tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88786265885998763692024-03-13T19:39:48.646-07:00Birding in Spain, Birding in CataloniaStephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-1748616866226981492012-01-14T01:50:00.001-08:002012-01-24T00:25:38.400-08:00How to find Dupont's Lark, Bustards and Sandgrouse in the Spanish Steppes<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGjhzhH7SLtNBXjyUlQnB6BUta4_ZLJlmY8lJqVa0aBXB_eShhflxd4dlV9Qt9eG5VtBQIgxCKSgjoD6xU4-8TOAgwxYvR_h8uuq8Qxd1pogi2XxqLjzOGM8zGEpU6Wq5LlJk0QbQdEGm/s1600/1+Dupont%2527s+Lark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGjhzhH7SLtNBXjyUlQnB6BUta4_ZLJlmY8lJqVa0aBXB_eShhflxd4dlV9Qt9eG5VtBQIgxCKSgjoD6xU4-8TOAgwxYvR_h8uuq8Qxd1pogi2XxqLjzOGM8zGEpU6Wq5LlJk0QbQdEGm/s1600/1+Dupont%2527s+Lark.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dupont's Lark taken by David Linstead at 11.15 a.m. on 28th February 2011 after almost giving up in strong winds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Introduction</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Without doubt the Steppes is always the first location any
birder excitedly pencils in when planning a birding holiday to Spain.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With the vast majority of their respective European
populations concentrated in Spain, <b>Great Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Little Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pin-tailed
Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Black-bellied
Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> and of course </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dupont’s
Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> would be on any bird watcher’s list.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But if you think scanning for a bendy beak at daybreak,
staking out a watering hole and then checking the fields for those big bustards
is all there is to birding in the Steppes, think again. It will provide you with one of the
most challenging experiences of your birding life. But, of course, all the more thrilling for it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So for all those considering a trip to Spain over the coming
year, here is a complete guide to finding, watching and photographing Steppe
birds, a thorough exposé of their environs and behaviour that contains about
100 pieces of directly relevant information, 20 instructive photos and more
than a few field craft trade secrets – including dispelling one or two myths!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVyKojmF37dDSAa9KQMXFp37g_HXh4nIkZvNd9sR4NSMhb-rX6I3U9JPHqwoXH6kCJzZukCPfdJqHZbhyphenhyphenZyEVY656__yMUYgQ3mU6mOHrrapnsMpch1gJumQjpJ1XvVC2AO5OWPdFxcI4/s1600/2+Mixed+Sandgrouse+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVyKojmF37dDSAa9KQMXFp37g_HXh4nIkZvNd9sR4NSMhb-rX6I3U9JPHqwoXH6kCJzZukCPfdJqHZbhyphenhyphenZyEVY656__yMUYgQ3mU6mOHrrapnsMpch1gJumQjpJ1XvVC2AO5OWPdFxcI4/s1600/2+Mixed+Sandgrouse+flight.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pin-tailed Sandgrouse are much more flighty when mixed with Black-bellied (right), SC May 2011</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Songs, calls
and other noises…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In my experience as a bird guide, the vast majority of <b>Black-bellied
</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">and</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> are first encountered through sound, which is then
used to track an airborne flock en route to a favourite field, discover a hidden
feeding group bubbling out contact calls on the ground or pick-out an
individual’s skylark-high courtship flight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The classic fart-raspberry ‘song’ of a breeding male <b>Little
Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, which delivers its <i>palabras de
amor</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> with a characteristic head toss, is very well known but be
aware that it’s quite ventriloquial and can be further away, or in a different
direction, than at first appears.
I thought the first one I ever heard was a grasshopper at my feet!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio73bEeZcj0OGjw_TAKgzHQmL1zv6f505i6PcAraJyGcImoB3qg5g_eDi9FcHXOjrwgj8rDc6m-BsnoYmAsTQHLVWjD-DNxVgydgQA-yziXdhk9YmCFSasiDOfgAMm5PId1SDosH1mYotd/s1600/3+Little+Bustard+song.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio73bEeZcj0OGjw_TAKgzHQmL1zv6f505i6PcAraJyGcImoB3qg5g_eDi9FcHXOjrwgj8rDc6m-BsnoYmAsTQHLVWjD-DNxVgydgQA-yziXdhk9YmCFSasiDOfgAMm5PId1SDosH1mYotd/s1600/3+Little+Bustard+song.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Displaying male Little Bustards occupy territories from mid-March, SC April 2007</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It may help to know that they perform on up to five
‘stages’ </span><span style="font-size: small;">within their
territory</span><span style="font-size: small;">, often hidden but usually including the highest point such as a slightly raised mound of earth but, if you do hear one,
persevere rather than be tempted to head off in search of another as most show
themselves eventually.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2cUFHQb-ekcNWjGwO65gCDsfpsHWiJBX68mRzj1tGGheC_yMhv5xoSlrQHwFU49oD0coiDDBlnZ-uIpyX_doi684KOsd7E8fki7JZhethh114vtbLFx7QwKJdtADPhRJHn1qEH1pwUO-/s1600/4+Little+Bustard+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2cUFHQb-ekcNWjGwO65gCDsfpsHWiJBX68mRzj1tGGheC_yMhv5xoSlrQHwFU49oD0coiDDBlnZ-uIpyX_doi684KOsd7E8fki7JZhethh114vtbLFx7QwKJdtADPhRJHn1qEH1pwUO-/s1600/4+Little+Bustard+display.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pairing with females occurs some weeks later, Derek Charles June 2007</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A relatively little known <b>Little Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> noise however is the ‘wing-whistle’ of flying
males. A strange high-pitched
sibilance is created as they flap, possibly evolving to help keep flocks
together in flight, and can easily be lost in a symphony of lark songs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s invaluable however, along with the calls of <b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, for making you immediately aware of birds passing
overhead that you might otherwise miss.
In this way we often pick-up sightings of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Little Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> and both </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> whilst we’re busy scanning for them on the ground!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The song of the <b>Dupont’s Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, once heard, is never forgotten, even if it’s on a CD. I’m not particularly one for using a
recorded lure, preferring traditional field craft instead, but in any case,
although it may perhaps induce one to sing sooner than a little patience would,
this won’t help you to see it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What is useful however is the knowledge that they will sing
from the ground as they walk (so keep scanning gaps in the vegetation), that
they will make free use of rocks, walls and high ground to perch on (although
interestingly never vegetation in my experience) and that the song travels – so
the culprit is invariably further away than you think!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, of course, the sound will be coming from the air;
extremely handy for first locating a bird before trying for a better view once
it has landed. If you don’t manage
to hone in whilst it’s still singing, then note that the song flight, and often
even normal flight, ends in a sudden vertical plummet to the ground,
interrupted by a brief ‘brakes on’ flutter a couple of metres above the settle
point.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Habitat…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJ3CdOlxaCAY_cTNbkrKe6LNR0aWNs6RvR6K1BaSNxRKLM3Z3I6saVRNLY7S2_0A9xQ0lr1mQ4gkeXKGO26X_3QQd3dDFyJrK5_ObFVYVaJmc_PMWkAdwPKkhr1XWAZfme_a6lNEzzNT/s1600/5+Spain+steppe+habitat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJ3CdOlxaCAY_cTNbkrKe6LNR0aWNs6RvR6K1BaSNxRKLM3Z3I6saVRNLY7S2_0A9xQ0lr1mQ4gkeXKGO26X_3QQd3dDFyJrK5_ObFVYVaJmc_PMWkAdwPKkhr1XWAZfme_a6lNEzzNT/s1600/5+Spain+steppe+habitat.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Surprisingly the heat can be an advantage in getting good views of birds, Zac Hinchcliffe August 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s true that much of Spain is relatively dry but there’s
more water available to birds than you might think and waiting by a watering
hole for <b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> to show for a
ritual drink, unlike in Africa, will have limited success.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, where exactly do you start looking? Even if you’ve singled out a well-known
and reliable location on the Internet, upon first arrival you’ll still be
filled with doubt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">True steppe, defined as ‘a treeless plain, often semi-arid
and grass-covered’, no longer exists in much of Spain or Europe, not in any
real sense anyway, it having been greedily swallowed up by generations of
irrigation, intensive farming and over-grazing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSuKOV70IUrJ_1bvsZAbc_wIYXPzL7K0OAHuvG05xMXKdZ8LVAtHTk2cG_dCY8xpRogaNTwUEAcO_9ilEmpgoEN_1wZTA8Qs3z7lTOD4_S7J9NNpRuwYeKrKlS6dvlQJruVs2PaO0Rd_c/s1600/6+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+stubble.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSuKOV70IUrJ_1bvsZAbc_wIYXPzL7K0OAHuvG05xMXKdZ8LVAtHTk2cG_dCY8xpRogaNTwUEAcO_9ilEmpgoEN_1wZTA8Qs3z7lTOD4_S7J9NNpRuwYeKrKlS6dvlQJruVs2PaO0Rd_c/s1600/6+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+stubble.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From 120 pairs of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse in 1989, a 2002 census showed a 50% decline in Catalonia, SC July 2006</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So ‘non-irrigated cereal cultivation’ often replaces
‘grass-covered’ and ‘interspersed scrub and almond trees’ may have to be
substituted for ‘treeless’. In
other words, abandoned farmland and even active areas of crop fields, as long
as they’re not irrigated, will also hold <b>bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> during
both the breeding and wintering seasons.
Study the photos in this blog which have been deliberately selected to show a range
of habitat types.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Birds of the Western Palearctic, among others, has <b>Dupont’s
Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> habitat down as open flat areas, or
slopes not exceeding 25% gradient, with ground cover of about 30% made up of
vegetation not more than 30 – 50 cm tall.
Well. Just in case that
means absolutely nothing at all, as with me when I started looking for </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dupont’s
Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, here’s a photo of my patch to at
least give you an idea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdECJax16NBcy1FHuBb85a8gi5QTT6YX4YQODmB4FsJzX8vBgIzx16rEz2nn7zsBwNYTzlAY80GoAZEKEqj9pqVG0t4OQi9wSAU7wz0OJJnP-V9PWnEB-6UKfycs1TgaFNDqI6AnRegfw/s1600/7+Dupont%2527s+Lark+habitat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdECJax16NBcy1FHuBb85a8gi5QTT6YX4YQODmB4FsJzX8vBgIzx16rEz2nn7zsBwNYTzlAY80GoAZEKEqj9pqVG0t4OQi9wSAU7wz0OJJnP-V9PWnEB-6UKfycs1TgaFNDqI6AnRegfw/s400/7+Dupont%2527s+Lark+habitat.JPG" width="341" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A great location for day time singing Dupont's Lark, SC April 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Time of year
and its effect on birds’ behaviour…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">However, after breeding, the <b>Dupont’s Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> abandons this habitat, or so we’re told, to mix it
up with flocks of Skylark and Calandra Lark in cereal fields, especially of
barley or oats.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If I tell you that I have only once discovered a <b>Dupont’s
Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> amidst such flocks, it may give you
an idea of the scale of the task in Winter but don’t despair as it’s not by any
means uncommon to hear and see birds singing in their territories from November, although February is more usual,
and in some high-density populations, like those at Belchite, almost throughout the
year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenYZKYwqunBdlLph37Qg4Wr3A62tohJ88kPXNXwXB5A-cJhy3NJUlGJevDZ34ukaitEDcbtSb0j1A2EpqF0FkngQjO9wb7rGaBJGqJj0Fm1a8FILUYtfh8ObZRiQjI93Z7mUpRVrW-zqw/s1600/8+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+hidden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenYZKYwqunBdlLph37Qg4Wr3A62tohJ88kPXNXwXB5A-cJhy3NJUlGJevDZ34ukaitEDcbtSb0j1A2EpqF0FkngQjO9wb7rGaBJGqJj0Fm1a8FILUYtfh8ObZRiQjI93Z7mUpRVrW-zqw/s1600/8+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+hidden.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">There are actually four Pin-tailed Sandgrouse in this picture, Jean-Michel Paulus April 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Although they will feed, roost and nest in cereal fields,
both<b> bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> prefer the more natural areas that are left
fallow. They form nomadic feeding
flocks and, importantly, favour particular fields at particular points in the
seasonal cycle of fallow to plough to crop to stubble and back again. Easy if you know where those fields are
but easy to miss if you don’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Furthermore they utilise these feeding sites until the food
resource runs out or a farmer’s plough turns the seed too deep into the ground
to reach. Hence both <b>bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> are rarely seen on recently ploughed fields.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrATPtHuyl_UzLPygjbNu5AF-YQ7PGxx7dupjQmmVQRr6Lm-bOwT12m_JimePo2-s1x83HIQwlHzkvH0KDuNtadSbVUgjmokn0yyl0yojx-6gCmAVGYMnX1uRdXpb4_CTGAvTCOo9M4my/s1600/9+Little+Bustard+grass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrATPtHuyl_UzLPygjbNu5AF-YQ7PGxx7dupjQmmVQRr6Lm-bOwT12m_JimePo2-s1x83HIQwlHzkvH0KDuNtadSbVUgjmokn0yyl0yojx-6gCmAVGYMnX1uRdXpb4_CTGAvTCOo9M4my/s400/9+Little+Bustard+grass.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Little Bustard hide and moult after breeding, Stewart Abbott August 2008</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s surprising how little vegetation Steppe birds need in
which to hide, particularly out of breeding colours. Even the 50cm high <b>Little Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> scrapes out a hollow and beds down (and the
incubating female even pulls vegetation over her back!) and so, unless you are
party to a bit of local knowledge, it’s often a matter of picking a field and
patiently scanning. If the rock
moves, ‘scope it!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Great Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> are
twice as tall of course and, although they too have their moments, can usually
be picked out without difficulty even at distance, especially when in
post-breeding flocks.</span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxOhCwEyHwjGexfSlV6YNMjo0xXd6tFv7s4fF4k-LBUbwMsoWYZK4xOZ667SEYwk3oz_9jFnz4QFFD4f0jhnWP-dpPOQeH8a6AXvDMPSK9EXwrTbpH_R3bCW5EjbcvlWT0ntnt-0XSiYj/s1600/10+Great+Bustard+flock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxOhCwEyHwjGexfSlV6YNMjo0xXd6tFv7s4fF4k-LBUbwMsoWYZK4xOZ667SEYwk3oz_9jFnz4QFFD4f0jhnWP-dpPOQeH8a6AXvDMPSK9EXwrTbpH_R3bCW5EjbcvlWT0ntnt-0XSiYj/s1600/10+Great+Bustard+flock.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Post-breeding Great Bustard flocks occupy my patch from September to March, SC Dec 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">In winter the lack of vegetation can help, although <b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> too can merge into a bare rocky background to
startling effect...</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR85l1tV_VX9Xwl6iQoEtboShk9TRIw2FGHX7bwMF81ipxzqgKL9h6D6wp2WeCuy7SeVbOC49ph0_DG2aBJ2GwElOzGWFMQJGN4YtFMnk2id7NwY__gjns0dPSnNChG0m-Tu7twoZkZ83y/s1600/11+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+rocky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR85l1tV_VX9Xwl6iQoEtboShk9TRIw2FGHX7bwMF81ipxzqgKL9h6D6wp2WeCuy7SeVbOC49ph0_DG2aBJ2GwElOzGWFMQJGN4YtFMnk2id7NwY__gjns0dPSnNChG0m-Tu7twoZkZ83y/s1600/11+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+rocky.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">With caution Pin-tailed Sandgrouse can be viewed car side, especially if they have young, SC July 2006</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">...but it’s less tiring on the eyes in fields where shoots of
winter wheat provide a contrast and flocks can be spotted, standing out easily
against the uniform green. Once
the crop has grown though you may as well focus your attention elsewhere.</span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERjRQF3QjcjloUO7RKSeiA0Ham1RjZSire_oM94DvwRZoU-jS7S7I9GbLJEN8Zy55nHK3iY22NGygcIecNjtdQrxpwLwKfSR4Yk-7lA-BWtWlK2HD-mKGiBMzbMDeuE7AXp4eUVt0e1Za/s1600/12+Black-bellied+Sandgrouse+shoots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERjRQF3QjcjloUO7RKSeiA0Ham1RjZSire_oM94DvwRZoU-jS7S7I9GbLJEN8Zy55nHK3iY22NGygcIecNjtdQrxpwLwKfSR4Yk-7lA-BWtWlK2HD-mKGiBMzbMDeuE7AXp4eUVt0e1Za/s1600/12+Black-bellied+Sandgrouse+shoots.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Black-bellied Sandgrouse sometimes bubble contact calls to each other whilst feeding on the ground, SC Nov 2006</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">During the post-breeding moult <b>Little Bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> will stay hidden in scrub, grass, clover, rape or
cereal stubble, even amongst old sweet corn stems for instance.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG2fk7aM5TZ-azlcosBR-3c3SNlDA1hcmzlaDxVDFWPlleCEfDa7pBtS_0H5NBpBfNKuKLbpt3dN6WUxA6MZYkzSoLTMEtn2_4fCBa8th49gTX5OgpH8A7ylQNQ7b-Usb8EOK103Qu8ZX/s1600/13+Little+Bustard+moult.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG2fk7aM5TZ-azlcosBR-3c3SNlDA1hcmzlaDxVDFWPlleCEfDa7pBtS_0H5NBpBfNKuKLbpt3dN6WUxA6MZYkzSoLTMEtn2_4fCBa8th49gTX5OgpH8A7ylQNQ7b-Usb8EOK103Qu8ZX/s1600/13+Little+Bustard+moult.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This Little Bustard stood up next to the car and just walked and settled a few metres away, SC September 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A good place to scan for them though is close to
field-boundaries, from where they seldom stray until their feathers, numbers
and confidence have grown and they can then be seen strutting about out in the
open in larger and larger flocks.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissrW6k0RiGVde8eN7mlIVfnUq49tHMzqinMwTyADqGQ5h6zu7DF6X9ltiVMGv4UYaTKVGgCFuiIy4Mai9Lc1dhDm6HZmvu0ZWGsrlTVi5hLza9rgO_vO6pDjdlYIO-TuYy8tCvq5ubgbr/s1600/14+Little+Bustard+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissrW6k0RiGVde8eN7mlIVfnUq49tHMzqinMwTyADqGQ5h6zu7DF6X9ltiVMGv4UYaTKVGgCFuiIy4Mai9Lc1dhDm6HZmvu0ZWGsrlTVi5hLza9rgO_vO6pDjdlYIO-TuYy8tCvq5ubgbr/s1600/14+Little+Bustard+winter.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sometimes Little Bustard only become visible if they move, Paul Turkentine November 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On the whole, as with <b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, the numbers within </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> flocks build through the Autumn to a Winter peak.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNtKpafje42j-YCpF2G3ExX6PbxkW6lKAdGii3D0p2wZYUztiBCehv8FNyP8IImNEHS0EUoBHYzoM10mojo4E6RQXLrV7kE2L70dirAvVdSAcxutnxVeVjhvaZLzDryUYbgPQz6GYSfqC/s1600/15+Little+Bustard+shoots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNtKpafje42j-YCpF2G3ExX6PbxkW6lKAdGii3D0p2wZYUztiBCehv8FNyP8IImNEHS0EUoBHYzoM10mojo4E6RQXLrV7kE2L70dirAvVdSAcxutnxVeVjhvaZLzDryUYbgPQz6GYSfqC/s1600/15+Little+Bustard+shoots.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">In my patch, winter Little Bustard flocks rarely peak at 100 birds, SC November 2006</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Not all <b>Little Bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">
join in though, with individuals and pairs sometimes revealing their
alternative tactic to flocking when accidentally flushed in the peak of
winter. At this time, it’s not even
unusual for them to expose themselves apparently unprovoked but they don’t
usually fly, or walk, beyond scope distance and will return to their roost spot
after reassuring themselves that you’re no longer a threat.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. The time of
day and its effect on birds’ behaviour…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, famous
for carrying water back to their nestlings soaked in their breast feathers [<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/ABBE%20ptsandgrouse.html">more
details</a>], like </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, are
more active before the heat of the afternoon sun forces them to take it easy
and so, although by no means essential, it’s better to get on site early.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Annual sunrise and sunset times across Spain can be found <a href="http://www.fomento.es/MFOM/LANG_CASTELLANO/DIRECCIONES_GENERALES/INSTITUTO_GEOGRAFICO/Astronomia/publico/efemerides/salida_puesta_sol.htm">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY5Vr0yzT4CS1SdrXcMCl31Qi_X1zFfCTy16lV8VcrOHT7itNvlJEFfgPbjXGLTpPb6l6NqY_eOL1bGkpDcf23giYeniIdgAjCIrLrD8hW_iY0rmNz3zejB1n3cugjdRF9ZzmOxhm4TiA/s1600/16+Mixed+Sandgrouse+flock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY5Vr0yzT4CS1SdrXcMCl31Qi_X1zFfCTy16lV8VcrOHT7itNvlJEFfgPbjXGLTpPb6l6NqY_eOL1bGkpDcf23giYeniIdgAjCIrLrD8hW_iY0rmNz3zejB1n3cugjdRF9ZzmOxhm4TiA/s400/16+Mixed+Sandgrouse+flock.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">In my patch, winter mixed sandgrouse flocks peak at 200 birds, George Bond Nov 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There is certainly more flight activity at this time (and
during the latter part of the day) so lookout for overhead flocks. You may hear them first if you’re close
enough but don’t ignore anything flying in the distance as <b>Pin-tailed
Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> can be reminiscent of Golden
Plover, or even disregarded as pigeons by the unwary, and I have witnessed </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Little
Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> dismissed as ‘some kind of duck’
on more than one occasion.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjOcRTFabt8b_s1phl5aWq9OQw7DCpyeXzIctUmM3U-uEWfv-eX08NMGdFA7ss4loEsR0ra3epDQFHyHCrG2XGiv3pfIgHleSdrCbi_-m6AzfxyhyphenhyphenY2K-eCZUINBlCEm9q9uBTfMY6Bd8/s1600/17+Little+Bustard+flock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjOcRTFabt8b_s1phl5aWq9OQw7DCpyeXzIctUmM3U-uEWfv-eX08NMGdFA7ss4loEsR0ra3epDQFHyHCrG2XGiv3pfIgHleSdrCbi_-m6AzfxyhyphenhyphenY2K-eCZUINBlCEm9q9uBTfMY6Bd8/s400/17+Little+Bustard+flock.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Little Bustard usually fly with their wings below the horizontal, Martin Cracknell March 2009</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The heat, even in Summer, can have its advantages though. It’s not as if the birds vanish from
existence and I’ve had some of my very best views of <b>Black-bellied
Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> during the highest afternoon
temperatures when small groups, unwilling to give up the sanctity of the cooler
ground and take to the skies, have been approached with caution and brought
car-side.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dupont’s Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">,
contrary to popular assertions, do in fact sing habitually during the day and,
although much less frequently, even in winter. I originally discovered the regular site I take my clients
to by hearing two birds singing at three in the afternoon and, at this same
site, we have happily watched a rock-perched bird singing after ten in the
morning in November. I never
understand the obsession with getting on site to hunt them during darkness, and
there really is no need, unless you’re happy to tick silhouettes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. General
behavioural and field craft tips…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1T8eEb0fLxraYLqq1AF2DD9ho7vyAhF3YjBgKUlOFl5zG9UMxw0ZykCTiSOsJ2h1fboP7nJiuWobsTm9lfrlCa9ihLnnOgbC2eGC3jiXMhNFCWZYlJyXmLWTwbYhvc0A6B_sp8wy9sl7/s1600/18+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+flock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1T8eEb0fLxraYLqq1AF2DD9ho7vyAhF3YjBgKUlOFl5zG9UMxw0ZykCTiSOsJ2h1fboP7nJiuWobsTm9lfrlCa9ihLnnOgbC2eGC3jiXMhNFCWZYlJyXmLWTwbYhvc0A6B_sp8wy9sl7/s1600/18+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+flock.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Although usually quiet, grounded Pin-tailed Sandgrouse do sometimes chatter, Mark Hiley November 2008</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Once you see a distant flock of <b>bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> or </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> on the ground, take what you can while you can and get them in the
telescope. It’s essential to
remind oneself that they are happy where they are, especially if they’re
feeding, so take your time and let them get used to you before patiently edging
nearer step by step for a better view.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As you get closer, stay in the car if you can and use your
scope from the window but if you do need to get out do it very, very
slowly. And watch your noise
levels too – a car door closing sounds just like a gunshot to a bird.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">
are not particularly flighty (</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> require much more caution, and will take Pin-tailed
with them if it’s a mixed flock) and as you approach you will notice that, like
many steppe birds including </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Little Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dupont’s Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, they
will begin to walk away first, as an energy-saving and habitat-specific
strategy against predators, before electing to fly. If you see this stop all movement and wait until they
settle, even before lifting your binoculars slowly to your eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If care is taken in this way – and it’s not as easy as it
sounds – it is not uncommon to be able to view them along side the car. Note that, if you want photos, it is
advisable to have your camera sticking out of the window from the off rather
than poking it out when you get close and risk flushing them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ6Mx8T4auD1dJCxc_J6zccMMWj2iQpjnGp9pmN7UrosFX_70pjoQXup5saFSN5UimBHcUjiwEH9FMIFVC0JRO_i_Q32HNk6Axy_Bt_O37TGTGBVxZghWK6MFaRjX_y4ivtn1ju6tovHW/s1600/19+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ6Mx8T4auD1dJCxc_J6zccMMWj2iQpjnGp9pmN7UrosFX_70pjoQXup5saFSN5UimBHcUjiwEH9FMIFVC0JRO_i_Q32HNk6Axy_Bt_O37TGTGBVxZghWK6MFaRjX_y4ivtn1ju6tovHW/s400/19+Pin-tailed+Sandgrouse+head.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Zac Hinchcliffe reached over my lap to snap this below my car window (Aug 2009)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you do accidentally startle and flush a flock of <b>sandgrouse</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> there are two things to remember.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Firstly, normally they don’t ALL fly up and so, especially
if it’s a handful taking off, check the ground from where they flew as there
are usually others ‘freezing’ (another anti-predator strategy).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Secondly, remember that they do have favourite fields so
don’t move on too soon as they have a habit of flying in a large radius before
returning to roughly the same spot.
Back off a little, wait and, if they don’t return, check back some time
later. If they do fly off,
persevere with your binoculars until you see where they land in case you can
track them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Little Bustard</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, if
they see you, are initially quite flighty but often they won’t go very far,
especially in the breeding season, either landing out of sight just over a
nearby rise or settling nicely for a mid-distant ‘scope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5YW-NHF54GHrSctfUkwqhC7xdOUgMtEUJaMWp3g1zGMX1tZMiMDwfzbedtANyetQQuJSXt0nsB9d28RjWr_ZOLvCz90V_YiEfFYEMu0SH2cNUfSps4y5iWXVG-vF57z7Z7QRV5Z_fPRz/s1600/20+Great+Bustard+visible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5YW-NHF54GHrSctfUkwqhC7xdOUgMtEUJaMWp3g1zGMX1tZMiMDwfzbedtANyetQQuJSXt0nsB9d28RjWr_ZOLvCz90V_YiEfFYEMu0SH2cNUfSps4y5iWXVG-vF57z7Z7QRV5Z_fPRz/s400/20+Great+Bustard+visible.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">In my patch, winter Great Bustard flocks peak at 50 birds, John Fox Nov 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Great Bustards</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">
(there are none in Catalonia, I visit nearby Los Monegros to see them) are less
flighty than their smaller cousins and can usually be seen on the ground
without too much hassle as long as you don’t surprise them. Note though that they usually require
about l km clear visibility on three sides so again some patience will be
needed.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAjh6dPNuvuejXGkBceEOPzEy8kykGSeJhsG2UjnfNqWP-uKmNSo0cc8_inH9SPNjw96phbx38fDG9JvGwKh2m6Q3_wyJIPsSRO9rseX_1SAP4FQ3EuTWL2hPSSwYix1mItnnbvKwsS2c/s1600/21+Dupont%2527s+Lark+hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAjh6dPNuvuejXGkBceEOPzEy8kykGSeJhsG2UjnfNqWP-uKmNSo0cc8_inH9SPNjw96phbx38fDG9JvGwKh2m6Q3_wyJIPsSRO9rseX_1SAP4FQ3EuTWL2hPSSwYix1mItnnbvKwsS2c/s400/21+Dupont%2527s+Lark+hunt.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">About half the world's Dupont's Larks are found in Spain, David Linstead Feb 2011</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s surprisingly common to see (and hear of) fleeting
glimpses of <b>Dupont’s Lark</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> running
across or along the tracks as one first arrives on site, when a flash of white
tail sides or even a glance at a pale crown stripe may be all you get to
attempt to confirm the sighting.
