A WINTERING HONEY BUZZARD IN EXTREMADURA

Following a Wallcreeper blog entry published a few days ago we received an old Monfragüe Wallcreeper record. The list of birds furnished by the observer, Alan Parker, included an astonishing sighting of a Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) at Salto del Gitano on the same day as the Wallcreeper (11 January 1989). The record is 100% reliable. Alan himself mentioned in his notes how totally unexpected it was to see a Honey Buzzard in January. There is no other Extremadura record at a similar date, though we're not sure whether or not the record is unprecedented at national or European level.

In Extremadura Honey Buzzards are summer visitors, arriving in early May and leaving by September. There have been occasional sightings in February (23 and 27/02/2000) and March (13/03/99 and 19/03/99). Source: Anuario Ornitológico de Extremadura.

Following a Wallcreeper blog entry published a few days ago we received an old Monfragüe Wallcreeper record. The list of birds furnished by the observer, Alan Parker, included an astonishing sighting of a Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) at Salto del Gitano on the same day as the Wallcreeper (11 January 1989). The record is 100% reliable. Alan himself mentioned in his notes how totally unexpected it was to see a Honey Buzzard in January. There is no other Extremadura record at a similar date, though we're not sure whether or not the record is unprecedented at national or European level.

In Extremadura Honey Buzzards are summer visitors, arriving in early May and leaving by September. There have been occasional sightings in February (23 and 27/02/2000) and March (13/03/99 and 19/03/99). Source: Anuario Ornitológico de Extremadura.

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OCTOBER 2010: Notable Bird Sightings in Extremadura

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). Esparragalejo, 3.10.10 (Ángel Sánchez)

A list of the most notable records sent to the GOCE forum in October 2010 (compiled by Sergio Mayordomo). We'd like to include non-GOCE sightings as well but no one sends any. Why not send in yours to seo.caceres@gmail.com.

- Bonelli's Eagle: a 2nd-year bird caught a juvenile Cormorant at Casatejada (Cáceres) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Egyptian Vulture: one bird in Membrío (Cáceres) on 14/10 (G. Schreur and J. Tarriño).
-Avocet: one ringed bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 07/10 (R. Montero), another at Arroyoconejos Reservoir (Badajoz) on 18/10 (A. Núñez Ossorio); 11 birds at La Albuera (Badajoz) from 23/10 to 28/10 (J. C. Paniagua and A. N. Ossorio).
- Lesser Kestrel: one bird at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco).
- Grey Plover: one at La Albuera (Badajoz) from 23/10 to 28/10 (J. C. Paniagua and A. N. Ossorio).
- White Stork: Between 1500 and 2500 birds in Mérida's Ecoparque (Badajoz) throughout October 2010 (Ángel Sánchez) and 134 at Mirabel on 27/10 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Black Stork: 33 birds at Orellana Reservoir(Badajoz) on 24/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Buff-Breasted Sandpiper: one bird at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Curlew Sandpiper: One bird at Valdecañas Reservoir on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco).
- Red-Necked Phalarope (see photo): one at Esparragalejo on 14/09 (J. M. Benítez).
- Grey Phalarope: One bird at Cancho del Fresno Reservoir, Cañamero (Cáceres), on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Whiskered Tern: A juvenile at Talaván Reservoir(Cáceres) on 07/10 (R. Montero) and 3 birds at Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 23/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Egyptian Goose: One pair with 9 chicks at Ibahernando Reservoir(Cáceres) on 05/10 (G. Sánchez Peña) and 4 birds at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres)on 22/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Great White Egret: 15 birds at Casatejada (Cáceres) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Audouin's Gull: A young bird at Mérida's Ecoparque (Badajoz) on 05/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: One bird at Valdecañas Reservoir(Cáceres) on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco) and a 3rd-winter bird at Mérida's Ecoparque (Badajoz) on 21/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Red-Rumped Swallow: 3 fledglings still being fed by adults at Orellana (Badajoz) on 21/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Glossy Ibis: One bird at Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 11/10 (J. García).
- Wood Duck: One eclipse drake at Casas de Belvís (Cáceres) on 09/10 (J. Briz).
- Common Waxbill: 6 birds at River Jerte, Plasencia (Cáceres) on 01/10 and several birds at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres) on 19/10 (R. Montero).
- Wallcreeper: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 11/10 (Tom and Greg Marbett).
- Turnstone: One bird at Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 03/10 (Á. Sánchez; top photo).

