[Phil Andrews]

Thought I would post some brief summaries of the birds I saw on a two week holiday (well actually my honeymoon) on Tenerife this March, staying at Costa Adeje. I birded several sites around the south west corner (as well as the main endemic sites) which may be a value to birders staying with partners in the main Playa De Las Americas / Los Cristianos area.

MONDAY 12TH MARCH
A walk around Costa Adeje town on a lazy first day produced Canary Island Chaffinch, Northern Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Blackbird, Spanish Sparrow, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Feral Pigeon, Blackcap, Grey Wagtail and Goldfinch. Hire car picked up from Hertz late in the day gave me the ability to strike further out.

TUESDAY 13TH MARCH
Headed south before breakfast to the area of scrub north of El Fraile. Whilst the area was dominated by banana plantations, some good birds were turned up. Sightings included Barbary Partridge, 4 Plain Swift, 2 Southern Grey Shrike, Hoopoe, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Kestrel, Feral pigeon, House Martin, Blackbird, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Spanish Sparrow and Bertholts Pipit. The reservoir at El Fraile was a real disappointment, viewable only through a concrete block wall at a distance. Without a scope it was a write-off

On to the shopping centre / holiday complex at Ten Bel east of Las Galletas for the parakeets. No sign of the Monks but several Ring-neckeds. Also Blackcap, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Spanish Sparrow and Bertholts Pipit.

Later in the day a walk along the coast from Palm Mar to Punta de la Rasca produced 3 Cory's Sheawaters off the lighthouse at the point, an Osprey fishing off the sea front at Palm Mar, Whimbrel on the rocks, Spanish Sparrow, a White Wagtail on the roadside verge, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Feral Pigeon, Spanish Sparrow and Bertholts Pipit.

Finally, an evening stroll around the scrub north of Costa Adeje golf course unearthed 3 Spectacled Warblers (all males), up to 20 Barbary Partridge, Common Buzzard, a male Sardinian Warbler, several Kestrel, Feral Pigeon (many resembling "pure" Rock Dove, Spanish Sparrow, Bertholts Pipit, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Grey Wagtail and Southern Grey Shrike. The walk along the ravine immediately adjacent the northern boundary of the gold course was the most productive.

WEDNESDAY 14TH MARCH
An early morning start saw me head of to Las Lagas to arrive ahead of the crowds. The site didnt disappoint with good views of Blue Chaffinch, Canary, Tenerife Blue Tit and Tenerife Goldcrest, together with Blackbird, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Feral Pigeon and Canary Island Chiffchaff. The journey back to Costa Adeje produced Bertholts Pipit, Collared Dove and 10 Plain Swift below Arona.

A gentle stroll along the beach at Costa Adeje saw 2 Sandwich Terns off-shore.

A return visit to El Fraile (this time armed with my scope) saw the reservoir be a little more productive with 4 Coot, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Grey Heron. The scrub yielded a male Spectacled Warbler, Spanish Sparrow, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Feral Pigeon, Southern Grey Shrike, 3 Barbary Partridge, Kestrel and Bertholts Pipit.

A quick drop into Ten Bel saw more Ring-necked Parakeet (but no Monks again), Collared Dove, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Feral Pigeon, Grey Wagtail, Blackbird and Spanish Sparrow.

An evening visit to El Medano east of the airport saw the first waders of the holiday on the lagoon behind the beach with 2 Redshank, Whimbrel and Sanderling. Other birds included Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Feral Pigeons (resembling Rock Doves), Southern Grey Shrike and Bertholts Pipit. Another Southern Grey Shrike was along the roadside east of Los Abrigos.

[Phil Andrews]

THURSDAY 15TH MARCH
Impressed with what I had seen the previous evening, I returned to El Medano early the following morning when I hoped that disturbance from walkers would be less. I wasnt disaappointed with more waders on the lagoon and along the shoreline including 4 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Kentish Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling and 2 Redshank. Azorean Yellow-legged Gulls and Bertholts Pipits were also present.

A quick stop north of Los Abrigos found the reservoir devoid of water but a Swallow and Hoopoe over.

