Tenerife, 9th to 23rd February 2004 (Naturalist trip)

Monday 9th

We start from Lyon (11h45 a.m.) with Air Nostrum (Iberia), we change at Madrid, always with Iberia. We rent a car (Avis) from France. We arrive 17h, and the first bird is a lifer, Canary Islands Chiffchaff (a common bird !)

Tuesday 10th

7h45 to 9h, walk along the south part of the Amarilla Golf. No water. Some shrubs. At least 3 pairs of Hoopoe and 4 of Collared Dove. Some Spectacled Warblers, Berthelot's and Meadow Pipits; also a family group of Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macrourus (an escape bird !). Also seen, Canary Islands Chiffchaff and Spanish Sparrow.

Wednesday 11th

I start 6h15 from the far east of the island (El Bailadero). I saw the 2 endemic pigeons and also Tenerife Kinglet and Blue Tit and some Robin (superbus) … Numerous lizzards

In the afternoon, walk in the Malpais (Paraje Natural Montaña Roja) ; no birds but 3 Berthelot's Pipits.

Thursday 12th
Start 7h15. Las Lajas 8h10. Altitude ± 2000 m ; temperature nerar 0°C. Blue Chaffinches are numerous, like Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major canariensis), this species, here, is very tame. Numerous Canaries and Blue Tits in the Pinus canariensis forest.

In the afternoon, I walk in Costa Silencio (or Ten-Bel). Beautiful gardens with old trees. Some exotic birds (Rose-ringed and Monk Parakeets, Barbary Doves and a Sturnidae species. Numerous Plain Swifts and Spanish Sparrows. The Starling breeds here. Just before dusk, near the Amarilla Golf, 3 Swallows and 2 Red-rumped Swallows.

Friday 13th

In the morning, walk near the Guargacho reservoir and in the plain south. Little Ringed Plovers (8), Greenshank, Common Sandpiper and Grey and White Wagtails on the bank of the reservoir. In the plain, Berthelot's Pipits and Spectacled Warblers are numerous. Also a pair of Southern Grey Shrike.

Afternoon at the Amarilla Golf : 2 Hoopoes, White and Pied (a rare bird here) Wagtails, Meadow and Red-throated Pipits.

Saturday 14th

I drive to the Erjos ponds. During a 1 km walk I eared at least 37 Canary Islands Chiffchaff ! Also here numerous Moorhens, 1 Coot and 6 Teals.

Near Los Carrizales, we saw 1 Barbary Falcon displaying.

Sunday 15th

Morning around Santiago del Teide. Only the common species, but Corn Buntings and Rock Sparrow.

Monday 16th

In the morning, walk between Palmar and Fraille reservoir. En route, a pair of Southern Grey Shrike and 3 Barbary Partridges and a Purple Heron flying. In the reservoir, numerous Coots, some Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Stints, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Redshank and 2 Greenshanks.

In the afternoon, walk along the coast, south of the Amarilla Golf. Some waders (7 species) and Rock Pigeons (good ?)

Tuesday 17th

I made a long drive to Valle Molina reservoir (Balsa de Valle Molina) and Tejina ponds. At the fisrt site, a female of Ring-necked Duck, 2 males of Pintail, Wood and Green Sandpipers.

Wednesday 18th

Nothing interesting (we walk in Loro Park).

Thursday 19th

Rain in the morning. In the afternoon, on the Amarilla Golf, 3 Skylarks and some Lesser Short-toed Larks.

Friday 20th

There is snow on the Teide ! Morning walk along the coast near Güimar. We saw here the only Sandwich Tern of the trip ! But the better is the sight of 3 Greater Flamingos flying south-west !

In the afternoon I return near the Club House of the Amarilla Golf : always some Lesser Short-toed Larks and 4 Red-throated Pipits. Also, a Pallid Swift.

Saturday 21st

Just before dawn, 2 Stone Curlews in song. I drive to Los Gigantes. At sea, in front of Puerto Santiago I saw some Cory's Shearwaters

Before dusk I return to the Amarilla Golf ; there are at least 9 Lesser Short-toed and 1 Short-toed Larks.

Sunday 22nd

I go to Armeñime. In the Presa Vieja, 2 Common Snipes and other usual birds. Near Presa de Curbelo, Southern Grey Shrike and very good sighting of Barbary Partridges.

Monday 23rd

We leave Tenerife 14h50. Long wait in Madrid airport. When arrive at Lyon airport (23h45), there is snow on the road and on our car.

Species Lists

1. Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea borealis. At least 13, 21/02, near Los Gigantes.

2. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. 1, flying, Amarilla Golf, 11/02. Another, 18/02 Valle Molina. One,19/02, Amarilla Golf reservoir.

3. Little Egret Egretta garzetta. One, 13/02, Amarilla Golf reservoir. Then, same place, 15/02, 16/02. In the morning of the 17/02, 7 at Valle Molina reservoir and 1, Tejina. 19/02, Amarilla Golf reservoir, 7 at 8 a.m. then 11 at 10:20 a.m. 20/02, one on the coast near Portito de Güimar. 21/02, one on the reefs in front of Puerto Santiago (Los Gigantes) and 2, Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime). 22/02, one Amarilla Golf reservoir, one Presa Vieja and 2 Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime). One flying, 23/02, above the San Isidro road, north of the airport.

4. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. 16/02, 3 Fraille reservoir, 1 (young) Guargacho and another young Amarilla Golf reservoir. 17/02, 7 Valle Molina reservoir. One, 19/02 Amarilla Golf reservoir. One, 21/02 Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime). 22/02, 2 Armeñime.

5. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 16/02, one flying Palmar entrance.

6. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus. 20/02, 3 flying in front Portito de Güimar.

7. Teal Anas crecca. 14/02, Erjos ponds, 6 (2 males). At the Valle Molina reservoir, 14 17/02 and 15 18/02.

8. Pintail Anas acuta. Two males, 17/02, Valle Molina reservoir.

9. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Male and female, 17/02 and 18/02, Valle Molina reservoir.

10. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris. Female, 17/02 and 18/02, Valle Molina reservoir.

11. Sparrow Hawk Accipiter nisus granti. Two, 11/02, El Bailadero. One, 23/02, Amarilla Golf.

12. Buzzard Buteo buteo insularum. 14/02, one, Erjos ponds and one above Los Carrizales.

13. Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides. One displaying alone above Los Carrizares, then attacking the Buzzard, 14/02

14. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus canariensis. Very common, several every day. 21 and 22/02, pair with 2 youngs Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime).

15. Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara. A company of 5 flyng above the four-lane road, km 49, 10/02. 16/02, 3 between Rasca lighthouse and Fraille reservoir. 22/02, near the Presa de Curbelo, 4 birds (2 in song).

16. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. At least 27, Erjos ponds, 14/02. At least 22, 17/02, Tejina ponds. Presa Vieja (Armeñime), 11 birds, 22/02. One, 23/02, San Isidro road, noth of the airport.

17. Coot Fulica atra. One, Erjos ponds, 14/02. Numerous (82), Fraille reservoir, 16/02. 17/02, 7, Tejina and 7, Valle Molina reservoir (also here 18/02). Presa Vieja (Armeñime), 2, 22/02.

18. Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus distinctus. Two in song, 21/02, 6h25 to 6h40 a.m., Amarilla Golf.

19. Grey Plover Charadrius squatarola. 16/02 and 17/02, 23 together on the rocks of the coast, south the Amarilla Golf. One, 19 and 20/02, coast of El Portito de Güimar.

20. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. Pair displaying, 12/02, Guargacho. Same site, 8, 13/02 and 15/02, but 4, 16/02. This day, 9 Fraille reservoir. One, 17 and 18/02, Valle Molina reservoir. 19/02, one El Portito de Güimar beach ; 4, Guargacho (also 22/02) and 3 pairs displaying Amarilla Golf , but only 4 birds the next day. Two pairs, 22/02, Presa Vieja (Armeñime).

21. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. One, 16/02, Fraille reservoir. The same day, 4, coast south Amarilla Golf, also 17/02. 19/02, 3 El Portito de Güimar beach, but only 1 the next day. 22/02, 9, coast south Amarilla Golf.

22. Sanderling Calidris alba. Two, 13/02, El Médano beach. 16/02, 1, coast south Amarilla Golf.

23. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. 16/02, 6, Fraille reservoir.

24. Dunlin Calidris alpina. One, 22/02, coast south Amarilla Golf.

25. Little Stint Calidris minuta. 16/02, 2, Fraille reservoir and 1 coast south Amarilla Golf (also 17/02).

26. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. 13/02, 1, El Médano beach and one Amarilla Golf. 16/02, 4, coast south Amarilla Golf (also 17/02 + another on a green). 19/02, 1, El Portito de Güimar beach (3 here 20/02) and 1 on a green of the Amarilla Golf. 21/02, one eating a crab on the rocks in front Puerto Santiago (Los Gigantes). 22/02, 4, coast south Amarilla Golf.

27. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. 22/02, 3, Presa Vieja (Armeñime).

28. Greenshank Tringa nebularia. 13/02, 1, Guargacho and another Amarilla Golf reservoir (and also the next day). 16/02, 2, Fraille reservoir and 1 coast south Amarilla Golf. 17/02, 8, Valle Molina reservoir. 19/02, 1, Guargacho reservoir and another Amarilla Golf reservoir. 22/02, 1, Amarilla Golf reservoir, 1 Guargacho reservoir and 1 Presa Vieja (Armeñime).

29. Redshank Tringa totanus. One, 16/02, Fraille reservoir.

30. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. One, 17/02, Valle Molina reservoir.

31. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. One, 17/02, Valle Molina reservoir.

32. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. 12/02, 1, Guargacho (also 13, 15 and 16/02). 13/02, 2, same place and 1 Amarilla Golf reservoir. 17/02, 4, Valle Molina reservoir (also18/02) ; 1, Tejina ; 1 coast south Amarilla Golf and 1, on the side of the Amarilla Golf. 18/02, 1 with the Flamingoes, Loro Parque. 19/02, 1, Amarilla Golf reservoir and 2, Guargacho. 20/02, 2 on the coast and 1 on the side of a pool, Portito de Güimar. 22/02, 1, Amarilla Golf reservoir ; 2, Guargacho ; 1, Presa Vieja (Armeñime) and 1 coast south Amarilla Golf.

33. Turnstone Arenaria interpres. 16/02, 9, coast south Amarilla Golf. Only 8 the next day eating old bread !! 19/02, 6, El Portito de Güimar. 20/02, 6, (probably the same) eating crumbs. 21/02, 1, coast in front of Puerto Santiago (Los Gigantes). 22/02, 6, coast south Amarilla Golf.

34. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis (atlantis). Common at sea. 2 (adult) Erjos ponds, 14/02.

35. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. One, 20/02, Portito de Güimar.

36. Feral Pigeon Columba livia (domestica). Common.

37. Rock Pigeon Columba livia (canariensis ?). 12/02, 16 eating on the ground and 14 flying above the forest, Las Lajas. Some, 16/02, on the rocks, south of Amarilla Golf.

38. Bolle's Pigeon Columba bollii. One flying, 11/02, 4 km after El Bailadero.

39. Pigeon des lauriers Columba junionae. Very dark. Two good sights of flying birds (1 + 2), 11/02, El Bailadero. El Bailadero is a very good site for the 2 Pigeons, the better place is 4 km after the restaurant.

40. European Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Several in song Amarilla Golf. Also San Andrès. Abundant at Guargacho and Puerto Cruz. Not seen Santiago del Teide. At Portito de Güimar, 3, 20/02. Some, 21/02, Puerto Santiago (Los Gigantes). At least 40, 22/02, TenBel.

41. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur. One, 17/02, Valle Molina reservoir.

42. Barbary Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea (risoria). Pair displaying, 12/02, Costa Silencio. One, 19/02, Amarilla Golf. One, 22/02, TenBel.

43. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri. 12/02, Costa Silencio, at least 4. 22/02, at least 11, TenBel.

44. Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. 12/02, Costa Silencio, at lesat 6. One, 13/02, Guargacho. Nest in a palm tree + 2 birds, 18/02, Loro Parque. One, 22/02, TenBel.

45. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus. One, 20/02, Amarilla Golf with Plain Swifts.

46. Plain Swift Apus unicolor. One, 11/02, Santa-Cruz-de-Ténériffe. 12/02, 25 above Ten-Bel and 8, Amarilla Golf. 13/02, 13, Guargacho and 6 above Amarilla Golf. 15/02, 12, above, but only 1 here 16/02. 17/02, 2, Tejina and 2 Tacoronte. 19/02, 2, Guargacho. 20/02, at least 17/02, Amarilla Golf. 21/02, 3, Puerto Santiago (Los Gigantes). 22/02, 5, Guargacho and13, Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime).

47. Hoopoe Upupa epops. At least 3 pairs in the south half of the Amarilla Golf. 12/02 and 19/02, 3 birds in the north half. 13/02, 1, Amarilla Golf and 2, Amarilla Golf. 15/02, 1, Cueva de Hermanos Pedro and a pair Guargacho. 16/02, 1, coast south Amarilla Golf. In the fallow land in front of the Amarilla Golf club house, 3 (19/02), 2 (20/02) and 3 (21/02). One, 22/02, Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime).

48. Greater-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major canariensis. Very good sights of 4 birds, 12/02, Las Lajas. The birds were very tame !

49. Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens polatzeki. 19/02, at least 4 (2 males in song) near the Amarilla Golf Club House. The next day, 4 birds, same place (1 in song). 21/02, 9 (with at lesat 3 males i song).

50. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla. 21/02, at lesat 1, with the Lesser.

51. Skylark Alauda arvensis. 19/02, 3, on a green, Amarilla Golf .

52. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. 12/02 in the afternoon, 3, Amarilla Golf. 13/02, 10, arriving from the sea (10 a. m.) near Guargacho. 16/02, 2, Amarilla Golf.

53. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. 12/02 (late afternoon), 2, Amarilla Golf. 13/02, 2 arriving from the sea near Guargacho.

54. Berthelot's Pipit Anthus b. berthelotii. Seen eveywhere there is open environment. Abundant (13, 2 in song) in Euphorbia fields, suth of Guargacho, 13/02.

55. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Two, 10 and 13/02, Amarilla Golf.

56. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. Male, 13/02, Amarilla Golf. 20/02, 4 in the fallow land in front of the Amarilla Golf Club House (1 male et 3 females), very tame.

57. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea canariensis. Common and widespread, also in the villages and residential areas. Seen Amarilla Golf, Amarilla Golf, Guargacho, Santiago del Teide, Fraille reservoir, Valle Molina, Tejina, Loro Parque, TenBel.

58. White Wagtail Motacilla alba. One, 10/02, south prt of Amarilla Golf. Male, 13/02, Guargacho reservoir and 7, Amarilla Golf (where there were 14, 19/02). 22/02, one, Guargacho and one, Presa Vieja (Armeñime).

59. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii. Male, 13/02, Amarilla Golf.

60. Robin Erithacus rubecula superbus. At least 5 (2 in song), 11/02, near El Bailadero. One, 14/02, Erjos ponds.

61. Blackbird Turdus merula cabrerae. Widespread eveywhere there are trees (but pines). Common in the laurisylva. Abundant Amarilla Golf. 14/02, near Erjos ponds, at least 31 in a 1 km walk. Abundant, 18/02, Loro Parque (a pair buils a nest in a palm tree). Abundant, 22/02, TenBel (a male feeding a flying juv.).

62. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. One, 14/02, Erjos ponds.

63. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis. Less common than Fuerteventura. Some in the shrubs, Amarilla Golf. Abundant (9, 2 in song), Euphorbia fields south of Guargacho, 13/02. Seen also Malpais de Rasca, Valle Molina, Guargacho and Presa Vieja (Armeñime).

64. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala. Not common. 14/02, at least 3 alarming, Erjos ponds and 1, near Los Carrizares. 15/02, 8 near Santiago del Teide. 17/02, 2, Valle Molina and 1 in song, Tejina.

65. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla heineken. Widespread (but pines).

66. European Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. One, 10/02, Amarilla Golf. One another with a collybita song, 15/02, Valle di Arriba road near Santiago del Teide.

67. Canary Islands Chiffchaff Phylloscopus canariensis. Very common and widespread. The first bird we saw in the park car at the airport. 11/02, 18 (13 in song) during a 4 km walk near El Bailadero. Very abundant at Erjos (at least 37, 17 in song,) during a 1 km walk ! Not seen neither eared between Palmar and Fraille reservoir).

68. Tenerife Kinglet Regulus teneriffae. Common in the heathes around El Bailadero, 11/02.

69. Tenerife Blue Tit Parus (caeruleus) t. teneriffae. Common in the laurisylva. The birds are dark, without white wing bar. The crown is dark blue. Song is like Parus major one, without trill. Abundant in Pine forests.

70. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis koenigi. Pair, 13/02, south of Guargacho. Another, 16/02, Malpais de Rasca. Another (malein song), 22/02, Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime).

71. Starling Sturnus vulgaris. 12/02, at least 35, Costa Silencio (Ten-Bel).

72. Sturnidae species Lamprotornis species. One (white orbital circle), 12/02, Ten -Bel.

73. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis. Common in urbanizaciones (at least 100, 12/02, Costa Silencio) and some villages (at least 100 in a small part of Guargacho). No seen Santiago del Teide. Pair building nest, 16/02, Amarilla Golf.

74. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia madeirensis. One flying, 15/02, south Santiago del Teide.

75. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs tintillon. Two males, 14/02, near Erjos ponds.

76. Blue Chaffinch Fringilla teydea teydea. Abundant and tame, Las Lajas pine forest.

77. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris aurantiiventris. Two (1in song), 14/02, Erjos ponds. 15/02, at least 6 (1 in song), Santiago del Teide.

78. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis parva. Two, 17/02, Tejina.

79. Linnet Carduelis cannabina meadewaldoi. One, 14/02, Erjos ponds.

80. Canary Serinus canaria. Widespread. Common around El Bailadero, 11/02. Common in pine forests. Abundant around Erjos ponds. 15/02, 32 (5in song) around Santiago del Teide.

81. Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macrourus. A female with 3 youngs, 10/02, in the south part of Amarilla Golf. Also 19 and 23/02.

82. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra. 15/02, road to Valle di Arriba near Santiago del Teide, 2 in song near a vineyard.

Reptiles

1. Tenerife Lizzard Gallotia g. galloti and Gallotia g. einsentrauti. Very common and widespread.
2. (Florida) Terrapin. One (big), 17/02, Tejina. Some, Loro Parque.

Amphibiens

1. Stripeless Tree Frog Hyla meridionalis. Song, 15/02, Guargacho and 1802, Valle Molina.

Mammifères

1. Algerian Hedgehog Atelerix algirus. 14/02, 2, squashed by cars, road upon Erjos ponds and near Masca.

2. Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. Tracks everywhere. One, 14/02, Erjos ponds ; 15/02, one near the Santiago del Teide cimetary. One, 21/02 near Presa de Curbelo (Armeñime). Abundant here, 22/02 (8 a.m.).

3. Black Rat Rattus rattus. One, big, 10/02, Amarilla Golf.

4. Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus. One, squashed by a car, 14/02, road along Amarilla Golf.

5. House Mouse Mus musculus. One, squashed by a car, 14/02 near Erjos ponds.

Do not forget to send your observations to SEO/BirdLife, Avda Trinidad 55. Edif. Anchieta, pta 121. 38206 La Laguna. Tenerife (Spain). canarias(AT)seo.org