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Birdwatching in Straits of Gibraltar & La Janda (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Birdman7
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eddy the eagle
Well-known member
You should have gone to Punta Carnero fabulous will report tomorrow....Eddy
eddy the eagle
Well-known member
After the last few day of heavy rain showers I thought Punta Carnero would be the place to be in strongish westerly winds and I wasn´t wrong.After domestic duties in the morning I got a call from friends who were there to say I should get over quickly as the migration was well on the way.I had already received a text from my friend Yeray at 11.45 to say that 180 flamingos were seen to cross from Africa diagonally from the Jebel Musa to the direction of Tarifa.
As I drove towards Punta Carnero along the edge of the bay I could see black kites,griffon vultures and short toed and booted eagles alreaady climbing the thermals over the hills.As I got out of the car griffons were coming up the cliff and climbing over the terrible electric cables that run down to the lighthouse.After the usual greetings of friends old and new I settled down to watch the spectacle which after 21 years never seems to amaze and thrill me and this afternoon was going to be no exception.
The most exceptional was the arrival of over 100 griffon vultures en masse that were first seen on the other side of the Straits and that were followed as they made their way diagonally against the wind until nearly reaching landfall and then spiralling upwards and back out to sea to eventually rise up again to the east of the watchpoint and then come directly back towards the watching gentry.Soon we were surrounded by these huge and magnificent birds so much so that a large dog that was also present ran round barking trying to catch one as they were that low above and below us.There is only one word for it ¨spectacular¨.During the rest of the afternoon there was a continuous flow of black kites,booted eagles,short toed eagles, sparrowhawk,egyptian vultures, one black stork,one hobby, and the first honey buzzard of the year for me.
two of my friends had missed the honey buzzard but were rewarded later with another as we had a beer next to the N340 on the outskirts of Algeciras.At this time we also saw a flock of 50 plus white storks and would you believe it an adult bonelli´s eagle.The storks had obviously crossed the straits but I don´t think the bonelli´s had as I have no knowledge of this species crossing the Straits but I am open to correction on this as this is my personal experience only.
also reported yesterday a peregrine taking a pigeon in the city of Algeciras a young imperial eagle and two adult bonelli´s near Tahavilla and an adult imperial eagle on La Janda where a lone crane was also seen.This morning golden orioles were seen in Huerta Grande Pelayo and Tahavilla 15 glossy ibis on Los Lances beach an osprey at Punta Commoro and black kites and booted eagles at the same location.Going inland tomorrow to Montejaque in Malaga province for some mountain birds for a change.Kind regards ...Eddy.
As I drove towards Punta Carnero along the edge of the bay I could see black kites,griffon vultures and short toed and booted eagles alreaady climbing the thermals over the hills.As I got out of the car griffons were coming up the cliff and climbing over the terrible electric cables that run down to the lighthouse.After the usual greetings of friends old and new I settled down to watch the spectacle which after 21 years never seems to amaze and thrill me and this afternoon was going to be no exception.
The most exceptional was the arrival of over 100 griffon vultures en masse that were first seen on the other side of the Straits and that were followed as they made their way diagonally against the wind until nearly reaching landfall and then spiralling upwards and back out to sea to eventually rise up again to the east of the watchpoint and then come directly back towards the watching gentry.Soon we were surrounded by these huge and magnificent birds so much so that a large dog that was also present ran round barking trying to catch one as they were that low above and below us.There is only one word for it ¨spectacular¨.During the rest of the afternoon there was a continuous flow of black kites,booted eagles,short toed eagles, sparrowhawk,egyptian vultures, one black stork,one hobby, and the first honey buzzard of the year for me.
two of my friends had missed the honey buzzard but were rewarded later with another as we had a beer next to the N340 on the outskirts of Algeciras.At this time we also saw a flock of 50 plus white storks and would you believe it an adult bonelli´s eagle.The storks had obviously crossed the straits but I don´t think the bonelli´s had as I have no knowledge of this species crossing the Straits but I am open to correction on this as this is my personal experience only.
also reported yesterday a peregrine taking a pigeon in the city of Algeciras a young imperial eagle and two adult bonelli´s near Tahavilla and an adult imperial eagle on La Janda where a lone crane was also seen.This morning golden orioles were seen in Huerta Grande Pelayo and Tahavilla 15 glossy ibis on Los Lances beach an osprey at Punta Commoro and black kites and booted eagles at the same location.Going inland tomorrow to Montejaque in Malaga province for some mountain birds for a change.Kind regards ...Eddy.
eddy the eagle
Well-known member
I went to the Cueva de Mores and the Sierra de la Plata this afternoon. I had what I think is a bit of a rarity: I believe the bird was an Eleonora's Falcon. it was dark and longtailed and long winged (lanky), at least as long in both measures as a common kestrel which we had seen immediately before. It was a much darker bird, I experienced it as a dark phase eleonora's. I saw quite a few of these a couple of years ago in Crete.
