Woodhallman
Member
Please suggest places to go, and
Birds to look out for ?
Birds to look out for ?
-
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Visit Tenerife, November 2022. (changed circumstances) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Woodhallman
- Start date
Steve Lister
Senior Birder, ex County Recorder, Garden Moths.
Do you mean La Palma, Canary Islands?
Never been there if you do, so can't help.
Never been there if you do, so can't help.
Woodhallman
Member
Yes, Canary Isles. Only a short visit. Want to make the most of it.
All advice gratefully received!
James Lowther
Well-known member
Finding Birds in The Canaries by Dave Gosney The Birders Store
Finding Birds in The Canaries by Dave Gosney includes information on where to find birds on the islands of Teneriffe, La Gomera, La Palma, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
www.birders-store.co.uk
Site guide available here
Key species laurel and bolle’s pigeons, Canary Islands chiffchaff, Atlantic canary, berthelot’s pipit, plain swift, endemic subspecies of blue tit and chaffinch, etc.
I believe los tilos has most species
Cheers
James
Yes go to the main visitor centre at Los tilos. You should see Chaffinch, blue tit at least there. Keep eyes out on entrance route.
A visit to NE side (iirc) near the reservoir with the walk into the forest through fields should get you chiffchaffs, blackcap, on the forest edge check carefully for the (flighty) pigeons.
Go to the top of the crater near the observatory for red billed chough (only ones in the canaries), pipits etc. You might try the road lower down which goes through the pine forest into the base of the crater for similar
Wherever you go keep an eye out for the plants. They are incredible---although of course it's wrong time of year. And if you go to the (basically uninhabited) North coast, see if you can find the giant lizard (!)
A visit to NE side (iirc) near the reservoir with the walk into the forest through fields should get you chiffchaffs, blackcap, on the forest edge check carefully for the (flighty) pigeons.
Go to the top of the crater near the observatory for red billed chough (only ones in the canaries), pipits etc. You might try the road lower down which goes through the pine forest into the base of the crater for similar
Wherever you go keep an eye out for the plants. They are incredible---although of course it's wrong time of year. And if you go to the (basically uninhabited) North coast, see if you can find the giant lizard (!)
Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.
Woodhallman
Member
Thankyou all for your suggestions.
Are there any interesting raptors about ?
Are there any interesting raptors about ?
James Lowther
Well-known member
Local subspecies of kestrel, buzzard, sparrowhawk and (maybe?) peregrine i.e. barbary falcon
Cheers
James
Cheers
James
Hi Woodhallman and a warm welcome from me too.
I've moved your post to the Information Wanted forum, as I feel you'll get more people seeing it there who will be able to advise you. You may find our Opus articles for the Canary Islands of interest too: Category:Canary Islands - BirdForum Opus there are several linked to on that page.
I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.
I've moved your post to the Information Wanted forum, as I feel you'll get more people seeing it there who will be able to advise you. You may find our Opus articles for the Canary Islands of interest too: Category:Canary Islands - BirdForum Opus there are several linked to on that page.
I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.
foresttwitcher
Virtually unknown member
Here is a link to my trip report (a few years ago now) - posts 2 & 3 are relevant to La Palma: Canary Islands - May 2015
A trip report from a few years ago.
We revisited Fuencaliente on the southern tip of La Palma after staying at La Palma Princess Y Teguise Hotel in March 2015. The holiday lasted a week between 27/11/2016 to 4/12/16.
Most of the time it was was hot and sultry except for a couple of spells of stormy wet weather towards the end of the week.
The hotel is ideally situated to explore the impressive volcanic landscape between the town of Fuencalliente and the Faro saltpans, by the lighthouse. You can also walk along the GR130 and GR131 footpaths which pass through the town and head up through some wonderful mountainous landscapes and protected pine forests.
A reliable bus service stops right outside the hotel entrance so you can go to the town or the lighthouse. The bus runs every two hours all day.
The road to Playa Zamora
A quiet road goes past Playa Zamora from the hotel. When you reach a quaint little villa surrounded by a pretty landscaped garden, a rough track then heads back to the main road-which then leads back to the hotel.
