Well well well
I set off early to Seki / Gocu Beli for a full days birding, sandwiches, soup and a fleece… I will be at 2000m.
I really only wanted Red-fronted Serin as I haven’t seen one for two years.
On the way I stop off at Seki a known spot for White Throated Robin at the right time of year, today they will have departed, but no bother I will see what’s about.
The day started with a mega, a grail of a bird in anyone’s eyes.
I pulled into a stop at 1350m where a rebuilt Roman bridge crosses a river near a gorge. Nothing to look at really but usually good for Cettis Warbler etc. A small flock grabbed my attention as I pulled up, Corn Bunting and White Wagtail, however right in front of me flew a Wallcreeper… I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t the camera to hand as the sun hadn’t got fully up.
I followed its path down the gorge and lost sight. What a start bro the day, two Cormorant flew over to add a bit of normality.
I’m off to higher altitude now but stop at Seki for an hour where I pick up Woodlark, Serin, Cirl Bunting and some crazy Western Rock Nuthatch that perched on bushes rather than the plentiful rocks.
Next a drive up the rather intimidating road to Gocu Beli at 1850m. Usually A yearly jaunt for Red-fronted Serin and whatever is about.
Today no RF Serin but lots at Raven, short toed Treecreeper, Sombre Tit, Rock Sparrow, Red Breasted Flycatcher, Linnet and Red billed Chough and a humble Tree Sparrow. I did hear Green Woodpecker, Rock Bunting, Lesser Whitethroat and LTT but didn’t specifically try to track them down.
Happy to have a lifer today, but what a place. High in the clouds sometimes and others on top of the world