Other birds were Griffon (including a young on nest), Egyptian vulture, booted and short-toed eagles, blue rock thrush, and Sardinian warblers.
I am wondering: good location for Dartford Warbler?
Niels
Other birds were Griffon (including a young on nest), Egyptian vulture, booted and short-toed eagles, blue rock thrush, and Sardinian warblers.
I am wondering: good location for Dartford Warbler?
Niels
Jon Turner
Well-known member
Sounds exciting Niels, I'm out this time next week for a fortnight so I'll keep my eyes peeled.
Never seen Dartfords up there, but they do occur locally - above Jimena and up at Llanos d Libar above Montejaque.
Never seen Dartfords up there, but they do occur locally - above Jimena and up at Llanos d Libar above Montejaque.
Simon Wates
Well-known member
Hi Niels, sorry to butt in! Yes, Dartford is common throughout (and the Algarve, honestly
- I know we missed them!) in approx 1m high scrub with no or just scattered trees. Its especially common in Gum Cistus scrub - which is usually on slopes. Its found at all altitudes in S. Iberia. The key is to try any area of extensive Gum CIstus in the morning in calm weather. They are in song now and make regular little song flights - Sardinian is also in the same habitat and shares. Listen for the call - a sort of lowish buzz; ddzzz. Its quite easy to imitate and they respond very well.Have faith while waiting and watching - they will definitely be close to you in areas with lots of Gum Cistus!
occasional
Well-known member
I have seen dartford warbler recently along the track above El Bujeo, the next village west of Pelayo.
Park by the recreation area on the north side of the main road ( the 3 lane bit running down to El Bujeo ) and walk about 1 km along the track which runs eastward until you reach a point where there is a joining track running back westward above the houses. Follow this track, which has a gate after about 100 yards, for a few kilometers and you should be in DW habitat.
The birds I have seen were by the fence following the first set of upward zig-zags.
None of this implies that they cannot be found even closer to Huerta Grande.
Park by the recreation area on the north side of the main road ( the 3 lane bit running down to El Bujeo ) and walk about 1 km along the track which runs eastward until you reach a point where there is a joining track running back westward above the houses. Follow this track, which has a gate after about 100 yards, for a few kilometers and you should be in DW habitat.
The birds I have seen were by the fence following the first set of upward zig-zags.
None of this implies that they cannot be found even closer to Huerta Grande.
Simon Wates
Well-known member
Yes - they are in the valley also south of main road near El Bujeo by Hotel Meson de Sancho/El Cuarton where I used to live in suitable habitat. Also, found generally on the slopes of hills just north of the N340 through much of the Strait - at least they were 20 yrs ago!
There were breeding W.Bonelli's and Iberian Chiffchaffs and Rock Bunting up the valley north of El Cuarton too - and it was easily driveable - don't know if there is still access but one would drive into El Cuarton estate and head north.
They often occur on slopes affected by fire in recent years.
occasional
Well-known member
Simplest might be to go up the road between the houses opposite the exit from Huerta Grande, which means skipping over the crash barriers and running across the main road, or walking a few hundred yards downhill to the bridge and then back uphill.
Go a short distance up this road and I think you turn left to get to the track which runs up the hill. If you follow this track for a mile and a bit you will reach a section which runs horizontal among electricity pylons. I suspect that DW are to be found in this area.
The track which runs uphill through El Cuarton has a gate across where the houses end.
Go a short distance up this road and I think you turn left to get to the track which runs up the hill. If you follow this track for a mile and a bit you will reach a section which runs horizontal among electricity pylons. I suspect that DW are to be found in this area.
The track which runs uphill through El Cuarton has a gate across where the houses end.
Simon Wates
Well-known member
They're in no hurry to migrate maybe, as they breed very late. If they have a good food supply they may stay in the area for a while. We get birds every autumn at Sagres that hang on for a couple of weels or more. Great record - in my years down there I never clinched one, they are pretty damn scarce in the area.
I should have added that according to his own words, he had plenty of experience with eleonora from other locations and had no doubt whatsoever.
Simon, I had checked ebird which clearly told me that eleonora was much rarer than many other falcons in that area. Even so, thanks for the confirmation!
Niels
So now in the hotel awaiting the exit from Spain tomorrow -- buhhhhh!
Anyway, got a Knobbed Coot showing red knobs today at some ponds by Camino Colorado (S of the town La Algaida which is located N of San Lucar). Same location had something like 15 adult White-headed Duck and a Purple Gallinule (if that is the right name for the old world form).
Niels
Anyway, got a Knobbed Coot showing red knobs today at some ponds by Camino Colorado (S of the town La Algaida which is located N of San Lucar). Same location had something like 15 adult White-headed Duck and a Purple Gallinule (if that is the right name for the old world form).