On to Costa del Sur Golf Course where I walked the roads at the top end of the golf course having parked by the tourist information office. The ponds on the course held Moorhen, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull and 6 Cattle Egret. The fairways contained Blackbird, Bertholts Pipit, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove and Canary Island Chiffchaff.

A stroll around the pretty coastal town of La Caleta north of Costa Adeje totted up 2 Cory's Shearwaters offshore and a Whimbrel, 5 Turnstones and a Common Sandpiper on the rocks together with Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon and Canary Island Chiffchaff.

A return visit in the evening to the scrub north of Costa Adeje golf course noted 2 Spectacled Warblers, 2 Northern Wheatears on the fairways, up to 12 Barbary Partridge, Grey Wagtail, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Bertholts Pipit, Kestrel, Blackbird, Spanish Sparrow, Kestrel, Canary Island Chiffchaff and Feral Pigeon.

FRIDAY 16TH MARCH
A carefully negotiated full day out birding saw me make an early start at Erjos Ponds. The highlight was 10 Bolle's Pigeons in trees by the ponds with 2 seen in a similar location later. There was a different feel to the birds in this location with Linnet, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin, 5 Snipe, Sparrowhawk, approx 25 Coot, a similar number of Moorhen, good numbers of Canary, Feral Pigeon, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Tenerife Blue Tit, Buzzard, Barbary Partridge and Azorean Yellow-legged Gull. Please note that when approaching from the south the turn on the left down to the ponds is very sharp and sudden; it may be politic to turn around after the turn in the village and approach from the north.

I then moved the short distance on to Monte de Agua. Whilst the laurel forest held great promise, the birding was rather frustrating with few panoramic views to scan for Bolle's Pigeon. Species encountered included Tenerife Goldcrest, Canary, Robin, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Tenerife Blue Tit and Chaffinch. A flock of at least 100 Plain Swift fed overhead.

The picturesque drive north through the spectacular Masca Valley added more Plain Swifts, a Sardinian Warbler and a tumbling Raven.

A quick detour to the series of small reservoirs below Los Silos were surprisingly productive with 15 Coot, 2 Moorhen, Greenshank, Little Egret, Little Ringed Plover and Grey Wagtail. I got lost on the journey up to Alto Teno to find Rock Sparrow saw me become hopelessly lost and I retraced my steps back to the coast road.

Barbary Falcon at Punta Le Fraile was my next target and I wasnt disappointed with views of one bird perched on the cliff and then hunting overhead. The best views were obtained just west of the rock arch, not by the tunnel. There is space for just one car west of the arch, best accessed from the road coming east. A Buzzard also hunted overhead whilst 3 Cory's Shearwaters passed offshore.

On to the end of the road and Punta de Teno. Good numbers of Cory's Shearwater passed offshore (probably 5 a minute) but views were poor; recent redevelopment of the lighthouse has seen a large set of gates thrown across the road so viewing has to be taken (unsatisfactorily) some distance back from the actual point. The abandoned farm a mile short of the point revealed at least one Rock Sparrow (with several others heard), Spanish Sparrow, Bertholts Pipit and Kestrel.

[Phil Andrews]

SATURDAY 17TH MARCH
An early morning start found me at the coastal town of Las Galletas. The rocky shore had 13 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, 2 Little Egret and Azorean Yellow-legged Gull with Feral Pigeon in the town.

On to the nearby scrub north of El Fraile again. With the early morning sun behind me, scoping the reservoir saw me tick Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, 2 Grey Wagtail, Grey Heron, Greenshank, 8 Coot and Azorean Yellow-legged Gull. The scrub itself held Kestrel, Spectacled Warbler, Bertholts Pipit, Feral Pigeon, Blackbird, Spanish Sparrow and 3+ Southern Grey Shrike with one Plain Swift over.

SUNDAY 18TH MARCH
Another early morning visit to El Medano produced the highlight of the trip. A small light coloured bird scuttling in the dunes was finally nailed as an AFRICAN DESERT WARBLER, I understand only the fourth record for the Canaries (one saw seen shortly afterwards on one of the other islands). Wader numbers held up with 7 Ringed Plovers, 2 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel and 2 Redshank whilst 2 Little Egret on the shore. Others birds included Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Bertholts Pipit, Feral Pigeon and Kestrel.

Another visit to the top end of Costa del Sur golf course saw Cattle Egret numbers increase to 14, 5 Moorhen, 2 Spectacled Warblers, c30 Barbary Partridge, Collared Dove, Spanish Sparrow, Grey Heron, Blackcap, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Hoopoe, Whimbrel, Feral Pigeon, Bertholts Pipit, male Northern Wheatear, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Wagtail and 2 Ring-necked Parakeet.

Nearby, the small pond at the western end of Charifas held 7 Little Egret, Greenshank, Coot and 2 Moorhen. Further down the road a female Marsh Harrier quartered the upper end of Amarillo golf course.

On to Gaurgacho where all the bodies of water had already dried up. The adjoining scrub produced Spanish Sparrow, Spectacled Warbler, Blackcap, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Bertholts Pipit and Blackcap whilst Plain Swift sped overhead.

A stroll along the sea front at Costa Adeje added 2 Turnstone, 2 Common Tern and yet more Azorean Yellow-legged Gulls. A speculative visit to the small pond at Armenine yielded an immature Spoonbill (the only record of the holiday), Blackcap and Spectacled Warbler.

Finally, an evening visit back to the scrub north of Costa Adeje Golf Course saw signs of active migration. Four Northern Wheatears were on the fairways whilst a stonking male Woodchat Shrike perched menacingly on the boundary fence. Other birds included a Southern Grey Shrike, Spanish Sparrow, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, Feral Pigeon, Buzzard, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Northern Chiffchaff, 9 Barbary Partridge and Bertholts Pipit.

[Phil Andrews]

MONDAY 19TH MARCH
Again I had the whole day free so I headed up to the northern coast of the island. A quick stop for petrol at Guia de Isora saw an early rising Plain Swift.

It would have been rude not to call into Ergos Ponds for seconds. Again a Bolle's Pigeon was in trees adjacent to the ponds; the ponds themselves contained 4 Snipe, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Coot and Moorhen. The adjoining scrub and farmland saw Blackbird, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Canary, 3+ Linnet, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Robin, Feral Pigeon, Tenerife Blue Tit and a female Sardinian Warbler. Further on my journey a Sparrowhawk flew over Icod de Los Vinos.

A stake-out from the lay-by at Lagrimomas produced 6 views of Laurel Dove over a 90 minute period (including 4 of perched birds). Other species encountered from the lay-by were Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Canary, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Kestrel, Buzzard and Tenerife Blue Tit.

The reservoir at Cruz Santa was less than half full and as a result the birding was poor - just 15 Coot, a Little Egret, Kestrel and Canary.

Up into the hills and laurel forests at Chanajiga. As foretold in the site guides the clouds dissended, dramatically reducing visability. Close but brief flight viewes were gained of one Bolle's Pigeon; other sightings included Great Spotted Woodpecker, Canary, Tenerife Blue Tit, Buzzard, Chaffinch, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Tenerife Goldcrest, Blackbird and at least 4 Plain Swift.

The picnic sites at Aguasama / La Caldera were busy with walkers and general tourists - Blue Chaffinch was only heard with views of Chaffinch, Blackbird, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Tenerife Goldcrest and Tenerife Blue Tit. South of La Caldera at least 150 Plain Swift fed over a forest clearing.

A stunningly scenic drive around Mount Teide brought me back to Las Lagas. The picnic area was not as over-run as the guidebooks would have you believe and I obtained further close views of up to 11 Blue Chaffinch, together with Canary, Feral Pigeon, Tenerife Goldcrest and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

TUESDAY 20TH MARCH
My curiorosity got the better of me and I returned early morning to El Medano to see if the Desert Warbler was still present. Sure enough it was still scurrying in amongst the dunes. Waders comprised 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin; other birds encountered were Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Feral Pigeon, Kestrel, Bertholts Pipit and Spectacled Warbler.

Another visit to the top end of Costa del Sur golf course noted 2 Mallard on the ponds together with 14 Cattle Egret, Redshank, Little Egret, Moorhen and Coot. A Hoopoe and male Northern Wheatears were on the fairways. Other sightings were Blackcap, Feral Pigeon, 2 Plain Swift, Collared Dove, Grey Wagtail, Bertholts Pipit, Blackbird, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Barbary Partridge, Spanish Sparrow and Spectacled Warbler.

The return journery to Costa Adeje again saw me call in at the pond in Charifas which contained 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, Moorhen, Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper with Spectacled Warbler in the adjacent scrub.

[Phil Andrews]

WEDNESDAY 21ST MARCH
My final full day out saw me head towards the north-east corner of the island to hoover up several species that I had yet to encounter. The day got off to a bad start when the reservoir at La Hidalga was found to be completely bone dry.

Disheartened I moved on to Tejina Ponds where my spirits were quickly lifted. The "top ponds" held a Wood Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Moorhen, Little Egret, Coot and Greenshank. The surrounding scrub contained Canary Island Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail, Collared Dove, Blackcap, Kestrel, Blackbird, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Spectacled Warbler, male Sardinian Warbler and a Turtle Dove which came down to the water's edge to drink. The ponds becaming less and less productive the further down the valley I moved. A second Little Egret was on a concrete reservoir opposite the top pond on the other side of the barracone.

Next stop was Punta del Hidalgo which didnt produce the hoped for migrant hotspot. The slow birding only racked up Feral Pigeon, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Canary, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Grey Wagtail and Tenerife Blue Tit.

The next target was also frustrating - I either couldnt find Valle Molina, El Socorro or it had completely dried out. Birds in the area included a fly-over Grey Heron, Kestrel, Canary, Grey Wagtail, Collared Dove and Blackcap.

On into La Laguna for some local specialities - it didnt take me long to locate Serin with its distinctive song but Starling proved a lot more elusive. Other birds in the tree-lined avenues were Collared Dove, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Feral Pigeon, Blackcap, Blackbird, Spanish Sparrow, Tenerife Blue Tit, Grey Wagtail and Moorhen in a nearby park.

The area south of the airport at Los Rodeos eventually proved productive, if hard work. A Quail sang from cereal fields whilst a Corn Bunting jangled from within the airport's perimeter. Both Linnet and Kestrel were plentiful whilst other sightings included Goldfinch, Buzzard, Blackcap, Spanish Sparrow, Spectacled Warbler, Bertholts Pipit, Goldfinch and Tenerife Blue Tit and at least 10 Plain Swift. However the most impressive sight was a migrant flock of hirundines and swifts that suddenly appeared from nowhere and hunted over the runway apron; it included 30+ Swallows, 2+ House Martins, 5+ common Swifts and at least 2 Alpine Swifts.

On my way back along the coastal motorway I toyed with the idea of dropping in at Punta de Abona for a spot of sea-watching. Over-shooting the junction, I luckily made the decision to turn around. Driving out to the lighthouse I was rewarded with the amazing sight of hundreds of Cory's Shearwaters passing close offshore at a rate of probably 10 a minute in a North Easterly wind over a one hour period; the closest birds were no more than 40 metres away. Several rafts also sat on the water (the largest being of 18 birds). After around 20 minutes I picked up a tiny shearwater, no more than half the size of the Cory's. With its indicative "head up" flight stance I had just jammed in on a Little Shearwater!! Azorean Yellow-legged Gull and Bertholt Pipit were the only other species I noted.

THURSDAY 21ST MARCH
After early morning visit to El Medano noted Redshank, Whimbrel, 9 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull and Sanderling on the lagoon / beach whilst the scrub held the Desert Warbler still plus Bertholts Pipit, Feral Pigeon and Southern Grey Shrike. A further two Southern Grey Shrikes were along the road between El Medano and Los Abrigos whilst 3+ House Martins were just north of Los Abrigos.

Another visit to Costa del Sur golf course produced a drake Mallard, 4 Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Spanish Sparrows, Spectacled Warbler, Kestrel, Bertholts Pipit, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 5 House Martin and 35 Plain Swift.

The pond at La Charifas held Little Egret and Greenshank again, together with Moorhen, Grey Wagtail and a female Mandarin.

Moving further down the road I walked the top part of Amarillo Golf Course, encountering Southern Grey Shrike, Kestrel, Grey Heron, Bertholts Pipit, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Spectacled Warbler, Plain Swift, approx 10 House Martin, Feral Pigeon and Blackcap.

[Phil Andrews]

FRIDAY 23RD MARCH
Another early morning visit to the beach El Medano, this time armed with a proper camera (some poor mobile phone shots were taken the previous day) typically failed to locate the Desert Warbler! Waders were presented by 3 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin and 8 Ringed Plover whilst Feral Pigeon, Bertholts Pipit and Azorean Yellow-legged Gull were also present.

I headed onto the seafront in El Medano itself. The rocky shore held 2 Whimbrel, 4 Ringed Plover, 14 Sanderling, 1 Common Sandpiper and a winter plumage Grey Plover, together with Spanish Sparrow, Feral Pigeon, Grey Wagtail, Azorean Yellow-legged Gull and Spectacled Warbler.

The little pond at Charifas produced the goods with a Squacco Heron that then flew up into one of the nearby trees plus 2 Little Egret, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Greenshank and Kestrel.

A more thorough exploration of the top half of Amarillo Golf Course discovered a Tawny Pipit, 2 male Northern Wheatears, Hoopoe and 2 Southern Grey Shrikes, along with Kestrel, Plain Swift, Spectacled Warbler, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Spanish Sparrow, Bertholts Pipit, Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Feral Pigeon and 3 Little Ringed Plovers.

SATURDAY 24TH MARCH
Yet again I was pulled back to El Medano although the birding was very similar to previous visits - 3 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover and a Whimbrel plus Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Bertholts Pipit, Collared Dove, Spanish Sparrow, 3 Plain Swift and Feral Pigeon. A Souther Grey Shrike was again on wires between El Medano and Los Abrigos whilst a Hoopoe was encountered by the road between Los Abrigos and El Guincho.

The Sqaucco Heron was still present on the pond at Las Charifas, together with 2 Little Egret, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank. Collared Dove, Spanish Sparrow, Blackbird, Bertholts Pipt and Grey Wagtail were nearby.

Another detailed working of the top section of Amarillo Golf Course unearthed at least 3 Tawny Pipits, a Hoopoe, Common Whitethroat, Kestrel, Plain Swift, Bertholts Pipit, male Northern Wheatear, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Feral Pigeon, Blackbird, Spectacled Warbler, Collared Dove, Swallow and Spanish Sparrow.

At Costa del Sur Golf Course at least 40 Plain Swift were present, along with Mallard, Blackbird, Grey Wagtail, Bertholts Pipit, Spanish Sparrow, Collared Dove, Blackcap and Tenerife Blue Tit.

An afternoon's stroll along the sea front at Costa Adeje noted a Whimbrel, 7 Turnstones and Goldfinch.

SUNDAY 25TH MARCH
The final day of the holiday started with another visit to the rocky shore at Las Galletas which held Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover and Azorean Yellow-legged Gull with 2 Ring-necked Parakeets over.

Another visit to the scrub north of El Fraile encountered at least 6 Southern Grey Shrikes (several singing), 2+ Skylarks, Bertholts Pipit, 5+ Plain Swift, Spectacled Warbler, Spanish Sparrow, Kestrel, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Canary Island Chiffchaff and Feral Pigeon. The reservoir held Azorean Yellow-legged Gull, Coot, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Greenshank.

A quick visit back to the pond at Arnemine prior to handing the car back didnt produce anything amazing - Greenshank, Little Egret, Grey Heron, 10+ Plain Swift, Feral Pigeon, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Kestrel, Blackbird and Spectacled Warbler.

Finally, an afternoon lazing by the pool in Costa Adeje revealed a soaring Osprey which circled the hotel for 5 minutes and a Hoopoe which flopped over the grounds.


A total of 80 species, including 12 lifers, were encountered during the fortnight.

[Allen S. Moore]

80 species, Phil - you did well! March is obviously the time to go to Tenerife. I chuckled at you describing your observations of birds at the pond on your last day as not producing anything amazing when you did see spectacled warbler, but that is just me! It looks as if Tenerife is good for the species.

[Phil Andrews]

Originally Posted by Allen S. Moore

80 species, Phil - you did well! March is obviously the time to go to Tenerife. I chuckled at you describing your observations of birds at the pond on your last day as not producing anything amazing when you did see spectacled warbler, but that is just me! It looks as if Tenerife is good for the species.

Allen - I was pleasantly surprised about the numbers of Spectacled Warblers on the island; it was Sardinain W I really struggled with, with just two sightings (Erjos Ponds and the scrub north of Costa Adeje golf course).

[davercox]

Thank you Phil for a super report, and very encouraging for me cos I'm going in November (1st time ever). Depending on splits etc, 11 of yours would be lifers for me (including the fantastic Desert Warbler, well done with that !) so even if I don't get them all it will be a good trip.

[Phil Andrews]

Originally Posted by davercox

Thank you Phil for a super report, and very encouraging for me cos I'm going in November (1st time ever). Depending on splits etc, 11 of yours would be lifers for me (including the fantastic Desert Warbler, well done with that !) so even if I don't get them all it will be a good trip.

Glad its been of some use Dave - please PM me if I can be of any further assistance.

[soultime]

It's always good to read reports of holiday destinations,; my only overseas birding is combined with the annual beach holiday so I need to get the best out of the time I have available. Reports like this are a godsend. Thanks Phil.

Just an update on Las Lagos picnic site from mid September. Lots of reports i've read refer to a dripping tap, though I'm not sure exactly where it is. Our best area for birds was next to the warden's hut which is on the left of the main drive, just before the camping area. The "warden" was very helpful though couldn't speak a single word of English, but we managed to communicate to some degree with sign language.
Next to the hut at the bottom of a large tree is a small rock pool. This is filled with water twice daily and attracts loads of birds. You can sit on the steps of the hut, sheltered from the sun and wait for the birds to come to you. The warden was as happy to sit watching them as we were. What a job!

Oddest thing of the fortnight, half a dozen Turnstones sitting on top of a metal warehouse about a mile inland.

Andy

[Phil Andrews]

Going through my mobile phone I have found one image of the Desert Warbler that is just about convincing (well you can see its small and a sandy yellow). Bird is just above the centre of the photo when you zoom in.

[kasfig]

Dear Phil or other forum member

I went to Gran Canaria and saw the local gulls - they had yellow legs .
I had never seen yellow legged gull previously and ticked off on my life list the simple yellow legged gull.
I notice you tick off a "azorean yellow legged gull."
I wish to ask: (a) is the azoean yellow legged gull a separate species
(b\) would the birds I saw in Gran Canaria also be the azorean too.
Thanks
ian

[davercox]

Dear Ian

(a) - no, probably
(b) - yes, probably.

All the best

[RobinD]

Excellent trip report Phil - goodness knows how you managed to get that much birding past your new bride!

With regards to visiting Tenerife, we are thinking of going next year and are looking at March or June, probably for a week and a birding trip so will be looking for as much as possible, possibly including a trip to Fuerteventura and ideally a whale watching trip and seabirds...

Can anyone please suggest which month would be the best option for this?

Thanks!

[kasfig]

thank you Dave

[johnsnapper]

just got back today 18th, just up the road from ten bel tower, theres a family who feed the birds and there feeders are visited by rose-ringed parakeets and monk parrots. we saw 6 or more monk parrots this last week,

[davercox]

Originally Posted by soultime

Just an update on Las Lagos picnic site from mid September. Lots of reports i've read refer to a dripping tap, though I'm not sure exactly where it is.

I believe it's on the right of the main track, about 300 meters down from the entrance. We certainly had Blue Chaffinch here last month.

[Mike Beer]

Great report Phil we are going to Tenerife 1st week in January, this will be our first visit so I will print off your information which will be very handy.

Mike

[Jos Stratford]

Just a couple of updates to answer some questions on this thread: fire burnt out the valley at Erjos - there are no trees, so better to look elsewhere for the pigeons! At Las Lajos, and other picnic sites in the pine znes, dripping taps can be found around the picnic sites with ease - all the expected birds can be found quickly

[Raptorboy98]

Originally Posted by Jos Stratford

Just a couple of updates to answer some questions on this thread: fire burnt out the valley at Erjos - there are no trees, so better to look elsewhere for the pigeons!

The forest fires at Erjos only destroyed a small percentage of the forest that is visible by the road and a small patch on the Western side. Other than that the forest was relatively untouched and I managed to see some Bolles. I can assure you there is still a gigantic forest. It was a very strange experience being in a burnt out forest that was being enveloped in thick fog...