Real Birder

Spain March 2003 

    The following is a birding trip itinerary and bird list, taking in some of the recognised birding spots of the central plains of Spain, the Pyrenees, and the Picos de Europa, and the birds likely to be encountered.

    The trip was taken in March 2003; it commenced on the 11th and concluded on the 25th. The timing of the trip took into account high mountain species, which would have returned to the high tops with the onset of warmer weather, making them far more difficult to see. A trip at this time of the year will exclude many of the migrant passerines, which pass through Spain during the second half of the month of April.

    The weather was dry and warm for the main with sporadic light showers chiefly at night during the second week.

    Birding sights visited were taken from Gostours Guide, Finding Birds in Northern Spain; and John Muddeman’s, A Birdwatching Guide To Extremadura;

    The Trip format and the itinerary was formulated by David & Amanda Mason, who also took the photos.

    Travel to and from Spain was by Easyjet from Liverpool to Madrid.

    Car hire was from Hertz, booked through Holiday autos. co. uk.

    All hotels were selected and booked through the internet.

    This trip list and itinerary is a guide to others planning a similar trip and also gives a list of the birds which may be encountered.

    A total of 155 species was seen during the trip of which 12 were lifers - Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough, Black Vulture, Black Wheatear, Bar-headed Goose, Black-bellied & Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Dupont’s Lark, Eagle Owl, Lammergeier, Snow Finch and Wallcreeper.

    BIRD LIST

     

    The following pages contain a day by day, site by site list of notable birds seen. The very common birds have not been included in this section.

    Tuesday 11th March (Day 1) Travel from Liverpool to Madrid on Easyjet flight 771, transfer to Hertz rental car and travel to Zaragoza. Overnight Hotel Hesperia Zaragoza.

    Wednesday 12th March (Day 2) Birds seen whilst travelling from Madrid to Zaragoza on the 11th are included in the list for the 12th. Sites visited to-day were Belchite, Sastrago, and Bujaralloz (GOSTOURS PAGE 8 & 9)

         Species             Status       
           Cormorant                          Common at suitable locations
           Night Heron                       1 male in vegetation on bank of Rio Ebro
           Grey Heron                        Common at suitable locations
           White Stork                       Birds encountered at all suitable habitats
           Mallard                              Most common duck of the region
           Black Kite                          Probably the commonest raptor of the region
           Red Kite                            Good numbers encountered most days
           Griffon Vulture                 Birds seen every day of the trip
           Hen Harrier                      1 male between Sastrago and Bujaralloz
           Buzzard                            Common raptor of the region
           S. Imperial Eagle               1 male between Sastrago and Bujaralloz
           Common Kestrel                 A pair of birds at Sastrago
           Merlin                               Single bird at Belchite
           Black-tailed Godwit           Few birds by roadside pools returning to Zaragoza
           Stock Dove                        Small flock seen drinking from river
           Woodpigeon                      Common at all suitable locations
           Kingfisher                         Single bird on Rio Ebro
           Hoopoe                              Only bird encountered 1st week
           Dupont’s Lark                     3 birds singing in flight at recognised Belchite site
           Calandra Lark                    Several birds feeding behind tractor Belchite
           Lesser short-toed Lark       A number of birds at Belchite site
           Thekla Lark                       Common Lark for the area
           Crag Martin                       Few birds at river “cliffs” on Rio Ebro
           Swallow                            Sporadic sightings during 1st week
           House Martin                     Surprising early birds
           Meadow Pipit                     Obvious migration of birds through the region
           White Wagtail                   Very common with birds encountered most days
           Black Redstart                   Birds seen on roof-tops Zaragoza
           Black Wheatear                 Bird seen from cliff over Rio Ebro Sastrago
           Blue Rock Thrush               Pair seen at Sastrago
           Blackcap                            A pair seen from river bridge Rio Ebro
           S. Grey Shrike                   1 bird encountered Bujaralloz
           Magpie                              Common at all suitable Locations
           Chough                              4 birds on pylons near lay-by near Mediana
           Jackdaw                           Common throughout the region
           Carrion Crow                     Most common corvid of the region
           Raven                                Common at all suitable locations
           Spotless Starling               Common all over the region
           House Sparrow                  Common all over the region
           Greenfinch                        Birds seen from river bridge Rio Ebro
           Goldfinch                          As with Greenfinch
           Serin                                 2 males seen from river bridge Rio Ebro
           Linnet                                Small flock seen from Belchite car-park
           Cirl Bunting                       A singing male from river bridge Rio Ebro
           Corn Bunting                      Common at all suitable locations