Niels
occasional
Well-known member
Good day for honey buzzards yesterday. Well over 3000 crossed the Strait between 1030 and 1400.
Given the good weather over previous days it is a bit puzzling how so many birds managed to congregate together.
Given the good weather over previous days it is a bit puzzling how so many birds managed to congregate together.
eddy the eagle
Well-known member
A belated post from a day out with friends last Friday 2/5 to La Janda and the marismas at Barbate.Started early and had breakfast at Las Lagunas Benalup and was at the Benalup entrance at 7.30 am.a few white storks flying over and as we made our way along the road slowly checking for rufus bush robin in the ¨chumberas¨prickly pears that border this road on both sides.Now this road has potholes the size of open cast mines and my attention was on the road at all times but my passengers only saw stonechats.We came to the small elongated pool on the right which had filled slightly since my last visit where there were black winged stilt and one common sandpiper.in the fields near the bridge over the Celemin river were moorhen and swamphen and house martins flew in and out of their nests under the bridge.A kestrel was on a pylon as we turned right and made our way up to the dehesa area where there were jackdaw cattle egretand woodchat shrike.We stopped and scoped the trees to the east for eagles and found two griffon vultures at the top of one and saw other griffons landing near to the farm.As we stopped a Spanish imperial eagle landed on a bush not 150m from our position.I could see that it was probably the juvenile bird that had been in the area for the past 4/5 weeks.I snapped a few pics before it took off and I must say that being so close to this magnificent bird was a privilege .Whatever the vultures had spotted must have been small as they left the area shortly after.In this area are lots of small rabbits obviously good prey items for the eagle hence it´s stay in the area.
Collared and the first turtle doves of the year were on the wires at the farm and pheasant and partridge were everywhere in the fields and on the track.Booted eagle and black kite flew over as we made our way to the cattle egret nest site and it was nice to see that the vegetation had grown and there were many on their nests.
we neared the bridge over the canal and heard cettis warbler,and saw reed and great read warblers as we turned left along the main canal.Goldfinches greenfinches linnets and serins were everywhere feeding in the long vegetation.A lone spoonbill flew in to join a grey heron in the bare waterless fields which are normally rice paddies and a few mallards were at the small water channels.Melodious warbler zitting cisticola and sardinian warbler were seen along the track together with house sparrow corn bunting and red rumped and barn swallows flew low over the empty fields.As we left a female montagues harrier flew across the front of the car the onlyone we saw.
We then made our way to the marismas at Barbate where we saw numerous collared pratincoles kentish plover,ringed plover,black winged stilts a lone turnstone and a stone curlew. In the distance was a group of greater flamingoes and some avocets a lone black tailed godwit some very dark coloured redshanks dunlin and overflying was a group of glossy ibis and pallid and common swifts were in the air with barnswallows.on the track wre crested larks,stonechats,serins and zitting cisticolas and near to the building were spotless starlings and house sparrows.
We then went to Barca de Vejer where we saw that the bald ibis had quite well grown chicks that were begging for food when a parent arrived.L ater we went to Punta Camorro Tarifa and found black kites,booted eagles and short toed eagles were making the crossing.We stopped at the Mirador for an icecream and saw a small party of honey buzzards arrive and fly directly northwards.
Kind regards ....Eddy.
Collared and the first turtle doves of the year were on the wires at the farm and pheasant and partridge were everywhere in the fields and on the track.Booted eagle and black kite flew over as we made our way to the cattle egret nest site and it was nice to see that the vegetation had grown and there were many on their nests.
we neared the bridge over the canal and heard cettis warbler,and saw reed and great read warblers as we turned left along the main canal.Goldfinches greenfinches linnets and serins were everywhere feeding in the long vegetation.A lone spoonbill flew in to join a grey heron in the bare waterless fields which are normally rice paddies and a few mallards were at the small water channels.Melodious warbler zitting cisticola and sardinian warbler were seen along the track together with house sparrow corn bunting and red rumped and barn swallows flew low over the empty fields.As we left a female montagues harrier flew across the front of the car the onlyone we saw.
We then made our way to the marismas at Barbate where we saw numerous collared pratincoles kentish plover,ringed plover,black winged stilts a lone turnstone and a stone curlew. In the distance was a group of greater flamingoes and some avocets a lone black tailed godwit some very dark coloured redshanks dunlin and overflying was a group of glossy ibis and pallid and common swifts were in the air with barnswallows.on the track wre crested larks,stonechats,serins and zitting cisticolas and near to the building were spotless starlings and house sparrows.
We then went to Barca de Vejer where we saw that the bald ibis had quite well grown chicks that were begging for food when a parent arrived.L ater we went to Punta Camorro Tarifa and found black kites,booted eagles and short toed eagles were making the crossing.We stopped at the Mirador for an icecream and saw a small party of honey buzzards arrive and fly directly northwards.
Kind regards ....Eddy.
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