Birding Western Andalucia+Doñana+Gibraltar Forum (1 Viewer)

[al-Natural]

Changes in migration patterns through Andalusia

Happy Christmas to all,
The birdng panorama in western Andalucía is becoming more interesting every week. The Tarifa and La Janda area, full of wintering birds these days, have started to see the first Black Kites returning home from Africa. Last week three of them were sighted arriving to the Spanish coastline, from Morocco.

Some of them could have travelled back even before, as a group of 25-30 birds were seen by birders of the RAOA forum (The Andalusian Birding Forum) some days ago.

White storks have dramatically change its former migration procedures and now the birds join by the Straits area to travel further south, but thousands of them keep roaming the Moroccan - Spanish coast even during the same day, so they can be easily seen at any time of the year around western Andalucía region.

An extraordinary Pallid Harrier influx has also touched us this late months of november and december, with interesting views of females and mainly young birds, from Doñana area to the northwestern part of the Córdoba region.

And even without having a recognized name here, there are 'minor' sites which give superb birding experiences. Even being Doñana the 'Jewel of the Crown', small sierras, huge plains, big lagoons and unknown gorges, gives us the pleasure to experience a TOP nature at a very quiet pace.

One of the best places to get information on this 'Hidden Andalucía' is the RAOA forum (Andalucian Birders & Watchers Forum) site at: http://es.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/fororaoa/?v=1&t=directory&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=dir&slk=12

And if Spanish is not your mother tongue or you cannot express properly in our language, this could be a very good opportunity to start with your 'Spanish, a birding and nature Survival Kit'. In the meantime we are here to help anyone interested... :t:
Saludos desde Andalucía.
Jorge

 

[sneeuwuil]

Donana and surroundings today ?

Hi,

It's already a few months ago that someone made a reply to this thread about birding in western-Andalucia.
I'm really interested of the situation today in Donana and surroundings, because we are leaving next saturday for a week to that area (and another week to Extremadura). See my question and thread under 'Spain including ...'. So if someone can give some recently information ... I would be very grateful.

Gert

 

[osprey31]

Hi Gert,

Why not log on to the forum at www.andaluciabirdsociety.org
There is alot of useful info there.

 

[al-Natural]

Hi Gert,
We are suffering in Andalucía a severe drought these days with a very few rains around. The overall appearance of the marshes and fields around is quite dissapointing, as most of the wetland is completely dry!!
However weather forecast announces rains (weak) in 10 days time, but even with rains will be difficult to recover a normal breeding season. However, Doñana has hidden places where birding is an experience even under these conditions. Our book 'Where to Watch Birds in Doñana' gives you directions on where to find the species along the itineraries included.

If you are interested in something or the areas you want to visit I can give you extra information on it. We are in the field almost daily and know the area intimately.

It is very good to keep threads alive by everyone interested in the area, as BirdForum was created for it and is probably the best place to exchange this kind of information, better than redirect people to other forums instead!

Saludos
Jorge Garzón

 

[Michael Willett]

Hello,

Me and a few mates are heading to Tarifa on Friday for four days to hopefully watch the raptor migration. Any tips on where to head would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[osprey31]

This should help

http://datosmigres.blogspot.co.uk/p/observatorios.html

 

[al-Natural]

Hello,
Me and a few mates are heading to Tarifa on Friday for four days to hopefully watch the raptor migration. Any tips on where to head would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Michael,
Info sent byosprey31 is a good source indeed!

Have in mind that now, the area is under strong winds coming from the east (Levante) and most of the birds are most likely to be found by the western part of the area, so could be more rewarding checking Bolonia beach and lookout with La Janda area where, much of the migratory birds will be probably resting alfter the crossing of the Straits.

Try to keep you off the beaten track as Easter holidays start in 48 h and beaches and sites will be crowded sometimes!!

Have a good trip!

Jorge

 

[occasional]

Weather forecast is

Fri,Sat - light easterlies- therefore either side of Tarifa or perhaps La Janda

Sun - Variable wind - round Tarifa or Guadalmesi.

Mon, Tue - Mod westerly- Punta Carnero.

Check the wind when you get up.

Hope this helps.