binoculars for birding

Binoculars for birding range in several distinct shapes, sizes, in addition to styles. Binoculars give people a great view for birding. It is important for users to understand how to keep their binoculars protected so that it will last for a long time.

Birding, also known while bird watching, is an activity of observing birds into their natural environment with regards to educational learning and individual enjoyment. People consider it among the most popular outdoor recreational activities on the globe. The people who spent time and effort in observing birds are usually called bird watchers as well as birders. Birders use premium quality binoculars for birding in viewing birds. Swift binoculars, image sits firmly binoculars, digital camera binoculars in addition to Galileo binoculars are some of the common kinds of binoculars used in birding. Usually, birders check their binoculars for birding to see if the lenses are spotless or to be sure there has been no damage before with it for birding. In order to take care of binoculars from being harm, birders should follow suitable guidelines for safekeeping.

binoculars for birding..

People cannot predict the next thunderstorm. Sometimes during bird seeing, rain suddenly falls down on the sky. Some birders could hardly resist watching the lovely scene of birds flapping his or her wings to fly in the rains. They should prevent his or her binoculars from being damp or wet because of the rain and water. A drench binocular might get rust and its lenses may be damaged, causing blurred vision for the user's eyes. To steer clear of this, the first thing that birders should do is to keep his or her binoculars for birding dry.

 If a binocular is covered by water, users should automatically parch it up in a very warm place. It is also a wise idea to quickly wipe a binocular using a towel when it has been soaked in light bad weather. A rainguard over the eyepieces will permit birders to bird watch even during a slight drizzle. Some binoculars for birding are you can find with a waterproof element. Tasco, Minox, Zeiss and Canon present waterproof binoculars for birding to birders that go outdoors for bird watching even if it is raining.

Another thing to keep in mind when using binoculars for birding is to keep the lenses thoroughly clean. Birders go to spots where their binoculars might get dirt and dust. It is often unavoidable to get the particular binoculars for birding dirty. Blow any dust or sand clear of binoculars. Also, wipe them gently using a soft and clean material. Birders should particularly take care on beaches or beach locations when viewing birds because sand particles can terribly scratch the binoculars upgraded lenses. They should get their binoculars for birding fixed once they start seeing double which will cause eyesight problems in addition to headaches.
binoculars for birding

Birders, hobbyist, as well as bird scientists go bird watching in groups. Sometimes they cannot prevent minor accidents for instance accidentally hitting their binoculars for birding on things for instance trees. Some may actually drop their binoculars for birding inadvertently. This can really cause serious wreckage for the binoculars. The insides are definitely more easily damaged than the particular outsides. binoculars for birding will not function properly and can get broken. One can avoid harm by keeping it sealed in a very metal casing or safety purse when not in use. Proper care and handling are able to keep the binoculars for birding in good condition for a longer period.

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best binoculars for birding

best binoculars for birding and readily accessible, but finding the greatest deals on quality Nikon binoculars might be more tricky. We'll learn to find the lowest web prices on great Nikon birding binoculars inside a minute, but first, let's look at why they are really the best binoculars for birding, with regard to bird watching

Why Nikon Makes the most effective Binoculars for Birdwatching

Nikon has long been accepted as a leader on the subject of quality optics. People everywhere recognize the Nikon name on the subject of cameras and lenses. Serious birders know the reputation of Nikon best binoculars for birding.

One of the most in-demand of the Nikon best binoculars for birding may be the Monarch 7430 8x42 all-terrain binoculars. Showcasing multicoated lenses, rugged rubber armor and also precision aligned optics they provide crisp, clear images usually entirely on best binoculars for birding three times the purchase price. They are 100% waterproof and fogproof to help you take them anywhere and in any weather.

best binoculars for birding..

Now Nikon has also improved on these having a newer model, the Nikon 7294 Monarch ATB 8x42 binocular. In addition the all the amazing features of the previous design, the 7294 have Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coating for images which might be even sharper, brighter and more crisp, especially in low-light conditions.

Whatever model you select, when you see this Nikon Monarch name upon best binoculars for birding you'll know these are designed with an outstanding close-focus feature. They assist you to view birds and butterflies (hence this name, Monarch) at very much closer distances than different birding binoculars. What an incredible feature in the garden or possibly a feeder near the property!
best binoculars for birding

You won't go inappropriate with Nikon Monarch birdwatching binoculars. This Cornell Lab of Ornithology remarkably recommends them. So, now all you must do is to find a website that will direct you to definitely the best deal for the best binoculars for birding.

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alabama state bird

A Yellow Hammer is really a breed of woodpecker nicknamed the Northern Flicker, and it does not take state alabama state bird of Birmingham, al. This state has been called the Heart connected with Dixie. The Southern U. S. as well since currency, is often known as Dixie. This name in addition has been used in Louisiana. We've listed a few don't miss attractions with alabama state bird, and there's plenty more to discover.

Remnants of Mississippi Culture, alabama state bird.

alabama state bird was a major hub for the Mississippi Culture during 1, 000 to at least one, 600 AD. Remains of this culture have been obtained in Moundville, a major town. The archeological site at Moundville has become able to preserve the artifacts of this culture, so future generations may study and luxuriate in them.

Mississippi River

Most of the land in alabama state bird consist of a gentle slope towards Mississippi River. The remaining land in the North is hilly, plus the Mississippi creates numerous natural features like rivers, valleys, streams, fountains along with lakes ,alabama state bird..

Natural Bridge Steel

This is one in the world's most unique, as well as the longest, natural bridges. The bridge is all about 127 feet long. It is also a gateway to Pure Bridge Park, which has many adventurous activities and also places of interest ideal for all age-groups. A cross-section of a rock can be located here, which looks like the image of a Indigenous American, as well because the one forming the back of the nickel.

Marshall Space Trip Centre & U. Azines. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville
alabama state bird

It's the Space Research Center as well as the propulsion center, for NASA's space program. Various space camps organized in the U. S. Space and Rocket Visitor's complex give you a thrilling experience to youngsters from around the world. The Center also features a Rocket Garden, 4-D Treatment room, Space Museum, Space Shuttle Missions, and a NASA Website visitor Compl

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My Garden Birds Last Week

Following three weeks of being bedridden and barely able to move, it has been so good to finally sit in an armchair in the lounge and look out at my Garden Birds.



There is so much activity, I would say that as far as the birds are concerned, Spring is in the air!



Wood Pigeons and Collared Doves are without doubt nesting in the tall Conifer tree that stands in the garden behind our next

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arkansas birds

Parrots and sea life dying in the tens of thousands is a frequent occurrence right around the world.


arkansas birds  authorities say 5, 000 blackbirds passed away following traumatization by New Year Eve fireworks, though the reason for death is still below investigation.

arkansas birds  residents were forced to also deal with 100, 000 bottom-feeding expended drum fish, which washed up over the arkansas birds  River, over the 20 mile stretch. Scientists believe the fish were killed because of a transmitted disease.

A representative to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said "Dead arkansas birds  have been sent to two individual labs to get toxicology reports". Almost 500 little birds, including starlings, slipped onto a Louisiana Freeway. It is claimed the particular arkansas birds  have died by electrocution from power wrinkles.

Maryland saw the death of 2 million fish that washed standing on the shores of Chesapeake Fresh. The coldest December in 25 years is considered to have caused extreme stress a great already overpopulated species.

Over the South Carolina coast, State Wildlife officials reported tens of thousands of dead fish rinsed ashore.

Dead fish washed standing on the coasts of Pontal perform Pontal do Parana, Guaraquecaba and also Antonina, Brazil. 200 numerous mainly sardines were discovered for the beaches of Paranagua.


