2006 SPRING TOUR FOR ALLAN AND TANIS GUILFOYLE

TRIP REPORT

Day 1

The British Airways flight from Manchester arrived just a few minutes late at 12.15 into the vast and recently opened Terminal 4 in Madrid . Allan and Tanis were met and by 13.00 we were heading through the outskirts of the city. Once on the Madrid-Lisbon motorway we stopped for lunch beside a small service station just 50 kms from Madrid . We were in the heart of open rolling cultivations of cereals and vineyards. Crested and Calandra Larks sang above, whilst we were pleased to see a flock of about 30 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse flying low nearby. An excellent start!

On the motorway we passed through a belt of rain and saw en route White Stork and Black Kite . We made a short pause at the reed-fringed Arrocampo reservoir, seeing Bee-eaters perched on roadside fences as we took a country road from the motorway. Strong winds made it hard to hear any warblers (even if they had been in song), but a single Zitting Cisticola bravely bounced in the sky above us. We found a single Black-winged Kite perched on a bare tree and then watched it perform its graceful flight, before settling this time in an evergreen oak tree. Excellent views were also obtained of at least two Purple Heron and we also saw a dark-phase Booted Eagle , Lesser Kestrels and Griffon Vultures , as well as a fine male Marsh Harrier .

We headed off from Arroyocampo, reaching our destination Casa Rural El Recuerdo, in the little village of Pago de San Clemente in time for tea.

The Bustard Plains

On the second day, we headed for the extensive plains north-east of the village of Belén . We stopped just outside the village to survey the panorama of the plains in front and marvelled at the abundance of wild flowers: a real medley of colours: purples, whites, yellows, pinks and reds. As we stood Allan spotted a fox being mobbed by two magpies. It walked up a rocky hillside and then dashed off in pursuit of a rabbit. Two Great Spotted Cuckoos flew past giving their harsh ringing call as they were being chased by Magpies.

We made regular stops along the road and quite quickly found a group of about six Great Bustards , as well as two displaying Little Bustards . Every direction skyward one looked we could see raptors, mainly Griffon Vultures , but also Black Vulture , Booted Eagle , Short-toed Eagle and Common Buzzard . The sky was also full of singing Calandra , Crested and Thekla Larks , the latter providing good views to check identification features, as adults came in to land on roadside fence posts with food in their bills for nestlings. Further on we found a group of 12 Great Bustard , including a male in full display, whilst a Stone Curlew called from the distance. We took lunch near a fine tree colony of White Stork and Cattle Egret . A Quail called from nearby vegetation, whilst a Zitting Cisticola called almost incessantly. After lunch we watched Bee-eaters along the road and had excellent views of Lesser Kestrels around an old farm building. On a nearby field a group of all three species of vulture had gathered by a dead sheep, resolutely guarded by a mastein dog.

We completed the day with a walk along the River Tozo to a small reservoir near Torrescillas. Highlights there were three Spoonbill , a distant fly-over Golden Eagle and good views of Spanish Sparrow and Azure-winged Magpie .

Sandgrouse and Bonelli's Eagles

Day Three was unexpectedly overcast first thing, but these were good conditions to visit the steppes west of Trujillo towards the village of Santa Marta de Magasca. Leaving the main road, we stopped in a narrow belt of dehesa prompted by a brief glimpse of a pair of Rock Sparrows flying up from the ground. Western Orphean Warblers sang from both sides of the road and a pair provided excellent views in a bare tree. Overhead Woodlarks sang, whilst a Cuckoo and a Hoopoe almost sounded as if they were singing in duet. Out on the plains, we stopped at the brow of a hill and almost immediately heard the auk-like calls of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse , with good views obtained shortly afterwards of a flock. We also watched two males and a female Little Bustard , and noted the female raising her tail in a fan as one of the males approached. Further on, we followed a track across the plains and were rewarded with superb views of a pristine male Black-eared Wheatear , as well as more Pin-tailed Sandgrouse , a smaller group of Black-bellied Sandgrouse and about half a dozen Great Bustard , including three in flight.

Lunch was taken at the River Tamuja, south of Santa Marta de Magasca, where Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows nested under the bridge and good views were obtained of Blue Rock Thrush . However, it was the eagles which made the place particularly special. As well as Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle , we had really excellent views of a pair of Bonelli's Eagle , sometimes passing very close.

Finally we visited another area of steppe, where several Montagu's Harriers quartered the cereals, Lesser Kestrels hunted overhead and Rollers perched on electricity cables.

Warblers and more Eagles

We set off on Day Four with not a cloud in sight and the day set fair, although there was a troublesome breeze. Our first stop was the heath of Jaraicejo, with the French Lavender in full splendour. Fairly quickly we had good views of a Dartford Warbler and crossed the heath to the sound of several singing Thekla Larks . Entering a Cork Oak grove, we watched a low-level Booted Eagle and then we heard the beautiful song of Golden Orioles and managed to track down a group of two males and a female which sang and chased each other, providing us with excellent views of this often elusive species. Returning across the heath, we had brief views of Spectacled Warbler . We paused for coffee beside the Arroyo de la Vid where a medley of warblers sang: Melodious , Willow , Subalpine and Sardinian .

From there we drove across to the Villuercus mountains and stopped for lunch at the crossing of the Rio Almonte near Retamosa. The river passes through an impressive gorge and we enjoyed an excellent view of an adult Golden Eagle , as well as Booted and Short-toed . We continued after lunch to the village of Cabañas del Castillo . The tiny village is perched at the foot of crags affording spectacular views. The bird watching was also excellent with great views of Black Wheatear , Black Redstart and Blue Rock Thrush , as well as three Black Stork , another Golden Eagle , a Peregrine and a pair of Red-billed Choughs . In the scrub under the cliffs, Subalpine, Sardinian and Melodious Warblers were seen.

Monfragüe

Day Five was warm and sunny and we started well with a Melodious Warbler singing in the lane as we left for Monfragüe. We took the road to Torrejón El Rubio, driving through the vast expanse of dehesa, cut by the rivers Tozo and Almonte. From Torrejón the road became more winding, descending into the narrow valley of the Arroyo de la Vid , before entering Monfragüe itself. We drove up to the foot of the castle and took the steps up to the old Moorish remains. There the view was absolutely stunning. Apart from some Alpine Swifts and a Blue Rock Thrush there was not much bird activity, but we had good views of a singing Rock Bunting as we walked back down. We then drove to Peña Falcon, and enjoyed the spectacle of wheeling vultures and Black Storks on the thermals above the crags. Good views were obtained of Griffin Vultures on their nests and a pair of Black Storks mating. There were also excellent photographic opportunities of Blue Rock Thrush , Serin and Black Redstart . We were also delighted to find at the top of the crags a distant Black Wheatear .

From there we took the road past Villarreal de San Carlos , down to the Tajadilla picnic site. There we had lunch whilst watching a Black Kite and Egyptian Vulture at their nests. Further on we stopped to look at the Black Stork's nest near the Portilla del Tietár and had wonderful views of an adult with four tiny white chicks. We then made our final stop at the Portilla and spent about an hour watching the nest of the Spanish Imperial Eagle , where the female was brooding her chick. Eventually the male arrived at the nest, left an item of prey and soared off, providing a superb view of the bird in flight. The female proceeded to delicately give the chick morsels and we could easily see this feeding taking place. We completed our stay watching the Eagle Owl chicks at the nest, but despite careful scanning of the cliff, neither of the adults could be found. On the way back, we stopped at the belt of pines near the dam, and found two Turtle Doves as well as hearing Golden Oriole .

Ricefields

Day Six was a very hot sunny day, but the first couple of hours was pleasant enough to be out of doors. Pausing off the road near the village we had close views of a Rock Sparrow . We the stopped to check the southern end of the Sierra Brava reservoir, with Tanis spotting a Great Bustard , having seen one from the road as well. Two distant Black-necked Grebes and three Red-crested Pochard in flight were the highlights of this stop. We walked along the stretch of the River Ruercus, a wonderful strip of rich riverine habitat absolutely full of singing Nightingales , Cetti's Warblers , with Blackcap and Great Reed Warbler as well. We had excellent views of Common Waxbill , as well as Red Avadavat just before we reached the river.

From there were took a track towards Palazuelo and were rewarded with excellent views of courtship feeding Rollers . The ricefields themselves were completely dry and most had already been ploughed over. On the way then to Madrigalejo we stopped at roadside pools to watch a pair of Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper .

We took lunch next to the pool in the El Hito area, where there were two Red-crested Pochard and a couple of Grey Lag Geese (possibly feral). There were fine views of Montagu's Harrier . The rest of the afternoon was spent in the Vegas Altas area, where again we found no wet ground and the afternoon heart had reduced bird activity considerably, although we did find a group of five Yellow Wagtails on passage and saw another Roller , bring our day's total to five. A quick drive across the Zorita Plains was quite quiet, so we returned home for a welcome cup of tea in the cool of the house.

In the evening a short walk down the lane produced sightings of Scop's Owl on a telegraph wire and at least three calling , as well as calls of Little Owl and Barn Owl . The sky was darkening and the stars coming out in strength we returned home.

Purple Swamphen

A fine and most importantly calm Seventh Day promised well for a return visit to Arrocampo. We arrived to find a group of birders who had spent half an hour without getting a glimpse of a Purple Swamphen . We positioned ourselves in the shade of small bush for a long wait. It was certainly very productive with good views of Little Bittern , Great White Heron and a fly-over Black Tern , the latter being an uncommon passage migrant here. Savi's Warblers sang in the reeds as well as Great Reed Warblers . Walking back to the car after about an hour we paused by a gap in the reeds and Alan spotted a Purple Swamphen coming out of cover barely metres from where we stood. We watched it for several minutes as it fed on the stalks of the rushes. Superb views. We then explored other areas of the reedbed, getting glimpses of Black-crowned Night Heron and more Great Reed Warblers .

After a stop for a cold drink, we headed back to Jaraicejo and had lunch in the shade near the Arroyo de la Vid , and were rewarded with good views of a pair of Rock Sparrows , as well as displaying male Spanish Sparrows . Thence to the nearby heath where a Spectacled Warbler flew in to sing at the top of a bush near the path and we also got several views of Dartford Warblers . A fine Short-toed Eagle wheeling in the afternoon heat concluded yet another very special day.

Extra Days

1 st May

Excellent views of Red-necked Nightjar at Pago de San Clemente

2 nd May Merida

From the Roman Bridge over the River Guadiana, superb views of Pallid, Alpine and Common Swift flying under the arches of the bridge, and Great Reed Warbler , Little Bittern , Cetti's Warbler and Common Waxbill seen very well in the reeds next to the bridge.

After a visit to the Roman theatre and amphitheatre, we travelled down the river and lunched amongst scrub and eucalyptus close to the river bank. The area was full of Nightingales , and views were also obtained of Golden Oriole and Red Avadavat .

3 rd May Monfragüe

Straight to Portilla del Tietar and some outstanding views of Spanish Imperial Eagle , including the male collecting nest material. No sign of the Eagle Owl unfortunately, but we did get excellent views of a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers . Then to the castle where we quickly got good views of White-rumped Swift (they had arrived exceptionally early this year), as well as a Red-billed Chough . It was wonderful to see the Griffon Vultures passing close by. We stopped for lunch at the pines near the dam where we found a pair of Crested Tit and Alan got at last some good photos of Azure-winged Magpies . Finally another stop at the Portilla provided us yet again with superb views of the Spanish Imperial Eagle , but no Eagle Owl . On the way back we stopped briefly for tea at the Rio Almonte, where a Common Sandpiper foraged amongst the pebbles midstream.

Return to Madrid

Taking advantage of an evening return flight, we had the opportunity of a full morning's birding on Belen Plains . It was extremely productive with excellent photo opportunities for Hoopoe, Calandra Lark , Short-toed Lark , Lesser Kestrel and Spotless Starling . We also had good views of a juvenile Spanish Imperial Eagle being mobbed by Black Kites , distant views of over 15 Great Bustards and the spectacle of a group of at least 70 Griffon Vultures wheeling on a thermal, along with an Egyptian Vulture and Black Vulture .

Reluctantly we had to depart early afternoon and we took the motorway to Madrid , with a stop at Arrocampo for lunch. Great Reed Warblers sang and a couple of Little Bitterns were seen well as they flew into the reeds. A Purple Swamphen gave a tantalizingly brief view, but we got fine views of a pale phase Booted Eagle as well as a very smart male Marsh Harrier . Then it was non-stop through to Madrid for check-in in the new Terminal 4.

BIRDS RECORDED

The objective of the tour was to maximise opportunities for photography and aim to see certain target species, whilst maintaining a gentle pace, rather than racing to get a long species list. Excellent results were obtained and even though a long list was not the priority, a very satisfying overall list of 144 species were recorded.

1. Little Grebe : Present on small pools in the plains near Santa Marta de Magasca and in similar habitat on the ricefields.

2. Great Crested Grebe : pairs present at Arrocampo, the River Tozo Embalse and The Embaslse of Sierra Brava.

3. Black-necked Grebe : A pair seen rather distantly at Sierra Brava.

4. Great Cormorant : Seen only on the River Guadiana at Mérida.

5. Little Bittern : Several, mainly males, seen at Arrocampo and from the Roman Bridge at Mérida.

6. Black-crowned Night Heron : Over six adults seen from the Roman Bridge at Mérida.

7. Cattle Egret : Seen almost daily, with colonies on Belen Plains .

8. Little Egret : Seen almost daily as singles along rivers and at pools. A pair at the egret colony on Belen Plains .

9. Great White Heron : One present at Arrocampo on 27 th April.

10. Grey Heron : Seen almost daily.

11. Purple Heron : Several seen on each visit to Arrocampo and also from the Roman Bridge , Mérida.

12. Black Stork : As well as excellent views of nesting birds at Monfragüe, individuals were also seen at Cabañas del Castillo.

13. White Stork : A common bird seen daily.

14. Spoonbill : Three birds present at the Embalse of river Tozo.

15. Grey Lag Goose : Two at Casas del Hito.

16. Gadwall : Pairs present on small pools on Belen Plains and Santa Marta de Magasca.

17. Mallard : Seen almost daily.

18. Shoveler : Seen at Tozo Embalse.

19. Red-crested Pochard : Three at Sierra Brava and two at Casas del Hito on 26 th April.

20. Black-winged Kite : One seen well near Arrocampo on 21 st April.

21. Black Kite : Very common and seen every day.

22. Red Kite : Seen almost daily, but less common that previous species.

23. Egyptian Vulture : Seen most days with excellent views at Monfragüe in particular.

24. Griffon Vulture : Seen every day and sometimes well over a hundred seen at a time. Well developed young at nests in Monfragüe.

25. Black Vulture : Seen almost daily.

26. Short-toed Eagle : Seen almost daily, including an individual most afternoons at El Recuerdo.

27. Marsh Harrier : Seen on each visit to Arrocampo.

28. Montagu's Harrier : Good numbers on the plains near Santa Marta de Magasca and also seen on the ricefields.

29. Common Buzzard : Seen daily.

30. Spanish Imperial Eagle : Superb views of the breeding pair at Monfragüe, including the single chick being fed and aerial battles with Griffon and Black Vultures. Juvenile seen well on Belen Plains on 5 th May, mobbed on one occasion by a Black Kite.

31. Golden Eagle : One bird seen distantly high above the Tozo Embalse. Very good views of an adult at Rio Almonte near Cabañas del Castillo and another individual seen shortly afterwards from the village.

32. Booted Eagle : Seen daily, mostly pale phase.

33. Bonelli's Eagle : Excellent close views of a pair along Rio Tamuja south of Santa Marta de Magasca.

34. Lesser Kestrel : Seen every day.

35. Common Kestrel : Seen almost every day.

36. Peregrine Falcon : Good views of an adult at Cabañas del Castillo.

37. Red-legged Partridge : Seen most days.

38. Quail : Calling birds on Belen Plains and near Santa Marta de Magasca.

39. Moorhen : Seen almost daily.

40. Purple Swamphen : Excellent close-up and prolonged views of a bird feeding at Arrocampo.

41. Common Coot : Recorded on Tozo Embalse and Arrocampo.

42. Little Bustard : Good views obtained of birds on Belen Plains and near Santa Marta de Magasca.

43. Great Bustard : A male seen in full display on 22 nd April at Belen Plains, and groups also seen near Santa Marta de Magasca, near Sierra Brava and on Belen Plains on last day of trip.

44. Black-winged Stilt : Seen at Tozo Embalse, pools near Santa Marta de Magasca and Arrocampo.

45. Stone Curlew : Calling birds on Belen Plains on 22 nd April.

46. Collared Pratincole : A small flock seen on the ricefields on 26 th April.

47. Little Ringed Plover : Present at pools near Madrigalejo and the Embalse of the Arroyo de la Vid , near Jaraicejo.

48. Common Snipe : One bird seen at edge of pool near Santa Marta de Magasca on 23 rd April.

49. Greenshank : One bird seen at edge of pool near Santa Marta de Magasca on 23 rd April.

50. Green Sandpiper : One bird at pools near Madrigalejo.

51. Common Sandpiper : Individuals seen at Sierra Brava and along the Rio Almonte.

52. Black Tern : Two at Arrocampo on 27 th April.

53. Black-bellied Sandgrouse : Group of about eight seen near Santa Marta de Magasca.

54. Pin-tailed Sandgrouse : 30 seen at lunch stop near motorway 49 km from Madrid and a similar number near Santa Marta de Magasca.

55. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon : Seen occasionally.

56. Wood Pigeon : Seen daily.

57. Collared Dove : Seen daily.

58. Turtle Dove : Excellent vews of a pair at Monfragüe on 25 th April and one seen at Belen on 5 th May.

59. Great Spotted Cuckoo : A pair being chased by Magpies on belen plains on 22 nd April.

60. Common Cuckoo : Heard and sometimes seen almost daily.

61. Barn Owl : Heard most evenings at Pago de San Clemente .

62. Scops Owl : Heard every evening and birds seen on two occasions at Pago de San Clemente .

63. Eagle Owl : Two large chicks seen near nest in Monfragüe on 25 th April.

64. Little Owl : Heard every evening and also seen at Belen, near Santa Marta de Magasca and Zorita.

65. Red-necked Nightjar : Heard most evenings at El Recuerdo and excellent views of one on 1 st May.

66. Alpine Swift : Seen at Cabañas del Castillo and Monfragüe but best views were from the Roman bridge, Mérida.

67. Common Swift : Seen daily.

68. Pallid Swift : Seen in Trujillo , but also superbly close views from Roman bridge, Mérida.

69. White-rumped Swift : Good views at Monfragüe on 3 rd May.

70. Kingfisher : Seen at Arrocampo, River Tozo and River Ruercus.

71. Bee-eater : Common and seen daily.

72. Roller : Superb views of a pair courtship feeding on the ricefields near Palazuelo on 23 rd April.

73. Hoopoe : Common and seen daily.

74. Great Spotted Woodpecker : One seen at Monfragüe on 25 th April.

75. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker : Pair at Monfragüe on 3 rd May.

76. Calandra Lark : See almost daily, a characteristic bird of the open plains.

77. Short-toed Lark : Seen near Santa Marta de Magasca, Belen Plains and Zorita.

78. Crested Lark : Common and seen daily.

79. Thekla Lark : Common and seen almost daily.

80. Woodlark : Seen almost daily.

81. Sand Martin : Seen at Arrocampo.

82. Crag Martin : Seen almost daily.

83. Barn Swallow : Common and seen daily.

84. Red-rumped Swallow : Common and seen daily.

85. House Martin : Common and seen daily.

86. Yellow Wagtail : A small group on passage at Vegas Altas rice fields.

87. Grey Wagtail : One at Cabañas del Castillo.

88. White Wagtail : Seen daily.

89. Wren : Seen at Monfragüe and Jaraicejo.

90. Nightingale : Widespread and recorded daily.

91. Black Redstart : Seen at Cabañas del Castillo and Monfragüe.

92. Stonechat : Common and seen daily.

93. Northern Wheatear : Two on the heath at Jaraicejo on 27 th April.

94. Black-eared Wheatear : A fine male near Santa Marta de Magasca on 23 rd April.

95. Black Wheatear : Male at Cabañas del Castillo and one at Peña Falcon, Monfragüe on 25 th April.

96. Blue Rock Thrush : Seen most days in suitable habitat.

97. Blackbird : Seen daily.

98. Mistle Thrush : Seen in dehesa near Santa Marta de Magasca and near Cabañas del Castillo.

99. Cetti's Warbler : Recorded in suitable lush vegetation at Monfragüe, the ricefields, Mérida and Arrocampo.

100. Zitting Cisticola : Seen and heard almost daily.

101. Savi's Warbler : Present at Arrocampo.

102. Sedge Warbler : Recorded at Arrocampo and Belen Plains .

103. Reed Warbler : Recorded at Arrocampo, Mérida and Belen Plains .

104. Great Reed Warbler : Good views of singing birds at Arrocampo and Mérida, also heard on Rio Ruercus.

105. Melodious Warbler : Recorded at Arroyo de la Vid (near Jaraicejo), Pago de San Clemente , Monfragüe, Rio Ruercus and south of Mérida.

106. Dartford Warbler : Good views on the heathland at Jaraicejo.

107. Spectacled Warbler : Good views on the heath at Jaraicejo.

108. Subalpine Warbler : Present at Arroyo de la Vid at Jaraicejo, Monfragüe and Rio Ruercus.

109. Sardinian Warbler : Seen almost daily.

110. Western Orphean Warbler : Excellent views of two birds in dehesa near Santa Marta de Magasca, also heard singing at Jaraicejo.

111. Blackcap : Recorded at Monfragüe and along Rio Ruercus.

112. Willow Warbler : Singing bird at Arroyo de la Vid near Jaraicejo.

113. Spotted Flycatcher : Pair in woodland near Cabañas del Castillo on 24 th April.

114. Pied Flycatcher : One south of Mérida on 2 nd may.

115. Long-tailed Tit : seen on several days.

116. Crested Tit : Good views of a pair at Monfragüe on 3 rd May

117. Blue Tit : Seen almost daily.

118. Great Tit : Seen almost daily.

119. Nuthatch : Present in cork oak grove near Jaraicejo.

120. Short-toed Treecreeper : Seen at Jaraicejo, Cabañas del Castillo and Monfragüe.

121. Golden Oriole : Heard on several occasions, but excellent views of a small group in the cork oak grove at Jaraicejo.

122. Southern Grey Shrike : Seen daily.

123. Woodchat Shrike : Seen daily.

124. Azure-winged Magpie : Common and seen daily.

125. Magpie : Common and seen daily.

126. Red-billed Chough : A pair at Rio Almonte near Cabañas del Castillo, one on Sierra de Los Lagares (Pago de San Clemente ) and also seen at Monfragüe.

127. Jackdaw : Common and seen daily.

128. Raven : Common and seen daily.

129. Spotless Starling : Common and seen daily.

130. House Sparrow : Common and seen daily.

131. Spanish Sparrow : Seen almost every day, generally in small groups. Males watched nest-building on Arroyo de la Vid.

132. Tree Sparrow : Seen in the ricefields near Palazuelo.

133. Rock Sparrow : Seen in dehesa near Santa Marta de Magasca, at the Arroyo de la Vid at Jaraicejo and near Finca Santa Marta.

134. Common Waxbill : Excellent views from the Roman bridge at Mérida as well as the Rio Ruercus.

135. Red Avadavat : Common in reed-filled ditches near Palazuelo.

136. Chaffinch : Seen almost daily.

137. Serin : Common and seen daily.

138. Greenfinch : Seen at Cabañas del Castillo and south of Mérida.

139. Goldfinch : Common and seen daily.

140. Linnet : Seen daily.

141. Hawfinch : One seen in flight in Monfragüe on 3 rd May.

142. Cirl Bunting : One singing at Monfragüe on 3 rd May.

143. Rock Bunting : Good views in Monfragüe.

144. Corn Bunting : Common and seen daily.