Olive-backed Pipit - First for Fuerteventura!

Today I managed to find Fuerteventura's first Olive-backed Pipits - 4 birds together in the Costa Calma woodland. There are 2 previous Canary Island records: The first found by Tony Clarke on Tenerife and the other from Lanzarote.
All 4 birds kept together, usually creeping around in the pine trees, but occasionally dropping down to feed on the ground. They constantly pump their tails and although the did give their characteristic rasping "Spueeee"call, they usually gave a thin short "siip" call, usually given when flying short distances between branches.
I never managed to photograph more than 2 birds together at one time, but there were definitely (at least) 4 birds present. 

If you're interested in seeing the birds here are the directions:
The birds are in the wooded area, on the north side of the FV2 between the two roundabouts (one at the east end is the exit for Hotel Fuerteventura Playa and the one at the west end has a petrol station just before it). Starting at the east end of the wood, where there are a couple of restaurants, walk east for about 100 metres. A path cuts across the width of the wood, which leads to the second major pedestrian crossing between the two roundabouts (the first crossing being straight after the roundabout). Take the path until you get near the FV2 and then go west into the wood. This is where the birds were. Scan the ground ahead of you to see if any of the birds are feeding on the deck (they usually did when there wasn't anyone around). If they weren't on the ground they were creeping around the lower branches of the pine canopy. They were quite vocal some of the time.

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

And finally, a crap photo of a Fieldfare which was around the cafes in the east end of the wood. I understand it's quite rare too.

Today I managed to find Fuerteventura's first Olive-backed Pipits - 4 birds together in the Costa Calma woodland. There are 2 previous Canary Island records: The first found by Tony Clarke on Tenerife and the other from Lanzarote.
All 4 birds kept together, usually creeping around in the pine trees, but occasionally dropping down to feed on the ground. They constantly pump their tails and although the did give their characteristic rasping "Spueeee"call, they usually gave a thin short "siip" call, usually given when flying short distances between branches.
I never managed to photograph more than 2 birds together at one time, but there were definitely (at least) 4 birds present. 

If you're interested in seeing the birds here are the directions:
The birds are in the wooded area, on the north side of the FV2 between the two roundabouts (one at the east end is the exit for Hotel Fuerteventura Playa and the one at the west end has a petrol station just before it). Starting at the east end of the wood, where there are a couple of restaurants, walk east for about 100 metres. A path cuts across the width of the wood, which leads to the second major pedestrian crossing between the two roundabouts (the first crossing being straight after the roundabout). Take the path until you get near the FV2 and then go west into the wood. This is where the birds were. Scan the ground ahead of you to see if any of the birds are feeding on the deck (they usually did when there wasn't anyone around). If they weren't on the ground they were creeping around the lower branches of the pine canopy. They were quite vocal some of the time.

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

Olive-backed Pipits, Costa Calma, Fuerteventura

And finally, a crap photo of a Fieldfare which was around the cafes in the east end of the wood. I understand it's quite rare too.

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Fuerteventura - Day 2, 18 Nov 12

Although I finished yesterday a little bit disappointed having not seen Houbara Bustard, I needn't have worried as I more than made up for it this morning.  I was up at 6am and headed up to El Cotillo for dawn. I headed out along the rough track that winds its way south from the village, following the coast line before it heads inland following Barranco de Esquinzo. I stopped at regular intervals to look at the desert habitat along the way and it wasn't long before I'd found a displaying male Houbara Bustard. It was a bit of a way off, but through the scope it looked great, fluffing out its white ruff and throwing his head back. I continued on and just before I reached the barranco (river bed) I noticed another Houbara, this time much closer. I manoeuvred my car into position and managed to get some great shots of it. After a while it mooched off through some ground cover and it was then that I realised that there was more than one - in fact there was four of them! They all strolled off into the desert and then stopped a bit further away.

Houbara Bustard, El Cotillo

Houbara Bustard, El Cotillo

Houbara Bustard, El Cotillo

I headed off and parked near the barannco, which I headed into on foot. I had my first Barbary Partridge, Chiffchaff and Black Redstart of the trip along the river bed along with a very showy Spectacled Warbler.