    Thursday 13th March (Day3) Travel Zaragoza to Huesca in the Spanish Pyrenees. Overnight at Hotel Pedro I de Aragon 13th, 14th, and 15th. Site visited on Thursday 13th Vadiello Dam

         Species             Status
               Cormorant                          2 birds feeding on reservoir
               Cattle Egret                       Small numbers encountered at Loporzano
               Grey Heron                        1 bird at Reservoir
               White Stork                       Many birds seen en-route to Huesca
               Mallard                             A pair of birds flying over reservoir
               Black Kite                          Birds seen en-route to Huesca
               Lammergeier                      1 bird flying west over Vadiello reservoir
               Egyptian Vulture                4 to 5 pairs flying above Vadiello
               Griffon Vulture                 70> birds both flying and roosting Vadiello
               Common Buzzard                Birds both en-route and at Loporzano
               Golden Eagle                     1 immature bird Loporzano
               Common Kestrel                 Birds encountered at all suitable locations
               Moorhen                           Seen en-route to Huesca
               Coot                                 As Moorhen
               Rock Dove                         Small flock above Vadiello dam 
               Crag Martin                      Good numbers at Vadiello
               White Wagtail                   Birds common at all suitable locations
               Wren                                Birds feeding young at Vadiello
               Black Redstart                  Common bird for the region
               Blackcap                           2 females, 1 male in bushes Vadiello
               Chiffchaff                       Several birds observed singing
               Long-tailed Tit                  A pair seen between Vadiello and Loporzano
               Blue Tit                             Birds seen around dam Vadiello
               Raven                                Not uncommon at suitable sites
               Spotless Starling               Very common throughout region
               House Sparrow                  Common everywhere
               Serin                                2 males between Vadiello and Loporzano
               Cirl Bunting                       Single male between Vadiello and Loporzano
               Corn Bunting                      Very common throughout region

     

    Friday 14th March (Day 4) Sites visited were Riglos, Hecho Valley, Binies Gorge, Monasterio de San Juan. (GOSTOURS PAGES 2 & 3)

    
             Species             Status
    
               Grey Heron                         Common at all suitable sites
               White Stork                        Several birds seen between sites.
               Black Kite                           Several birds seen around the Monasterio
               Red Kite                              2 birds at the Hecho Valley
               Griffon Vulture                   Possibly 100> birds at Riglos, 50> Binies Gorge
               Egyptian Vulture                 Several birds at Riglos
               Short-toed Eagle                 1 bird between Riglos and Hecho valley
               Common Buzzard                 The commonest raptor of the region
               Common Kestrel                   Birds common at all suitable locations
               Merlin                                 1 Female observed near Hecho
               Rock Dove                           Several birds at Riglos
               Great Spotted Woodpecker 2/3 birds at the Monasterio
               Crag Martin                        Birds encountered at all the above sites
               Grey Wagtail                      First of only 2 sightings for trip, bird seen in the Hecho Valley
               White Wagtail                    Common at all suitable locations
               Black Redstart                   Several birds seen in Riglos village
               Stonechat                          2 males seen on approach road to Riglos
               Blue Rock Thrush               A male singing in the quarry at Riglos
               Blackbird                          Common at suitable locations
               Mistle Thrush                    A pair seen at Riglos
               Blackcap                            2 birds seen at the Monasterio, last birds for the trip
               Chiffchaff                        A bird seen calling in the trees adjacent to the Monasterio
               Firecrest                           Birds observed in the conifers at Riglos and the Monasterio
               Coal Tit                             A singleton observed singing in the conifers at the Monasterio
               Blue Tit                             The commonest Tit of the Region
               Great Tit                           The second most common Tit
               Long-tailed                        Tit Small flocks at the Monasterio
               Nuthatch                           2 birds at the Monasterio
               Spotless Starling               Very common bird of the region
               House Sparrow                  Very common everywhere
               Chaffinch                          Odd birds at suitable locations
               Serin                                 Small flock at Riglos Car-park
               Cirl Bunting                       Male observed singing at Riglos Car-park
               Corn Bunting                      Very common throughout region

     

    Saturday 15th March (Day 5) Sites visited were Vadiello Dam, Sarinena Lagoon, Piraces.

         Species             Status
               Little Grebe                         Several birds were evident at the Sarinena lagoon
               Great Crested Grebe            20> birds at the Sarinena lagoon
               Black-necked Grebe             1 bird Sarinena Lagoon
               Cattle Egret                         Several birds near education centre Sarinena lagoon
               Grey Heron                          2 birds Sarinena lagoon
               White Stork                         Several birds seen between sites
               Widgeon                              Small numbers Sarinena lagoon
               Gadwall                               Approximately 4 pairs Sarinena lagoon
               Teal                                     Probably a dozen or so birds Sarinena lagoon
               Mallard                                The commonest duck on the lagoon
               Garganey                              1 male Sarinena lagoon
               Shoveler                               30> birds Sarinena lagoon
               Black Kite                             Many birds seen both at Vadiello and between sites
               Red Kite                               Several birds seen between sites
               Griffon Vulture                    50> birds at Vadiello
               Marsh Harrier                      1 female flew across Sarinena lagoon
               Hen Harrier                         1 male over fields between Sarinena and Piraces
               Common Buzzard                  The commonest raptor of the region
               Bonelli’s Eagle                      Single bird at Vadiello
               Common Kestrel                    Birds common at all suitable locations
               Red-legged Partridge           Several birds seen whilst travelling between sites
               Black-winged Stilt                1 pair seen, 1st of many that breed at the lagoon
               Lapwing                               Small number at Sarinena lagoon
               Green Sandpiper                  1 bird encountered Sarinena lagoon
               Black-headed Gull                Many hundreds using lagoons for roosting and preening
               Yellow-legged Gull               Several birds seen with Black-headed Gulls
               Crested Lark                        Several birds at Sarinena
               Crag Martin                          Small colony nesting at the Vadiello Dam
               Swallow                               Obvious migration with many hundreds over Sarinena lagoon
               Sand Martin                         Birds observed with the Swallows
               Meadow Pipit                       Small flock feeding at Sarinena
               Yellow Wagtail (Iberiae)      Single bird at Sarinena
               White Wagtail                      Common at all suitable locations
               Black Redstart                      Birds common at suitable locations
               Stonechat                             Several birds encountered between sites
               Black Wheatear                    1 bird observed between Sarinena and Piraces
               Blue Rock Thrush                 Singing male Vadiello Dam
               Song Thrush                         The only bird of the trip encountered Sarinena lagoon
               Fan-tailed Warbler               First bird of the trip, display flying, Sarinena lagoon
               Chiffchaff                           Several birds at Sarinena lagoon
               Wallcreeper                         Bird seen on tunnel face Vadiello dam
               Tree Sparrow                      Small colony Sarinena lagoon
               Rock Sparrow                      A pair in the rocks behind Piraces village
               Serin                                   20> birds in the bushes Sarinena lagoon
               Goldfinch                            30> birds with Serin
               Reed Bunting                       Many birds engaged in unusual display flight Sarinena lagoon
               Corn Bunting                        Common at suitable locations

     

    Sunday 16th March (Day 6) Leave Spanish Pyrenees and travel from Huesca to Potes in Picos de Europa. Overnight Parador, Fuente De 16th, 17th, 18th. Site visited en route was the estuary of San Vicente. (GOSTOURS PAGES 32 & 33)

    
             Species             Status
               Cormorant                           Birds on the estuary at San Vicente
               Little Egret                         20> birds loafing on sand bar San Vicente estuary
               Grey Heron                         Common at all suitable sites
               White Stork                        Birds encountered en route to Potes.
               Black Kite                           Many birds seen en route.
               Red Kite                             Several birds seen en route.
               Egyptian Vulture                 Several birds around San Vicente hills.
               Griffon Vulture                  Several birds off motorway between Huesca and Zaragoza
               Common Buzzard                 Several seen en route.
               Common Kestrel                   Birds common at suitable locations.
               Ringed Plover                      Small number seen in mixed flock of waders San Vicente estuary.
               Kentish Plover                     12 in same mixed flock as above
               Dunlin                                 10 birds with Ringed and Kentish Plovers
               Common Sandpiper              4 birds San Vicente estuary
               Black-headed Gull               Birds present at San Vicente estuary
               Yellow-legged Gull              Small number present San Vicente estuary
               Sandwich Tern                   A singleton flying across San Vicente estuary
               Swallow                             Active migration with birds heading north.
               White Wagtail                    Common at all suitable locations
               Robin                                  4 birds Fuente de car-park
               Black Redstart                    Birds feeding young in nest at the hotel (Parador)
               Spotless Starling                Very common bird of the region
               Chaffinch                           2 birds present on car-park at rear of the hotel
               Rock Bunting                      At least 6 pairs around hotel and cable car area
               Corn Bunting                      Several birds in suitable locations
               
               

    Monday 17th March (Day 7) Sites visited Top of Fuente De by Cable car and Pido (GOSTOURS PAGES 34 & 35)

    
             Species             Status
    
               Griffon Vulture                   Several birds seen from the top of Fuente De.
               Common Buzzard                  Singleton seen Pido
               Booted Eagle                       Single bird (dark form) Pido
               Hobby                                 Male seen Pido
               Crag Martin                         10> birds hawking around Parador
               Grey Wagtail                       2 birds on stream adjacent to Parador
               Firecrest                             Several birds in pines base of cable car
               Coal Tit                               Birds in car-park rear of Parador
               Blue Tit                               Birds in pines base of cable car
               Great Tit                             Several birds in bushes Pido
               Magpie                                Several pairs around the hotel
               Alpine Chough                      8> birds around cable car top of Fuente De
               Chough                                Birds seen in fields at base of cable car
               Snow Finch                         1 Male seen flying across massif
               Alpine Accentor                  2 very obliging birds feeding between our feet, top of Fuente De
               Chaffinch                           12> birds in fields Pido
               Yellowhammer                     Flock feeding on silage heap Pido
               Rock Bunting                       At least 6 pairs around hotel and cable car area
               


    Tuesday 18th March (Day 8) Sites visited Panes, San Glorio Pass, Riano Reservoir
    (GOSTOURS PAGES 34 & 35)

