BACKGROUND
Huelva province in south-west Andalucia (between the Portuguese border and Seville) is the home of the famous Coto Donana wetlands, plus a variety of other interesting birding sites. The Atlantic coastline of the province is of great attraction to wildfowl, waders, gulls and terns plus migrants which have just completed the crossing of the Mediterranean. To complement this habitat inland there is a mixture of unspoilt countryside and the mountains of the Sierra Morena. The area supports a wide spectrum of species including such specialities as Marbled Teal, Crested Coot, White-headed Duck, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Greater Flamingo.
LOGISTICS
Flights:- Birmingham to Faro (Portugal) – outbound with Monarch; inbound with Ryan Air – total cost £118 per person. Faro is approximately 1 hours (100 km) drive from Huelva town, all on motorway grade roads.
Accommodation:- 7 nights half-board at the Barcelo hotel, Punta Umbria (approx 15 km south of Huelva town) at £210 each. A wide selection of accommodation is available along the coast
Car Hire:- Three-door Hyundai hired from Hertz at £120 for the week
Food:- The hotel offered a wide variety of food, all of a good quality, on a buffet basis. It was possible to have virtually a full English breakfast (using German sausages) as well as the usual Continental variety whilst dinner had at least one fresh fish option, a meat, pasta, a local stew dish etc. Taking advantage of the buffet morning and evening meant that lunch wasn’t crucial and we usually had just sandwiches and fruit. An Aldi located 300 metres away from the hotel made life much easier in obtaining provisions for the day.
Climate:- The weather was generally dry apart from the 25th. Temperatures ranged from 17ºC to 25ºC. The winds were westerly or south westerly for most of the week.
SITES VISITED AND HABITAT (all distances as the crow flies)
(1) Marismas De Isla Cristina (Guadiana estuary)
Approximately 35 km west of Heulva. Salt marsh, abandoned salt pans, sand dunes.
(2) Marismas Del Rio Piedras
Approximately 20 km west of Heulva. Mud flats, sand dunes, pine woods, salt marsh.
(3) Laguna Del Portil
Approximately 12 km south-west of Heulva. Freshwater lagoon, reedbeds, stone pine / court oak woodlands.
(4) Marismas Del Odiel
Approximately 5 km south from Huelva. Salt marsh, freshwater lagoons, tidal creeks, sandy beaches.
(5) Coto Donana
Approximately 40 km east from Huelva. Salt marsh, sand dunes, lagoons, open woodland, scrub. Included the nature reserves of Acebuche and El Rocina and the large lagoon at El Rocio, together with the marshes much further east at Isla Mayor.
(6) Sierra Pelada
Approximately 50 km north from Huelva. Wooded hills, open scrub.
(7) Parque National Punta Umbria
Approximately 8 km south -southwest of Huelva. Narrow strip of Juniper scrub and pine woodland in the dunes.
(8) Le Rompido
Approximately 18 km west of Huelva. Salt marsh, mud flats, small areas of fresh water, scrub.
(9) Laguna Del Madres
Approximately 10 km south-east of Huelva. Series of freshwater ponds surrounded by scrub and woodland.
SPECIES
Greylag Goose Anser anser
The stragglers of the large wintering flock in the region were noted at El Rocio on the 23rd.
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Up to five were at El Rocio on the 23rd.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Abundant on all bodies of water.
Gadwall Anas strepera
The commonest duck after Mallard and noted on all large bodies of water including Laguna Del Portil and El Rocio.
Pintail Anas acuta
Two were in the centre of the lagoon at El Rocio on the 23rd and again on the 27th.
Shoveler Anas clypeata
Several were at El Rocio on the 23rd and 27th, and the ponds close to the visitors centre and Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th and 26th.
Teal Anas crecca
Several were at El Rocio and El Rocina on the 23rd.
Pochard Aythya ferina
Seen at several lakes, including El Rocio and El Rocina on the 23rd and the former site again on the 27th.
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Seen on all larger bodies of water on a daily basis. Notable counts included five at Laguna Del Portil on the 22nd and up to ten at El Rocio on the 23rd
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
Five were seen off-shore from Punta Umbria early morning on the 25th with two later the same day off Isla Cristina.
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
One was flushed from farmland adjacent to Laguna Del Madres on the 24th. Another was at El Rompido on the 25th whilst two were in western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Noted on several bodies of water including Laguna Del Portil on the 22nd, El Rocina and Acebuche the 23rd, Laguna Del Madres on the 24th and the ponds at El Rompido on the 25th.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Noted at Acebuche on the 23rd with two at Domingo Rubio on the 24th.
Gannet Morus bassanus
Always present off-shore from Punta Umbria with numbers increasing in the middle of the week on the back of brisk winds.
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Four roosted off the marina at El Rompido on the 22nd whilst birds were noted around Odiel on several dates.
Cattle Egret Babulcus ibis
First encountered at the ponds of El Rompido on the 22nd and frequently thereafter. The largest numbers were at El Rocio on the 27th when up to 200 birds gathered at the water’s edge and at Isla Major later the same day, where a flock of 80 remained impassive at the roadside, allowing the car to the drive right up to them.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Only one was encountered, at El Pantalan at the western end of the series of pools (Lagunas de Palos y Las Madres) that lie inland from the road of east of Huelva and the Rio Odiel, on the 27th.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Common in both fresh and salt water – up to 50 were at El Rocio on the 27th.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
First noted on the marshes at El Rompido on the 22nd and at most wetland habitats thereafter, albeit in small numbers.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
The first was encountered at Laguna Del Madres on the 24th. Two were at El Rompido on the 25th with one at the Marismas Del Odiel on the 26th. One was on a small pool in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Very common in the region with birds noted in any damp area. The greatest concentrations were encountered the Isla Mayor on the 27th.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
First noted at El Rocio on the 23rd when 25 birds were present. Small numbers were seen during the week with 17 again at El Rocio on the 27th. However the greatest numbers were around Isla Mayor on the 27th where flocks of 70 and 80 were noted.
Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
First noted at El Rompido where two birds were present on the 22nd and thereafter in several wetland locations. The largest counts came from Marismas Del Odiel with 25 birds there on the 22nd and 20 on the 26th.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
Very common on the salt pans at Odiel with 350 there on the 22nd. The other site frequented was El Rico with 185 there on the 23rd and 230 on the 27th.
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
One flew low over El Rocina on the 23rd. One was over San Telmo mine on the 26th whilst a spiralling flock of raptors over El Rocio on the 27th was most likely to be this species, although impossible to identify with any certainty in the heat-haze.
Black Vulture Aegypius monachus
Two were up in the hills in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
One flew over marshland just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd before perching up on a post with another over the Rio Odiel viewed from the Odiel peninsular later the same day. Two were then seen at Marismas Del Odiel the next day with one there again on the 26th. One was also seen again at El Rompido on the 25th.
Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti
One was perched on a telegraph pole near Isla Mayor on the 27th.
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
One flew over El Rompido on the 22nd. Two were observed low over the Sierra Pelada on the 26th with another two over the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Booted Eagle Aquila pennata
Regularly encountered west of the Rio Odiel, with the best views achieved in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th. One made a brazen attempt on the Cattle Egret flock at El Rocio on the 27th, pinning an individual to the ground but failing to follow up the attack. Outside of this area one was seen on the journey from the Sierra Pelada to Huelva on the 26th.
Black Kite Milvus migrans
First noted south-east of Huelva on the 23rd journeying to Donana. A common raptor in Donana, particularly around Isla Mayor, but not encountered west of the Rio Odiel.
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A male quartered marshland just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd with another male over Odiel later the same day. A third male flew over El Rocina on the 23rd. Three were at the Marismas Del Odiel (two males and a female) on the 24th. Several were around Isla Mayor on the 27th.
Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
Four (two males and two females) hunted at very close quarters over the field left of the entrance road to Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th and regularly thereafter, affording excellent views. A male hunted over fields between Isla Cristina and Punta Del Moral on the 25th. A male was over flooded fields north-east of Huelva and south of San Juan del Puerto on the 27th.
Buzzard Buteo buteo
Two circled over Laguna Del Portil on the 22nd. Two were in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th whilst one was over the western pinewoods of Coto Donana the following day. Finally one was over Villamanrique de la Condesa on the 27th.
Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
One was noted soaring over the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Very thinly distributed with few birds encountered. The first seen was at Acebuche on the 23rd.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Up to thirty quartered a cut grass field near Isla Major on the 27th.
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Common on all bodies of inland water and damp areas.
Coot Fulica atra
Common on all bodies of inland water.
Red-knobbed (Crested) Coot Fulica cristata
An obliging individual was seen on a small lake close to the visitors centre at Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th and 26th.
Purple Gallinule (Purple Swamphen) Porphyrio porphyrio
Encountered on almost a daily basis. Birds were noted at the ponds at El Rompido on the 22nd with three at Acebuche on the 23rd and a similar number at El Rocina the same day. Three were at Laguna Del Madres on the 24th with two at Domingo Rubio later in the day. One was again at El Rompido on the 25th.
Water Rail
One was heard calling at Acebuche on the 23rd.
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
A small number of wintering birds remained on the coast; the only notable count was 30 at Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Avocet Recurvirosta avosetta
Regularly seen at Marismas Del Odiel, albeit in small numbers. Also encountered at El Rocio on the 23rd and 27th.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Common in all suitable wading habitat with the greatest concentrations on the salt pans at Marismas Del Odiel (50 there on the 22nd) and at Isla Mayor. Also seen at El Rocio on the 23rd.
Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
Two were calling at Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd whilst one was accidentally flushed from the same location close to a footpath on the 24th.
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
A flock of 80 rested up islands in the centre of the lagoon at El Rocio on the 27th.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Small numbers were noted on the creek at El Rompido on the 22nd with four at Domingo Rubio on the 24th and at least one at El Rocio on the 27th.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
A common shore bird in the region.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
As equally common as Ringed Plover along the shores of Huelva province.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Frequently observed in small numbers in most coastal areas, either as passage birds or the remnants of the winter visitors. The best numbers were on the salt pans at Odiel.
Knot Calidris canutus
Several were along the shore at El Rompido on the 25th.
Sanderling Calidris alba
The commonest shore bird with small groups of up to eight birds often seen on the beach at Punta Umbria from the hotel balcony. Also seen in amongst the large calidris flocks on the salt pans at Odiel.
Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Small numbers of wintering birds were seen on the Rio Piedras just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd (two), at the Odiel salt pans on the 24th and on the 25th at both El Rompido and Marismas De Isla Cristina near Punta Del Moral.
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Common on the salt pans at Marismas Del Odiel where several hundred were present, most still in their full winter plumage. Also seen on the shoreline at El Rompido on the 22nd.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Up to a dozen were mixed in amongst the large Dunlin flocks on the pans at Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th with several near Punta Del Moral on the 25th.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Not encountered until the 27th when a flock of up to 40 birds were found sharing a swampy field near Isla Mayor with Glossy Ibis.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
One was found in the unlikely setting of a small pool next to San Telmo mine on the 26th. Another was on a pool in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
One was on the creek at El Rompido on the 22nd and again on the 25th with others at Laguna Del Madres and the Odiel salt pans on the 24th. Finally one was on the shore of El Rocio on the 27th.
Redshank Tringa totanus
The larges numbers were noted at the Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd, 24th and 26th. Also seen on the shore at El Rompido on the 22nd and Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Greenshank Tringa erythropus
Several were at Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd, 24th and 26th, on the shore at El Rompido on the 25th, at Marismas De Isla Cristina near Punta del Moral and off Isla Cristina itself (both also on 25th).
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Two were along the shore at El Rompido on the 25th with one later the same day at Isla Cristina.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Several fed along the Rio Piedras just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd and were also noted at Marismas Del Odiel later the same day and again on the 24th and 26th. Several were at Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Curlew Numenius arquata
Several were on the Rio Piedras just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd with a few at Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
A scattering were at Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th with several at Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Snipe Gallinago gallinago
One was at El Rocina on the 23rd.
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
Following brisk westerly winds a dark morph was seen off-shore from Punta Umbria on the 25th.
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Surprising scarce in the region and only seen on two days. Four were in amongst a large gull pre-roost at Laguna Del Madres on the 24th whilst one was at Punta Del Moral on the 25th. The largest flock was seven in a field just east of Isla Cristina on the 25th. Finally one was with the large gull roost at Marismas Del Odiel on the 26th.
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
A group of four birds (two adults in full summer plumage and two first-summer birds) were in the gull roost off Odiel on the 24th.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
An adult of the subspecies argenteus was a surprise find in amongst the Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged Gulls at Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Common along the coast although always out-numbered by Lesser Black-backs.
Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii
The increase of this species was apparent with sightings on several days, often in very respectable numbers. Up to 21 joined the gull roost off Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd with 27 in the same locality on the 24th, increasing to 35 on the 26th. The largest count of 36 was in amongst a large gull pre-roost at Laguna Del Madres on the 24th. Finally on the 25th two adults were at Laguna Del Portil with four later the same day at Isla Cristina.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus marinus
The most commonly encountered gull, with large flocks gathering to roost off Marismas Del Odiel at high tide and also on the sand banks at Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Noted feeding off-shore on most coasts and roosting off Marismas Del Odiel, with a maximum count of 60 there on the 22nd.
Caspian Tern Sterna maxima
One was noted feeding on the Rio Piedras just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd.
Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
Noted in small numbers in most suitable woodland habitats, particularly around the western pinewoods of Coto Donana and also in the Sierra Pelada.
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common in most towns and villages.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
One flew over the Rio Piedras just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd.
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
One was heard in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Common Swift Apus apus
The largest flocks were noted at Laguna Del Portil and around the hotel complex in the evenings.
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
Small numbers were noted in amongst the Common Swifts at Laguna Del Portil on the 22nd.
Hoopoe Upupa epops
Common throughout the area. Multiple sightings were noted at Abechue on the 23rd, in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana (the best area overall for this species) on the 27th and just north of Aljaraque on the 28th.
Bee-eater Merops apiaster
More frequently encountered as the week progressed, the best views were achieved in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana where several parties were observed feeding and perched up at close quarters on the 27th. Also seen at El Rompido on the 22nd and El Rocina on the 23rd whilst five flew over the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
One was seen in the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 21st and again on the 24th; one was at El Rompido on the 25th. One was around San Telmo mine on the 26th. Several were seen in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
One was heard calling then seen in flight in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Skylark Alauda arvensis
Small numbers were noted in open land including El Rompido on the 22nd and Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th.
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Very common in both open land and in the less built-up edges of towns. Regularly heard singing from the hotel.
Thekla Lark Galerida theklae
Only three were encountered - one on the more open ground above the ponds at El Rocina on the 23rd, one near San Telmo mine on the 26th and finally one in a large cleared area in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Woodlark Lullula arborea
One was singing in clear ground in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
The least frequently encountered hirundine, with just a few odd birds seen over feeding over open water at Marismas Del Odiel in the evening on the 26th.
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
One was seen over San Telmo mine on the 26th. Several were seen later the same day in the Sierra Pelada close to a bridge over the main river running through the area.
Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common in all habitats.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Very localised but occurring in decent numbers where found. Birds were seen at El Rompido on the 22nd and 25th, Acebuche on the 23rd and Marismas Del Odiel, Laguna Del Madres on the 24th and in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
Odd birds were encountered on most days in open countryside, including El Rompido on the 22nd and Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd and 24th.
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
Several were encountered on the more open heath land areas at Acebuche on the 23rd.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Surprisingly scarce; one was at Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th with others at the San Telmo mine and along a stream in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Small numbers of the Blue-headed Wagtails (subspecies flava) were noted, with their numbers appearing to increase during the week. The largest flock noted in a field just east of Isla Cristina on the 25th.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
A pair was encountered close to a bridge over a typical fast-flowing river in the Sierra Pelada on the 25th.
Robin Erithacus rubecula
Noted on a daily basis in woodland areas.
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Two males sang from the gardens of the hotel early morning on the 23rd with another at Acebuche later the same day. One was at Domingo Rubio on the 24th with one again near the hotel at Punta Umbria on the 26th and 27th.
Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
A male was at Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd.
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
A female was at the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 21st with two males along the Odiel peninsular the following day.
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
A male was at El Rompido on the 22nd with two on the Odiel peninsular later the same day. Three (two males and a female) were at Odiel on the 24th.
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
A stunning male was a superb early morning find in the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 24th.
Stonechat Saxicola torquatus
Very localised with several loose family parties were noted at Acebuche on the 23rd and also at El Rocina the same day. One was at El Rompido on the 25th with another later the same day near Punta Del Moral. One was seen on the journey from the Sierra Pelada to Huelva on the 26th. A family party were in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Blackbird Turdus merula
Small numbers were present in most suitable woodland habitats and around the hotel’s grounds.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Single birds were noted in several locations including in the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 22nd, 24th and 26th, El Rocina on the 23rd and Odiel on the 24th.
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
By far the commonest warbler in the region with birds encountered in a wide range of habitats from scrub to woodland to salt marsh. Several even frequented the hotel gardens early morning, feeding on the lawn.
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
Four females were in scrubland at Odiel on the 22nd with a male the following day at Acebuche. Two males were at the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 24th with another female at Odiel later the same day. A male was at San Telmo mine on the 26th with two later the same day up in the Sierra Pelada. The scrub bordering the edge of the tree-line in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana was very productive on the 27th
Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata
Very localised. One was seen at El Rompido on the 25th with another on the 27th in Parque National Punta Umbria whilst a decent concentration was located in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Fan-tailed Warbler (Zitting Cisticola) Cisticola juncidis
Seen every day in areas of suitable damp and wasteland habitat. El Rompido was the most reliable site with up to six calling birds.
Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides
First heard (then seen) at Acebuche on the 23rd and later the same day at El Rocina. Also encountered at Laguna Del Madres and Domingo Rubio on the 24th and El Rompido on the 25th.
Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti
Seen (but more often heard) along the fringes of several lakes and marshes including Laguna Del Portil, Laguna Del Madres, Marismas Del Odiel, Domingo Rubio and El Rocina.
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Noted at El Rocina on the 23rd and Marismas Del Odiel and Domingo Rubio the next day.
Sedge Warbler Locustella
Two birds were encountered - one at Rompido on the 22nd and the other at Domingo Rubio on the 24th.
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Singings male were at both Acebuche and El Rocio on the 22nd.
Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta
An early arrival was at Acebuche on the 23rd.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Seen in small numbers in suitable woodland and scrub habitats including El Rompido, Acebuche and Marismas Del Odiel. Very few singing birds were encountered, suggesting most were still on passage.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Seen in small numbers in suitable woodland habitats including Parque National Punta Umbria and El Rocina.
Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla
One was heard calling along the boundary of the golf course at El Rompido on the 22nd and again on the 25th.
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Several were in the woodland at El Rocina on the 23rd and in pines around San Telmo mine on the 26th.
Great Tit Parus major
Common in most woodland settings.
Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
As equally common as Great Tit in suitable habitats.
Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus
Seen in the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 21st, at Acebuche and El Rocina on the 23rd and in the Sierra Pelada on the 26th.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Seen in the Parque National Punta Umbria on the 21st and El Rocina on the 23rd.
Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis
Greatly out-numbered by Woodchats. One was along the coast road between Punta Umbria and El Portil in the morning of the 22nd with another along the same route in the evening. Four were noted along the track west of the Rio Piedras just north of El Rompido also on the 22nd with one at El Rocina on the 23rd.
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Present in very impressive numbers in a wide variety of habitats. Large counts included at least 30 on Marismas Del Odiel on the 22nd and 15 at Acebuche on the 23rd. A pair was seen in the dunes from the hotel balcony close to the complex most mornings.
Azure-winged Magpie Cyanpica cyanus
Locally common, with large mobile family parties. Regularly frequented areas include Parque National Punta Umbria and the road west to El Portil and El Rompido.
Magpie Pica pica
Far more widely distributed than their Azure-winged cousins but generally occurring in far smaller parties. Two were regularly seen in the dunes between the sea and the hotel.
Raven Corvus corax
Two flew west over the Rio Piedras just north-west of El Rompido on the 22nd; two were seen at the same location again on the 25th. One was south-east of Huelva on the 23rd whilst another flew over Acebuche the same day. Good numbers were seen over the Sierra Pelada on the 26th whilst one flew over El Pantalan on the 27th.
Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor
Present in small numbers in most urban locations.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common in all areas of habitation. A strange looking melanistic bird frequented the grounds at the front of the hotel.
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Whilst several hybrids were noted in a variety of locations, the only “true” Spanish Sparrow was seen on the 24th in the company of House Sparrows in one of the car parks along Marismas Del Odiel. Greater scrutiny would no doubt have yielded better results.
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Up to ten birds frequented the car park and grounds around the visitors centre at Acebuche on the 23rd.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Seen in small numbers in pinewood locations such as Parque National Punta Umbria and El Rocina.
Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Two were at Marismas Del Odiel on the 24th.
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Common in scrub and woodland habitats.
Greenfinch Chloris chloris
Rather bizarrely the first bird noted on landing at Faro airport! Encountered in the pine woodlands such as Parque National Punta Umbria, Acebuche and El Rocina.
Serin Serinus serinus
Very abundant in the region with up to five singing birds audible from the hotel balcony alone.
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus
First seen at El Rompido on the 22nd with other sightings at Acebuche on the 23rd, Laguna Del Madres on the 24th and in fields just east of Isla Cristina on the 25th. Several were on the journey from the Sierra Pelada to Huelva on the 26th. A good concentration was also in the western pinewoods of Coto Donana on the 27th.
Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
First seen on the 26th on the journey north from Huelva to San Telmo. Several were then noted in the San Telmo area and also on the return journey from the Sierra Pelada to Huelva. The area around Villamanrique de la Condesa appeared well populated when visited on the 27th.
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
Two were a surprise find in pinewoods around San Telmo mine on the 26th.
Whilst a visit later in the Spring would clearly produce a wider range of birds (especially herons and their allies, warblers, waders and terns) and a visit in mid winter would be more productive for wildfowl, a good selection of species were seen in a variety of habitats at close quarters - given more time I would have undertaken a greater exploration of the more inaccessible areas of Donana further east. However I can hearty recommend the Huelva province to visiting birders.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Where to Watch Birds in Southern and Western Spain - Ernest Garcia & Andrew Paterson (Christopher Helm, second edition)