Blackcap returns

Still Catching a few more Linnets the last week before they all pair up and disperse, it was great to see Andy and Family again and get out doing a bit of ringing with him.

Today tried the Reed Bed site for a few Warblers only caught 1 Male Blackcap and 2 Blackbirds, but Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff were calling, i then went down to Port Lewaigue.

2 Blackcaps caught one a male which i caught here last April also

3 Blackbirds

1 Song Thrush

1 Blue Tit

A bit of Photography also this week with 6 Puffins back at Peel Head

 Short eared Owl

Glaucous Gull at Peel Head

Still Catching a few more Linnets the last week before they all pair up and disperse, it was great to see Andy and Family again and get out doing a bit of ringing with him.

Today tried the Reed Bed site for a few Warblers only caught 1 Male Blackcap and 2 Blackbirds, but Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff were calling, i then went down to Port Lewaigue.

2 Blackcaps caught one a male which i caught here last April also

3 Blackbirds

1 Song Thrush

1 Blue Tit

A bit of Photography also this week with 6 Puffins back at Peel Head

 Short eared Owl

Glaucous Gull at Peel Head

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Ring Ouzel-tastic!

Headed off up to Waxham again today, where the Hoopoe was still present and pleasing the crowds. I narrowly missed a male Serin at Waxham Sands (obviously different from Monday's female) which flew off a few minutes before I got there, but the flock of 4+ Ring Ouzel to the north of the pipe dump were really nice. More Willow Warblers in today as well as a couple of Barn Swallows, although a Brambling was a nice reminder that winter still hasn't totally left us yet.

Hoopoe

male Ring Ouzels

male Ring Ouzels

male Ring Ouzel

male Ring Ouzel

male Ring Ouzels

male Ring Ouzel

Headed off up to Waxham again today, where the Hoopoe was still present and pleasing the crowds. I narrowly missed a male Serin at Waxham Sands (obviously different from Monday's female) which flew off a few minutes before I got there, but the flock of 4+ Ring Ouzel to the north of the pipe dump were really nice. More Willow Warblers in today as well as a couple of Barn Swallows, although a Brambling was a nice reminder that winter still hasn't totally left us yet.

Hoopoe

male Ring Ouzels

male Ring Ouzels

male Ring Ouzel

male Ring Ouzel

male Ring Ouzels

male Ring Ouzel

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

MARCH 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus). 18.03.12. By Ángel Sánchez.

A list of the most notable March 2012 records sent to the GOCE birdwatching forum. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Shelduck: At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), nine birds on 26/03 (Francisco Montaño) and eight on 27/03 (Ismael Sánchez, Francisco Lopo, Elvira del Viejo, Cándida Díaz and Antonia Cangas).
- Ruddy Shelduck: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), one bird on 14/03 (Sergio Mayordomo, Marta Gómez and Javier Prieta) and 17/03 (S. Mayordomo and Eva Palacios).
- Red Crested Pochard: At El Manantío-Atalaya (Cáceres), seven birds, 5 drakes and 2 ducks, on 04/03 (Jesús Solana) and three pairs on 09/03 (Sebastián Molano). At Morantes Reservoir (Badajoz), nine birds on 17/03 (Pablo Herrador and José Luis Bautista) and two pairs on 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and Inmaculada Jerez). Six birds, 4 drakes and 2 ducks, at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 23/03 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas).
- Tufted Duck: 30 birds at El Manantío-Atalaya (Cáceres) on 04/03 (J. Solana).
- Ferruginous Duck: At El Manantío-Atalaya (Cáceres), four birds on 01/03 (Manolo Iglesias) and on 09/03 (S. Molano).
- Black-Necked Grebe: 45 birds, some moulting into summer plumage, at Orellana Reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/03 (Ángel Luis Sánchez).
- Glossy Ibis: Two birds at Azud del Guadiana (Badajoz) on 03/03 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). One bird at Río Salor (Cáceres) on 12/03 (Juan Carlos Núñez). At Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), 12 birds on 15/03 (Fernando Yuste), 11 on 17/03 (Ángel Sánchez), 12 on 28/03 and 11 on 31/03 (J. Solana). At Arrocampo (Cáceres) three birds on 22/03 (Martin Kelsey) and six birds, one of them ringed at Doñana, on 24/03 (Godfried Schreur and Debby Doodeman) and 27/03 (Mary Perrins and Chris Perrins).
- Spoonbill: At Morantes Reservoir (Badajoz), 45 birds on 17/03 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and 40 on 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and I. Jerez). 47 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and I. Jerez).
- Bittern: One bird at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 04/03, 05/03 (Hugo Sánchez) and 12/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 05/03 (Á. Sánchez), 08/03 (Sammy Langlois, Manolo García del Rey, Isabel Gallardo and Dave Langlois) and 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta).
- Squacco Heron: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 05/03 (Chema Diu and Á. Sánchez), 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and 23/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, Javier Briz and D. Langlois). One bird at Río Búrdalo, Santa Amalia (Badajoz), on 17/03 (F. Yuste).
- Great White Egret: 25 birds roosting at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 05/03 (Á. Sánchez). Sum. plum. birds: one at Orellana Reservoir (Badajoz) on 13/03 (Á. Sánchez), another at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 23/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, J. Briz and D. Langlois) and 31/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), and another at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Osprey: One bird at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 11/03 (J. L. Bautista). At Monfragüe (Cáceres), one bird at Torrejón-Tiétar Reservoir on 14/03 (G. Schreur), 17/03 (Mercedes Rodríguez and José Carlos López), 24/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 29/03 (J. Prieta); and at Salto del Gitano on 24/03 (S. Mayordomo and Rafael Abuín). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 17/03 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista), 26/03 (F. Montaño) and 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and I. Jerez). One bird at Zorita (Cáceres) on 20/03 (M. Kelsey). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 22/03 (Leandro Rivas and Antolín Redondo) and 23/03 (J. Briz). Two birds at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 26/03 (Alberto Pacheco). One bird at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 27/03 (John Hawkins).

