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Where to bird in Lanzarrotte (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Proterra
- Start date
John Cantelo
Well-known member
Although a guide to Fuerteventura as well and looking at the islands' wildlife a whole rather than just birds, the Crossbill Guides volume "Canary islands I - Lanzarote & Fuerteventura" covers the most important birding sites (see https://issuu.com/crossbillguidesfoundation/docs/cg17_canary_islands__1_issuu for details) so should be useful. I must, though, declare an interest as I helped edit this (and other) Crossbill books.
foresttwitcher
Virtually unknown member
Have a look at the Lanzarote section (Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th) of this trip report from spring 2015:http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=305123&highlight=Canary+Islands. I used the Gosney site guide.
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s
I've copied my report below.
The Salinas is the best place for birdwatching and you can get the bus every hour[see report].
A short report of our recent holiday in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote from 26/2/16 to 4/3/16. It was not specifically a birdwatching holiday - more of an excuse to get away for a week for some sunshine and relaxation.
We stayed at the Atlantic Gardens Adult only hotel.
Never having been to Lanzarote I soon realised birdwatching might be hard work. Bare mountain slopes, little or no vegetation and, on the face of it, a dearth of birds. Stuck in the middle of the Atlantic, it was a wonder there were any birds at all!
Playa Blanca
The hotel is equidistant between the lighthouse and the harbour. There are some wooden shelters and benches near the hotel entrance on the promenade. I spent some time most days parked here with my scope or walking towards the lighthouse. The most prominent bird was Cory's Shearwater. I never did any serious counting but on the last day 24 passed by in a 20 minute spell. This was probably par for the course. Looking towards the lighthouse a Great Skua was seen on 27/2/16. Northern Gannet were few and far between but seen in small numbers every day.
Yellow-legged Gull were common and recorded in good numbers. It was frustrating to see distant medium sized terns but I could never pin down which species they might have been. The rocks below the shelters were a birding hotspot in Lanzarote terms. Ruddy Turnstone were seen on two days including 5 on 3/3/16. On the same day a Whimbrel and a Ringed Plover turned up with a few Yellow-legged Gull. Two Common Sandpiper were recorded the day before. Whilst sitting there on 29/2/16 a Barn Swallow arrived from the direction of Fuertaventura - the only arrival all week. Hirundines arrive early in Lanzarote it seems! Two parties of House Martin came in, with 10 on 26/2/16 and 4 on 27/2/16. There were often 2 Linnet feeding next to the shelters as well as the common Spanish Sparrow and Collared Dove. Both species are numerous on Lanzarote. A Common Kestrel was seen most days on the wasteland next to the hotel. The Lighthouse was a great place to get closer views Cory Shearwater, Gannets and Yellow-legged Gulls. The nearest Berthelot's Pipit were to be found around the edges of Montana Roja, the local volcano. Very common and seen most days. A Trumpeter Finch was spotted near the start of the main track up Montana Roja.
If you carry on over the northern shoulder of Montana Roja you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the totally unspoilt western coast which is part of the Timanfaya National Park. Walk towards the right hand side of the peculiar crumbling half built abandoned yellow hotel. In doing so you pass through potential habitats for Coursers and Bustards. Best of luck if you see any. All I saw on two visits were the inevitable Berthelot's Pipit. Mind you the scenery is wonderful and once you reach the coast, there are great views of Cory's Shearwater, Yellow-legged Gull and a few Northern Gannet. I saw a falcon which could have been a Peregrine or Barbary. The view was fleeting so I can't be sure which it was.
Salinas De Janubio
This is a top class bird watching location! Since we didn't hire a car I was pleased to find a regular, hourly bus service which stops right next to it. Catch the Linea 60 from the bus stop nearest the harbour on the hour all day. Ask for Rotunda La Hoya - the first stop. It costs 1.40 euro.The bus returns around a quarter to the hour. The workmen didn't seem bothered when I turned up. I turned left at the entrance and found 14 Trumpeter Finch and several Berthelot's Pipit including one gathering nesting material. A Great Grey Shrike was spotted a little further on. Most of the birds were on the huge lagoon or on the edges. I viewed them from either the left hand side or by taking the main track south of the main entrance. The was an impressive 28 Black-winged Stilt,9 Common Redshank, 1 Greenshank,3 Common Sandpiper, and 4 Kentish Plover [one with two blue bands]. The banded Kentish Plover was being very aggressive towards a Common Sandpiper and wouldn't give up till the Sandpiper flew away. I could see two Ruddy Shelduck on the eastern edge-apparently they are long-stayers and have bred here. There were also 2 Teal. The star birds were the 11 Black-necked Grebe which is the most I have ever seen together. Other birds recorded: Spanish Sparrow, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove and Rock Dove. Cory's Shearwater were seen from the beach on the road to Golfo.
Timfanya National Park
It was well worth taking the 7 hour tour with Low Cost Tours[£21]. You might not see many birds but the volcanic scenery is stunning. Incidentally it is actually better to take the bus tour,rather than the car. Buses are given precedence entering the main visitor viewing car park. Also only accredited buses are allowed to drive round the amazing lunar route.
Berthelot's Pipit were seen at the main visitor centre as well as the area near the camel riding centre. There were 6 Trumpeter Finch here as well. There were some Berthelot's Pipit here which were so used to the visitors they were almost tame! On the way back to the airport there were several Cattle Egret in the fields.
I've copied my report below.
The Salinas is the best place for birdwatching and you can get the bus every hour[see report].
A short report of our recent holiday in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote from 26/2/16 to 4/3/16. It was not specifically a birdwatching holiday - more of an excuse to get away for a week for some sunshine and relaxation.
We stayed at the Atlantic Gardens Adult only hotel.
Never having been to Lanzarote I soon realised birdwatching might be hard work. Bare mountain slopes, little or no vegetation and, on the face of it, a dearth of birds. Stuck in the middle of the Atlantic, it was a wonder there were any birds at all!
Playa Blanca
The hotel is equidistant between the lighthouse and the harbour. There are some wooden shelters and benches near the hotel entrance on the promenade. I spent some time most days parked here with my scope or walking towards the lighthouse. The most prominent bird was Cory's Shearwater. I never did any serious counting but on the last day 24 passed by in a 20 minute spell. This was probably par for the course. Looking towards the lighthouse a Great Skua was seen on 27/2/16. Northern Gannet were few and far between but seen in small numbers every day.
Yellow-legged Gull were common and recorded in good numbers. It was frustrating to see distant medium sized terns but I could never pin down which species they might have been. The rocks below the shelters were a birding hotspot in Lanzarote terms. Ruddy Turnstone were seen on two days including 5 on 3/3/16. On the same day a Whimbrel and a Ringed Plover turned up with a few Yellow-legged Gull. Two Common Sandpiper were recorded the day before. Whilst sitting there on 29/2/16 a Barn Swallow arrived from the direction of Fuertaventura - the only arrival all week. Hirundines arrive early in Lanzarote it seems! Two parties of House Martin came in, with 10 on 26/2/16 and 4 on 27/2/16. There were often 2 Linnet feeding next to the shelters as well as the common Spanish Sparrow and Collared Dove. Both species are numerous on Lanzarote. A Common Kestrel was seen most days on the wasteland next to the hotel. The Lighthouse was a great place to get closer views Cory Shearwater, Gannets and Yellow-legged Gulls. The nearest Berthelot's Pipit were to be found around the edges of Montana Roja, the local volcano. Very common and seen most days. A Trumpeter Finch was spotted near the start of the main track up Montana Roja.
If you carry on over the northern shoulder of Montana Roja you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the totally unspoilt western coast which is part of the Timanfaya National Park. Walk towards the right hand side of the peculiar crumbling half built abandoned yellow hotel. In doing so you pass through potential habitats for Coursers and Bustards. Best of luck if you see any. All I saw on two visits were the inevitable Berthelot's Pipit. Mind you the scenery is wonderful and once you reach the coast, there are great views of Cory's Shearwater, Yellow-legged Gull and a few Northern Gannet. I saw a falcon which could have been a Peregrine or Barbary. The view was fleeting so I can't be sure which it was.
Salinas De Janubio
This is a top class bird watching location! Since we didn't hire a car I was pleased to find a regular, hourly bus service which stops right next to it. Catch the Linea 60 from the bus stop nearest the harbour on the hour all day. Ask for Rotunda La Hoya - the first stop. It costs 1.40 euro.The bus returns around a quarter to the hour. The workmen didn't seem bothered when I turned up. I turned left at the entrance and found 14 Trumpeter Finch and several Berthelot's Pipit including one gathering nesting material. A Great Grey Shrike was spotted a little further on. Most of the birds were on the huge lagoon or on the edges. I viewed them from either the left hand side or by taking the main track south of the main entrance. The was an impressive 28 Black-winged Stilt,9 Common Redshank, 1 Greenshank,3 Common Sandpiper, and 4 Kentish Plover [one with two blue bands]. The banded Kentish Plover was being very aggressive towards a Common Sandpiper and wouldn't give up till the Sandpiper flew away. I could see two Ruddy Shelduck on the eastern edge-apparently they are long-stayers and have bred here. There were also 2 Teal. The star birds were the 11 Black-necked Grebe which is the most I have ever seen together. Other birds recorded: Spanish Sparrow, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove and Rock Dove. Cory's Shearwater were seen from the beach on the road to Golfo.
Timfanya National Park
It was well worth taking the 7 hour tour with Low Cost Tours[£21]. You might not see many birds but the volcanic scenery is stunning. Incidentally it is actually better to take the bus tour,rather than the car. Buses are given precedence entering the main visitor viewing car park. Also only accredited buses are allowed to drive round the amazing lunar route.
Berthelot's Pipit were seen at the main visitor centre as well as the area near the camel riding centre. There were 6 Trumpeter Finch here as well. There were some Berthelot's Pipit here which were so used to the visitors they were almost tame! On the way back to the airport there were several Cattle Egret in the fields.
steve_zodiac
Well-known member
Just got back from a week in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Went birding everyday, usually on the Rubicon plain, or the slopes of Monta Roja. And one day walked as far as the lighthouse.
Surprisingly I didn't see any Houbaras during my stay but there were regular sightings of Cream Coloured Coursers, in small parties, on the plain.
There were quite a lot of Pied Flycatchers, seen daily, in roadside bushes and gardens, and just the one Spotted Flycatcher. The Pied Flycatchers were mainly females.
Northern Wheatears were regularly seen, usually along the promenade near the Natura Palace, and also on the plain.
Quite a lot of Cattle Egrets about, along the promenade and on the plain, a single Grey Heron flew towards the lighthouse (Mon 9th) and a single Black Redstart was around villas beside Monta Roja (Wed 11th). A single Oystercatcher flew west towards the lighthouse (Tues 10th).
The bird of the week, on Wednesday 11th October, was a Laughing Dove (Palm Dove) in roadside trees between the Timanfaya Palace and Natura Palace hotels. Watched it for about 45mins feeding on the ground and occasionally flying up onto villa roofs. I believe Laughing Doves breed on Fuerteventura but I'm not sure of their status on Lanzarote. The bird hadn't been present on previous days, and wasn't seen on Thursday 12th.
Other birds throughout the week included Southern Grey Shrike, Trumpeter Finch, Hoopoe, Swallow, Swift, Linnet, Common Sandpiper, Sandwich Tern, Yellow legged Gull, Kestrel, Collared Dove, Rock Dove, Berthelots Pipit, and Spanish Sparrow.
Surprisingly I didn't see any Houbaras during my stay but there were regular sightings of Cream Coloured Coursers, in small parties, on the plain.
There were quite a lot of Pied Flycatchers, seen daily, in roadside bushes and gardens, and just the one Spotted Flycatcher. The Pied Flycatchers were mainly females.
Northern Wheatears were regularly seen, usually along the promenade near the Natura Palace, and also on the plain.
Quite a lot of Cattle Egrets about, along the promenade and on the plain, a single Grey Heron flew towards the lighthouse (Mon 9th) and a single Black Redstart was around villas beside Monta Roja (Wed 11th). A single Oystercatcher flew west towards the lighthouse (Tues 10th).
The bird of the week, on Wednesday 11th October, was a Laughing Dove (Palm Dove) in roadside trees between the Timanfaya Palace and Natura Palace hotels. Watched it for about 45mins feeding on the ground and occasionally flying up onto villa roofs. I believe Laughing Doves breed on Fuerteventura but I'm not sure of their status on Lanzarote. The bird hadn't been present on previous days, and wasn't seen on Thursday 12th.
Other birds throughout the week included Southern Grey Shrike, Trumpeter Finch, Hoopoe, Swallow, Swift, Linnet, Common Sandpiper, Sandwich Tern, Yellow legged Gull, Kestrel, Collared Dove, Rock Dove, Berthelots Pipit, and Spanish Sparrow.
Out of interest which hotel did you stay at and was it any good.
Did you manage to visit the Salinas? Its one of the best bird watching locations on the island and all the birds are self contained within the same area.
steve_zodiac
Well-known member
Stayed at the Timanfaya Palace. When I've stayed at Playa Blanca in the past Ive always stayed at the Princess which is handy for the Rubicon plain.
Over the years on the plain I've had Egyptian Vulture, Stone Curlew, Houbara, Lesser Short toed Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Cream coloured Coursers, Black eared Wheatear, Barbary Falcon, Hoopoe etc.
This past week on some occasions I was falling over Pied Flycatchers, they were everywhere.
The grounds around the Natura palace hotel eeemed to attract Wheatears, whereas there was little in the way of trees at the Timanfaya Palace so it was a case of Spanish Sparrows, Collared Doves and Kestrels.
I noticed a number of Masked Lovebirds along the promenade between the Timanfaya Palace and Rubicon Palace, they were free flying but I later discovered an aviary at the Rubicon Palace which I believe they had originally escaped from.
I didn't visit the salinas this year though I had been there in the past.
A good place for seabirds, particularly Corys Shearwater, is the headland at Papagayo, which is easily reached along the ciastal path from the Rubicon mwrina at the east end of Playa Blanca.
Over the years on the plain I've had Egyptian Vulture, Stone Curlew, Houbara, Lesser Short toed Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Cream coloured Coursers, Black eared Wheatear, Barbary Falcon, Hoopoe etc.
This past week on some occasions I was falling over Pied Flycatchers, they were everywhere.
The grounds around the Natura palace hotel eeemed to attract Wheatears, whereas there was little in the way of trees at the Timanfaya Palace so it was a case of Spanish Sparrows, Collared Doves and Kestrels.
I noticed a number of Masked Lovebirds along the promenade between the Timanfaya Palace and Rubicon Palace, they were free flying but I later discovered an aviary at the Rubicon Palace which I believe they had originally escaped from.
I didn't visit the salinas this year though I had been there in the past.
A good place for seabirds, particularly Corys Shearwater, is the headland at Papagayo, which is easily reached along the ciastal path from the Rubicon mwrina at the east end of Playa Blanca.
Timfanya looks nice! We had a look round and plan to stay there [or Natura Palace]. Both Adult Only now.
We stayed at the Marconfort Adult Only hotel in between. Its more downmarket but very peaceful.
I noticed the same phenomenon of lots of migrating Pied Flycatchers on the Costa de La Luz a few years ago. They breed in large numbers up here but they aren't the most easy bird to see, flying around the dense woodlands. The migrating Pied Flycatchers in Spain however, were here there and everywhere-on fence posts along a busy promenade and in the local parks.
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steve_zodiac
Well-known member
I'm going back to Playa Blanca in March, staying nearer the Rubicon plain. A good reference guide is Birds of the Atlantic Islands by Tony Clarke. He also has another guide about the gest birding sites in the Canaries; but the former is an excellent book.