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Barbary Partridge, El Cotillo

After that I headed back the way I came in and was thrilled to find another four Houbaras near a cultivated field on the south side of the barranco. There was presumably 2 males in the group as at least two of the birds showed quite a bit of aggression to each other and frequently fluffed out their ruffs.

4 Houbara Bustards, El Cotillo

I headed back towards El Cotillo and then double-backed on myself to look at the rather lush looking gardens of the villas just inland of the track. There's a nice smooth track that runs out to the villas and there are quite a few birds around them, but not much actually in the gardens. A couple of Hoopoes were feeding along the road along with a couple more Barbary Partridge. The day turned even better when a Common Buzzard that I flushed out of one of the gardens flew out over a large expanse of desert habitat and in turn flushed 3 Cream-coloured Coursers. When I returned to my car I decided to drive further along the track to see if I could find the Coursers. Over the next hour I had great views of a flock of 6 birds. I strategically positioned my car ahead of them and allowed them to approach me (instead of me chasing after them). At one point I head a bird no further than 10 metres away from me - it was excellent!

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

I left the desert habitat and went back into El Cotillo, heading for the lighthouse on the north side of the town. I did a bit of seawatching whilst I ate my lunch. The sea was quite empty, but 4 distant Cory's Shearwaters were nice to see.

After that I went to Los Molinos reservoir, the only place on the island that always has water. I headed in from the south first, parking at the goat farm and walking along the barranco to the reservoir. After that I went round to the north and viewed the water from the dam. The best bird was a Ring-necked Duck which had joined the rather sizeable Coot flock.

 There were quite a few Ruddy Shelduck around the reservoir, both on the water and in the surrounding 'fields'. Songbirds were also present in good numbers with Spanish Sparrows, Trumpeter Finches, Berthelots Pipits and Southern Grey Shrike being seen.

There was a good selection of waders around the res. Common and Spotted Redshanks, Common Greenshank, Common and Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Black-winged Stilt. A couple of Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and White Wagtail all added to the diversity.

Ruddy Shelducks, Los Molinos

Ruddy Shelducks, Los Molinos

Barbary Ground Squirrel, Los Molinos

Black-winged Stilt, Los Molinos

Trumpeter Finch, Los Molinos

Spanish Sparrows, Los Molinos

Berthelot's Pipit, Los Molinos

Ring-necked Duck, Los Molinos

I finished the day off in Pertito de los Molinos, which is the small bay at the end of the FV-221. This seems to be a very easy place to see Fuerteventura Chat as there was a pair along the stream right next to the car park. A nice way to finish the day!

Berthelot's Pipit, Pertito de los Molinos

Fuerteventura Chat, Pertito de los Molinos

Fuerteventura Chat, Pertito de los Molinos

Although I finished yesterday a little bit disappointed having not seen Houbara Bustard, I needn't have worried as I more than made up for it this morning.  I was up at 6am and headed up to El Cotillo for dawn. I headed out along the rough track that winds its way south from the village, following the coast line before it heads inland following Barranco de Esquinzo. I stopped at regular intervals to look at the desert habitat along the way and it wasn't long before I'd found a displaying male Houbara Bustard. It was a bit of a way off, but through the scope it looked great, fluffing out its white ruff and throwing his head back. I continued on and just before I reached the barranco (river bed) I noticed another Houbara, this time much closer. I manoeuvred my car into position and managed to get some great shots of it. After a while it mooched off through some ground cover and it was then that I realised that there was more than one - in fact there was four of them! They all strolled off into the desert and then stopped a bit further away.

Houbara Bustard, El Cotillo

Houbara Bustard, El Cotillo

Houbara Bustard, El Cotillo

I headed off and parked near the barannco, which I headed into on foot. I had my first Barbary Partridge, Chiffchaff and Black Redstart of the trip along the river bed along with a very showy Spectacled Warbler.

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Spectacled Warbler, El Cotillo

Barbary Partridge, El Cotillo

After that I headed back the way I came in and was thrilled to find another four Houbaras near a cultivated field on the south side of the barranco. There was presumably 2 males in the group as at least two of the birds showed quite a bit of aggression to each other and frequently fluffed out their ruffs.

