From here, walk north along the track to the gorge where the reservoir is situated.

ii) North end. Turn west off the FV207 just south of Tefia on a road signed Los Molinos and Las Parcelas. When you reach Las Parcelas, just after leaving the scattering of houses you will be confronted by a sharp right hand bend with a goat farm on the left. Take the track off this bend to the left, passing the goat farm and continue for a further c4km until you reach the dam end of the reservoir. Park the car, walk over the small fence and search the reservoir from here.

13) El Cotillo. The road to the north of the town towards the lighthouse (faro) produced a first-winter Spoonbill with a few Little Egrets, as well as several shorebirds. A small area of vegetation on the northern outskirts of the town, adjacent to the beach, produced a couple of Chiffchaffs and 2 Meadow Pipit.

14) Caleta de Fustes. The beach area at Caleta de Fustes can be viewed by following 'playa' signposts in the town. However, an early morning visit is essential as the majority of shorebirds will be flushed off the beach as soon as the tourists arrive.

Species Lists

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
1 in salicornia area near the lighthouse at Jandia 30th Jan, 1 in the rough area opposite La Lajita zoo 3rd Feb.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Common, but predominantly only seen in 1's and 2's, in coastal locations. Peak counts were from Casas Risco del Paso (on Playa de Sotovento) with 7 on 30th Jan and 10 on 3rd Feb, and 4 being seen on rock pools between El Cotillo and the lighthouse at Punta de la Ballena o de Toston on 2nd Feb.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
1 over the FV2 at La Lajita 30th Jan, 1 at Caleta de Fustes 31st Jan, 1 over the plains north of Costa Calma 1st Feb, 1 Lajita 1st Feb, 1 Embalse de los Molinos 2nd Feb and 1 over Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb.

Spoonbill Platalea leucordia
1 1st-winter bird present on the lagoon at Casas Risco del Paso (on Playa de Sotovento) on 30th Jan, 1st Feb and 3rd Feb, another 1st-winter on rock pools between El Cotillo and the lighthouse at Punta de la Ballena o de Toston on 2nd Feb.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
5 at Embalse de los Molinos 31st Jan, 1 at Embalse de los Molinos 2nd Feb, 2 (a pair) on the small reservoir at Rosa de Catalina Garcia 3rd Feb, 7 at Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Gadwall Anas strepera
1 female at Embalse de los Molinos on 31st Jan, 2nd Feb and 4th Feb.

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
2 at the seaward end of Barranco de la Torre 30th Jan, 2 at La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 1 at Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb and 2 at La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 4th Feb.

Buzzard Buteo buteo insularum
Relatively widespread with birds seen at a variety of sites including Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva), a regular pair at Barranco de la Torre (with the nest on the east side of the gorge, about 200 metres north of the FV2), La Vega de Rio de las Palmas, the plains north of Costa Calma and El Cotillo.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus dacotiae
Widespread, frequently seen from the roadside with birds seen at many sites including Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva), La Pared, Barranco de la Torre, Betancuria, La Vega de Rio de las Palmas, Barranco de la Torre, the plains to the north of Costa Calma, Embalse de los Molinos, Corralejo, El Cotillo and Jandia.

Barbary Falcon Falco peregrinoides
1 showed well as it circled over the zoo car park at La Lajita before flying off north into the mountains 30th Jan, 1 over Embalse de los Molinos 2nd Feb.

Barbary Partridge Alectoris Barbara
5 on the plains north of Costa Calma on 1st Feb, 1 Barranco de la Torre (seaward end, near the stand of palm trees in the valley bottom) 2nd Feb, 3 La Lajita (opposite the zoo) 3rd Feb, 1 Barranco de la Torre (400m south of the FV2) 5th Feb.

Coot Fulica atra
Recorded at 3 sites - Embalse de los Molinos (peak of 26 on 4th Feb), Embalse de las Penitas (3 on 31st Jan, 2 on 4th Feb) and 8 on small pool at Rosa del Taro (adjacent to the road running north from Triquivijate to the FV20 r'bout west of Puerto del Rosario) on 4th Feb.

Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata fuerteventurae
1 male Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva) late evening 29th Jan (bird appeared to fly in from the north, then progressively walked down slope on opposite side of hill to the traditional site (which is by the farm)), a pair displaying on the plains north of Costa Calma early morning 1st Feb with an additional male also seen here the same morning. 1 male seen mid a'noon on the plain north of Costa Calma (c.500 metres south of the northern coastline) 1st Feb.

Stone-Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus insularum
6+ on the plains north of Costa Calma early morning 1st Feb, 1 flew over the FV1 south of Corralejo by the dunes at Playa de Medano 2nd Feb. Also birds heard (but not seen) at Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva) 29th Jan and the plains adjacent to the village of La Pared 30th Jan.

Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor bannermani
1 on a nest (with two eggs) on the plains north of Costa Calma 1st Feb.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
10 at Embalse de los Molinos 31st Jan, 7 Embalse de los Molinos 2nd Feb, 3 on the reservoir at Rosa de Catalina Garcia 3rd Feb, 1 Barranco de Rio Cabras 4th Feb, 8+ Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Relatively frequent on rocky shorelines around the island, being seen at sites such as Salinas del Carmen, El Cotillo, Caleta de Fustes, Puerto del Rosario and Corralejo, though peak count being 10+ at Casas Risco del Paso (on Playa de Sotovento) on 3rd Feb.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrius
Locally common in coastal locations with 1 at Salinas del Carmen 30th Jan, 10+ on the beach at Caleta de Fustes 31st Jan, 15 Casas Risco del Paso 1st Feb, 1 Caleta de Fustes 2nd Feb and 8 Casas Risco del Paso 3rd Feb.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
3 Salinas del Carmen 30th Jan, 1 Caleta de Fustes 31st Jan, 1 Caleta de Fustes 2nd Feb and 2 Playa del Moro 2nd Feb.

Sanderling Calidris alba
Common, with 25+ regularly on Playa de Sotovento at Casas Risco del Paso and 15 north of El Cotillo 2nd Feb, smaller numbers also noted at Caleta de Fustes and Puerto del Rosario.

Dunlin Calidris alpina
4 Caleta de Fustes beach 31st Jan, 25 Casas Risco del Paso 1st Feb, 28 Casas Risco del Paso 3rd Feb and 1 Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
2 flushed from small pool at Rosa del Taro (north-east of Triquivijate, south of FV20) 4th Feb, 1 Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
1 over La Lajita 3rd Feb, 2 at Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Whimbrel Numenius phaepos
Seen in small numbers at many coastal sites including Caleta de Fustes, La Pared and Salinas del Carmen with largest flock being 14 at Casas Risco del Paso 30th Jan.

Redshank Tringa tetanus
1 Pozo Negro 30th Jan, 2 Salinas del Carmen 30th Jan, 1 Puerto del Rosario 2nd Feb and 1 Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
1 Embalse de los Molinos 2nd and 4th Feb.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia
1 on pool behind the beach at Jandia on 30th Jan, 1st and 3rd Feb, 2 Embalse de los Molinos 31st Jan, 1 Casas Risco del Paso 1st Feb, 3 Embalse de los Molinos 2nd and 4th Feb.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Relatively common, though rarely in large numbers. Birds seen at Pozo Negro, Salinas del Carmen, Caleta de Fustes, Embalse de los Molinos, El Cotillo, Barranco de la Torre and Barranco de Rio Cabras. Largest count being 4 at Embalse de los Molinos on 4th Feb.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres
2 Pozo Negro 30th Jan, 5 Salinas del Carmen 30th Jan, 5 Caleta de Fustes 31st Jan, 1 Puerto del Rosario 2nd Feb, 2 El Cotillo 2nd Feb, 1 Jandia 3rd Feb.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
1 1st-winter, appearing relatively inactive, on the pool behind the beach opposite Stella Canaris gardens in Jandia on 30th Jan, 1st Feb and 3rd Feb with an adult at Morro Jable harbour 3rd Feb.

Slender-billed Gull Larus genei
4 adults on the shallow lagoon on Sotovento beach at Casas Risco del Paso on 30th Jan, 1st Feb and 3rd Feb.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
50+ in the bay at Puerto del Rosario 29th Jan and 30+ on Sotovento beach on 1st Feb being peak counts, smaller numbers seen at several sites in amongst Western/Atlantic Yellow-legged Gulls. Predominantly of the race graellsii, but at least a couple of adult intermedius at Puerto del Rosario on 29th Jan.

Western/Atlantic Yellow-legged Gull Larus micahellis micahellis(?)/altlantis(?)
Common, though predominantly coastal with only single figures located on inland waters. Largest concentrations on Sotovento beach and the bay at Puerto del Rosario (presumably bathing here after feeding on the nearby tip (located south of the FV20 c.3km west of Puerto del Rosario)).

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandwichensis
Seen in small numbers at several coastal locations including La Pared, Salinas del Carmen and Jandia though largest concentrations being on Sotovento beach with peaks of 20 on 1st Feb and 10 on 3rd Feb.

Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis
Only noted at two sites - the plains to the NW of La Oliva at Rosa de los Negrines where 10 were seen on 29th Jan, and the other site being the plains (Istmo de la Pared) to the north of Costa Calma. At this latter site, this species is common with 7 being seen on 30th Jan, 84 sightings within a couple of hours mid a'noon on 1st Feb and 36 sightings on 3rd Feb.

(Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove Columbia livia)
Common and, as with most places where this species occurs, one can always find the odd candidate for a genuine Rock Dove. In truth though, the Fuerteventura pigeon gene pool is severely polluted.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common in urban areas with largest numbers noted around the zoo at La Lajita and around the Stella Canaris gardens in Jandia.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
1 in the valley between La Vega de Rio de las Palmas and Embalse de las Penitas 31st Jan with 2 there on 4th Feb, 1 Costa Calma Forest 3rd Feb.

(Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis)
Unknown, but presumably captive, origin. 10+ in area opposite zoo entrance at La Lajita 30th Jan, 1 there on 1st Feb and 4 there on 3rd Feb. 1 Barranco de Rio Cabras 4th Feb.

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus
Many birds (at least 15 - 20) nesting and calling loudly from trees by the Stella Canaris gardens in Jandia on 30th Jan, 1st Feb and 3rd Feb.

Plain Swift Apus unicolor
3+ birds with 40+ Pallid Swifts over Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Common Swift Apus apus
2 birds with 5 Pallid Swifts over Jandia beach and Stella Canaris gardens 30th Jan.

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus brehmorum
The commonest swift on the island, with small numbers seen at several locations. Highest counts being 30 at Embalse de los Molinos 31st Jan and 40+ at Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Hoopoe Upupa epops
Relatively widespread though only ever seen in 1's and 2's. Birds were seen at many sites including Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva), Casas Risco del Paso, Rosa de Catalina Garcia, Embalse de los Molinos, Barranco de la Torre, the plains north of Costa Calma and Barranco de Rio Cabras.

Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens polatzeki
Extremely common in desert areas though less numerous elsewhere. Largest concentrations at south end of Embalse de los Molinos by the goat farm where 50+ on 31st Jan and 2nd Feb, 60+ on the plains north of Costa Calma 3rd Feb.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
2 Rosa de Catalina Garcia 30th Jan, 1 Pozo Negro 30th Jan, 4 Embalse de los Molinos 31st Jan, 3 Corralejo 2nd Feb, 5+ Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb, 4 Barranco de Rio Cabras 4th Feb, 5 Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb and 6+ Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

House Martin Delichon urbica
2 Jandia 30th Jan, 2 Rosa de Catalina Garcia 30th Jan, 5 Embalse de los Molinos 31st Jan, 3 Jandia 1st Feb, 1 La Lajita 1st Feb, 5+ Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb, 1 Jandia 3rd Feb, 1 Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb and 4 Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia
1 in off the sea with House Martins and Swallows at Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

Berthelot's Pipit Anthus berthelotii berthelotii
Common, with high single figures seen at several sites including Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva), Casas Risco del Paso, the plains north of Costa Calma, Barranco de la Torre and Embalse de los Molinos.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
2 just north of El Cotillo in scrubby area/ small plantation by the beach 2nd Feb.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
1 Barranco de Rio Cabras 4th Feb.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba
1 Barranco de la Torre 31st Jan, 3 La Lajita 1st Feb, 3+ Embalse de los Molinos 2nd Feb, 2 La Lajita 3rd Feb and 1 Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Robin Erithacus rubecula
1 in sallows by the pond at Rosa del Taro (by the road north of Triquivijate, opposite a ceramica/pottery sign) 4th Feb.

Canary Islands' Chat Saxicola dacotiae
2(pair) at the seaward end of Barranco de la Torre by the palm trees 30th Jan, 4 (3male (incl.1 bird with an orange ring on its right leg), 1female) Barranco de la Torre c.500m south of the FV2 31st Jan, 2 males in the area by the camels opposite the zoo at La Lajita 1st Feb, 1 female at the seaward end of Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb, 2(pair) immediately opposite the zoo at La Lajita in scrub adjacent to the line of trees, 2(pair) at Barranco de Rio Cabras (accessed from west end of the Barranco, immediately south of the FV20/Triquivijate r'bout) 4th Feb, 2(pair) Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb, 2(pair) seaward end of Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
1 Barranco de la Torre 31st Jan, 1 Los Gorriones Hotel gardens (on Sotovento beach) 1st Feb, 8+ Costa Calma Forest 3rd Feb, 1 Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

Redwing Turdus iliacus
1 Costa Calma Forest 3rd Feb, 2 in sallows by the pond at Rosa del Taro 4th Feb.

Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis
Relatively common with 2 seen at Rosa de los Negrines 29th Jan, 3 Barranco de la Torre 30th Jan and 31st Jan, 1 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 2 Rosa de los Negrines 2nd Feb, 4 Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb, 1 Rosa del Taro 4th Feb and 4 Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala leucogastra
Local but common with 2 Barranco de la Torre 31st Jan, 5 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 2 Barranco de la Torre 2nd Feb, 5+ La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 4th Feb and 3 Barranco de la Torre 5th Feb.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
1 female La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 2(pair) Los Gorriones Hotel gardens (on Sotovento beach) 1st Feb and 1 male La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 4th Feb.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
4 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 2 El Cotillo 2nd Feb, 2 La Lajita 3rd Feb, 3+ Costa Calma Forest 3rd Feb, 4 Rosa del Taro 4th Feb and 2 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 4th Feb.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus degener
2 in the centre of Betancuria village 31st Jan, 4 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 2 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 4th Feb (with one pair regularly visiting a nestbox marked '13').

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis koenigi
Common, with birds regularly seen from the roadside as well as at Casas Risco del Paso, Barranco de la Torre, Embalse de los Molinos, the plains to the north of Costa Calma, Costa Calma Forest and Rosa del Taro.

Raven Corvus corax tingitanus
Relatively common and widespread with birds seen in many locations such as Barranco de la Torre, Rosa de los Negrines, La Pared, Betancuria, La Vega de Rio de las Palmas, Casas Risco del Paso and the plains north of Costa Calma. Peak count being 5 over Embalse de los Molinos 4th Feb.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Common to very common, especially around human settlements. This species was seen at every site visited with particularly large numbers at the seaward end of Barranco de la Torre and the trees opposite the zoo entrance at La Lajita.

Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia
1 Rosa de los Negrines 29th Jan, c.100m along the track from where it meets the FV10.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris (aurantiiventris?)
Very localized with 8+ birds in Costa Calma Forest 3rd Feb.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis parva
1 La Vega de Rio de las Palmas 31st Jan, 12+ Costa Calma Forest 3rd Feb.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina harteri
1 Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva) 29th Jan, 2 La Pared 30th Jan, 4 Casas Risco del Paso 1st Feb and 3rd Feb, 2 on the plains north of Costa Calma 3rd Feb.

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus amantum
Common, with small numbers of birds being seen at many sites such as Rosa de los Negrines, Barranco de la Torre, Rosa del Toro, Casas Risco del Paso, La Lajita, Barranco de Rio Cabras and the plains to the north of Costa Calma. Large flocks included 30+ at the northern end of Barranco de la Torre 31st Jan, 15+ on the plains north of Costa Calma 1st Feb and 20+ Embalse de los Molinos 2nd Feb.

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
Only seen at Rosa de los Negrines (NW of La Oliva), with 5 on 29th Jan and 2 on 2nd Feb.