As Fishery officials throughout New Zealand commenced to investigate the mass deaths of a carpet of dead snapper that washed standing on the beach of Little Bay and Waikawau Fresh, they warned the public the fish just weren't fit for human use.

Over a 1000 turtle doves, in addition to pigeons, fell out on the sky in Italy. The arkansas birds  had a blue tinge to their beaks, which scientists prove indicated poisoning, or hypoxia, the industry lack of oxygen.

Sweden representatives believe 50 - 100 jackdaws, discovered dead, died from outer blows which caused interior bleeding.

40, 000 dead crabs washed standing on beaches in England. Scientists believe what causes it was extreme cold circumstances.

All of the earlier mentioned incidents of mass death was held in the first half January 2011.

There have been 2900 mass deaths, all over different species, between 1984 and also 2009. The American Geological Service's website recorded about 90 mass deaths of arkansas birds  and also other wildlife just from August through December 2010.

With England in March 2010, dozens of starlings tumbled from the sky into a sole front garden. The arkansas birds  had blood oozing using their company beaks and claws closely curled.

arkansas birds .

Two hundred dead seagulls tumbled from the sky in Australia, to the second time in 7 many weeks, during 2008. The cause of death was accepted as a chemical or pollutant. The arkansas birds  were discovered all-around water outfall pipes "arkansas birds" .

Five thousand arkansas birds  passed away in December 2007 in the coastal town of Esperance, 500 kilometers south of Perth, Australia. It is believed we were looking at poisoned by lead carbonate blowing throughout the town, as it had been transported through the community to Esperance Port, for export. It is also reported that there was potentially dangerous levels of lead in the blood of both regional adults and children during the time, arkansas birds .

It took five many weeks, in 1999, to obtain the diagnosis of an At the. coli infection of air sacs in their skulls of several thousand grackles, which fell throughout north Louisiana.
arkansas birds

In The month of january, 1976 the largest die-off of fish was around 15 zillion, through either the die-off of microorganisms, or a drop in dissolved oxygen amounts.

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wood bird houses

The sweetest sound you are able to hear in the outdoors is the cheerful tweeting of wild birds. The most beautiful sight from the free open-air is colorful birds flying and not using a care while performing their daring stunts from the air. When they hang within your territory-yard or garden, you've your own entertainment, to never be outdone by virtually any concert or air present. Thus begins the activity of wood bird houses watching. Nevertheless, how does one attempt enticing this delightful entertainment to one's own cost-free air? Read on and you will be educated.


As with most living creatures, one of the basic needs of wild birds is shelter that protects them from the elements and predators. Once these free-flying birds discover a wood bird houses to his or her liking, your sky show will start.

The best time to get up a wood bird houses is well prior to the breeding season. That, surprisingly, would be with late summer or extremely early fall. Migratory birds scout wood bird houses on the way down south for that winter and, amazingly, will locate a common wood bird houses in the spring because they come back. There are those aviaries that not migrate. For most of these species, homes put up early from the winter are not way too late.

The best birdhouses are made of wood. If metal will be used, aluminum is the best option and it should be hung from the shade to keep this birdhouse from overheating. Good birdhouses will provide for drainage in the bottom for rainwater and small holes towards the top for ventilation.


Birdhouses needs to be constructed without perches on the entrance to deter predators for example squirrels, cats and much larger wood bird houses. An overhang in the entrance will help maintain the birdhouse cool and attractive.

The location of some sort of birdhouse is, also, very important. Some wood bird houses prefer wooded, shady places although some prefer grassy areas. However, the recommended place would be in a sunny, open space clear of close trees as to inhibit tree-climbing predators. A thoughtful touch is usually to plant berry-bearing bushes nearby the wood bird houses to contribute towards those midnight snacks.

The spacing of birdhouses must be taken into consideration. Keeping birdhouses 5-30 ft off the ground will help to divert predators and spacing these people, at least, 25 feet apart can help resolve territorial issues among the wood bird houses.

wood bird houses

By following these few tips you may insure yourself to have tenants that will come and entertain you for most a day and you should find your wood bird houses observing hours very rewarding.

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acrylic bird cages

How exciting. You've decided to get hold of a bird, and you even really know what kind. You've gone as far as to pick out a name on your new feathered friend. The hard part has expired, right? Wrong. You still have to discover a cage for little Polly. You can be amazed by the quantity of bird cages available. Bird cages are easily obtainable in many different sizes, models, and price ranges. They come in a number of materials, such as lumber, iron, metal, and metal.

One option for components is acrylic. Acrylic bird cages tend to be relatively inexpensive and easily obtainable. Though acrylic bird cages tend to be popular, some customers report that they are not as durable as metal or metal. Others say that birds can't seem to climb on acrylic chook cages. This could keep your bird from getting an adequate amount of exercise.

Acrylic bird cages may be mass produced or especially designed. They can be available at local pet stores or large chains like PetsMart or PetCo. They are also available at department outlets, such as Wal-Mart. From time to time, acrylic bird cages is also found at discount outlets, such as Family $ or Dollar General. A different option for buying fat bird cages is on the web pet stores. They can cover anything from about $20 for a little mass produced cage to over a thousand dollars for a huge custom designed cage.

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WINTERING PALLID SWIFTS IN ALANGE. 2012-2013.

Author: Jesús Solana Ramos. Photography: Joaquin Vázquez. 

Since January 2010 has been observed the presence of wintering Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus) in Alange (Badajoz). In 2011-2012 it was found to remain during the entire winter season of at least eight individuals (read more). In 2012-2013 was done several visits between October 10, 2012 and March 7, 2013. The method was to wait in the square of the church from half an hour before to half hour after sunset. During this past winter has been observed at least two wintering individuals. Apart from these two birds, the latest swift recorded was on November 22, 2012 and the first on February 5, 2013 (5 birds seen by José Guerra and Marc Gálvez). Between these two dates, on five occasions were two swifts always entering the same hole in the front of the church.

A phenomenon in decline? If we consider the specific observations in early January 2010 and 2011 and compared them to the same dates in 2012 and 2013, we see a sharp decline in the number of birds recorded.

Other atypical wintering species. During the monitoring of pallid swifts was detected continued presence of 1-3 House Martin (Delichon urbicum) and one Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica) in December by M. Galvez and J. Guerra.

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The very best Spring Feed for Ones Birds

Spring is undoubtedly an important time pertaining to bird feeding. Many migratory species will be passing through your garden on the way back home, and you will probably see new nests as well as hatchlings springing up around your neighborhood when mating season commences. Birds have specific nutritional needs through the period, however, so it's worth finding the time to note just prior to buying be providing.

Mealworms

These include an old standby, and an excellent source of live feed. Unlike their larger, crunchier brethren, mealworms are usually both protein heavy as well as moist. They benefit smaller birds probably the most, and you can be ready to see them surge with popularity during mating year. Adults will bring them back to the nest to maintain their young, as they're probably the most nutritious and edible feeds on the market.

Remember, they can easily go off if left outside for to much time. Consider soaking them in water for any little extra moisture on hot days, as extended as they're all swallowed quickly. As always, be sure you clean up any uneaten remnants to avoid disease.

Fruit

If you grow many different plants in your lawn, there's every chance you then have a few apples and pears intending spare through spring. These types of large, meaty and moist fruits are particularly fitted to feeding larger birds, capable of digging in more efficiently. The high water content will definitely benefit them in hotter weeks, and slicing up a couple of to leave on the actual feeder will keep a lot of birds happy.

As an interesting idea for presentation, consider slicing a fruit by two and impaling It around the branch of a pine. This will move larger birds into your canopy, while producing a pleasing natural appearance. Just be sure not to ever leave any sliced fruit out for longer than a short time. In the heat as well as rain of spring it's quite easy to allow them to rot, so dense trees and covered feeders really are a nice touch.