    
             Species             Status
               Great-crested Grebe           Several birds present on Riano reservoir
               Cormorant                           6> birds Riano reservoir
               Black Kite                           Several birds encountered between sites
               Griffon Vulture                   50> at San Glorio mirador
               Short-toed Eagle                 A pair of birds display flying
               Sparrowhawk                      1 bird mobbing Short-toed Eagle
               Common Buzzard                  Birds common throughout region
               Common Kestrel                    Birds common at suitable locations
               Yellow-legged Gull              Small raft of birds Riano reservoir
               Crag Martin                         Small number San Glorio mirador
               Grey Wagtail                       Few birds by stream at Riano
               Dipper                                 Single bird at Riano
               Dunnock                              Only bird of the trip seen in bushes Riano reservoir
               Robin                                  Birds seen with Dunnock 
               Black Redstart                    Common at all suitable locations
               Stonechat                           Odd birds seen most suitable locations
               Blue Tit                              Sporadic sightings during day
               Great Tit                            Commonplace at suitable locations
               Jay                                    2 birds at Parador
               Chough                               Common around San Glorio
               Raven                                 Common at suitable locations
               Chaffinch                          Several birds feeding around Parador
               Serin                                 Several birds seen during the day
               Bullfinch                            1 male and 2 females San Glorio
               Rock Bunting                      At least 6 pairs around hotel and cable car area


    Wednesday 19th March
    (Day 9) Leave Picos De Europa and travel from Potes to Benavente. Overnight Parador Benavente 19th March. Sites visited Villafafila Lagoons and Plains

     
             Species             Status
               Little Grebe                        Several birds at Villafafila lagoons
               Great-crested Grebe           20> birds at lagoons
               Cormorant                           Small number at lagoons and visitor centre pools
               Cattle Egret                        Several small flocks seen en-route to Benavente
               Little Egret                         50> birds loafing at Villafafila lagoons
               White Stork                        Many birds seen feeding in fields en-route to Benavente
               White-fronted goose           3 birds near visitor centre Villafafila
               Greylag Goose                     40> birds Visitor centre Villafafila
               Bar-headed Goose               3 birds at visitor centre 1 feral, 2 wild
               Ruddy Shelduck                  2 birds at visitor centre Villafafila
               Shelduck                             4 birds at visitor centre Villafafila
               Widgeon                             Small number at Villafafila lagoons
               Gadwall                               4 pairs at visitor centre Villafafila
               Teal                                     Birds present Villafafila lagoons
               Pintail                                  10> pairs Villafafila lagoons
               Shoveler                              Good numbers of birds on the lagoons at Villafafila
               Pochard                               Small number at visitor centre Villafafila
               Tufted Duck                        Small number at visitor centre Villafafila
               Black Kite                            Birds encountered en-route
               Red Kite                               Few birds encountered en-route
               Marsh Harrier                      A pair seen at Villafafila lagoons
               Montagu’s Harrier                2 males seen en-route near Benavente
               Sparrowhawk                       Single bird seen en-route
               Common Buzzard                   Common throughout the area
               Imperial Eagle (Sp)              A mature bird seen en-route
               Great Bustard                      Flocks up to 50> seen on plains around Villafafila
               Avocet                                 100> birds Villafafila lagoons 
               Lapwing                               20> at Villafafila lagoons
               Ringed Plover                       Bird at Villafafila lagoons
               Ruff                                    Small number present Villafafila lagoons
               Black-tailed Godwit             Several birds at Villafafila
               Curlew                                 Fair numbers present Villafafila lagoons
               Common Redshank                Single bird at Villafafila
               Collared Dove                       Very common throughout the region
               Little Owl                             2 birds on rocks near Villafafila
               Crested Lark                         Birds common at suitable locations
               Skylark                                 Several on plains around Villafafila
               White Wagtail                       Common at suitable locations
               Stonechat                             Odd birds seen en-route
               Northern Wheatear               1st bird of the trip Villafafila
               Great Grey Shrike                 Several birds throughout the day
               Jay                                       Single bird at Fuente De
               Fan-tailed Warbler               Several birds display flying on plains around Villafafila
               Rock Bunting                         Birds seen en-route
               Corn Bunting                         Birds seen en-route


    Thursday 20th March (Day10) travel Benavente to Trujillo. Overnight Parador Trujillo 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd.
    Site visited en-route Parque Natural De Monfrague (Pena Falcon) (GOSTOURS PAGES 29 & 30)

    
             Species              Status
               Cormorant                             Several on river at Pena Falcon
               Cattle Egret                           Flock of c15 seen en-route
               Black Stork                           3 birds encountered flying around the massif Pena Falcon
               White Stork                          Many birds seen en-route to Trujillo.
               Black Kite                             Many birds encountered in Monfrague
               Red Kite                                Smaller numbers than Black Kite but still good numbers
               Egyptian Vulture                    Several pairs seen around Pena Falcon
               Griffon Vulture                     100> birds seen throughout Monfrague
               Black Vulture                         2 birds flying around the massif Pena Falcon
               Short-toed Eagle                   Single bird Monfrague
               Bonelli’s Eagle                       2 birds on the road to Embalse de Torrejon
               Common Kestrel                     Very common at all suitable locations
               Peregrine                              Only sighting of the trip at Pena Falcon massif
               Crested Lark                         Several birds at Embalse de Torrejon
               Crag Martin                           Large colony Pena Falcon massif
               Swallow                                Fair numbers around the massif at Pena Falcon
               Red-rumped Swallow             Several birds flying with Eurasian Swallows
               House Martin                        Several with Swallows
               Blue-rock Thrush                  A single male singing Pena Falcon
               Woodchat Shrike                  First bird of the trip seen from road en-route to Villareal
               Azure-winged Magpie           Several birds seen en-route to Trujillo
               Serin                                    Relatively common in Monfrague 
               Linnet                                   Several birds at Pena Falcon
               Rock Bunting                         Single male Pena Falcon
               Corn Bunting                         Common around Trujillo


    Friday 21st March (Day 11) Sites Visited Santa Marta De Magasca and Monroy
    (GOSTOURS PAGES 26 & 27)

         Species              Status
               Cattle Egret                          Several birds seen en-route
               Grey Heron                           Common at all suitable locations
               Honey Buzzard                     A single bird flying over the Santa Marta De Magasca
               Black Kite                             Many birds encountered between sites
               Red Kite                                Several birds seen around kill Santa Marta De Magasca
               Griffon Vulture                     5 birds around kill with several circling Santa Marta De Magasca
               Black Vulture                         4 birds at same kill as Griffon Vultures
               Booted Eagle                         Single bird on road to Monroy
               Marsh Harrier                       Single female encountered on road to Monroy
               Montagu’s Harrier                  Several birds of both sexes using Santa Marta De Magasca roost
               Common Buzzard                    Almost every pylon had a roosting bird
               Golden Eagle                          2nd bird of the trip road to Monroy
               Lesser Kestrel                        A few birds hawking around town square Trujillo
               Common Kestrel                      Common at all suitable locations
               Red-legged Partridge             Several birds seen en-route
               Little Bustard                        20c birds seen from farm track Santa Marta De Magasca
               Great Bustard                        8c birds in fields adjacent to Santa Marta De Magasca
               Black-winged Stilt                 A pair using Santa Marta De Magasca pool as roost
               Stone Curlew                         3 birds in fields adjacent to Santa Marta De Magasca
               Lapwing                                 20> birds in fields adjacent to Santa Marta De Magasca
               Pin-tailed Sandgrouse            20c birds in fields adjacent to Santa Marta De Magasca
               Black-bellied Sandgrouse       30c birds in fly past
               Great Spotted Cuckoo            3 birds on fence Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Cuckoo                                  Singleton in Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Pallid Swift                           Small colony in town square Trujillo
               Alpine Swift                          Several birds around river bridge Rio Almonte
               Hoopoe                                  Single bird from Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Calandra Lark                        5> birds Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Thekla Lark                            Common in the area
               Woodlark                               Several birds encountered in Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca            
               Crag Martin                            Colony nesting under river bridge Rio Almonte
               Swallow                                 Birds collecting mud on the banks of Rio Almonte
               House Martin                          Collecting mud with the Swallows
               Northern Wheatear                 Single bird seen from road to Monroy
               Mistle Thrush                          2 Birds La Encinilla
               Great Grey Shrike                   A bird in Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Azure-winged Magpie              Many birds in Cork Oaks & Olive groves
               


    Saturday 22nd March (Day 12) Sites Visited Trujillo, Zorita, Madrigalejo, Santa Marta De Magasca track, Monfrague.
    (Muddeman Bird-watching Guide to Extremadura Page 78)

             Species               Status
               Little Grebe                             Several birds were present on the Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Great Crested Grebe                Good numbers over-wintering Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Cattle Egret                             Many birds seen en-route to sites
               Little Egret                              Small flocks encountered en-route to sites
               Grey Heron                              Common at suitable locations
               Black Stork                              2 birds Monfrague
               White Stork                             Birds abundant both in fields and nest sites
               Gadwall                                   Few at Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Shoveler                                  Possibly the most abundant duck Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir            
               Pochard                                   Small number present Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Tufted Duck                            Birds present Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Black Kite                                Large numbers using Santa Marta De Magasca as roost site
               Red Kite                                  Good numbers using Santa Marta De Magasca as roost site
               Griffon Vulture                       Birds seen around Santa Marta De Magasca
               Marsh Harrier                         1 bird using Santa Marta De Magasca roost
               Montagu’s Harrier                   Large concentration of birds using Santa Marta de Magasca roost
               Common Buzzard                     Many birds using Santa Marta De Magasca roost site
               Lesser Kestrel                         20> birds hawking around Trujillo town square
               Common Kestrel                       Birds common all locations
               Peregrine                                Single bird Monfrague
               Red-legged Partridge              Small numbers encountered especially Santa Marta De Magasca
               Little Bustard                          Flocks 12> seen from the road to Santa Marta De Magasca
               Great Bustard                         5 birds seen from Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Black-winged Stilt                  A pair using the pond at Santa Marta De Magasca track as roost site
               Lapwing                                  20> birds in fields adjacent to Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Black-headed Gull                   500> birds present Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Black-bellied Sandgrouse        2 birds flew passed Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Little Owl                                Two pairs of birds on rocks on Zorita road
               Eagle Owl                                Adult at recognised site in Monfrague
               Hoopoe                                    2 birds in Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca
               Calandra Lark                          Several birds on Santa Marta De Magasca track 
               Crested Lark                            Good Numbers encountered in the plains 
               Red-rumped Swallow                Birds seen on wires in Trujillo
               Tawny Pipit                              2 birds at Madrigalejo
               Meadow Pipit                           Obvious fall with many birds encountered
               Blue Rock Thrush                      Several birds in Monfrague
               Cetti’s Warbler                         1 in Madrigalejo after previously hearing several
               Mistle Thrush                            2nd sighting during trip
               Fan-tailed Warbler                   Several birds encountered during the day
               Sardinian Warbler                    Although several birds heard, first bird actually seen
               Willow Warbler                        Several birds in scrub at Embalse de Sierra Brava Reservoir
               Great Grey Shrike                    Singleton in Cork Oaks at Santa Marta De Magasca
               Woodchat Shrike                      1 at Santa Marta De Magasca
               Azure-winged Magpie               Good numbers in the Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca
               Spanish Sparrow                      30> birds on the road to Santa Marta De Magasca
               Red Avadavat                            4> birds at Madrigalejo only sighting of trip
               Serin                                        Fair numbers in Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca
               Rock Bunting                             Pair in Monfrague
               Corn Bunting                             Several seen en-route
    
    

    Sunday 23rd March (Day13) Sites visited Santa Marta De Magasca various sites south of Caceres. (GOSTOURS PAGES 20 & 21)

         Species                Status
               Great Crested Grebe                 Several birds present Valdesalor Reservoir
               Cattle Egret                               Small flocks seen en-route to sites
               Little Egret                                Birds present Valdesalor Reservoir
               White Stork                               Very common throughout the region
               Mallard                                      Good numbers on the lake near Montijo
               Red-crested Pochard                  11 birds seen landing on lake near Montijo
               Black-shouldered Kite                3 adult birds seen in same tree Le Roca De la Sierra to Montijo road
               Black Kite                                  Numerous sightings throughout the day
               Red Kite                                    Same status as Black Kite with 50% reduction in numbers
               Black Vulture                             4 birds on Aliseda road
               Montagu’s Harrier                      Several birds of both sexes Santa Marta De Magasca roost
               Common Buzzard                        Birds seen during the day especially at Santa Marta De Magasca 
               Lesser Kestrel                            Noticeable increase, especially in Trujillo 50>birds
               Common Kestrel                          Birds common at all suitable sites
               Red-legged Partridge                 A few birds seen at suitable locations
               Little Bustard                             15> birds at Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Great Bustard                            3 birds Santa Marta De Magasca track plus several flying in area
               Black-winged Stilt                     3 birds Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Stone Curlew                             Single bird Santa Marta De Magasca
               Lapwing                                     20> birds seen on adjacent land Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Green Sandpiper                        Singleton on river near Trujillo
               Black-bellied Sandgrouse           Small flock feeding on adjacent land Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Pallid Swift                                Small colony on buildings Trujillo
               Hoopoe                                       2 birds in Cork Oaks at Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Greater-spotted Woodpecker      2 birds in olive grove Aliseda road
               Calandra Lark                             4 birds present Santa Marta De Magasca track 
               Crested Lark                               Fair numbers Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Woodlark                                    Good numbers in Cork Oaks Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Swallow                                      Obvious migration with several hundred passing through
               Meadow Pipit                              20> birds Santa Marta De Magasca track
               Stonechat                                   Small numbers at suitable locations
               Mistle Thrush                              Occasional birds en-route
               Cetti’s Warbler                           Single bird at lake near Montijo
               Willow Warbler                          Several birds seen en-route
               Fan-tailed Warbler                     A bird display flying on land adjacent to lake near Montijo 
               Nuthatch                                     Single bird on Aliseda road
               Great Grey Shrike                       Occasional birds seen en-route
               Jay                                             Birds seen on Aliseda road
               Corn Bunting                               Common in appropriate locations
               Woodchat Shrike                         2 birds in Cork Oaks at Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Azure-winged Magpie                  Many birds in Cork Oaks at Santa Marta De Magasca road
               Spanish Sparrow                         Colonies in the Storks’ nests around Trujillo
               Linnet                                         Several birds at suitable sites


    Day 14 was taken up in travelling to Madrid, finding accommodation and seeing the sights of Madrid.

    Day 15 return to Liverpool by Easyjet.

     

    Memorable Moments

    Below are short notes identifying a few of the many memorable moments of the trip, both avian and none-avian.

    Our 4hr drive from Madrid to Zaragoza and then our 2hr drive around Zaragoza totally lost in the dark, jumping red lights going up one-way streets the wrong way. Trying to understand instructions given in pidgin English, and then finally abandoning the vehicles and finding the hotel on foot.

    3 Dupont’s Larks display flying and singing at mid-day in bright sunlight, totally contrary to the popular myth that they only sing at first & last light. (Belchite).

    A pair of Alpine Accentors, totally ignoring our presence, whilst they fed on microscopic food around our feet. (Picos de Europa).

    Dozens upon dozens of Griffon Vultures, gliding less than 15 metres above our heads, whilst we picnicked at the mirador on the San Glorio Pass. (Picos de Europa).

    A scene that could come from the African savannah, with Black Vultures feeding on a carcass whilst Griffon Vultures, Black Kites and Magpies await their turn. (Extremadura).

    2 Greater Spotted Cuckoos pair bond feeding on a fence, several feet from our vehicle. (Extremadura).

    Super views of 3 Black-shouldered Kites sat in the top of a tree. (Extremadura).

     

    David and Amanda Mason

    (With thanks to Pat and Judy Hayes)


 
 
 
©2004 Real Birder HomePhotosTrip ReportsLinksContact Us