Sierra de las Nieves 18/11/24

Monday 18th November 2024 ☀️16C ~ SW @ 3MPH ~ On my last birding excursion before returning to the frosty climes of Aberdeenshire on Wednesday, I ascended with friends Derek & Barbara Etherton, and Andy Paterson to approximately 4,500 feet in the Sierra de las Nieves, Ronda, for some late autumn birdwatching. Typically, a trip to the mountains at this time of year means bundling up with gloves, a hat, and warm clothes, but surprisingly, it was warm enough for just shirtsleeves today!

Sierra de las Nieves

The Sierra de las Nieves National Park is located in the hills behind Marbella and to the east of the Ronda-Marbella road as it winds up the mountain along hairpin bends. The park centres on Mount Torrecilla (1909m) and covers an area of 30km by 20km or 18,530 hectares. The Sierra de las Nieves, formerly a natural park, was declared a National Park in January 2021 and formalised in May 2021. It also boasts the tallest Spanish fir on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish fir, or Abies pinsapo, is a unique fir species endemic to specific mountain zones in Andalusia. For information: Hostal Restaurante El Navasillo is a great place to stop for breakfast before entering the park (the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays)

A Cirl Bunting at the water font during my spring visit of 2023

After breakfast, we started our ascent and paused briefly at a water font to check for any wildlife coming to drink. (See my 2023 spring visit post HERE). Unfortunately, to our disappointment, there was construction activity nearby with an enclosed area, and although it's uncertain, Derek suspects they might be constructing a visitor centre. We soon moved on!

Redwing

Two of our target species for the day were Brambling and Redwing. Indeed, you read that correctly; these are two species I regularly see during the winter months back home. It's always a surprise to spot these birds so far south, yet I've observed them in Andalusia before. Given the abundance of hawthorn in the Sierras, their presence here is not entirely unexpected. In fact, we saw a good number of Redwings today, but only a single male Brambling, which was high on Derek's list.

Derek's image of male Brambling

The trip featured the usual stop-and-go progress, with keen observation of any activity on the way to the Los Quejigales parking area. At one point, we observed a Woodlark in song, and I was quite delighted to spot an Iberian Green Woodpecker low in the scrub. During a short stroll among the rocky outcrops, where we spotted the day's sole Brambling, a large raptor emerged. It was a Golden Eagle, which, unfortunately, remained at a distance throughout our observation.

A Cirl Bunting is alerted to our presence. 

We saw Hawfinch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Crossbill, Iberian Grey Shrike, Rock Bunting, Cirl Bunting, and Dartford Warbler before pausing for lunch at Los Quejigales.

Singing Woodlark

Over lunch, several Griffon Vultures took advantage of the thermals, and at one point, we observed sixteen of them soaring at a considerable altitude.

A lone Griffon Vulture breaks from the group.

After lunch, we took the low road back and spent time observing a Black Wheatear and an Iberian Grey Shrike. It was quite surprising to encounter so many Jays today, with over a dozen sightings.

Iberian Grey Shrike

Black Wheatear

Additional sightings by the time we left the park included the Nuthatch, Black Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Raven, Kestrel, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Thekla Lark.

The day was outstanding, characterised by delightful weather, enjoyable company, and excellent bird sightings, providing a perfect end to my recent journey in Andalusia.

Sierra de las Nieves...

Mediterranean Gulls 16/11/24

I just had a rather unusual experience. In the 10 years I've been visiting the villa, I've only seen a few gulls, but just now, over 50 Mediterranean Gulls of various ages flew over in the span of about 5 minutes! It was quite surreal and I felt it worth posting. 

Here are some images I captured during the event....

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull

Andalusia Floods 13/11/24

It was a surreal experience during dinner on Tuesday evening when my phone suddenly erupted with an unfamiliar sound. Upon checking, I discovered a Civil Protection Alert indicating that a Red Warning for heavy, persistent rain had been activated for the area. Thankfully, I was aware of the impending weather and had already cancelled a trip that I had planned with a few friends for Thursday.

From the villa terrace during the heaviest rain storms.

Merely two weeks following the flash floods that took hundreds of lives in Valencia, Malaga appeared to be on the brink of a similar disaster, with its streets turning into rapid rivers. Banks, shopping centre's, and hospitals were indeed flooded, halting the region's bus and train services, as well as vital infrastructure. Fortunately, the impact was not as severe as in Valencia, with the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet downgrading the red alert to orange for Malaga after a new low-pressure system arrived. Thankfully the villa being around 1000ft up in the mountains of Mijas the impact wasn't greatly felt and although the rain was torrential at times and we encountered a short power outage we suffered no flooding. 

