Fuente de Piedra 24/03/25

Monday 24th March 2025 🌤️ 17C ~ S @7MPH ~ Today was my final day out with Barbara and Derek Etherton before I return home on Thursday. Our plan was to visit Cuevas Bajas, which is situated in a valley where Málaga overlooks the Genil River. This town is located on the northern edge of the Antequera region along the Genil River. From there, we would head on to Fuente de Piedra.

After having breakfast in Cuevas Bajas, we headed just north of the town along the Río Genil and stopped at a local picnic area that overlooks a small lake. This is a new site for me. Our target bird was Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, a rarity in Andalusia and a species I have only seen in northern Spain. Remarkably, it wasn't too difficult to find; as we stepped out of the vehicle, the bird was calling from a nearby tree!

Lesser-spotted Woodpecker - Derek's photo, as I failed miserably to get a decent image. 

After quickly locating the bird, it flew out over our heads and into the nearby woodland. Throughout our stay, two birds were constantly drumming, and we eventually got excellent views from the original tree a while later. 

Western Swamp Hen - Not the best views I've ever had.

After locating our target species so quickly, we settled in and spent an enjoyable ninety minutes observing and recording thirty-six species. One of the highlights for me, as I haven't recorded one for some time, was catching a brief glimpse of a Western Swamphen building its nest. There was quite a bit of activity overhead too, with three Marsh Harriers, three Booted Eagles, three Black Kites, a Red Kite, and a Common Buzzard.

Booted Eagle

A couple of notable year-firsts included two singing Nightingales and a small passage of Bee-eaters. Additionally, there was a group of fifteen Common Waxbills and two Iberian Magpies. Along with these, we also recorded Serin, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Short-toed Treecreeper, and Cetti's Warbler.

Common Waxbill

Fuente de Piedra was bustling with activity as soon as we entered the access road. We practically abandoned the car at the Cello del Paro Lagoon, which still had a good amount of water. Here, we observed a variety of birds, including a single Black-tailed Godwit, a pair of Red-crested Pochards, fifteen Avocets, a Spotted Redshank, four Common Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt and a Black-necked Grebe in summer plumage.

Female Red-crested Pochard - one of four seen today.

However, the most exciting sightings were overhead. I spotted my first Gull-billed Terns of the year, along with numerous Common Swifts, Pallid Swift, Barn Swallows, Sand Martins, House Martins, and two Red-rumped Swallows.

Gull-billed Tern over the Cello del Paro Lagoon

We were also treated to a couple of surprises. An Alpine Swift made several passes overhead, closely followed by a Collared Pratincole, which stayed for our entire visit, taking a rest in a ploughed field before putting on a fantastic aerobatic display.

Collared Pratincole - Performing aerobatics over the lagoon.

Alpine Swift - A large unmistakable Swift & unusual to see at ground level.

On the opposite side of the road, there was a great selection of Western Yellow Wagtails with 'thunbergi', 'flavissima' and 'ibereiae' noted. In the immediate area, we recorded thirteen birds. 

Western Yellow Wagtail 'Flavissima'

In total, we recorded a generous count of fifty-nine species. A couple of Lesser Flamingos, which I saw during my last visit, were still on site among the many Greater Flamingos, and apparently, they have been seen mating. 

After finally getting the car parked, we explored the rest of the reserve, which included a visit to the Laguneta Hide. Observations included two Snipe, a Ruff, fourteen White-headed Ducks, nine Marbled Ducks, six Black-necked Grebes, a Red Kite, two Black Kites, three Woodchat Shrikes, and a Western Marsh Harrier. In total fifty-nine species.

White-headed Duck

The drive to Laguna Dulce, our final stop of the day, produced Lesser Kestrel and Black-winged Kite, and a brief stop at Dulce increased the day count with Whiskered Tern and Great Crested Grebe. As ever a terrific days birding with great company.

Coin 20/03/25

Thursday 20th March 2025 🌤️ 14C ~ W @ 7MPH ~ Today, I stayed close to home and explored the scrubland of Coín, a small town located inland from the Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas mountains. Coín is known as the "town of the fountains" because of its abundant spring water. It is situated in the Valle del Guadalhorce and is sometimes referred to as the "town of three hundred orchards."I came across this area after the 2022 wildfire destroyed my favourite local walk at Mijas Quarry.

Sierra de Mijas

It was truly an enjoyable few hours in the sunshine uninterrupted by showers, which has been rare during this visit to Spain. This location is excellent for spotting Dartford Warblers, especially during the spring when they are often quite vocal and easily spotted, typically perched at the tops of gorse while singing.

As expected it wasn't long before a Dartford Warbler appeared. 

With the sun shining and a bit of warmth, several butterflies were flying. The first species I spotted was one of my favourites, the Spanish Festoon. Apart from the south of France, in Europe this colourful butterfly is confined to Spain and Portugal; its southern range extends well into the northern countries of Africa and its preferred habitat is scrubby grassland and woodland clearings which is why this area is perfect. 

Spanish Festoon - A favourite of mine.

Along the treeline, I could hear a Short-toed Treecreeper calling and managed a few brief views before it quickly departed. As is the norm here in the local forests I could hear Crested Tits calling most of the time and after a brief wait, two appeared feeding towards the top of the pines. A difficult bird to photograph as they never stop moving for long. 

A Crested Tit feeding in among the pine trees.

More Butterflies on the wing with a few Provence Orange Tips, previously known as Moroccan Orange Tips, plus Small White, Large White and Clouded Yellow. 

Clouded Yellow

Provence Orange Tip on Wild Raddish. 

Asphodel

Some lovely plants to be found too at this time of year and those that took my eye included Barbary-Nut, Wild Radish and lots of Asphodels.

Barbary-Nut

I left the treeline and ventured deeper into the scrub. A couple of Stonechats were aware of my presence, constantly calling, while a Corn Bunting happily sang nearby. A few Crested Larks flew by, and then a Northern Wheatear appeared from the ground, sitting and watching me for a while. A few Sardinian Warblers were skulking through the undergrowth and I came across a small area of water where seven Meadow Pipits were bathing. A single Common Crossbill then appeared, perching up for a short while and then dropping down for a wash.

Common Crossbill - Ready for a wash-off.

I was surprised not to see any raptors during my visit, especially since Short-toed Eagles have been a regular sight for me over the villa this week. The highlights passing overhead included a Raven, five Common Swifts, and three House Martins. Twenty-four bird species were recorded during my walk.

Bustards & Cuckoos 19/03/25

Wednesday 19th March 2025 🌤️ 13C ~ NW @ 8MPH ~ One of the highlights of my visits to Spain is spending time with my friends Derek and Barbara Etherton, whom I've known for nearly 10 years. Today, we took a drive to Huétor Tájar, a municipality and town located in the province of Granada.

The landscape consists primarily of farmland growing asparagus, corn, and tomatoes, and it offers many dirt tracks for exploration. As expected, the drive included several stops to observe various sights. Our first notable sighting was a smart-looking Western Yellow Wagtail, and we ended up seeing at least five of them during our drive.

Western Yellow Wagtail - One of five today.

A Northern Wheatear next perched up on one of the crop spikes and at every stop we seemed to hear Corn Buntings. Zitting Cisticolas were also noisily calling overhead and below in the odd water ditch Cetti's Warbler could be heard. It was a good day too for Woodchat Shrike with five seen around the area.

Woodchat Shrike - five seen today.

Over the fields, we noted a couple of Crag Martins, plus Barn Swallows and House Martins and our next stop was to photograph a very confiding Hoopoe. Crested Larks were abundant in the area, with additional sightings including a Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sardinian Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Serin, and twenty-three Skylarks.

Hoopoe

We arrived at a well-known area for observing Little Bustards. Before focusing on finding them, we took a moment to watch a pair of Black-winged Kites. This location is known for nesting, and it was evident that spring was in the air! Our search for the Bustards wasn't going well, but just as we were about to leave, we spotted a pair that had just emerged from the undergrowth into an open area.

Male Little Bustard in breeding plumage.

I ended up experiencing some of the best views I've ever had of the Little Bustard, and we recorded a total of six sightings. At one point, two males engaged in a brief battle, which also benefited us as they startled a rather surprised Stone Curlew. After all the excitement we paused for a while before moving on, only to be surprised by a calling Quail just below us. 

A surprised-looking Stone Curlew - But then again how can you tell 😉

A short drive further north our next stop was El Temple, which is the countryside located between Granada city and Loja. This area features a mix of arable fields and woodlands, including olive groves and almond plantations. It is particularly notable for its asparagus and garlic production, especially the former. 

Our lunch break looking over towards Sierras Navada.

As we entered the tracks, I noted that there were many Magpies in the area. Derek told me that this location is ideal for Great Spotted Cuckoos. While I was aware that Common Cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of Meadow Pipits or Dunnocks, I learned that Great Spotted Cuckoos specifically prefer magpies as their hosts for brood parasitism. It's true what they say: you learn something new every day!

Pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos with the female firmly grasping a hairy caterpillar. 

He wasn't wrong; unbelievably, we recorded no less than fourteen birds in an area of around 2 km. It was the most that Derek had ever seen. At one stop, a pair of birds entertained us by gorging on caterpillars right next to the car! They primarily eat hairy or spiny caterpillars, which are unpalatable to most other bird species. We witnessed them removing the hairs from the caterpillars by beating them against the ground or the branch of a tree before eating them. 

Pair of Great Spotted Cuckoo.

Our final stop on route home was Contraembalse de los Bermejales and here our only wader was a single Common Sandpiper. On the water Little Grebe, Coot and Moorhen but we did note Short-toed Eagle, dark phase Bootle Eagle and five Western Marsh Harriers to end a superb day out and my thanks to Barbara and Derek for driving. 

Woodchat Shrike

Little Bustard

Sierra Mijas 16/03/25

Sunday 16th March 2025 🌦️ 13C ~ NW @ 14MPH ~ Hard to believe I'm in southern Spain as today brought more heavy showers, but the weather cleared up enough for a quick drive up to Canternos los Arenales, which is just about 15 minutes from the villa. Regular blog readers will remember that this area was devastated by a wildfire in July 2022 - refer to my blog post for more details. HERE 

The Quarry above Mijas

Fortunately, the parking area and surrounding quarry remained intact, allowing me to enjoy a pleasant walk while dodging the occasional shower. 

Rock Bunting

I'd only been out of the car a few minutes when a couple of Rock Buntings appeared. I watched them for a while and grabbed a few images before they moved on. I searched the area for Black Wheatear. This was my 'go-to' area for the species, and I used to find them with impunity before the fire, but unfortunately, there was no sign of any today, similar to my visit last November.

Firecrest

I decided to venture a little further up the mountain, and I must say that although the trees are still scorched and burnt out, there is plenty of new vegetation growing. At first, I spotted Crested Tit, Firecrest, Chaffinch, Crossbill, and Coal Tit but as I climbed higher, bird activity seemed to tail off. 

Golden Eagle & Iberian Ibex.

As I turned to head back, a Booted Eagle drifted overhead, and then another, much larger raptor came into view. To my amazement, when I focused my binoculars on it, I realized it was a Golden Eagle, most likely a second-year bird. To my astonishment, it appeared to be hunting an Iberian Ibex—could that really be?

I watched the eagle for several minutes and took multiple photographs before it gave up and the Ibex walked away casually. It was truly one of those encounters that birders live for, and it will remain in my memory. I just made it back to the car before the next shower began, and two Ravens flew by cronking.

Fuente de Piedra 15/03/25

Saturday 16th March 2025 🌤️ 15C ~ NW @ 9MPH ~ For me, the usual routine in Spain is not to go birdwatching any further than locally on weekends. However, with a break in the weather, I decided to drive out to Fuente de Piedra today. On the way, I planned to stop at a few other birding locations to see what birds were around.

My first stop was the Rio Grande which you can access at the Aerodrome, base Brica Infoca just off the A-357. During my last few visits in previous years, I found it completely dry due to the prolonged drought. However, the Río Grande originates near the Sierra de las Nieves natural park, and I suspected that the recent heavy rains would bring plenty of water. In fact, I must say, there seemed to be almost too much water flowing down! 

I took a brief drive west along the dirt track that runs next to the river, reaching the ford, which was flowing far too high to cross. I wasn't expecting much, but it was clear that there had been a decent fall of Little-ringed Plovers, I managed at least nine. While I sat for a short time three Barn Swallows swooped down for a drink and then headed on. Notable sightings also included Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Cetti's Warbler, and away from the river, three Hoopoes, four European Serins, two Crested Larks, a Blackcap, Corn Bunting, and a Chiffchaff.

Little-ringed Plover having a wash.

Green Sandpiper

My next stop was Observatorio de buitres en Peñarrubia a small mountain range home to several species of interest, mainly rock-dwelling. 

Observatorio de buitres en Peñarrubia

The numerous existing ledges and cracks serve as innkeepers and roosts for Griffon Vultures, Peregrines, Alpine Swifts and Red-billed Chough. I actually only managed eleven Red-billed Chough today during my 20-minute stay and I suspect it's still a little early for Alpines Swifts.

As expected, I arrived at Fuente de Piedra to find it extremely busy. However, it's always a bonus when the lagoons are full of water. My main reason for the visit was to locate a pair of reported Lesser Flamingos. Before heading to the main lagoon, I stopped at the entrance to scan the wires and tower. Although there was no Barn Owl in the tower today, I did observe a couple of Common Kestrels that seemed to have made it their home, with one bird enjoying its catch on the ledge of the tower.

Black-necked Grebe on Cello del Paro lagoon.

The Cello del Paro lagoon was home to numerous Black-backed Gulls, two Black-tailed Godwits, several Avocets, and a Redshank. However, the star of the show here was an almost summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe.

Avocet

As expected the water was covering the scrapes at Sedero los Albinas and a walk along the boardwalk only produced a couple of Black-winged Stilts and three Avocets. I did also manage to see a very smart-looking male Western Marsh Harrier but it never came too close.

Lesser Flamingos with their distinct black bills.

It was too busy and noisy for my liking, so I missed the Observatorio El Laguneto and headed to the main Laguna. Such a wonderful sight to see the thousands of Greater Flamingos and amazingly due to the lack of foliage at this time of year some good views of the laguna from the track. I didn't go far and my first stop to look over the lagoon found two Lesser Flamingos feeding reasonably close in. I was surprised to actually find two more about 200 yards further down the track and since Saturday I've been told there are now seven on site! 

Although more typically found in sub-Saharan Africa, Lesser Flamingo has gradually increased in Europe in recent decades, with small numbers present in Spain throughout the year and breeding having regularly occurred there since the turn of the century. The species is now included in Category A of the Spanish bird list.

Guadalhorce 14/03/25

I arrived in Malaga on Tuesday evening and was again met with torrential downpours, similar to my last visit in November, which had followed the floods in Valencia. Dave picked me up from the airport at around 7:30pm local time, and the drive back to the villa in Mijas took about 25 minutes. 

There was a severe thunderstorm overnight, and for the first few days, my birding was mostly confined to the terrace window with occasional sorties between the heavy downpours. Nevertheless, birding at the villa can be quite rewarding. Crested Tits & Firecrests are regular visitors around the grounds and Sardinian Warblers can be found skulking in amongst the brush. I dropped Dave off at the airport early Thursday morning for his trip to Sicily and spent the remainder of the day at the villa preparing for the next 10 days.

Friday 14th March 2025 🌤️ 17C ~ WNW @ 11MPH ~ Around mid-morning, the weather finally cleared, and I decided to head off to Guadalhorce. Site details can be found on my blog HERE.

Rio Guadalhorce from the access bridge

The river was quite swollen but not as bad as I'd imagined after the rains. While walking to the Laguna de la Casilla hide, a couple of Zitting Cisticolas (Fantail Warblers) were zitting overhead, and a small group of Spanish Sparrows appeared to be having a disagreement in a large tamarisk. My first impression was that there were a lot of Chiffchaffs on site, busily flitting around in the undergrowth. As I settled into the hide, I immediately noticed a very smart-looking male Common Redstart foraging on one of the small islands. Then I noticed a distant Osprey, either the regular bird that winters here or a passage bird on its way north.

Spanish Sparrow.

The pool was quite full, leaving little space for waders; however, a couple of Black-winged Stilts coped easily. The pool was pretty quiet, except for six Marbled Ducks in a small pool at the back. It was good to see these birds thriving after 25 birds were reintroduced here in 2022. I also noted a couple of Little Grebes and a male Pochard.

Marbled Duck - a sucessful re-introduction at Guadalhorce.

My next stop was the del Rio Viejo hide, and the short walk down led to sightings of Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Chiffchaff, more Spanish Sparrow, and a few Greenfinch in full song. At one stage, some noisy fly-by Monk Parakeets flew by, and in the background, I could hear a Corn Bunting but didn't manage to connect. 

Sardinian Warbler - Less elusive at this time of year. 

On the water, which was high like the previous hide, there were several more Black-winged Stilts, many Northern Shovelers, Marbled Duck, Coot and Moorhen. From there, I walked down towards the beach and on to the Observatorio de Aves Marinas lookout point. As I passed the old river, there were five Greater Flamingo, a couple of Shelduck, Redshank and Common Sandpiper.

As I approached the shoreline, I spotted four Kentish Plovers and five Sanderlings scurrying along. Out at sea, there was a huge array of gulls, which included various numbers of Black-headed Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Slender-billed Gulls, and Mediterranean Gulls.

Kentish Plover, a regular breeder at Guadalhorce.

Just below the lookout point, I took a short walk along the beach and came across a Black-eared Wheatear, which I don't recall ever seeing at Guadalhorce before, and so I spent a good half hour just watching this striking-looking old world flycatcher. A couple of Woodchat Shrike were also foraging in the array of broken and knarled bamboo, and just over the perimeter fence, there were several Spotless Starlings, a couple of  Crested Larks and a Black Redstart. 

Western Black-eared Wheatear

One of the two Woodshrike Shrike. 

Just before I headed back along the track, I spotted a lone gull on the opposite side of the river, which I suspected might be an Audouin's Gull. I managed to take a few distant shots, and my suspicion was confirmed. They feed on pelagic fish, mainly sardines and anchovies. In winter, they move to sheltered sandy beaches. Scarce and rare species. It can be found especially in the mouth of the Guadalhorce and in the port of Malaga.

Audouin's Gull

By now, the sun was shining brightly, causing a flurry of butterflies to take flight. I paused for a moment to capture a few images of a Swallowtail, plus Painted Lady, and Clouded Yellow before heading on to my next stop, Laguna Escondida. 

Swallowtail Butterfly. 

Just before I moved on, I was thrilled to see at least thirty Common Swifts flying in over the sea. By the time I left, there were over a hundred, accompanied by Sand Martins, Barn Swallows, and a few Red-rumped Swallows. It was a beautiful sight of spring migration in action, and I suspect it was caused by the break in the weather!

The Escondida is a good place to find the endangered White-headed Duck, although their numbers seemed to have dropped since I first starting coming here nearly 12 years ago. Today I noted three at the top end of the laguna, where there were also a few Pochards, Little Grebe and more Shoveler. 

White-headed Duck

My final stop was at Laguna Grande, where I spent an enjoyable 45 minutes. Typically the best place for close-in waders like the other lagunas, it was also filled to the brim. Notable species while here included: Black-necked Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Marbled Duck, Black-winged Stilt, thirty-five Avocet and Slender-billed Gull. On the walk back to the car, a Booted Eagle drifted west, and I closed on 59 species for the visit.

Glossy Ibis

Black-eared Wheatear

Spotless Starling

Painted Lady

Marbled Duck