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Zahara de los Atunes

Costa de la Luz

Andalucia · Spain

 

26 Mar - 5 Apr 2012

Observers: F. Simpson

 

Introduction


 

This was another university field course trip based around Zahara de los Atunes on the Costa de la Luz in Cadiz province in south-west Spain. Much of the time was spent around Zahara, Barbate and the Valle de Ojén in the Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales. Some time was possible for birding but in general the following notes document the observations at the various student study sites. The Levante was particularly strong this time, at times even gale force.

My three highlights (of the many) were Little Swift, Black-winged Kite and Marsh Sandpiper... and of course, the northward migration across the Straits from the African Continent.

Previous Trip Reports:  2023 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003

 Purple Swamphen  (Porphyrio porphyrio) © Fraser Simpson

Purple Swamphen  Porphyrio porphyrio

 

 

 

Zahara de los Atunes & Costa de la Luz Systematic List (bird days 27-Mar to 4-Apr 2012)                                 


 

Mallard  Anas platyrhynchos

At least 20 most days, Embalse de Almodóvar.

104, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

300+, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-3 Apr.

 

Northern Shoveler  Anas clypeata

2 prs, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Red-legged Partridge  Alectoris rufa

1, La Zarzuela, 31-Mar.

2 prs, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

Pr, Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

Pr, flew over the N-340 near Tahivilla, 3-Apr.

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) © Fraser Simpson

Common Quail  Coturnix coturnix

1, El Piojo, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Pheasant  Phasianus  colchicus

Common, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

 

Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis

Pr, Canal de Majada Verde, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Cory's Shearwater  Calonectris diomedea

Min 3 off Zahara during a very strong Levante, 27-Mar

1 SE, Zahara de los Atunes, 29-Mar.

 

Balearic Shearwater  Puffinus mauretanicus

40+ off Zahara de los Atunes during a very strong Levante, 27-Mar

100+ off the Almadraba, Zahara de los Atunes, 29-Mar.

46 SE, in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

8 SE, Cabo de Gracia, Atlanterra, 30-Mar.

 

Northern Gannet  Morus bassanus

1st-w, Playa de Atlanterra, 27-Mar.

Ad, Zahara de los Atunes, 28-Mar.

6 offshore, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

 

Great Cormorant  Phalacrocorax carbo

1, Embalse de Almodóvar, 27-Mar.

1, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

1, Cabo de Gracia, Atlanterra, 30-Mar.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Black-crowned  Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Squacco Heron  Ardeola ralloides

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis

Common almost everywhere. Counts included:

40+, on the A-2227 between Zahara and Venta de Retín on the N-340, 27-Mar.

12, Km-6 on the A-2231 between Zahara and Barbate, 28-Mar.

4, coastal grassland between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

60+, Tahivilla, 30-Mar.

23, near Tahivilla, Km-64 on N-340, 30-Mar.

70+, between Km-70 on N-340 and Bolonia, 31-Mar.

181, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

46, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

70+, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

1, Barbate Estuary, near the main bridge around Km-0.5 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

1 SE, Playa de Zahara, 30-Mar.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

3, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

1, Barbate Estuary, near the main bridge around Km-0.5 on the A-2231, 1-Apr.

1, Arroyo de la Zarzuela, Zahara de los Atunes, 2-Apr.

1, Arroyo de la Zarzuela, Zahara de los Atunes, 3-Apr.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

2, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Little Egret  (Egretta garzetta) © Fraser Simpson

 

Great Egret  Casmerodius albus

1, Barbate Estuary, near the main bridge around Km-0.5 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

 

 

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea

4, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

1, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

2, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea

2, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

White Stork  Ciconia ciconia

Regularly noted along the A-2227 between Zahara de los Atunes and Venta de Retín.

1, Tahivilla, 30-Mar.

2, Facinas, 30-Mar.

82 circling and 6 feeding, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

Min 30 prs breeding at a property bordering the N-340 north of Venta de Retín - viewed distantly from Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

1, El Almarchal, 4-Apr.

 

Marismas del Barbate © Fraser Simpson

Marismas del Barbate

 

 

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus

17, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-2 Apr.

24, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

Glossy Ibis

Sound recording: Calls from a Glossy Ibis taking flight in windy conditons along with a Mallard.

 

Sonogram of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) calls © Fraser Simpson

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus

Marismas del Barbate, Andalucia, Spain  36º 14' 24.6'' N  5º 56' 53.5'' E  3 April 2012  1700h

Sonogram of calls from a Glossy Ibis taking flight in windy conditons along with a Mallard.  [File name: glossyibis0403170030e]

 

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) © Fraser Simpson

 

Northern Bald Ibis  Geronticus eremita

Breeding birds from the re-introduction on the Sierra de Retín are now in their fifth season of 'wild' breeding.

6, La Zarzuela, near Km-5 on the A-2227, 27-Mar. Feeding in rough pasture.

2, Km-6 on the A-2231 between Zahara and Barbate, 28-Mar. Feeding in rough pasture.

3, flying past Puerto de Casma, Zahara de los Atunes, 29-Mar.

10, Km-6 on the A-2231 between Zahara and Barbate, 29-Mar. Feeding in rough pasture.

Feather remains in roadside coastal grassland between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

14 NW, flying approximately 1000 metres offshore, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

 

Eurasian Spoonbill  Platalea leucorodia

4, Barbate Estuary, east of main bridge around Km-0.5 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

5, Barbate Estuary, east of main bridge around Km-0.5 on the A-2231, 1-Apr.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

5, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) © Fraser Simpson

 

Eurasian Griffon Vulture  Gyps fulvus

Regularly seen from Zahara over Sierra de Retín & Sierra de la Plata.

3, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

8, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

3, Embalse de Almodóvar, 30-Mar.

1, Cortijo de la Mediana, La Janda, 31-Mar.

2, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

6, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Egyptian Vulture  Noephron percnopterus

1, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus

1, in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

1, Embalse de Almodóvar, 30-Mar.

 

Short-toed Eagle  Circaetus gallicus

1, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

2, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

5, Embalse de Almodóvar, 30-Mar.

2, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

1, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Booted Eagle  Aquila pennata

1, Cortijo Los Villares, between El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera, 28-Mar.

1, in off the sea, between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

1, in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

14, counted on drive between Puerto de Ojén, Facinas and Zahara, 30-Mar.

8, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

1, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Red Kite  Milvus milvus

1, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

 

Black Kite  Milvus migrans

Common, particularly between La Janda and Facinas.

Regularly noted along the A-2227 between Zahara and Venta de Retín.

2, near Tahivilla, Km-64 on N-340, 30-Mar.

31, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

18 (15 perched, 3 in flight), near Tahivilla at Km-58 on N-340, 1-Apr.

22 perched, near Tahivilla at Km-58 on N-340, 2-Apr.

 

Western Marsh Harrier  Circus aeruginosus

3, in off the sea in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

1, near Tahivilla, Km-64 on N-340, 30-Mar.

8, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

 

Montagu's Harrier  Circus pygargus

Regular along the N-340 between La Janda, Tahivilla and Facina.

Regular around Parque Eolico on the A-2227 between Zahara and Venta de Retín.

2, Cortijo Los Villares, between El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera, 28-Mar.

1, arrived in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

Pr, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Common Buzzard  Buteo buteo

Pr, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 27-Mar.

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 1-Apr.

Pr, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus

Male, in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 29-Mar.

12 males, arrived in off the sea in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

 

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus

Pr, Cortijo de la Mediana-Cortijo Los Charcones, La Janda, 31-Mar.

Pr, Canal Colector del Este, near Venta de Retín, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus

Female, Playa de Zahara, 29-Mar.

Female, Cabo de Gracia, Atlanterra, 30-Mar.

1, Bolonia, 31-Mar.

Pr + 3 singles, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

1, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

Female with rodent, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Lesser Kestrel  Falco naumanni

1, in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

5, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

12, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

5, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

150+, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-3 Apr.

 

Eurasian Coot  Fulica atra

4, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Purple Swamphen  Porphyrio porphyrio

13 (4 prs + 5 singles), Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

14, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

7, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Little Bustard  Tetrax tetrax

2 mm displaying, El Almarchal, 4-Apr.

 

Eurasian Oystercatcher  Haematopus ostralegus

27 SE at 19:03h, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

 

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus

18, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

67+, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-3 Apr.

4, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

Black-winged Stilt

Sound recording: Calls from a Black-winged Stilt in flight.

 

Collared Pratincole  Glareola pratincola

10+, between Los Caños de Meca & El Palmar, 28-Mar.

2, Cortijo Los Villares, between El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera, 28-Mar.

12, over the N-340 near Tahivilla, 1-Apr.

22, in ploughed field bordering Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

Collared Pratincole

Sound recording: Flights calls from a migrant party of 22 birds settling over a ploughed field.

 

Little Ringed Plover  Charadrius dubius

Pr displaying, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Ringed Plover  Charadrius hiaticula

4, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

1, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Kentish Plover  Charadrius alexandrinus

Pr, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

Pr, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) © Fraser Simpson

 

Sanderling  Calidris alba

4, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

6, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

11, Playa de Zahara, 29-Mar.

 

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

4, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Dunlin  Calidris alpina

14, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Curlew Sandpiper  Calidris ferruginea

2, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Little Stint  Calidris minuta

1, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola

4, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

5, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 2-Apr.

3, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus

2, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

2, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

1, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

 

Common Redshank  Tringa totanus

4, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia

1, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Marsh Sandpiper  Tringa stagnatilis

Ad, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

 

Eurasian Curlew  Numenius arquata

1, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus

4, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

2, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 2-Apr.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Ruff  Philomachus pugnax

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 2-Apr.

 

Arctic Skua  Stercorarius parasiticus

2, chasing terns around the Almadraba, Zahara de los Atunes, 29-Mar.

 

Black-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Ad, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

 

Mediterranean Gull  Larus melanocephalus

2 x 1st-w, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

 

Yellow-legged Gull  Larus michahellis

Common along the coast; scarce inland.

Large numbers heading south-east past Zahara on 27-Mar.

Large SE passage (73 in 10 mins) past Zahara on morning of 29-Mar.

30+, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

115 SE in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

2, over pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull  Larus fuscus

3 NW, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

2, Barbate Estuary, east of main bridge around Km-0.5 on the A-2231, 1-Apr.

7, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Audouin's Gull  Larus audouinii

1, Playa de Zahara, Zahara de los Atunes 27-Mar.

11, off Hotel Gran Sol, Playa de Zahara, 28-Mar.

5, Playa de Zahara, 29-Mar.

1, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

18 SE in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

 

Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii) © Fraser Simpson

 

Little Tern  Sternula albifrons

2, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

 

Sandwich Tern  Sterna sandvicensis

Regular around the Almadraba at Zahara de los Atunes.

8, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

Large SE passage (80 in 20 mins) past Zahara on morning of 29-Mar.

Passing SE along the tideline, between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

89 SE in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

2 E, Cabo de Gracia, Atlanterra, 30-Mar.

2, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica

2, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Caspian Tern  Hydroprogne caspia

1, Barbate estuary, around Km-1.0 on the A-2231, 29-Mar.

1 W, between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

1 SE, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

4, Barbate Estuary, 4-Apr.

 

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) © Fraser Simpson

 

 

Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon  Columba livia/C. livia domesticated

Common around human habitation.

 

Wood Pigeon  Columba palumbus

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

2, Cortijo de la Mediana, La Janda, 31-Mar.

 

Collared Dove  Streptopelia decaocto

Common around human habitatation.

Noted at Zahara, Atlanterra, La Zarzuela, El Almarchal, Tahivilla, Facinas, Benalup, Barbate, Los Caños de Meca, El Palmar, Conil de la Frontera.

10+, Cortijo de la Mediana, La Janda, 31-Mar.

 

European Turtle Dove  Streptopelia turtur

2, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Common Cuckoo  Cuculus canorus

Singing m, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

1, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

Singing m, along roadside between Puerto de Ojén and the start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, 2-Apr.

Singing m, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Little Owl   Athene noctua

1, at the roadside of the N-340 near Tahivilla, 1-Apr.

Pr, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Common Swift  Apus apus

40, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Pallid Swift  Apus pallidus

4, Playa de Atlanterra, 27-Mar

4, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar

10, Zahara de los Atunes, 28-Mar.

2, Cabo de Gracia, Atlanterra, 30-Mar.

10, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

 

Common/Pallid Swift  Apus sp.

Swifts not specifically identified:

20+, seen from the car along the A-2227 between Zahara and Venta de Retín, 27-Mar.

 

Alpine Swift  Apus melba

1, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 27-Mar.

 

Little Swift  Apus affinus

1, over Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

 

Eurasian Hoopoe  Upupa  epops

1, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar

1, Cortijo Los Villares, between El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera, 28-Mar.

2, Playa de Zahara, 29-Mar.

6, La Janda (including 5 feeding together at Cortijo de la Mediana), 31-Mar.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

1-2 birds daily, along the Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

 

European Bee-eater  Merops apiaster

12, over Cortijo Los Villares, between El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera.

12, in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

Groups of 8 + 4, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

24, in off the sea at 11:18h, Zahara de los Atunes, 31-Mar.

Migrant flocks of 7, 12 & 16 seen on the drive between Zahara and Bolonia, 31-Mar.

18 + 24, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

European Bee-eater

Sound recording: Calls from a small feeding party.

 

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) © Fraser Simpson

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker  Dendrocopus major

Several drumming birds in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, Breña da Barbate.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Sound recording: Territorial drumming on mature Cork Oak; 15-17 taps in each 0.80-0.85 second roll (up to 11 rolls per minute).

 

Common Skylark  Alauda arvensis

Group of 6 migrants, coastal grassland between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

 

Crested Lark  Galerida cristata

Common in many habitats.

Noted almost everywhere including Zahara, La Zarzuela, El Almarchal, Facinas, La Janda, Benalup, Barbate, Los Caños de Meca, El Palmar, Conil de la Frontera, Bolonia.

4 prs, coastal grassland between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

 

Thekla Lark  Galerida theklae

2, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

 

Woodlark  Lullula arborea

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

1, heard singing briefly near Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Greater Short-toed Lark  Calandrella brachydactyla                    

2 singing mm, La Janda, 31-Mar.

 

Calandra Lark  Melanocorypha calandra

Several displaying in fields bordering the A-2227 between La Zarzuela and Venta de Retín.

3 displaying mm, over ploughed field bordering Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Sand Martin  Riparia riparia

16, arrived in off the sea in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

 

Eurasian Crag Martin  Ptyonprogne rupestris

2, Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, 30-Mar.

 

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Common throughout.

Many birds arriving in off the sea from the south-west, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

20+, feeding along the breaking waves, Zahara de los Atunes, 29-Mar.

100+, arrived in off the sea in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

60, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis daurica

1, with Barn Swallow migrants in the morning, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

Another, in off sea at 18:55h, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

2, El Almarchal, 4-Apr.

 

House Martin  Delichon urbicum

Common around villages and towns.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

20+, El Almarchal, 4-Apr.

 

Tawny Pipit  Anthus campestris

1, Embalse de Almodóvar, 30-Mar.

1, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

1, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

Water Pipit  Anthus spinoletta

4, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

2, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Meadow Pipit  Anthus pratensis

10, coastal grassland between Km-3.0 - 4.0 on the A-2231 near Barbate, 29-Mar.

11, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

4, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

 

White Wagtail  Motacilla alba

1, in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Iberian Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla flava iberiae

1, over Cortijo Los Villares, between El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera, 28-Mar.

2, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

1, pool near Puente de Celemín, Benalup, 31-Mar.

40+, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea

1, Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

 

Valle de Ojén © Fraser Simpson

Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales

 

 

 

 

European Robin  Erithacus rubecula

Abundant in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

 

Common Nightingale  Luscinia megarhynchos

1, migrant calling in scrub, Playa de Zahara, 29-Mar.

1, singing from pylon wire, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

2 singing mm (including a bird on a pylon), Sendero Marismas del Barbate, 3-Apr.

Common Nightingale

Sound recording: Excerpt of song from a continuous five minute bout from deep in evergreen scrub.

 

Black Redstart  Phoenicurus ochruros

Female, on building at Mirador Puerto de Ojén, 3-Apr.

 

Northern Wheatear  Oenanthe oenanthe

Female, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

 

Black-eared Wheatear  Oenanthe hispanica

Male, Puerto de Ojén, 3-Apr.

 

Common Stonechat  Saxicola torquatus

Particularly common along the A-2231 coast road between Zahara and Barbate, and around Puerto de Ojén.

Male, Bolonia, 31-Mar.

2 prs, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

Pr, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-3 Apr.

6 singing mm, Puerto de Ojén, 3-Apr.

Common Stonechat

Sound recording: Territorial song, La Janda.

 

Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) © Fraser Simpson

 

Song Thrush  Turdus philomelus

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 27-Mar.

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

 

Mistle Thrush  Turdus viscivorus

1, alarm calling near start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

 

Common Blackbird  Turdus merula

Common in woodland and matorral habitats.

Noted at Breña de Barbate, Atlanterra, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, Bolonia.

 

Blackcap  Sylvia atricapilla

Abundant in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

Male (non-vocal), Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

Blackcap

Sound recording: Territorial song from Cork Oak woodland.

 

Common Whitethroat  Sylvia communis

Male, La Janda (in Asphodels along track down from Venta de Retín), 31-Mar.

3 singing mm, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Sardinian Warbler  Sylvia melanocephala

Abundant in suitable habitat.

Noted at Playa de Zahara, Atlanterra, Breña de Barbate, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, Cabo de Gracia.

Sardinian Warbler

Sound recording: Territorial song from skulking male in thorny, evergreen scrub on open cork oak slopes.

 

Spectacled Warbler  Sylvia conspicillata

Male (non-vocal), Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Subalpine Warbler  Sylvia cantillans

Male, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

Male, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

Singing male, 1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

Pr, in bramble scrub/Opuntia prickly pear hedge, Parque Eolico, Zahara de los Atunes, 4-Apr.

Subalpine Warbler

Sound recording: Territorial song uttered from scrub.

 

Zitting Cisticola  Cisticola juncidis

Fairly common and widespread.

Noted at Zahara, La Zarzuela, El Almarchal, Barbate, La Janda, Cortijo Los Villares, El Palmar, Conil de la Frontera, Bolonia.

7 displaying, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

4 displaying, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

Zitting Cisticola

Sound recording: Song flight over treeless arable land.

 

Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.) © Fraser Simpson

 

Cetti's Warbler  Cettia cetti

5 singing mm, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

3 singing mm, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

European Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Singing m, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

Singing m, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Great Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Singing m, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 31-Mar.

Singing m, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

 

Melodious Warbler  Hippolais polyglotta

2 singing mm, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

Melodious Warbler

Sound recording: Melodious Warbler singing from a large patch of Giant Reed Arundo donax and thorn scrub.

 

Sonogram of Melodious Warbler  (Hippolais polyglotta) song © Fraser Simpson

Melodious Warbler  Hippolais polyglotta

Marismas del Barbate, Andalucia, Spain  36º 13' 55.9'' N  5º 56' 44.4'' E  3 April 2012  1832h

Sonogram of territorial song uttered at 2.5 metres from a large patch of Giant Reed Arundo donax and thorn scrub (distant noisy traffic in the background).  [File name: melodiouswarbler0403183215ecut1]

 

Willow Warbler  Phylloscopus trochilus

1, migrant calling in scrub, Playa de Zahara, 29-Mar.

4, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

3, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

Western Bonelli's Warbler  Phylloscopus bonelli

Fairly common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales with many new arrivals on 2-Apr.

Western Bonelli's Warbler

Sound recording: Territorial/advertising song from Cork Oak woodland in Valle de Ojén.

 

Common Chiffchaff  Phylloscopus collybita

2 migrants (non-vocal), Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

1 (non-vocal), Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

 

Iberian Chiffchaff  Phylloscopus ibericus

Fairly common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

Iberian Chiffchaff

Sound recording: Iberian Chiffchaff singing from Cork Oak woodland in Valle de Ojén.

 

Firecrest  Regulus ignicapilla

Fairly common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

3 territories near our pond skater study site on the Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, P.N. de los Alcornocales.

Firecrest

Sound recording: Firecrest singing from Cork Oak woodland in Valle de Ojén.

 

Eurasian Wren  Troglodytes troglodytes

Fairly common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

 

Great Tit  Parus major

Fairly common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

Great Tit

Sound recording: Territorial song from Cork Oak woodland.

 

Blue Tit  Cyanistes caeruleus

Common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

Blue Tit

Sound recording: Territorial song from Cork Oak woodland.

 

Crested Tit  Lophophanes cristatus

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

6+, along roadside between Puerto de Ojén and the start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, 2-Apr.

 

Long-tailed Tit  Aegithalos caudatus

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 27-Mar.

Pr, along roadside between Puerto de Ojén and the start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, 2-Apr.

 

Eurasian Nuthatch  Sitta europea

2 territories, along roadside between Puerto de Ojén and the start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, 2-Apr.

 

Short-toed Treecreeper  Certhia brachydactyla

Common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

Heard singing in the Umbrella Pines in Breña de Barbate, 29-Mar.

Short-toed Treecreeper

Sound recording: Territorial song uttered while foraging in Cork/Holm Oak woodland.

 

Woodchat Shrike  Lanius senator

4 (3mm + f), La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

1, in Dwarf Fan Palm scrub, Zahara de los Atunes, 3-Apr.

1, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

1, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

1, El Almarchal, 4-Apr.

 

Eurasian Jay  Garrulus glandarius

2 prs, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

10+, along roadside between Puerto de Ojén and the start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, 2-Apr.

 

Western Jackdaw  Corvus monedula

13, Cortijo de la Mediana, La Janda, 31-Mar.

2, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

32, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 2-Apr.

 

Common Raven  Corvus corax

1, over Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

1, near Tahivilla, Km-64 on N-340, 30-Mar.

2, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 2-Apr.

 

biol7008 field course © Fraser Simpson

 

Spotless Starling  Sturnus unicolor

Common around human habitatation, agricultural areas, and semi-natural grassland.

Noted at Zahara, Atlanterra, Barbate, El Almarchal, Facinas, La Janda, Benalup, Barbate, Los Caños de Meca, El Palmar, Conil de la Frontera, Bolonia.

One taking nest material to hole in Castillo de las Almadrabas, Zahara de los Atunes, 28-Mar.

158, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

320, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

 

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus

Common around human habitatation, agricultural areas, and semi-natural grassland.

Many nesting in the Castillo de las Almadrabas, Zahara de los Atunes.

27, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

 

Common Chaffinch  Fringilla coelebs

Common in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

Flock of 18, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 27-Mar.

 

Common Linnet  Carduelis cannabina

12, Playa de Zahara, 27-Mar.

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

Pr, Cabo de Gracia, Atlanterra, 30-Mar.

Singing m, 31, La Janda, 31-Mar.

Groups of 3, 12 + 35, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

Common Linnet

Sound recording: Territorial song from Umbrella Pine Pinus pinea woodland; a continuous rambling series of squeaky notes interspersed with short trills (e.g. 5.1 to 5.5 secs) and whistles (e.g. at 6.7 sec).

 

European Goldfinch  Carduelis carduelis

Common throughout the area with both breeding birds and arriving migrants.

2, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

107, arrived in off the sea in 90 mins (09:58-11:28h), Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar. (In flocks of 14, 9, 3, 10, 2, 6, 5, 14, 10, 16 & 18).

119, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

30+, Puerto de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 3-Apr.

European Goldfinch

Sound recording: Perched song from Goldfinch in matorral habitat.

 

European Greenfinch  Carduelis chloris

Several song-flighting, Atlanterra-Cabo de Gracia, 30-Mar.

15, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

20, Canal Colector del Este, La Janda, 4-Apr.

European Greenfinch

Sound recording: Song-flight display over marshland scrub (Nightingale in background).

 

European Serin  Serinus serinus

Displaying birds noted at Breña de Barbate, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.

2, arrived in off the sea, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar.

5, La Janda (Venta de Retín-Canal Colector del Este-Cortijo de la Mediana-Puente de Celemín), 31-Mar.

3 displaying, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 1-Apr.

27, feeding in weedy field, Sendero Marismas del Barbate (from Km 2.4 on N-314, SE of Vejer de la Frontera), 3-Apr.

European Serin

Sound recording: Song-flight display through Umbrella Pines (Pinus pinea).

 

Hawfinch  Coccothraustes coccothraustes

2 heard, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 27-Mar.

6+, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, 30-Mar.

2, along roadside between Puerto de Ojén and the start of Sendero San Carlos del Tiradero, 2-Apr.

Hawfinch

Sound recording: Inconspicuous and simple song uttered from Holm/Cork Oak woodland.

 

Corn Bunting  Miliaria calandra

Common and widespread in most open habitats including coastal dunes, rough pasture, agricultural fields & marshes.

Noted around Zahara de los Atunes, La Zarzuela, El Almarchal, Parque Eolico, Venta de Retín, La Janda, Benalup, Barbate, Cortijo Los Villares, El Palmar, Conil de la Frontera, Facinas, Embalse de Almodóvar, Bolonia.

Corn Bunting

Sound recording: Corn Bunting singing from low vegetation beside the Canal Colector del Este, La Janda.

 

 

 

 

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Playa de Zahara © Fraser Simpson

All photographs © 2012  F. S. Simpson

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