Video of Malaga centre.

Thursday 14th November 2024 🌥️22C ~ SE @ 5MPH ~ Taking advantage of the clearer weather following yesterday's storms, I first made my way to Cantera Los Arenales (Mijas Quarry), which is a brief drive uphill from the villa. Followers might remember the significant damage it incurred from the massive wildfire in July 2022. For details, see my previous post. After visiting the Quarry, my plan was to head down to Zapata, close to Malaga airport.

Mijas Quarry

I spent my time around the rocky outcrops of the car park, which, fortunately, was spared from the fires. This area is typically home to species like the Rock Bunting, Dartford Warbler, and Black Wheatear. However, today was quieter, with a strong breeze posing challenges. Ultimately, I found Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting, and only heard a Dartford Warbler. I did, however, come across a striking male Black Redstart, a notable discovery amidst the numerous female-type Black Redstarts that winter in Andalusia.

A striking male Black Redstart.

From this point, I proceeded to Zapata, aiming for the side of the ford opposite to where I anticipated less pipeline construction. Upon arrival, it was unsurprising yet devastating to find the entire area submerged. Below is a before and after view of the ford at Zapata, an area that was once a treasured wildlife area.

The ford across the Rio Guadalhorce at Zapata taken around the same time last year.

The ford at Zapata with the ongoing pipe-laying and storms with the Guadalhorce in full flood.

It must be acknowledged that wildlife can be remarkably resilient. Despite the devastation, I discovered a Green Sandpiper in one of the less flooded storm channels, accompanied by a couple of Common Sandpiper, a Little Egret, and a first-winter Bluethroat amidst the remnants of the reedbeds.

Black Wheatear

Rock Bunting

1st winter Bluethroat

Andalusia Spain 12/11/24

Tuesday 12th November 2024 ☀️22C ~ SW @ 3MPH ~ I'm halfway through my current trip to Andalusia, Spain, staying at my friend's villa near Mijas. Although it's not primarily a birding holiday, I've included several visits to my favourite birding locations in my itinerary.

The villa, tucked away from the main path and situated about 1000 feet towards Mijas Pueblo, has hosted countless wonderful hours of 'comfort birding' from its terrace, showcasing various esteemed bird species of Andalusia. This weekend was no exception, and I quickly confirmed that Black Redstarts are wintering here once more, with no fewer than three spotted on the property.

A Black Redstart was watching me just as much as I was watching him.

In the afternoon, a Robin diligently guarded its territory while several Chiffchaffs flitted through the greenery. A Spotted Flycatcher briefly graced us with its presence, and then, two of my favourite and regular visitors appeared. First came a Crested Tit, and not long after, a spirited Firecrest made its entrance. 

Crested Tit from the comfort of the terrace.

A Firecrest in the fading light.

As the afternoon progressed, a Serin emerged, singing its scratchy song, while overhead, several Crag Martins appeared, descending from higher elevations for the winter. A few other mentions included Song Thrush, Jay, Raven, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, plus a Crossbill which I've noticed appears in the late afternoon to sing from atop a nearby Cyprus Tree. 

This Crossbill is the regular entertainment in the late afternoons.

This morning, I briefly visited Zapata & Guadalhorce (information HERE), eager to assess the damage from the recent rains, especially at Zapata, although I was forewarned of the ongoing pipe-laying work. The area indeed looks like a war zone now, with the once beautiful ford and reed beds being completely inaccessible. My hope is that the site will be restored to its former glory after the work is completed, although I remain sceptical. However, there was an unexpected moment when an Egyptian Vulture soared overhead. It was likely lost or delayed, but it seemed to be heading toward the Straits of Gibraltar for the brief journey acros to Africa, just eight miles.

Egyptian Vulture over Zapata.

Guadalhorce was full to the brim, leading to a scant presence of waders. A noticeable number of Black Redstarts were present, and other sightings included Common Waxbill, Sardinian Warbler, Greater Flamingo, five Slender-billed Gulls, Spoonbill, Booted Eagle, an Osprey, and the ever-present, divisive Monk Parakeets.

A Few Images From Guadalhorce...

The divisive Monk Parakeet

Common Waxbill now a regular breeder in Andalusia from Africa.

Sardinian Warbler

A lone Spoonbill on Laguna Grande

An abundance of Black Redstarts at Guadalhorce.

Young Greater Flamingo's on Laguna Grande.

📖 🍂Ptarmigan 03/11/24

Sunday 3rd November 2024 ☀️9C ~ SW @ 3MPH ~ Today was Dazza's birthday, so we celebrated in her 'happy place'—the Cairngorms.

View from Cairnwell looking out towards Loch Vrotachan

Although much of the country was enveloped in clouds due to anticyclonic gloom—a term for the dull, overcast conditions brought on by high-pressure areas—up here in the northeast of Scotland, the weather was just stunning with light winds and cloudless skies. The perfect day for walking the high tops. Well we did cheat a little at first and took the chair lift up to Cairnwell.

Mountain Hare

As a birdwatcher, I often expect Sundays to yield fewer sightings because of the higher number of visitors. Yet, this Sunday proved unexpectedly rewarding. Since relocating to Scotland in 2020, I had been eager to spot a Ptarmigan. Despite its elusiveness on my prior excursions, this species, native to the Scottish Highlands, would be a significant find for us.

Red Deer Stag

As expected the birding was slow, although the day was thoroughly enjoyable, complete with hiking and observing the many Ravens gliding above the peaks. We also saw a few Red Kites, Mountain Hares and Red Deer. But the highlight came unexpectedly at our last stop at Cairnwell, where, out of nowhere, I caught sight of our first ever Ptarmigan.

Our first ever Ptarmigan (in fact there are two) moulting into their pure white winter plumage.

The last destination on our journey was the rugged peak of Cairnwell. I previously visited this place in June 2023 with the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group. At the time Ptarmigan was high on our list but sadly we failed in out attempts. 

Our first ever Ptarmigan hunkered in-between rocks.

Honestly, I believed our chances of spotting anything were minimal. Despite the presence of several hikers, one operating a drone, I opted to stroll around. Suddenly, a Mountain Hare sprinted across the rocks. As it disappeared, a flash of white captured my attention - a magnificent Ptarmigan perched on a rock, appearing unfazed. In fact there were three. I did a double-take and glanced at Dazza who was a short distance away, whispering "Ptarmigan!" I gestured for her to come over, and we both sat down, silently marveling for what felt like an eternity before we eventually pulled ourselves away.

Above the distant cloud cover.

Panoramic view of Cairnwell.

📖 🍂Surf Scoter -Girdleness 02/11/24

 Saturday 2nd November 2024 🌤️12C ~ SW @ 8MPH ~ I had planned to take Dazza out for lunch in Aberdeen today, but when young 12 year old birder Edgar Joly, known as birderboy, spotted a drake Surf Scoter just off the foghorn at Girdleness, we opted to take a quick look before continuing on to lunch.

Drake Surf Scoter bobbing about in the waves just off the foghorn.

Dazza exited the car first upon our arrival, and by the time I reached her at the foghorn, having grabbed my binoculars and camera, she had already spotted the bird!

Drake Surf Scoter

We spent a magical thirty minutes observing the bird, and during this time, we witnessed a Short-eared Owl arriving in off the sea, harassed by a number of Gulls. 

Short-eared Owl in off the sea at Girdleness.

Short-eared Owl

Before leaving, we enjoyed a short walk along the shore, where several Bottlenose Dolphins were noted. Close to the breakwater, around thirty Purple Sandpipers, probably just arrived back from Greenland for the winter, were roosting during the high tide.

Purple Sandpipers roosting at high tide. 

📖 🍂Isabelline Wheatear -Collieston 19/10/24

Saturday 19th October 2024 🌤️14C ~ S @ 8MPH ~ The ABZ WhatsApp group reported, quoting, 'a scary-looking Wheatear at Collieston,' which was observed in the late afternoon by Catriona Reid, a warden at Forvie NNR. Shortly after, assistance arrived, and the initial suspicion was that it might be an Isabelline Wheatear. 

One of my images of the Wheatear on the fencepost. 

I arrived at the location approximately an hour after the first reports, parking at the nature reserve before walking back along the B9003 to a nearby farm. There, I met a group of familiar faces observing a Wheatear species perched on a fence post. 

Another image of the Isabelline Wheatear in harsh light! 

Initially, there was some debate as to whether it was a Northern Wheatear, but the bird seemed different. After spending time observing it and consulting with the more experienced of the group, the consensus grew. Observers who had seen and photographed the bird in flight and on the ground before I arrived pointed out its posture, build, short tail, long legs, the clear dark alula, and the thick, distinct black band on its tail, among other characteristics. Considering their expertise and the additional media commentary and photographs I reviewed today, there is now a general consensus that the bird is indeed an Isabelline Wheatear, marking the first sighting here since 1979 and a great find by Catriona.

Another of my photos of the Isabelline Wheatear.