4 Houbara Bustards, El Cotillo

I headed back towards El Cotillo and then double-backed on myself to look at the rather lush looking gardens of the villas just inland of the track. There's a nice smooth track that runs out to the villas and there are quite a few birds around them, but not much actually in the gardens. A couple of Hoopoes were feeding along the road along with a couple more Barbary Partridge. The day turned even better when a Common Buzzard that I flushed out of one of the gardens flew out over a large expanse of desert habitat and in turn flushed 3 Cream-coloured Coursers. When I returned to my car I decided to drive further along the track to see if I could find the Coursers. Over the next hour I had great views of a flock of 6 birds. I strategically positioned my car ahead of them and allowed them to approach me (instead of me chasing after them). At one point I head a bird no further than 10 metres away from me - it was excellent!

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

Cream-coloured Courser, El Cotillo

I left the desert habitat and went back into El Cotillo, heading for the lighthouse on the north side of the town. I did a bit of seawatching whilst I ate my lunch. The sea was quite empty, but 4 distant Cory's Shearwaters were nice to see.

After that I went to Los Molinos reservoir, the only place on the island that always has water. I headed in from the south first, parking at the goat farm and walking along the barranco to the reservoir. After that I went round to the north and viewed the water from the dam. The best bird was a Ring-necked Duck which had joined the rather sizeable Coot flock.

 There were quite a few Ruddy Shelduck around the reservoir, both on the water and in the surrounding 'fields'. Songbirds were also present in good numbers with Spanish Sparrows, Trumpeter Finches, Berthelots Pipits and Southern Grey Shrike being seen.

There was a good selection of waders around the res. Common and Spotted Redshanks, Common Greenshank, Common and Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Black-winged Stilt. A couple of Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and White Wagtail all added to the diversity.

Ruddy Shelducks, Los Molinos

Ruddy Shelducks, Los Molinos

Barbary Ground Squirrel, Los Molinos

Black-winged Stilt, Los Molinos

Trumpeter Finch, Los Molinos

Spanish Sparrows, Los Molinos

Berthelot's Pipit, Los Molinos

Ring-necked Duck, Los Molinos

I finished the day off in Pertito de los Molinos, which is the small bay at the end of the FV-221. This seems to be a very easy place to see Fuerteventura Chat as there was a pair along the stream right next to the car park. A nice way to finish the day!

Berthelot's Pipit, Pertito de los Molinos

Fuerteventura Chat, Pertito de los Molinos

Fuerteventura Chat, Pertito de los Molinos

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Fuerteventura - 17 Nov 12

As I've not had any proper sleep since Thursday night, I'm making this a short entry.
Today was my first day in Fuerteventura. I arrived early afternoon and after picking up the hire car, checking into my hotel and having a quick phone call with Tony Clarke (who has been on the island for the past few days but is leaving today), I headed off to Barranco de la Torre to try and get the one true endemic - Fuerteventura Chat. It was a bit of a slog through the barranco (river bed), but I finally found a pair right at the end (and on the way back found a pair just 200 metres from my car!). Anyway, they put on a decent show. They're quite wary birds and don't like you to get too close. The first pair had a Spectacled Warbler following them around, just like Dartford Warblers follow Stonechats in the UK. Here are some photos of them:

Fuerteventura Chat, male

Fuerteventura Chat, male

Fuerteventura Chat, female

Fuerteventura Chat, female

Fuerteventura Chat, female

Spectacled Warbler

Spectacled Warbler

I ended the day with a trip across to La Oliva, to try and see the Houbara Bustards that come into roost around the cultivations, but even though I got there an hour before dusk, I failed to see any.
Tomorrow maybe ay!

As I've not had any proper sleep since Thursday night, I'm making this a short entry.
Today was my first day in Fuerteventura. I arrived early afternoon and after picking up the hire car, checking into my hotel and having a quick phone call with Tony Clarke (who has been on the island for the past few days but is leaving today), I headed off to Barranco de la Torre to try and get the one true endemic - Fuerteventura Chat. It was a bit of a slog through the barranco (river bed), but I finally found a pair right at the end (and on the way back found a pair just 200 metres from my car!). Anyway, they put on a decent show. They're quite wary birds and don't like you to get too close. The first pair had a Spectacled Warbler following them around, just like Dartford Warblers follow Stonechats in the UK. Here are some photos of them:

Fuerteventura Chat, male

Fuerteventura Chat, male

Fuerteventura Chat, female

Fuerteventura Chat, female

Fuerteventura Chat, female

Spectacled Warbler

Spectacled Warbler

I ended the day with a trip across to La Oliva, to try and see the Houbara Bustards that come into roost around the cultivations, but even though I got there an hour before dusk, I failed to see any.
Tomorrow maybe ay!

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YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER: FIRST FOR EXTREMADURA

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) photographed by Steve Fletcher.

At last ... after several questionable records, we have the first sighting of a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) in Extremadura, although this will have to be accepted by the Spanish Rarities Committee. It was found near Madroñera (Cáceres), on November 12, 2012 by Colin Jewitt and Juan Carlos Molina. Accompanied by Steve Fletcher they returned the next day, but were unable to relocate the bird.

This tiny warbler, which somewhat resembles a Firecrest, is the commonest Siberian passerine seen in Western Europe. Its breeding range spans the Russian taiga and winters in southern Asia. But migration between the two is not always straightforward and a part of the population moves west  during autumn. So hundreds of Yellow-browed Warblers, possibly juveniles are mostly seen in northwest Europe (UK, Netherlands, Northern France ...) during the months of September and October. They then head east to Asia by the same way they arrived. But not all. Some will drop southward reaching the Iberian Peninsula. So, in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands 77 records have been approved up until 2009. The dates are somewhat later than in the north and occur mostly in October and November, especially in the Mediterranean coastal provinces and Andalusia, being rarer in the north and almost nonexistent in the interior. It seems that these birds, or at least some,  winter further south, at some unknown location in Africa. This pattern suggests the presence in the Canary Islands (with 17 confirmed records until 2009),  there are fully documented winter examples in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura of birds staying for months (for example, from October to December to March or April). On the mainland Spain there are also some spring records, perhaps wintering birds returning to Russia, these sighting dates being rare in more northerly countries.

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) photographed by Steve Fletcher.

At last ... after several questionable records, we have the first sighting of a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) in Extremadura, although this will have to be accepted by the Spanish Rarities Committee. It was found near Madroñera (Cáceres), on November 12, 2012 by Colin Jewitt and Juan Carlos Molina. Accompanied by Steve Fletcher they returned the next day, but were unable to relocate the bird.

This tiny warbler, which somewhat resembles a Firecrest, is the commonest Siberian passerine seen in Western Europe. Its breeding range spans the Russian taiga and winters in southern Asia. But migration between the two is not always straightforward and a part of the population moves west  during autumn. So hundreds of Yellow-browed Warblers, possibly juveniles are mostly seen in northwest Europe (UK, Netherlands, Northern France ...) during the months of September and October. They then head east to Asia by the same way they arrived. But not all. Some will drop southward reaching the Iberian Peninsula. So, in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands 77 records have been approved up until 2009. The dates are somewhat later than in the north and occur mostly in October and November, especially in the Mediterranean coastal provinces and Andalusia, being rarer in the north and almost nonexistent in the interior. It seems that these birds, or at least some,  winter further south, at some unknown location in Africa. This pattern suggests the presence in the Canary Islands (with 17 confirmed records until 2009),  there are fully documented winter examples in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura of birds staying for months (for example, from October to December to March or April). On the mainland Spain there are also some spring records, perhaps wintering birds returning to Russia, these sighting dates being rare in more northerly countries.

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My Garden Birds

There seemed to be so many birds in the garden this morning, just for a spell at least. Another of those brief moments in time, when it seems that all the birds have been switched into feeding mode. It coincided with me sitting in my favourite spot by the glass doors leading onto the patio.



The birds were putting on a great show. The Robin was chasing a Wren, being rather a bully actually,

There seemed to be so many birds in the garden this morning, just for a spell at least. Another of those brief moments in time, when it seems that all the birds have been switched into feeding mode. It coincided with me sitting in my favourite spot by the glass doors leading onto the patio.