- Goshawk: One female at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 01/03 (A. Pacheco). One male chased by a female Marsh Harrier at Canal de las Dehesas (Badajoz) on 05/03 (Á. L. Sánchez; photograph). One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta). One displaying bird at Mohedas de Granadilla on 30/03 (A. Pacheco).
- Pallid Harrier: One adult male at La Roca de la Sierra (Badajoz) on 26/03 (José María Casas and Joaquín Mazón). Second Extremadura record.
- Avocet: Four birds at Orellana Reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/03 (Á. L. Sánchez). Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 12/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 14/03 (Juan Pablo Prieto and José Luis Pérez Chiscano). One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Grey Plover: One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 07/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Kentish Plover: Six birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 26/03 (F. Montaño). Three birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 29/03 (J. P. Prieto).
- Curlew: One bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 01/03 (J. P. Prieto). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 12/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), three birds on 26/03 (F. Montaño) and 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo, C. Díaz and A. Cangas).
- Whimbrel: Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/03 (F. Montaño, José Antonio Delgado and Joaquín Vázquez).
- Bar-Tailed Godwit: Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/03 (F. Montaño, J. A. Delgado and J. Vázquez).
- Great Snipe: One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/03 (F. Montaño, J. A. Delgado and J. Vázquez). Second Extremadura record.
- Spotted Redshank: Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 12/03 (G. Schreur). At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), two birds on 17/03 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and one on 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo, C. Díaz and A. Cangas). Two birds at Tozo Reservoir, Torrecillas de la Tiesa (Cáceres), on 23/03 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 29/03 (J. P. Prieto).
- Wood Sandpiper: At Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), one bird on 09/03 (S. Mayordomo and J. P. Prieto), 14/03 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano) and 29/03 (J. P. Prieto). One bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), two birds on 18/03 (S. Langlois, José Antonio López and D. Langlois) and 24/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and E. Palacios) and four birds on 30/03 (S. Mayordomo). Present at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 24/03 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 26/03 (F. Montaño). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Temminck's Stint: At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), two birds on 12/03 (F. Montaño, J. A. Delgado and J. Vázquez) and three on 26/03 (F. Montaño).
- Mediterranean Gull: One adult at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 10/03 (Pablo de la Nava and José Carlos López).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: Eight birds at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 17/03 (Á. Sánchez).
- Long Eared Owl: One bird on its nest at Saucedilla (Cáceres) on 10/03 (P. de la Nava and J. C. López).
- Short-Eared Owl: 35 birds roosting at Hernán Cortés, Don Benito (Badajoz), on 02/03 (Á. Sánchez), only 3 remaining on 11/03 (F. Yuste). Two birds near Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo and C. Díaz).
- Tawny Owl: One ground-nesting pair discovered at Mohedas de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 30/03 (A. Pacheco).

- Wryneck: One bird at Madrigalejo (Cáceres) on 12/03 (G. Schreur). At Villanueva de la Vera, one bird on 13/03 and 30/03 (D. Langlois).
- Carrion Crow: 42 birds at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 21/03 (A. Pacheco). Biggest flock recorded in Extremadura.
- Bearded Tit: At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 04/03 (S. Langlois, M. Kelsey, J. Porras and D. Langlois) and 08/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and D. Langlois).
- Ring Ouzel: One bird at Montánchez (Cáceres) on 31/03 (I. Sánchez; photograph) and previous days (J. M. Benítez).

FIRST SUMMER VISITORS AND SPRING MIGRANTS

- Garganey: One drake on 06/03 at Charca del Embarcadero, Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) (J. Prieta). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), one drake on 10/03 (Pablo de la Nava, José Carlos López), three drakes on 17/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and on 18/03 (S. Langlois, J. A. López and D. Langlois), and two drakes on 24/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and E. Palacios) and 30/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), four birds on 13/03 (Vicente Risco, M. García del Rey and J. Briz), one drake on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and one bird on 20/03 (L. Rivas). One bird at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 13/03 (A. Pacheco).
- Quail: One male singing at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 02/03 and another on 01/04 (J. Prieta).
- Purple Heron: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 05/03 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 12/03 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Mérida on 17/03 (Lorenzo Alcántara). One bird at Torrejón-Tiétar Reservoir, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 29/03 (J. Prieta).
- Booted Eagle: Several birds at Orellana (Badajoz) on 13/03 (Miguel Ángel Romo, Manuel Gómez Calzado, Luis Lozano, Domingo Ribera and Ángel Sánchez). On 16/03, one bird at Aldea del Cano (Cáceres) and another near Salor Reservoir, Cáceres (G. Schreur). On 17/03, one bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo, M. Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Salgado, J. C. López and E. Palacios) and another at Campo Arañuelo (Cáceres) (J. Briz).
- Montagu's Harrier: One pair at Brozas (Cáceres) on 06/03 (Helios Dalmau). One bird at Valdesalor, Cáceres, on 12/03 (Carlos Fernández). On 17/03, one bird between Montijo and la Roca de la Sierra (Badajoz) (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and two at Llerena (Badajoz) (Vanessa de Alba and Antonio Núñez).
- Hobby: One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 24/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Toril (Cáceres) on 08/04 (H. Sánchez).
- Collared Pratincole: One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 26/03 (F. Montaño), eight at Puebla de la Calzada (Badajoz) on 28/03 (F. Lopo) and one at Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz) on 06/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Whiskered Tern: One bird from the Roman Bridge at Mérida (Badajoz) on 15/03 (J. Solana) and 20/03 (Á. Sánchez). Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo, C. Díaz and A. Cangas).
- Turtle Dove: Two birds at Valdesalor, Cáceres, on 07/03 (C. Fernández).
- Scop's Owl: One bird at Collado de la Vera (Cáceres) on 10/03 (José María Cano). One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 12/03 (J. Prieta).
- Pallid Swift: On 01/03: four birds at Montehermoso (Cáceres) (J. Mahillo), 25 at Plasencia (J. Prieta), 40 at Mérida (Badajoz) (Á. Sánchez) and several at Badajoz (Juan Carlos Paniagua). 53 birds at Alange (Badajoz) on 02/03. Twenty birds at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 03/03 (M. Kelsey, Jesús Porras and G. Schreur). Five at Almendralejo on 05/03 (L. Alcántara). 35 at Piornal (Cáceres) on 06/04 (J. Prieta).
- Alpine Swift: Several birds at Mérida (Badajoz) on 08/03 (E. del Viejo), five at Plasencia on 09/03 (J. Prieta) and ten at Mérida (Badajoz) on 12/03 (Á. Sánchez).
- Cuckoo: One bird at Alcuéscar (Cáceres) on 06/03 (S. Molano). One bird at Serrejón (Cáceres) on 11/03 (M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and Emilio Pérez-Balsalobre). One bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 13/03 (G. Schreur).
- Roller: At Cáceres, one bird on 29/03 (M. Perrins and C. Perrins), 02/04 (J. C. López) and on 04/04 (R. Montero and Roger Sutton).
- Bee-eater: Several birds at Montánchez (Cáceres) on 14/03 (C. Fernández), at Mérida (Badajoz) on 27/03 (Á. Sánchez) and on 28/03 at Serrejón (Cáceres) (M. García del Rey) and at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) (E. del Viejo).
- Woodchat Shrike: At Cáceres, one bird on 03/03 (J. Porrás and G. Schreur) and 11/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Hinojosa del Valle (Badajoz) on 11/03 (Vanessa de Alba and Antonio Núñez). One bird at Monroy (Cáceres) on 13/03 (G. Schreur).
- Red-Rumped Swallow: One bird at Torrejón El Rubio (Cáceres) on 01/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 04/03 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Montánchez (Cáceres) on 13/03 (M. Kelsey).
- Willow Warbler: One bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 13/03, another at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/03 and two at Los Barruecos, Malpartida de Cáceres (Cáceres), on 16/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 21/03 (S. Mayordomo, J. Prieta and C. Clemente). One bird at Río Jerte at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo). First bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 24/03 and huge falls on 27/03 and 30/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) on 26/03 and 28/03 (J. Prieta).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: At Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres), one bird on 19/03 and 21/03 (D. Langlois). Three birds at Río Jerte at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bonelli's Warbler: One bird at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 25/03 (S. Mayordomo). Five males at Piornal (Cáceres) on 02/04 (J. Prieta).
- Savi's Warbler: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 08/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and D. Langlois) and 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and three on 17/03 (G. Schreur).
- Grasshopper Warbler: One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 31/03 (D. Langlois).

- Sedge Warbler: At Arrocampo (Cáceres), three birds on 04/03 (S. Langlois and D. Langlois), one on 08/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and D. Langlois) and 13/03 (V. Risco, M. García del Rey, J. Briz, I. Gallardo and E. Pérez-Balsalobre), six on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and on 31/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Río Jerte at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 14/03 (J. Prieta) and 22/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Río Guadiana at Badajoz, ten birds on 16/03 and four on 18/03 (J. C. Paniagua). At Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), two on 18/03 (J. Mahillo) and one on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo). Photograph: Francisco Montaño.
- Reed Warbler: Several birds at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 20/03 (Á. Sánchez) and one at Badajoz on 27/03 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 31/03 (S. Mayordomo). Three at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 01/04 (J. Prieta).
- Orphean Warbler: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 29/03 (J. Prieta) and another at Toril (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Subalpine Warbler: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 14/03 (G. Schreur) and abundant on 16/03 (J. Prieta). One bird at Mérida (Badajoz) on 18/03 (Jesús Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez).
- Spectacled Warbler: Two birds at Jaraicejo (Cáceres) on 24/03 (J. Hawkins). One male at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 29/03 (J. Prieta).
- Nightingale: One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 23/03 and two on 24/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Mohedas de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 27/03 (A. Pacheco). One bird at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) on 28/03 (J. Prieta).
- Redstart: One male at Vegas de Coria (Cáceres) on 28/03 (A. Pacheco), at La Lapa (Badajoz) on 01/04 (F. Montaño) and at Santa Cruz de Paniagua (Cáceres) on 05/04 (J. C. Paniagua and C. Clemente).
- Black-Eared Wheatear: One male on 26/03 at Mohedas de Granadilla (Cáceres) (A. Pacheco). Another at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo). On 29/03, one male at Monfragüe (Cáceres) (J. Prieta) and three at Campanario (Badajoz) (J. P. Prieto).
- Tawny Pipit: One bird at La Aldea del Obispo (Cáceres) on 30/03 (M. Kelsey).
- Yellow Wagtail: At Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz), one male of the subspecies M. f. iberiae on 24/03 (Á. Sánchez) and three males, two M. f. iberiae and one M. f. flavissima, on 31/03 (SEO-Badajoz). Three birds, two males M. f. iberiae and one female, at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo).

LINGERING WINTER VISITORS

- Crane: Four birds, two adults and two juveniles, at Los Canchales Reservoir on 28/03 (E. del Viejo).
- Skylark: Two birds at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 11/03 (G. Schreur) and five at Santiago del Campo (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Firecrest: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 15/03 (G. Schreur).
- Goldcrest: Two birds at Puerto de Piornal (Cáceres) on 09/03 (G. Schreur).
- Alpine Accentor: Two birds at Castillo de Montánchez (Cáceres) on 13/03 (M. Kelsey).
- White Wagtail: Subspecies M. a. yarrellii: On 03/03 several birds at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres) (María Llorente and Álvaro Díaz) and one at Trujillo (Cáceres) (G. Schreur). One bird at Almendralejo (Badajoz) on 04/03 (L. Alcántara). One bird at Cáceres on 09/03 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bullfinch: Two birds at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 05/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 19/03 (M. Kelsey). One female at La Parra (Badajoz) on 21/03 (Pablo Amaya).
- Siskin: Over 20 birds at Puerto de Piornal (Cáceres) on 16/03 (J. Prieta). One male among Goldfinches at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Reed Bunting: Two birds at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta). One bird at Talaván Reservoir on 15/03 (G. Schreur). One female at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo).

Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus). 18.03.12. By Ángel Sánchez.

A list of the most notable March 2012 records sent to the GOCE birdwatching forum. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Shelduck: At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), nine birds on 26/03 (Francisco Montaño) and eight on 27/03 (Ismael Sánchez, Francisco Lopo, Elvira del Viejo, Cándida Díaz and Antonia Cangas).
- Ruddy Shelduck: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), one bird on 14/03 (Sergio Mayordomo, Marta Gómez and Javier Prieta) and 17/03 (S. Mayordomo and Eva Palacios).
- Red Crested Pochard: At El Manantío-Atalaya (Cáceres), seven birds, 5 drakes and 2 ducks, on 04/03 (Jesús Solana) and three pairs on 09/03 (Sebastián Molano). At Morantes Reservoir (Badajoz), nine birds on 17/03 (Pablo Herrador and José Luis Bautista) and two pairs on 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and Inmaculada Jerez). Six birds, 4 drakes and 2 ducks, at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 23/03 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas).
- Tufted Duck: 30 birds at El Manantío-Atalaya (Cáceres) on 04/03 (J. Solana).
- Ferruginous Duck: At El Manantío-Atalaya (Cáceres), four birds on 01/03 (Manolo Iglesias) and on 09/03 (S. Molano).
- Black-Necked Grebe: 45 birds, some moulting into summer plumage, at Orellana Reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/03 (Ángel Luis Sánchez).
- Glossy Ibis: Two birds at Azud del Guadiana (Badajoz) on 03/03 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). One bird at Río Salor (Cáceres) on 12/03 (Juan Carlos Núñez). At Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), 12 birds on 15/03 (Fernando Yuste), 11 on 17/03 (Ángel Sánchez), 12 on 28/03 and 11 on 31/03 (J. Solana). At Arrocampo (Cáceres) three birds on 22/03 (Martin Kelsey) and six birds, one of them ringed at Doñana, on 24/03 (Godfried Schreur and Debby Doodeman) and 27/03 (Mary Perrins and Chris Perrins).
- Spoonbill: At Morantes Reservoir (Badajoz), 45 birds on 17/03 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and 40 on 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and I. Jerez). 47 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and I. Jerez).
- Bittern: One bird at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 04/03, 05/03 (Hugo Sánchez) and 12/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 05/03 (Á. Sánchez), 08/03 (Sammy Langlois, Manolo García del Rey, Isabel Gallardo and Dave Langlois) and 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta).
- Squacco Heron: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 05/03 (Chema Diu and Á. Sánchez), 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and 23/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, Javier Briz and D. Langlois). One bird at Río Búrdalo, Santa Amalia (Badajoz), on 17/03 (F. Yuste).
- Great White Egret: 25 birds roosting at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 05/03 (Á. Sánchez). Sum. plum. birds: one at Orellana Reservoir (Badajoz) on 13/03 (Á. Sánchez), another at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 23/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, J. Briz and D. Langlois) and 31/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), and another at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Osprey: One bird at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 11/03 (J. L. Bautista). At Monfragüe (Cáceres), one bird at Torrejón-Tiétar Reservoir on 14/03 (G. Schreur), 17/03 (Mercedes Rodríguez and José Carlos López), 24/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 29/03 (J. Prieta); and at Salto del Gitano on 24/03 (S. Mayordomo and Rafael Abuín). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 17/03 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista), 26/03 (F. Montaño) and 30/03 (J. L. Bautista and I. Jerez). One bird at Zorita (Cáceres) on 20/03 (M. Kelsey). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 22/03 (Leandro Rivas and Antolín Redondo) and 23/03 (J. Briz). Two birds at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 26/03 (Alberto Pacheco). One bird at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 27/03 (John Hawkins).

- Goshawk: One female at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 01/03 (A. Pacheco). One male chased by a female Marsh Harrier at Canal de las Dehesas (Badajoz) on 05/03 (Á. L. Sánchez; photograph). One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta). One displaying bird at Mohedas de Granadilla on 30/03 (A. Pacheco).
- Pallid Harrier: One adult male at La Roca de la Sierra (Badajoz) on 26/03 (José María Casas and Joaquín Mazón). Second Extremadura record.
- Avocet: Four birds at Orellana Reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/03 (Á. L. Sánchez). Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 12/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 14/03 (Juan Pablo Prieto and José Luis Pérez Chiscano). One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Grey Plover: One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 07/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Kentish Plover: Six birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 26/03 (F. Montaño). Three birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 29/03 (J. P. Prieto).
- Curlew: One bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 01/03 (J. P. Prieto). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 12/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), three birds on 26/03 (F. Montaño) and 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo, C. Díaz and A. Cangas).
- Whimbrel: Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/03 (F. Montaño, José Antonio Delgado and Joaquín Vázquez).
- Bar-Tailed Godwit: Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/03 (F. Montaño, J. A. Delgado and J. Vázquez).
- Great Snipe: One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/03 (F. Montaño, J. A. Delgado and J. Vázquez). Second Extremadura record.
- Spotted Redshank: Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 12/03 (G. Schreur). At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), two birds on 17/03 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and one on 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo, C. Díaz and A. Cangas). Two birds at Tozo Reservoir, Torrecillas de la Tiesa (Cáceres), on 23/03 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 29/03 (J. P. Prieto).
- Wood Sandpiper: At Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), one bird on 09/03 (S. Mayordomo and J. P. Prieto), 14/03 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano) and 29/03 (J. P. Prieto). One bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), two birds on 18/03 (S. Langlois, José Antonio López and D. Langlois) and 24/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and E. Palacios) and four birds on 30/03 (S. Mayordomo). Present at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 24/03 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 26/03 (F. Montaño). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Temminck's Stint: At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), two birds on 12/03 (F. Montaño, J. A. Delgado and J. Vázquez) and three on 26/03 (F. Montaño).
- Mediterranean Gull: One adult at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 10/03 (Pablo de la Nava and José Carlos López).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: Eight birds at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 17/03 (Á. Sánchez).
- Long Eared Owl: One bird on its nest at Saucedilla (Cáceres) on 10/03 (P. de la Nava and J. C. López).
- Short-Eared Owl: 35 birds roosting at Hernán Cortés, Don Benito (Badajoz), on 02/03 (Á. Sánchez), only 3 remaining on 11/03 (F. Yuste). Two birds near Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo and C. Díaz).
- Tawny Owl: One ground-nesting pair discovered at Mohedas de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 30/03 (A. Pacheco).

- Wryneck: One bird at Madrigalejo (Cáceres) on 12/03 (G. Schreur). At Villanueva de la Vera, one bird on 13/03 and 30/03 (D. Langlois).
- Carrion Crow: 42 birds at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 21/03 (A. Pacheco). Biggest flock recorded in Extremadura.
- Bearded Tit: At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 04/03 (S. Langlois, M. Kelsey, J. Porras and D. Langlois) and 08/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and D. Langlois).
- Ring Ouzel: One bird at Montánchez (Cáceres) on 31/03 (I. Sánchez; photograph) and previous days (J. M. Benítez).

FIRST SUMMER VISITORS AND SPRING MIGRANTS

- Garganey: One drake on 06/03 at Charca del Embarcadero, Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) (J. Prieta). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), one drake on 10/03 (Pablo de la Nava, José Carlos López), three drakes on 17/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and on 18/03 (S. Langlois, J. A. López and D. Langlois), and two drakes on 24/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and E. Palacios) and 30/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), four birds on 13/03 (Vicente Risco, M. García del Rey and J. Briz), one drake on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and one bird on 20/03 (L. Rivas). One bird at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 13/03 (A. Pacheco).
- Quail: One male singing at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 02/03 and another on 01/04 (J. Prieta).
- Purple Heron: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 05/03 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 12/03 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Mérida on 17/03 (Lorenzo Alcántara). One bird at Torrejón-Tiétar Reservoir, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 29/03 (J. Prieta).
- Booted Eagle: Several birds at Orellana (Badajoz) on 13/03 (Miguel Ángel Romo, Manuel Gómez Calzado, Luis Lozano, Domingo Ribera and Ángel Sánchez). On 16/03, one bird at Aldea del Cano (Cáceres) and another near Salor Reservoir, Cáceres (G. Schreur). On 17/03, one bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo, M. Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Salgado, J. C. López and E. Palacios) and another at Campo Arañuelo (Cáceres) (J. Briz).
- Montagu's Harrier: One pair at Brozas (Cáceres) on 06/03 (Helios Dalmau). One bird at Valdesalor, Cáceres, on 12/03 (Carlos Fernández). On 17/03, one bird between Montijo and la Roca de la Sierra (Badajoz) (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and two at Llerena (Badajoz) (Vanessa de Alba and Antonio Núñez).
- Hobby: One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 24/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Toril (Cáceres) on 08/04 (H. Sánchez).
- Collared Pratincole: One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 26/03 (F. Montaño), eight at Puebla de la Calzada (Badajoz) on 28/03 (F. Lopo) and one at Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz) on 06/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Whiskered Tern: One bird from the Roman Bridge at Mérida (Badajoz) on 15/03 (J. Solana) and 20/03 (Á. Sánchez). Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 27/03 (I. Sánchez, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo, C. Díaz and A. Cangas).
- Turtle Dove: Two birds at Valdesalor, Cáceres, on 07/03 (C. Fernández).
- Scop's Owl: One bird at Collado de la Vera (Cáceres) on 10/03 (José María Cano). One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 12/03 (J. Prieta).
- Pallid Swift: On 01/03: four birds at Montehermoso (Cáceres) (J. Mahillo), 25 at Plasencia (J. Prieta), 40 at Mérida (Badajoz) (Á. Sánchez) and several at Badajoz (Juan Carlos Paniagua). 53 birds at Alange (Badajoz) on 02/03. Twenty birds at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 03/03 (M. Kelsey, Jesús Porras and G. Schreur). Five at Almendralejo on 05/03 (L. Alcántara). 35 at Piornal (Cáceres) on 06/04 (J. Prieta).
- Alpine Swift: Several birds at Mérida (Badajoz) on 08/03 (E. del Viejo), five at Plasencia on 09/03 (J. Prieta) and ten at Mérida (Badajoz) on 12/03 (Á. Sánchez).
- Cuckoo: One bird at Alcuéscar (Cáceres) on 06/03 (S. Molano). One bird at Serrejón (Cáceres) on 11/03 (M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and Emilio Pérez-Balsalobre). One bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 13/03 (G. Schreur).
- Roller: At Cáceres, one bird on 29/03 (M. Perrins and C. Perrins), 02/04 (J. C. López) and on 04/04 (R. Montero and Roger Sutton).
- Bee-eater: Several birds at Montánchez (Cáceres) on 14/03 (C. Fernández), at Mérida (Badajoz) on 27/03 (Á. Sánchez) and on 28/03 at Serrejón (Cáceres) (M. García del Rey) and at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) (E. del Viejo).
- Woodchat Shrike: At Cáceres, one bird on 03/03 (J. Porrás and G. Schreur) and 11/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Hinojosa del Valle (Badajoz) on 11/03 (Vanessa de Alba and Antonio Núñez). One bird at Monroy (Cáceres) on 13/03 (G. Schreur).
- Red-Rumped Swallow: One bird at Torrejón El Rubio (Cáceres) on 01/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 04/03 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Montánchez (Cáceres) on 13/03 (M. Kelsey).
- Willow Warbler: One bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 13/03, another at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/03 and two at Los Barruecos, Malpartida de Cáceres (Cáceres), on 16/03 (G. Schreur). One bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 21/03 (S. Mayordomo, J. Prieta and C. Clemente). One bird at Río Jerte at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo). First bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 24/03 and huge falls on 27/03 and 30/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) on 26/03 and 28/03 (J. Prieta).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: At Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres), one bird on 19/03 and 21/03 (D. Langlois). Three birds at Río Jerte at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bonelli's Warbler: One bird at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 25/03 (S. Mayordomo). Five males at Piornal (Cáceres) on 02/04 (J. Prieta).
- Savi's Warbler: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 08/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and D. Langlois) and 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and three on 17/03 (G. Schreur).
- Grasshopper Warbler: One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 31/03 (D. Langlois).

- Sedge Warbler: At Arrocampo (Cáceres), three birds on 04/03 (S. Langlois and D. Langlois), one on 08/03 (S. Langlois, M. García del Rey, I. Gallardo and D. Langlois) and 13/03 (V. Risco, M. García del Rey, J. Briz, I. Gallardo and E. Pérez-Balsalobre), six on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta) and on 31/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Río Jerte at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 14/03 (J. Prieta) and 22/03 (S. Mayordomo). At Río Guadiana at Badajoz, ten birds on 16/03 and four on 18/03 (J. C. Paniagua). At Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), two on 18/03 (J. Mahillo) and one on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo). Photograph: Francisco Montaño.
- Reed Warbler: Several birds at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 20/03 (Á. Sánchez) and one at Badajoz on 27/03 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 31/03 (S. Mayordomo). Three at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 01/04 (J. Prieta).
- Orphean Warbler: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 29/03 (J. Prieta) and another at Toril (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Subalpine Warbler: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 14/03 (G. Schreur) and abundant on 16/03 (J. Prieta). One bird at Mérida (Badajoz) on 18/03 (Jesús Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez).
- Spectacled Warbler: Two birds at Jaraicejo (Cáceres) on 24/03 (J. Hawkins). One male at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 29/03 (J. Prieta).
- Nightingale: One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 23/03 and two on 24/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Mohedas de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 27/03 (A. Pacheco). One bird at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) on 28/03 (J. Prieta).
- Redstart: One male at Vegas de Coria (Cáceres) on 28/03 (A. Pacheco), at La Lapa (Badajoz) on 01/04 (F. Montaño) and at Santa Cruz de Paniagua (Cáceres) on 05/04 (J. C. Paniagua and C. Clemente).
- Black-Eared Wheatear: One male on 26/03 at Mohedas de Granadilla (Cáceres) (A. Pacheco). Another at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo). On 29/03, one male at Monfragüe (Cáceres) (J. Prieta) and three at Campanario (Badajoz) (J. P. Prieto).
- Tawny Pipit: One bird at La Aldea del Obispo (Cáceres) on 30/03 (M. Kelsey).
- Yellow Wagtail: At Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz), one male of the subspecies M. f. iberiae on 24/03 (Á. Sánchez) and three males, two M. f. iberiae and one M. f. flavissima, on 31/03 (SEO-Badajoz). Three birds, two males M. f. iberiae and one female, at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/03 (S. Mayordomo).

LINGERING WINTER VISITORS

- Crane: Four birds, two adults and two juveniles, at Los Canchales Reservoir on 28/03 (E. del Viejo).
- Skylark: Two birds at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 11/03 (G. Schreur) and five at Santiago del Campo (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Firecrest: One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 15/03 (G. Schreur).
- Goldcrest: Two birds at Puerto de Piornal (Cáceres) on 09/03 (G. Schreur).
- Alpine Accentor: Two birds at Castillo de Montánchez (Cáceres) on 13/03 (M. Kelsey).
- White Wagtail: Subspecies M. a. yarrellii: On 03/03 several birds at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres) (María Llorente and Álvaro Díaz) and one at Trujillo (Cáceres) (G. Schreur). One bird at Almendralejo (Badajoz) on 04/03 (L. Alcántara). One bird at Cáceres on 09/03 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bullfinch: Two birds at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 05/03 (D. Langlois). One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 19/03 (M. Kelsey). One female at La Parra (Badajoz) on 21/03 (Pablo Amaya).
- Siskin: Over 20 birds at Puerto de Piornal (Cáceres) on 16/03 (J. Prieta). One male among Goldfinches at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Reed Bunting: Two birds at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 14/03 (S. Mayordomo, M. Gómez and J. Prieta). One bird at Talaván Reservoir on 15/03 (G. Schreur). One female at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo).

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Easter Birding: Coonabarabran Area

While Josh went off to Fiji for a week, I spent a few days over the Easter long-weekend with the family up at my grandparent's property just outside Coonabarabran in northern NSW. I managed to get a bit of birding done around the property, but the highlight was an overnight camp out in Cumbil SF just east of Kenebri in search of  a Barking Owl.

I did the majority of the driving on the 7 hour journey away from Sydney. The heavy traffic through the Blue Mountains was to be expected, but I had consolation in a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (year tick) at Katoomba and a calling Blue-faced Honeyeater in suburban Lithgow - an uncommon bird so close to the mountains.

The roads cleared up after Mudgee and we made it to 'the farm' around 15:30. It was unusually hot and calm so I soon set off into the bush just east of the house and was shocked to focus in on a pair of Plum-headed Finches! I was very pleased to see them here as well as being only the third time I'd ever come across them. A Speckled Warbler then appeared, another great little bird and I began to realise just how 'alive' the bush was. There were Golden and Rufous Whistlers everywhere, White-eared, White-plumed and Brown-headed Honeyeaters feeding on blossom alongside good numbers of Little Lorikeets. I was almost expecting to come across a Painted Honeyeater with all the flowering mistletoe! However, a calling male Cicadabird was a very welcome substitute! I got some of my best views of this species.

Headed back very chuffed and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Came across a pair of Brown Quail not far from the house, as well as a flock of almost 50 Musk Lorikeets flying over. The garden was pretty active over my stay, with Jacky Winters, Grey-crowned Babblers, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, Double-barred Finches and Diamond Firetails all seen.

The next morning I went out to the back of the property around Mt. Ulamambri and the surrounding forest. Highlights were a Spotted Quail-Thrush seen well, White-browed Babblers, Brown Treecreepers, Dusky Woodswallow and plenty of Autumn migrants - Yellow-faced, White-naped Honeyeaters, Silvereyes.

Later that day I watched a stunning adult Spotted Harrier cruise over the house. A great addition to the property list!

Saturday evening was set aside for owlin' so Dad and I set off towards Kenebri on the Baradine Rd. We got to the picnic/campsite called 'The Aloes' in Cumbil SF around 17:30 and set up camp. It was a really pleasant evening, hot and calm with a full moon already above the horizon - perfect conditions!

Australian Owlet-Nightjars called occasionally throughout the evening, but I didn't hear/see anything else on my half-hourly walks down to and along the dried up riverbed. It wasn't until 21:30, while Dad was fixing up his toe that he had sliced open on an exposed root, that I heard something. A Barking Owl was calling in the distance! I ran off down to the river and began walking down it, calling occasionally. I then heard one 'barking' further down the river. I barked back and it soon started calling from a large tree just to my right. I scrambled up the river bank, shone the spotlight up and there he was - perched on an open branch staring down at me! Aus tick number 495! A very cool bird who I soon left alone to continue his duet with another Barking Owl in the distance.

I returned to camp, my faith in spotlighting lightened (hah!).

It was a cool, calm morning the next day and the first bird I saw was a pair of Turquoise Parrots 'Turqs' flying over, calling. I got up and headed off seeing White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike, Speckled Warbler, Restless Flycatcher and some other decent species before returning to camp to pack up.

We set off via Carmel Lagoon where I added Plumed Whistling-Duck and White-rumped Miner to the year list.

The next two days at the farm were pretty bad, weatherwise, with strong winds and a big downpour, so that's about where my report ends.

Overall it was still a very successful little venture and just another step towards big 500...

Thanks for reading.

While Josh went off to Fiji for a week, I spent a few days over the Easter long-weekend with the family up at my grandparent's property just outside Coonabarabran in northern NSW. I managed to get a bit of birding done around the property, but the highlight was an overnight camp out in Cumbil SF just east of Kenebri in search of  a Barking Owl.

I did the majority of the driving on the 7 hour journey away from Sydney. The heavy traffic through the Blue Mountains was to be expected, but I had consolation in a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (year tick) at Katoomba and a calling Blue-faced Honeyeater in suburban Lithgow - an uncommon bird so close to the mountains.

The roads cleared up after Mudgee and we made it to 'the farm' around 15:30. It was unusually hot and calm so I soon set off into the bush just east of the house and was shocked to focus in on a pair of Plum-headed Finches! I was very pleased to see them here as well as being only the third time I'd ever come across them. A Speckled Warbler then appeared, another great little bird and I began to realise just how 'alive' the bush was. There were Golden and Rufous Whistlers everywhere, White-eared, White-plumed and Brown-headed Honeyeaters feeding on blossom alongside good numbers of Little Lorikeets. I was almost expecting to come across a Painted Honeyeater with all the flowering mistletoe! However, a calling male Cicadabird was a very welcome substitute! I got some of my best views of this species.

Headed back very chuffed and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Came across a pair of Brown Quail not far from the house, as well as a flock of almost 50 Musk Lorikeets flying over. The garden was pretty active over my stay, with Jacky Winters, Grey-crowned Babblers, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, Double-barred Finches and Diamond Firetails all seen.

The next morning I went out to the back of the property around Mt. Ulamambri and the surrounding forest. Highlights were a Spotted Quail-Thrush seen well, White-browed Babblers, Brown Treecreepers, Dusky Woodswallow and plenty of Autumn migrants - Yellow-faced, White-naped Honeyeaters, Silvereyes.

Later that day I watched a stunning adult Spotted Harrier cruise over the house. A great addition to the property list!

Saturday evening was set aside for owlin' so Dad and I set off towards Kenebri on the Baradine Rd. We got to the picnic/campsite called 'The Aloes' in Cumbil SF around 17:30 and set up camp. It was a really pleasant evening, hot and calm with a full moon already above the horizon - perfect conditions!

Australian Owlet-Nightjars called occasionally throughout the evening, but I didn't hear/see anything else on my half-hourly walks down to and along the dried up riverbed. It wasn't until 21:30, while Dad was fixing up his toe that he had sliced open on an exposed root, that I heard something. A Barking Owl was calling in the distance! I ran off down to the river and began walking down it, calling occasionally. I then heard one 'barking' further down the river. I barked back and it soon started calling from a large tree just to my right. I scrambled up the river bank, shone the spotlight up and there he was - perched on an open branch staring down at me! Aus tick number 495! A very cool bird who I soon left alone to continue his duet with another Barking Owl in the distance.

I returned to camp, my faith in spotlighting lightened (hah!).

It was a cool, calm morning the next day and the first bird I saw was a pair of Turquoise Parrots 'Turqs' flying over, calling. I got up and headed off seeing White-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike, Speckled Warbler, Restless Flycatcher and some other decent species before returning to camp to pack up.

We set off via Carmel Lagoon where I added Plumed Whistling-Duck and White-rumped Miner to the year list.

The next two days at the farm were pretty bad, weatherwise, with strong winds and a big downpour, so that's about where my report ends.

Overall it was still a very successful little venture and just another step towards big 500...

Thanks for reading.

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Garden Cock !!!

In between all the wind and rain Still managing to catch small groups of Linnet with another 26 new birds ringed in the last week.

2 Rooks ringed Yesterday and a Herring Gull on Saturday. This afternoon i flushed a Woodcock into one of my garden nets. What a surprise and what a garden tick.

In between all the wind and rain Still managing to catch small groups of Linnet with another 26 new birds ringed in the last week.

2 Rooks ringed Yesterday and a Herring Gull on Saturday. This afternoon i flushed a Woodcock into one of my garden nets. What a surprise and what a garden tick.

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Hoopoe and Serin - what a difference a day makes!

Yesterday I made the mistake of going birding to Holme and Titchwell,  Holme because it was devoid of any migrants and Titchwell it was full of numpties, plus there were hardly any birds either (c10 Long-tailed Ducks on the sea plus a couple of Spotted Redshanks on the marshes. The past few days have been so devoid of any migrant birds I did consider having the day at home (or even at work) and not bothering with going out into the field, but the change of wind (SW) and the forecast of rain made me think that there might be a few birds to be found on the east coast - I wasn't wrong!
I headed off to Horsey Gap, stopping just south of the mill to watch a Common Crane feeding in a roadside field. I parked up at Horsey and by the time I'd reached the east end of the approach road I'd already seen my first Willow Warbler and House Martin of the year. In addition to this, here were quite a few Meadow Pipits and Linnets going overhead, so bird were obviously on the move. I headed north towards the campsite and flushed a few migrant Song Thrushes from the coastal scrub. As I approached the campsite my attention was attracted to an unfamiliar metallic "zeeeeuk" above me. I raised my bins to see a small finch trailing a flock of Linnets. The bird called again and then headed off north. I watched it through my binoculars as it flew north over the campsite and then did a U-turn and headed back towards me with a single Linnet. It was obviously small than the Linnet and as it flew over me it called again. I was pretty confident by now that the bird was a Serin. I watched it fly south and out of view as it disappeared into a tiny speck in my binoculars. I made a few notes, phoned it out to RBA as a probable Serin and presumed that would be the end of it as a sighting. I'd not seen the bird well enough to get a description and as the bird wasn't giving the usual trilling flight call, decided I'd not seen/heard enough of the bird to be 100% sure of its identity and that it wouldn't get any further than my notebook as a probable Serin. I moved on north, through the dunes alongside the campsite. As I made my way over one of the dunes, a flock of Linnets flew up with some Starlings from the campsite, followed by an explosion of black-and-white as a Hoopoe flushed up from the border of the campsite and flew across the campsite - wicked! I sat and watched the Hoopoe for a few minutes and then put the news out on the pager. During a couple of calls with Tim Allwood, Tim said that it would be worth watching the campsite as the Serin might return to feed with the Linnets. I settled down in the dunes and scanned through the flock of about 40 Linnets. Nothing other than a couple of Goldfinches and a few Meadow Pipits. There was quite a bit of commuting going on with birds coming and going from the campsite, so I kept on watching and looking. Good job too, as just as Tim arrived so did the Serin. It flew in with a small group of Goldfinches and then fed with the finch flock for around 20 minutes, although the weather was turning rather nasty with rather heavy rain and strong winds. A few people arrived and we made our way to the finch flock as the rain had eased off. The Serin was a bit flighty, but gave good views in flight and gave it's usual quick, strung-together repetition of 3-4 call notes - "tri-li-li". It finally gained height and then headed off south, not to be seen again. There were a few other birds in the area, with a male Ring Ouzel at the pipe dump being the best of the rest.

Yesterday I made the mistake of going birding to Holme and Titchwell,  Holme because it was devoid of any migrants and Titchwell it was full of numpties, plus there were hardly any birds either (c10 Long-tailed Ducks on the sea plus a couple of Spotted Redshanks on the marshes. The past few days have been so devoid of any migrant birds I did consider having the day at home (or even at work) and not bothering with going out into the field, but the change of wind (SW) and the forecast of rain made me think that there might be a few birds to be found on the east coast - I wasn't wrong!
I headed off to Horsey Gap, stopping just south of the mill to watch a Common Crane feeding in a roadside field. I parked up at Horsey and by the time I'd reached the east end of the approach road I'd already seen my first Willow Warbler and House Martin of the year. In addition to this, here were quite a few Meadow Pipits and Linnets going overhead, so bird were obviously on the move. I headed north towards the campsite and flushed a few migrant Song Thrushes from the coastal scrub. As I approached the campsite my attention was attracted to an unfamiliar metallic "zeeeeuk" above me. I raised my bins to see a small finch trailing a flock of Linnets. The bird called again and then headed off north. I watched it through my binoculars as it flew north over the campsite and then did a U-turn and headed back towards me with a single Linnet. It was obviously small than the Linnet and as it flew over me it called again. I was pretty confident by now that the bird was a Serin. I watched it fly south and out of view as it disappeared into a tiny speck in my binoculars. I made a few notes, phoned it out to RBA as a probable Serin and presumed that would be the end of it as a sighting. I'd not seen the bird well enough to get a description and as the bird wasn't giving the usual trilling flight call, decided I'd not seen/heard enough of the bird to be 100% sure of its identity and that it wouldn't get any further than my notebook as a probable Serin. I moved on north, through the dunes alongside the campsite. As I made my way over one of the dunes, a flock of Linnets flew up with some Starlings from the campsite, followed by an explosion of black-and-white as a Hoopoe flushed up from the border of the campsite and flew across the campsite - wicked! I sat and watched the Hoopoe for a few minutes and then put the news out on the pager. During a couple of calls with Tim Allwood, Tim said that it would be worth watching the campsite as the Serin might return to feed with the Linnets. I settled down in the dunes and scanned through the flock of about 40 Linnets. Nothing other than a couple of Goldfinches and a few Meadow Pipits. There was quite a bit of commuting going on with birds coming and going from the campsite, so I kept on watching and looking. Good job too, as just as Tim arrived so did the Serin. It flew in with a small group of Goldfinches and then fed with the finch flock for around 20 minutes, although the weather was turning rather nasty with rather heavy rain and strong winds. A few people arrived and we made our way to the finch flock as the rain had eased off. The Serin was a bit flighty, but gave good views in flight and gave it's usual quick, strung-together repetition of 3-4 call notes - "tri-li-li". It finally gained height and then headed off south, not to be seen again. There were a few other birds in the area, with a male Ring Ouzel at the pipe dump being the best of the rest.

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PALLID HARRIER. SECOND RECORD FOR EXTREMADURA

On 26 March 2012 an adult male Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) was seen in La Roca de la Sierra, Badajoz. The lucky observers were Joaquín Mazón and José María Casas. This is the second record for Extremadura. The only previous one, duly accepted by the Spanish Rarities Committee, was an adult male seen by Javier Marchamalo on 4 April 2000 in Fuente de Cantos (Badajoz).

The Pallid Harrier is a typical raptor of Euroasian steppes, breeding from Ukraine to Mongolia and wintering in Subsaharan Africa and southern Asia. Due to its general decline the IUCN now lists it as Near Threatened on a world scale; there are estimated to be between 10,000 and 30,000 breeding pairs.

Up to 2009, 34 records involving 35 individuals (only once were two seen together) had been accepted in Spain, three of them in the Canary Islands. The species has never officially been recorded in Portugal, at least up to 2009. The birds that turn up in Spain are the ones following the western migratory route, wintering in Africa. The nearest wintering area, with a low density is Tunisia and there is a certain spring passage through Italy. Up to 2003 all Spanish records were on passage, mainly adult males (the least difficult to identify) on the eastern side of the country and in the months of April and October. More recently, however, some cases of birds wintering in Spain have been recorded, especially on coastal wetlands.

According to the websites Rare Birds in Spain and Reservoir Birds, there are more sightings than those officially accepted. In 2009 at least eight sightings were published on these websites, but none has been submitted for acceptance. More recently, several Pallid Harriers were recorded in Spain during the 2011-2012 winter. On a pro tem basis, until these sightings are confirmed, we can say that eight birds were seen in November 2011, seven in December 2011 and six in January 2012. At least four different birds may well have wintered in La Janda, Cádiz (an adult male, an adult female and two juveniles); three in the Doñana area (adult female, second winter bird and juvenile); and two in Albufera de Valencia (adult male and juvenile). There are also records from Granada, Seville, Girona and Palencia. In all this might add up to 10 wintering birds. We should therefore keep an eye open for them in Extremadura. To increase our chances of identifying them we should gen up on the subtle plumage details that distinguish it from the similar Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus).

Sources:
- CR-SEO (Comité de Rarezas de SEO). 2011. Observaciones de aves raras en España, 2009. Ardeola 58:441-480.
- De Juana, E. 2006. Aves raras de España. Lynx Edicions. Barcelona.
- Catry, P., Costa, H., Elias, G. y Matias, R. 2010. Aves de Portugal. Ornitologia do território continental. Assírio & Alvim. Lisboa.
- Gutiérrez, R. Rare Birds in Spain
- Reservoir Birds

On 26 March 2012 an adult male Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) was seen in La Roca de la Sierra, Badajoz. The lucky observers were Joaquín Mazón and José María Casas. This is the second record for Extremadura. The only previous one, duly accepted by the Spanish Rarities Committee, was an adult male seen by Javier Marchamalo on 4 April 2000 in Fuente de Cantos (Badajoz).

The Pallid Harrier is a typical raptor of Euroasian steppes, breeding from Ukraine to Mongolia and wintering in Subsaharan Africa and southern Asia. Due to its general decline the IUCN now lists it as Near Threatened on a world scale; there are estimated to be between 10,000 and 30,000 breeding pairs.

Up to 2009, 34 records involving 35 individuals (only once were two seen together) had been accepted in Spain, three of them in the Canary Islands. The species has never officially been recorded in Portugal, at least up to 2009. The birds that turn up in Spain are the ones following the western migratory route, wintering in Africa. The nearest wintering area, with a low density is Tunisia and there is a certain spring passage through Italy. Up to 2003 all Spanish records were on passage, mainly adult males (the least difficult to identify) on the eastern side of the country and in the months of April and October. More recently, however, some cases of birds wintering in Spain have been recorded, especially on coastal wetlands.

According to the websites Rare Birds in Spain and Reservoir Birds, there are more sightings than those officially accepted. In 2009 at least eight sightings were published on these websites, but none has been submitted for acceptance. More recently, several Pallid Harriers were recorded in Spain during the 2011-2012 winter. On a pro tem basis, until these sightings are confirmed, we can say that eight birds were seen in November 2011, seven in December 2011 and six in January 2012. At least four different birds may well have wintered in La Janda, Cádiz (an adult male, an adult female and two juveniles); three in the Doñana area (adult female, second winter bird and juvenile); and two in Albufera de Valencia (adult male and juvenile). There are also records from Granada, Seville, Girona and Palencia. In all this might add up to 10 wintering birds. We should therefore keep an eye open for them in Extremadura. To increase our chances of identifying them we should gen up on the subtle plumage details that distinguish it from the similar Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus).

Sources:
- CR-SEO (Comité de Rarezas de SEO). 2011. Observaciones de aves raras en España, 2009. Ardeola 58:441-480.
- De Juana, E. 2006. Aves raras de España. Lynx Edicions. Barcelona.
- Catry, P., Costa, H., Elias, G. y Matias, R. 2010. Aves de Portugal. Ornitologia do território continental. Assírio & Alvim. Lisboa.
- Gutiérrez, R. Rare Birds in Spain
- Reservoir Birds

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