Seeds as well as Nuts

As ever, nyger seeds lead to a great investment, and are extremely popular among virtually all finch species. They're very fatty because of their size, but will require a specialised feeder to hold them in.

Peanuts really are a regular feature of any feed mix, but will require special attention if you intend to leave them out from the spring. They're heavy with fat and protein, but ensure not to make the actual mistake of leaving out salted nuts, birds can't process the salt and can suffer for it.

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Choosing the best Birds for Your Aviary

When starting a new hobby, it is always prudent to master everything there is to find out about it in order to be a success at that. An example of a really hobby is aviculture, which can be the practice of maintaining and breeding birds, contributing significantly towards the upkeep and preservation connected with avian habitats by raising public awareness.

Aviculture can also be one way of leading to the environment as keeping birds within an aviary under controlled problems protects them from normal disasters and situations which could severely decrease their volumes. It is also enables bird enthusiasts to analyze the behavior of certain avian species and locate ways to forestall their own extinction.

Aviaries have experienced existence since the 1800s, with an aviary generally known as the Raven Cage being considered as one of the oldest structures in this London Zoo. An aviary is akin to a cage but exactly where cages confine birds with a particular space, aviaries enable them to fly in much larger spaces. Also, unlike cages, aviaries simulate a bird's natural environment with the addition of plants and shrubbery within the space.

If you're considering starting one at your residence and deciding on which birds to select, there are several factors you need to think about and seriously consider if you're to be a prosperous aviculturist. First, you must look at the climate in your spot and choose birds which have been well-suited for it. Furthermore, don't make the oversight of choosing birds which have been too large, too loud or too expensive as they can become ultimately too much to handle.

For newbies, the first choice must be canaries which are very popular aviary birds in the world. Well-known for its vocal prowess and vibrant shades, the canary is perfect for those just starting out in aviculture simply because they don't require too much caring for and will be quite happy to be left thus to their own devices. If you want a singing canary you'll have to ensure you get a men's one as female canaries never sing.

Another bird that's known for its vocal prowess are finches. As fast flyers, they could be fun to watch since they zip from one corner from the aviary to another, twittering in tones which have been several decibels below what parrots are capable of. Finches are ideally acquired in pairs and need many flying space as they do wish to fly. Be careful though, that they don't acquire too crowded as territorial combats can erupt.

Budgerigars or parakeets are perhaps the most ideal aviary birds because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to dump and just as very easily replaced, which is why some individuals tend to disregard this bird and forget the truth that they can be trained to be good talkers despite their own small voices. When with consideration handled, budgies can bond closely thus to their human companions and usually are ideal pets for kids. Quaker parakeets on another hand, need to be handled carefully since they are considered illegal in some states since they're considered threats to regional agriculture.

If you want birds that may be petted, then cockatiels are what you need to get. They love to snuggle and be petted which explains why they are considered the most affectionate birds. These small parrots are also made of vibrant colors and will also be trained to talk yet others in whistling. Most parrot species such as poicephalus parrots and this pionus parrots are a easy-going and gently bunch which have been not as noisy as a few of their mates and will also be easily taught the gift of gab. You may also consider their livelier in addition to flashier cousins the Amazon online marketplace parrots, who although a little quieter, love to attract attention to themselves and are all to easy to handle as well.

And last but is not the least there's this peach-faced lovebirds which, and also being easy to care for will also be affectionate and love to be petted. They can be carried as part of your pocket or perched on the shoulder but must always be bought in pairs seeing that otherwise, they waste away with out a suitable companion. They tend to be on the quiet side but are known every single child learn a few phrases every so often.

Of course, having the top aviaries to keep your birds in can also be important in your success as an aviculturist. The great thing about getting aviaries currently is they are available online likewise so that all you should do is to pick and pick a qualified size and style for ones home or backyard. Remember to get one that has enough space so that even if you put varied species inside it you won't find yourself having to settle territorial fights. Also get ones which have been easy to clean, preferably with removable bottom trays to clean droppings easily.

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Western What?tlebird

Max turned 18 on the 14^th of April, and subsequently asked me if I would like to join him and his mum Sarah on a 7 day whirlwind trip to South-West Western Australia. The planning done, and the first set of Year 12 exams over, we found ourselves landing at Perth airport. Taxi to the hire car place, and we picked up our car. This was our car.

Bad omen? We’ll see. Off we went to find a supermarket to stock up. We got lost, and Sarah pulled over so we could get out the GPS. In a shrub right next to the car was a pair of LAUGHING DOVES. Excellent start!

We headed off to Dryandra Woodlands, attentively watching the roadsides en route hoping to get a few early ticks. Max called out Black Cockies! whilst we were traversing the Perth hills – luckily they were Red-tailed Blacks as they didn’t land and ID would have been impossible otherwise!

While passing through Wandering only a few kms out of Dryandra, Max yelled out STOP! Right next to the road in a dead tree were 14 CARNABY BLACK COCKATOOS! The first endemic had fallen.

13/14 Carnaby's Black Cockatoos

We arrived at Dryandra Village to be greeted by John, whom on learning that we were birders, handed us a map complete with annotations on every species we asked about  - these annotations proved to be almost 100% accurate and helped us a lot. In the birdbath next to reception, we had WESTERN ROSELLA, many Brown and New Holland Honeyeaters. The trees held both pardalotes and a number of thornbill species (not Western), Brown-headed Honeyeaters, etc. After a quick unpack, we headed straight to Old Mill dam where we had been guaranteed dead cert RUFOUS TREECREEPER. We were not disappointed! Also WESTERN THORNBILL, Western Gerygone, and a Kings Skink. We drove up the road about a km, and stopped because I had accidentally turned a dead stump into a Numbat… however, it was a good mistake to make, as the surrounding area was fantastic, with Jacky Winter, Scarlet and Red-capped Robins, SWAN RIVER HONEYEATERS, Yellow-plumped Honeyeaters and the beautiful spotted White-browed Scrubwren (why is this not a full species?!) We continued on to the start of the Ochre Trail where we had been told to look for Shrike Tit. When we stopped, there were no birds, and the habitat looked pretty terrible. We decided to walk up the road a bit and realised we had stopped in the wrong place! We got to the Ochre Trail parking area, and the birds fell quickly – a party of BLUE-BREASTED FAIRY WREN (no breeding males unfortunately), Elegant Parrots flying over (which was a tick for me but I refused to tick them from that view), Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Dusky Woodswallow, a group of the supposedly rare White-browed Babbler, and best of all, an obliging female “WESTERN” CRESTED SHRIKE TIT. The rest of the afternoon was fairly unproductive. After dinner, we headed off spotlighting. We could not get close to the Bush Stone Curlews and unfortunately missed seeing them. A pair of Barn Owls were heard (I did try to turn them into Masked originally, but Max put me in my place ;) ), an Owlet Nightjar was heard, a Tawny Frogmouth seen briefly and a few Brushtail Possums. Unfortunately no Bilby or Wyolie or anything else of particular interest. A Southern Boobook was heard later that night.