Last post-breeding observations
- Osprey: one at Valuengo Reservior(Badajoz) on 15/10 (A. Núñez Ossorio). Another seen at Los Canchales Reservior(Badajoz) on 16/10 (A. Matador) and 20/10 (Godfried Schreur).
- Booted Eagle: one pale morph at Moraleja (Cáceres) on 05/10 (C. Clemente)and a dark morph at Mérida (Badajoz) on 18/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Montagu's Harrier: one near Montijo (Badajoz) on 05/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Hobby: one at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco).
- House Martin: nine at La Codosera (Badajoz) on 24/10 (G. Schreur).
- Sedge Warbler: two at Granja de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 10/10 (R. Montero).
- Reed Warbler: one at Talaván Reservoir(Cáceres) on 22/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- European Nightjar: one at San Vicente de Alcántara (Badajoz) on 23/10 (G. Schreur).
- Common Redstart: one at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 06/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Short-Toed Eagle: one at Almendralejo (Badajoz) on 18/10 (R. Vicente).
- Subalpine Warbler: one at Badajoz (Badajoz) on 02/10 (J. C. Paniagua)
- Purple Heron: one at Badajoz (Badajoz) on 07/10 (J. C. Salgado), a young bird at Casas de Belvís (Cáceres) on 09/10 (J. Briz) and one bird in Granja de Granadilla on 10/10 (R. Montero).
- Yellow Wagtail: three at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/10 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Pied Flycatcher: several at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 15/10 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and four at La Albuera (Badajoz) on 23/10 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Whinchat: one bird at Jerte Reservoir(Cáceres) on 20/10 (J. Prieta) and another at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Pallid Swift: 4 birds at Piornal (Cáceres) on 13/10 and one at Plasencia on 17/10 (J. Prieta).

Earliest winter visitors
- Dunnock: several at Monfragüe on 18/10 (J. Prieta)
- Hen Harrier: two at Llerena (Badajoz) on 18/10 and one male at Granja de Torrehermosa (Badajoz) on 21/10 (A. Núñez Ossorio).
- Greylag Goose: two flocks of 14 and 16 birds at Los Ibores (Cáceres) on 12/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco) and 5 birds at Valdecañas Reservoir(Cáceres)on 15/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Water Pipit: 6 birds at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- Bullfinch: two birds at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres)on 23/10 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois) and one at San Vicente de Alcántara (Badajoz) on the same date(J. Gordillo).
- Golden Plover: four at Aldea del Cano (Cáceres) on 27/10 (G. Schreur) and six at Valdeíñigos (Cáceres) on 30/10 (R. Guzmán).
- Reed Bunting: one at Talaván Reservoir(Cáceres) on 29/10 (G. Schreur).
- Merlin: one juvenile/female at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 04/10 (S. Mayordomo)and another at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- European Starling: over 15 birds at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- Crane: thirteen over Trujillo (Cáceres) on 09/10 (Martin Kelsey). Estimation of about 17,822 birds in the central zone (Badajoz/Cáceres) on 29/10 (M. Gómez Calzado).
- Siskin: several at Piornal (Cáceres) on 07/10 (J. Prieta) and one at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 13/10 (D. Langlois).
- Stock Dove: 3 birds seen at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 19/10 (R. Montero) and 90 in flight on 26/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Goldcrest: two at Piornal (Cáceres) on 26/10 (J. Prieta).

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). Esparragalejo, 3.10.10 (Ángel Sánchez)

A list of the most notable records sent to the GOCE forum in October 2010 (compiled by Sergio Mayordomo). We'd like to include non-GOCE sightings as well but no one sends any. Why not send in yours to seo.caceres@gmail.com.