There were impressive numbers of Canary flocks along here with a maximum of 26 together plus another 4 seen near the villa on 2/12/16.
The other prominent species Canary Chiffchaff were notable and I counted a maximum of 24 on the last day, 4/12/16.
A La Palma speciality the Red-billed Chough were seen every day. The most seen was six on 30/11/16.[at the beginning of our holiday four were seen as we passed through Fuencaliente and descended down the mountain to the hotel].
Two Grey Wagtail were in residence by the Guanchos banana-sorting building every day. Two Grey Heron flew past on 30/11/12 but weren’t seen again during the week. A very common bird on La Palma is the Kestrel. On the return to the airport I counted eleven along the road between Fuencaliente and the airport. Around here there were three seen most days. Blackcap weren’t as prominent this time of year but I heard two during the week along this route. Other birds recorded as a maximum on 30/11/16 were 2 Greenfinch, 4 Blackbird, 15 Feral Pigeon, 8 Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Collared Dove. In March 2015 I recorded several Sardinian Warbler but strangely only heard one this time round.
The Faro Saltpans (29/11/16)
There wasn’t a great deal about this time round. Only 6 Turnstone, 3 Berthelot's Pipit and a White Wagtail were to be seen. Fourteen Yellow-legged Gull were on the edges of the saltpans, and a few more were out at sea.
When scanning the ocean between here and El Hierro we saw a few dolphins swimming past.
The GR131 (1/12/16)
One of the most impressive aspects of La Palma is the sheer number of well maintained and signposted footpaths which pass through some truly impressive landscapes.
Since you will end up at 1000m and beyond, it is definitely cooler and actually pleasant for hiking. We walked up from the town of Fuencaliente, heading north for two hours before heading back. The habitat wasn’t as varied as the GR130. We were mainly walking through the protected pine forest. The only decent view to be had was from the telecommunication tower overlooking the east coast where we had wonderful views of El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife. I’m glad we stopped there because a Barbary Falcon flew past.
There were the usual Canary with two larger flocks of 30 and 35. The Canary Chiffchaff could be mainly heard - they never shut up - but not always seen. There were 15 along the way. A Kestrel flew past, making a fuss. It had caught some sort of prey and settled on a nearby tree to enjoy its meal.
GR130 path (3/12/16)
We started at the town of Fuencaliente and walked along the western section heading north for a couple of hours before returning back to town again. We ended up somewhere above Las Indianas and El Charco. It is not a difficult route and passes through pine forests, vineyards and miles of maquis type habitats.
There were impressive flocks of Canary. The largest was 60 just past the junction with the GR131. Another flock of 40 was seen near the sign ’Vineyard Route’ a mile further on. About 20 minutes later there was yet another large flock, this time of 35 by an old volcanic crater now overgrown with trees and shrubs.
Halfway along the walk there was a pair of Raven. Just beyond the Vineyard Route sign I saw two Barbary Partridge. Two Red- billed Chough were spotted as we looked down the impressive steep drop to the coast. I only counted 12 Canary Chiffchaff but reckon there were far more about as a gale force wind whipped up - and they were keeping their heads down. A Blackcap was heard calling near the junction with the GR130 path. As we descended back into Fuencaliente I saw the only Blue Tit of the week. I’m not sure which sub species it was. The view was only fleeting. There were several Canary, Blackbird, Collared Dove and a Blackcap in the town centre.
If you have time drop into the famous Bar Parada. It’s stuck in a time warp, reminiscent of a bygone age. They serve the best coffee on La Palma with a sample of the most delicious homemade almond biscuits you will ever taste. See if you then can’t resist buying a packet on the way out!
The Hotel Grounds.
There are some impressive gardens and waterfall features around the hotel which attract a fair few birds including Blackcap, Canary, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Canary Chiffchaff, Blackbird and Feral Pigeon. There is a public promenade in front of the hotel. On 3/12/16 a tremendous storm blew in 101 Yellow-legged Gull, by far the most seen all week.
We revisited Fuencaliente on the southern tip of La Palma after staying at La Palma Princess Y Teguise Hotel in March 2015. The holiday lasted a week between 27/11/2016 to 4/12/16.
Most of the time it was was hot and sultry except for a couple of spells of stormy wet weather towards the end of the week.
The hotel is ideally situated to explore the impressive volcanic landscape between the town of Fuencalliente and the Faro saltpans, by the lighthouse. You can also walk along the GR130 and GR131 footpaths which pass through the town and head up through some wonderful mountainous landscapes and protected pine forests.
A reliable bus service stops right outside the hotel entrance so you can go to the town or the lighthouse. The bus runs every two hours all day.
The road to Playa Zamora
A quiet road goes past Playa Zamora from the hotel. When you reach a quaint little villa surrounded by a pretty landscaped garden, a rough track then heads back to the main road-which then leads back to the hotel.
There were impressive numbers of Canary flocks along here with a maximum of 26 together plus another 4 seen near the villa on 2/12/16.
The other prominent species Canary Chiffchaff were notable and I counted a maximum of 24 on the last day, 4/12/16.
A La Palma speciality the Red-billed Chough were seen every day. The most seen was six on 30/11/16.[at the beginning of our holiday four were seen as we passed through Fuencaliente and descended down the mountain to the hotel].
Two Grey Wagtail were in residence by the Guanchos banana-sorting building every day. Two Grey Heron flew past on 30/11/12 but weren’t seen again during the week. A very common bird on La Palma is the Kestrel. On the return to the airport I counted eleven along the road between Fuencaliente and the airport. Around here there were three seen most days. Blackcap weren’t as prominent this time of year but I heard two during the week along this route. Other birds recorded as a maximum on 30/11/16 were 2 Greenfinch, 4 Blackbird, 15 Feral Pigeon, 8 Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Collared Dove. In March 2015 I recorded several Sardinian Warbler but strangely only heard one this time round.
The Faro Saltpans (29/11/16)
There wasn’t a great deal about this time round. Only 6 Turnstone, 3 Berthelot's Pipit and a White Wagtail were to be seen. Fourteen Yellow-legged Gull were on the edges of the saltpans, and a few more were out at sea.
When scanning the ocean between here and El Hierro we saw a few dolphins swimming past.
The GR131 (1/12/16)
One of the most impressive aspects of La Palma is the sheer number of well maintained and signposted footpaths which pass through some truly impressive landscapes.
Since you will end up at 1000m and beyond, it is definitely cooler and actually pleasant for hiking. We walked up from the town of Fuencaliente, heading north for two hours before heading back. The habitat wasn’t as varied as the GR130. We were mainly walking through the protected pine forest. The only decent view to be had was from the telecommunication tower overlooking the east coast where we had wonderful views of El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife. I’m glad we stopped there because a Barbary Falcon flew past.
There were the usual Canary with two larger flocks of 30 and 35. The Canary Chiffchaff could be mainly heard - they never shut up - but not always seen. There were 15 along the way. A Kestrel flew past, making a fuss. It had caught some sort of prey and settled on a nearby tree to enjoy its meal.
GR130 path (3/12/16)
We started at the town of Fuencaliente and walked along the western section heading north for a couple of hours before returning back to town again. We ended up somewhere above Las Indianas and El Charco. It is not a difficult route and passes through pine forests, vineyards and miles of maquis type habitats.
There were impressive flocks of Canary. The largest was 60 just past the junction with the GR131. Another flock of 40 was seen near the sign ’Vineyard Route’ a mile further on. About 20 minutes later there was yet another large flock, this time of 35 by an old volcanic crater now overgrown with trees and shrubs.
Halfway along the walk there was a pair of Raven. Just beyond the Vineyard Route sign I saw two Barbary Partridge. Two Red- billed Chough were spotted as we looked down the impressive steep drop to the coast. I only counted 12 Canary Chiffchaff but reckon there were far more about as a gale force wind whipped up - and they were keeping their heads down. A Blackcap was heard calling near the junction with the GR130 path. As we descended back into Fuencaliente I saw the only Blue Tit of the week. I’m not sure which sub species it was. The view was only fleeting. There were several Canary, Blackbird, Collared Dove and a Blackcap in the town centre.
If you have time drop into the famous Bar Parada. It’s stuck in a time warp, reminiscent of a bygone age. They serve the best coffee on La Palma with a sample of the most delicious homemade almond biscuits you will ever taste. See if you then can’t resist buying a packet on the way out!
The Hotel Grounds.
There are some impressive gardens and waterfall features around the hotel which attract a fair few birds including Blackcap, Canary, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Canary Chiffchaff, Blackbird and Feral Pigeon. There is a public promenade in front of the hotel. On 3/12/16 a tremendous storm blew in 101 Yellow-legged Gull, by far the most seen all week.
Woodhallman
Member
Should I rename this thread?
This holiday was supposed to be hill/mountain walking (guided), with (for me) , a little gentle birding as an extra. The organisers have just cancelled, but managed to swop for a similar week on TENERIFE . So, more to see and do on the bigger island, and I avoid a 6 am flight !
This holiday was supposed to be hill/mountain walking (guided), with (for me) , a little gentle birding as an extra. The organisers have just cancelled, but managed to swop for a similar week on TENERIFE . So, more to see and do on the bigger island, and I avoid a 6 am flight !
Hi Woodhallman - I've re-named the thread for you.
Please let me know if you want any other change made.
Please let me know if you want any other change made.
Woodhallman
Member
Much anticipated visit to Tenerife has happened. Very little to report on the birding front. Difficult to watch the sky, while walking the rough trails. Ravens in the Teno mountains (NW corner), followed us around , expecting to get fed.
Great views of La Gomera island.
On another day, NE corner. Very remote region Anaga . We walked down to a hamlet Rogue Bermejo on the coast which has no road access, and is supplied by boat.
Jaw dropping views, and best ever picnic spot on the beach.
Our local guide pointed out some Canary's. Walking back up the canyon we saw wild goats, and Monarch butterfly s.
On the last day we climbed Mount Guajara in the Teide park area.
Several Pipits on the top. I assume Berthelot.
La Laguna city features a fine avenue of palm trees with green parakeets . Chiffchaff singing all around, and Swift's overhead.
More birds in this unattractive town, than out in the country!
The mountain scenery here is gorgeous . The lava formations around the Teide volcano, all shapes, colours, and sizes.
The island weather is tremendously varied. Heavy rain in the Eucalyptus forest, hot and dry up the road around Teide, and a layer of cloud that seems to lap up against the land like a sea.
Great views of La Gomera island.
On another day, NE corner. Very remote region Anaga . We walked down to a hamlet Rogue Bermejo on the coast which has no road access, and is supplied by boat.
Jaw dropping views, and best ever picnic spot on the beach.
Our local guide pointed out some Canary's. Walking back up the canyon we saw wild goats, and Monarch butterfly s.
On the last day we climbed Mount Guajara in the Teide park area.
Several Pipits on the top. I assume Berthelot.
La Laguna city features a fine avenue of palm trees with green parakeets . Chiffchaff singing all around, and Swift's overhead.
More birds in this unattractive town, than out in the country!
The mountain scenery here is gorgeous . The lava formations around the Teide volcano, all shapes, colours, and sizes.
The island weather is tremendously varied. Heavy rain in the Eucalyptus forest, hot and dry up the road around Teide, and a layer of cloud that seems to lap up against the land like a sea.
Allen S. Moore
Well-known member
There are several pairs of Barbary Falcon on La Palma. Perhaps the most spectacular place to see them is Mirador El Time, high above Puerto de Tazacorte on the west coast. I have also seen one at quite a few other places on La Palma, including 7 times at Los Cancajos and twice at Santa Cruz, just to the north. Indeed, on 28th Nov. 2014 I was watching 4 species of raptor at once by the rim of the old crater at the southern edge of Santa Cruz: Barbary Falcon, Kestrel, Buzzard and a Booted Eagle. Osprey and Black Kite have also been seen on La Palma in recent years.
Flocks of 100 or more Choughs can be seen at a number of places on La Palma. My favourite is just north of the Visitor Centre by the main road above El Paso in the middle of the island.