Dryandra

"Western" Crested Shrike-tit

The next morning we attempted to find those curlews again. The best bird to be seen up behind the village was WESTERN YELLOW ROBIN! Bird #499 for me – what would be #500? By this stage, we had seen every bird we had hoped for in Dryandra minus some unpredictable parrots, Western Spinebill, and Western Wattlebird. We decided to try up at Lol Gray, which was meant to be good for the two honeyeaters. On arrival, there wasn’t much about. We had a walk around, a few more Western Thornbills, a few honeyeaters (neither of the two we wanted), and then we saw two parrots fly into a tree. And they weren’t 28-Parrots! We slowly approached the tree and the  two parrots flew out to landed in a bush. Juvenile RED-CAPPED PARROTS - #500! Wohoo! High-fives were exchanged, and I marvelled at how these juveniles were actually surprisingly colourful – we weren’t to see an adult male for 4 more days. We drove back through Dryandra to the south-western exit. Just before getting onto the highway where stopping would be impossible, Max spotted some parrots, and we jumped out to get Max his tick, a pair of REGENT PARROTS. The biggest dip here was… Well… We saw all the birds we needed to get here plus more. The biggest dip was probably Numbat! So far, the slogan on the car door had proven completely incorrect ;)

Typical Dryandra Woodland

On to that little well known patch of heath known as Cheynes Beach. We were handed the birding folder on arrival complete with maps and annotations from various people over the last 3 years. We decided to head straight to the “Scrubbird Loop”, ticking off a lovely male WESTERN SPINEBILL on the way. On arrival we heard one scrubbird calling. Literally 1m from the road where we were standing. Did we see it? Nope! In frustration, we headed further up the road and walked around the rocky shoreline. Osprey and Pacific Gull were nice finds. Back near the beach, a white bird flew onto a branch – WHITE-BREASTED ROBIN!

White-breasted Robin

"Spotted" White-browed Scrubwren

It was approaching dusk, so we headed back to the scrubbird loop (not before again trying to see the bird calling from right next to the road) and sat down. We waited. Suddenly a Noisy-Scrubbird-Like-Dark-Shape ran across the road. Max and I looked at each other quizzically. Well that was shit. It was calling again, so we walked down and again got within 1m of it. Then it must have crossed the road without us noticing because it started calling from the other side! We gave up and went for dinner.

The next morning we got up early and walked back down and sat in the same spot. As we sat down, we could hear the scrubbird calling from only a metre in from the dirt track. We waited. It called. We waited. It called some more. We waited some more. It stopped calling. We tensed, binoculars pre-focused at the correct distance. Movement. The NOISY SCRUBBIRD hopped out of the bush, looked at us, ran back in. Came out, ran back in. Came out. Stopped. Ran across the road. Stopped. Ran into the scrub. The highest of fives were given.

"The Road" on the Scrubbird Loop

Cheynes Beach

Our spirits high, we walked up past the caravan park to the track leading east. We heard a Western Whipbird calling from right next to the track. We were 10m away when a bristlebird started calling from 5m behind us. Dilemma. We chose the bristlebird, and within a few minutes had fantastic views of a WESTERN BRISTLEBIRD calling right in front of us on a low bush before running away like a mouse into the scrub. The Whipbird had stopped calling, and not a single whipbird would call in an accessible location again for the next 3 days. Heading further along the track whilst trying to relocate a possible heathwren, we heard the mournful whistle of a firetail. Max whistled back, and soon two RED-EARED FIRETAILS flew in and landed on a dead tree. We walked all the way to the beach and back seeing almost nothing else. We did hear one whipbird, but after walking through 100m of heath it had stopped calling… Honeyeaters were in abundance, but we couldn’t find any Western Wattlebirds, only Red… After breakfast, we walked up the beach to try and find a lagoon mentioned in a few of the bird notes. We found it, and there was not a single bird there except for a Caspian Tern roosting with the gulls at the lagoons mouth. We headed back towards the caravan park and decided to bird the beach scrub. We finally found a flock of RED-WINGED FAIRY-WRENS, which was very exciting as unlike the Blue-breasts at Dryandra, this flock contained two breeding males!

Male Red-winged Fairy-wren

During the middle of the day, we headed over to the Waychinicup NP camping area, which was a fantastic place. Not many more birds except a Peregrine Falcon, but the scenery and large numbers of Kings Skink was satisfying enough!

Waychinicup NP

King's Skink

The afternoon was spent traversing large areas of heath in search of Whipbirds. Just before dinner, Max went to have his nightly chat with Layla, whilst I chose instead to head out for spotlighting. Back down near the scrubbird loop, I spotted a Quokka feeding right next to the road. As I was walking back to the caravan park, I passed the scrubbird road, and realised there was a bird calling a little off to the right. I sat down and waited. It ran across. I waited a bit more. A female ran across. Not as good as the views from the morning, but still an impressive(ly difficult) bird.

Quokka

South-western Rock-skink

Day 3 was dedicated to whipbird hunting. The previous day we had walked at least 12kms after that bristlebird and had not pinned down a single whipbird. On day 3 after successfully re-staking out the Noisy Scrubbird, we walked all morning and didn’t even hear a single peep out of anything remotely similar to a Whipbird. Max’s mum was heading to Albany, and we decided to join her out of sheer frustration, and hoping to see a Western Wattlebird which we were still missing! Over the day, we added a number of birds the trip list and saw the SW Purple Swamphen – much more vibrant than their eastern counterparts. When we returned to Cheynes, the wind had picked up. In Albany, Max had re-read Grants trip report from 2010, and we decided to try his route up the hill which he so bitterly despised. By the end of it, we also bitterly despised that hill.

The Top of the Hill

At the Top of the Hill

Max skipped spotlighting again, and I headed out in search of Honey Possum. An hour later, I learnt that Sod’s law also applies when looking for mammals. I was 50m from walking back into the caravan park when I heard a rustling in a bush just off the track. I stood at the side of the track and waited. I could see the bushes moving, and the creature zig-zagged through the scrub for a few seconds and then ran straight towards my foot where it stopped. A lovely Honey Possum. It crawled around in the vegetation next to me then moved a metre away. I decided pishing would be a good idea, and surprisingly it was – the Honey Possum ran right back up to my foot and sniffed it, then stopped. I took a step back, and it stayed put. I got the camera out and took two photos with it just sitting there. I then poked my finger at it, which it sniffed, then after a few seconds turned around and headed back into the heath. For me, that made up for the lack of whipbird!

Honey Possum

Day 4 – the wind had picked up even more overnight. We trekked up the hill. There was nothing. We came back down and left Cheynes Beach (not without checking out a few more Whipbird spots on the road out to no avail). Our Cheynes bird list stood at 60 species – on the bottom of our bird notes to be added to the birding folder, we wrote a note. “If only Western Wattlebird were as easy as Noisy Scrubbird”. We still hadn’t found one.

On the drive to Stirling Ranges, we spotted some ELEGANT PARROTS on the side of the road which I was able to tick. We got to Mt Trio. It was windy. We heard a whipbird 200m away. We left. We got to Salt River Road. It was windy. We heard a possible fieldwren. We left. Fairly annoying. We did have a good look at this shingleback though.

Shingleback - LEAVE ME ALONE

Elegant Parrot

The afternoon was spent relaxing at Stirling Range Retreat, which had some excellent birds, but nothing new (Max and I both had our best ever views of Elegant Parrot). The wind eventually died down in the evening. The next morning, we packed up and left for Mt Trio. The wind had stopped! But as we pulled into the road to Mt Trio, we realised that at this slightly higher elevation, the wind was actually stronger than it had been yesterday!!! Despite our despair, we forced ourselves to go looking for Western Fieldwren and Western Whipbird. While attempting to tape out a Whipbird, we heard a chattering trill right behind us. We turned around, played the fieldwren call, and a wren-like bird ran across the road. The bird was calling, but we couldn’t see it. I eventually said to Max “I’m going to try and get eyes on it”, so I stood up from our crouched position and right in front of us was the WESTERN FIELDWREN sitting on top of a bush singing its heart out! Soon after, we gave up on the Whipbird front and accepted our first dip for the trip. We finally found a male Red-capped Parrot drinking from a puddle on the drive out.

Western Fieldwren

We headed west, where we eventually reached Rocky Gully. Just outside of town, I spotted a huge flock of white birds on the side of the road - WESTERN CORELLAS. Funny to think that we pretty much saw the whole southern “Muirs” subspecies on one flock! Max and I decided that they were probably just about the most endangered birds that either of us had seen.

"Muir's" Western Corella

We headed further west and eventually reached Augusta (after a rather depressing lunch when we realised that we left our whole bag of tuna in a cupboard at Stirling!). Whilst Sarah was checking into the hotel, Max and I spotted a flock of black cockatoos land in a tree just across the road. We headed over, and yes indeed they did have very long bills! BAUDIN’S BLACK COCKATOO! We were very happy with this, as this flock was only the 4^thin the whole trip which we had had the opportunity to scrutinise. Now could spend the rest of the trip not worrying about the SWWA endemics...

Oh wait.

I turned to Max – “You know what this means?”
“What?”
“We’ve seen ever endemic except Western Wattlebird”

We had consistently failed to find this damn bird and we were starting to get worried.

Baudin's Black Cockatoo

Over to the lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin we headed, but on Rock Parrot we were to dip, despite spending the better half of the afternoon checking out the waterwheel and lighthouse grounds. Apparently the grass had just been mown, and hence the Rock Parrots didn’t really have anything to feed on. Back to Augusta where we decided to check out the beach after some fish and chips at “The Last Eathouse Before Antarctica”. There were a number of people and dogs on the beach, so we weren’t really expecting much, until we realised that the beach contained the most Red-capped Plovers either of us had ever seen in our life! Every 3 metres there were another 3 plovers! While walking along, I spotted a different bird. “Double-banded Plover over there Max”. We had a look, then Max commented “wait, isn’t that a rare bird over here?” When we got back to the hotel, we checked, and found out that only one other Double-banded Plover has ever been reported to the atlas west of the Eyre Bird Observatory! We had just found a WA vagrant on par with birds such as Hudsonian Godwit or Little Stint, but it wasn’t even a lifer for us – haha! Also on the beach were 28 Sanderling, an Aus tick for Max (and my first sandpiper for the year, ticked before Red-necked Stint!).

Vagrant: Double-banded Plover a long way from NZ

The next morning, we tried again in vain for Rock Parrots at the lighthouse and in the dunes behind the beach. This was to be dip number two after Western Whipbird. We headed north towards Perth, windows down in case we heard a Wattlebird…. En-route we stopped at the northern end of Lake Clifton to see if we could find the Grey Plover reported a few days ago. Max and I were impressed when we got out of the car that we had accidentally found the viewing platform for a colony of Stromatolites – the most prehistoric organisms in existence which we had been learning about in biology for months. No Grey (or Hooded) Plovers unfortunately.

Stromatolites at Lake Clifton

Eremaea had told us one of the best sites in WA for Western Wattlebird was the nearby Marina Bay Drive. This was where we headed next. It seemed promising, and the suburb was excellent for birds including Red-capped Parrot, Night Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbill… and mosquitoes. I have never hated a birding site so much in my life. The whole back of my neck was one big itchy lump. No Wattlebird. Now we were very worried. The words on the side of the car door mocked us.

Point Peron was next, just in case there were any late Bridled or Roseate Terns. Nothing was seen here. There was now only a few hours of daylight left, and it was starting to really look like we would not see Western Wattlebird. We headed to Herdsman Lake, which we guessed should be a good site for this damn bird, and we might even re-find a Purple Heron in the process! We found neither, but we did find fellow birder Sean, who told us to try a spot 10 minutes up the road for the wattlebird – Lake Gwelup. We thanked him and hopped back into the car. The sun was setting and we were getting every red light… We arrived at Lake Gwelup and found the flowering Banksias Sean had mentioned. 

Wattlebirds everywhere. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Western? Nope, Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red.
Max: “I’m getting seriously close to using callback”

But if we used callback for a wattlebird we’d never hear the end of it, so we kept looking.

Then. Finally.

WESTERN WATTLEBIRD!!! Two birds feeding in a banksia. Yesssss! We took a victory photo of ourselves and headed back to the car. It was at that point getting very dark.

And so, the next morning we found ourselves returning the hire car. Its slogan couldn’t taunt us anymore! Haha! Honestly, this trip could hardly have gone better. We saw every main target except Western Whipbird and Rock Parrot (which aren’t endemic anyway), and a few random subspecies which we had been hoping for. To have an idea of how well we went, here is our target list with the birds we saw highlighted green.

Oh, and of course we missed my damn bogey bird – Square-tailed Kite.

Anyway, Happy 18^th to Max, and thank you immensely to Sarah for letting me come along and doing all the driving and birding stops and cooking! Also to Sean for the wattlebird site, and all the birders on the WA mailing list who replied to our RFI! Time to get back to the HSC…

PS: We have since learned from the BirdsWA mailing list that Western Wattlebird can be a difficult species as it is generally quite site specific unlike its eastern counterpart. Make sure to have backup sites planned if you’re heading over this way in case you’re at Cheynes Beach during the time of year when the wattlebirds are not ! ;) Check out http://wabirdingblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/south-west-endemics-part-3-western.html for more info.

Cheers,
Josh

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Wheatear weekend

The last few days have been spent placing spring traps out for Wheatears, 31 have now been ringed in April. Looking at the past two years i seem to catch more in May but because of the late migration this year, due to the weather i am wondering if this is the big push for the birds. Lots about yesterday with 12 ringed and at least 50 seen.

Also last week we got a call of Gary Curtis to say he had a lone Waxwing feeding on apples in his garden and we could try and ring it if we wanted. 20 minutes later we were there and it got its ring. Garry emailed yesterday saying the bird is still there costing him a fortune in apples.

To ring Waxwing is great but to ring Waxwing and Wheatear in the same day is bizarre.

On my weekly survey around the working gravel pit i noticed this LBBG with an orange ring on it, thinking it was one of ours returning to breed i took a few shots.  When i got home i noticed it wasnt,
looking on the Colour ring site  it was ringed in Spain. I am just waiting for all the details to come back.

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Catching up with Spring

I've been a bit slack at posting over the past week, so here's a quick run down.
The welcome change in weather surprised us all last weekend and finally cleared way for the summer migrants to push through with some vigour. Away with the cold NE winds and in with some mild south-westerlies. Willow Warbler and Barn Swallows turned up almost immediately and it's a shame that I wasn't around on the Sunday to catch up with the spring Bluetail at Horsey.
I took the family down to Thetford to look for the otters that had been showing so well and we weren't disappointed...

On Monday(15th April) I headed off to Horsey after work and was impressed by the diversity of migrants available; lots of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, Brambling, Redwing and a Hooded Crow hybrid - you'd be forgiven if you couldn't tell what season we were in!

Hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow

Hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow

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MORE THAN 100,000 CRANES IN EXTREMADURA (December 2012)

In December 2012 was carried on a common crane (Grus grus) census in Extremadura. As result, 95,282 cranes was counted. The coverage was almost complete, except for the region of La Serena and some roosts of Badajoz province. Estimating 6,000 cranes for no census areas, the final figure reached 101,000 cranes. The breakdown by areas is as follows: Zona Centro 63,207 individuals (62%), 22,292 Tagus basin (22%) and Guadiana basin 15,783 cranes (16%). Since a census of this scope is necessarily incomplete, it is possible that 120,000 cranes were present in Extremadura during winter 2012-2013. If we also consider that in February 2013 200,000 cranes have stopped at Gallocanta lagoon (Aragón), the figure of 120,000 cranes in Extremadura makes sense.

Two different methods have been used, on the one hand the traditional counting roosting, when cranes meet in wetlands to spend the night, and day counts at foraging areas. The latter has been used in the Zona Centro (Vegas Altas), one open agricultural region, with good visibility and extensive road network.

The comparison by sectors over the previous census of December 2007 (Prieta and del Moral, 2008) is shown in the table. For the whole of the region is estimated an increase of 20%. The Zona Centro grows very substantially (+65%), being the sole responsibility of the total increase. The Tagus basin remains very stable (+0'1%), offsetting rising sectors (Alagón and Almonte) those that decrease (Navalmoral and Cáceres). By contrast, the rest of the Guadiana basin, excluding La Serena, shows a drop of nearly 6,000 birds (-23%), mainly in the southern sectors of Alange and Azuaga. However, a census is a still image on a certain date and in the case of the crane wintering numbers can vary greatly between weeks in one place. Thus, after the census presented here, some sectors decreased (the Zona Centro declines slightly to 56,000 birds in January and February 2013), others areas were stable (Alagón) and other increased remarkably (Navalmoral rose by more than 4,000 cranes on February), to give some examples.

The evolution of the common crane population in Extremadura, as shown in the graph, remains positive with continued increases from the first data available in the 1980s. For the first time it has been found a figure of over 100,000 birds in the region, a value that duplicates the censuses conducted two decades ago (about 50,000 birds on average in 1989-1993 and 60,000 in 2001). All in accordance with the increase in Western Europe, where the current population is at least 300,000 cranes.

Sources: 

- Román, J. A. y Gómez Calzado, M. 2013. Invernada de la grulla común (Grus grus). Resultados del censo de diciembre de 2012 en Extremadura. Published on 26-03-2013, blog "Grullas Veo".

- Prieta, J. and Del Moral, J. C. 2008. The common crane wintering in Spain. Population in 2007 and census method. SEO / BirdLife. Madrid. [Download] 

Acknowledgements: This work would not have been possible without the invaluable participation of dozens of people who have dedicated time and effort as volunteers. 

Coordinators: Jose Antonio Roman, Manuel Gómez Calzado and Javier Prieta. Collaborators: Samuel Langlois, Dave Langlois, Manuel Flores, Marcelino Tirado, José María Guerrero, Jorge Pedro Durán, Sergio Méndez, César Clemente, Javier Mahíllo, Goyo Naharro, Agustín Iglesias, Vicente Sánchez, Javier Prieta, Sergio Mayordomo, Iván Hernández, Carlos Fernández Diaz, José Carlos López Fuentes, Marcelino Cardalliaguet, Andrés Maestre, Carlos Luengo, Marta Gómez, Javier Esteban, Martin Kelsey, Jesús Porras, Vicente Risco, Santiago Cáceres, Javier Caballero, José Luis Caballero, Estela Herguido, Antonio Galán, Helios Dalmau, Agustín Martín Ruano, José Antonio Pérez Burón, Daniel Pérez, Luis Venancio, Pedro Schreur, Justo Tarriño, Godfried Schreur, Jacobo Hernández, Jerónimo Milán, Jesús Solana, Francisco Lopo, Elvira del Viejo, Lucas J. Navareño, Carolina Climent, Iván Sánchez, Antonia Cangas, José Antonio Román, José Ángel Sánchez, Luis Salguero, Antonio Núñez, Gustavo Gahete, Francisco Montaño, Miguel Corvillo, Alfonso Pérez del Barco, Esther Gañán, Chema Traverso, Carmen Galán, Yasmina Annichiarico, Natalia Franco, Amparo Sánchez, Agustín Santana, Víctor Manuel Quintana, Manuel Calderón, Teresa Tena, Gerardo Pizarro, Fernando Pizarro, Manuel Gómez Calzado, Antonio Torrijo, Fernando Salas, José Luis Ciudad, Emilio Peña, Marc Gálvez, José Guerra, Fernando Yuste, Juan Pablo Prieto, Manuel Iglesias, Marisa García, Juan Carlos Núñez Crespo, Juan Manuel Rodríguez, Juan Miguel Segador, Gabriel Vidal, Manuel Azabal, Amalia Sánchez, Javier Monforte, José Leonardo Baena, Raúl Calle, Taimar Domínguez, Luis Bernardo Flores, Juan Pablo García, Pablo Hernández, Jorge Jara, Jaime Jiménez, Pablo Jorge Díaz, Alberto León, Mario Martín, Daniel Martín, José Antonio Mateos, David Morón, Antonio Moyano, Abel Murillo, Álvaro Rodríguez, Andrés Rodríguez, Juan Sánchez, Alberto Sánchez, Blas Serrano, Janette Valhondo, Antonio Ávila, Francisco Javier Alba, Juan Gabriel Díaz, Jorge Domínguez Patricio Liberal, Rubén Marcos, Álvaro Martín, David Neila, Valentín Pérez, Carlos Pinos, Juan Carlos Recio Borja Retamal, Ángel Rodríguez, Francis Rodríguez, Cristian Salguero, Juan Marcos Simón, Saúl Torrescusa, Juan Carlos Velarde, Jesús Sánchez, Pedro Muñoz, Jaime Rodríguez, Luis Alberto López, Juan Pablo Resino, Azucena Díaz.

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Osprey

Photo by Dave Corkish

This cracking photo was taken on Friday by Dave Corkish of an Osprey at Ballaragh i noticed it on the Manx Birdlife website. The bird is showing part of a red ring with the number 8 on it . I sent the image to Mr Roy Dennis ( Mr Osprey) and this is his reply

Hi Sean

Thanks very much for your email and photo. Red 8? on left leg is one that I ringed in 2001 in Moray or the Highlands but sadly the feathers totally obscure the second letter reading up the ring. So I cannot identify it as an individual unless there are other photos in flight which might just show it.

Hopefully we can get in touch with Dave to see if he took any more shots and see if we can solve the riddle. 

But just reporting the one number gave us some info as we know this bird is now 

12 years old.

Thanks Dave and Roy.

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MARCH 2013: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

List of the most interesting observations during March 2013. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Mute Swan: one ind., embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), 19/03 (Fergus Crystal).
- Egyptian Goose: one ind., charca de El Trasquilón, Cáceres, 03/03 (Carlos Fernández). 2 ind., Corral Alto, Zorita (CC), 13/03 (Ángel Luis Sánchez). One pair, 20/03, Cáceres (Anonymous).
- Ruddy Shelduck: one ind, Arrocampo (CC), 15/03 (John Muddeman). A male, El Batán (CC), 30/03 (Eva Palacios y Sergio Mayordomo).
- Common Shelduck: 2 ind., Santa Amalia (BA), 17/03 (Fernando Yuste). One ind., embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 21/03 (José Luis Bautista) and 30/03 (Pablo Herrador). 3 ind., Vivares (BA), 23/03 (Blanca Arenaz y Manuel Rodríguez). A bird, lagunas de La Albuera (BA), 30/03 (Antonio Nuñez, Elvira del Viejo, F. Yuste y Vanessa de Alba).

- Red-crested pochard: 150 ind., embalse de Orellana (BA), 04/03 (Á. L. Sánchez -photo-). 8 ind., embalse de Sierra Brava, Zorita (CC), 12/03 (Martin Kelsey). 4 ind. 3 males and a female, embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 15/03 (P. Barnáldez). On embalse de Alange (BA), a pair, 21/03 (José Guerra) and a bird on 22/03 (Marc Gálvez). On lagunas de La Albuera (BA), 6 ind. on 22/03 (J. Guerra) and 4 on 30/03 (A. Núñez, E. del Viejo, F. Yuste y V. de Alba). A pair, lagunas de Torremejía (BA), 25/03 (Albert Cama, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez y Matxalen Pauli). 4 pairs, laguna del Hondo, Granja de Torrehermosa (BA), 29/03 (G. Gahete).
- Black-necked grebe. One ind., embalse de Orellana (BA), 01/03 (Juan Antonio Barquero). One ind., lagunas de La Albuera (BA), 30/03 (A. Núñez, E. del Viejo, F. Yuste y V. de Alba).
- Bittern: one ind., Arrocampo (CC), 09/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo), 16/03 (Luis Martínez), 20/03 (J. Prieta) and 28/03 (Miguel Ángel Muñoz y Paco Ramírez).
- Garcilla cangrejera: One ind., embalse de Arrocampo (CC), 09/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). One ind., Azud de la Pesquera, Badajoz, 24/03 (Juan Carlos Paniagua).
- Glossy Ibis: On 02/03, 7 ind., Azud de la Pesquera, Badajoz (J. C. Paniagua), and 17 ind., Madrigalejo (CC) (Emilio Peña). On Arrocampo (CC), one bird on 03/03 and 26/03 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, J. Briz, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Kelsey, S. Mayordomo y V. Risco). 14 ind., Mérida (BA), 13/03 (J. Guerra). One ind. ringed in Camargue (France) seen at Plasencia (CC) on 15/03 (J. Prieta y S. Mayordomo). 14 ind., Azud de la Pequera, Badajoz, 16/03 (Andrés Vega). 12 ind., río Guadiana, Villagonzalo (BA), 21/03 (M. Gálvez). 4 ind., Madrigalejo (CC), 28/03 (M. Kelsey).

- Flamingo. 24 ind., Santa Amalia (BA), 17/03 (F. Yuste -photo- e Isaac Outón).
- Goshawk: A male, Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe (CC), 02/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). On 09/03, a female, Monfragüe (CC) an other at Toril (CC) (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). Between 17/03 and 19/03, several sighting, Tajo Internacional (CC) (Pepe Guisado y Pilar Goñi). A female, Sierra de Cabezo, Las Hurdes (CC), 21/03 (Alberto Pacheco). On Alía (CC), one bird, arroyo Bargel on 24/03, one at Sierra Palomera on 28/03 and two at La Raña on 30/03 (Jaime Cerezo, Jorge Ángel y Noelia Baeza). A female, Alange (BA), 25/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).
- Osprey: One ind., Arrocampo (CC), 03/03 (J. Briz, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez y V. Risco). Embalse de Alange (BA), two between 06/03 and 26/03 (A. Cama, A. Núñez, Francisco Montaño, J. Solana, Joaquín Vázquez, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Pauli y Roser Solé). One ind., embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 15/03 (P. Barnáldez). One, embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), 17/03 (M. Kelsey). One, el embalse de Arroyoconejos, Llerena (BA), 24/03 (A. Núñez y V. de Alba). Two, embalse de Torremenga (CC), 27/04 (Miguel Ángel Justo). One, embalse de Ahigal (CC), 30/03 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Pied Avocet: El Batán (CC), 2 ind. on 21/03, 3 ind. on 27/03 (S. Mayordomo) and one on 28/03 (C. Clemente) and 30/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). 2 ind., Palazuelo (BA), 28/03 (M. Kelsey). 2 ind., Santa Amalia (BA), 29/03 (F. Yuste).
- Kentish Plover: Santa Amalia (BA), 24 ind. on 17/03 (F. Yuste) and presence on 28/03 (A. Maestre, A. Núñez, C. Luengo, F. Yuste, F. Montaño, J. Solana y V. de Alba).
- Spotted Redshank. One, Valdehornillos (BA), 01/03 (Sergio Pérez Gil). One, laguna de Galisteo (CC), 10/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). 3 ind,. Santa Amalia (BA), 17/03 (F. Yuste). One, Cabeza del Buey (BA), 20/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). El Batán (CC), one on 27/03 (S. Mayordomo) and 28/03 (C. Clemente).
- Ring-billed Gull. 2ª for Extremadura. One, 2º winter, Santa Amalia (BA), 18/03 (F. Yuste, J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).
- Mew Gull. A 1º winter, embalse de Alange (BA), 01/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One ind., río Guadiana, Badajoz (BA), 11/03 (J. C. Paniagua).

- Caspian Tern: one bird, at río Guadiana, Badajoz, 06/03 (Joaquín Mazón) and 07/03 (J. Mazón y J. C. Paniagua -foto-), and the samen at embalse de Alange (BA), 09/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez) and 11/03 (M. Gálvez).
- Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea). 1º for Extremadura. 2 ind., Coria (CC), 10/03 (Esteban Reyes y Julián Reyes).
- Rose-ringed Parakeet: One ind., Alcazaba de Mérida (BA), 11/03 (J. Solana). One ind., Puerta de Palmas, Badajoz, 12/03 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Monk Parakeet. Paseo Alto, Cáceres, 4 ind., 03/03 and 17/03 (J. Solana), and one, 28/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). Parque del Príncipe, Cáceres, 4 ind., 24/03 (J. Solana).
- Wryneck: One ind., Plasencia (CC), 20/03 (Jesús Sánchez), 22/03 (S. Mayordomo) and 30/03 (R. Montero). One ind., Villanueva de la Vera (CC), 30/03 (D. Langlois). On 30/03, one at Malpartida de Plasencia (CC) (Heijo Knecht) and one at Alange (J. Guerra).
- White Wigtail. Subspecies M. a. yarrellii: gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), 3 ind. 2 males and a female, 06/03 (S. Mayordomo) and a male, 10/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). A male, embalse de Alange (BA), 10/03 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño, J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez y V. de Alba). A pair, Montehermoso (CC), 12/03 (C. Clemente y J. Mahillo). A female, Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), 23/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). A female, Plasencia (CC), 27/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bearded Reedling: Arrocampo (CC): 2 ind., 03/03 (J. Briz, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez y V. Risco). 2 ind., 15/03 (J. Muddeman). A male, 20/03 (J. Prieta). 2 males, 23/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo).

FIRST SUMMER VISITORS AND SPRING MIGRANTS
- Garganey. A pair, El Batán (CC), 10/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). 5 ind., 3 males and 2 females, embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 15/03 (Paco Barnáldez). A pair, Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), 17/03 (M. Kelsey). A male, embalse de Alange (BA), 21/03 (J. Guerra). 3 ind. 2 males and a female, laguna de Galisteo (CC), 24/03 (J. Prieta). A pair, lagunas de La Albuera (BA), 29/03 (Adolfo García y A. Núñez). 2 ind., laguna Torrealba, Torremocha (CC), 30/03 (J. P. Prieto y William Haworth).
- Purple Heron. One ind., embalse de Arrocampo (CC), 03/03 (Javier Briz, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez y Vicente Risco). An adult, Azud de la Pesquera, Badajoz, 24/03 (J. C. Paniagua). 3 ind., río Guadiana, Villagonzalo (BA), 26/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).
- Montagu's Harrier. A male, Lobón (BA), 07/03 (Francisco Lopo). One, Ladrillar (CC), 08/03 (A. Pacheco). A male, Sierra de Fuentes (CC), 14/03 (J. Muddeman).
- Collared Pratincole. 12 ind., gravera el Soto, Valverde de Mérida (BA), 26/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). On 28/03, 7 ind., lagunas de Torremejía (BA) (M. Gálvez), 20 at Campo Lugar (CC) (Antonio Calvo), 10 at Santa Amalia (BA) (A. Maestre, A. Núñez, C. Luengo, F. Yuste, F. Montaño, J. Solana y V. de Alba) and one at Madrigalejo (CC) (Martin Kelsey).
- Wood Sandpiper. One bird, Palazuelo (BA), 28/03 (M. Kelsey).
- Gull-billed Tern. One bird, embalse de Alange (BA), 24/03 (Antonia Cangas y Ángel Sánchez) and 02/04 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One, río Guadiana, Mérida (BA), 03/04 (S. Pérez Gil).
- Cuco común: One, Oliva de Mérida (BA), 01/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). On 09/03, one at Casatejada (CC) (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo) and Alange (BA) (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One, Montehermoso (CC), 12/03 (J. Mahillo). First female, Serrejón, 26/03 (Manuel García del Rey).
- Common Swift. 8 ind., Zafra (BA), 15/03 (A. Núñez y F. Montaño). Presence, Mérida (BA), 17/03 (S. Pérez Gil). At Badajoz, one on 21/03 (J. Mazón) and several on 27/03 (J. C. Paniagua). On 28/03, 4 ind. at Santa Amalia (BA) (A. Maestre, A. Núñez, C. Luengo, F. Yuste, F. Montaño, J. Solana y V. de Alba) and  50 at Montehermoso (CC) (J. Mahillo).
- Bee-eater: Presence, Cornalvo (BA), 27/03 (E. del Viejo). On 28/03, 9 ind. at Montijo (Godfried Schreur, J. L. Bautista, Justo Tarriño, Nicolás Schreur y Pedro Schreur), 8 at Palazuelo (BA) (M. Kelsey) and one at Monfragüe (CC) (M. García del Rey). 4 ind., Alange (BA), 29/03 (Lorenzo Alcántara).
- Greater Short-toed Lark. Several, Trujillo and Santa Marta de Magasca (CC), 15/03 (P. Guisado y P. Goñi). 2 ind., lagunas de Torremejía (BA), 28/03 (M. Gálvez).
- Yellow Wagtail. 2 ind. M. f. flava, Casas de Hitos, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), 17/03 (M. Kelsey). One, Riolobos (CC), 20/03 (R. Montero). One M. f. iberiae, Plasencia (CC), 22/03 (S. Mayordomo). Other subspecies: on 27/03, Riolobos, a male M. f. flavissima, a male M. f. cinereocapilla and a male "M. f. superciliaris".
- Nightingale. Presence, río Guadiana, Puebla de la Calzada (BA), 20/03 (F. Lopo). On 28/03, one at Pago de San Clemente (CC) (M. Kelsey) and Torrefresneda (BA) (J. Solana). One, Villanueva de la Vera (CC), 29/03 and 6 on 30/03 (D. Langlois)
- Common Redstart. One, Granja de Torrehermosa (BA), 17/03 (Gustavo Gahete).
- Northern Wheatear. A male, Santa Marta de Magasca (CC), 11/03 (M. Kelsey). On 20/03, one at Brozas (CC) (Helios Dalmau, Ian Parsons y Peter Eden) and 2 at Cabeza del Buey (BA) (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).

- Black-eared Wheatear. A female, Sierra de Fuentes (CC), 09/03 (F. J. Caballero). On 17/03, a male at Trasquilón, Cáceres (J. Solana), and a pair at Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) (G. Gahete). One, Campillo de Llerena (BA), 18/03 (Juan Carlos Salgado). Photo by Antonio Calvo.
- Savi's Warbler. Arrocampo (CC), one on 09/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo) and 3 on 20/03 (J. Prieta).
- Spectacled Warbler. 2 ind., Monfragüe (CC), 28/03 (J. Porras).
- Subalpine Warbler. A male, Monfragüe (CC), 10/03 (S. Mayordomo). One, Mérida (BA), 12/03 (J. Muddeman). One, Cáceres, 13/03 (J. L. Bautista).
- Common Whitethroat. One, Cáceres, 21/03 (J. L. Bautista). One, Malpartida de Plasencia (CC), 29/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo).
- Iberian Chiffchaff. Montehermoso (CC), one on 15/03 (J. Mahillo), 20/03 and 22/03 (C. Clemente y J. Mahillo). Villanueva de la Vera (CC), one on 18/03, 21/03 and 25/03, 3 on 28/03 and 5 on 30/03 (D. Langlois). Villagonzalo (BA), one on 21/03 (M. Gálvez) and 26/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). Plasencia (CC), 2 on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo), one on 24/03 (J. Prieta) and 3 on 27/03 (S. Mayordomo). 2 ind., Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, 27/03 (J. P. Prieto). One, Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), 31/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo).
- Willow Warbler: One, La Codosera (BA), 12/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One, embalse de Talaván (CC), 17/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo). One, Cabeza del Buey (BA), 20/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One, Montehermoso (CC), 22/03 (C. Clemente y J. Mahillo). Plasencia (CC), one on 25/03 and 27/03 (S. Mayordomo). One at Galisteo (CC) on 27/03 (S. Mayordomo). One, Torremejía (BA), 28/03 (M. Gálvez).
- Pied Flycatcher. A male, Alía (CC), 31/03 (J. Cerezo, J. Ángel y N. Baeza).
- Woodchat Shrike. One, Cáceres-Trujillo (CC), 07/03 (M. Kelsey). One, Montehermoso (CC), 12/03 (C. Clemente y J. Mahillo). On 14/03, a male at Monfragüe (CC) (M. García del Rey y S. Mayordomo) and Cáceres (J. Muddeman).

LINGERING WINTER VISITORS
- Greylag Goose. Presence, Quintana de La Serena (BA), 11/03 (Agustín Sanabria). On 14/03, 30 over embalse de Talaván (CC) (J. Muddeman) and 76 over Alange (BA)(M. Gálvez). 26 ind., embalse de Arrocampo (CC), 15/03 (J. Muddeman). 2 ind., embalse de Los Canchales (BA), el 30/03 (P. Herrador).
- Merlin: 2 ind., Cabeza del Buey (BA), 20/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One, Madrigalejo (CC), 22/03 (M. Kelsey). One, Llerena (BA), 24/03 (A. Cama, M. Pauli, M. Gálvez y J. Guerra).
- Common crane. 15 ind., over Pescueza (CC), 21/03 (Ricardo Sáez). 1º winter, Las Tiesas (BA), 24/03 (A. Núñez y V. de Alba). One, Valdehornillos (BA), 28/03 (Andrés Maestre, A. Núñez, Carlos Luengo, F. Yuste, F. Montaño, J. Solana y V. de Alba).
- Eurasian Curlew. At Galisteo, 18 ind. on 10/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo) and 13/03 (César Clemente y Javier Mahillo) and 7 on 27/03 (S. Mayordomo).

- Short-eared Owl. One, gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), 06/03 (S. Mayordomo). 3 ind., Cabeza del Buey (BA), 20/03 (J. Guerra -photo- y M. Gálvez).
- Alpine Accentor. 9 ind., Alange (BA), 08/03 (F. Montaño). 3 ind., sierra de Cabezo, Las Hurdes (CC), 21/03 (A. Pacheco).
- Fieldfare.One, Malpartida de Cáceres-Aliseda (CC), 01/03 (Á. Sánchez y Javier Caldera). Galisteo, 5 ind on 06/03 (S. Mayordomo), 2 ind. on 10/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo) and 3 ind. on 13/03 (C. Clemente y J. Mahillo).
- Common Firecrest. One, Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), 09/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo).
- Bullfinch. One, Viandar de la Vera (CC), 03/03 (D. Langlois). 3 ind., La Codosera (BA), 12/03 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). 2 ind., Pinofranqueado (CC), 20/03 (A. Pacheco). One, Piornal (CC), 21/03 (J. Prieta). Villanueva de la Vera, a male on 23/03 and one bird on 28/03 (D. Langlois).
- Reed Bunting. A female, gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), 13/03 (C. Clemente y J. Mahillo). 4 ind., embalse de Talaván (CC), 17/03 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo).

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