- Bonelli's Eagle: a 2nd-year bird caught a juvenile Cormorant at Casatejada (Cáceres) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Egyptian Vulture: one bird in Membrío (Cáceres) on 14/10 (G. Schreur and J. Tarriño).
-Avocet: one ringed bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 07/10 (R. Montero), another at Arroyoconejos Reservoir (Badajoz) on 18/10 (A. Núñez Ossorio); 11 birds at La Albuera (Badajoz) from 23/10 to 28/10 (J. C. Paniagua and A. N. Ossorio).
- Lesser Kestrel: one bird at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco).
- Grey Plover: one at La Albuera (Badajoz) from 23/10 to 28/10 (J. C. Paniagua and A. N. Ossorio).
- White Stork: Between 1500 and 2500 birds in Mérida's Ecoparque (Badajoz) throughout October 2010 (Ángel Sánchez) and 134 at Mirabel on 27/10 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Black Stork: 33 birds at Orellana Reservoir(Badajoz) on 24/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Buff-Breasted Sandpiper: one bird at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Curlew Sandpiper: One bird at Valdecañas Reservoir on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco).
- Red-Necked Phalarope (see photo): one at Esparragalejo on 14/09 (J. M. Benítez).
- Grey Phalarope: One bird at Cancho del Fresno Reservoir, Cañamero (Cáceres), on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Whiskered Tern: A juvenile at Talaván Reservoir(Cáceres) on 07/10 (R. Montero) and 3 birds at Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 23/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Egyptian Goose: One pair with 9 chicks at Ibahernando Reservoir(Cáceres) on 05/10 (G. Sánchez Peña) and 4 birds at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres)on 22/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Great White Egret: 15 birds at Casatejada (Cáceres) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Audouin's Gull: A young bird at Mérida's Ecoparque (Badajoz) on 05/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: One bird at Valdecañas Reservoir(Cáceres) on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco) and a 3rd-winter bird at Mérida's Ecoparque (Badajoz) on 21/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Red-Rumped Swallow: 3 fledglings still being fed by adults at Orellana (Badajoz) on 21/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Glossy Ibis: One bird at Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 11/10 (J. García).
- Wood Duck: One eclipse drake at Casas de Belvís (Cáceres) on 09/10 (J. Briz).
- Common Waxbill: 6 birds at River Jerte, Plasencia (Cáceres) on 01/10 and several birds at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres) on 19/10 (R. Montero).
- Wallcreeper: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 11/10 (Tom and Greg Marbett).
- Turnstone: One bird at Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 03/10 (Á. Sánchez; top photo).

Last post-breeding observations
- Osprey: one at Valuengo Reservior(Badajoz) on 15/10 (A. Núñez Ossorio). Another seen at Los Canchales Reservior(Badajoz) on 16/10 (A. Matador) and 20/10 (Godfried Schreur).
- Booted Eagle: one pale morph at Moraleja (Cáceres) on 05/10 (C. Clemente)and a dark morph at Mérida (Badajoz) on 18/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Montagu's Harrier: one near Montijo (Badajoz) on 05/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Hobby: one at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 17/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco).
- House Martin: nine at La Codosera (Badajoz) on 24/10 (G. Schreur).
- Sedge Warbler: two at Granja de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 10/10 (R. Montero).
- Reed Warbler: one at Talaván Reservoir(Cáceres) on 22/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- European Nightjar: one at San Vicente de Alcántara (Badajoz) on 23/10 (G. Schreur).
- Common Redstart: one at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 06/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Short-Toed Eagle: one at Almendralejo (Badajoz) on 18/10 (R. Vicente).
- Subalpine Warbler: one at Badajoz (Badajoz) on 02/10 (J. C. Paniagua)
- Purple Heron: one at Badajoz (Badajoz) on 07/10 (J. C. Salgado), a young bird at Casas de Belvís (Cáceres) on 09/10 (J. Briz) and one bird in Granja de Granadilla on 10/10 (R. Montero).
- Yellow Wagtail: three at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/10 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Pied Flycatcher: several at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 15/10 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and four at La Albuera (Badajoz) on 23/10 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Whinchat: one bird at Jerte Reservoir(Cáceres) on 20/10 (J. Prieta) and another at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Pallid Swift: 4 birds at Piornal (Cáceres) on 13/10 and one at Plasencia on 17/10 (J. Prieta).

Earliest winter visitors
- Dunnock: several at Monfragüe on 18/10 (J. Prieta)
- Hen Harrier: two at Llerena (Badajoz) on 18/10 and one male at Granja de Torrehermosa (Badajoz) on 21/10 (A. Núñez Ossorio).
- Greylag Goose: two flocks of 14 and 16 birds at Los Ibores (Cáceres) on 12/10 (J. Briz and V. Risco) and 5 birds at Valdecañas Reservoir(Cáceres)on 15/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Water Pipit: 6 birds at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- Bullfinch: two birds at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres)on 23/10 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois) and one at San Vicente de Alcántara (Badajoz) on the same date(J. Gordillo).
- Golden Plover: four at Aldea del Cano (Cáceres) on 27/10 (G. Schreur) and six at Valdeíñigos (Cáceres) on 30/10 (R. Guzmán).
- Reed Bunting: one at Talaván Reservoir(Cáceres) on 29/10 (G. Schreur).
- Merlin: one juvenile/female at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 04/10 (S. Mayordomo)and another at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- European Starling: over 15 birds at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- Crane: thirteen over Trujillo (Cáceres) on 09/10 (Martin Kelsey). Estimation of about 17,822 birds in the central zone (Badajoz/Cáceres) on 29/10 (M. Gómez Calzado).
- Siskin: several at Piornal (Cáceres) on 07/10 (J. Prieta) and one at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 13/10 (D. Langlois).
- Stock Dove: 3 birds seen at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 19/10 (R. Montero) and 90 in flight on 26/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Goldcrest: two at Piornal (Cáceres) on 26/10 (J. Prieta).

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Blackbird and the Grapes

10.00am and I am looking out through the kitchen window, watching the rain that has been falling steadily all night. The tall Conifer moves with the wind as though alive, swaying to and fro while deep within the evergreen foliage, birds take shelter, keeping a firm grip as they are tossed about like sailors on a stormy sea. This heavy rain and blustery wind is forecast for the entire day.

A

10.00am and I am looking out through the kitchen window, watching the rain that has been falling steadily all night. The tall Conifer moves with the wind as though alive, swaying to and fro while deep within the evergreen foliage, birds take shelter, keeping a firm grip as they are tossed about like sailors on a stormy sea. This heavy rain and blustery wind is forecast for the entire day.

A

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BIRDS OF EXTREMADURA (AVES DE EXTREMADURA) IN A BOOK OF BLOGS

On 31 October 2010 the Fundación Xavier de Salas brought together in Trujillo a sizeable group of Extremadura bloggers, mainly nature photographers but also news bloggers (birds in our case and other groups dealing with orchids and geology). The central moment came with the presentation of a small book containing a selection of up-and-running online blogs. Most of these blogs are for the personal expression of one blogger; Aves de Extremadura is one with a group character. This means that all of you who collaborate in Aves de Extremadura in any way, whether with observations or photos, should rightfully consider yourselves to be participants in this book. The biggest source of info, images, ideas and inspiration is without doubt the GOCE forum, a meeting point that is now recording an almost frenetic rate of activity. No fewer than 643 messages in October and 248 in the first eight days of November!! GOCE has never before been in such rude health. The growth of the forum has coincided in time with the launch of this blog (and another one of SEO-Cáceres) so the two events may well be causally related. Aves de Extremadura received almost 2000 hits last month and has been chalking up a daily mean of 100-150 hits lately.

On 31 October 2010 the Fundación Xavier de Salas brought together in Trujillo a sizeable group of Extremadura bloggers, mainly nature photographers but also news bloggers (birds in our case and other groups dealing with orchids and geology). The central moment came with the presentation of a small book containing a selection of up-and-running online blogs. Most of these blogs are for the personal expression of one blogger; Aves de Extremadura is one with a group character. This means that all of you who collaborate in Aves de Extremadura in any way, whether with observations or photos, should rightfully consider yourselves to be participants in this book. The biggest source of info, images, ideas and inspiration is without doubt the GOCE forum, a meeting point that is now recording an almost frenetic rate of activity. No fewer than 643 messages in October and 248 in the first eight days of November!! GOCE has never before been in such rude health. The growth of the forum has coincided in time with the launch of this blog (and another one of SEO-Cáceres) so the two events may well be causally related. Aves de Extremadura received almost 2000 hits last month and has been chalking up a daily mean of 100-150 hits lately.

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Out and about

A quick trip up to the Point of Ayre this morning to put some seed down at the woosh site, on the way up noticed we now have 2 Whooper Swans in Glascoe Field P9X still here and now has a companion and is alot closer than before.

Then down to Port Lewaigue, up to 80+ Black Headed Gulls feeding on the sea at high tide a quick scan through them and a Mediterranean Gull was spotting.

Very quite in the scrub at Lewaigue.  I decided to put one forty ft net up .

Birds ringed 

 1 newBlackbird

2 Gt Tits 

1 Blue Tit 

Decided to pack up and set up in my garden as i have noticed a few Brambling coming in to the garden 

very quite here to

A quick trip up to the Point of Ayre this morning to put some seed down at the woosh site, on the way up noticed we now have 2 Whooper Swans in Glascoe Field P9X still here and now has a companion and is alot closer than before.

Then down to Port Lewaigue, up to 80+ Black Headed Gulls feeding on the sea at high tide a quick scan through them and a Mediterranean Gull was spotting.

Very quite in the scrub at Lewaigue.  I decided to put one forty ft net up .

Birds ringed 

 1 newBlackbird

2 Gt Tits 

1 Blue Tit 

Decided to pack up and set up in my garden as i have noticed a few Brambling coming in to the garden 

very quite here to

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Autumn A Great Time for Garden Bird Watching

The number and variety of birds visiting our small housing estate garden is quite amazing and I think Autumn heralds the start of a great time for Garden Bird Watching.
The hours of daylight are reducing more and more and so the birds must concentrate all their feeding into a much shorter time period than they did in the summer. They also require plenty of food for their fragile bodies to process

The number and variety of birds visiting our small housing estate garden is quite amazing and I think Autumn heralds the start of a great time for Garden Bird Watching.
The hours of daylight are reducing more and more and so the birds must concentrate all their feeding into a much shorter time period than they did in the summer. They also require plenty of food for their fragile bodies to process

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Port Mooar

A couple of hours at Port Mooar yesterday afternoon saw 28 birds ringed

13 Long Tailed Tits

2 Goldcrests

1 Chaffinch

1 Wren

6 Blue Tits

1 Robin

2 Dunnock

1 Gt Tit

1 Coal Tit

decided to try for Rock Pipits but on the way down to Port Mooar i saw a big flock of Chaffinch dive into scrub in front of car, on closer inspection up to 12 Brambling in with them so the spring traps got left and the mist net went up.

Went down this morning at high tide as i left the house i did think shall i take the big camera with me, will from now on.

I set up for Rock Pipits and sat in car watching the BH Gull taking flies of the sea. Then out of the corner of my eye a white winged Gull. Glaucous i thought mega, shit no big lens so looked in glove box where i have A 200 sigma lens stuck that on my 40D and started taking shots. The bird moved a bit closer and then flew to the right. I live about 2 miles from Port Mooar so i packed up and headed off for the big lens. Took me about 6 mins there and back and NO GULLS.

Got Home looked at photos and decided on Iceland Gull only seen one before 

ooh and a retrap Rock Pipit  from October now has colour rings on 

Iceland Gull

11 Rock Pipits individually colour ringed this week 

A couple of hours at Port Mooar yesterday afternoon saw 28 birds ringed

13 Long Tailed Tits

2 Goldcrests

1 Chaffinch

1 Wren

6 Blue Tits

1 Robin

2 Dunnock

1 Gt Tit

1 Coal Tit

decided to try for Rock Pipits but on the way down to Port Mooar i saw a big flock of Chaffinch dive into scrub in front of car, on closer inspection up to 12 Brambling in with them so the spring traps got left and the mist net went up.

Went down this morning at high tide as i left the house i did think shall i take the big camera with me, will from now on.

I set up for Rock Pipits and sat in car watching the BH Gull taking flies of the sea. Then out of the corner of my eye a white winged Gull. Glaucous i thought mega, shit no big lens so looked in glove box where i have A 200 sigma lens stuck that on my 40D and started taking shots. The bird moved a bit closer and then flew to the right. I live about 2 miles from Port Mooar so i packed up and headed off for the big lens. Took me about 6 mins there and back and NO GULLS.

Got Home looked at photos and decided on Iceland Gull only seen one before 

ooh and a retrap Rock Pipit  from October now has colour rings on 

Iceland Gull

11 Rock Pipits individually colour ringed this week 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad