[stevieb]

A bit late but might be useful for others heading to the Estepona area.

Spain 2007.doc

[Stephen C]

Originally Posted by stevieb

A bit late but...[/ATTACH]

Excellent Steve. I wouldn't worry about it being late as these things stay on BF for years and there are relatively few for the summer months so I'm sure it will get plenty of downloads.

Like your point about summer birding in Spain. I've always said that summer is a great time, especially as many of the sought-after species, rather than having to search for migrant birds in the spring, are settled in their territories and often very active in courtship, out looking for food for nestlings or even feeding fledglings out in the open.

During a client's trip in the second week of August, for example, we had 173 species up here in Catalonia. Of course, as you also discovered, a little local knowledge goes a long way but long summer days mean that, as long as you plan ahead and avoid the hotter parts of the day, anyone should get plenty of great birds.

I'm surprised you didn't see Black-shouldered Kite out in La Janda. My impression a few years ago was that they were doing very well as I saw good numbers over a couple of visits.

All the best

[John Cantelo]

Interesting stuff, Steve. Personally, I find birding in SW Spain in August is often a bit too hot for comfort and hence my birding time there is usually restricted to early morning and evening. It is certainly harder work (in my view) than earlier in the year, but as your report indicates you can still be very well rewarded and get a good range of species.

With regard to BW Kite at La Janda it's my impression that they're much easier later in the season and that in August the farmlands around Vejer and towards medina are better,