The birds were putting on a great show. The Robin was chasing a Wren, being rather a bully actually,

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ALIEN QUAILS: CHINESE AND JAPANESE

Chinese Quail (Coturnix chinensus). Male and female. Taken from Avikultura. 

The Chinese quail (Coturnix chinensis) is a common galliforme in South Asia, Sunda Islands, and Australia. Their easy breeding and obvious attraction makes them relatively common as an ornamental bird. A male of this species has was found ran over on July 12, 2012 on the A-5, near the Parque Natural de Cornalvo (Badajoz). Jesus Manuel Crespo, sent some photos to the Rarities Committee SEO/BirdLife. As is not an uncommon bird and did not arrive here by natural means, the description was sent to the Exotic Bird Group (GAE), which then came to our notice. It is probably an escapee, although the date it was found could mean it was released for hunting.

 Chinese Quail (Coturnix chinensus). Male hit in Cornalvo, Badajoz (Jesus Maria Crespo) 

Unfortunately, this observation shows the risks arising from the introduction of exotic species. One of the biggest causes of extinction in recent times. Perhaps the Chinese quail is not among the most dangerous compared with the the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Another species of eastern Asia itself much like our Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) and long considered a mere subspecies of this. Indeed, easily hybridized in captivity, it is then difficult to identify resulting hybrids (the song is slightly different) and genetic testing must be resorted to. Quail hunting is common in Extremadura, but the extent of the introduction of the Japanese quail and their hybrids is totally unknown . However, studies by Manuel Puigcerver's team between 1999 and 2005 detected that 4.4% of quails analyzed in Catalonia were hybrids (but if specimens are considered doubtful, the percentage then rises to 15%).

 Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Taken from here.

The release of Japanese quail for hunting is a recent practice, as studies started in 1983 did not detect hybrids until 1990. Currently all quail farms breed the Japanese quail (there are no Common Quail breeding farms), which are the then released as either pure or hybrids. At some well quoted sites in France, 75% of the quail hunted are Japanese quail. Numbers released in Catalonia are also increasing and official figures quote 2,430 Japanese quail released in 1991 and 153,600 in 2003, 60 times more, in 17 years releases total more than one million. For comparison, the wild Common Quail breeding population in Extremadura is estimated at only 15,600 birds (Carrascal and Palomino, 2008), although in summer many migratory birds arrive from other locations.

In Extremadura is certain releasing takes place from quail farms, but the presence of Japanese quail has not been confirmed and is not on any list. Elswhere it is not know what proportion are natural hybrids, if any. Despite the massive release performed in Spain, France and Italy, it seems that most Japanese quail die, or are hunted, shortly after their release. No study has been carried out to ascertain the proportion of hybrids. It is standard practice to release them in the midseason at the end of the summer and as poultry have lost their migratory instinct, they do not usually survive the winter. But, is has also been found that more Iberian quail are over-wintering and have less tendency to migrate. Maybe hybrids are responsible ... but this has yet to be proved.

Sources: 

- Puigcerver, M., Vinyoles, D.& Rodriguez-Teijeiro, J. D. 2007. Restocking with Japanese quail Do hybrids affect the native population of common quail coturnix Cotunix? Biological Conservation 136:628-635. 

- Rodriguez-Teijeiro, J. D. & Puigcerver, M. 2006. Study of the degree of hybridization between Common Quail and Japanese quail in Catalonia. Report. Universitat de Barcelona and Generalitat de Catalunya. 

- Carrascal, L. M. & Palomino, D. 2008. Common birds breeding in Spain. Population in 2004-2006. SEO / BirdLife. Madrid

Chinese Quail (Coturnix chinensus). Male and female. Taken from Avikultura. 

The Chinese quail (Coturnix chinensis) is a common galliforme in South Asia, Sunda Islands, and Australia. Their easy breeding and obvious attraction makes them relatively common as an ornamental bird. A male of this species has was found ran over on July 12, 2012 on the A-5, near the Parque Natural de Cornalvo (Badajoz). Jesus Manuel Crespo, sent some photos to the Rarities Committee SEO/BirdLife. As is not an uncommon bird and did not arrive here by natural means, the description was sent to the Exotic Bird Group (GAE), which then came to our notice. It is probably an escapee, although the date it was found could mean it was released for hunting.

 Chinese Quail (Coturnix chinensus). Male hit in Cornalvo, Badajoz (Jesus Maria Crespo) 

Unfortunately, this observation shows the risks arising from the introduction of exotic species. One of the biggest causes of extinction in recent times. Perhaps the Chinese quail is not among the most dangerous compared with the the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Another species of eastern Asia itself much like our Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) and long considered a mere subspecies of this. Indeed, easily hybridized in captivity, it is then difficult to identify resulting hybrids (the song is slightly different) and genetic testing must be resorted to. Quail hunting is common in Extremadura, but the extent of the introduction of the Japanese quail and their hybrids is totally unknown . However, studies by Manuel Puigcerver's team between 1999 and 2005 detected that 4.4% of quails analyzed in Catalonia were hybrids (but if specimens are considered doubtful, the percentage then rises to 15%).

 Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Taken from here.

The release of Japanese quail for hunting is a recent practice, as studies started in 1983 did not detect hybrids until 1990. Currently all quail farms breed the Japanese quail (there are no Common Quail breeding farms), which are the then released as either pure or hybrids. At some well quoted sites in France, 75% of the quail hunted are Japanese quail. Numbers released in Catalonia are also increasing and official figures quote 2,430 Japanese quail released in 1991 and 153,600 in 2003, 60 times more, in 17 years releases total more than one million. For comparison, the wild Common Quail breeding population in Extremadura is estimated at only 15,600 birds (Carrascal and Palomino, 2008), although in summer many migratory birds arrive from other locations.

In Extremadura is certain releasing takes place from quail farms, but the presence of Japanese quail has not been confirmed and is not on any list. Elswhere it is not know what proportion are natural hybrids, if any. Despite the massive release performed in Spain, France and Italy, it seems that most Japanese quail die, or are hunted, shortly after their release. No study has been carried out to ascertain the proportion of hybrids. It is standard practice to release them in the midseason at the end of the summer and as poultry have lost their migratory instinct, they do not usually survive the winter. But, is has also been found that more Iberian quail are over-wintering and have less tendency to migrate. Maybe hybrids are responsible ... but this has yet to be proved.

Sources: 

- Puigcerver, M., Vinyoles, D.& Rodriguez-Teijeiro, J. D. 2007. Restocking with Japanese quail Do hybrids affect the native population of common quail coturnix Cotunix? Biological Conservation 136:628-635. 

- Rodriguez-Teijeiro, J. D. & Puigcerver, M. 2006. Study of the degree of hybridization between Common Quail and Japanese quail in Catalonia. Report. Universitat de Barcelona and Generalitat de Catalunya. 

- Carrascal, L. M. & Palomino, D. 2008. Common birds breeding in Spain. Population in 2004-2006. SEO / BirdLife. Madrid

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FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES IN EXTREMADURA 2012

The IV Festival of the Cranes will be held this year on Saturday December 1, again at Moheda Alta,Navalvillar de Pela, Badajoz. You can enjoy a day observing nature, with your family or friends, watching the cranes that come from northern Europe and remain here until spring. The final program has no been published yet, but will consist of guided ornithological walks, presentations, folklore and popular food tasting.. For interested parties there are free buses from Cáceres, Badajoz and Meridal to Moheda Alta, returning in the evening.

On Sunday December 2 ADENEX also has, in the same place, the 21st edition of the "Day of the Cranes in Extremadura", starting at 16 h.

More information can be found on the Birding in Extremadura website where the program of activities is published.

The IV Festival of the Cranes will be held this year on Saturday December 1, again at Moheda Alta,Navalvillar de Pela, Badajoz. You can enjoy a day observing nature, with your family or friends, watching the cranes that come from northern Europe and remain here until spring. The final program has no been published yet, but will consist of guided ornithological walks, presentations, folklore and popular food tasting.. For interested parties there are free buses from Cáceres, Badajoz and Meridal to Moheda Alta, returning in the evening.

On Sunday December 2 ADENEX also has, in the same place, the 21st edition of the "Day of the Cranes in Extremadura", starting at 16 h.

More information can be found on the Birding in Extremadura website where the program of activities is published.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad