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Zahara de los Atunes

Costa de la Luz

Andalucía · Spain

30 March-9 April 2026

Observers: F. Simpson

Introduction

This was another trip to Zahara de los Atunes, situated on the Costa de la Luz in the Strait of Gibraltar in Cádiz provence, Andalucía for the annual university field course trip on ecological genetics. Much of the time was spent around Zahara de los Atunes, Atlanterra, Barbate and the Valle de Ojén in the Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales. Some time was possible for birding and looking for orthopterans but in general the following notes document the observations at the various student study sites. Travel to southern Spain, following sustainability guidlnes, added four days of relaxed travel usings return trains via Paris, Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga.

Previous Trip Reports:  2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), Playa de Zahara

Highlights

Alpine Swift, Andalucian Wall Lizard, Audouin's Gull, Barbary-nut, Bath White, Bedriaga's Skink, Bee-eater, Black Kite, Black Redstart, Black-eared Wheatear, Black-winged Stilt, Booted Eagle, Broad Green-winged Grasshopper, Bumblebee Orchid, Calandra Lark, Caspian Tern, Cattle Egret, Cleopatra, Common Digging Grasshopper, Common Maquis Grasshopper, Common Stick Grasshopper, Crag Martin, Crested Lark, Earthling Stone Grasshopper, Egyptian Grasshopper, Euarasian Green Woodpecker, Firecrest, Garden Locust, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Griffon Vulture, Hairy Rose Beetle, Hawfinch, Hoopoe, Iberian Chiffchaff, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Iberian Mantis, Iberian Three-toed Skink, Iberian Water Frog, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Kentish Plover, Ladder Snake, Lamenting Grasshopper, Marsh Harrier, Mediterranean Banded Centipede, Mediterranean Field Cricket, Mediterranean Turtle, Melodious Warbler, Montagu's Harrier, Mylabris hieracii, Nightingale, Northern Bald Ibis, Orobanche densiflora, Pallid Swift, Provence Hairstreak, Provence Orange-tip, Purple Heron, Raymond's Grasshopper, Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Short-toed Eagle, Short-toed Lark, Short-toed Treecreeper, Slender-billed Gull, Slender Digging Grasshopper, Spanish Dung Beetle, Spanish Festoon, Spectacled Warbler, Spiny-footed Lizard, Stone Curlew, Swallowtail, Tawny Pipit, Thekla Lark, Vagrant Emperor, Velvet Ant (Ronisia barbarula), Vineyard Mole-cricket, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Western Subalpine Warbler, Whiskered Tern, Woodchat Shrike, Woodlark, Zitting Cisticola.

Itinerary

Day 01       28/03/26     Essex > London

Day 02       29/03/26     London > Paris > Barcelona
Day 03       30/03/26     Barcelona > Madrid > Malgaga > Tarifa > Zahara de los Atunes
Day 04       31/03/26     Zahara > Atlanterra > Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Day 05       01/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > Atlanterra
Day 06       02/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > La Breña de Barbate > Playa de Retin
Day 07       03/04/26     Zahara de los Atunee > Atlanterra > Duna de Bolonia > Atlanterra
Day 08       04/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Day 09       05/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > La Breña de Barbate
Day 10       06/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > Marismas de Barbate
Day 11       07/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > Atlanterra > Marismas del Barbate > El Almarchal > Fundacion NMAC

Day 12       08/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > La Barca de Vejer

Day 13       09/04/26     Zahara de los Atunes > Tarifa > Malaga > Madrid > Barcelona

Day 14       10/04/26     Barcelona > Paris > London > Essex

Map of main locations visited 2003-2026

 1. Zahara de los Atunes & Río del Cachón (Zahara estuary)

 2. Playa de Zahara (Theba and beetle study site)

 3. Atlantera, Faro de Camarinal & Cabo de Gracia  (Cistus and beetle study site)

 4. La Zarzuela & El Almarchal (Polistes & Theba and beetle study site)

 5. Bolonia

 6. Cueva del Moro

 7. Embalse de Almodóvar, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales

 8. Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales (Aquarius & Asphodelus study site)

 9. Sendero Canuto de Risco Blanco, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales (Lavandula study site)

10. El Cañillo, Marismas del Barbate

11. Marismas del Barbate

12. Río Barbate (river mouth) & Playa del Cañillo

13. West side of the Río Barbate, Marismas del Barbate

14. La Breña de Barbate (Lavandula study site)

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

16. La Barca de Vejer

17. Casa la Palmera, Conil (Polistes study site)

18. La Janda - entrance opposite Venta de Retín to Canal Colector del Este (Río Almodóvar)

19. Itinerario Ecuestre IE-027.2 (marsh at start of horse track)

20. Oxbow, near Benalup

21. La Janda - entrance at Km-47 on the N-340

22. Sendero Colada de la Costa, Tarifa

Day 1                                                                                                                              
Saturday 28 March 2026
Tilbury, Essex, England > Bloomsbury, London, England

Highlights
Cetti's Warbler, Shoveler, Lapwing, Marsh Harrier.

Tilbury, Essex > Bloomsbury, London (via Grays, Purfleet-on-Thames)
Had to sleep in the office at work in order to make the 06:30am check-in for Sunday's Eurostar to Paris. The first of several trains over the next few days, I took my local train into London, passing the hotspot of Rainham Marshes. Species noted from the train/platforms: Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Wren, Carrion Crow, Sunnock, Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Shoveler, Coot, Mallard, Lapwing, & Marsh Harrier.

Day 2                                                                                                                              
Sunday 29 March 2026
London St. Pancras International > Paris Gare du Nord, France > Barcelona Sants, Spain

Highlights
Little Egret, Black Redstart, Short-toed Treecreeper, Euarasian Green Woodpecker, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Cattle Egret, Black-winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo.

Bloomsbury, London > London St. Pancras International  51° 31' 21.435" N  0° 7' 55.653" W
Left work at 06:10 and walked to St. Pancras along Euston Road in the dark. Enlivened with some pre-dawn bird song from singing Blackbird and Wren in the grounds of St. Pancras Church. Herring Gull's were cleaning up the previous night's human detritus.

London St. Pancras International > Paris Gare du Nord, France
08:00 Heading back east, passing Rainham Marshes again but this time several times faster. With the briefest of views I noted Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck and LIttle Egret. Little else was seen except for Rooks in northern France.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France  48° 50' 55.013" N  2° 24; 44.576" E
12:30 Took the D line RER train to Gare de Lyon and crossed over the Seine on the Pont d'Austerlitz to the botanical gardens of Jardin des Plantes. Immediately outside Gare de Lyon station there was a Black Redstart singing from high on an adjacent building. A beautiful spring day in the busy park with singing Short-toed Treecreeper, Eurasian Green Woodpekcer, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Dunnock, Blackbird, Wren, Great Tit and Blue Tit. Also noted while having lunch: Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Moorhem, Mallard, Yellow-legged Gull, Ring-necked Parakeet, Starling and a Small White.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France

Paris Gare de Lyon, France > Barcelona Sants, Spain
14:42 On to the second and main train of the day (7 hours), the highlight would have been the area between Montpellier and Perpignan on the Mediterranean coast but delays meant the sun was setting when we passed along the best parts. Species noted: Cormorant, Kestrel, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Great Crested Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Jackdaw, Feral Pigeon, Starling, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-winged Stilt and Greater Flamingo. One of the most interesting geographical observations on this trip is the sudden change in habitat from Northern Temperate to Mediterranean just south of Valence.

TGV train: Paris to Barcelona

Barcelona Sants, Spain  41° 22' 42.739" N  2° 8' 26.878" E
Arrived late at 22:20. Stayed at Moxy again.

Day 3                                                                                                                              
Monday 30 March 2026
Barcelona > Madrid > Malaga > Algeciras > Tarifa > Zahara de los Atunes

Highlights
Whiskered Tern, Little Egret, Red Kite, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture, Spotless Starling, Monk Parakeet, Vineyard Mole-cricket, Stone Curlew.

Train: Barcelona Sants > Madrid Puerta de Atocha
Heard Greenfinch and House Sparrow on the edge of Parc de L'Espanya Industrial.
8:25 Not too many birds seen on this leg but the highlights were Whiskered Tern, Little Egret and Red Kite.

Train: Madrid Puerta de Atocha > Malaga Maria Zambrano
11:35 The Madrid to Malaga highlights included Griffon Vulture, Black Kite and White Stork.

View frin the Madrid to Malaga train

Drive from Malaga to Zahara, via Tarifa
19:15 As I had to wait for students arriving on late and cancelled flights there was only an hour or so of daylight left. Monk Parakeet, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon were seen before the sun set.

Zahara de los Atunes  36° 08' 07.8'' N  05° 50' 48.0'' W
Finally arrived, two days after setting off from home, at 22:25. Dropped the students at the hotel then parked the car 1km away - the nearest parking area to the Hotel Gran Sol during the popular Easter period. At 22:36 I opened the car door to the sound of a Vineyard Mole-cricket singing in the relatively warm air. A Stone Curlew was also calling and flying around the edge of the dunes. Walking back to the hotel I could hear some calls from roosting Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows in the roadside palms. I wonder if they were exchanging information from their day around Zahara or still squabbling over the best positions on the palm fronds.

Day 4                                                                                                                              
Tuesday 31 Marchl 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Atlanterra > Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Blue sky, wind 5-17 mphr, max 18°C..

Highlights
Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Nightingale, Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Common Digging Grasshopper, Raymond's Grasshopper, Orobanche densiflora, Iberian Water Frog, Egyptian Grasshopper, Corn Bunting, Serin, Griffon Vulture, Provence Hairstreak, Firecrest, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Lamenting Grasshopper, Earthling Stone Grasshopper, Iberian Three-toed Skink, Spanish Festoon, Bedriaga's Skink, Broad Green-winged Grasshopper, Woodlark, Vineyard Mole-cricket, Alpine Swift, Common Maquis Grasshopper, Booted Eagle, Mediterranean Banded Centipede, Black-eared Wheatear, Tawny Pipit, Thekla Lark, Mediterranean Field Cricket.

Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Zahara delos Atunes, March 2026

Hotel Gran Sol, Zahara de los Atunes  36° 8' 8.698" N  5° 50' 51.91" W
Long lie in after much travelling. Breakfast at 08:15. Cattle Egrets were moving along coast at dawn, dispersing from their roosting sites, no doubt looking for some cattle to flush some tasty grasshoppers. Spotless Starlings, Barn Swallows and House Sparrows were singing around the rooftops.

Map of Zahara de los Atunes & Río del Cachón area - where to find birds in April

Map of Zahara de los Atunes & Río del Cachón

1. Río del Cachón - river mouth: a few waders/terns/egrets inc Caspian Tern

2. Sierra de Retín: end of the ridge good for raptors inc Griffon Vulture; Little Owls in outcrop above the road; Northern Bald Ibis occasionally pass.

3. Río del Cachón - upriver of bridge: tidal mud and saltmarsh holds small numbers of waders/egrets/wagtails, inc Black-winged Stilt and occasional Spoonbill. Crag Martin often around the bridge.

4. Castillo de las Almadrabas: Spotless Starling, Pallid Swift with regular Crag Martin and Red-rumped Swallow; occasional Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart on castle wall; roof of Gran Sol Hotel good for observing diurnal passage of many species - occasional Little Swift.

5. Playa de Zahara & boardwalk: low dunes viewable from boardwalk. Good for arriving passerines (in certain weather conditions) including Woodchat Shrike, Nightingale, Subalpine Warbler, Hoopoe, wheatears; breeding Kentish Plover and migrant Sanderling; offshore movements of gulls (inc Audouin's), terns (inc Gull-billed), Balearic & Cory's Shearwater, Gannet, skuas, auks & waders. Exhausted raptors in strong easterly winds.

6. Río del Cachón - bridge NE of town: marsh and grazing good for raptors, egrets and other migrants.

Boardwalk: Castillo de las Almadrabas > Playa de Zahara  36° 7' 58.516" N  5° 50' 39.004" W
Walked the kilometre or so from the hotel to pick up the car as the town is much busier these days and space is at a premium. The boardwalk traverses the low dunes protecting them from excessive footfall. Several Sardinian Warblers singing and a Zitting Cisticola was bouncing around doing its yo-yoing display flight.

Playa de Cabo de Plata (Playa de los Alemanes), Atlanterra (2nd beetle study site)  36° 5' 38.112" N  5° 48' 45.041" W
Arriving at noon, Bee-eater migration was in full flow with dozens of flocks moving inland high overhead in the warm blue sky. Binoculars were needed to pick them out. Despite the warmth and sunshine, no butterflies were active. Found Raymond's Grasshopper, Common Digging Grasshopper and Egyptian Grasshopper. A few small spikes of the parasitic broomrape Orobanche densiflora were flowering in the sparsely vegetated edges of the low dune in association with Cretan Trefoil (Lotus creticus). Looking up to the ridge you could see the effects of last summer's wildfire.

Playa de Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, April 2026

Tenebrionidae (Darkling) Beetles on the beach: Tentyria sp., Erodius sp., Pimelia sp., Pimelia sp., Zahara de los Atunes-Atlanterra, April 2024

Scarites sp., Atlanterra, April 2024

Choni petrol station, Zahara de los Atunes
Refreshment stop  36° 08' 06" N  05° 50' 15" W
At least 20 Cattle Egrets were following the beasts in the long grassland pasture next to the petrol station. Watched them for a time while the students bought their ice-creams and used the toilets. Territorial sounds came from singing Corn Bunting, Crested Lark and Zitting Cisticola.

Camino de Ojen, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Entrance gate (locked for vehicles)
Waited for a while for the gates to be opened to access the extensive Cork Oak forest - a permit is needed in advance for vehicular access. Walkers and cyclists can access at all times. Dozens of Bee-eaters were moving high overhead. The Asphodels looked amazing this year with whole pastures cloaked in them. Perhaps the really wet winter contributed to their abundance. Chaffinch and Serin were singing. An Egyptian Grasshopper was flitting around the wild Olive trees. Two Griffon Vultures came over a nearby hillside and moved through very quickly.

Asphodel pastures in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales, March 2026

Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
(Aquarius study site)  36° 08' 55.5" N  05° 34' 56.9" W
An amazing display of Asphodels this year in the cattle-grazed fields greeted out arrival. Soon found the orthoptern highlight of the area at this time of year - the Earthling Stone Grasshopper (Euryparyphes terrulentus). This chunky, flightless species is easy to observe as it is realtively slow moving with very short hops. Both green and brown forms were observed. Another three non-stridulating species found by sight were Common Maquis Grasshopper, Lamenting (or White-lined) Grasshopperand Broad Green-winged Grasshopper. A Vineyard Mole-cricket started singing at 17:16. No Gryllus field crickets were heard all afternoon. Perhaps we were too early this spring. Butterflies were also scarce and only Spanish Festoon was seen. Other intresting invertebrate included Mediterranean Banded Centipede and Iberian Mantis. Bird sound was provided by an assemblage of Nightingale. Western Bonelli's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreeper, Cuckoo, Blackcap, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Wren. A Kingfisher was heard from the Tiradero stream where several Iberian Water frogs were chorusing. Bee-eater migration continued overhead and a pair of Woodlarks were flushed on the edge of the Cork Oak woodland. A peak count of 33 Griffon Vultures, two Alpine Swifts and a Booted Eagle were over the surrounding ridges. A single Woodchat Shrike was present. This is a good site for reptils and Iberian Three-toed Skink, Bedriaga's Skink and Andalucian Wall Lizard were seen.

Earthling Stone Grasshopper (Euryparyphes terrulentus), Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, March 2026

Mediterranean Banded Centipede (Scolopendra cingulata), Arroyo del Tiradero, March 2026

Earthling Stone Grasshopper (Euryparyphes terrulentus), Arroyo del Tiradero, March 2026

Arroyo del Tiradero, March 2026

Asphodel pastures in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales, March 2026

Asphodel pastures in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales, March 2026

Embalse de Almodovar, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
36° 08' 55.5" N  05° 34' 56.9" W
The causeway over the reservoir provided observations of Thekla Lark, Black-eared Wheatear, Tawny Pipit and Stonechat.

Camino de Ojen, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Entrance gate (locked for vehicles)
While waiting fo the gate to be re-opened, I listened to another Vineyard Mole-cricket stridulating.

Zahara de los Atunes
Parked the car at the large free parking site opposite the Tui Blue hotel and walked along the dune boardwalk to Hotel Gran Sol for dinner. Mediterranean Field Crickets were singing from the dune at dusk and at least 50 Cattles Egrets flew overhead in several small groups to their roosting sites.

Day 5                                                                                                                              
Wednesday 1 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Atlanterra
Blue sky after early coastal mist at daw, max 18°C, min 11°C, wind 6-13 mph E

Highlights
Hoopoe, Subalpine Warbler, Slender Digging Grasshopper, Garden Locust, Bumblebee Orchid, Raymond's Grasshopper, Velvet Ant (Ronisia barbarula), Short-toed Lark, Andalucian Wall Lizard, Crag Martin.

Zahara de los Atunes
There was some coastal mist in the Strait cloacking the end of the Sierra de Retin. It cleared by mid-morning but the sea was quiet again with no Gannets or terns seen.

Boardwalk: Castillo de las Almadrabas > Playa de Zahara  36° 7' 58.516" N  5° 50' 39.004" W
A couple of migrants new in: a Hoopoe flying alongside the boardwalk and a Subalpine warbler flitting around the very low dune scrub. Nightingale and Zitting Cisticola singing.

Zahara boardwalk & Sierra de Retin, Zahara de los Atunes, April  2026

Playa de Cabo de Plata (Playa de los Alemanes), Atlanterra (2nd beetle study site)  36° 5' 38.112" N  5° 48' 45.041" W
Fairly quiet. The only butterfly was a Painted Lady despite the heat and sunshine. Searching the low dunes found Common and Slender Digging Grasshoppers.

Playa de Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, April 2026

Playa de El Cañuelo, from the Camarinal lighthouse, April 2026

X The Iberian Water Frogs (Pelophylax perezi) aka Perez's Frog were vocalising quite loudly at times from the small dune stream that runs off the headland. Listen to the chorus of croaks and cackles...

Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombylifora), Atlanterra, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Brown-headed Grasshopper/Garden Locust (Acanthacris ruficornis citrina), Atlanterra, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia  36° 5' 24.673" N  5° 48' 37.563041" W
Walk up to the lighthouse. I flushed a huge Garden Locust which settled on a surprised student's clothing, allowing some photographs before it flew into a pine. The verge held a really nice patch of flowering Bumblebee Orchids (Ophrys bombyliflora). Another staff member found a female Vlevet Ant (Ronisia barbarula). Unfortunately it was blown away before I got a photograph. Walking up towards the Sierra de la Plata saw few butterflies (we were here earlier than last year) but several really fresh Spanish Festoons were flying and I found late instar larve feeding on Andalucian Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia baetica). Two migrant Greater Short-toed Larks flew over, calling. Orthoptera found included Common Maquis Grasshopper, Raymond's Grasshopper, Lamenting Grasshopper (actively flying around when flushed), and Egyptian Grasshopper.

Spanish Festoon (Zerynthia rumina), larva on Andlaucian Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia baetica), Cabo de Gracia, Andalucía, Spain, Apr 2026

Playa del Bunker, Cabo de Plata  36° 06' 09" N  05° 49' 27" W
Looked for echinoderms and molluscs for potential student projects around the rocks. No limpets here but plenty of periwinkles. This beach is accessed by a very steep staircase and had an abundance of Andalucian Wall Lizards. A Crag Martin was circling around the rocky outcrop above the road. Found a single Polistes paper wasp nest on a small Opuntia cactus.

Playa del Bunker, Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, April 2026

Playa del Bunker, Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, April 2026

Playa de Cabo de Plata (Playa de los Alemanes), Atlanterra (2nd beetle study site)  36° 5' 38.112" N  5° 48' 45.041" W
Searched the patches of Giant Reed behind the dunes for Common Cylindric Grasshopper but didn't find any (limited time). Observed a male Sardinain Warbler inside a Giant Reed patch collecting nest material.

Boardwalk: Playa de Zahara > Castillo de las Almadrabas  36° 7' 58.516" N  5° 50' 39.004" W
Parked the car and walked the kilometre back to the hotel in the last hour of daylight. Many birds singing: Barn Swallow, Zitting Cisticola, Collared Dove, Spotless Starling, Blackbird, House Sparrow and Feral Pigeons within the walls of the old castle. Crested Larks were running around inside the sandy ruin.

Marshy dune pool, Zahara boardwalk Zahara de los Atunes, April  2026

Day 6                                                                                                                              
Thursday 2 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > La Breña de Barbate > Playa de Retin
Blue sky, wind 9-12 mph WSW, max 19°C, min 14°C

Highlights
Griffon Vulture, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-winged Stilt, Crag Martin, Spectacled Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Audouin's Gull, Bath White, Pallid Swift, Barbary-nut, Kentish Plover.

Zahara de los Atunes
Walked to the shops after breakfast to stock up on liquids before the Easter weekend. Spotless Starlings were wolf-whistling from the Castillo de las Almadrabas and several Blackbirds, of which there appears to be a vert high density in the town, were singing from the rooftops of the white-washed buildings. House Sparrows abundant. House Martins prospecting around last year's nests.

La Breña de Barbate: Sendero Torre del Tajo  36° 11' 12.093" N  5° 57' 20.13" W
Quick visit for lunchtime. Not much time for observing.

La Breña de Barbate, April 2026

Playa de Retin (New Theba transect site)  36° 08' 50" N  05° 51' 39" W
My first visit to this site. Walked from Zahara over the bridge and along the small estuary then northwest along the edge of the dune and coastal grassland. The grassland had a few Dwarf Fan Palms and Tamarisks which held 12 Woodchat Shrikes over about 3 km - four of which were singing. The hightlight was two singing Spectacled Warblers. .
A migrant Tawny Pipit was heard arriving along with three Meadow Pipits. Several Corn Buntings, Zitting Cisticolas and Stonechats were singing. An Audouin's Gull and Sandwich Tern passed. A few small pools blanketed with Water Crowfoot held singing Iberian Water Frogs. Hundreds of Barbary-nut were in flower.  Later in the afternoon, Mediterranean Field Crickets began singing at 17:22. At the mouth of the Rio del Cachon, seven Black-winged Stilts, Kentish Plover and a Common Sandpiper were feeding along the shallow edge and a Little Egret was upstream of the bridge.

Marshy coastal grassland pools with water crowfoot, Playa de Retin, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Barbary Nut (Moraea sisyrinchium), Playa de Retin, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Rio del Cachon, Zahara de los Atunes, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Day 7                                                                                                                        
Friday 3 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Atlanterra > Duna de Bolonia > Atlanterra
Blue sky, max 18°C, no wind at all at dawn!

Highlights
Common Maquis Grasshopper, Common Digging Grasshopper, Spiny-footed Lizard, Ladder Snake, Vineyard Mole-cricket.

Boardwalk: Castillo de las Almadrabas > Playa de Zahara (and return)  36° 7' 58.516" N  5° 50' 39.004" W
Uusual species on the walk there and back later. Still around 15 Barn Swallows hawking low over the small marsh dune pool. Female Blackbird with a beakful of invertebrates.

Playa de Cabo de Plata (Playa de los Alemanes), Atlanterra (2nd beetle study site)  36° 5' 38.112" N  5° 48' 45.041" W
A very rare morning with no wind. Heard six singing Nightingale around Atlanterra and the Cabo de Plata dune scrub. Bee-eater migration continued in the clear calm conditions. A Northern Wheatear was resting up on the beach.

Duna de Bolonia 36° 05' 22" N  05° 47' 03" W
An unsuccessful search for Mediterranean Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) in the Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum). Reptiles were present in the form of Ladder Snake, Spiny-footed Lizard and Ocellated Lizard.  Found Common Digging Grasshopper and Common Maquis Grasshopper but no Common Stick Grasshopper. Departed an hour and quarter before sunset when a Vineyard Mole-cricket was singing at El Lentiscal.

Duna de Bolonia, April 2026

Duna de Bolonia, April 2026

Common Maquis Grasshopper (Pezotettix giornae), Duna da Bolonia, April 2026

Common Digging Grasshopper (Acrotylus insubricus), Duna de Bolonia, April 2026

View from Duna de Bolonia over El Lentiscal & San Bartolo, with Morocco in the distance, April 2026

Baelo Claudia - remains of an ancient town of Hispania, April 2026

Playa de Cabo de Plata (Playa de los Alemanes), Atlanterra (2nd beetle study site)  36° 5' 38.112" N  5° 48' 45.041" W
Heard a cricket singing in the low dunes but it had such ventriloquial properties that it was difficult to locate and would stop immeditaely on approach.

Cabo de Gracia, April 2026

Zahara de los Atunes sunset, April 2026

Day 8                                                                                                                              
Saturday 4 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
Blue sky, wind 23 mph E, max 17°C

Highlights
Crested Tit, Cuckoo, Kingfisher, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Hawfinch, Iberian Chiffchaff, Swallowtail, Provence Orange-tip, Cleopatra, Iberian Mantis, Earthling Stone Grasshopper, Lamenting Grasshopper, Thekla Lark.

Zahara de los Atunes
Dawn chorus from the hotel balcony with House Sparrow, Blackbird, Collared Dove, House Martin, Barn Swallow, Goldfinch and Spotless Starling.

Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
(Aquarius study site)  36° 08' 55.5" N  05° 34' 56.9" W
Arrived at 14:00 and had lunch by the stream to a soundtrack of Iberian Water Frogs, Crested Tit, Hawfinch, Cuckoo, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Chaffinch, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin and Short-toed Treecreeper all singing, with a brief appearnace by a Kingfisher which gave a couple of sharp, piping calls as it flew past. The wind was strong but sheltered areas at the base of the hill held Swallowtail, Spanish Festoon, Provence Orange-tip, Provence Hairstreak, Cleopatra and Wall. Searching the grassland produced Earthling Stone Grasshopper, Lamenting Grasshopper, Common Maquis Grasshopper and Iberian Mantis. On the return drive a Thekla Lark and Stonechat were at the Emblase de Almodovar.

Lamenting Grasshopper (Eyprepocnemis plorans), Valle de Ojén, April 2026

Earthling Stone Grasshopper (Euryparyphes terrulentus), Arroyo del Tiradero, April 2026

Day 9                                                                                                                              
Sunday 5 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > La Breña de Barbate
Blue sky, clouding over late afternoon,  wind 23 mph E, max 18°C, min 14°C.

Highlights
Woodchat Shrike, Bee-eater, Common Stick Grasshopper, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Provence Orange-tip, Vagrant Emperor, Hoopoe, Spiny-footed Lizard, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Greater Flamingo.

La Breña de Barbate: Area Recreativa El Jarillo 36° 11' 43" N  05° 58' 54" W
Visited a different area of the Umbrella Pine forest for research project students. Similar community with juniper, cistus, wild olive and Mediterranean Fan Palm. Several mature eucalyptus trees around the picnic tables. Few insects around. Found and photographed a Common Stick Grasshopper (Pyrgomorpha conica). An Iberian Green Woodpecker was yaffling some distance away and Hoopoe was flying around the pines uttering an excited raspy-buzzing call. Several Short-toed Treecreeper were singing. Spiny-footed Lizards were active in areas of hot, bare sand, running at a phenomenal pace.

Common Stick Grasshopper (Pyrgomorpha conica), La Breña de Barbate, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

Common Stick Grasshopper (Pyrgomorpha conica), La Breña de Barbate, Andalucía, Spain, April 2026

La Breña de Barbate with Stone Pine, Wild Olive & Mediterranean Fan Palm, April 2026

Day 10                                                                                                                              
Monday 6 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Marismas de Barbate
Blue sky, wind 2-12 mph W, min 12°C, max 20°C

Highlights
Hoopoe, Collared Pratincole, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Calandra Lark, White Stork, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Osprey, Caspian Tern, Audouin's Gull, Slender-billed Gull.

Zahara > Atlanterra
A Hoopoe flew over the road at Camping Bahia de la Plata.

Marismas del Barbate (south-east side): Itinerario el Cañillo (Km 3.2 on A-2231)  36° 10' 28.6'' N  05° 53' 34.6'' W
Now also known as Camino de los Flamencos. There were seven Greater Flamingos in the nearest lagoon and at least a further 87 (in view) scattered over the distant lagoons. Good numbers of waders were refuelling with 400+ Dunlin, 19 Curlew Sandpiper, 14 Kentish Plover, 13 Avocet, 10 Sanderling, 8 Little Stint, 3 Redshank, and a single Grey Plover & Turnstone. While these birds probed the muddy lagoon edges, at least 60 Collared Pratincoles were hawking aerial invertebrates above them. I had just been wondering why I still hadn't seen a White Stork in the area when I looked up to see around 110 kettling high overhead! Other good stuff here included displaying Calandra Larks and Short-toed Larks, calling Tawny Pipit and Iberian Yellow Wagtail, and a group of 14 Griffon Vultures soaring. A light move of Black Kites heading north-west involved one at 15:19 (as counted passing over my head), one at 15:24, three at 16:00, one at 16:01, two at 16:05, and nine at 16:07. An Osprey also moved through as part of this movement.

Marsimas de Barbate, April 2026

Marismas de Barbate: marshes view from behind the sports stadium  36° 11' 45.7'' N  05° 54' 40.9'' W
This vantage point allows an alternative view on the west side of the Río Barbate and the highlights today were a single Slender-billed Gull, four Caspian Terns, and two Audouin's Gulls. The nearest lagoon was full of birds on this visit on a still rising high tide including 25 Little Egrets, 23 Black-winged Stilts, 5 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, 44 Redshank, plus single Knot, Curlew and Oystercatcher.

Marsimas de Barbate, April 2026

Map of Marismas del Barbate area - where to find birds in April

Barbate: map showing the river, marshes, lagoons and old saltpans

1. Itinerario el Cañillo: Turn onto the track at km-3.2 on the A-2231. Bald Ibis often at the roadside. Follow through farm buildings to edge of lagoon for Greater Flamingo, waders (inc Collared Pratincole, Black-winged Stilts & Stone Curlew), gulls (inc Slender-billed), terns, egrets, herons & wagtails.

2. Itinerario el Cañillo: Continue for Calandra & Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Quail, Bee-eater. The tamarisks can hold migrant passerines.

3. Rio Barbate mouth: Turn onto track/rough parking area for gulls (including Audouin's & Mediterranean), terns (including Caspian), and waders.

4. Sports Stadium: Acess the estuary behind the Estadio Municipal de Deportes (off Avenida Joaquín Blume) for best view of the main channel with waders (inc Marsh Sandpiper in 2008), gulls, terns (inc Lesser Crested in 2007 & 2019), herons, egrets, wheatears, wagtails and hirundines

Day 11                                                                                                                              
Tuesday 7 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Atlanterra > Marismas del Barbate > El Almarchal > Fundacion NMAC
Thick, overcast cloud (rain overnight),wind 12 mph E, max 18°C, min 12°C.

Highlights
Montagu's Harrier, Red-rumped Swallow, Audouin's Gull, Caspian Tern, Little Ringed Plover, Western Subalpine Warbler, Spanish Dung Beetle, Calandra Lark, Melodious Warbler, Mediterranean Turtle, Pallid Swift, Common Maquis Grasshopper, Spanish Festoon, Mylabris hieracii, Common Digging Grasshopper, Hairy Rose Beetle, Purple Heron.

Playa de Cabo de Plata (Playa de los Alemanes), Atlanterra (2nd beetle study site)  36° 5' 38.112" N  5° 48' 45.041" W
Quick visit to drop of students doing research projects. An adult male Montagu's Harrier arrived in of the sea and flew NW. A couple of Red-rumped Swallows were flying around the track up to the lighthouse.

Marismas de Barbate: marshes view from behind the sports stadium  36° 11' 45.7'' N  05° 54' 40.9'' W
Returned to west side of the Río Barbate. Numbers were similar to yesterday but new birds involved a Little Ringed Plover and migrant Western Subalpine Warbler.

El Almarchal  36° 08' 34" N  05° 48' 27" W
Walked to the Arroyo de Acebuchal on the south side of the village. This stream held a singing Melodious Warbler and Nightingale in the bankside wild olives. A few Mediterranean Turtles ploppled off their resting stones, disappearing into the muddy water where Iberian Pool Frogs were singing. The surrounding rough, uneven ground had Red-legged Partridge, Crested Lark, Stonechat and around 200 House Sparrows dust-bathing while the grassy hillside on the south side of the stream had singing Corn Bunting, Zitting Cisticola and Calandra Lark. Around 20 Bee-eaters were feeding overhead. On the walk back to the car I found a Spanish Dung Beetle (Copris hispanus) labouring over the rough ground.

Arroyo de Acebuchal, El Almarchal, April 2026

Spanish Dung Beetle (Copris hispanus), El Almarchal, April 2026

Zahara de los Atunes
Had lunch around the pool in Hotel Gran Sol. Pallid Swifts calling overheard and Barn Swallows dropped in to take insects from the water surface. At least 20 House Sparrows looking for crumbs.

Fundacion NMAC, Vejer  36° 14' 35" N  05° 54' 26" W
Visited the sculpture park for a couple of hours though spent more time looking at nature than the art. The Umbrella Pine and Wild Olive woodland is rich in flora and invertebrates. One patch held over 50 Mylabris hieracii blister beetles, including copulating pairs and what looked looked like females making burrows for egg-laying. Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota squalida) were abundant and Common Digging Grasshoppers were found in open patches and clearings.

X There is a good population of Common Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) here with many singing strongly mid-afternoon.

blister beetle sp. (Mylabris hieracii), NMAC, Vejer, April 2026

Common Digging Grasshopper (Acrotylus insubricus), NMAC, Vejer, April 2026

Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota squalida), NMAC, Vejer, April 2026

Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota squalida), NMAC, Vejer, April 2026

NMAC, Vejer, April 2026

NMAC, Vejer, April 2026

Zahara de los Atunes
On return early evening, a Purple Heron was in the estuary, upstream of the bridge.

Day 12                                                                                                                              
Wednesday 8 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > La Barca de Vejer

Highlights
Northern Bald Ibis, Cetti's Warbler, Nightingale, Peregrine, Glossy Ibis.

La Barca de Vejer 36° 15' 17.5'' N  05° 57' 29.5'' W
Quick look at the nesting Northern Bald Ibises. An impressive 22 apparently occupied nests on the cliffs in the village. As usual, the bolder Jackdaw were attempting to steal twigs from their nests. I didn't visit the more distant colony on the other side of the village but saw a couple as I passed in the car. Reed Warbler and Cetti's Warbler were singing from Giant Reed patches along the Rio Barbate behind the viewing area. There was brief, less than harmonious, interaction between a Kestrel and a Peregrine around the clifftop.

Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) nesting colony, La Barca de Vejer, April 2026

Marismas del Barbate (south-east side): Itinerario el Cañillo (Km 3.2 on A-2231)  36° 10' 28.6'' N  05° 53' 34.6'' W
I didn't have time to stop but the small, marshy freshwater pool just south-east of the entrance had a couple of Glossy Ibises.

Zahara de los Atunes
The final sunset always seems the sweetest but tonight really finished with the best colours of the week and the bonus appearance of a rainbow. Flocks of Cattle Egrets once again completed their twice daily crespuscular flights, this time heading south-east to roost.

Hotel Gran Sol, Zahara delos Atunes, April 2026

Castillo de las Almadrabas, Zahara delos Atunes, April 2026

Day 13                                                                                                                              
Thursday 9 April 2026
Zahara de los Atunes > Tarifa > Algeciras > Malaga > Madrid > Barcelona

Highlights
Stone Curlew, Woodchat Shrike, White Stork, Monk Parakeet, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Serin.

Zahara de los Atunes
An early 06:00 start for the early train to Madrid and the start of the journey home. A Stone Curlew was calling and Barn Swallows were already singing from their roost/nest sites, though still too dark to fly around.

Train: Malaga Maria Zambrano > Madrid Puerta de Atocha
Again the first part of the return journey was by coach between Malaga and Antequera-Santa Ana station due to the part-closure of the AVE high speed line.

Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid
I had 30 mins to have my lunch in Madrid's El Retiro Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) between train connections. I heard and saw Iberian Green Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Monk Parakeet, Serin, Coal Tit among the commoner species.

Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid, Spain, April 2026

Train: Madrid Puerta de Atocha > Barcelona Sants
I didn't have a window seat and didn't see anything of note.

Barcelona
Only Feral Pigeons noted as I headed to the hotel.

Day 14                                                                                                                              
Friday 10 April 2026
Barcelona > Paris > London > Purfleet-on-Thames

Highlights
Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Little Egret, Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Booted Eagle.

Parc de l'Espanya Industrial, Barcelona Sants
On the way past to the train, I heard Monk Parakeets and a flock of nine flew overhead. Greenfinch and Collared Dove were singing and I heard a Ring-necked Parakeet calling. A few Common Swifts were overhead.

Train: Barcelona Sants > Paris Gare de Lyon, France
The lagoons between Perpignan and Montpellier had fewer birds than previous spring trips but highlights were Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Booted Eagle and Avocet.

Coastal lagoon between Perpignan & Narbonne, France, April 2026

Train: Paris Gare du Nord, France > London St. Pancras International
Nothing of note seen.

Train to Spain, March-April 2026

Systematic List

Zahara de los Atunes & Costa de la Luz, by train from London via Paris and Barcelona, 28 March -10 April 2026

[sound recordings/photographs from various years]

Great Crested Grebe  Podiceps cristatus

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

Mute Swan  Cygnus olor

2, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

Noted, London-Paris train, 29-Mar

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Greylag Goose  Anser anser

Noted, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Canada Goose  Branta canadensis

Noted, London-Paris train, 29-Mar

Egyptian Goose  Alopochen aegypiaca

1, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Common Shelduck  Tadorna tadorna

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Mallard  Anas platyrhynchos

Noted, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

Pr, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Pr, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Pr, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

1f, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Northern Shoveler  Anas clypeata

1, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

Tufted Duck  Aythya fuligula

Noted, London-Paris train, 29-Mar

Red-legged Partridge  Alectoris rufa

Pr, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Common Quail  Coturnix coturnix

None heard this year.

Pheasant  Phasianus  colchicus

None seen.

Balearic Shearwater  Puffinus mauretanicus

None seen.

Northern Gannet  Morus bassanus

1 dead, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

1, Atlanterra, 3-May

Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

None seen this year.

Great Cormorant  Phalacrocorax carbo

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

7, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

3, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Squacco Heron  Ardeola ralloides

None seen this year.

Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

Bird leaving roosting sites, passing over Zahara de los Atunes at dawn 08:00, 31-Mar

20+, in fields at La Suerte de Choní petrol station, Zahara 31-Mar

50+, returning to roosting sites, passing over Zahara de los Atunes at dusk 21:00, 31-Mar

c20, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

1, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

9, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 8-Apr

50+ SE at dusk, Zahara de los Atunes, 8-Apr

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) flying into the nesting colony at dawn

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

Noted, London-Paris train, 29-Mar

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

Noted, Barcelona-Madrid train, 30-Mar

1 SE over sea, Atlanterra, 31-Mar

1, Zahara estuary/Rio del Cachón, 2-Apr

25, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Río del Cachón, Zahara estuary

Great Egret  Casmerodius albus

None seen.

Great Egret (Casmerodius albus), Marismas del Barbate

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea

1, Malaga-Madrid train, 9-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea

1, Rio del Cachón, Zahara de los Atunes, 7-Apr

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Canal Colector del Este, La Janda

White Stork  Ciconia ciconia

Noted, Madrid-Malaga train, 30-Mar

110 kettling, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Noted, Malaga-Madrid train, 9-Apr

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus

2, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 8-Apr

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), La Barca de Vejer

Northern Bald Ibis  Geronticus eremita

22 AONs opposite viewing platform, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita), La Barca de Vejer

Jackdaw attempting to steal twigs from Northern Bald Ibis nest

Eurasian Spoonbill  Platalea leucorodia

None seen.

Greater Flamingo  Phoenicopterus roseus

Noted on the Mediterranea coast of France from the Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

100+, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 5-Apr

87, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), Marismas del Barbate

Eurasian Griffon Vulture  Gyps fulvus

Noted, Madrid-Malaga train, 30-Mar

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

2, start of Camino de Ojén, 31-Mar

33, over Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

1, over Zahara de los Atunes, 2-Apr

5, over Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

14, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Sierra de la Plata

Egyptian Vulture  Noephron percnopterus

1, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Short-toed Eagle  Circaetus gallicus

1, over Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Booted Eagle  Aquila pennata

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

1, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Black Kite  Milvus migrans

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

Noted, Madrid-Malaga train, 30-Mar

17 NW, 15:19-16:07, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Red Kite  Milvus milvus

Noted, Barcelona-Madrid train, 30-Mar

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus

None seen this year

Western Marsh Harrier  Circus aeruginosus

1, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

Montagu's Harrier  Circus pygargus

1m NW, Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, 7-Apr

Common Buzzard  Buteo buteo

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

1, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

1, Malaga-Madrid train, 9-Apr

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus

1 N, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus

None seen.

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

1, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

1, Malaga-Madrid train, 9-Apr

Lesser Kestrel  Falco naumanni

None seen this year.

Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni), Tarifa

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Tarifa

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

1, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

2, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

1, Arroyo de Achebuchal, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Eurasian Coot  Fulica atra

Noted, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Purple Swamphen  Porphyrio porphyrio

None seen.

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) La Janda

Eurasian Oystercatcher  Haematopus ostralegus

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

Eurasian Stone-curlew  Burhinus eodicnemus

1, calling Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar

1, calling Zahara de los Atunes, 9-Apr

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus

Noted on the Mediterranea coast of France from the Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

7, Zahara estuary/Rio del Cachón river mouth, 2-Apr

18, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

23, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

23, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) Marismas del Barbate

Pied Avocet  Recurvirostra avosetta

13, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Stone Curlew  Burhinus oedicnemus

1 calling, Zahara de los Atunes, 30-Mar

1 calling, Zahara de los Atunes, 9-Apr

Collared Pratincole  Glareola pratincola

1, over C-2231 Zahara-Barbate road, 6-Apr

60+, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) Marismas del Barbate

Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) Marismas del Barbate

Little Ringed Plover  Charadrius dubius

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Ringed Plover  Charadrius hiaticula

11, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

14, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) Marismas del Barbate

Kentish Plover  Charadrius alexandrinus

1, Zahara estuary/Rio del Cachón, 2-Apr

14, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Bolonia

Grey Plover  Pluvialis squatarola

1, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

4, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes), 7-Apr

Northern Lapwing  Vanellus vanellus

Noted, Grays-London train (Rainham Marshes), 28-Mar

Red Knot  Calidris canutus

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

Sanderling  Calidris alba

10, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

Sanderling (Calidris alba) Marismas del Barbate

Black-tailed Godwit  Limosa limosa

None seen.

Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus

5, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Marismas del Barbate

Curlew  Numenius arquata

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Curlew Sandpiper  Calidris ferruginea

19, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Dunlin  Calidris alpina

400+, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

41, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Ruff  Philomachus pugnax

None seen.

Little Stint  Calidris minuta

8, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

1, Rio del Cachón, Zahara de los Atunes, 2-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes), 7-Apr

Spotted Redshank  Tringa erythropus

None seen this year

Common Redshank  Tringa totanus

4, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

44, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

41, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia

7, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

5, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes), 7-Apr

Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus

None seen.

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

1, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Black-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus ridibundusi

None seen.

Slender-billed Gull  Chroicocephalus genei

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

Herring Gull  Larus argentatus

2, Tilbury Town station, 28-Mar

6+, King's Cross-St. Pancras station, 29-Mar

Yellow-legged Gull  Larus michahellis

2, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Noted, Malaga, 30-Mar

Noted  daily, Zahara de los Atunes, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Noted  daily, Atlanterra, 31-Mar to 7-Apr

5, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

4 SE, Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, 7-Apr

30, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Noted, Malaga, 9-Apr

Noted, Parc de l'Espanya Industrial, Barcelona, 10-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Lesser Black-backed Gull  Larus fuscus

Noted, , Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

5, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes), 7-Apr

Audouin's Gull  Larus audouinii

1, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

4, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes), 7-Apr

Mediterranean Gull  Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

None seen.

Sandwich Tern  Sterna sandvicensis

1, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

4, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Little Tern  Sternula albifrons

None seen.

Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica

None seen this year.

Caspian Tern  Hydroprogne caspia

4, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

2, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Whiskered Tern  Childonias hybrida

Noted, Barcelona-Madrid train, 30-Mar

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

1, Tilbury Town station, 28-Mar

Noted, London-Paris train, 29-Mar

Noted, Paris-Barcelona train, 29-Mar

Noted, Malaga, 30-Mar

Noted, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

30+, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

25+, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Noted, Malaga, 9-Apr

Noted, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Noted, Parc de l'Espanya Industrial, Barcelona, 10-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Stock Dove  Columba oenas

None seen.

Wood Pigeon  Columba palumbus

1, Tilbury Town station, 28-Mar

Noted, Gare du Lyon station, Paris, 29-Mar

Noted, Barcelona-Madrid train, 30-Mar

5+, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

1, Duna de Bolonia, 3-Apr

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Singing, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

Singing, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Noted, Barcelona-Paris train, 10-Apr

Collared Dove  Streptopelia decaocto

Noted, Malaga, 30-Mar

Noted singing daily, Zahara de los Atunes, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Noted singing daily, Atlanterra, 31-Mar to 7-Apr

Displaying, La Suerte de Choní petrol station, Zahara 31-Mar

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Singing, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Noted, Malaga, 9-Apr

Noted, Malaga-Madrid train, 9-Apr

Singing, Parc de l'Espanya Industrial, Barcelona, 10-Apr

European Turtle Dove  Streptopelia turtur

None seen or heard.

Common Cuckoo  Cuculus canorus

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Little Owl  Athene noctua

None seen ot heard

Tawny Owl  Strix aluco

None seen or heard.

Swift sp.  Apus sp.

60+, Malaga (seen from the car), 9-Apr

Common Swift  Apus apus

6+, Parc de l'Espanya Industrial, Barcelona, 10-Apr

Pallid Swift  Apus pallidus

22, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

2, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Alpine Swift  Apus melba

2, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Little Swift  Apus affinus.

None seen.

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

1, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

1-2, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Eurasian Hoopoe  Upupa epops

1, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk. 1-Apr

1, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr. Flying around pine canopy uttering soft buzzy calls.

European Bee-eater  Merops apiaster

Dozens arriving, Atlanterra 31-Mar

Migrant flocks, over Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Dozens arriving, Atlanterra 1-Apr

Migration continuing, Atlanterra, 3-Apr

Migration continuing, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Light passage, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

A few over, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

20+, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Migrants over, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

Eurasian Green Woodpecker  Picus viridis

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Iberian Green Woodpecker  Picus sharpei

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Singing, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Great Spotted Woodpecker  Dendrocopus major

1 calling, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Eurasian Skylark  Alauda arvensis

None seen or heard.

Crested Lark  Galerida cristata

Noted singing daily, Zahara de los Atunes, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Noted singing daily, Atlanterra, 31-Mar to 7-Apr

Singing, La Suerte de Choní petrol station, Zahara 31-Mar

1, in grounds of Castillo de las Almadrabas, 1-Apr

4 singing mm, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

Singing, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Singing, Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 6-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Singing, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata), Zahara de los Atunes

Thekla Lark  Galerida theklae

2, Embalse de Almodovar, 31-Mar

1, Embalse de Almodovar, 4-Apr

Woodlark  Lullula arborea

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Greater Short-toed Lark  Calandrella brachydactyla

2, migrants over Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, 1-Apr

2 singing mm, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Calandra Lark  Melanocorypha calandra

2 singing mm, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

1 singing m, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Sand Martin  Riparia riparia

1 NW, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

7 NE, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

1, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Eurasian Crag Martin  Ptyonprogne rupestris

1, Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, 1-Apr

2, over rocky outcrop adjacent to Zahara estuary/Rio del Cachón, 2-Apr

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

20+, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 1-Apr

c40, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk (feeding around a marshy dune pool), 2-Apr

Noted, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

15, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 3-Apr

10, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 4-Apr

65, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk (feeding around marshy dune pool), 5-Apr

Noted, Marismas del Barbate, 6-Apr

Noted, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Singng, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Singing from roosting sites 06:00, Zahara de los Atunes, 9-Apr

Noted, Malaga-Madrid train, 9-Apr

Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis daurica

1, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 2-Apr

2, Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, 7-Apr

House Martin  Delichon urbicum

3, Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, 1-Apr

Nest-building  in town, Zahara de los Atunes, 2-Apr

Collecting mud, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 2-Apr

2, Faro de Camarinal, Cabo de Gracia, 7-Apr

House Martin (Delichon urbicum), Zahara de los Atunes

Dunnock  Prunella modularis

1 singing m, Grays station, Essex, 28-Mar

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Tawny Pipit  Anthus campestris

1, Embalse de Almodovar, 31-Mar

1, migrant in off the sea, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Meadow Pipit  Anthus pratensis

1, (migrant in off the sea), Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

Tree Pipit  Anthus trivialis

None heard.

Pied Wagtail  Motacilla alba yarrellii

1, Tilbury Town station, 28-Mar

White Wagtail  Motacilla alba alba

1, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Iberian Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla flava iberiae

5+, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 5-Apr

Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla flava

1 over calling, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes), 7-Apr

European Robin  Erithacus rubecula

Abundant in the Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, and La Breña de Barbate.

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Common Nightingale  Luscinia megarhynchos

Noted singing daily, Zahara de los Atune dune boardwalk, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Noted singing daily, Atlanterra, 31-Mar to 7-Apr

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

6 singing mm, drive from Zahara de los Atunes-Atlanterra, 3-May

Singing, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

3+ singing mm, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

2 singing mm, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Northern Wheatear  Oenanthe oenanthe

1, Atlanterra, 3-Apr

Black-eared Wheatear  Oenanthe hispanica

1, Embalse de Almodovar, 31-Mar

Black Redstart  Phoenicurus ochruros

1 singing m, Gare du Lyon station, Paris, 29-Mar

Common Redstart  Phoenicurus phoenicurus

None seen.

Common Stonechat  Saxicola torquatus

1, Embalse de Almodovar, 31-Mar

6 singing m, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

2, Embalse de Almodovar, 4-Apr

1f, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

Pr (inc singing m), El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Blue Rock Thrush  Monticola solitarus

None seen or heard.

Common Blackbird  Turdus merula

Common in woodland and matorral habitats.

1 singing m, St. Pancras Church, London, 29-Mar

1 singing m, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Noted singing daily, Zahara de los Atunes, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Noted singing daily, Atlanterra, 31-Mar to 7-Apr

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

3mm, having a stand-off on a villa wall, Atlanterra, 1-Apr

1 singing m, Cabo de Plata, Atlanterra, 1-Apr

Singing, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

Singing, Duna de Bolonia, 3-Apr

1 calling, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

3 singing mm, walk up to Faro de Camarinal from locked gate, 7-Apr

3+ singing mm, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), Zahara de los Atunes

Song Thrush  Turdus philomelus

None seen this year.

Blackcap  Sylvia atricapilla

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

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

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Singing, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Singing, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Singing, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Common Whitethroat  Sylvia communis

None seen or heard this year.

Spectacled Warbler  Sylvia communis

2 singing mm, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

Sardinian Warbler  Sylvia melanocephala

Abundant in suitable habitat.

Noted at Playa de Zahara, Castillo de las Almadrabas, Atlanterra, Sendero del Acantilado, La Breña de Barbate, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, Cabo de Gracia.

Noted singing daily, Zahara de los Atune dune boardwalk, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Noted singing daily, Atlanterra, 31-Mar to 7-Apr

Singing, La Breña de Barbate, 2-Apr

Singing, Zahara estuary/Rio del Cachón river mouth, 2-Apr

Singing, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

3 singing mm, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 3-Apr

Singing, Duna de Bolonia, 3-Apr

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

5 singing mm + 6 calling, walk up to Faro de Camarinal from locked gate, 7-Apr

Singing, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

Western Subalpine Warbler  Sylvia inornata

1, Zahara de los Atunes boardwalk, 1-Apr

1, Marismas del Barbate (Estadio Municipal de Deportes side), 7-Apr

Zitting Cisticola  Cisticola juncidis

Fairly common and widespread.

Noted singing daily, Zahara de los Atune dune boardwalk, 31-Mar to 8-Apr

Singing, La Suerte de Choní petrol station, Zahara 31-Mar

5 singing mm + bird carrying faecal sac, Playa del Retin, 2-Apr

Singing, Marismas del Barbate (south-east side - El Cañillo), 6-Apr

2 singing mm, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis), Marismas del Barbate

Cetti's Warbler  Cettia cetti

1 singing m, Tilbury Town station, 28-Mar

1 singing m, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

European Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus scirpaceus

1 singing m, Rio Barbate, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Great Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus arundinaceus

None seen or heard.

Sedge Warbler  Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

None seen or heard.

Melodious Warbler  Hippolais polyglotta

1 singing m, El Almarchal, 7-Apr

Western Bonelli's Warbler  Phylloscopus bonelli

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

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Common Chiffchaff  Phylloscopus colyybita

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Iberian Chiffchaff  Phylloscopus ibericus

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

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Willow Warbler  Phylloscopus trochilus

1, singing migrant, La Breña de Barbate, 2-Apr

Goldcrest  Regulus regulus

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Firecrest  Regulus ignicapilla

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

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla), Valle de Ojén

Eurasian Wren  Troglodytes troglodytes

1 singing m, Grays station, Essex, 28-Mar

1 singing m, St. Pancras Church, London, 29-Mar

1 singing m, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

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

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, La Breña de Barbate, 2-Apr

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Singing, La Barca de Vejer, 8-Apr

Long-tailed Tit  Aegithalos caudatus

Noted, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Pr, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Calling, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Blue Tit  Cyanistes caeruleus

1, Grays station, Essex, 28-Mar

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

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

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Noted, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Great Tit  Parus major

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

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

Singing, Duna de Bolonia, 3-Apr

Singing, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

Singing, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

Crested Tit  Lophophanes cristatus

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

Coal Tit  Periparus ater

Singing, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Eurasian Nuthatch  Sitta europea

Fairly common, Valle de Ojén, Parque Natural de los Alcornocales

Short-toed Treecreeper  Certhia brachydactyla

Singing, Le Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 29-Mar

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

Also heard and seen in La Breña de Barbate (Umbrella Pine woods).

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 31-Mar

Singing, La Breña de Barbate, 2-Apr

Singing, Duna de Bolonia, 3-Apr

Singing, Arroyo del Tiradero, Valle de Ojén, 4-Apr

3 singing mm + 1 calling, Area Recreativa el Jarillo, La Breña de Barbate, 5-Apr

1 calling, Parque de Esculturas, NMAC, Montenmedio, 7-Apr

Singing, Parque del Retiro, Madrid, 9-Apr

Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla), Valle de Ojén