best birds

The Past Week

Most of the time this week was spent in the garden in between down pours.

Goldfinch are returning to the feeders in good numbers and 59 were caught.

57 New Goldfinch and two Controlled Birds one of them from Belgium, note the words

Brussels on the ring.

Another 49 new Linnets ringed over (700 now ringed this year)

5 Chaffinch

7 House Sparrow

2 Wren

3 Siskin

1 Blackbird

1Greenfinch

2 Blue Tits

3 Great Tits

2 Coal Tits

1 Dunnock

Total 135 new birds ringed

Also a spot of Birding in the week with

Mediterrainian Gull seen at Ramsey

2 Knots in Ramsey Harbour

Snow Bunting at The Point yesterday

see more at grayimages.co.uk

Most of the time this week was spent in the garden in between down pours.

Goldfinch are returning to the feeders in good numbers and 59 were caught.

57 New Goldfinch and two Controlled Birds one of them from Belgium, note the words

Brussels on the ring.

Another 49 new Linnets ringed over (700 now ringed this year)

5 Chaffinch

7 House Sparrow

2 Wren

3 Siskin

1 Blackbird

1Greenfinch

2 Blue Tits

3 Great Tits

2 Coal Tits

1 Dunnock

Total 135 new birds ringed

Also a spot of Birding in the week with

Mediterrainian Gull seen at Ramsey

2 Knots in Ramsey Harbour

Snow Bunting at The Point yesterday

see more at grayimages.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). By Atanasio Fernández.

List of the most interesting records sent to the GOCE forum during September 2012. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Egyptian Goose: One in the Embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/09 (Francisco Montaño, Francisco Lopo, Francisco Castro, Elvira del Viejo and Damián García), 22/09 (F. Montaño, Emilio Costillo and Antonio Núñez) and 23/09 (Sergio Mayordomo, Eva Palacios and César Clemente. 12 in the Embalse de Cubilar, Logrosán (CC) on 23/09 (Emilio Peña). Shelduck: 6 juveniles at Embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 01/09 (S. Mayordomo).

- Ruddy Shelduck: One in the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 05/09 (Paul Farrier and Jose Luis Bautista) and 06/09 (Antonio Calvo, F. Lopo -photo-). One in the charca de Morantes (BA) on 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clement) and 24/09 (P. Herrador).
- Red-crested Pochard: 6 individuals, 3 males and 3 females/juveniles, in the embalse de García de Sola, Talarrubias (BA), 06/09 (Sergio Perez Gil). In El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC), a copy on 23/09 (Jesus Solana and Carlos Fernandez) and a pair 29/09 (Javier Prieta).
- Ferruginous Duck: At El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC), 5 indivuduals, 4 of them males, 16/09 (J. Solana) and 4 on 23/09 (C. Fernández) and 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Great Crested Grebe: Large concentrations: At the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) 123 individuals were counted on 01/09 (José Antonio Román), 411 on 07/09 (F. Montaño) and 296 on 14/09 (JA Román ). In the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) there were estimated to be 350 individuals on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black Necked Grebe: A juvenile at charca de Esparragalejo (BA) 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente).

- Common Flamingo: 2 individuals at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 01/09 (S. Mayordomo). 8 at the embalse de Salor, Caceres, 08/09 (C. Fernández-photo-).
- Glossy Ibis: 20 at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) 01/09 (Vanessa de Alba, F. Montaño, A. Nunez). At the embalse de Montijo roost, Merida (BA), 13 entered on 05/09 (Sergio Perez Gil) and 20 on 26/09 (J. Solana). One in the rice fields of Santa Amalia (BA) 13/09 (Angel Luis Sanchez). 22 individuals in the rice fields of the Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) el 24/09 (P. Herrador).
- Spoonbill: Major concentrations: Embalse de los Canchales (BA), 100 on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño y A. Núñez), 140 on 05/09 (P. Herrador y J. L. Bautista), 150 on 15/09 (E. del Viejo), 52 on 16/09 (V. de Alba, Ismael Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo y A. Núñez), 48 on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo, D. García), 42 on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. Costillo y A. Núñez) and 39 on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey, E. Palacios, E. del Viejo, C. Clemente, Antonia Cangas, Arturo, Juande y Emi). 42 individuals at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (CC), on 03/09 (Sebastián Molano). 51 at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) el 30/09 (J. A. Román).
- Bittern: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) 02/09 (Manuel Carregal and Graciela Fernandez).
- Squacco Heron: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) 02/09 (M. Carregal and G. Fernandez). On the Guadiana River as it passes through Badajoz, there were 18 on 08/09, 19 on 09/09 (Juan Carlos Paniagua) and 2 on 29/09 (SEO-Badajoz).

- Black Stork: Major concentrations: In Trujillo (CC) 42 individuals were counted on 05/09, 109 on 09/09 (photo) and 45 on 12/09 (Javier Esteban). 61 were at Alange Reservoir (BA) 13/09 (Jesús Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez).
- Osprey: At the embalse de Portaje (CC), 2 individuals on 01/09 (J. Prieta) and one on 04/09 and 20/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), one on 03/09 (F. Lopo), 2 on 06/09 (A. Calvo), 3 on 16/09 (V. de Alba, I. Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez), 2 on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo and D. García), 2 on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. Costillo y A. Núñez), 2 on 25/09 (Joaquín Vázquez, J. Solana and A. Núñez) and on 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz), and one on 30/09 (E. del Viejo, A. Cangas, Arturo, Juande yand Emi). At the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), one on 05/09 (S. Pérez Gil) and another on 26/09 (J. Solana). One not near water at Talavera la Real (BA) on 10/09 (Atanasio Fernández). One at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 16/09 (A. Fernández). One example at embalse del Jerte (CC) on 19/09 (J. Prieta). At the embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), one on 23/09 and 26/09 (E. Peña). One in the Sierra del Ladrillar, Las Hurdes (CC), on 25/09 (A. Pacheco). One at the embalse de Ahigal (CC) on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Goshawk: One at Puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), caught a Bee Eater on 01/09 and a female at Ladrillar (CC) on 25/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Hobby: One at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). One in Guijo de Granadilla (CC) on 04/09 (Ricardo Montero). An adult and a juvenile at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 27/09 (Dave Langlois).
- Common Avocet: On 01/09 11 were seen at Los Canchales (BA) (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and 3 at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) (J. A. Román). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 12 were present on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista), 5 on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo and D. García), one on 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente) 5 new ones on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey, E. Palacios, E. del Viejo, C. Clemente, A. Cangas, Arturo, Juande and Emi). One at the embalse del Salor, Cáceres, on 08/09 (C. Fernández). 17 examples at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 20/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Kentish Plover: One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA) on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One at the embalse de La Anguila, Serrejón (CC), on 02/09 (M. Carregal and G. Fernández). One at the embalse de Portaje (CC), 1 on 04/09 and 2 on 20/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 3 on 16/09 (V. de Alba, I. Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez) and 1 on 20/09 and 2 on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. Llorente, M. García del Rey, J. Vázquez, J. Solana, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. Palacios, E. Costillo, E. del Viejo, D. García, C. Clemente, A. Núñez, A. Cangas, Á. Díaz, Arturo, Juande and Emi). 9 individuals at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). 2 at the embalse del Ayuela, Casas de Don Antonio (CC) on 23/09 (C. Fernández).

- Dotterel: 3 at Campanario (BA) on 09/09 (Juan Pablo Prieto -photo- and José Luis Pérez Chiscano).
- Spotted redshank: 2 individuals at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (CC), on 03/09 (S. Molano). One at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, 2 were seen on 10/09 and one on 24/09 (P. Herrador). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 26/09 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Wood Sandpiper: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (BA) on 01/09 (S. Mayordomo). Att the laguna de Galisteo one was seen on 04/09 and 3 on 29/09 (S. Mayordomo, J. Prieta and E. Palacios). One at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, on 10/09 (P. Herrador).
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper: One at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 13/09 (S. Mayordomo, Miguel Ángel Muñoz and E. Palacios), 20/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 22/09 (Julio Ceballos and Antonio Ceballos). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 25/09 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana and A. Núñez). The third and fourth occurrence for Extremadura, and the first for Badajoz.

- Sanderling: A juvenile at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 01/09 (S. Mayordomo -photo-). One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA) on 16/09 (V. de Alba, I. Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez).
- Turnstone: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and 05/09 (P. Herrador y J. L. Bautista).
- Curlew Sandpiper: One at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 01/09 (J. Prieta). One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA), 3 examples on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and one on 26/09 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, on 10/09 (P. Herrador). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. Costillo and A. Núñez). A juvenile at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 24/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 26/09 (J. Prieta).
- Temmink's Stint: 2 at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, on 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 25/09 (J. Vázquez).
- Yellow-legged Gull: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC), 3 individuals on 01/09 and 13 on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). On at the river Guadiana en Badajoz on 16/09, 18/09 and 20/09 (J. C. Paniagua). One at the charcas de Manzanares, Campo Lugar (CC), on 22/09 (A. Calvo).
- Caspian Tern: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 01/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black Tern: 8 at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on15/09 (S. Mayordomo). 5 at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the charca de Esparragalejo (BA), 2 on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez), 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente) and 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz), and one on 25/09 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana and A. Núñez).
- Pin-tailed Sandgrouse: A groupl of 600 individuals at Llanos de Cáceres on 24/09 (Agustín Mogena). -
- Short-eared owl: 2 at the Canal de las Dehesas near at Gorbea (BA) on 26/09 (E. Peña).
- Rose-ringed parakeet: One in Mérida (BA) on 24/09 (S. Pérez Gil).
- Eurasian Wryneck: At Galisteo (CC), one on 04/09 and 24/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Piornal (CC) on 13/09 (J. Prieta). In Plasencia (CC), 2 on 14/09 and 16/09 (R. Montero), and one on 22/09 (J. Prieta). At Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, one on 14/09 (A. Fernández) yand another on 30/09 (J. C. Paniagua and Ángel T. Mejías). One at Ventaquemada, Guijo de Granadilla (CC), on 20/09and another at Torrejoncillo (CC) on 25/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: Possible examples of these at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). Present in Monfragüe on 01/09 and 02/09 (M. Carregal and G. Fernández). One at Piornal (CC) on 25/09 (J. Prieta).
- Garden Warbler: One at the Fuente del Francés, Monfragüe (CC), one on 02/09 (Isabel Cerrudo) and 2 on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). One was caught and ringed at the arroyo Malvecino, Monfragüe (CC), on 07/09 and 5 at the River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 09/09 (GIA-Extremadura). At the River Jerte in Plasencia (CC), one on 10/09 and 17/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 3 on 30/09 (R. Montero). One at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on11/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Whitethroat: At Galisteo (CC), one on 04/09, 11/09 and 24/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista). A dead female found after hitting a window at Caceres Golf course, was found to have been ringed in Belgium. 3 were caught and ringed at the River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 09/09 and one at Las Cansinas, Monfragüe (CC), on 14/09 (GIA-Extremadura). At the River Jerte in Plasencia (CC) 4 were seen on 10/09, 2 on 17/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 3 on 30/09 (R. Montero). One at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 11/09 (Vicente Risco and Javier Briz). 2 at Piornal (CC) on 20/09 (J. Prieta). 6 at Ventaquemada, Oliva de Plasencia (CC), on 21/09 (S. Mayordomo). 4 at the River Guadiana in Badajoz on 29/09 (SEO-Badajoz). One in Monfragüe (CC) on 30/09 (J. Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez).
- Spectacled Warbler: 10 were seen at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 10/09 (P. Herrador). PresOne at pico Espolón, Piornal (CC), on 13/09 (J. Prieta).
- Rock Thrush: One male and 3 juveniles at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco).

- Redstart: One at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). In Galisteo (CC), a pair on 04/09 and a female on 29/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales, a male on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and a female on 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz). A male at Santibáñez el Alto (CC) eon06/09 (S. Mayordomo). A male caught and ringed at the arroyo Malvecino, Monfragüe (CC), on 06/09, and another 2 at Las Cansinas, Monfragüe (CC), on 14/09 and another young male at the River Guadámez, Don Benito (BA), on 30/09, where was also seen an adult male (GIA-Extremadura). A female in Monfragüe (CC) on 07/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and C. Clemente). 2 in Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 11/09 (V. Risco and J. Briz). At Piornal (CC) 11 were seen on 13/09 and 20/09, and 9 on 25/09 (J. Prieta -photo-). Present at Cornalvo (BA) on 18/09 (José Ledo, J. Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez). More than 15 examples at Ventaquemada, Guijo de Granadilla (CC), on 21/09 (S. Mayordomo). Present at the River Alcollarín, Campo Lugar (CC), on 23/09 (A. Calvo). One in Ahigal (CC)onl 26/09 (S. Mayordomo). One in Plasencia (CC) on 30/09 (R. Montero).
- Tree Pipit: At the end of the embalse del Jerte, Casas del Castañar (CC), 2 on 11/09 (S. mayordomo on E. Palacios), prone on 13/09 and 4 on 19/09 (J. Prieta).

- Tawny Pipit: At the embalse de Portaje 5 were seen onl 01/09 (J. Prieta) and 8 on 04/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Cerezo (CC) on 03/09 (A. Pacheco). One at Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez -foto-). On11/09 3 were seen at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) (P. Herrador) and one in Medina de las Torres (BA) (V. de Alba and A. Núñez). In Guijo de Coria 2 were seen on 14/09 (J.Prieta) on 19/09 (Javier Mahillo and C. Clemente). One at La Anguila, Serrejón (CC), on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo, Pepe Guisado and M. García del Rey).
- Yellow Wagtail: Males of the subspecies M. f. flavissima: one at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 15/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Badajoz on 22/09 (Mercedes Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Salgado and J. C. Paniagua). At the laguna de Galisteo (CC) one was seen on 24/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 2 on 26/09 (J. Prieta). A male of the scandanavian subspecies M. f. thunbergi: One at Galisteo (CC) eon29/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Crossbill: Several specimens in the Sierra de Ladrillar, las Hurdes (HS-CC), 12/09 (A. Pacheco).

FIRST WINTER VISITORS
- Wigeon: An eclipse male at the embalse de La Anguila, Serrejón (CC), on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo, Pepe Guisado and Manolo García del Rey). One at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC) on 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Pintail: At the laguna de Galisteo (CC), 2 on 01/09 (J. Prieta) and 3 on 04/09 (S. Mayordomo). A pair at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 20/09 (S. Mayordomo). Tufted Duck: A female at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Hen Harrier: A male at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo and D. García) and 30/09 (C. Clemente). A female at Galisteo (CC) on 29/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Skylark: 3 at Portaje Reservoir (CC) 20/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Common Chiffchaff: 2 at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) 1on 1/09 (V. Risco and J. Briz). One at Ahigal (CC) on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bluethroat: One in the rice fields at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 11/09 (P. Herrador). 3 at the gravel pit of Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 12/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the laguna de Galisteo (CC) one was seen on 16/09 (E. Palacios) and a male on 24/09 (S. Mayordomo). A male and a female were caught and ringed at the arroyo Budión, Rena (BA), on 23/09 (GIA-Extremadura).
- Meadow Pipit: One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 15/09 (A. Calvo). One at Galisteo on 16/09 (C. Clemente) and 18/09 (S. Mayordomo). The massive influx across the region normally starts from 30/09.

LINGERING SUMMER VISITORS
- Common Quail: 2 at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 30/09 (María Llorente y Álvaro Díaz). Purple Heron: One in Plasencia (CC) on 22/09 (J. Prieta). One in Medellín (BA) on 26/09 (F. Yuste).
- Black Kite: One in Riolobos (CC) on 01/09 (J. Prieta). A juvenile in Monfragüe on 11/09 (M. García del Rey).
- Egyptian Vulture: 2 at Portaje (CC) on 15/09 (S. Mayordomo). 2 birds, a 4 year old and another 1 year old at Aldea del Cano (CC) on 22/09 (S. Molano and A. Fernández). An immature at Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe (CC), on 29/09 (José Luis Rivero).

- Montagu's harrier: A dark morph individual: One at Ovejuela, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 07/09 (A. Pacheco -photo-). One at the pico Espolón, Piornal (CC), on 13/09 (J. Prieta).
- Lesser Kestrel: One at Los Canchales (BA) on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo, D. García). One was seen in the City of Badajoz on 21/09 (A. Fernández) and 30/09 (J. Solana).
- Turtle Dove: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista)
- Common Swift: On 01/09 some individuals were seen at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and 3 in Monfragüe (M. Carregal and G. Fernández). 4 at Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 07/09 (F. Montaño).
- Pallid Swift: 2 still in their breeding colony at Piornal (CC) on 20/09 and one in Plasencia (CC) on 14/09 (J. Prieta). At the embalse de Ahigal (CC) one on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo). In Alange (BA), where the species is partially resident, it is estimated there were 110 birds on 30/09 (Á. Sánchez).
- Red Necked Nightjar: On 26/09 one was seen in Mérida (BA) (J. Solana) and another at Canal de las Dehesas (BA) (E. Peña). One at the embalse de Orellana (BA) on 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz).
- European Bee Eater: On 11/09 various individuals were seen at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) (V. Risco and J. Briz) and one at the back of the embalse del Jerte (CC) (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Woodchat Shrike: 2 juveniles in Plasencia (CC) on 17/09 and another at Galisteo (CC) on 18/09 (S. Mayordomo). A juvenile at Toril (CC) on 26/09 (M. García del Rey). Bonelli's Warbler: One in Monfragüe on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). Sedge Warbler: One at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 11/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Melodious Warbler: One at the Fuente del Francés, Monfragüe (CC), on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). On 22/09 2 were seen at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) (F. Montaño, E. Costillo and A. Núñez) and one in Plasencia (CC) (J. Prieta).
- Common Nightingale: 2 at Piornal (CC) on 13/09 (J. Prieta). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 21/09 (D. Langlois). One in Plasencia (CC) on 30/09 (R. Montero).
- Rufous Bush Robin: One in Almedralejo (BA) on 10/09 (Lorenzo Alcántara).
- Black Eared Wheatear: One at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). 5 at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 11/09 (V. Risco and J. Briz).
- Ortolan Bunting: 2 at Galisteo (CC) eon04/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 30 at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 09/09 (P. Herrador).

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). By Atanasio Fernández.

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Fore! Four Rallidae at Eastlakes

A nice and early 5am start saw me meet Ashwin at Eastlakes Golf Course at 6:00. The primary aim today was to spot some crakes and rails. No golfers had arrived yet, so we staked out a small pond (which was really more of a muddy rubbish-filled depression in the ground) and waited. In no time at all, we had great views of a single Australian Spotted Crake, and brief views of a single Spotless Crake, disappearing into the reeds as quickly as it had appeared. A possible Lewin's Rail seen for less than a second was frustrating, but a Buff-banded Rail on the green was nice (and a Sydney tick for Ashwin). Max arrived at 7, and we showed him the Spotted Crake before moving on. A male White-winged Triller reinforced the fact that spring is in the air, and Ashwin was the only one to see a Lewin's Rail flush across a pond. A Latham's Snipe and two superb Baillon's Crakes were excellent nonetheless!

Australian Spotted Crake

Baillon's Crake

The same Baillon's Crake

Heading back to the cars, we heard a Skylark calling, which would be a Sydney tick for everyone, so we headed over to have a look (trying to not interfere with the golfers using the green at the time!). Before we found the Skylark, another buzzing call was heard, and out of a pine tree flies a lovely Common Greenfinch - a really beautiful bird (despite being feral!), and a tick for me! We saw the Skylark doing a display flight, and then headed off, not before flushing a Brown Quail next to the path.

Pretty Feral: Greenfinch

In all, 71 species here, an excellent morning, only marred by my muddy pants from stepping into a knee-deep patch of gunk which had looked like solid sand, and the lack of Lewin's Rail for Max and I. Even so, "fore" other Rallidae (Spotted, Spotless, Baillon's Crakes plus Buff-banded Rail) made the day well worth it indeed! A quick trip to Mistral Point was comparatively fruitless, although we did enjoy seeing the migration of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters on their way south, and the amazing spectacle of a pair of humpbacks breaching and playing around really close to shore.

Australian Spotted Crake

Baillon's Crake

The same Baillon's Crake

Pretty Feral: Greenfinch

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A morning in North Norfolk

I headed up to do a couple of birding walks that I discovered whilst helping my wife (Angela). The first was from Old Hunstanton Golf Course to Holme village along the Peddars Way. The second was the coastal path west from Brancaster Staithe. The Peddars way footpath was quite good. There were lots of thrushes in the bushes along there, plus a brief view of an Acrocephalus warbler (probably just a Reed Warbler). There were also lots of Skylarks commuting between the golf course and a massive ploughed field to the south of the footpath. In with the Skylarks were at least 3 Lapland Buntings.
The Jay influx continues today. I must have had at least 35 birds in 4 flocks, most of them heading inland. There were a couple more Lapland Buntings on the saltmarsh at Holme (just north of the toilet block) plus a few Blackcaps in the Sea Buckthorn along the North Norfolk Footpath on the way back to Old Hunstanton.
Brancaster Staithe was OK. The best habitat between there and Brancaster village was the Branodunum fort. Although there wasn't many migrants there, the habitat look great and I'll be sure to visit again. A nice Little Owl put in a midday appearance.
I finished off with a crab baguette in Brancaster Staithe whilst watching a few waders and gulls.

Migrant Jay, Holme

Little Owl

Common Gull

Turnstone - would you like fries with that?

Migrant Jay, Holme

Little Owl

Common Gull

Turnstone - would you like fries with that?

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Finally!

Even though the weather map showed westerly winds, I headed off to Horsey this morning in the hope of seeing something. When I got there, there was hardly any wind at all. The bushes were still and it was quite easy to see and movement in them although the first birds I saw were 18 Jays heading high inland. I headed off down the Horsey Gap approach road, but I'd only gotten about 50 yards when I heard the characteristic "pee-sweet" of a Yellow-browed Warbler coming through the bushes towards me. It showed really well posing long enough for me to get some photos.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Horsey Gap

I pushed on towards Horsey Gap car park, where I found quite a lot of Meadow Pipits feeding around the perimeter, along with a couple of Reed Buntings and a few Chiffchaffs calling from various bushes. My attention was drawn to the call of a fly-over Lapland Bunting, but when I looked up the first bird I saw was a large pipit, which had obviously just come in off the sea and was flying over the car park with a few Meadow Pipits. I've seen lots of Richard's Pipits in my time and this bird looked a bit on the small side. Unfortunately, I couldn't say that I heard it call, although frustratingly I did think I'd heard a "chup" call just as I looked up and saw it. The bird looked like it was dropping down into one of the fields next to the car park although it disappeared out of view behind the bushes. I headed over and hopped over the fence of the field that it looked like it might have landed in, but I couldn't find anything.
After that I headed off north towards Waxham Sands. There were some nice migrants to keep me busy - quite a few Goldcrests in the bushes, as well as a single 4 Lapland Buntings, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (1 flying in a flock of Meadow Pipits!), Fieldfare, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart.


Black Redstart, Waxham Sands

I pushed on from Waxham Sands towards the pipe dump and my endeavours were once again rewarded with another Yellow-browed Warbler in the bushes to the north of the pipe dump.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Waxham

There were quite a few Golden Plover and Lapwing in the fields north of the pipe dump. Although I didn't have my scope with me, I couldn't see anything that stood out as being different. After that I decided to head back to the car with Tim Allwood, but a lovely Jack Snipe that we flushed and which flew around us proved nice experience to end the day.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Horsey Gap


Black Redstart, Waxham Sands

I pushed on from Waxham Sands towards the pipe dump and my endeavours were once again rewarded with another Yellow-browed Warbler in the bushes to the north of the pipe dump.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Waxham

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Merlin on top of car

I was away for the first week in October. Most of the time this week has been spent at the whoosh site.
I did manage to get to the Sulby site and put a Mist net up out of the wind on Tuesday, no Lesser Redpolls coming into the feeders as yet but 23 Siskins made up for it. Only 31 Meadow Pipits ringed this week there migration is now slowing down, 421 ringed here since September.
Another 88 Linnet ringed this week and hardly any retraps, 422 ringed here since August.

Birds ringed this week 171

88 Linnet
23 Siskin
31Meadow Pipits
13 Goldfinch
7 Coal Tits
4 Great Tits
3 Blue Tits
1 Goldcrest
1Robin

A nice 1st year Female Merlin was after the Linnets at the Whoosh site this week i got some great shots of it as it foraged for Worms and Beatles at The Point of Ayre. At one stage it landed on the roof rack.

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THE 2012 SPOONBILL BREEDING POPULATION

The Extremadura breeding Spoonbill survey (Platalea leucorodia) continued in 2012. See other Spoonbill posts in this blog.

During the breeding season all Extremadura's spoonbill colonies were visited. Nests occupied by Spoonbills were found in 6 places, adding up to a total of 49 pairs (74 in 2011, 50 in 2010).

The colonies were the following:
- Valle del Tiétar I (Cáceres). 18 pairs.
- Valle del Tiétar II (Cáceres). 15 pairs.
- Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres). 1 pair.
- Valle del Alagón (Cáceres). 2 pairs with nest, in one fledged 3 chicks.
- Montijo Reservoir (Badajoz). 12 pairs.
- Villanueva del Fresno (Badajoz). 1 pair. New site.
- Alqueva Reservoir (Badajoz). Two colonies empty.
- Borbollón Reservoir (Cáceres). It could not be accessed.
- Llanos de Cáceres (Cáceres). All colonies empty.

Three visits were made to the Valle del Tiétar I colony to monitor breeding success. The 18 detected pairs all began breeding. In 15 nests it was possible to estimate the final number of fledglings: 23. This represents a fledgling rate of 1.92 chicks per successful nest (2.93 in 2011 and 1.86 en 2010) and an estimated productivity and breeding success of 1.28 chicks per pair (1.94 en 2011 and 1.43 en 2010).

Collaborators.
Emilio Costillo (Badajoz province), Javier Prieta (Valle del Tiétar and Arrocampo), Sergio Mayordomo (Valle del Alagón and Llanos de Cáceres) and Alfonso Pérez del Barco (Villanueva del Fresno).

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