With a little more forethought and caution as you approach therefore one
can turn these uncertain encounters into something a little more substantial.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Have a great trip then and good luck but, even should you
have the worst misfortune in the world, please don’t be tempted to stray from
clearly marked footpaths or deliberately flush grounded birds for a flight
view, especially in breeding season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A higher number of <a href="http://www.bto.org/about-birds/birdfacts/about-birdfacts/key-facts">bird species of conservation concern</a> are found on open land than in any other habitat and
there are many red-listed or endangered species in the steppes that are on the
threshold of local extinction.
They have enough problems with the threat of continued agricultural
change without a pair of size eleven boots stomping all over them (that’s size
45 for the Europeans amongst us).
In any case, watch out as the Agents Rurals, or Countryside Police, are
quite vigilant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you have a mind to, you can check out the <a href="http://www.surfbirds.com/mb/Features/birdwatchers-code.html">birdwatchers’
code</a> here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Stephen Christopher</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">P.S. Here’s one
final tip… Hire a guide!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukvPbVhcrfoQP6PzbgoxIGEhLyTwF7pyxGZeUIkQaE0VL-AAEQypxVgtaWoQCW8_9at0cpMStapPQwXqIC8E2u2uUrQftJH3ZVJlLFCDdftc7HSdHp_rJ7Yt4FaFucqMUe0BGdEPDXbm5/s1600/22+Red-necked+Nightjar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukvPbVhcrfoQP6PzbgoxIGEhLyTwF7pyxGZeUIkQaE0VL-AAEQypxVgtaWoQCW8_9at0cpMStapPQwXqIC8E2u2uUrQftJH3ZVJlLFCDdftc7HSdHp_rJ7Yt4FaFucqMUe0BGdEPDXbm5/s1600/22+Red-necked+Nightjar.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is a quite typical view of Red-necked Nightjar from May to August, SC August 2007</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Guided Birding Holidays, Short Breaks and Day Tours.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A guided trip to the Steppes of Lleida (and optional nearby
Los Monegros) is available as a day tour, or as part of a short birding break
or full week’s bird watching holiday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">To check the availability of places on shared tours, post your own request for sharers, or inquire about dates for an exclusive birding trip, visit <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/">Catalan Bird Tours’ website</a> or <a href="mailto:s.christopher@telefonica.net">e-mail Stephen Christopher</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">OTHER SELECTED SPECIES:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Resident</u>:<b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">White
Stork, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Red Kite,</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Black-shouldered
Kite*, Stone-curlew, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Eagle Owl,</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Hoopoe, ‘Iberian’ Green Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Lesser
Short-toed Lark, Calandra Lark,</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Black Wheatear, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Blue Rock Thrush, Penduline Tit, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Iberian
Grey Shrike, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Red-billed Chough, Rock
Sparrow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Passage only</u>: Osprey, Honey-buzzard,<b> Red-footed
Falcon, Dotterel</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Migrant breeders</u>: Common Quail,<b> Egyptian Vulture, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lesser
Kestrel, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Hobby,</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Great Spotted
Cuckoo, Red-necked Nightjar, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Bee-eater, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Roller,
</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Wryneck, Greater Short-toed Lark,
Red-rumped Swallow, Tawny Pipit, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Spectacled Warbler, </b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Winter Migrants</u>: Hen Harrier, Merlin,<b> Common Crane</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">CLIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"That morning on the Steppes
was one of the best birding sessions we've ever had and will stay in our
memories for a long time. So many excellent birds in such a short space of time
was exhilarating. We really
enjoyed your excellent company and hospitality and picnic lunches will never be
the same again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We would thoroughly recommend your holidays to
anyone. It was great to be able to enjoy birds rather than be rushed on before
we were ready. The ID tips you gave us were really useful."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>David and Chris
Evans spent a week </u></span><span style="font-size: small;"><u> in May </u></span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>birding in Catalonia</u>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">“Without your guidance I would have probably only
found fifty percent of what was there, I certainly would not have got within 3
yards of a Red-necked Nightjar.
Every time I enquired about a bird it turned up almost immediately; I
began to suspect you had an assistant beating them out at prearranged signals. I would recommend your birding tours
without reservation."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Andy Strouthous spent a week </u></span><span style="font-size: small;"><u> in August </u></span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>birding in Catalonia</u>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-84597616002950982272011-11-27T05:01:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:47:17.044-08:00Client Trip Report: Winter Break, November 2010<u>27 - 29 November 2010: Trip and Photo Report by John Fox</u> (Birdwatch Ireland)<br />
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<i>"Thanks very much for such a splendid three days birding. We saw almost all the target species, also a few excellent unexpected ones. It's difficult to imagine a guide being so keen, hard-working and efficient, and such good company."</i></div>
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<b>Chris Evans, Birdwatch Ireland</b></div>
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Eight members of the Tolka Branch of Birdwatch Ireland travelled with Ryanair from Dublin to Barcelona on 26th November 2010 and a ninth member joined us the next day from Brussels.<br />
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At Barcelona airport, while we collected a people-carrier at a cost of €260 for 5 days, the group had <u><b>Monk Parakeet</b></u>, <u><b>White Wagtail</b></u>, <u><b>Common Buzzard</b></u>, <u><b>Kestrel</b></u>, <u><b>Magpie</b></u> and <u><b>Wood Pigeon</b></u>.<br />
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We made our way to a villa in Olivella (€995 for 5 days), about 15 minutes from Sitges, but stopped before reaching it at a small wooded area where we had views of Crested Tit, a lifer for many of us. We also had good views of <u><b>Firecrest</b></u>, <u><b>Robin</b></u>, <u><b>Dunnock</b></u>, <u><b>Coal Tit</b></u>, <u><b>Goldcrest</b></u>, <u><b>Chaffinch</b></u>, <u><b>Long-tailed Tit</b></u> and a pair of <u><b>Common Crossbill</b></u> flew over, calling as they went.<br />
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We travelled into Sitges for dinner that evening and a couple of <u><b>Tawny Owl</b></u> were calling on our return.<br />
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<u>27th November</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf Natural Park</a><br />
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Our guide Stephen Christopher of <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/">Catalan Bird Tours</a> [click for Winter itineraries and birding tours available - SC] had been contacted a few months earlier and engaged for three full days for nine people.<br />
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We arrived in the Garraf Natural Park, located on the Mediterranean coast between Barcelona and Sitges, and positioned ourselves quietly at the foot of a cliff to await the arrival of our first target bird. Stephen was quite confident that our bird would show up and about five minutes later, as predicted, he spotted our quarry, a stunning <u><b>Wallcreeper</b></u> (below).<br />
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The bird, which was a lifer for everyone, moved about the rock face for 30 minutes as the sun rose and flooded the cliff with light and eventually slipped out of sight as it moved south.<br />
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<u><b>Crag Martin</b></u> glided above the cliff as <u><b>Black Redstarts</b></u> foraged on the rock below, a <u><b>Blue Rock Thrush</b></u> perched at the top while a pair of <b><u>Peregrine</u></b> headed out to see. <b><u>Great Cormorant</u></b>, <u><b>Northern Gannet</b></u>, <b><u>Black-headed</u></b> and <b><u>Yellow-legged Gulls</u></b> were seen over the sea while <b><u>Serin</u></b> and <b><u>Rock Dove</u></b> were also present in the area.<br />
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Finally we had lovely views of a single <u><b>Audouin's Gull</b></u> (below) at a local marina.<br />
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From there we headed up into the park, a beautiful area of mountainous heath. We spent a few hours walking, as much of it is restricted to vehicles, and had good views of <u><b>Red-legged Partidge</b></u>, <b><u>Thekla Lark</u></b>, <b><u>Spotless Starling</u></b>, <b><u>Southern Grey Shrike</u></b> with <u><b>Dartford Warbler</b></u> popping in and out of view regularly. Other new birds seen were <u><b>Stonechat</b></u>, <u><b>Blackcap</b></u>, <u><b>Greenfinch</b></u> and <u><b>Linnet</b></u>.<br />
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Later in the day [after locating the <b>Wallcreeper</b> a second time for the late arrival in the group - SC] we drove further into the Parc Natural de Garraf where we saw <u><b>Rock Sparrow</b></u>, <u><b>Woodlark</b></u>, <u><b>Rock Bunting</b></u> and a <u><b>Sparrowhawk</b></u>. As the light began to fade our eagle-eyed guide Stephen spotted a pair of flying <u><b>Bonelli's Eagle</b></u>, one of which perched within scope range. We studied the majestic eagle for a while as Stephen explained some of the bird's key identification features to those of us for whom the bird was unfamiliar.<br />
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We returned to the villa happy that we'd had a great first day with many new ticks under our belts.<br />
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<u>28th November</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">Los Monegros and The Steppes of Lleida</a><br />
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We arrived just after dawn to a precise location selected by Stephen. A hard frost still clung to the vegetation as we scoured the area for sandgrouse. As we searched we had views of flying <u><b>Red-billed Chough</b></u>, <u><b>Hen Harrier</b></u>, <u><b>Carrion Crow</b></u>, <u><b>Jackdaw</b></u>, <u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u> and a <u><b>Merlin</b></u>, while in the scrub <u><b>Corn Bunting</b></u>, <u><b>Lesser Short-toed Lark</b></u> and Thekla Lark (above) foraged.<br />
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Scanning the middle distance eventually revealed the elusive <u><b>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</b></u> and <u><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></u>. A small flock made up of both species was on the highest ground, presumably taking advantage of the earliest rays of sunshine to warm themselves after the cold night. Its was great to see both species side by side enabling good comparisons to be made.<br />
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As the day warmed more species became active such as Dartford Warbler, <u><b>Stock Dove</b></u>, <u><b>Red Kite</b></u>, <u><b>Hoopoe</b></u> and small flocks of <u><b>Calandra Lark</b></u> rose in the sky revealing their diagnostic dark under wings (see photo below).<br />
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Elsewhere in Los Monegros, it was not long before we had distant views of a small flock of <u><b>Great Bustard</b></u>, some sheltering behind bushes to keep out of the icy wind. We drove around and eventually were rewarded with closer views of three more (pictured below). We hoped to connect with Little Bustard too but unfortunately that species eluded us. We did however find another flock of Black-bellied Sandgrouse out in the open.<br />
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En route to The Steppes of Lleida we had lovely views of three <u><b>Griffon Vultures</b></u> that glided effortlessly across the road. On arrival, Stephen guided us to a landfill site where, feeding on the contents of the dump, we had superb and most spectacular views of hundreds of <u><b>White Stork</b></u>, <u><b>Cattle Egrets</b></u> and Black-headed Gulls together with 20 <b><u>Red Kite</u></b>, several <u><b>Grey Heron</b></u>, <u><b>Northern Lapwing</b></u> and a thousand <b><u>European Starling</u></b>. A Common Buzzard was also perched in the area.<br />
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Via a flock of 70 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (photo above), which were quite approachable due to the absence of the more skittish Black-bellied Sandgrouse, and several <u><b>Green Woodpceker</b></u> seen in a small orchard, Stephen took us to another of his well-researched locations, this time for <u><b>Black Wheatear</b></u> (photo below with Calandra Lark). And we were not disappointed. We connected quickly with a family party and good views were had by all of both male and female.<br />
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Also in the area, after a short walk from the car, we had wonderful views of a flock of 50 <u><b>Stone-curlew</b></u> (below) resting in a ploughed field. A few flew up as we tried to approach unseen but they quickly settled back into the flock. I had seen Stone-curlew before but never so well or in such numbers.<br />
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It was an unexpected treat and a lovely finish to our second <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">guided day</a>.<br />
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<u>29th November</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Catalan Pyrenees</a> (and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a>)<br />
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We drove to the Parc Natural Cadi-Moixero where, at an altitude of 2000m with a little snow on the ground, we began our trek up the mountain road hoping the sun would break through. <u><b>Jay</b></u>, <b><u>Mistle Thrush</u></b>, <b><u>Goldfinch</u></b> and <b><u>Ring Ouzel</u></b> were seen before we had our first views of <u><b>Alpine Chough</b></u>, with flocks of thirty or more seen wheeling over the cliffs above, their yellow bills clearly visible.<br />
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Several Chamois stared down at us from the mountain side and, rounding a corner which overlooked a small stream, one of our party spotted a <u><b>(White-throated) Dipper</b></u> working its way upstream.<br />
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This was quickly followed by great views of five <u><b>Alpine Accentor</b></u> (below), another of our target birds which delighted everyone and once more confirmed our guide's knowledge of the area. We had found the birds within a few metres of where Stephen suggested a sighting was possible.<br />
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With the sun failing to break through we started back towards the cars to warm up and were treated to close views of two Griffon Vulture that soared out over the cliffs above. They were followed almost immediately by another bird, one that we all had at the top of our list - <u><b>Lammegergeier</b></u> (top photos).<br />
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The views we had of this wonderful vulture was superb, let down only by the dull grey sky. We watched it for a minute or so as it passed directly overhead before it silently glided down the valley and out of sight.<br />
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With snow starting to fall we happily got into the cars and headed down the mountain. As we descended we had a brief view of another <b>Wallcreeper</b> that flew out from a cliff face over the cars. We stopped for a few minutes in a village some way down where we had another Dipper, Long-tailed Tit, <u><b>Blue Tit</b></u> and Crested Tit together with a Firecrest.<br />
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Returning to Barcelona, we entered the Llobregat wetland reserve, a managed area with many hides and a good range of species. Water birds seen included <u><b>Northern Shovelor</b></u>, <u><b>Common Teal</b></u>, <u><b>Great Crested Grebe</b></u>, <u><b>Common Kingfisher</b></u>, <u><b>Pheasant</b></u>, <u><b>Moorhen</b></u>, <u><b>Gadwall</b></u>, <u><b>Eurasian Coot</b></u>, <u><b>Dunlin</b></u>, <u><b>Green Sandpiper</b></u> and <u><b>Sandwich Tern</b></u>.<br />
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A brief <u><b>Moustached Warbler</b></u> was followed by <u><b>Golden Plover</b></u>, <u><b>Skylark</b></u>, <u><b>Meadow Pipit</b></u>, <u><b>Zitting Cisticola</b></u>, <u><b>Cetti's Warbler</b></u> and <u><b>Water Pipit</b></u> and gulls present were Black-headed, Yellow-legged and two <u><b>Mediterranean Gull</b></u>.<br />
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The best bird for me from this area was <u><b>Purple Swamphen</b></u> (above) and we had great views of two from one of the hides. We had hoped for Penduline Tit but dipped on that species.<br />
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As the light was fading, we said goodbye to Stephen our superb guide for three days.<br />
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He had been everything we had hoped for and more. He knew the birds we were after and out in the time to locate them prior to our arrival. He found most of them for us in the short time we were there. He was happy to answer all our questions, no matter how obvious or obtuse, with a breadth of knowledge that only comes with years of experience and time in the field.</div>
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I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others interested in birding the area, a view which I believe would be endorsed by all of our group.</div>
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We returned to our villa that evening very satisfied with our trip and the birds we had seen.</div>
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Our group included the following members of the Tolka Branch of Birdwatch Ireland: Dermot McCabe, Lorraine Benson, Heather Quinn, Bill Quinn (additional photos), Gerald Franck, Philip Clancy, Chris Evans, Darragh Hogg and myself <u>John Fox</u>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">"It was a great trip. Stephen was so efficient at getting the list out as well as getting us such a terrific array of birds. Well done to Dermot in arranging to have such a good bird guide and for organising such an exciting trip so well."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Billy Quinn, Birdwatch Ireland</b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><i>"Thank you for all your wonderful guiding and your expertise. You really made the trip fantastic for me and I think for everyone else too. A big thank you to all involved in our fantastic trip to Catalunya, particularly Stephen our brilliant guide who got us all the birds that I hoped to see together with many more that were unexpected and a great bonus."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>John Fox, Birdwatc Ireland</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"This was an excellent trip!"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lorraine Benson, Birdwatch Ireland</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qS7J9zUs8vI26gLMO-yiQAreznRItOkb3f8FdjN35DC0dMbEKnFqQfUBt2wvJTvbFZU5v1jyE3MgXXZBQdmuwNYwLm_YOufOmxZ-ppmGelkcCF6poobubDYaBciM9Cv_lamM3Vzt62yy/s1600/southern+grey+shrike+spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qS7J9zUs8vI26gLMO-yiQAreznRItOkb3f8FdjN35DC0dMbEKnFqQfUBt2wvJTvbFZU5v1jyE3MgXXZBQdmuwNYwLm_YOufOmxZ-ppmGelkcCF6poobubDYaBciM9Cv_lamM3Vzt62yy/s1600/southern+grey+shrike+spain.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> [Southern 'Iberian' Grey Shrike]</i><b> </b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiathz2QNCjtdzGVCSH6eye9Z7hfGzyyxVPylbFDAFpP3b9daefFHtXyZDNgLC6JreKhPkXIhf5QkngJjDH28BDaOsfM41K-iUGjHcKxpkL2VCRvXOWbUSgJxKk4TFqVbADUf49lPbFwG-y/s1600/stone-curlew+1+spain+birding.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk7tYtEWdsx74kWk-R0iQNAojl_-wUh3Wnw1rrCTY14VUqkcQGjZx23Hkn1SUpPgygQ3yFIm3qnQ8T_kdXyYyFFnAlCSd4JV4YIYF7x3Zy3Rb0jz7u1zio3BVcYmFRnyMb2-HVFP_ti8Z/s1600/stone-curlew+2+spain+birding.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-71385595672998032352011-11-13T12:14:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:40:32.804-08:00November Wallcreeper, Bustards and Lammergeier<u>13th November 2007 – Garraf and Llobregat</u><br />
<br />
It's strange
how so many great birding moments can be traced back to an event at the
beginning of the day, without which the hands of time and fortune would
have written a different story. If Andris and Inita’s train hadn’t
arrived ten minutes late, later we may have spent a few minutes watching
a birdless cliff-face in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The <u>Garraf</u> Massis</a> instead of the spectacle of their first ever <u><b>Wallcreeper</b></u>.<br />
<br />
We were greeted by a <u><b>Sandwich Tern</b></u> dipping and diving in the bay and the song and sight of three or four <u><b>Blue Rock Thrush</b></u> spaced along the cliff-face bordering it. A few <u><b>Crag Martin</b></u> flapped their way across the jagged edges of the rocks whilst the ground was shared out amongst <u><b>Meadow Pipit</b></u>, <u><b>Robin</b>,</u> <u><b>Black Redstart</b></u>, <u><b>White Wagtail</b></u>, <u><b>finches</b></u> and both <u><b>Cirl</b></u> and <u><b>Rock Bunting</b></u>.<br />
<br />
As I scanned the ocean and rocks beyond the footpath and crashing waves, I was given the briefest of views of a wave-skimming <u><b>Eurasian Shag</b></u>
(Mediterranean sub-species, <i>desmarestii</i>) before Andris interrupted with a cry of
‘Wallcreeper!’ just in time for us all to see it descend through the ‘V’
of the cliff’s peaks and flap red-and-black, ‘like a butterfly’ as he
described it, out into the open. In fact, it circled and flapped out and
back to the same spot twice like a flycatcher – rather tempting fate
given the presence of resident <u><b>Peregrine Falcon</b></u> – before
returning to the safety of the rocks just behind a bush. It had actually
seemed to be hawking for food mid-air, perhaps even chasing an
individual insect, something that I hadn't witnessed before.<br />
<br />
In
the wait for its return, during which time we were happy like children,
excitedly stating the obvious such as ‘you could see the red clearly!’
and ‘it was like a little Hoopoe’, a pair of <u><b>Black Wheatear</b></u>
joined us, the female along the rocky beach and the male just beside
us. Once we had calmed down though, we thanked fortune for the view we
had had and moved on to <u></u><a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The <u>Llobregat Delta</u></a>.<br />
<br />
We headed for a group of around twenty <u><b>Night Herons</b></u>
we could see roosting out in the open by the first hide and they proved
to be easily close enough for Andris to take photos. The sight of a
small party of <u><b>Eurasian Spoonbill</b></u> scything through the waters of the other lagoon lured us on to the second hide though, where blankets of <u><b>Lapwing</b></u> and ducks, including <u><b>Shelduck</b>,</u> <u><b>Wigeon</b></u> and <u><b>Gadwall</b>,</u> impressed greatly and we wiled away our time picking out <u><b>Common Snipe</b></u>, <u><b>Golden Plover</b></u>, <u><b>Reed Bunting</b></u>, up to three <u><b>Common Buzzard</b></u> and a <b><u>Sparrowhawk</u> </b>flap-flap-gliding overhead.<br />
<br />
We made the short trip over to the other Llobregat reserve after lunch where <u><b>Black-necked Grebe</b></u>, <u><b>Mediterranean Gull</b></u>, <u><b>Greylag Goose</b></u>, <u><b>Pied Avocet</b></u>, <u><b>Purple Swamphen</b></u> and countless <u><b>Common Waxbill</b></u> provided the backdrop for the highlights of a sub-adult male <u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u> skirting the reed-tops, a handful of <u><b>Firecrest</b>,</u> two <u><b>Hoopoe</b></u> in a tizzy and a <u><b>Kingfisher</b></u> that landed on the lip of the hide window!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>14th November 2007 – Steppes of Lleida and Los Monegros</u><br />
<br />
During the journey to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">The Steppes</a> of Lleida I recounted that, according to an overnight conversation with Ricard Gutierrez (<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.rarebirdspain.net" href="http://www.rarebirdspain.net/">Rare Birds in Spain</a>), <u><b>Wallcreeper</b></u>
hadn’t been seen in the Garraf since possibly 1984 and we were both
excited at the prospect of it over-wintering again after such a gap. I
also ominously declared, under pressure I might add, that <b><u>Great Bustard</u> </b>was
probably the most likely of the four ‘biggies’ today. In turn, Andris
and Inita, lecturers from Latvia here researching bird tourism, filled
me in on their projects.<br />
<br />
As usual, within five minutes of our arrival we were staring at a small group of <u><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></u>
crouched down in a nearby field. Later we were to come across an even
closer group right next to the car but for now we marvelled at their
plumage detail, as if painted by Chinese artists, before they stood up
wary and we took our cue to move on.<br />
<br />
Of course <u><b>Little Bustard</b></u> was the other main target bird here and we went in search amusing ourselves with large flocks of <u><b>Jackdaw</b>,</u> three coveys of waddling <u><b>Red-legged Partridge</b></u> and the startlingly red cap of a <u><b>Green Woodpecker</b></u>, sub-species <i>sharpei</i>.<br />
<br />
Two <u><b>Hen Harrier</b></u> dog-fighting over a small orchard diverted our attention whilst many <u><b>Corn Bunting</b></u> and a full set of <b>larks</b> (although surprisingly few <u><b>Calandra Larks</b></u>) kept us honed on any small movement until, just as we were admiring the pink flush of a <u><b>Southern Grey Shrike</b></u>, the white flash of a <u><b>Little Bustard</b></u> rose up in front of us and wing-whistled its way over a couple of fields to land dead centre of the telescope.<br />
<br />
A quick stop off at the municipal dump to spy on the numerous <b><u>Cattle Egret</u> </b>and (less now) <u><b>White Stork</b></u> provided a welcome bonus of a remarkably colourful <u><b>Red Kite</b></u> quartering its lunchtime options.<br />
<br />
En route to Los Monegros, a site just outside Catalonia but worth the trip for the (almost certain!) wintering <u><b>Great Bustard</b></u> lining the roads, we picked up a <u><b>Great White Egret</b></u> and another, this time mature, male <u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u>.<br />
<br />
But! Sandstorms the like I have never seen before and quirky enough to
make the evening news, all but ruined our chances here although they
didn’t build up quite strong enough before we had chance to add a pair
of <u><b>Red-billed Chough</b></u> and a couple of fleeing <u><b>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</b></u> from the area around a ruined farmhouse.<br />
<br />
A quick questionnaire to my guests then inspired a ‘re-route for a
lifer’ and a while later we were enjoying a flock of over fifty <u><b>Rock Sparrows</b></u>, not to mention a host of other passerines, in the farmland of the <u>Garraf</u>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>15th November – The Pyrenees</u><br />
<br />
The wind in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Pyrenees</a> today threatened to push many passerines down to root level
and out of sight but not before we gratefully foot-followed and
photographed a flock of around twenty <u><b>Alpine Accentor</b></u>,
being prised away from the detail of their beautifully under-stated
plumage only after some work with a metaphorical chisel. What a great
bird. And so confiding.<br />
<br />
We did miss out on a few passerines, namely and unusually <u><b>Citril Finch</b></u>, and <u><b>Common Crossbill</b></u> were similarly out of character in their near-absence but a steady flow of <u><b>Griffon Vultures</b></u> at least kept our hopes up for the desired bird of the day.<br />
<br />
The meantime was spent in the company of a lone <u><b>Sparrowhawk</b></u> and a lone <u><b>Great-spotted Woodpecker</b></u> chipping away at us until we finally spotted its hiding place on the blindside of a pine tree. A lone <u><b>Red-billed Chough</b></u> was especially odd given that they usually far outnumber their yellow-billed cousins at this time of year. We had already spotted two pairs of <u><b>Alpine Chough</b></u>
but one of the moments of the day was the swirling descent of a flock
of forty, chirping like happy passerines, as they fell onto the juniper bushes
growing on the bank alongside the road and feasted noisily on their
berries.<br />
<br />
This experience though, it has to be said and however
privileged one felt to be there, was beaten into second place by the
simply awesome weight of a <u><b>Lammergeier</b></u>, caught with
seeping expectation after a whole morning’s hunt, gliding directly over
our heads at the height of a double-decker bus (or two). It was a
young-ish bird, still pale overall but showing signs of accumulating the
orange glow so typical of adult birds.<br />
<br />
The journey back was
spent in reflection - and may be a little tiredness after walking
through mountain meadows. In three days we had seen <u><b>Lammergeier</b></u>, <u><b>Wallcreeper</b></u>, <u><b>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</b></u>, <u><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></u> and <b><u>Little Bustard</u> </b>and only missed out on <u><b>Great Bustard</b></u>
through a stroke of freakish bad luck. And <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/spain%20birding%20winter.html">Winter</a> wasn't supposed to be a
good time. ‘But that’s birding’, said Andris rather philosophically.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-35657731169518609522011-10-11T09:45:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:46:41.581-08:00Client Trip Report: Autumn Break, October 2010<u>11th - 17th October 2010: Autumn in Catalonia - a Trip Report by Frank Mawby</u><br />
<br />
Aside from three quick for-the-record mentions for my
first ever <u><b>Long-billed Dowitcher</b></u> in some ricefields near Lleida on the 21st, a wintering <b><u>Purple Heron</u></b> in the same place on 28th and this winter's first <u><b>Great Bittern</b></u>
on the Ebro Delta on 27th, I'll just say a very big thank you to Frank
for the trip report below (and to John Dingemans for additional
photos from his trip from 25th-28th) and let him get on with it...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26182.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26182.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26182.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26182.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
BIRDING IN CATALONIA by Frank Mawby<br />
<br />
Our trip to the Rutland Bird Fair this year resulted in a late decision
to take a <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">birding holiday in Spain</a> - to be specific, to Catalonia, the
region around Barcelona. I scanned the internet for birding guides and
quickly hit on the<b> </b><a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/">Catalan Bird Tours</a> website of Stephen Christopher. Contact was quickly established,
the price was right and included 7 days birding, <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/accommodation%20euro%20trip.html">self-catering accommodation</a> and splendid picnic lunches. <br />
<br />
The only other cost
was for evening meals and flights. Monarch Airlines fly to Barcelona
from Manchester and were the cheapest. Stephen collected and dropped us
off at the airport and took us to the supermarket to obtain food. We
provided him with our species wish list.<br />
<br />
Catalonia has a
diversity of landscapes. Estuaries, cliffs, rocky shores and beaches
make up a short coastline. Inland are the high mountains of the Pyrenees
down to the vast agricultural plains around Lleida with a whole range
of landforms in between. Such a diversity of habitats inevitably mean
there is a wide diversity of bird life. Our target species included the
Lammergeier and Griffon vultures, the Great and Little Bustards, Eagles
and other raptors.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26178.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26178.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26178.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26178.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[A wintering Black-necked Grebe on the Llobregat Delta, taken on 25th.]<br />
<br />
<u>11<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">LLOBREGAT DELTA</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">GARRAF MASSIF</a><br />
<br />
Barcelona Airport is built on the estuarine marshes of the Llobregat
River and birding commenced within an hour of getting off the plane.
Entering the Llobregat Reserve, Stephen soon lived up to his website
reputation spotting a <u><b>Little Bittern</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> landing a short distance away in the reeds and quickly finding it. We had excellent views of our first lifer for the trip.<b><br /> <br /> </b></span><u><b>Green Woodpecker</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Black Redstart</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Sardinian Warbler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Common Waxbills</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> were seen as we strolled along the paths lined with reeds over 4 m tall. Stephen heard a </span><u><b>Penduline Tit</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> but it only gave a brief glimpse as it flew away and was to elude us for a good view until the final afternoon.</span><br />
<br />
We visited hides overlooking large lagoons holding many ducks and waders, including <u><b>Shoveler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Common</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><b>Teal</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Eurasian</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><b>Wigeon</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Redshank</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Snipe</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Greenshank</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Spotted Redshank</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Spoonbill</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. A </span><u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> circled in the distance and horses were grazing the marsh with attendant </span><u><b>Little Egret</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Cattle Egret</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> but the star bird was a </span><u><b>Booted Eagle</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
<br />
After lunch we drove down the coast, south of Sitges, where a <u><b>Blue Rock Thrush</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> came to inspect us and the local </span><u><b>Black Wheatear</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> appeared. A lone </span><u><b>Audouin's Gull</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> circled the nearby harbour.</span>
Our drive to Stephen’s place was through the Garraf Natural Park, a
hilly region of maritime scrub where he hoped to find some of the
specialities like Dartford Warbler and Bonelli’s Eagle on a later visit.<br />
<u><br /> 12<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">LOS MONEGROS and THE STEPPES OF LLEIDA</a><br />
<br />
Tuesday’s weather forecast for the whole region was not good, so our
destination was not decided until we met Stephen at 0600 hrs. It was
raining and it continued to rain as we drove west towards Aragon. He had
found a possible hole in the weather and the target species was Great
Bustard.<br />
<br />
Sure enough it brightened up as we drove into a vast
agricultural plain, a mix of tilled land and stubble with a number of
uncultivated weedy fields. We started well with a lone <u><b>Stone Curlew</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> but the Bustards were not to be seen. The weedy stubbles were more promising and gave us a nice variety of larks including </span><u><b>Thekla Lark</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [photo below], some very late </span><u><b>Short-toed Lark</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and, from one field, well over 500 </span><u><b>Calandra Larks</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> with their distinctive calls.</span><br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26185.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26185.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26185.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26185.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
A real surprise was locating a group of 17 <u><b>Dotterel</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. The scattered stone barns almost all had a </span><u><b>Little Owl</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> perched on the roof and a flock of </span><u><b>Jackdaw</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> also included </span><u><b>Red- billed Chough</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
<br />
Stephen eventually spotted something large and brown and we were soon looking at a flock of 14 <u><b>Great Bustards</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [top photo] at a distance of less than 100 m. Nearby, we disturbed another four. What a remarkable sight to see such a large bird flying so gracefully with the broad white wing bars flashing. Target species ticked, what next?</span><br />
<br />
A short drive to a new location and we were soon looking at over 50 Stone Curlew and caught a glimpse of the elusive <u><b>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Eventually Stephen pinned them down and we got excellent views as we took lunch. Two large flocks of </span><u><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> flew over and to our delight three </span><u><b>Hobbies</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> suddenly appeared close-by and then a perched </span><u><b>Golden Eagle</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> gave good views [Photo below].</span><br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26181.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26181.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26181.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26181.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
On the way back we were attracted to a large gathering of Marsh Harrier and <u><b>Common Buzzard</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and this area also gave </span><u><b>Spotless Starling</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Southern Grey Shrike</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Tree Sparrows</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Corn Bunting</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. At our final stop, another part of the vast agricultural steppe area, </span><u><b>Merlin</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, more Stone Curlew, </span><u><b>Yellow Wagtails</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and lots of </span><u><b>Red-legged Partridge</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were seen but we failed to find Little Bustard; quite a day with at
least 6 new lifers. There were some good butterflies too including
Swallowtail and Clouded Yellow.</span><br />
<br />
<u>13<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">THE EBRO DELTA</a><br />
<br />
Wednesday, out at 6.00 a.m. again and heading south to the Ebro Delta, a
vast area of mainly rice paddy fields teeming with birds. From a
viewing platform over-looking a large lagoon we watched <u><b>Osprey</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, innumerable Marsh Harriers, and thousands of duck whilst </span><u><b>Reed and Cetti's Warbler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> were just below us.</span><br />
<br />
Another platform gave us many <u><b>Red-crested Pochards</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and a solitary </span><u><b>Night Heron</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> amongst several </span><u><b>Great Cormorants</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. A small flight of </span><u><b>Spoonbill</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and then </span><u><b>Glossy Ibis</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> passed overhead and another Osprey gave an excellent show followed by a </span><u><b>Caspian Tern</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. We toured around the flooded fields and amongst the many waders and gulls were Audouin’s and </span><u><b>Slender-billed Gull</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Black Tern</b></u> and <u><b>Whiskered Tern</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, lots of herons, </span><u><b>Greater</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><b>Flamingo</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, Glossy Ibis, </span><u><b>Pied Avocets</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Curlew Sandpiper</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Little Stint</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">; but a special wader for us was a </span><u><b>Wood Sandpiper</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [Photo below]. </span><b><br /> <br /> </b><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26186.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26186.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26186.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26186.gif" /></a><b><br /> <br /> <u>Fan-tailed Warbler</u> (Zitting Cisticola)</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Whinchat</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Stonechat</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> were common and a single </span><u><b>Spotted Flycatcher</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> was a nice surprise. There were several </span><u><b>Robins</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, a bird that Stephen said was just coming in for the winter.</span><br />
<br />
Lunch was taken in a hide with <u><b>Willow Warbler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Chiffchaff</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> passing through and a few yards below us a Reed Warbler quickly followed by a </span><u><b>Savi’s Warbler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> gave us a nice comparison of these similar species.</span><br />
<br />
As we prepared to leave, the star bird of the day was spotted and even
Stephen could not contain his excitement on seeing a (rare vagrant) <u><b>Yellow-browed Warbler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
<br />
<u>14<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">THE PYRENEES</a><br />
<br />
Thursday saw us heading north for the Pyrenees. On arrival, there was
low cloud as we started to drive uphill but we passed through it into
bright sunshine and looking over a wonderful cloudscape.<br />
<br />
Small flocks of birds were feeding through the trees including <u><b>Crested Tit</b></u>, <u><b>Coal Tit</b></u>, <u><b>Blue Tit</b></u> and<u><b> Great Tit</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - I did not realise that species like this were found at this altitude. Stephen picked up the call of a </span><u><b>Short-toed Treecreeper</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, a call too high pitched for my deteriorating hearing, and it gave but a fleeting glimpse. </span><u><b>Bullfinch</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> was also seen up here.</span><br />
<br />
High overhead we observed large numbers of <u><b>House Martin</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and a regular passage of thrushes – the silhouettes and flight pattern suggested some were </span><u><b>Mistle Thrush</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and others </span><u><b>Ring Ouzel</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. A </span><u><b>Black Woodpecker</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> called in the distance, a </span><u><b>Peregrine</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> briefly showed and small flocks of the yellow-billed </span><u><b>Alpine Chough</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and Red-billed Chough gave a good display at one point.</span><br />
<br />
Late morning and it was time to scan the highest tops and sure enough Stephen soon had <u><b>Griffon Vultures</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> for us, at least a dozen at one point. We moved around the mountain finding </span><u><b>Citril Finch</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Rock Bunting</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> on the way to the lunch spot where we settled down.</span><br />
<br />
Sure enough, as Stephen predicted, the first <u><b>Lammergeier</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> appeared cruising along the mountainside. Then
another was located much closer this time, a dark immature bird, and as
we watched, it dropped something then descended to the ground and began
to eat. It was joined by an adult and the two were up and down a number
of times. In the air they were harried by </span><u><b>Ravens</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and Griffon Vultures.</span><br />
<br />
We left them and began the long descent, picking up <u><b>Dunnock</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Long-tailed Tit</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and later </span><u><b>(White-throated)</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><b>Dipper</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26183.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26183.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26183.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26183.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>15<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">THE LLEIDA STEPPES</a><br />
<br />
Stephen expressed his concern that recent changes in E.C. agricultural
policies that have ended set-aside could see large areas of marginal
land put back into production. He pointed out several areas that had
been ploughed recently and which he had never seen cultivated over the
years he has been birding there. The only nature reserve in this vast
agricultural area was a tiny area of rough grassland.<br />
<br />
The plan, as last time, was to work the fields area by area. Shelagh spotted our main target species, the <u><b>Little Bustard</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">
- five of them feeding in a rough strip of ground. Eventually we moved
on and the track went close enough to move them and a flock of Stone
Curlew.</span> The systematic searching then gave us <u><b>Rock Sparrows</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [photo below] with lots of Corn Bunting.<br /> <br /> </span><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26184.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26184.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26184.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26184.gif" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> As we drove towards a small pool a superb male </span><u><b>Hen Harrier</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dropped in to give a brilliant show at less than 50 metres, bathing,
flying out, shaking himself then returning to bathe again before flying
off to dry [Photo-collage above].</span><br />
<br />
As the search
continued, a large flock of Red-billed Chough were found feeding and
then took to the air with a brilliant display. Stephen then spotted a
distant speck and hurried towards it. Stopping the car, we watched a <u><b>Black-shouldered Kite</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> hunting for several minutes.</span><br />
<br />
We then saw <u><b>Red Kite</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> for which the main attraction was a refuse tip where I was amazed to see not only lots of </span><u><b>Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> but hundreds of </span><u><b>White Storks</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, Cattle Egret, and </span><u><b>European and Spotless Starling</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">. A Blue Rock Thrush was on a nearby cliff and the area also held </span><u><b>Skylark</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, Thekla Lark, </span><u><b>Meadow Pipit</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><u><b>Common Redstart</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
Merlin, Buzzard and much more - a truly rich area for birds. Driving
through an area of scrub another Black-shouldered Kite [Photo below]
posed for us on a power line pole and shortly after a Southern Grey
Shrike.</span><br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26179.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26179.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26179.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26179.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
By late afternoon we were back close to Stephen’s home in the Garraf where he took us
into a shrubby, wooded gorge teeming with birds including many Black
Redstarts, Sardinian Warblers, a<u> <b>Cirl Bunting</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and a</span><u><b> Sparrowhawk</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
<br />
<u>16<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/CAP%20birding%20trip.html">CAP DE CREUS</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">AIGUAMOLLS DE L’EMPORDA</a><br />
<br />
Saturday, our penultimate day, and we headed northwards along the coast towards the French border.<br />
<br />
The view from the first hide over a large reed-fringed lagoon was
teeming with duck and waders, including Shoveler, Geenshank, Spotted
Redshank, <u><b>Dunlin</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and Snipe - a great sight with Fallow Deer grazing amongst the birds and a nice White Stork colony.</span><br />
<br />
The drive out to the Cap de Creus was spectacular, made more so by the
narrow roads and steep drop offs. It was very windy and few birds were
braving the elements, least of all the <b><u>Levantine Shearwaters</u></b>
[seen by SC only]. Well worth the drive for the scenery but
unproductive bird wise other than a Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gulls, <u><b>Northern Gannet</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><u><b>Eurasian Shag</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
<br />
Back to Aiguamolls and here we picked up <u><b>Water Pipit</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> before the first star bird of the day when not one but five </span><u><b>Honey-buzzards</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> passed overhead with many </span><u><b>Pallid Swifts</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
One Honey-buzzard came low and gave a clear outline and good views of
its main features. Leaving the area along country lanes we had a
splendid view of a </span><u><b>Goshawk</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">, the best I have ever had of this species.</span><br />
<br />
<u>17<sup>th</sup> October 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">GARRAF MASSIF</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">LLOBREGAT DELTA</a><br />
<br />
Another reason for choosing the Monarch flight was the 2000 hrs
departure to give us a whole day birding on Sunday. The plan was to do
Stephen’s home area of the Garraf Natural Park; a hilly landscape of low
Mediterranean maritime scrub and pine, which is steadily invading.<br />
<br />
The area was regularly fired in the past slowing the pine and
maintaining the valuable scrub habitat. However, fires are a hazard to
human settlements, to such an extent that even managed burns are
avoided. Nor is there interest in grazing the area so succession to pine
woodland seems inevitable with consequential changes to the flora and
fauna.<br />
<br />
At our first stop, a small settlement by a stream, our first <u><b>Firecrest</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">
soon presented itself for close observation. A mixed flock of tits and
other species passed through and we had a good view of a Cirl Bunting.
Many </span><u><b>Serins</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> were seen but this is a common bird of the area. As we drove through the park </span><u><b>Dartford Warbler</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> gave good views.</span><br />
<br />
Sunday lunch was a leisurely affair in Sitges where we treated Stephen to a well-earned break. After lunch, driving along the coast road, we stopped for views of <u><b>Crag Martin</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> before arriving at the northern area of the Llobregat Reserve.</span><br />
<br />
On the river we saw several <u><b>Mediterranean Gulls</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and we had good views of Penduline Tit. As we came out of the last hide our attention was drawn to the sky where several </span><u><b>Alpine Swifts</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> were passing over.</span><br />
<br />
It was time to leave and the Bluethroat had eluded us but a <u><b>Monk Parakeet</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> flew by as we left for the nearby airport.</span><br />
<br />
Our list for the week, including birds only heard, was 181 species,
although truly we could only claim 178 of them due to failing eyesight
and hearing which became painfully obvious at times compared to our
guide, whose great knowledge of the area and its birds combined with his
keen eyesight and hearing had given us an exceptional week of birding
in mid-October.<br />
<br />
There are so many <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/birds%20in%20catalonia.html">birds in Catalonia</a> that make
it a great region to visit at any time of the year. Stephen is an
excellent birding guide and very popular. He books up quickly at peak
times. His tours range from a day up to a week, his self-catering
accommodation is very comfortable and sleeps up to four people in two
double bedrooms and he will pick up from other accommodation, including
Barcelona.<br />
<br />
FRANK AND SHELAGH MAWBY, U.K.<br />
<br />
The full Autumn birding itineraries can be seen <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26180.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26180.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26180.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26180.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[dark-phase Booted Eagle, Ebro Delta, 27th]<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">OTHER TESTIMONIALS:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>“Our
time in Barcelona was limited so we required someone with excellent
local knowledge - this Stephen has in bucketfuls. We began birding
within minutes of leaving the city and he took us to areas we would not
have found on our own. We concluded a great day out with seven lifers and also saw our first Swallowtail butterfly - a great bonus.</i> <i><br />We
enjoyed our day so much and were so impressed by Stephen’s knowledge
and amiability that we are going back for four days in May 2011.</i> <i>"</i></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /> </span> <br />
<div align="right" style="font-family: inherit;">
<u><b>Neil and Joan Foster, U.K.</b></u> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>“Fantastic. All the different habitats, different birds, brilliant. Thank you very much for all your hard work and enthusiasm which made it a very successful and enjoyable break. We both enjoyed it very much.”</i><br />
<br />
<i>“Thank you for the list of birds seen. Also for the knowledge passed on. My four days was thoroughly enjoyed."</i></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /> </span> <br />
<div align="right" style="font-family: inherit;">
<b><u>John Dingemans and Alan Beale, U.K.</u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> </span>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-59940092494140797952011-09-15T09:10:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:46:25.141-08:00Client Trip Report: Autumn Break, September 2010<u>15th - 20th September 2010: Birding in Catalonia, Spain: A Trip report by Jonathan Prochera</u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"We really had a brilliant time birding in this part of Spain and cannot recommend it enough. We had birded in Spain several times before, but
after our trip I think we would only return to Catalonia."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Jonathan and Robert Prochera, UK </b><i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26379.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26379.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26379.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26379.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
DAY 1: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">Barcelona - The Llobregat Delta</a><br />
<br />
We arrived at Barcelona airport early afternoon, after a smooth two
hour flight from Stansted airport and met up with Stephen Christopher.
It was beautifully sunny and warm but there was a strong breeze coming
in off of the sea.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26389.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26389.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26389.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26389.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[Wood Sandpiper from the Ebro Delta]<br />
<br />
The first birds we picked up upon entering the Llobregat Wetlands reserve, near to the airport, were the abundant <u><b>Zitting Cisticolas</b></u>,
of which we managed to find a non-shy individual and were awarded
lovely scope views. As we progressed through the reserve towards the
viewing towers, we recorded <u><b>Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls</b></u> in good numbers mixed in with a small flock of <u><b>Sandwich Terns</b></u>. <u><b>Mallard</b></u>, <u><b>Gadwall</b></u>, <u><b>Common Teal</b></u> and a pair of rather shabby looking <u><b>Red-crested Pochard</b></u> were noted as well as a few more common water birds that we were used to back home in <a href="http://birding-in-spain-barcelona.blogspot.com/2011/09/outside-spain-august-in-norfolk-uk.html">Norfolk</a>.<br />
<br />
Upon reaching the first of the towers we had spectacularly close views of a pair of <u><b>Ospreys</b></u>
(photo is from the Ebro Delta) soaring together and being harassed
by the odd black-headed gull - not bad having been here for only 20
minutes!<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26384.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26384.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26384.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26384.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
The wind had really begun to pick up now and scope viewing a top the
tower was less than favorable. Despite the wind we recorded: <u><b>Little Stint</b></u>, <u><b>Greenshank</b></u>, <u><b>Redshank</b></u>, <u><b>Western Marsh Harrier</b></u>, <u><b>Spoonbill</b></u>, <u><b>Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits</b></u>
and [after some assistance from Ferran, the reserve warden, who
generously took us into the protected area in his landrover - SC] a
vagrant <u><b>Buff-breasted Sandpiper</b></u>, a lifer for myself.<br />
<br />
We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Llobregat reserve and
recorded a few more common species of wader before returning to our
apartment and getting some rest in preparation for an early start the
following morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
DAY 2: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Pyrenees</a> (Site One)<br />
<br />
Our
second day lead us to the Pyrenees. We had only birded the French side
before and so were excited to see what the Spanish side offered not only
in respect to wildlife but also in scenery. We picked up <u><b>Blackcap</b></u>, <u><b>Pied Flycatcher</b></u>, the common tits and <u><b>Firecrest</b></u> at our early morning and much-needed coffee and biscuit stop, shortly adding several <u><b>Rock Bunting</b></u> and <u><b>Black Redstart</b></u>.<br />
<br />
As we gained height we began to notice small flocks of both <u><b>Red-Billed and Alpine Choughs</b></u>
flying to and fro from the peaks, their harsh calls piercing the empty
landscape. The weather was cooler today and remained mostly grey
throughout. The larger raptors seemed to be hunkered down waiting for
the sun with only a few <u><b>Griffon Vultures</b></u> seen, but two distant <u><b>Golden Eagle</b></u> were a nice treat in the late afternoon.<br />
<br />
Apart from the cloud we had a good day in the mountains with a nice selection of birds being seen. Other highlights included <u><b>Cirl Bunting</b></u>, <u><b>Crested Tit</b></u>, <u><b>Alpine Swift</b></u>, <u><b>Woodlark</b></u>, <u><b>Black Woodpecker</b></u> and a <u><b>Peregrine</b></u> feeding on what we thought must have been one of the fleeing <u><b>Mistle Thrushes</b></u>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26381.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26381.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26381.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26381.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[Glossy Ibis, very common on the Ebro Delta]<br />
<br />
<br />
DAY 3: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">The Ebro Delta</a><br />
<br />
Our third day in Catalonia lead us to the rice fields and waterways of
the Ebro Delta and we were up and ready to go before dawn. The weather
forecast was less than promising but we managed to stay dry throughout
the day, managing to escape the midday rain by retreating to a
well-placed hide.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26388.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26388.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26388.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26388.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
We spent the morning checking the freshly cut rice paddies for wintering and passage waders and water birds picking up <u><b>Wood, Green and Common sandpiper</b></u>, <u><b>Black-winged Stilt</b></u>, Little Stint, <u><b>Purple Swamphen</b></u>, <u><b>Water Rail</b></u>, <u><b>Glossy Ibis</b></u>, <u><b>Greater Flamingo</b></u> and scores of <u><b>Grey and Night heron</b></u>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26385.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26385.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26385.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26385.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, Red Knot]<br />
<br />
Mid-morning, we were treated to some warm Spanish sunshine and enjoyed watching a flock of <b><u>Little Tern</u></b> fishing between the thousands of Mallard, Gadwall and Red-crested Pochard. A lone <u><b>Common Pochard</b></u> was recorded from a tower-hide. <b><u>Bluethroat</u></b> was also seen if only for a few seconds, as were <b><u>Cetti's, Reed and Great Reed Warbler</u></b> and another Osprey patrolling the waterways. A pair of <b><u>Great Egret</u></b> and a fleeting glimpse of a juvenile <b><u>Little bittern</u></b> added to our list also.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26386.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26386.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26386.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26386.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[Squacco Heron]<br />
<br />
During the afternoon we circulated the agricultural areas of the delta some more and recorded <b><u>Temminck's Stint</u></b>, <b><u>Dotterel</u></b>, another [vagrant - it was a good year, SC] <b><u>Buff-breasted Sandpiper</u></b>, <b><u>Booted Eagle</u></b> (next photo), <b><u>Lapwing</u></b> and some juvenile <b><u>Collared Pratincole</u></b>, as well as scores of <b><u>Yellow Wagtail</u></b> with which we had fun determining which subspecies they were and thus, which had made the longest journey to get here.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26380.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26380.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26380.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26380.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
On our return journey we headed to the coast and managed to pick up <b><u>Caspian Tern</u></b> - another lifer for me, an Osprey (making a total of 6 today) fishing and <b><u>Slender-billed Gull</u></b>, as well as <b><u>Turnstone</u></b>, <b><u>Spotted Redshank</u></b> and a pair of <b><u>Whinchat</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26377.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26377.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26377.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26377.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
[Black Tern photos, above and top photo (with a Whiskered Tern), taken
on 23rd September in the Ebro Delta. Little Bustard, next photo and two
below. SC]<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26382.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26382.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26382.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26382.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
DAY 4: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">The Steppes of LLEIDA and LOS MONEGROS</a><br />
<br />
An even earlier start today as we set off to the remaining steppe areas
of Catalonia and neighbouring Aragón. We were in search of bustards
and sandgrouse and by lunchtime had managed to see both <b><u>Great Bustard</u></b> and <b><u>Little bustard</u></b> and a flock of <b><u>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</u></b>.
All species were seen in double figures, although the Little Bustard
were unfortunately flying quite high and away from us - I managed to
identify them as geese until we had gained a better view. . .<br />
<br />
Rain during the night had brought down flocks of migrating <b><u>Turtle Dove</u></b>, one which managed to fight off the clutches of a female <b><u>Sparrowhawk</u></b> right next to our vehicle. Growing flocks of <b><u>Corn Bunting</u></b>, <b><u>Linnet</u></b> and <b><u>Goldfinch</u></b> added to the early morning count, as did <b><u>Sardinian warbler</u></b> and a beautiful <b><u>Black-shouldered Kite</u></b> sitting in an old olive tree, alert and watching for prey.<br />
<br />
As the day warmed, raptor numbers grew. A pair of first year <b><u>Golden Eagle</u></b> were first up, as were multiple <b><u>Common Buzzard</u></b>, <b><u>Red Kite</u></b>, Western Marsh Harrier and Booted Eagles, then to be joined by Griffon Vultures and a solitary <b><u>Short-toed Eagle</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26387.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26387.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26387.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26387.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The afternoon was spent in Aragón and a huge bloom of insects brought flocks of roving <b><u>Common Kestrel</u></b> and migrating <b><u>Hobby</u></b> above our heads. As we travelled past isolated farmhouses we picked up <u><b>Little Owl</b></u> and a flock of 20+ <b><u>Stone-curlew</u></b> (above) a few meters from our vehicle, which was a brilliant sight! <u><b>Tawny Pipit</b></u>, <u><b>Honey-buzzard</b></u> and <u><b>Southern Grey Shrike</b></u> and <u><b>Woodchat shrike</b></u> were also ticked.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26383.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26383.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26383.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26383.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
DAY 5: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Pyrenees</a> (Site Two)<br />
<br />
This time around the weather was perfect and, as we approached this
magnificant range, we began picking up more species. The first birds of
the day were Firecrest, Blackcap and a flock of feeding <u><b>Citril Finch</b></u> mere meters from the car and oblivious to us snapping away at them with our cameras.<br />
<br />
As the morning progressed we left the mountain roads and spent some
time on the alpine meadows searching for ring ouzel. No luck, but <u><b>Stonechat</b></u> and <b><u>Dunnock</u></b>
were added. As mentioned the weather was a lot better in the mountains
on this day and birds of prey were in much more evidence. Several <u><b>Griffon Vultures</b></u>
took off from nearby to us and we managed fabulous views of them no
more than 5m above of us, they looked fabulous in the light and at such a
close distance, but of course... my camera was in the boot of the car.<br />
<br />
As we progressed through the alpine meadow I spotted our first <u><b>Lammergeier</b></u>
of the day sailing across the top of a ridge. It was lit up perfectly
and we could see that it was young-ish bird due to the lightness of its
breast-colouring. 2 other Lammergeier were seen that morning, one
shadowing a flock of griffons. Other highlights included a golden eagle
being mobbed by a <u><b>Raven</b></u>, many hundreds of chough and our third wagtail of the trip - a <u><b>Grey Wagtail</b></u><b> </b>by a pristine Pyrenean stream.<br />
<br />
On our return trip we spotted a falcon shaped bird in a tree but
unfortunately were moving too fast to get a good look or stop, however
we both thought straight away that it looked like a red-footed falcon! I
shan't count it though..<br />
<br />
Day 6: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf Massis</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a><br />
<br />
Our final day was spent on the coast and in the Costa Garraf where we picked up several new species for the trip including: <u>Shag</u>, <u>Rock Sparrow</u>, <u>Common Redstart</u>, <u>Spotted flycatcher</u>, <u>Sub-alpine, Dartford and Spectacled Warblers</u>, <u>Whitethoat</u> and small flocks of honey-buzzard lazily soaring south.<br />
<br />
We had fabulous views of a Peregrine soaring out at sea and returning
to the cliffs, a family of kestrels play-fighting in the wind and
abruptly disappearing at the sight of the aforementioned Peregrine and a
Hobby perched in full view on a Pylon.<br />
<br />
As our trip neared to
its close we had one final stop at the wetlands on the other side of
Barcelona Airport, the only new bird was a fabulously close <u>Eurasian Wryneck</u>, maybe just two meters away and we had some comical views of Iberian <u>Green Woodpeckers</u> scaling palm trees as well. <br />
<br />
We had a more than impressive 170+ bird species in our five full days
birding with Stephen.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>The range of habitats and scenery is worth the trip alone, not to mention the great number of such impressive birds available<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica;">. </span>Stephen managed to find all our target birds for the trip and provided
us with great views of Great Bustard, Lammergeier and "off-course"
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our trip
not only let us experience this wonderful corner of Spain and its great
wild</span>life but increased our identification skills when birding -
especially when identifying waders and for which I cannot give enough
thanks.</i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A wonderful trip. I'm sure we'll be back.</i></div>
<div align="right">
<b>Jonathan and Robert Prochera, Norfolk, U.K.</b></div>
<br />
The Autumn itineraries can be views <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26378.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26378.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26378.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/26378.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
[This Two-tailed Pasha, rare in Spain apparently, was seen in the Garraf throughout September. SC]Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-66345100386317149942011-07-31T06:45:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:34:11.215-08:00June / July 2010: Is Summer a bad time to come?<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Thank
you for a sensational trip - wonderful varied habitats, some great
views and lots of new birds for me. I enjoyed every minute of it."</i></div>
<div align="center">
<div align="right">
<b>Peter Kemmis Betty, UK</b></div>
</div>
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24542.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24542.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24542.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24542.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
After unexpected demand forced me to cancel my plans to watch the World
Cup in peace and recuperate from an extremely busy <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">Spring</a> schedule, we
finished on a rather respectable 190 species for June and the extra
birding proved to be a welcome tonic - especially with encounters like
this <b><u>Stone-curlew</u></b>, or Eurasian Thick-knee, above - given the events that unfolded in South Africa!<br />
<br />
Thanks to David Linstead, who visited on a <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">short birding break</a> with Peter Kemmis-Betty from 6th to 10th June, for supplying all the best photos.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">THE STEPPES OF LLEIDA and LOS MONEGROS</a><br />
<br />
He took the pretty impressive photo above in the STEPPES OF LLEIDA on the 7th, where we also successfully sought out <b><u>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</u></b>, including a small group feeding amongst the same poppies as this displaying and calling <b><u>Little Bustard</u></b> that I digiscoped...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24534.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24534.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24534.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24534.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Also from the same viewpoint, perched in a distant tree-top, we picked up the juvenile <b><u>Black-shouldered Kite</u></b>
that we'd watched hunting earlier, apparently feasting on its success.
A great moment for Catalunya, which has hosted up to three breeding
pairs this year, and especially for me as this was, as far as I know
anyway, my first Catalan-born bird. May the expansion continue.<br />
<br />
As usual the Steppes, which also comprises Los Monegros just over the border in Aragon, offered up a whole mix of raptors with <b><u>Griffon Vulture</u></b>, <b><u>Booted Eagle</u></b>, <b><u>Short-toed Eagle</u></b>, <b><u>Montagu's Harrier</u></b>, <b><u>Hobby</u></b>, <b><u>Lesser Kestrel</u></b> and <b><u>Peregrine</u></b> all paying us a visit today. <br />
<br />
But no sign today of any of the <b><u>Egyptian Vultures</u></b>
I'd seen with Jean and Chris Cox, on their second trip after first
sampling the birds of Catalunya back in September. We took this photo
on the 4th.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24531.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24531.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24531.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24531.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
And another of my digi-snaps, of this <b><u>Black-eared Wheatear</u></b>,
was taken in the same area with Nathaniel Wanders on the 26th. A
strange bird that has two male forms - this black-throated version and
an alternative that shows just a zorro-mask around the eyes - that
co-exist even in adjacent territories.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24528.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24528.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24528.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24528.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Of course, <b><u>Red-necked Nightjar</u></b>, <b><u>Roller</u></b>, <b><u>Rock Sparrow</u></b>, <u><b>Penduline Tit</b></u> and the rest of the region's speciality attractions continued to show, although the impending harvest reduced the chances of <b><u>Common Quail</u></b> even more than usual and <u><b><u>Great Spotted Cuckoo</u></b></u>,
now mostly magnificent juveniles showing off their black heads and burnt
orange wing-flashes, were also becoming harder to come-by.<u><br /> <br /> </u><br />
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">AIGUAMOLLS DE L'EMPORDA</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/CAP%20birding%20trip.html">CAP DE CREUS</a><br />
<br />
My first trip 'up north' for some time, on the 2nd, provided some
reasonably nice views of all three regular shearwaters, with about 60 <b><u>Balearic Shearwaters</u></b>, 40 <b><u>Yelkouan Shearwaters</u></b> and a single, larger <b><u>Cory's Shearwater</u></b> diving in amongst the countless Yellow-legged Gulls.<br />
<br />
We also had the reliable <b><u>Ortolan Bunting</u></b> and several <b><u>Western Orphean Warblers</u></b> in full song, a handful of migrating <b><u>Honey-buzzard</u></b> and a marvellous <b><u>Bonelli's Eagle</u></b> floating over the car.<br />
<br />
<br />
BARCELONA: <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">GARRAF MASSIF</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">LLOBREGAT DELTA</a><br />
<br />
David captured this <b><u>Wood Sandpiper</u></b> almost as soon as he got off the plane, at Llobregat, on the 6th...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24543.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24543.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24543.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24543.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
a site that, apart from the common wetland breeding species (e.g. see
Ebro Delta), also provided an even-now steady stream of migrating wading
birds. Yes, it is <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/spain%20birding%20summer.html">Summer</a>!<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24535.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24535.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24535.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24535.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
And on the 5th, as we got back to the car, we witnessed almost a dozen <b><u>Monk Parakeets</u></b>
painstakingly removing the seed heads from nearby weeds before flying
up out of harms and arms reach to unpack their gifts in peace.
Surprisingly after all that hard work, when one was accidentally dropped
from the cable, birds chose to return to clip off a new head rather
than pick up the old one from the floor.<br />
<br />
And in the Garraf. Both <b><u>Red-necked Nightjar</u></b> and <b><u>European Nightjar</u></b> continued the evening-time entertainment, reliably at least until the middle of the month, and the usual <b><u>Golden Oriole</u></b>, <b><u>Pallid Swift</u></b>, <b><u>Blue Rock Thrush</u></b>, <b><u>Western Bonelli's Warbler</u></b>, <b><u>Dartford Warbler</u></b>, <b><u>Rock Sparrow</u></b>, <b><u>Red-rumped Swallow</u></b> and <b><u>Bee-eater</u></b> (another David pic below) never failed to make the trip list.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24526.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24526.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24526.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24526.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Also of note, an unusually good month for sightings of <b><u>Northern Goshawk</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">THE PYRENEES</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Lammergeier</u></b>, <b><u>Alpine Chough</u></b>, <b><u>Citril Finch</u></b>, <b><u>(Rufous-tailed) Rock Thrush</u></b>, <b><u>Red-backed Shrike</u></b>, <b><u>Rock Bunting</u></b>, <b><u>Tawny Pipit</u></b>
and a host of mountain woodland and meadow passerines... yet my
favourite rain-soaked moment was Nathaniel rescuing this Fire Salamander
on the 28th...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24538.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24538.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24538.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24538.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Apparently their body markings are as unique as finger prints.<br />
<br />
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<br />
And whilst we've strayed off the bird life, here's yet more of David's pictures.. of Chamois and Alpine Marmot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">EBRO DELTA</a><br />
<br />
Trips to the Ebro Delta on the 1st and 30th ensured that we finished as
we started - with a high quality range and number of the best that any
Mediterranean, or even European, wetland has to offer. And it stayed
steadily spectacular through trips in between time too, with this superb
shot of a <b><u>Little Bittern</u></b> from David taken on the 9th.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24533.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24533.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24533.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24533.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
along with the its old dependable cousins, the <b><u>(Black-crowned) Night Heron</u></b>...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24527.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24527.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24527.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24527.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
... Purple Heron...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24536.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24536.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24536.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24536.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
and, after doubling back in the car to catch this bird hiding in the corner of a field near La Tancada, finally, <b><u>Squacco Heron</u></b>. I love the colours in this photo but David's original is far better than I have done justice to here.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24541.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24541.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24541.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24541.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Other dependables include many gulls and terns, including the world-rare but locally increasingly-expanding <b><u>Audouin's Gull</u></b>, with in excess of 10,000 pairs breeding on the delta, and this splendid <b><u>Slender-Billed Gull</u></b>, complete with pink belly-flush and blood-red bill...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24540.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24540.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24540.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24540.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
and, of course, the <b><u>Collared Pratincole</u></b>. Although this particular shot took some work due to a bit of tourist disturbance...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24530.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24530.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24530.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24530.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
And, although it may be not the best photo in the world, I was very grateful to David for this very-difficult-to-get <b><u>Savi's Warbler</u></b>... the only photo I have.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24539.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24539.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24539.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24539.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
BUT. APPARENTLY THE SPRING ISN'T OVER!!<br />
<br />
On the 25th, after searching
high and low in vain since mid-April for one of my all-time favourite
birds, I slammed the breaks hard on and hardly dared to glimpse back at
what surely was, at long last and with some extreme fortune, a <b><u>Red-footed Falcon</u></b> perched on a cable near La Tancada.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24537.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24537.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24537.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24537.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
It allowed us to reverse back, exit the car, set up the scope and watch
it for some minutes before moving off to the next post down when, given
that the record was very late in the season, I finally decided to grab a
couple of digi-snaps to confirm the report with local doubters - oh, you have them too?<br />
<br />
A miracle. After a
(hopefully temporary) shift in the timing of the wheat harvest that now
seemingly comes too late to supply migrating birds with the much-need
glut in flying insects, I had only recently resigned myself to a no-show
for the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
JULY 2010<br />
<br />
As you might expect, the
birding produced a similar range of species, with the slightly lower
total of 183 perhaps reflecting the lesser number of days spent out in
the field compared to June.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"I
really enjoyed the trip and was highly impressed by the way you got
around the dodgy weather, especially on the Ebro Delta day!"</i><br />
<div align="right">
<b>David Linstead, UK</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"Stephen's
knowledge of Catalan birds is outstanding. If you're looking for a
specific bird, Stephen can take you to it. If you want to know what
birds are in a particular locale, he will show you.</i><i> And if you want to learn how to identify a species by appearance or behaviour, he will teach you."</i><br />
<div align="right">
<br />
<b>Nathaniel Wander, US/UK</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"We
very much enjoyed both the birding and your company. We're saving the
[Spanish Champagne] you gave us as a reminder of the wonderful time of
our birding and our honeymoon."</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>Elaine and Barry Dancis, USA</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-14305399013392313982011-05-31T01:46:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:36:12.190-08:00Come what May in the Aiguamolls and Cap de Creus<u>May 2009 - The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda and The Cap de Creus</u><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>“Many thanks once again for a fantastic holiday.”</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>Liz and Mike Bunting, UK (23 May - 3 June 2009)</b></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15621.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15621.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15621.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15621.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
A
day for firsts. The first of the month marked the first pleasure-only,
leisure-only, responsibility-free, non-working birding day for more
than a little while. Even a friend, who I'd arranged to meet for a lazy
day chasing come-what-may in <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda</a> and <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/CAP%20birding%20trip.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/CAP%20birding%20trip.html">The Cap de Creus</a>,
had been given strict instructions not to ask for any targets. 'O.K.,'
he'd e-mailed back totally empathising with my outlook on the day, 'but
it would be nice to see Orphean Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Red-throated
Pipit, Wryneck and Marsh Sandpiper.' 'And I wouldn't mind Roller or
Red-rumped Swallow.'<br />
<br />
<br />
In truth, I too was out to get
my self a few year-firsts, some of those aforementioned included, but as
I sat in the thankfully-lonely hide at Vilaut at 0720, I had already
achieved my main objective for the day. This 'close', Catalan for a pasture
surrounded by trees, that floods naturally in perfect time to attract
passing waders, terns and others, is my favourite place in the world to
be alone. I poured my self a coffee, opened up a packet of 'Chips Ahoy'
cookies and settled down to begin the scan - if I was working, it would
have been the other way around.<br />
<br />
I'd already walked under a flock of bubbling <u><b>European Bee-eater</b></u>, made eye-to-eye contact with a <b><u>Nightingale</u></b> and received a warm welcome from a <b><u>Reed Warbler</u></b> posted at the hide door before a flock of paddling <u><b>White Stork</b></u>, three <u><b>Greenshank</b></u> and smatterings of <b><u>Mallard</u></b>
made up the precursory glance as I perched my self in excited
expectation ready to pan from right to left. I didn't care what I saw, I
told my self, but this was the place of many lifers over the ten years
I've been coming, not least of which was a small flock of
never-to-be-forgotten Red-throated Pipit busying themselves beneath the
lip of the hide window, so I'm not sure I was entirely convincing, or
convinced.<br />
<br />
The silhouette of a <u><b>Wood Sandpiper</b></u> stepped first into the water and then into the light, a male <u><b>Garganey</b></u> shared some synchronised up-ending with a pair of moulting <u><b>Common Teal</b></u> and a <u><b>Common Cuckoo</b></u>
was, peacefully, the only soundtrack. At least until my phone bipped
with a text that read, 'I'll be there in ten minutes.' The white hook
on the neck of a <u><b>Northern Pintail</b></u> caught my eye as it preened in the shallows and a single apparently cold <u><b>Collared Pratincole</b></u>
just sat there, even when the sun glowed across the water to bathe it
in orange and even when I left, nearly two hours later, in the company
of said friend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15623.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15623.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15623.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15623.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Although famed for the unexpected and unpredictable, Vilaut is a reliable site for the (this year, very) late-arriving <u><b>Roller</b></u>
and as we neared the track's end, the familiar rowing action flapped
across our bows and landed in a conveniently leafless tree. A furtive <u><b>Garden Warbler</b></u> was betrayed by a mischievous relative, as a singing <u><b>Sardinian Warbler</b></u> first attracted our attention to it, and provided a second year-first in as many minutes.<br />
<br />
Little
more than ten minutes later and we exited the car on the edge of the
Cap de Creus National Park and a little under ten paces later were
marvelling at a stationary <u><b>Western Orphean Warbler</b></u> singing loudly from the underhang branches of an adjacent cork oak. Reliable site this. Usually for <u><b>Wryneck</b></u>
too, and two more Orphean Warblers later, we heard one kreeching, kestrel-like and made
our way over carefully to track it. No luck. It didn't call again and our
chance had fled.<br />
<br />
Stopping along the way, we picked off <u><b>Pied Flycatcher</b></u>, <u><b>Cirl Bunting</b></u> and almost unprecedented numbers of <b><u>Greenfinch</u></b>,
seemingly craving our attention as much as the warmth as they perched
in the shafts of sunlight piercing the shady canopy of the surrounding
pines. <br />
<br />
Upon reaching another favourite spot, I was momentarily surprised to see space where usually there was scrub, or <i>maquis</i>.
However, my joy, at witnessing the apparent start of an active
clearance programme to combat the dominance of the maquis and its
encroachment into the open spaces many birds depend upon, disappeared as
sure as the birds themselves as I noticed the rows and rows of recently
planted sapling trees. Man has become so good at preventing the
regeneration caused by natural fires that, just as in the Garraf where
such burn back hasn't happened for nearly thirty years!, many species
such as Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Tawny Pipit and Spectacled Warbler
are struggling to keep a foothold.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15622.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15622.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15622.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15622.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
As
if to emphasise the value of re-creating these open spaces, however
unintentional in this case, the enchanting and enigmatic short-song of
an <u><b>Ortolan Bunting</b></u> was quickly tracked to reveal two
stunning males frolicking amongst the torn up roots and newly-exposed
dirt and, when one flew to the dead branch of an old tree to sing again,
its yellow throat lit up in the sunshine and swelled as if it was going
to burst. For some reason, the optimism flooded back.<br />
<br />
This
was my fourth year-first of the day so far, the late-season arrival of
three of them inspiring this trip in the first place. Targets five and
six, however, were passage visitors only and both were reaching the end
of their respective windows of opportunity.<br />
<br />
So imagine
my excitement when, almost written-off, not one but two wonderfully sleak,
needle-billed <u><b>Marsh Sandpiper</b></u> were the first birds I was
drawn to amongst the train-station-like throngs criss-crossing over the
shallows of El Mata back in the Aiguamolls. Dwarfed by the <b><u>Common Redshank</u></b>, <u><b>Ruff</b></u> and <u><b>Black-winged Stilt</b></u>,
it was a breathe-in-and-savour-it thrill to see their black-spotted
plumage so close and watch them slalem their way gracefully between the
legs and bodies of their taller rivals.<br />
<br />
I was hooked for
the next sometime-and-more - truly one of my all-time favourite birds -
and confess to paying scant attention to the <b><u>Red Knot</u></b>, <u><b>Spotted Redshank</b></u>, <u><b>Grey Plover</b></u>
and the rest, until the tick-tock of time, a.k.a. birding friend, tapped me on the shoulder and
said, 'Don't forget you promised me a Red-throated Pipit.'<br />
<br />
For
year-first number six and a full set for the day, we strolled over to and along the edges of the adjacent field
to scour the patch and each blade of grass where <u><b>Red-throated Pipit</b></u>
are seen each and every year. Indeed a flock of twenty-one and many
more sightings had been reported recently so our expectations of getting
the sometimes-binoculars-down views of arms-reach birds began
to rise... and then fall. All twenty-one and their mates were obviously
in hiding. And after a few minutes, <i><b>where</b></i> became
apparrent as a single dark-throated bird rose vertically up from the
mass of impenetrable carpet of grass, drawing-out a diagnostic call of
mischief, before teasing a <i>iberiae</i> <b><u>Yellow Wagtail</u></b> off a bordering fence-post and settling down back into obscurity.<br />
<br />
Very
unsatisfactory. But after the leisurely day-off of relaxing,
responsibility-free birding I'd had, I wasn't complaining. Not one
bit. Roll on the rest of May and roll on the getting back to work.<br />
<br />
Finally, as the Roller showed up again to see us off back at our respective cars near Vilaut, we also got the <u><b>Red-rumped Swallow</b></u> skimming the crop-tops in an adjacent field.<br />
<br />
24th May, 2009<br />
<br />
<br />
My optimism regarding the <b><u>Ortolan Bunting</u></b>
proved founded as the two males were still singing in exactly the same
place on my only other trip to the region this month. Lots of <b><u>Red-rumped Swallow</u></b>
too, well spread across the Cap de Creus National Park and very
encouraging as this species is still rather localised in Catalonia.<br />
<b><u><br /> </u></b><br />
<b><u>Western Orphean Warbler</u></b>
continued to show well, particularly a marvellous pair singing and
playing right by the car as we drank coffee, and its cousin, the <b><u>Melodious Warbler</u></b>, seemed to post singing sentinels everywhere we went. <b><u>Wryneck</u></b>
at last improved on its rather poor showing so far this year with two
heard calling and one seen well close to a good spot for <b><u>Dartford Warbler</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Over a dozen immature <b><u>Shag</u></b> and a spectacular pair of <b><u>Honey-buzzard</u></b>
over the car proved to be the only additions over the trip
from the first of the month but the mean time, whilst not quite drying
up the water in El Mata in the Aiguamolls, certainly saw a reduction in
wetland species overall, signalling the beginning of the end of <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">the migration season</a> and the start of getting down to breeding business. A
pair of <b><u>Mute Swan</u></b> chasing a <b><u>Eurasian Spoonbill</u></b> out of their patch of water confirmed the process was well under way.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-54505997864994520782011-05-11T06:20:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:44:32.806-08:00A Birding Holiday in Catalonia, Spain (May 2010)<u>Plus a few extra May days</u>...<br />
<br />
A hefty total of 217 species recorded in 24 birding days this month,
including 21 raptors, 23 wading birds, 13 gulls and terns, and 18
warblers - so I'll wrap this attempted summary conveniently around Vicky
and James King's <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">birding break</a>, and the amazing photos James took
between 11th - 17th May 2010. Many more of his photos, uncropped and
much better quality, can be seen here: <a _fcksavedurl="http://gallery.me.com/james_r_king#100116" href="http://gallery.me.com/james_r_king#100116">James King Gallery</a><br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24498.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24498.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24498.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24498.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>11th May 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">LLOBREGAT DELTA, BARCELONA</a><br />
<br />
Let's kick off with my own personal favourite that dropped in after some night-rain on the morning of 11th May.<br />
<br />
The photo above is clearly a <b><u>Western Yellow Wagtail</u></b>
but, even on first sighting I was captivated by the dark olive-green
head that stood out in the low morning sunlight as it worked its way
bobbing between the blades of grass outside the hide on The Llobregat Delta. A
black-headed, or <i>feldegg</i> sub-species, one would suppose - but their heads are usually, er, black.<br />
<br />
For comparison, see this classic example of a <b><u>Black-headed Wagtail</u></b> (<i>Motacilla flava feldegg</i>) from our trip to The Pyrenees on 14th...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24499.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24499.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24499.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24499.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
... and, quite remarkably, we had a second green-headed version by the
car in The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda on 15th May and, again, it was so
unusual that it took a long, long time before we could draw ourselves
away from it. Well, if anyone has any ideas... feel free to post a
remark or send me an email.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24496.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24496.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24496.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24496.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Back in the real world at Llobregat, this <b><u>Eurasian Coot</u></b>
scrap was a thriller, going on for more than some minutes with this
assassin's repeated attempts to drown a presumed rival and it eventually
involving four birds.<br />
<br />
Two very late <b><u>Garganey</u></b> was
an encouraging sign, even if they were both males, and indeed news
later in the year confirmed Catalonia's first breeding pair for some
time, although this was at Vilaut, Aiguamolls.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24497.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24497.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24497.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24497.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Little Bittern</u></b>, <b><u>Squacco Heron</u></b>, <b><u>Eurasian Spoonbill</u></b>, <b><u>Great Crested Grebe</u></b>, <b><u>Purple Swamphen</u></b>, <b><u>Collared Pratincole</u></b>, <b><u>Eurasian Oystercatcher</u></b> (first time breeding!), <b><u>Pied Avocet</u></b>, <b><u>Audouin's Gull</u></b>, <b><u>Great Spotted Cuckoo</u></b>, <b><u>Bee-eater</u></b>, <b><u>Hoopoe</u></b>, <b><u>Golden Oriole</u></b> and this <b><u>Great Reed Warbler</u></b>, above, made up the regulars on Barcelona's Llobregat Delta, whilst the day's migrants included <b><u>European Roller</u></b>, <b><u>Garden Warbler</u></b> and <b><u>Pied Flycatcher</u></b>.<br />
<br />
Other May Llobregat Birds: <b><u>Northern Gannet</u></b>, <b><u>Temminck's Stint</u></b>, <b><u>Eurasian Nightjar</u></b>, <b><u>Caspian Tern</u></b>, <b><u>Red-rumped Swallow</u></b>, <b><u>Wood Warbler</u></b> and <b><u>Common Waxbill</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>12th May 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">EBRO DELTA</a><br />
<br />
Many of the same species as above, of course, including this <b><u>Purple Heron</u></b>
below, can be seen on the Ebro Delta, where the Kings and I headed on
the 12th, but it's not every time that you get to witness one in an
almighty struggle with a highly resistant Ladder Snake (I think). A
full photo-series on James' link above.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24503.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24503.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24503.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24503.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
A total of 8 species of heron can be seen easily at this time of year
on the Ebro Delta, Europe's third most important wetland, including
Little Bittern and this Squacco Heron, showing a blue-ish bill in
breeding plumage ...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24506.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24506.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24506.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24506.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
... with other high-priority target species being Caspian Tern, <b><u>Greater Flamingo</u></b>, <b><u>Glossy Ibis</u></b>, Purple Swamphen...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24504.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24504.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24504.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24504.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
... <b><u>Gull-billed Tern</u></b>, <b><u>Slender-billed Gull</u></b> and this Audouin's Gull...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24500.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24500.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24500.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24500.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
... not to forget land birds, including the very localised <b><u>Savi's Warbler</u></b>,
and the rather enigmatic and somewhat unique Collared Pratincole
(below), which for some reason didn't seem to have a good year on the
Ebro Delta this year (but excelled at Delta de Llobregat) ...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24501.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24501.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24501.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24501.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Other May Ebro Delta Birds: similar to Llobregat Delta above.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>13th May 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">STEPPES</a> OF LLEIDA (Catalonia) and LOS MONEGROS (Aragon)<br />
<br />
May is a good time for the speciality target species such as <b><u>Little Bustard</u></b>, <b><u>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</u></b>, <b><u>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</u></b> and <b><u>Stone-curlew</u></b>, unfortunately good photos of them were not forthcoming today.<br />
<br />
However, I did manage this <b><u>Red-necked Nightjar</u></b> taken in a regular spot a few days earlier [and now forms the back drop to this blog].<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24512.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24512.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24512.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24512.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Males often have several day time roost spots, occupied when the female
is sitting, so they can be hard to pick up. But actually, its mate is
sat close-by, just out of frame.<br />
<br />
James' picture of this
stubborn car-side adult <b><u>Great Spotted Cuckoo</u></b> that just wouldn't budge
demonstrates quite typical behaviour for this species, which lays its
eggs in Magpie nests, and photos like this are not too difficult to come
by.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24510.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24510.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24510.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24510.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
The same cannot be said for <u><b>European Roller</b></u> however with birds usually
taking flight just before the camera shutter clicks. To make up for it
though, they are sometimes seen in pairs carrying out their 'rolling'
display.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24513.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24513.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24513.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24513.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Another easy one, European Bee-eater. Very common and often returns to the same perch.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24509.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24509.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24509.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24509.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
This <b><u>Iberian (or Southern) Grey Shrike</u></b>, <i>Lanius meridionalis</i>,
below, can be told from its European (Great Grey) counterpart with
relative ease by the pink flush to the lower parts and a white
eye-stripe that crosses and meets over the bill.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24511.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24511.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24511.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24511.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
One of my all-time favourites turned out to be a May regular. The ghostly <b><u>Black-Shouldered Kite</u></b> (still nesting!) flies like an owl and hovers like a kestrel.<br />
<br />
Others worth a mention are: <br />
<br />
<b><u>Egyptian Vulture</u></b>, <u><b>Golden Eagle</b></u>, <b><u>Booted Eagle</u></b>, <b><u>Montagu's Harrier</u></b>,<b> <u>Lesser Kestrel</u></b><b>, </b><u><b>Spectacled Warbler</b></u>, <b><u>Common Quail</u></b>, <b><u>Black Wheatear</u></b>, <b><u>Black-eared Wheatear</u></b> and nest-building <b><u>Penduline Tit</u></b>.<br />
<b><u><br /> Bonelli's Eagle</u></b>, <b><u>European Honey-buzzard</u></b> and <b><u>Dupont's Lark</u></b> only occasionally made the list, although the latter of course is to be expected without specialised early-morning trips, but <b><u>Thekla Lark</u></b>, <b><u>Calandra Lark</u></b> (below)...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24508.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24508.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24508.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24508.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Lesser Short-toed Lark</u></b> and <b><u>Short-toed Lark</u></b> (below) were amongst those making sure the family were well-represented.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24514.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24514.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24514.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24514.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>14th May 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">PYRENEES</a><br />
<br />
Almost standard stock in May for the Catalan Pyrenees, in the province of Barcelona, include the almost mythical <b><u>Lammergeier</u></b>, as well as other raptors, and the much-asked-for flocks of <b><u>Citril Finch</u></b>, the somewhat contradictory <b><u>(Rufous-tailed) Rock Thrush</u></b> (they really don't seem to like the weather at altitude) and the hugely impressive <b><u>Black Woodpecker</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24518.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24518.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24518.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24518.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
But, although by nature there are less species in mountain woodlands, some, such as <b><u>Firecrest</u></b>, <u><b>Crested Tit</b></u>, <u><b>Short-toed Treecreeper</b></u>, <u><b>Red Crossbill</b></u>, <b><u>Western Bonelli's Warbler</u></b> (above) and <b><u>Bullfinch</u></b> (below), present enough challenges to easily fill in the day and so it proved on the 14th.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24517.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24517.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24517.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24517.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Typically, the charming <b><u>Alpine Chough</u></b> (poorly photographed by me below), are often to be found noisily mixing with their <b><u>Red-billed Chough</u></b> cousins, when you should listen out for the most un-corvid-like sound you're ever likely to hear. <br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24516.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24516.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24516.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24516.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Along with <b><u>Red-backed Shrike</u></b>, <b><u>(White-throated) Dipper</u></b>, <b><u>Rock Bunting</u></b> and <u><b>Nuthatch</b></u>, they rarely disappoint but sightings of <b><u>Wryneck</u></b>, <b><u>Ring Ouzel</u></b> and <b><u>Egyptian Vulture</u></b> are less predictable.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Grey Partridge</u></b> is quite rare for Catalunya and a small family group seen on the 24th proved to be the only May sighting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>15th May 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">AIGUAMOLLS DE L'EMPORDA</a> and <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/CAP%20birding%20trip.html">CAP DE CREUS</a><br />
<br />
The Kings decided not make the full Cap de Creus trip, all the way
to the Cap itself, but on the 15th we did manage an early morning jaunt
through some song-filled woodland within the park, picking up
lots of passerines but especially targeting the noisy and characterful <b><u>Western Orphean Warbler</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24519.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24519.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24519.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24519.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
A steady stream of <b><u>European Honey-buzzard</u></b>
passed overhead and, despite the usual confusion between it and the
Common Buzzard, I defy anyone to have doubts over this classic example
above.<br />
<br />
A little higher up we added <b><u>Pallid Swift</u></b> and our next target, <b><u>Ortolan Bunting</u></b>, didn't prove too difficult either, with a belligerent singing male ignoring the wind with more success than we did.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24520.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24520.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24520.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24520.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Back at the Aiguamolls reserve in the lowlands, where many species are
obviously similar to the other wetlands we'd already visited, we
satisfied ourselves with better views and better photographs of some,
such as these Eurasian Spoonbill above.<br />
<br />
From other May trips to these north-eastern locations in the Emporda, Balearic Shearwater, Garganey and <b><u>Northern Lapwing</u></b> are all worth a mention.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>16th May 2010</u> - <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">GARRAF MASSIF, BARCELONA</a><br />
<br />
The Kings spent the 16th and the morning of the 17th exploring deeper into the Garraf Hills where we enjoyed tracking down <b><u>Bonelli's Eagle</u></b>, <b><u>Hobby</u></b>, <b><u>Dartford Warbler</u></b> and Red-necked Nightjar, compared <b><u>Pallid, Alpine and Common Swifts</u></b> and watched a male <b><u>Peregrine Falcon</u></b> suddenly rise from his ocean-side perch, drop like a stone and, in a flash, grab a <b><u>Crag Martin</u></b>
no more than one metre from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea. His
larger mate sauntered over momentarily but, unimpressed by the size of
the catch, she returning condescendingly to her own perch.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24521.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24521.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24521.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24521.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
A final quick-stop back at Llobregat, where we began the trip, proved
to tie things up nicely with a little deja-vue - Western Yellow
Wagtails, this time <i>iberiae</i> sub-species, drawing the attention again, and fighting in almost the same spot as the coots!<br />
<br />
Other May GARRAF birds: <br />
<br />
<b><u>Temminck's Stint</u></b>
and Balearic Shearwater on and from Vilanova beach respectively. My
first Garraf Common Quail. And evening trips to see displaying and
singing Red-necked Nightjar and European Nightjar.<br />
<br />
And finally, on 28th, a very rare vagrant to Catalonia, and not too far from the house - a <b><u>Rook</u></b>!<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24522.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24522.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24522.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24522.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"It was well worth putting up with the nausea on the ferry to get the fantastic week's birding that you organised!!</i><br />
<i> Got home on Saturday and am now reading through my Spanish bird lists with a big grin on my face.</i><br />
<i>
A big thank you again for the best introduction to European birding - I'm hooked now! Simply cannot decide on the best day of the week; every
trip offered something unique."</i></div>
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>Sandra Davies, UK (April and May)</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"What
more could I add to what Sandra wrote! My feelings were very similar.
If I had to pick two destinations it would be the Pyrenees and the
Steppes, however the birding on the coast and elsewhere was brilliant!
So no favourite then."</i></div>
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>John Maddock, UK (April and May)</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Thanks
for all you did in making the trip a happy and memorable one - not only
did you show us a lot of birds but it also gave us some background for
the rest of our trip."</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Vicky and James King, USA</b></div>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-78612637660522805892011-04-30T05:47:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:34:40.162-08:00April in Catalonia: The migrants just keep coming!<u>April 2010 - Catalonia, Spain</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"It was well worth putting up with the nausea on the ferry to get the fantastic week's birding that you organised!!"<b> </b></i><b>Sandra Davies, UK</b></div>
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21886.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21886.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21886.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21886.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
April began where March left off with this <u><b>Spotted Crake</b></u> and at least one <u><b>Little Crake</b></u>
still present on <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a> as I write on the 13th. And I
also had three Little Crakes (one male) in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda</a>
on the 12th.<br />
<br />
I had my first local <u><b>Common Cuckoo</b></u> in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf Massis</a> on the 1st and, from that moment, the chain of first arrivals around Barcelona has brought <u><b>Pied Flycatcher</b></u> and <u><b>Little Bittern</b></u> (3rd), <b><u>Collared Pratincole</u></b> (6th, photo below), <u><b>Great Reed Warbler</b></u> and <u><b>Wood Warbler</b></u> (9th), and <u><b>Bee-eater</b></u>, <u><b>Nightingale</b></u> and an (unremarkable) <u><b>Siberian Chiffchaff</b></u>, sub-species <i>tristis</i>, singing on the 10th. This photo was taken by Ferran Lopez Sanz, who discovered it the day before.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21885.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21885.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21885.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21885.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Garganey</b></u>, <u><b>Common Redstart</b></u>, <u><b>Northern Wheatear</b></u>, various heads of <u><b>Yellow Wagtail</b></u> and thousands of waders including <u><b>Temminck's Stint</b></u> and <u><b>Marsh Sandpiper</b></u>, have continued to hang around and pass through, with a high count of 600 <u><b>Little Gull</b></u> off the coast of Barcelona throughout the second week of April especially worth a mention. As is the presumably last <u><b>Gannet</b></u> diving off the Garraf coast on the 3rd.<br />
<br />
The 17th proved to be the day of the year I always look forward to, when two year-first <b><u>Ortolan Bunting</u></b> fed a few metres away as I nibbled on a sandwich in the Garraf Hills. And two days later, on the 19th, a late <b><u>Chaffinch</u></b>, a couple of <b><u>Bonelli's Eagles</u></b> and finally, after searching the whole 10,000 km2 of the Natural Park, this lone <b><u>Turtle Dove</u></b> was found sat in a tree by my house!<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24470.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24470.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24470.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24470.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
This very approachable <u><b>Great Spotted Cuckoo</b></u> captured on the Llobregat on 9th, joins a host of species such as <u><b>Purple Heron</b></u>, <u><b>Red-rumped Swallow</b></u>, <u><b>Bonelli's Warbler</b></u>, <u><b>Woodchat Shrike</b></u> and <u><b>Whiskered </b></u><u><b>Tern</b></u> that have all settled themselves in by now. <u><b>Squacco Heron</b></u>, <u><b>Black-eared Wheatear</b></u> and <u><b>Sub-alpine Warbler</b></u>, which always sets the blood racing, are still trickling into the region.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21888.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21888.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21888.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21888.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
And a thrilling day on the 22nd, when I had to enlist the help of the
local warden to fast-jeep me across the Ca L'Arana beach to a viewing
tower where I watched in awe as more than 150 <b><u>Yelkouan Shearwater</u></b> were circling and feeding in two loose groups low over the Mediterranean. They were joined on the fringes by a handful of <u><b>Common Scoter</b></u> and, amongst the throngs, a half-dozen <u><b>Northern Gannets</b></u> and a pirating <u><b>Arctic Skua</b></u>! And all that just after a passing male <b><u>Ferruginous Duck</u></b> had been picked out through a gap in the reeds. One of the best hours of the year so far!<br />
<br />
Nest-building <u><b>Penduline Tit</b></u>, more <u><b>Bonelli's Eagle</b></u> (including an immature), frisky <u><b>Black Wheatear</b></u> and <u><b>Blue Rock Thrush</b></u> competing for rock space and singing <u><b>Moustached Warbler</b></u> all fight not to be upstaged by the new arrivals whilst some, like the summer plumaged <u><b>Black-necked Grebe</b></u> below, merely change their outfit to attract attention. A terrible photo but what a bird this is.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21887.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21887.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21887.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21887.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This <u><b>Lesser Kestrel</b></u> above, along with <u><b>Black Kite</b></u>, <u><b>Short-toed Eagle</b></u>, <u><b>Great Spotted Cuckoo</b></u>, <u><b>Black-eared Wheatear</b></u> and <u><b>Spectacled Warbler</b></u>,
had all established themselves by the time I made my first <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">Spring</a> visit
to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">The Steppes</a> on the 8th April, with a pair of the latter even
nest-building.<br />
<br />
But the highlight today was the real reason for my visit and a day-time singing (as they usually do at this site) <u><b>Dupont's Lark</b></u>, walking along the path in front of me, would have kept me smiling for the rest of the day even if I hadn't also had the usual <u><b>Little Bustard</b></u>, <u><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></u> and <u><b>Black-belied Sandgrouse</b></u>, all in the same field at one point, along with <u><b>Stone-curlew</b></u> and year-first <u><b>Short-toed Lark</b></u> and <b><u>Whinchat</u></b>.<br />
<br />
However, a return trip on 15th April, besides a pair of year-first passing <b><u>Tree Pipit</u></b>, witnessed the remarkable scene of a pair of displaying <b><u>Black-shouldered Kite</u></b>
with the birds even disappearing into a nearby likely-looking tree. Subsequent events
were to reveal possibly three breeding pairs for the region and a very
promising outlook for the future.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21889.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21889.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21889.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21889.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
A trip to the Aiguamolls, on the 12th, saw six <u><b>Collared Pratincole</b></u> and three <u><b>Egyptian Geese</b></u> sitting out the rain on El Mata, where I also found 12 <u><b>Whimbrel</b></u>, a pair of <u><b>Little Crake</b></u> and, overhead, a constant string of hundreds and hundreds of <u><b>Common Swifts</b></u> heading north. Along the edges, apparently uninterested in my soaking appearance standing before them, <u><b>Sedge Warbler</b></u> (below), <u><b>Moustached Warbler</b></u>, <u><b>Sub-alpine Warbler</b></u> and a solitary <u><b>Linnet</b></u> all sang their hearts out oblivious.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24468.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24468.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24468.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24468.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Two <u><b>Nightingale</b></u> were singing, or practicing at least, in other parts of the reserve, one at Cortalet, with a nearby year-first <u><b>Melodious Warbler</b></u> doing likewise and a <u><b>Wryneck</b></u> joined in briefly. On the water, a pair of <u><b>Northern Lapwing</b></u> and a few <u><b>Eurasian Wigeon</b></u> put in a reminder for winter but a lone rare <u><b>Ferruginous Duck</b></u> stole the show.<br />
<br />
Finally, a quick stop off at the Estany Europa produced yet another Little Crake and a single Marsh Sandpiper and a <u><b>Rose-ringed Parakeet</b></u> cawing.<br />
<br />
But I wasn't able to return for the regular passage of <b><u>Red-throated Pipit</u></b>
(below) in the north of Catalunya until the 20th, when at least six
birds were present, with the show continuing at least until
the 26th.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24469.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24469.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24469.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/24469.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
The other main year-first target for the 20th was the <b><u>Western Orphean Warbler</u></b>,
which was easily located on every trip through the summer in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/CAP%20birding%20trip.html">The Cap de Creus</a> from this day forth. Today, I was saved a bit of leg work with
two competing birds singing close to the car. And another highlight for
the day was around 100 <b><u>Balearic Shearwater</u></b> active around the Cap itself.<br />
<br />
Two end-of-the-month trips to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Pyrenees</a>, on the 28th and 30th, produced not only the usual bag of <b><u>Lammergeier</u></b>, <b><u>Citril Finch</u></b>, <b><u>Alpine Chough</u></b>, <b><u>Black Woodpecker</u></b>, <b><u>Honey-buzzard</u></b>, etc. but good numbers of year-first <b><u>(Rufous-tailed) Rock Thrush</u></b>.<br />
<br />
And sandwiched between them, on the 29th in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">The Ebro Delta</a>, quite remarkably my only <b><u>White-winged Tern</u></b> of the year!! What's going on?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"Thanks for a great day's birding, especially the two Bonelli's species. We'll be in touch again."</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>Derek Gifford and Janet Hale, UK</b></div>
<br />
<i>"Got home on Saturday and am now reading through my Spanish bird lists with a big grin on my face.<br />
A big thank you again for the best introduction to European birding -
I'm hooked now! Simply cannot decide on the best day of the week; every
trip offered something unique."</i><b><i><br /> </i></b><br />
<div align="right">
<b>Sandra Davies, UK (April and May)</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"What
more could I add to what Sandra wrote! My feelings were very
similar. If I had to pick two destinations it would be the Pyrenees
and the Steppes, however the birding on the coast and elsewhere was
brilliant! So no favourite then."</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>John Maddock, UK (April and May)</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span> </div>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-55387681185035055312011-04-30T01:17:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:36:24.852-08:00April in The Steppes, Catalonia, Spain<u>April 2009 - The Steppes of Lleida and Los Monegros</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"You gave us lots of options, answered emails promptly and put yourself out for us. <br />
On the day we were thrilled to see so many new birds in such a short
space of time, without causing them any significant disturbance. You
clearly knew the area very well and took us to the best places. It was
fascinating to not just tick off the 'lifers' but to
learn about the birds and understand them. The star bird was the Black
Wheatear, but the Great Spotted Cuckoo was special and the eagle above
the petrol station was a wonderful end to a memorable day."</i><br />
<div align="right">
<b>David and Carol Bradley, UK, <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">Guided Birding Day Tour</a><br /> <br /> </b> <br />
<div align="left">
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15321.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15321.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15321.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15321.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Drizzzzzle all the way along the AP2 en route to <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">THE STEPPES OF LLEIDA</a>
on the first day of the month had the unavoidable effect of lowering
our expectations but Catalonia thankfully has a knack for ignoring such
negativity, even in the amounts given off by three cynical Brits, and we
were immediately rewarded upon our arrival with several quite lovely
flocks of white <b><u>Cattle Egret</u></b> against the dark grey sky, welcoming us and tempting us to follow.<br />
<br />
Follow we would, but later. They were on their way to the municipal
dump for breakfast and, as usual, I had to earn mine by first finding at
least one of the area's three key steppe species to watch while I ate. As it turned out we
got two for the price of one as a pair of <b><u>Stone-curlew</u></b> flushed up to land in a nearby field and spooked a single male <u><b>Little Bustard</b></u>,
who settled in cover but no more than a skip and a jump from it's point
of take-off.<br />
<br />
If they do this, rather than flying away, it usually means a territory has already been established so I knew it wasn't going anywhere and we pointed the scope at the two
nervous Eurasian Thick-knees, as the world has rather annoyingly started
to call <i>Burhinus oedicnemus</i>, and David and Carol excitedly
gulped down their first ever sighting, big yellow eyes and all. I
gulped down my coffee and cookies and kept my big brown eyes on where the
Little Bustard landed.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15317.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15317.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15317.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15317.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Before long the wailing of the Stone-curlew was joined by the quick
ventriloqual fart-raspberry of the Little Bustard and we were able to
pick him out and watch on like voyeurs, a sight that was thankfully to
be repeated throughout the month with up to six territorial males in
this fragment of pseudo-steppe. After pecking off seeds from the
neck-high weeds, he began to swell up his throat and throw back his
head, letting out his peculiar flatulent nuptial noise in his attempt to
lure a female, but during the time we were there he had no obvious
success. No, it doesn't work with me either.<br />
<br />
Not wanting to
risk too much disturbance at this time of year, we left him with his
disappointment and headed off, accompanied by the sight and soundtrack
of chinkling <b><u>Calandra Lark</u></b>, to one of this season's
'likely' fields for the last of the magic three. Magic indeed, as the
first stop and the first scan revealed no less then four pairs of <b><u>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</u></b>
grouped together and motionless twenty metres from the car, invisible
to the naked eye but glorious in their colourful camouflage once three
sets of binoculars were pointed in their direction.<br />
<br />
It only
took a couple of minutes for them to habitualise to us and proceed to
walk the short steps their specially-adapted short legs would allow,
picking off seeds from weeds just as the Little Bustard had. They froze
momentarily as a ring-tail <b><u>Hen Harrier</u></b> flapped and
zig-zagged its way over and again we managed to leave them without
flushing, an important consideration given their precarious breeding
status in the area. For the record, a maximum of twenty-six Pin-tailed Sandgrouse,
mostly in pairs or evenly sexed flocks, were counted during April 2009.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15322.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15322.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15322.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15322.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
By the 16th, this flushed <b><u>Montagu's Harrier</u></b>,
looking back at the photographer, had not only replaced the
wintering Hen Harrier but had also been seen on every visit, sometimes
in the apparent company of a female. After last year's almost total
absence in this patch I'm hopeful that they will stick around to repeat
the success of 2007.<br />
<br />
Back on the 1st, the Hen Harrier seemed to track us through the day giving us many thrilling encounters but a miserable <b><u>Common Buzzard</u></b>
perched in a tree-top bode warning of a poor-weather day, short on
raptors. However, like the harriers, not all birds of prey are built
for gliding and soaring and a spectacular <b><u>Osprey</u></b> passed over head to our delight, especially as we'd already added <b><u>Red-billed Chough</u></b>, <u><b>Red-legged Partridge</b></u> and, moments before, three <u><b>Western Bonelli's Warbler</b></u>.<br />
<br />
Almost to the day the year before, we'd had an Osprey at nearby Utxesa
lake and so a visit here was planned for the day anyway but a second was
too much to ask for and we had to 'settle' for <u><b>Alpine Swift</b></u>, <b><u>Southern Grey Shrike</u></b> and four <b><u>Red-rumped Swallow</u></b> sharing the restricted airspace above the reeds with their numerous <b><u>Barn Swallow</u></b> and <u><b>House Martin</b></u> cousins.<br />
<br />
This feeding frenzy reminded us of lunch and we tucked in and reflected on the mornings highlights, which included <b><u>White Stork</u></b>, <u><b>Red Kite</b></u> and <u><b>Black Kite</b></u> at the dump, a truly beautiful male <b><u>Marsh Harrier</u></b> and a passage Blue-headed, <i>flava</i>, <b><u>Yellow Wagtail</u></b> whilst making comparisons between the local <b><u>Crested Lark</u></b> and <u><b>Thekla Lark</b></u>.<br />
<br />
But the moment of the morning for me had been all three of us tracking
the curious cackling erupting from some pines in the Alfes <i>timoneda</i>. We lost count as perhaps more than six <b><u>Great Spotted Cuckoo</u></b>
repeatedly broke cover and, always in pairs, sprinted low over the
grassy field between the tree cover on opposite boundaries. With a little patience and
some manouvering we feasted on fantastic telescope views of three
particularly helpful birds, one of which possessed a black rather than the grey head of the adult. Unlikely to be a juvenile so early anyway but a little more patience confirmed a lack of burned orange in the wing indicating it was a first summer
individual.<br />
<br />
And all this whilst four <b><u>Hoopoe</u></b> chased each other around seemingly unable to decide who was with whom for the summer.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15318.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15318.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15318.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15318.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
As we reached Cogul, after seeing yet more <b><u>Little Owl</u></b>
sunning themselves on the way, the skies had begun to clear, increasing
our hopes of seeing the local breeding Short-toed Eagle. Mean time a
short walk into the sunshine brought out lots of <b><u>Linnet</u></b>, a pair of <b><u>Blue Rock Thrush</u></b> and the day's second <b><u>Black-eared Wheatear</u></b>, again the white-throated form. A stunning pair of resident <b><u>Black Wheatear</u></b> also obliged and completed the set as passage <b><u>Northern Wheatear</u></b> had already been recorded earlier in the day.<br />
<br />
And finally we were indeed gifted great views of a <b><u>Short-toed Eagle</u></b> - but not until we were halfway home and an awesome individual sailed right over the car as I was filling up with petrol!<br />
<br />
The local bird, however, proved more helpful on all five of my other
April visits, on 5th, 11th, when the picture below was taken, 16th, 20th and
21st.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15320.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15320.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15320.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15320.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
These visits also included the nearby <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">LOS MONEGROS</a>, targetted for <b><u>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</u></b>
and, continuing the positive theme, were seen in numbers (max. 40),
active and frolicking on all but one (brief) search. The weather during
the month was pretty awful to say the least, not necessarily putting off
the birds, as the soaking wet Pin-tailed Sandgrouse below will testify,
but making birding slightly less enjoyable, and harder work, than
usual.<br />
<br />
But in the end, after the apparent shock-wave of last
year's agricultural upheaval (following the termination of subsidies for ecologically vital set-aside land), it was a month full of hope, as things
seemed to have settled back into the struggle of normalcy, with numbers
of displaying Little Bustard up on the previous year, sandgrouse just
about holding their own and both Montagu's Harrier and <u><b>Common Quail</b></u> (finally seen after countless invisible tempters on 16th, and again on 21st) returning to at least give it a go. Plenty of <b><u>Red-rumped Swallow</u></b> too, even away from their known and localised breeding spots. <br />
<br />
But in a rather magical moment whilst watching a first-winter <u><b>Golden Eagle</b></u> being mobbed by two <b><u>Raven</u></b> I shushed my two clients and allowed my apparent imagination to materialise into not one but two singing <b><u>Dupont's Lark</u></b>, no further than ten metres from the car, in a location I'd never heard them before and at 11.30 in the morning [and this site has since proved very reliable - Stephen, 2011].<br />
<br />
Other notables included returning <b><u>Penduline Tit</u></b> and <b><u>Golden Oriole</u></b> on the 16th, several singing <b><u>Spectacled Warblers</u></b>
around Los Monegros throughout the month and a
sun-soaked break in the rain on the 11th that provided the year firsts
of <b><u>Bee-eater</u></b> (top photo), <b><u>Tawny Pipit</u></b> and singing <u><b>Nightingale</b></u>. <b><u>Hobby</u></b>, however, was rather oddly not seen until two birds on 21st.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15319.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15319.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15319.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/15319.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Thanks to Michael Cox for supplying photos from his trip on the 11th.
More - and better quality if wet! - photos, together with his full account of
his <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">three-day birding trip</a>, can be seen on <a _fcksavedurl="http://gardenbirder.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-in-spain-day-2.html" href="http://gardenbirder.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-in-spain-day-2.html">Michael's Blog</a>. And, if you're interested, the <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">Spring Itineraries</a> can be viewed here.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-68169857837039021502011-04-03T05:28:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:43:05.044-08:00Client Trip Report: April Day Tour (Barcelona)<u> 3rd April 2010: The Llobregat Delta and Garraf Massis by Derek Gifford & Janet Hale (UK)</u><br />
<br />
This was a <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">guided day's birding</a> with Stephen Christopher who runs
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/index.html">Catalan Bird Tours</a>. We began the day at <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a> which is a well-organised and designated wetland nature reserve.<br />
<br />
Many of 'our' common UK species were present of course which aren't
mentioned here because I wanted to concentrate on some of the speciality
birds and our first annual sightings of a number of migrants.<br />
<br />
One of the first birds heard was <u><b>Cetti's Warbler</b></u> but here, instead of the usual 'heard only' status we had good sightings of a number of individuals. <b><u>Serin</u></b> were also much in evidence and seen and heard throughout the reserve.<br />
<br />
The first migrant we recorded was a fine male <b><u>Common Redstart</u></b> followed by a number of <u><b>Barn Swallow</b></u> and <u><b>Common Swift</b></u>. Other Redstarts were seen later. <u><b>Sardinian Warbler</b></u> were also noted although not in large numbers. <br />
<br />
The first of the rarer species seen was a <u><b>Little Crake</b></u>
which constituted an addition to my European list. Although a little
elusive at first it eventually showed very well. More numerous were the <u><b>Zitting Cisticola</b></u> (I still think that the old name of <u><b>Fan-tailed Warbler</b></u> is better!), which were singing and displaying giving excellent views. <u><b>Purple Swamphen</b></u> were also much in evidence making a nice addition to the more common rails etc. that were present.<br />
<br />
The next migrants to be noted were <u><b>House Martin</b></u> and <u><b>White Wagtail</b></u> followed by overflying <u><b>Yellow Wagtail</b></u>. We were able to study a variety of sub-species of the latter from one of the hides. These included the nominate Blue-headed <i>flava</i> race from central Europe, <i>flavissima</i> race for the UK and the <i>iberiae</i> for Spain. One of the Italian race <i>cinereocapilla</i> was also present although I wasn't sure that I could identify it as well as Stephen did!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Black-winged Stilt</b></u> were good to see here, as were a number of <u><b>Garganey</b></u>
with them. The latter were much more obliging than the ones we see in
Britain as they came out into the open water to feed and I was able to
take a few 'long shots' of them with the camera. Other common duck
species were noted as well as 2 <u><b>Little Ringed Plover</b></u> and 2 <u><b>Green Sandpiper</b></u> both of which were year ticks for me, all viewed from the extensive hide.<br />
<br />
Migrant warblers noted included a 'heard only' <u><b>Reed Warbler</b></u> as well as other common ones. On leaving the second hide Stephen heard and spotted a <u><b>Western Bonelli's Warbler</b></u>
which gave very good views of its very pale underside and a snatch of
song reminiscent of the opening notes of wood warbler. Definite ID and a
lifer for me!<br />
<br />
The next lifer was found along the river estuary where a roost of <u><b>Audouin's Gull</b></u>
was seen. These handsome gulls were a delight to see as the species was
one of my 'must see' larus species. They didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
On the long walk round to bring us back to the reserve reception area we had a brief view of a <u><b>Little Bittern</b></u> which was another addition to my European list. A couple of <b><u>Spotless Starling</u></b> just outside the reserve were the last highlighted species seen. This is a superb reserve and we saw only a half of it!<br />
<br />
We then drove to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf Massis</a> to look for <b><u>Black Wheatear</u></b> and it wasn't long before we found both a male and female on the rocky cliffs. Also here were a pair of <b><u>Blue Rock Thrush</u></b>
making it two lifers in a matter of minutes. The male treated us to a
quick sing too. More year ticks were obtained when we saw brief views of
<b><u>Northern Wheatear</u></b> and <b><u>Black Redstart</u></b>. Another Sardinian Warbler and a <b><u>Peregrine Falcon</u></b> completed the list on this brief visit.<br />
<br />
We finished off the day with a couple of short walks in the high
sierras of the Garraf Natural Park looking for eagles and wheatears. On
the way we noted <b><u>Stonechat</u></b> (another year tick!), <b><u>Woodchat Shrike</u></b> (we'd already seen one of these in Barcelona earlier), swallows including a <b><u>Red-rumped Swallow</u></b> and a <b><u>Short-toed Treecreeper</u></b>, the call of which I heard for the first time - very loud and very different from 'our' treecreeper. A female <b><u>Pied Flycatcher</u></b> was also noted during the drive up to the high tops.<br />
<br />
It was the second of the walks that produced at least one of the target species in the form of <b><u>Bonelli's Eagle</u></b>
with a pair flying close enough to 'scope. This meant that I'd seen
both species named after the Italian ornithologist Bonelli on the same
day!<br />
<br />
Just to add to the list, while waiting for the eagles, we found a <b><u>Thekla Lark</u></b>
which gave good views. The eagles were the most difficult of the
species to find for the day and we weren't able to find the hoped for
black-eared wheatears but a <b><u>Dartford Warbler</u></b> gave me another year tick on the way back from the walk.<br />
<br />
We recorded over 80 species in the day which, considering we visited
only three habitats and were too early in the year (by a few days only)
for a number of other interesting migrant species, was an excellent
total which included 5 lifers and a few European ticks for me. <br />
<br />
A red letter day's birding. Thanks Stephen!<b><br /> </b>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-30837188965535211052011-03-31T03:26:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:35:12.190-08:00March on Barcelona! City of Crakes & other migrants<u>March 2010 - Early Spring Migrants in Catalonia, Spain</u><br />
<br />
Of course, the <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">Spring</a> had already started back in mid-February with the arrival of <u><b>Great Spotted Cuckoo</b></u>, <u><b>Black-winged Stilts</b></u> (see below) - incidentally both my earliest ever sightings - and <u><b>Little Ringed Plover</b></u>, along with the first wave of hirundines such as <u><b>House Martin</b></u>, <u><b>Sand Martin</b></u> and <u><b>Barn Swallow</b></u>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
But it still didn't feel like summer was on its way though until March
strode into Catalonia, flanked on either side by warmer temperatures and
a <i>little-boy excitement</i> at the impending invasion.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Common Chiffchaff</b></u> were singing everywhere. A stunning male <u><b>Common Redstart</b></u>
flicked in front of me as I arrived breathless on 2nd March, giving me another 'earliest record'
but, more importantly, reuniting me with a childhood friend once again.<br />
<br />
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Yet another earliest record, this <u><b>Yellow Wagtail</b></u> almost did likewise but for the fact that I grew up in the UK, where my youth was spent with it's yellow-headed cousin, <i>flavissima</i>. Above is a male <i>iberiae</i> subspecies of course and was one of four, discovered skipping in front of me with glee along with two females and a male <i>cinereocapilla</i>, which looks similar but lacks the eye-stripe (photo below taken on 29th).<br />
<br />
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<br />
I skipped off with equal amounts of glee, but with added anticipation,
and came across six Black-winged Stilt, the first for the
reserve, if not for me, this season.<br />
<br />
The lagoons were carpeted with migrants, either waiting to head off - like <u><b>Common Snipe</b></u>, a half-dozen remnant <u><b>Lapwing</b></u>, <u><b>Common Teal</b></u>, five <u><b>Northern Pintail</b></u>, a lone <u><b>Tufted Duck</b></u> and a good handful of <u><b>Eurasian Wigeon</b></u> - or getting their bearings from a recently-completed journey from Africa.<br />
<br />
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Criss-crossing across the shallows were waders such as <u><b>Black-tailed Godwit</b></u>, <u><b>Spotted Redshank</b></u> and this <u><b>Wood Sandpiper</b></u>
above, which counted as the first migrant as the birds I'd seen in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">The Ebro Delta</a> earlier in the year were from a small wintering population.
But I must have been the only person in Catalonia not to have seen a
Garganey yet.<br />
<br />
Still, after listening to and watching <u><b>Moustached Warbler</b></u>, <u><b>Penduline Tit</b></u> and <u><b>Short-toed Treecreeper</b></u>,
I was absolutely thrilled to jam the breaks on barely two minutes after
leaving the reserve and hold my excited binoculars up to my eyes to welcome
back the sight of a particular circling raptor - the whole area's first
Spring 2010 record for <u><b>Short-toed Eagle</b></u> and, again, the earliest sighting of my ten-years-plus in Catalonia.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf Massis</a><br />
<br />
Back in my garden, the <u><b>Siskin</b></u> (above) numbers went up to ten birds, low for the year, to remind me that winter wasn't quite over and a <u><b>Common Minah</b></u>
(below) flew across my bonnet, en route back to Llobregat (where else
would you want to be at this time of year?) on the 5th, to remind me
that some things never seem to change. Every time I think that this
small family near my house has succumbed they contrive to show up again
to prove me wrong.<br />
<br />
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<br />
This photo above was taken in February but sometimes months go by before I see them.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I finally caught up with <u><b>Garganey</b></u> (above) on <b>The Llobregat</b> on the 5th, with five males and a couple of females there by the 8th March.<br />
<br />
But a morning spent beforehand brought up two <u><b>Slender-billed Gull</b></u>,
with the needle-bills of one adult and a first winter mixed in with a haystack of <u><b>Yellow-legged</b></u><b>,</b> <u><b>Black-headed</b></u><b>, </b><u><b>Audouin's</b></u><b> </b>and summer-headed <u><b>Mediterrranean Gulls</b></u> and were only needled out with patience - or
was it merely that we hadn't finished the chocolate-chip cookies yet?<br />
<br />
In any case, we were fortunate as a wonderful winter-plumaged <u><b>Little Gull</b></u>
suddenly bounced and dipped in front of the hide and encouraged us to
stay even longer, during which time we also picked out two <u><b>Black-necked Grebe</b></u> diving together and enjoyed being swarmed by an invading flock of hirundines and <u><b>Alpine Swift</b></u> (below).<br />
<br />
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<br />
Although this was my first sighting of the year, word had already got
out about the incredible and increasing numbers of hundreds of early
birds that had been around Barcelona for a few days. What was going on
down there in Africa?<br />
<br />
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<u><b><br /> Red-rumped Swallow</b></u>
(above, with Barn Swallows, and below), was the last of the hirundines
to be recorded for 2010 but, yet again, I got my earliest record on the
5th. One of my top two sights of the Spring is watching all five
European hirundines simultaneously filling the skies and my wishes were
granted on 8th and 10th too.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<u><b>Willow Warbler</b></u> was the next year-tick but what a day the 8th was... After being warned of the presence of a male <u><b>Little Crake</b></u> (top photo by Ferran Lopez-sanz), I waited in the rain - in the mean time entertained by Moustached Warbler, <u><b>Grey Wagtail</b></u>, of course Red-rumped Swallows and this <u><b>Cetti's Warbler</b></u> behind me -<br />
<br />
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<br />
- to get quite stunning views of the male at less than two metres. And
then after a slight lull, it suddenly ran from a dense patch of reeds
chasing a female (below), who skulked away but was eventually
relocated...<br />
<br />
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<br />
And I'd been impressed with my close-on views of <u><b>Water Rail</b></u> when I'd first arrived!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Strangely, my records show that this annual passage visitor had been
first reported on The Llobregat Delta on more or less the same date for the past
three years.<br />
<br />
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<br />
By the 10th March, after a freakish day of snow!, only the female was
to be seen it seemed but again she ignored my feet and went about her
business.<br />
<br />
The 10th was probably going to be my last trip of the month,
given that I was to be away for the last two weeks, and so I just sat in
the hides all morning and watched March march by...<br />
<br />
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<br />
where there was always something different to keep me company. Alpine Swifts (above), hirundines and even <u><b>Monk Parakeets</b></u> filled the skies...<br />
<br />
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<br />
the usual suspects such as these <u><b>Northern Shoveler</b></u> above and <u><b>Northern Pintail</b></u> below joined hundreds of other ducks, gulls and waders on the water...<br />
<br />
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<br />
occasionally heading for the skies as a <u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u> or <u><b>Peregrine</b></u> swooped through. And occasionally too, being joined by some special guests, like these <u><b>Greater Flamingo</b></u>, passing by...<br />
<br />
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<br />
I finally caught up with <u><b>Night Heron</b></u> today and, with a nice-surprise of a 2nd winter <u><b>Common Gull</b></u>
on Vilanova beach whilst taking my son for a walk, currently stand on
192 species for 2010. What a country this is!<br />
<br />
Thankfully, with a
little birding in the UK and a trip to Andujar in southern Spain to keep
me excited in the mean time, I'll be back soon.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: 31 March 2010<br />
<br />
The highlights of two quick irresistible birding forays on 29th and 31st March
after I got back from Andujar and the UK, included year-first <u><b>Western Bonelli's Warbler</b></u> in The Garraf en route to <u><b>Purple Heron</b></u>, <u><b>Temminck's Stint</b></u>, <u><b>Marsh Sandpiper</b></u> and <u><b>Common Whitethroat</b></u> on The Llobregat Delta, where <u><b>Little Gull</b></u>, <u><b>Ruff</b></u>, <u><b>Whiskered Tern</b></u>, <u><b>Common Swift</b></u> and a <i><b>thunbergi</b></i> <u><b>Yellow Wagtail</b></u> were also present and remnant Wigeon, Northern Pintail and a couple of Lapwing still remained.<br />
<br />
However, the main attraction on both days was yet another crake, this time a long-staying <u><b>Spotted Crake</b></u> which spent much of its time, despite the impression given by my rubbish photos, out in the open...<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21758.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21758.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21758.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21758.jpg" /></a>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-20964887135507064962011-03-25T13:53:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:42:35.198-08:00Spring in the Steppes - a day tour in March<u>25th March 2008 - The Steppes of Lleida</u><br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">guided day tour</a> to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">The Steppes</a> in early <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">Spring</a> with Sam and Jamie Durrant, who kindly supplied his photos, on their quest for Great Spotted Cuckoos.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Due to a deliberately late start, traffic problems and wind building
through out the day, we had to work hard for our birds today but these
two <u>Little Bustards</u>, one of the first to pair up and set up a territory, would have made it worthwhile on their own.<br />
<br />
Flocks of up to one hundred <u>Calandra Larks</u> and a couple of dozen <u>Lesser Short-toed Larks</u>
sent up a welcoming chorus as I wound down the car window (o.k. with a button) upon our
arrival in the Steppes. Unfortunately, about the same number of dust
grains blasted onto my eye balls and I wound it up again, deciding I'd
appreciate their song another time.<br />
<br />
We moved on quickly to try and capitalise on what little of the morning was left and were entertained by car side <u>Hoopoe</u>, several <u>Stone-curlew</u> and a stunning <u>Black-eared Wheatear</u> before a <u>Black Kite</u> did us a favour and flushed a small flock of <u>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</u>, which complained noisily as they headed off over the horizon.<br />
<br />
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<br />
A thorough scan of the surrounding fields failed to find any more but
it did refill my eyes with dust thankfully just after locating four <u>Dotterel</u>
that had been historically over-wintering in the area since December.
As usual during this time they had been politely posing for photos, a
habit that seemed to be catching on as a <u>Thekla Lark</u> followed suit a few minutes later.<br />
<br />
A diversion to nearby Aspa provided a welcome break from the wind and
dust and an even more welcome opportunity for Jamie to pick up a lifer.
A short hunt ended with both male and female <u>Black Wheatears</u> showing well to complete the set for Spain (several migrating <u>Northern Wheatear</u> had already been ticked).<br />
<br />
<u>Blue Rock Thrush</u>, <u>Southern Grey Shrike</u>, <u>Corn Bunting</u>, <u>Red-billed Chough</u> and <u>Short-toed Eagle</u>
all delayed our arrival at a small almond orchard bordered by the all
important pine trees that serve up the normally distateful caterpillars
that our main target bird loves to gobble up. We spent the next twenty
minutes or more, accompanied by flocks of <u>Linnets</u>, head-shaving <u>Alpine Swift</u> and yet more <u>Stone-curlew</u>, stalking ever-better views of around seven or eight noisy and very flighty <u>Great Spotted Cuckoos</u>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Once one settled in the fork of a nearby almond and sat there for a
long-awaited study, Jamie did his customary 'lifer dance' (whilst I was
looking the other way) and we were happy.<br />
<br />
Time then for a quick stop at the dump to watch the hundreds of <u>White Storks</u>, <u>Black-headed Gulls</u>, <u>Black Kites</u> and <u>Cattle Egrets</u>
(about a hundred of which rose up to float along
side the car as we drove through) to fight it out over luncheon scraps.
A lone <u>Red Kite</u> made a last gasp attempt to get the 'raptor of the day' award as it descended over the car but an amazing assault of a <u>Merlin</u> on a passing <u>Barn Swallow</u>, failing in four attempts to tuck in to a late lunch, had already won that hands down.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-38009253718024402362011-03-17T13:46:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:39:22.421-08:00March Birding Break, Catalonia, Spain<u>March 17th - 23rd 2008 - Full Week Tour</u><b><br /> </b> <br />
<b><br /> </b> <br />
<div align="center">
<i>"Thank you for a wonderful week.
Great birds, great lunches and a beautiful area. We liked staying in
one place and not having to pack up every night."</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
Younga Hennesey, Edwin Mayer, USA</div>
<div align="right">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
</div>
<br />
17th March 2008 - The Llobregat Delta<br />
<br />
A couple of hours at <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a> after the hotel pick-up saw the now usual <u>Black-winged Stilts</u>, <u>Garganey</u>, <u>Greater Flamingoes</u> and a host of waders on the thankfully exposed muddy borders to the reserve's lagoons. A close flock of about 40 <u>Balearic Shearwaters</u> and a floating <u>Audouin's Gull</u> from Cal Frances beach were quite superb but a single brand-new, brightly coloured male <u>Common Redstart</u> near the entrance barrier took some beating.<br />
<br />
18th March 2008 - The Ebro Delta<br />
<br />
From an early welcome by a male <u>Peregrine</u> as we made our way to L'Encanyissada, on <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">The Ebro Delta</a>, a flood of tireless <u>Sand Martins</u> and <u>Barn Swallows</u> provided a backdrop throughout the day. Other spring arrivals included <u>Garganey</u>, <u>Purple Heron</u>, <u>Willow Warbler</u> and a handful of Spanish <i>iberiae</i> <u>Yellow Wagtail</u> with one particularly yellow individual really standing out against a bank of dark sticky mud.<br />
<br />
Thankfully there was enough of this stuff about to attract 16 species of waders, all in good numbers, with even a single pink <u>Water Pipit</u> stepping between the toes of a small gathering of <u>Little Ringed Pover</u> and <u>Green and Common Sandpipers</u>.<br />
<br />
The light phase <u>Booted Eagle</u>
that stayed over <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/spain%20birding%20winter.html">winter</a> made a few appearances during the day
including hovering over Riet Vell where, for the day's highlight, two
ABSOLUTELY SUPERB <u>Little Crakes</u> tip-toed lightly over floating vegetation for repeated viewings and photo calls.<br />
<br />
A small flock of <u>Lesser Short-toed Larks</u>, the resident and presumed<u> Western Reef Heron x Little Egret</u> and a solitary <u>Red-breasted Merganser</u> all provided a little excitement around La Tancada.<br />
<br />
At Les Olles, about 40 <u>Whiskered Tern</u>, all in winter plumage, hawked over the lagoon with a soon-to-depart still-bluey <u>Bluethroat</u> making us work for a decent view in the reeds there and a singing <u>Moustached Warbler</u> eventually doing likewise. The nearby Golero hosted <u>Glossy Ibis</u>, both <u>Slender-billed and Audouin's Gulls</u> and a small group of very showy <u>Caspian Tern</u> finally settled down for a snooze.<br />
<br />
19th March 2008 - The Pyrenees (plus Garraf)<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Pyrenees</a>, relentless rainfall and heavy snow scuppered our chances of bagging a
few Pyrenean species to add to our growing list but we did use the
occasional breaks to watch the bird life around a tributary of the river
Llobregat. <u>Rock Bunting</u>, <u>Blackcap</u>, <u>Wren</u>, <u>Grey and White Wagtail</u> and <u>Willow Warbler</u>
all did their best to cheer us up but we were more than happy watching
the comings and goings of no less than three (White-throated) <u>Dippers</u> apparently nest-building under the eaves of a bridge.<br />
<br />
A <u>Red Kite</u> sailed over the car en route home to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf</a> where we enjoyed the local <u>Red-legged Partridges</u> and watched the <u>Siskin</u> and <u>Crested Tits</u> on the garden feeders.<br />
<br />
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<br />
20th March 2008 - Garraf Massif, Llobregat Delta<br />
<br />
The morning couldn't have started better with the year's first gleaming black-throated form of the <u>Black-eared Wheatear</u> perched on top of a pruned grape vine. Nearby <u>Cirl Bunting</u>, <u>Spotless Starling</u>, <u>Rock Sparrow</u>
and a host of finches, wagtails and other passerines kept us busy until
we headed off to the newest addition to the chain of birding
spots in the Llobregat Delta.<br />
<br />
After being welcomed by a streaky <u>Squacco Heron</u> - Ed's bird of the week - we discovered that the long-staying <u>White-fronted Goose</u> was staying a little longer, along with two male <u>Wigeon</u>. A pinkish <u>Water Pipit</u> joined a small school of waders (<u>Ringed Plover</u>, <u>Wood Sandpiper</u>, <u>Black-winged Stilt</u> and a gloriously close <u>Black-tailed Godwit</u>) picking morsels from the water's edge.<br />
<br />
In the centre of the lagoon both <u>Common and Red-crested Pochard</u> dived for dinner whilst a <u>Kingfisher</u> did likewise from a overhanging reed on the border. A stunning golden-lined <u>Purple Heron</u> then landed right in front of us - with a wriggling terrapin in its bill!<br />
<br />
At another nearby spot a blood-red crab similarly fell victim to a <u>Glossy Ibis</u>
which proceded to peel off its legs before gulping the rest down in one
go! Meanwhile, another first for the year apparently struggled on to
find a snake or two as a <u>Short-toed Eagle</u> hovered over almost every section of the reserve.<br />
<br />
21st March 2008 - The Steppes of Lleida<br />
<br />
Where to start? From the moment we arrived in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">The Steppes</a> and stopped next to a <u>Calandra lark</u>,
perched singing a few feet away, we never stopped. A few worried
moments ensued after discovering the three key steppe species were not
in 'their usual places' but a handful of <u>Stone-curlew</u>, a few small flocks of <u>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</u> and a gathering of 14 <u>Little Bustard</u> all thrilled - at very close range - after a little improvisation.<br />
<br />
In the meantime we added a good number of cackling <u>Great Spotted Cuckoo</u>, a couple of <u>Southern Grey Shrike</u>, an <u>Alpine Swift</u> and re-located three of the wintering <u>Dotterel</u> in the area. A <u>Little Owl</u> watched on as a flock of <u>Jackdaws</u> saw off a <u>Common Buzzard</u> and nearby both forms of <u>Black-eared Wheatear</u> mixed it with many of their <u>Northern Wheatear</u> cousins. After a brief chase, we even added a pair of <u>Black Wheatear</u> to complete the set. All the larks including <u>Thekla and Lesser Short-toed Larks</u> were plentiful for comparisons and, yet again, the local dump provided a theatrical display, with one <u>Red Kite</u> in particular refusing to give up its lunch despite the dive-bombing attentions of two of the dozens and dozens of <u>Black Kites</u> dispersed across the waste site.<br />
<br />
My moment of the day though was driving through several hundred <u>Cattle Egret</u> that rose up simultaneously to float along side the car before a handful of <u>Lesser Kestrels</u> were finally found towards Los Monegros.<br />
<br />
22nd March 2008 - The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda<br />
<br />
I have often called <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda</a> a mini-Catalunya all in itself and
so it proved, with almost all habitats represented. Two steppe-land <u>Stone-curlew</u> stared at us from a fallow field as we arrived and, at the end of the day, a quite superb <u>Great Spotted Cuckoo</u> sat out in an open leafless tree. <br />
<br />
Many species we'd seen at the other wetland sites were of course here
too but one particular rice-field in the heart of the Cortalet resort
allowed us views of many wader species close enough to do without
binoculars. A <u>Red Knot</u> trying to hide its relative bulk amongst a flock of twenty <u>Dunlin</u>
that swooped in late in the day was the highlight. With such a good
week behind us, it proved to be one of only four new species for the
day, the others being <u>Tufted Duck</u>, <u>Mute Swan</u> and <u>Cetti's Warbler</u> (which we had only heard). Although we did find two marvellous <i>cinerocapilla</i> <u>Yellow Wagtails</u> among the parties of the local <i>iberiae</i> race.<br />
<br />
Seeing everything again gave my American clients the chance for plenty
of ID practice of course but even better was watching the birds do new
things. A crab-eating <u>Yellow-legged Gull</u> hoarding its prize, nest-building <u>White Storks</u>, tap-dancing <u>Little Ringed Plover</u> and two immature <u>Great Cormorants</u>
playing tug-of-war with a stick were amongst those that entertained us
until the threat of rain eventually sent us packing just in time to
avoid the deluge.<br />
<br />
23rd March 2008 - The Garraf<br />
<br />
So few species
were left on my clients' wish list after a great week that they decided
to take the afternoon off but we began the morning looking for one that
had avoided us, the <u>Dartford Warbler</u>. We were rewarded almost immediately with sunlit choristers on the bankside of the Puig d'Aliga on the edge of the Foix park.<br />
<br />
After adding <u>Sparrowhawk</u> to the weeks' list, we stumbled upon a stunning male <u>Sub-alpine Warbler</u>
making no attempt to hide amongst the brambles outside a local farm
house. Nearby a usual stop produced a reliable but, on this occasion,
distant <u>Bonelli's Eagle</u> soaring through the white clouds above the Garraf's peaks. It was close enough at least to see that it was an adult though.<br />
<br />
Three <u>Hoopoe</u>, a flock of <u>Alpine Swift</u> and a steady flow of tits, finches and thrushes kept the morning rolling until a pair of <u>Long-tailed Tit</u> earned the weeks' trip a final total of 158 species, a very pleasing reward for a <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/cost%20catalan%20bird%20tours.html">birding holiday</a> in early <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html">Spring</a>.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-19695041445080619232011-02-28T02:58:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:35:56.353-08:00A New Year Winter Wonderland - Catalonia, Spain<u>January and February 2010</u><br />
<br />
As I write, on 23rd February 2010, this generous, welcoming birding country in North-east Spain has already presented me with 175 species for the year so far.
Here's a few highlights - including the two <u><b>Lammergeier</b></u> below - and thanks to Tommy Maul and 16-year-old Blair Morrison for some of the best photos...<br />
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<br />
After spending an itchy New Year's Day in Barcelona
feeling like I was betraying my true 'birding' mistress, I spread my
self about a bit on 2nd January, with a surprising <b><u>Squacco Heron</u></b> en route to<a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html"> The Garraf</a> coast the first of a string of encounters which also included about twenty <b><u>Balearic Shearwater</u><u>s</u></b>, several 'splash down' <u><b>Northern Gannet</b></u>, <u><b>Audouin's Gull</b></u>, a handful of <i>Mediterranean</i> <u><b>Shag</b></u> and a wonderfully exciting but distant <b><u><b>Great Skua</b></u></b> teasing me with a promise to come ever-closer.<br />
<br />
On land and inland, <u><b>Hoopoe</b></u>, <u><b>Firecrest</b></u>, <u><b>Short-toed Treecreeper</b></u>, <u><b>Black Wheatear</b></u>, <u><b>Blue Rock Thrush</b></u> and both <u><b>Cirl Bunting</b></u> and <u><b>Rock Bunting</b></u>
ensured all my guilt had disappeared and my sense of faithfulness had
returned before the day ended with a poof - of pigeon feathers as a <u><b>Peregrine</b></u> found itself a meal and reminded me to attend to my own cravings of a different kind.<br />
<br />
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<br />
By the way this Peregrine, caught in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">The Steppes</a> in February, is munching away on a <u><b>Cattle Egret</b></u>!<br />
<br />
A pair of displaying <u><b>Bonelli's Eagle</b></u>, seen frolicking on the 8th January when dropping my son off at school, were the only other year tick The Garraf Massif could provide before my first real venture in to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a> on 12th January.<br />
<br />
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<br />
On this day a flock of about 40 <u><b>Common Waxbill</b></u>
(above) settled in the thorny brambles beside me and continued the
love-theme in the gentlest of ways. Other notable additions were <u><b>Greater Flamingo</b></u>, <u><b>Penduline Tit</b></u>, <u><b>Moustached Warbler</b></u> and impressive views of <u><b>Razorbill</b></u> and <u><b>Common Scoter</b></u>, although nothing like the views afforded when I eventually caught up with this individual in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/AE%20bird%20watching%20holiday.html">The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda</a> on 2nd February.<br />
<br />
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<br />
But neither it, nor the handful of magnificent <u><b>Stone-curlew</b></u>
eye-ing me out from within the cryptic background of a ploughed field,
could match the hour and more I spent in the company of this <u><b>Black-shouldered Kite</b></u> (relocated on 19th February).<br />
<br />
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<br />
I was surprised that it - also known as a Black-winged Kite of course -
spent almost all of this time preening, only breaking off to repeatedly
shake off this pesky <u><b>Magpie</b></u>, which seemed to take exception to sharing every and any bare perching twig around.<br />
<br />
Four or five individuals have been reported across Catalunya this winter and indeed I had caught up with another bird in <b>The Steppes of Lleida</b> back in December.<br />
<br />
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<br />
On 7th January, still in <b>The Aiguamolls</b>, I managed to squeeze in a very profitable morning before torrential rain hit, collecting a host of waders as well as <u><b>Black-necked Grebe</b></u>, a <u><b>Water Rail</b></u> at my feet, <u><b>Mute Swan</b></u> and <u><b>Tufted Duck</b></u> (both uncommon here) and a beautiful pair of <u><b>Black-throated Diver</b></u> - which grew to four by the 2nd February - in Roses Bay.<br />
<br />
A lone <u><b>Red-throated Diver</b></u>, diving in and out of the surf on an unsettled sea at <b>The Llobregat Delta</b>,
was the only new species for the year on 15th January but that just
topped a remarkable list of wintering and resident wetland species, many
of which have been mentioned above.<br />
<br />
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<br />
On the 11th January however I had added a whole bundle of eagerly-awaited year-firsts on my first year visit to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain%20birding%20migration.html#birding_in_spain_spring_autumn_itinerary_spanish_pyrenees_anchor"><b>The Pyrenees</b></a>. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Siskin</b></u> (which remarkably didn't arrive in my garden until the 12th, three months later than they normally do!), <u><b>Dipper</b></u>, <u><b>Griffon Vulture</b></u>, <u><b>Crossbill</b></u> and the small flock of <u><b>Redwing</b></u> that we'd first spotted in December, all helped to warm us up on a bright and sunny but cold day.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<u><b>Alpine Chough</b></u>
(two photos above) did show well - and call! - as they reliably do but
on 22nd January a photo-count resulted in a total of no less than 300
birds!!<br />
<br />
This day was notable too for <u><b>White-winged Snowfinch</b></u>, although only a handful before the
snow really fell and the show really started, on 1st and 5th
February, with flocks in excess of 170 birds nervously shifting from place to
place - although thankfully that place sometimes put them almost at our
feet!<br />
<br />
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<br />
And <u><b>Alpine Accentor</b></u> were equally as accommodating...<br />
<br />
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<br />
...and the supporting cast, yet more year-ticks, included <u><b>Golden Eagle</b></u>, <u><b>Red-billed Chough</b></u>, <u><b>Citril Finch</b></u>, <u><b>Ring Ouzel</b></u> and of course, putting on some enthralling displays of their own, <u><b>Lammergeier</b></u>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<u><b>Wallcreeper</b></u>
can be seen in the Pyrenees, even at this time of year despite popular
opinion, but of course most do make their way down to lower altitudes
for a warmer winter and this was one of two birds seeking shelter in <b>The Garraf Massis</b>...<br />
<br />
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<br />
Amazingly, 30th January was my first sighting of 2010, but this was
more due to an incidental lack of priority by my clients rather than my self.
Still, it was certainly worth the wait and in the mean time, <b>The Garraf</b>
also threw up other year firsts of fifty-plus <u><b>Rock Sparrow</b></u> (24th January), <u><b>Hawfinch</b></u> (13th February) and, quite remarkably, an <u><b>Iberian Chiffchaff</b></u>!? on 31st January keeping loose company with a couple of <u><b>Common Chiffchaff</b></u>, a very common wintering visitor to the region.<br />
<br />
A quite ridiculous claim of course but, after being drawn to it by its
white underparts and contrasting and distinctly greenish (rather than
brownish) upper parts as it was preening on a twig, it was observed at
close-enough quarters and for easily long enough to note its
yellow-flushed flanks and front part of the supercilium, its apparently
paler lower mandible and, of course, its obvious pink-brown-orange
legs. Many individuals are difficult to identify in the field without
calls or song but this, thankfully, seemed like a text book example.<br />
<br />
It's difficult to be 100% certain of course but the only remaining
doubts are created by the time of year, when apparently it should be in
Africa, but the truth is that relatively little is known about this
relatively 'new' species and, even if a wintering bird is unlikely, you
have to remember that Spring is early in this part of the world and many
other migrants began to arrive in the days that followed.<br />
<br />
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<br />
On 17th January, a family celebration in Lleida provided an exciting less-than-twenty-minute sneakaway to <b>The Steppes</b>, where I clocked off 80 <u><b>Pin-tailed Sandgrouse</b></u> (below) in their usual spot, hundreds of very noisy <u><b>Calandra Lark</b></u> and a few roaming <u><b>Red Kite</b></u>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
More raptors were chalked up on my first trip proper, on 23rd January, with stunning encounters with <u><b>Hen Harrier</b></u>, lark-chasing <u><b>Merlin</b></u> and even a nervy <u><b>Goshawk</b></u> accidentally flushed from an early morning rest.<br />
<br />
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<br />
This Goshawk above was actually taken in <b>The Garraf</b> on 3rd February.<br />
<br />
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<br />
But back in <b>The Steppes</b>, <u><b>Great Bustard</b></u>, <b><u>Black-bellied Sandgrouse</u></b> (both just outside Catalonia of course), <u><b>Little Owl</b></u> (above), <u><b>Southern (or now Iberian) Grey Shrike</b></u> (below), <u><b>Stock Dove</b></u> and <u><b>Thekla Lark</b></u> all played along too but we had to wait until 31st January for <u><b>Little Bustard</b></u> (in flight, four photos up).<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21028.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21028.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21028.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21028.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
A 1st-summer <u><b>Great Spotted Cuckoo</b></u>
(below), complete with black head rather than grey, on 18th February
was a real treat and subsequently proved to be my earliest sighting
ever. I wonder if these young birds tend to arrive earlier than adults,
perhaps to moult before the battle for a mate begins... note to check
notes.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21025.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21025.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21025.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21025.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
My one and only trip to <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html"><b>The Ebro Delta</b></a> in January, on 21st, didn't disappoint, with expected highlights of <u><b>Glossy Ibis</b></u>, <u><b>Slender-billed Gull</b></u>, <u><b>Caspian Tern</b></u>, a fistful of wintering <u><b>Whiskered Tern</b></u>, lots of <u><b>Bluethroat</b></u> and a sleepy flock of 30 <u><b>Eurasian Spoonbill</b></u>.<br />
<br />
A couple of <u><b>Wood Sandpiper</b></u> completed an extensive list of 22 waders for the year so far and, after a dozen or so <u><b>Bar-tailed Godwit</b></u> on 7th February, left space (of the season's usual shorebirds) only for ticks against Ruff and Temminck's Stint.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20990.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20990.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20990.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20990.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The 7th February also brought the year's first <u><b>Booted Eagle</b></u>, <u><b>Red-breasted Merganser</b></u> and this vagrant female <u><b>Goldeneye</b></u> (above, but thankfully actually seen much closer than the photo).<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20988.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20988.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20988.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20988.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
This came just a day after another stroke of luck on <b>The Llobregat Delta</b> pushed this also rare <u><b>Crested Coot</b></u>,
aka Red-knobbed Coot, our way (on 6th February). With the code UTUT on
its collar, it appears to be a single remnant of a reintroduction
programme initiated less than a decade ago - and the same bird that
seems to divide its time between here and the Ebro Delta.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20992.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20992.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20992.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20992.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Back on <b>The Ebro Delta</b> on 16th February, our fortune continued, aided by some hard work and relentless scanning, when the outline of a <u><b>Great Bittern</b></u>
(above) was picked out amongst the reeds and we watched it
preening for more than twenty minutes. And if that wasn't great enough,
we jammed on the breaks and dived out of the car to be ignored by a
laid-back <u><b>Great Northern Diver</b></u> (below) just metres from the bay road in Ampolla.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21024.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21024.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21024.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/21024.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
And finally, on 17th February back yet again on<b> The Llobregat Delta</b>, three <u><b>Fieldfare</b></u>
gorged themselves on juicy red berries as I smiled inanely at them,
having just waited patiently and successfully for a reported male <u><b>Ferruginous Duck</b></u> (below) that turned up in the exact same narrow water-channel as the Crested Coot.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20989.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20989.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20989.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/20989.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
That's 78 species mentioned, leaving almost a hundred uncredited and
going to show just how many common species there are out there in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/spain%20birding%20winter.html">Winter</a>!<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE:</b><br />
<br />
On 26th February<b> </b>I added my first <b><u>Sand Martin</u></b> on <b>The Ebro Delta</b>, with <u><b>Barn Swallow</b></u> and <u><b>House Martin</b></u>
not far behind on the 28th in <b>The Aiguamolls de L'Emporda</b>. The same day saw me catch up with wintering <u><b>Northern Pintail</b></u> at last but three <u><b>Black-winged Stilt</b></u> still managed to steal the show. Spring's coming!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"I
highly recommend Stephen's bird tours - fine accommodation and full
days of birding. Stephen is a very qualified bird guide who
knows where to find the birds. He shows the needed patience in a strong
and dedicated effort to find your target birds... wonderful sights of
Wallcreeper and Lammergeier to mention just two. Beside that, Stephen
is reliable and very pleasant company."</i></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="right">
<b>31st January - 1st February, Tommy Maul, DENMARK</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"I
heartily thank you for the long list of birds we have seen. Now I can
remember each day and enjoy the birds! Many thanks for your excellent
guiding."</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>21st - 24th January, Manfred Hoffmann, GERMANY</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"Thank
you for an amazing two day birding holiday. I have never known anyone
with such ability to find birds. You certainly spotted everything that
was out there and we got some great photos."</i><br />
<br />
<div align="right">
<b>16th, 18th February, Alister Lynn, Blair Morrison, SCOTLAND</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-4831564852775055662011-02-11T13:23:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:39:38.044-08:00Client Trip Report: Winter Break, February 2008<div align="center">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>February 11th - 15th 2008 - Trip Report written by Mark Dawson</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"We
would like to thank you for a really great trip [their second in 6
months] and we both hope to bird with you again in the future."</i></div>
<div align="right">
Mark and Lorna Dawson</div>
<br />
<div align="left">
<i>11th February 2008, Arrival</i><br />
<br />
Our flight arrived on time and Steve was there to collect us punctually
as usual. After a short trip to the well-stocked supermarket in Sitges
to purchase provisions, we arrived at Steve's <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/accommodation%20euro%20trip.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/accommodation%20euro%20trip.html">birding accommodation</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8591.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8591.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8591.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8591.gif" /></a><br />
<i><br /> <br /> </i><i>12th February 2008</i>, <b><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">THE GARRAF</a></b><b> </b><b>and <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">LLOBREGAT DELTA</a></b><br />
<br />
Refreshed after a good night’s sleep, we awoke to see <u>Crested Tit</u>, <u>Black Redstart</u> and (a first for Spain and somewhat out-of-context for me) a small flock of <u>Siskin</u> on the feeder outside the kitchen window! What great birds to start our trip.<br />
<br />
After a short drive to the Garraf, our first target species was a much-anticipated <u>Alpine Accentor</u>. Following a false alarm of a <u>Dunnock</u>,
we took a short walk down the hill and were rewarded with stunning
views from a distance of approximately eight feet. No illustration or
photograph that I have ever seen could do justice to the subtleties of
the plumage when seen at such close range (Thanks Steve!).<br />
<br />
It was then on to Llobregat Delta where, after a very unhurried and enjoyable lunch provided by Steve, <u>Moustached Warbler</u> was regrettably only heard and teasingly not seen on various occasions, although the reeds seemed to be alive with <u>Chiffchaff</u>. <u>Kingfisher</u> was glimpsed fleetingly, <u>Purple Swamphen</u> and <u>Marsh Harrier</u> were in abundance, but <u>Penduline Tit</u>
seemed to elude us, until a stunning male performed its full acrobatic
repertoire in the swaying reeds. Definitely our bird of the day. As we
walked towards the sea, <u>Crag Martin</u> swept overhead, and <u>Reed and Cirl Bunting</u> vied in song in nearby bushes. <u>Black-Necked Grebe</u>, <u>Spoonbill</u>, a very out-of-context <u>White-Fronted Goose</u> and a group of <u>Night Heron</u> all showed the diversity that a trip to Catalonia in winter can offer.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
[Back into the Garraf and no sign of the wintering Wallcreeper, with only <u><b>Rock Bunting</b></u>, <i>mediterranean</i> <u><b>Shag</b></u>, <u><b>Audouin's Gull</b></u> and a single <u><b>Balaeric Shearwater</b></u> showing at Falconera. Stephen C.]</div>
<br />
<i><br /> </i><i> 13th February 2008</i>, <b><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">THE PYRENEES</a></b><br />
<br />
We awoke earlier the next day still intrigued to see our friends visiting the bird feeders - the <u>Siskin</u> being particularly raucous. We then drove to the Pyrenees, en route passing the almost unworldly Montserrat ridge. <br />
<br />
We arrived to bright sunshine and crisp mountain air and after a short
walk we stationed ourselves in anticipation of the bird we perhaps most
wanted to see. After about forty-five minutes and half-a dozen <u>Griffon Vulture</u>, we were rewarded with the awe-inspiring sight of an adult <u>Lammergeier</u>.
Looking through Steve’s scope with a trembling heart, all the salient
points were seen - the long diamond -shaped tail and long, broad wings
were displayed as the bird obligingly banked. Mission accomplished!<br />
<br />
Many <u>Alpine Accentor</u> were seen at the side of the road, though none as close as on the previous day! <u>Crested Tit</u> sang from the pine trees, and brilliant views of <u>Common Crossbill</u>, both male and female, in this beautiful, high Pyrenean valley, rounded off a magical day.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
[Other highlights included <u>Citril Finch</u>, distant views of a hundred <b><u>Alpine Chough</u></b> circling and breaking formation with military precision to land mountain-side and three albeit brief <b><u>Golden Eagles</u></b>.<br />
Photo: Montserrat from the Pyrenees. Stephen C.]<br />
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<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8592.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8592.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8592.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8592.gif" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<i><br /> </i><i>14th February 2008</i>, <b><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/STE%20bird%20watching%20trips.html">THE LLEIDA STEPPES and LOS MONEGROS</a></b><br />
<br />
Our target species were sandgrouse and bustard but it proved far more
fruitful. We were greeted by the spectacle of many small flocks of <u>Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse</u>, both on the ground and in flight, giving us the opportunity to scrutinise their intricate plumage. Flocks of wintering <u>Skylark</u> were in flight together with singing <u>Calandra Lark</u>, with their distinctive triangular black underwing, and equal numbers of <u>Thekla and Crested Lark</u>, where Steve’s expertise helped in distinguishing these two very similar species.<br />
<br />
The next port of call was the local municipal dump, where the vista of hundreds of <u>White Stork</u>, <u>Red Kites</u>, <u>Cattle Egret</u>, <u>Black-headed Gulls</u> and thousands of <u>Starlings</u>
was only slightly marred by the whiff of decomposing rubbish! Another
short journey and I had what turned out to be my bird of the day, a
brilliant male <u>Rock Bunting</u>. I defy any photographer or bird artist to reproduce the striking colours of this much under-rated bird.<br />
<br />
We then drove to our next site, Los Monegros, and our lunch break.
Steve’s choice of cheeses, cold meats, gorgeous home-made soup, equally
gorgeous home-made spinach and potato tortillas, and fresh salad pepped
us up for the rest of the day. I unfortunately missed the <u>Black-Bellied Sandgrouse</u> in flight, but this was more than made up for by the adult <u>Golden Eagle</u> by the side of the road, followed by two very obliging male <u>Great Bustards</u> that were seen very clearly for some minutes. As we drove around to our final site, we had very close views of a female <u>Merlin</u>
[in a tree by the car], our third of the day, and not a bird that one
associates with Spain, followed some minutes later by a brilliant male <u>Hen Harrier</u> and a solitary <u>Little Bustard</u> in flight, our clearest view ever.<br />
<br />
<i><br /> 15th February 2008, half-day, </i><b><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">EBRO DELTA</a><br /> <br /> </b>Sadly
our last day. We drove to the enigmatic Ebro Delta, where our first
port of call was the hide adjacent to the visitor centre. Here the
familiar sound of a <u>Wren</u> competed with <u>Cetti’s Warbler</u> in the reeds below. We were then rewarded with our second view of <u>Penduline Tit</u>, while in the distance flocks of <u>Greater Flamingo</u> fed on that most majestic of Spanish rivers. <br />
<br />
In the lagoons of La Tancada a wide selection of birds familiar to Northern Europeans were seen. These included flocks of <u>Avocet</u>, <u>Little Stint</u>, <u>Dunlin</u>, <u>Redshank</u>, <u>Spotted Redshank</u> and <u>Greenshank</u> together with <u>Grey, </u><u>Kentish and Golden Plover</u>, while <u>Grey and White Wagtail</u> were seen feeding on the periphery, as were <u>Water Pipit</u>. <u>Hoopoe</u> and <u>Caspian Tern</u> reminded us, if we needed it, that we were very much in the Mediterranean. <br />
<br />
A solitary <u>Booted Eagle</u>
dived, initially giving the impression of an Osprey, then circled for
several minutes, allowing its black and white under wing to be clearly
seen. A great finale to our second trip with Steve and one that we hope
to repeat very soon.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8590.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8590.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8590.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/8590.gif" /></a>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-16555674487179791892011-01-31T14:14:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:36:38.991-08:00Winter Wallcreeper, Snowfinch and Lammergeier<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>January 2009 - The Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Thank
you so much for showing us so much. So many birds. Great memories of
the Snowfinch (our favourite), bluethroat, hoopoe, etc. etc. etc. etc.<br /><br /> How wonderfully relaxed it all was - not
having to think about where we were going and just being able to enjoy
the scenery and look for the birds was about perfect and then lunch was
served. Thanks again."</i> </div>
<b> </b><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b> Dilys and Eric Powell, U.K.</b> (after a full week's <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/spain%20birding%20winter.html">winter birding</a>)</div>
<br />
On 11th January, in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/PYR%20bird%20watching%20tours.html">The Pyrenees</a>, we were staring up towards the rock face in front of
us, binoculars gripped at at-the-ready-chin-height and waiting for the
next white flashes to explode into the clarity of the blue-blue sky
before arching and falling back down into the obscurity of
white-on-white – <u>Snowfinch</u> on snow.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13233.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13233.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13233.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13233.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
At officially up to 3cm longer than a <u>Chaffinch</u>,
there’s no deception of how big these long- and white-winged relatives
seem when you see them set against the azure sky, even at this distance,
and it all just adds to the thrill. We ‘ooo-ed’ and ‘argh-ed’ like
children around a bonfire, calling ‘there!’ and ‘this side!’ as each
small flock threw itself up and dropped back down. Occasionally, again
just like fireworks, we lucked upon one or two on the ground and
gleefully gathered our telescopes around to watch them feeding.<br />
<br />
The post-breeding movements of (White-winged) Snowfinches, which can
start as early as late July, is always unpredictable, depending upon the
weather as it does, but this has been a good year. Out of the total of
613 birds rung in <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.parusnatura.org/nivalis1.html" href="http://www.parusnatura.org/nivalis1.html">the Collada de Toses</a> between 2005 and 2009, 328 have been rung this winter, with none in the two years previously [Although we've had them every year since, Stephen, 2011].<br />
<br />
‘Wait a minute,’ I mumbled as I was scanning the rock face, and headed
for my telescope to confirm an overactive imagination. But,
‘Wallcreeper!’ Max shouted and sure enough, the
apparent peering head, that I may have dismissed as fantasy without a
back-up pair of eyes, turned out to be a crazy lone pela-roques, in
Catalan, eeking out a lunatic living on the freezing cold, snow-covered
cliffs of the magical, magical Pyrenees.<br />
<br />
In turns, it was seen
fluttering out way over our heads to disappear into thin air, avoiding
the high-mag gaze of our scopes with some sleight-of-wing, and dropping
like a Peregrine the whole height of the cliff only to be sucked onto it’s sheer surface just metres from certain death as if it
was suddenly magnetised. <u>Wallcreeper</u> are supposed to descend to
lower altitudes in weather like this and, although it breeds at up to
3000m above sea level, I would hardly call the snow-covered 2000m at
which we were now perched a descent!<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13659.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13659.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13659.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13659.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Unlike (White-winged) Snowfinch, which rarely drop below 1500m,
Wallcreeper are regularly found wintering even at sea level (see <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf</a>) so it was really the former that inspired
the trips up from Barcelona and, a few days before, on the 6th, we’d
been lucky enough to watch more than one-hundred work their way down
this same hill, rolling over each other back over front (like a slinky
if you remember the seventies!), over our heads and settle along the
edges of the melting snowline a few metres below us. With us too
engrossed and the flock restless, we didn’t think of photos but when we
drove right into a small group a couple of hours later, we jammed on the
brakes and clicked away as about a dozen skipped their way onto a
roadside bank and grazed fearlessly at window-level as we followed on in
first gear. Worth the trip alone.<br />
<br />
With a distinct feeling of
dejà vu, and six kilometres, twenty-minutes and a three hundred metre
drop in altitude later, we were doing exactly the same thing with a
half-dozen disinterested <u>Alpine Accentor</u>. What a plumage. What a place. <br />
<br />
Alpine Accentor had been observed on the 11th too, sneaking between the
feet of the Snowfinch, but a little too far to truly appreciate. No
matter, Alpine Accentor, again unlike Snowfinch, also make winter trips
to low-level mountains ranges and can be found quite easily in the same
spot in the Garraf, for instance, along with Wallcreeper.<br />
<br />
And anyway, another better surprise was yet to come. <br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13235.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13235.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13235.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13235.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Having been sent packing by a swarm of woollen hats and skis, we found
ourselves car-tracking the white wings and tail edges of what we thought was
a lone Snowfinch dipping and diving over the contours and corners of
the winding road cutting it’s way through the deep snow of the Moixero
Natural Park. When it finally stopped, we did likewise, this time even
managing a photograph – of a <u>Snow Bunting</u>! The average for Catalonia is less than one per year so we were lucky we found a whole one.<br />
<br />
In all the excitement it might have been easy to forget another rather
startling moment of discovery. Whilst enjoying the cliff-side matinee
described earlier we were treated to a honking <u>Raven</u> flying low
overhead. Only to fill in time, or perhaps out of habit, we all raised
our binoculars to the remarkable – and for me never-seen-before – sight
of the underside of a Raven lit in a bounced snow light that revealed
more shades and tones of brown than I’d ever seen. I swear I could see
every feather and will never think of a Raven as a black bird again.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13854.jpg" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13854.jpg"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13854.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13854.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Now fast forward to the 17th and we’re back again…déjà vu…as, standing
in almost exactly the same spot, the same reflected snow light paints
every contour of the underside of a truly majestic (there is no other
word for this bird) low-flying, adult <u>Lammergeier</u>. Orange.
Beard. The lot. For a fleeting moment I contemplated the fifteen
metres between my self and the camera (in the boot of the car of course)
but in the end thought, ‘sod it’ and just enjoyed it. Wow. It
actually hung around for an hour or so, at one point deigning to land -
but immediately taking off in the moments that it saw me glance towards
my camera bag.<br />
<br />
The snow remained but this encouraged the skiers
as well as the Snowfinch, now estimated at around sixty birds, to hang
around so the former made the job of tracking the latter much harder and
unusually it took us until the afternoon. In the meantime, the usual <u>Peregrine</u>, <u>Griffon Vulture</u>, <u>Crossbill</u>, <u>Firecrest</u>, <u>Dipper</u>
and array of tits kept us entertained, we successfully out-waited the
Alpine Accentors at their regular spot and a lovely flock of eighty
chirping <u>Alpine Chough</u> floated around us and landed noisily on the road ahead.<br />
<br />
It was clear that many birds, Wallcreeper included, found it hard to
tear themselves away even in times of harsh and ruthless weather and on
each and every visit, as we left the slope of the village main street
and upped the gears onto the road back to Barcelona, I had no difficulty
understanding why.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13660.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13660.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13660.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/13660.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Photos by Dilys Powell, Max Andrews, Darren Shirley and Stephen Christopher.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-45158989879570602232011-01-15T13:11:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:40:04.095-08:00A January Quest for 100 Species in a Day<br />
<u>15th January 2008 - </u><u>Garraf Massis and Llobregat Delta, Barcelona</u><br />
<br />
I don’t know why but today I tried something I’d never attempted
before: to deliberately seek out 100 species in a single day. I was
inspired by the season – <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/spain%20birding%20winter.html">winter</a> in the <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">Garraf Massis</a>
is a great time for mixed flocks of birds that can be elusive at other
times – but to ensure I didn’t get caught up in numbers I decided upon a
strategy of no counting and, as I write, I still don’t know if I
succeeded. I think its close.<br />
<br />
GARRAF<br />
<br />
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<br />
Already half-an-hour late leaving, it seemed my chances were already
blown when my wife informed me I was taking her to Barcelona first - and
then plugged in her hairdryer! Undaunted, and knowing the ‘five
minutes’ she said it would take her meant twenty, I stuck my head out of
the window.<br />
<br />
The sound of two marbles tack-tacking together alerted my attentions to the silhouette of a <u>Blackcap</u> in the garden fence. A <u>Crested Tit</u> replied with a soft rattle from the clothesline but, perhaps distracted by the <u>Starling</u> flying overhead, a <u>Blue Tit</u> beat it to the peanut holder. <u>Sardinian Warbler</u> and <u>Great Tit</u>
barged their way into the growing symphony and by the time the lights
were fully up the orchestra was completed by a chinkling tree-top <u>Serin</u>, an invasion of unappreciative <u>House Sparrows</u> and a <u>Magpie</u> laughing on from the neighbour’s aerial. The role of conductor was shared perhaps between the baton-like tail flickings of a <u>White Wagtail</u> and my very own wintering <u>Black Redstart</u>. My wife was still drying her hair.<br />
<br />
Just as well as there was still one potentially difficult species
missing. Up to forty-four had been frequenting the garden since the turn
of the year but I needed just one of them. A male <u>Chaffinch</u> joined a <u>Collared Dove</u> underneath the feeders and, not before time, twenty-three <u>Siskin</u> came in to rapturous applause. Well, I cheered anyway.<br />
<br />
Thanks to a near-empty petrol tank and a tractor driver who was
obviously worried about arriving somewhere early, it was already
ten-thirty by the time I arrived at my re-scheduled first destination.
I’d picked up <u>Kestrel</u>, <u>Woodpigeon</u>, <u>Grey Heron</u> and <u>Cormorant</u> en route and added <u>Monk Parakeet</u> and <u>Yellow-legged Gull</u> in Barcelona itself but I could already feel time slipping away.<br />
<br />
LLOBREGAT DELTA<br />
<br />
Still <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/Llobregat%20birding%20trips.html">The Llobregat Delta</a>, a wetland bird reserve close to the airport, promised much and, after a fallow field near the entrance yielded <u>Pheasant</u>, <u>Snipe</u>, <u>Goldfinch</u>, <u>Meadow Pipit</u>, <u>Skylark</u> and <u>Crested Lark</u>, I entered the gates breathless and eager.<br />
<br />
However, for the next minutes I went no further than the <u>Kingfisher</u> perched in a spot of sunlight on a small bridge and even had time, entertained meanwhile by noisy <u>Cetti’s</u> and <u>Fan-tailed Warblers</u>, to mark the red base to its female bill.<br />
<br />
I always make my way to the shores of Ca L’arana with urgent
expectation regardless of today’s quest and so make no excuses for
skipping past <u>Little Grebe</u>, <u>Little Egret</u>, <u>Coot</u>, <u>Moorhen</u>, <u>Chiffchaff</u> and <u>Blackbird</u>. But a flock of <u>Crag Martin</u> scything through the mist of tiny insects just above the reeds did delay me and I wavered for some time over a pair of <u>Sandwich Tern</u> over the river, laughing mockingly at the attempts of the <u>Black-headed Gulls</u> to show off.<br />
<br />
Once at the beach I scanned it with anticipation picking out <u>Mediterranean Gull</u> and <u>Shelduck</u> but only a single <u>Kentish Plover</u> and a <u>Dunlin</u>
represented the waders. I was disappointed but it proved short-lived
as a series of careful scans through the rise and fall of the water at
the mouth of the river revealed a solitary <u>Eider Duck</u>, the same one I believe that we found on a trip in November and a great tick for the region.<br />
<br />
But the best was yet to come. On the way back, past the somewhat odd sight of a <u>Buzzard</u> perched next to a <u>Stonechat</u>, I was suddenly smothered in shadow and looked up to confront the possibility of a <u>Great Bittern</u>
landing on my head. The colour of this bird, with a yellow-green hue
not at all appreciated from books, is so unique that the only reason you
don’t shout Bittern! the very moment you see it is that you somehow
need that moment to let your luck sink in. Beautiful.<br />
<br />
Unphased
by our close-encounter, it flew up and off, paddling over the tree-tops
of la pineda towards the shore. By the time I’d climbed the tower to
track it, it had disappeared and I was left with the <u>Wren</u> that had been calling since I arrived at the spot.<br />
<br />
Then I noticed that it was calling AT something. And then I noticed that that something was a <u>Moustached Warbler</u>.
With a partner! Now, I really didn’t care how many birds I saw, there
was no way I was moving from here first and, like a game of ‘stare
challenge’, I fixed my gaze onto them lest I should lose them for a
second. I love this bird and I watched them systematically sift their
way through a thin line of reeds along a ditch towards me, picking off
morsels from each and every stem like dust-obsessed librarians. Taking
turns to overtake each other, they also hopped past a <u>Robin</u> and a half-dozen <u>Reed Buntings</u> before flicking off into cover.<br />
<br />
Astonishingly, the very next bird I saw upon entering the hide, bar a <u>Marsh Harrier</u>
teasing an unknown something the other side of it, was another
Moustached Warbler, scaling and leaping across the cut reed bases just
below the lip of the window.<br />
<br />
The lake itself was awash with <u>Mallard</u>, <u>Gadwall</u>, <u>Shovelor</u> and a single <u>Tufted Duck</u> with <u>Teal</u> and a handful of <u>Purple Swamphen</u> making use of the boundaries. The long-staying <u>White-fronted Goose</u> made a lazy appearance, waddling out of some long grass for a sip and a snooze.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The outward-bound walk donated nothing new save a bunch of twurping <u>Greenfinch</u>, a <u>Cattle Egret</u>
and another Great Bittern flying lazily over head. I said the plumage
was unique but of course there is one other thing that matches its
colour exactly – the seasonal spectrum of shades and shade found in a
reed bed itself.<br />
<br />
Thinking I’d had my lot for this site, I was
driving the long way out ‘just in case’ when another stunning heron
almost flew in to me, or the car. And this time I did shout. ‘£@k m€ a
<u>Little Bittern</u>!’ This was truly outstanding. As a rule they
don’t over winter, of course, but following the trend of many of its
cousins across Europe it shouldn’t really be a surprise. It settled and
stilled itself on the opposite side of a channel and this time,
eventually, I was the first to move.<br />
<br />
I’d had a fantastic time already and so decided on a short stop off for
lunch at the reserve at the other side of the airport before heading off for a change
of scenery back in THE GARRAF.<br />
<br />
So I ate my way through additional <u>Night Heron</u>, about thirty of them, four <u>Spoonbill</u>, <u>Greylag Goose</u>, <u>Wigeon</u>, <u>Lapwing</u>, <u>Feral Pigeon</u>, <u>Coal Tit</u>, <u>Tree Sparrow</u> and, again only a lone wader, a <u>Spotted Redhank</u>. An irresistible quick stop-off at the beach though was worthwhile with a few distant <u>Gannet</u> taking the plunge and a small group of <u>Balaeric Shearwater</u> landing not far from the shore.<br />
<br />
GARRAF<br />
<br />
Still undecided about which route to take as I approached the
roundabout my hands did the thinking and yanked me right, sending me
inland and leaving the coast for later. As I reached the summit of the
steep road taking me into <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html" href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/GAR%20easy%20bird%20watching.html">The Garraf</a>, having seen <u>Blue Rock Thrush</u> but failed to find Alpine Accentor along the way, a ringtail <u>Hen Harrier</u>
became the third bird of the day to nearly hit me. Thankfully it
braked before I did, fully exposed me its under parts and fled.<br />
<br />
A good omen I thought but more than half an hour later, speeding away
from the Carxol Valley without the expected Bonelli’s Eagle or Thekla
Lark, I had ‘only’ <u>Song Thrush</u>, <u>Southern Grey Shrike</u> and two coveys of <u>Red-legged Partridge</u> to show for my trouble. A <u>Dartford Warbler</u> tail-bounced over my bonnet to complete the full set of winter warblers.<br />
<br />
The light threatening to fade, and reminding my self that this was not
Llobregat and that birds had to be worked for, I re-planned and
re-routed to an old masia in a lush estate that always held a few
passerines and was immediately rewarded with a <u>Jay</u> and a fleeing, screaming <u>Green Woodpecker</u>. And then suddenly, in yet another of those ‘made my day’ moments, I came across a female <u>Brambling</u>
– my first for Spain! – in the midst of all the other finches and
tits. Unfortunately, it didn’t hang around for long so I took its cue,
leaving a sulky <u>Dunnock</u> and a <u>Short-toed Treecreeper</u> to whisper about me as I got back in the car.<br />
<br />
Now I had to make some decisions and, as I definitely wanted to check
out the coastal cliffs for one particular prize, I had to abandon a
couple of sites and drive straight there – in the full knowledge of
course that driving straight there would be impossible.<br />
<br />
And so it proved, with roadside stops absolutely unavoidable due to a flock of <u>Rock Bunting</u> flushed to nearby bushes from a tiny field of vines (also <u>Mistle Thrush</u>), a <u>Sparrowhawk</u> emerging from another dispersing flock of passerines before landing nearby and, finally, my <u>Bonelli’s Eagle</u>!<br />
<br />
When I saw a speck round a mid-distant hill I jammed the brakes on
(action that is essential with specks if you’re not to lose them in the
fineries of the Highway Code). Job done, I simply had to track it, a
stunning adult bird, as it flew in a direct line across the fields in
front of me and flapped on towards the coast.<br />
<br />
I always note the
time when I see a raptor and, at 16.18, I knew I had barely an hour of
proper daylight left – but I still had to go through the farmland and
vineyards. There was no other course of action available to me as I
scrapped my intention to walk it and naughtily drove down the farmer’s
tractor track. Well, he wouldn’t mind.<br />
<br />
As I exited, escorted
from in front by an extremely slow tractor, I had the strangest feeling
I’d seen the driver somewhere before. A pair of <u>Raven</u>
sky-strolled overhead, honk-honking their disapproval. But, in the
meantime, I had witnessed a wonderful view of a field full of White
Wagtail and <u>Woodlarks</u> at eye level (as the track dropped below the boundary wall), as well as ticking off <u>Rock Sparrow</u>, <u>Linnet</u>, a couple of <u>Corn Bunting</u>, a few <u>Spotless Starling</u> and a dozen <u>Cirl Bunting</u> in one bush!<br />
<br />
With the sun setting bright and blocking my view along the line of
cliffs toward the south-west, I finally arrived at my target destination
a little disappointed that the mornings events had robbed me of the
time to give the place justice. But never let it be said that the
impossible isn’t possible or that wives shouldn’t be given a beautiful
big beautiful kiss for needing to blow-set every hair in place.<br />
<br />
As I raised my binoculars in a laughable attempt to find my resident <u>Wallcreeper</u>,
it flew straight across my field of view, landed on a small peak
posturing and I spent the next fifteen to twenty minutes having some of
the most peaceful views of this species I’d ever had. To the soundtrack
of twilight Blue Rock Thrush and the breaking waves I watched its grey,
white, red and black butterfly from rock to crack to peak and back
again in an attempt to reap the day’s final reward.<br />
<br />
As regards to mine, I’m tempted even now not to count. But I’m going to. 95. Although I mustn’t forget to add that <u>Peregrine Falcon</u> patrolling the cliff tops of Falconera. 96.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7087.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7087.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7087.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7087.gif" /></a>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-10074613492458417872011-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:40:16.549-08:00January in the Ebro Delta, Catalonia, Spain<u>Ebro Delta, 10th January 2008</u><br />
<br />
I’d waited patiently for the Three Kings to deliver their gifts, worked
out how the hell the tree went back into its box and now I was drooling
as, allowed out for the first time, I crossed the bridge over the river and finally set tyre in <a href="http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain%20birding/EBRO%20birdwatching%20tours.html">The Ebro Delta</a>. I’m not one for counting particularly but less than twenty on my
year list was painful. A sympathetic <u><b>Hoopoe</b></u> rowed over the bonnet. Thanks mate.<br />
<br />
As I drove into the rice fields out of St. Jaume, a ring of mist masked
the horizon in all directions, creating a comforting circle into which
no-one else seemed to venture. <u><b>Common Buzzards</b></u> marshalled
the perimeter, posted in each leafless tree, motionless and morose like
leftover Christmas tree decorations. The sparklingly clean black and
grey under-wings of a male <u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u> spirited into
view flying along side the driver’s window, tilting left and right to
show off its glorious roast-chestnut chest and, rather topically if a
little late, guided me like the star of Bethlehem to my first stop of
the day.<br />
<br />
I’d never stopped here before but I was immediately
presented with two dark shapes in the middle of a reed-edged field and,
for twenty minutes, a pair of <u><b>Water Rails</b></u> strutted and pecked their way ever-closer. A flock of <u><b>Reed Buntings</b></u> gleaning the horsetails and a rather unusual foraging partnership between a <u><b>Moorhen</b></u> and a <u><b>Blackbird</b></u>
only proved minor distractions until I was able to put my binoculars
down and marvel at the absolute marvellousness of both the rails by the
car door.<br />
<br />
They were sent scurrying by an unknown force and I
moved on - only to stop a few metres along the road to marvel some more;
this time at a light-phase <u><b>Booted Eagle</b></u> perched in one of its favourite spots.<br />
<br />
Still early when I reached the beach, only a solitary <u><b>Kentish Plover</b></u> quick-stepped its way over the dewy sand. The sea was calm but empty. Groups of <u><b>Purple Swamphen</b></u>
began tempting themselves out of the reed beds with nervous contact
calls and another unknown threat put up a huge gathering of ducks on a
distant lagoon. It may as well have been wielding a knife as the
massive blanket of wings was ripped into species portions of, amongst
others, <u><b>Wigeon</b></u>, <u><b>Gadwall</b></u> and <u><b>Pintail</b></u> before circling and returning to knit themselves back together on the water’s surface.<br />
<br />
Via <u><b>Greylag Geese</b></u>, <u><b>Glossy Ibis</b></u> and <u><b>Common Kingfishers</b></u>
on every post, I made my way back and searched the strangely wriggling
surface of a paddy field around a masia on the Illa de Riu. The
responsibility was mostly down to several hundred <u><b>Little Stint</b></u> and numerous <u><b>Ringed Plover</b></u> but, forewarned by the word on the cyber street, I managed to pick out the lone <u><b>Pectoral Sandpiper</b></u>.<br />
<br />
Several more <u><b>Hoopoe</b></u>, a curious <u><b>Dartford Warbler</b></u> and a rather bolshy <u><b>Bluethroat</b></u>,
skipping from bush to bush as I passed, were picks of the bunches of
passerines smothering every reed and cabbage plant and the rafts of <u><b>Golden Plover</b></u> and <u><b>Lapwing</b></u> to be found in the delta’s fields was a spectacle hard to beat.<br />
<br />
But beaten it was. A <u><b>Great Bittern</b></u> at Riet Vell; <u><b>Richard’s Pipit</b></u>, <u><b>Southern Grey Shrike</b></u> and a <u><b>Peregrine</b></u> locking claws with a <u><b>Marsh Harrier</b></u> on my way from Eucaliptus to La Tancada; a flock of about twenty <u><b>Lesser Short-toed Larks</b></u> when I got there that were close enough to touch until my mobile rang! Take your pick.<br />
<br />
My own choice would be the sight of <u><b>Red-throated Diver</b></u>, <u><b>Red-breasted Merganser</b></u> and <u><b>Black-necked Grebe</b></u> diving in the same binocular field of view but I also basked in the sheer numbers of <u><b>Greenshank</b></u>, <u><b>Grey Plover</b></u>, <u><b>Dunlin</b></u> and, in particular, <u><b>Sanderling</b></u> and <u><b>Little Stint</b></u> sifting through the pools of La Tancada. A little sifting myself pulled out morsels of <u><b>Turnstone</b></u>, <u><b>Common and Spotted Redshank</b></u> and both <u><b>Common and Green Sandpiper</b></u>.<br />
<br />
<a _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7068.gif" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7068.gif"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7068.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/uploads/s/stephenc1/7068.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
By now the sun had gone almost full circle and the light promised
little more than an hour before bedtime but even so a quick dash through
the stretch to L’Encanyissada produced the resident (and presumed) <u><b>hybrid Little Egret x Western Reef Heron</b></u> opposite the watchtower at l’Embut, masses of <u><b>Common and Red-crested Pochard</b></u> on El Clot and, for the second visit running, a <u><b>Red-nobbed (Crested) Coot</b></u> at Pont de Traves.<br />
<br />
Finally, in the small pond next to the Casa de Fusta as I was leaving, yet another <u><b>Water Rail</b></u>, feeding out in the open and confident enough to resist fleeing despite me jamming on the breaks!<br />
<br />
As I said, I don’t count. (!). But I was gifted well over 80 species
in a short mid-winter day and I missed a few too. It amazed me how the
pressure of finding food in the colder months makes birds occupy every
single niche possible, from the expanse of lagoons and reed beds
harbouring <u><b>Greater Flamingos</b></u> and <u><b>Chiffchaffs</b></u> respectively to a few teasels on the edge of a rice field fleetingly playing host to a party of <u><b>Goldfinch</b></u>.<br />
<br />
Other species seen: <br />
<br />
Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Cattle Egret,
Little Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Mallard, Shovelor,
Kestrel, Coot, Common Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Audouin’s Gull, Black-headed Gull,
Slender-billed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Crested
lark, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail,
Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Cettis Warbler, Fan-tailed Warbler,
Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Magpie, Starling, Spotless Starling, House
Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-13098433372450316202010-08-16T06:58:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:46:03.049-08:00August in Navarra: the White-backed WoodpeckerThis report is really for me to recall possibly the best moment of my
birding year but of course feel free to read on. There is a brief
summary for Catalonia at the bottom of the page but...<br />
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<br />
<br />
...above is a photo of the SIERRA DE ABODI in NAVARRA, in the north of
SPAIN. Taking advantage of a trip to visit family 'up north', I took a
responsibility-free 'my day', on 16th August, and headed up and out in
search of a lifer!<br />
<br />
Not much chance, I was told, at this time of
year but with no options come high hopes... and anyway I always feel
that, with parent birds no longer sitting and a peak in numbers arising
from recently-fledged juveniles before they start to succumb to life's
trials, summer birding has the odds in its favour, at least sometimes.<br />
<br />
I'm not very good at focusing on target birds when I'm birding alone as
I get too distracted by just about any other bird on offer but, driving
through the photograph above, I resisted the temptation to give it the
once over and, excited by the smell of mixed deciduous woodland the
range and age of which I rarely see in Catalonia, I pressed on to my
destination now just 20 km away, the Selva de Irati - and the
White-backed Woodpecker.<br />
<br />
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<br />
As I kitted-up from the back of the car at the Hermita de la Virgen de las Nieves about 0800 a.m. I was welcomed by <b><u>Black Redstart</u></b>, <b><u>(White-throated) Dipper</u></b> and <b><u>Nuthatch</u></b> ... and then a <b><u>Black Woodpecker's</u></b> eerie tones pierced my left ear. I turned instinctively but, no, too far to have any chance of seeing it - but a good start.<br />
<br />
Capped and bincoculared and scoped and bagged, I turned to head off and
almost immediately felt myself becoming frustrated by the plethora of
forest tracks that all seemed to start or end at my feet. 'Take the
track towards the <i>Embalse</i>,' I had been pre-advised by a local birder. But which track is that?!!<br />
<br />
'Woh, hang on a minute,' I told myself, 'you're on holiday, chill out'
and, after forcing my self to relax with a fistful of chocolate-chip
cookies and three cups of coffee (yes, I know, but they were small
cups), during which time my ears and eyes were entertained by <b><u>Blackcap</u></b>, <b><u>Goldcrest</u></b>, <b><u>Robin</u></b>, <b><u>Short-toed Treecreeper</u></b>, <b><u>Coal Tit</u></b> and <b><u>Grey Wagtail</u></b>, I told my self it didn't matter and just stepped forward and followed my nose. Ahh, it's good to have no responsibilities.<br />
<br />
I knew next-to-nothing about White-backed Woodpecker before I started
as, for various reasons, I'd barely had time to ask the Navarricos for
location tips let alone read-up about the bird, and so I found my self
scanning the areas where I might expect to see Great Spotted
Woodpecker. In doing this I came across <b><u>Common Buzzard</u></b>, <b><u>Crested Tit</u></b>, <b><u>Chaffinch</u></b>, <b><u>Eurasian Sparrowhawk</u></b> and a party of the always impressive <b><u>Eurasian Bullfinch</u></b> (unlike in the UK, not a garden bird here in Spain).<br />
<br />
After about ninety minutes I settled at a 'likely' spot for Black
Woodpecker - space between the trees and a good supply of dead wood -
and hoped another particular woodpecker would like it too. Almost as
soon as I noticed some typical <i>Pica negra</i> attention on some of
the dead tree trunks, I heard a much louder version of the call that had
earlier pierced my ears and quite fortuitously picked out a female <b><u>Black Woodpecker</u></b> as she landed, tree-side and in full view through a gap between two old oaks, about 10 metres away. Fan-tastic.<br />
<br />
With much intent, she immediately began to study the bark before her,
rather strangely seeming to draw little imaginary pentangles in the air
with the tip of her bill. Between this, and angling and shifting her
head, ears and the one white-eye that I could see, she repeated very
deliberate short bouts of drumming. As she seemed occupied by the
bark's occupant I stealthily dared to set up my scope, at which point
the red flame lighting only the back of her crown, indicating she was
indeed a female, could be seen even more clearly.<br />
<br />
Wrapped in
her intentions for some time, I eventually became aware that a distinct
woodpecker 'kick' was filtering into my brain from the woodland below,
down the bank to my right. I waited for it again, when I considered
that it seemed somehow chunkier than a Great Spotted Woodpecker's call.
But I'd been told White-backs were very quiet at this time of year.
Well, in any case, I was sure I'd never heard such a sound before and,
in the same moment, became suddenly super-excited and down-right scared
at the prospect of ultimately not being able to locate it. Oh why
hadn't I followed my own rather obvious advice and learned its call
before trying to track a new bird?<br />
<br />
Leaving my scope behind, I
did like the rat and the pied piper and followed it blindly, daring only
one step between each 'kick'. Two if I was feeling brave. But,
despite nervously scanning all the tree trunks available and re-scanning
with some systematic composure, I could not find it, even despite its
rather obvious close-proximity. I became even more torn between
excitement and fear, now totally convinced that its source was indeed a
White-back as surely a Great Spotted Woodpecker would have revealed
itself by now.<br />
<br />
And then it struck me. The floor! And there it was. How...beautiful. How close.<br />
<br />
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<br />
A <b><u>White-backed Woodpecker</u></b>.
Every detail seemed to rush at me at once, perhaps inspired by the fear
of it flying off. But not a chance. What a confiding bird this is.
Looking black-and-white like a Great Spotted Woodpecker, feeding on the
ground like a Green Woodpecker but moving along with such unique
mannerisms that, to a more experienced eye, it would have given away its
identity without need to study its plumage.<br />
<br />
Almost an hour
went by before it worked its way just beyond comfortable watching,
during which time it was joined briefly by a second bird, a
black-crowned female. This bird actually has a partially red cap and a
more pinkish vent than is shown in the Collins field guide, so I am
assuming it's a young male. [Please forgive the awful photos by the way
but between fighting a pledge to relax and enjoy the birds for the day
and not take pictures and then discovering a dead digi-camera battery,
it had moved some way off before it dawned on me that I could hold my
tourist camera up to the scope's eyepiece].<br />
<br />
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<br />
Anyway, the White-backed Woodpeckers in the Spanish Pyrenees are of the sub-species <i>lilfordi</i>,
that much I did know, so don't in fact have much of a white-back, not
that I'm complaining. Instead the pattern is more ladder-like or
barred.<br />
<br />
I've since learned that the population in general is
under threat from logging, as they need a lot of dead wood, and also
that, not surprisingly now, they spend much of their time feeding on or
near to the ground. Aside from a few forays onto tree trunks, mostly
near the base, my two birds foraged almost entirely amongst the dead
trunks, branches, twigs and leaves on the forest floor.<br />
<br />
And by
way of a demonstration of their lack of shyness, when two separate
walkers eventually strode past, the White-backed Woodpecker remained
unperturbed at the first intruder and only flew briefly to a nearby
tree-trunk as the second strode past before returning to feed close to
the footpath.<br />
<br />
In contrast, the still-present Black Woodpecker,
which I had also been keeping an eye on, flushed immediately from its
new-found position at the first walker (via landing momentarily on a
tree three metres away from me!) before finally flying off.<br />
<br />
I finally headed out and home at about noon, after observing one of several <u><b>Marsh Tits</b></u>
playing inside one of the Black Woodpecker holes and capitalising on
one or two opportunities to compare Short-toed Treecreepers with the
relatively white-bellied and more brown-backed <b><u>Common Treecreeper</u></b>.<br />
<br />
I did stop off back at the Sierra de Abodi by the way and ate lunch in the company of, amongst others, <u><b>Red Kite</b></u>, <b><u>Griffon Vulture</u></b>, <b><u>Red-billed Chough</u></b> and <b><u>Water Pipit</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
BACK IN CATALONIA<br />
<br />
An interesting local tour to the
LLOBREGAT DELTA and THE GARRAF MASSIF on 5th August did throw up about
ninety species, including a fine <u><b>Eleanora's Falcon</b></u>, perched on a hilltop tree before dropping down out of sight.<br />
<br />
The Garraf also produced <b><u>Bonelli's Eagle</u></b>, <b><u>Black Wheatear</u></b>, <u><b>Short-toed Eagle</b></u>, <u><b>Blue Rock Thrush</b></u>, <u><b>Dartford Warbler</b></u>, <u><b>European Shag</b></u>, <u><b>Turtle Dove</b></u>, <u><b>Pallid Swift</b></u>, <u><b>Alpine Swift</b></u>, <u><b>Red-rumped Swallow</b></u> and <u><b>Rock Sparrow</b></u>.<br />
<br />
Other highlights were a stunning summer-plumage <b><u>Black-necked Grebe</u></b> and an early returning <u><b>Common Kingfisher</b></u> at Llobregat as well as the usual gulls, terns, herons, shorebirds and warblers. Migrant <u><b>Pied Flycatcher</b></u>, <u><b>Western Bonelli's Warbler</b></u> and <b><u>Willow Warbler</u></b> joined the local <u><b>Penduline Tit</b></u> and <u><b>Common Waxbill</b></u>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>"Thanks
very much for a very rewarding day out. I admired your zeal and
dedication and learned a lot about birding in the Garraf region.<br /> The
Pallid Swifts, Peregrine, Blue Rock Thrush and Black Wheatear stood out
and so did the Llobregat Delta with the Bee-eaters, Hoopoe and the
various raptors."</i><br />
<div align="right">
<br />
<b>Mark Bovens, Holland</b></div>
</div>Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878626588599876369.post-61987782235963234162009-08-20T02:14:00.000-07:002012-01-14T01:45:18.464-08:00Outside Spain: August in Norfolk, U.K.<u>An August morning on the North Norfolk coast</u><br />
<br />
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<br />
As I swung the car door open at 0730 on the morning of 20th August 2009
it had been twenty months since my last visit to Titchwell RSPB,
Norfolk, and my impatience to sit on the sea-front bench-on-the-beach
meant I skipped out of the car park and entered the footpaths at some
pace.<br />
<br />
But within seconds, singing <u><b>Wren</b></u>, <u><b>Chaffinch</b></u>, <b><u>Robin</u></b>, <b><u>Chiffchaff</u></b> and <b><u>Blue Tit</u></b>
drew my haste to a halt and I settled on a canopy-covered picnic bench
to listen. As I did so, I dwelt on the thought that here such birds -
all relatively rare during summer in north-east Spain where I spend
much of my time these days - are perhaps not appreciated as they might
be. Perhaps given as little attention in fact as I give to Bee-eaters
and Golden Orioles around my garden.<br />
<br />
But some of Norfolk's
jewels, and one in particular, were even rarer back in Spain and so,
although somewhat calmed by the welcome chorus, I made my way through
the reserve with purpose. One such exciting bird, the <b><u>Herring Gull</u></b>,
accompanied me faithfully all along the straight track to the sea as if
aware of its new popularity. How smart it was in its pink legs and,
yes, I remember now how significantly paler its mantle is than the
Yellow-legged Gulls in Barcelona.<br />
<br />
As the morning light and
shadows stretched across the water with the still-rising sun, it
gradually converted busy silhouettes into full-colour <b><u>Curlew</u></b>, <u><b>Redshank</b></u>, <u><b>Avocet</b></u>, <u><b>Snipe</b></u>, <u><b>Lapwing</b></u> and <u><b>Dunlin</b></u> (photo below). A flock of <u><b>Black-tailed Godwit</b></u> passed overhead before two more 'strangers' - the <b><u>Meadow Pipit</u></b> (winter only in my part of Spain) and <b><u>Reed Bunting</u></b> (a different sub-species) - escorted me to the beach itself.<br />
<br />
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<br />
As I approached, a pair of <b><u>Little Egret</u></b>
flew up and brought up flashes of Barcelona but I paid them little
attention (!). Instead I looked straight ahead and, with the same rush
one gets from scaling the steps to view the green grass of the Camp Nou
football pitch for the first time, step by step the sea came into view
and I paused on the brow of the footpath. What a wonderful place. I'm
used to viewing the north sea from here in winter but even now the sand
was blanketed with wriggling flocks of <b><u>Grey Plover</u></b> (some in dinner-jacket-smart summer plumage), <u><b>Ringed Plover</b></u> (photo below), <u><b>Sanderling</b></u>, <b><u>Oystercatcher</u></b> and <b><u>Turnstone</u></b>, amongst others.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I stayed. I stayed and barely used my binoculars. I stayed until
distant voices crept down the footpath and whispered 'you're no longer
alone' in my ear and I moved on. Sorry guys, this morning I just didn't
feel like talking. And anyway I still had 'the jewel' to prize from
the jaws of the reserve and the voices provided me with a good excuse to
get on with it.<br />
<br />
A handful of <b><u>Ruff</u></b> and a reminder that all the White Wagtails here are <u><b>Pied Wagtails</b></u> were the only additions, save for small flocks of <b><u>Linnet</u></b> and <b><u>Goldfinch</u></b> that skipped ahead of me as I strolled back to the Island hide, but even as I entered it was apparent that a fistful of <b><u>Little Stint</u></b> were slaloming between the legs of the Dunlin and Redshank.<br />
<br />
I suppose there's a saying somewhere that states that all jewels are
worth waiting for, and I was prepared (with coffee, chocolate biscuits, a
banana, brie and apple sandwiches, a piece of leftover omelette, a bag
of crisps and an orange, all lovingly pre-packed by my sister) to wait
as long as it takes. I hadn't seen this bird for two years and, before
that, not since I used to watch them scamper about at my local reservoir
when I was a teenager.<br />
<br />
Within five minutes, whilst excitedly watching three absolutely spanking <b><u>Sedge Warbler</u></b>
(yet another stranger; there are none in Catalonia) flitting between
the reed bases and exposed earth to the south of the hide, a juvenile <b><u>Bearded Reedling</u></b> aka Bearded Tit aka how-bloody-great-is-that?, popped out onto the soft sand and was promptly joined by three others.<br />
<br />
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<br />
For the next half-hour and more I watched them to the exclusion of all else (except for the Sedge Warblers and a pair of <b><u>Reed Warbler</u></b>
all of whom seemed to be sharing the same niche). The rubbish picture
above of course is no attempt to do them justice but I couldn't resist.
<br />
<br />
During this time they hardly disappeared as they worked their
way first back and then forth across the feet of the reeds, on a couple
of very reminiscent occasions actually sliding down the reed stems a la
Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub (or Fireman Sam for the younger generation).
I'd forgotten that they did that. And they run! Since when do they
run? Funny how the brain works as I don't remember even knowing that.
No-one else in the hide knew that either, but at least I'm being
sociable now and actually talking to people.<br />
<br />
On the way out a large group of <b><u>Greylag Geese</u></b> and some <u><b>Common Teal</b></u> (mostly winter birds for me) had gathered amongst the other duck-species and I picked out a mid-distant <b><u>Great Black-backed Gull</u></b>, a bird not present in Catalonia that I hoped to see at closer quarters later in the day.<br />
<br />
A <b><u>Common Whitethroat</u></b> nodded me the direction of the car and I was soon off back west along the coast to Holme.<br />
<br />
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<br />
A few dog-walkers made me fear the worst and put me in mind of a quick
departure but a hop, skip and a jump to the top of a sand-dune was the
minimum requirement to see if a longer stay was worthwhile.
Worthwhile? I should say so. I immediately caught sight of a lone <b><u>Grey Partridge</u></b>,
itself caught mid-path and scuttling back into cover. This was another
of my key target species for the day. Although I do occasionally see
the rare Catalan population in the Pyrenees, it had been a while since
I'd had a really good view.<br />
<br />
A little fruitful patience produced
superb views as he eventually tip-toed out with six youngsters and his
partner, who like a lollipop lady stopped mid-way to marshal the kids
past before following on behind, and they all disappeared into the
sand-scrub.<br />
<br />
As I turned to watch a close-by Common Whitethroat, a ringtail <b><u>Hen Harrier</u></b>
suddenly went up a few metres away and dropped down on the blind side
of the dune. Even a reversed jump, skip and and a hop unfortunately
failed to re-locate the bird but, encouraged by the diversity, I locked
up the car and sand-squelched my way to the tide's edge.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I almost ignored a wing-flick in the sand dunes en route but a voice on my shoulder nagged me to pursue and discover a <b><u>Northern Wheatear</u></b>.
I do see this species throughout the year and this apparently larger
and darker bird smacked of the Greenland sub-species but it was a little
too far off to be sure.<br />
<br />
Once at the water's edge, I allowed
the foam to lap at my shoes as I sat on my heels and waited about twenty
minutes for the shorebirds I'd just scared away to get used to me and
return. These <b><u>Red Knot</u></b> (above) were my favourites, but close views of more Great Black-backed Gull and a re-found appreciation of the quite beautiful <b><u>Common Gull</u></b>, a rare vagrant for me most often seen in the Ebro Delta, ran them close.<br />
<br />
Other new birds present amongst the thousands of gulls and waders were plenty of <u><b>Bar-tailed Godwit</b></u>, along with a few of their black-tailed cousins, a <b><u>Great Crested Grebe</u></b> flying low over the ocean and fishing <u><b>Common and Sandwich Terns</b></u>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
All in all about 75 species for the day, including plenty of <b><u>Rook</u></b>, another 'stranger' not mentioned, and the best birding in yonks. What a great year I'm having.<br />
<br />
P.S. I didn't eat the orange.Stephen Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18203817726023163949noreply@blogger.com0