FRIENDS FROM SUMMERS PAST

Recently we’ve strayed away from our nearby patches of bamboo and visited the low ground below the dam at Embalse de la Pedrera . Here, there were Melodious Warblers flitting around and the harsh sound of Reed Warblers. They were so terrifically annoying because they just did not show. Maybe, next time. The following day we visited La Mata where we had been told that Curlew Sandpipers could be seen at the water’s edge but too far away for a decent camera shot. However, under the Eucalyptus trees in the picnic area, we found my favourite summer bird. Ever since my childhood I have been able to recognize instantly Spotted Flycatchers. The movement caught my eye and then I saw my first one and in the same tree a Woodchat Shrike. I carried on looking up and then a possee of Long-tailed Tits hurried through. I don’t know whether they had been bathing or they had travelled some distance to be there for they did look a bit ‘tatty’ but always great to see. Up with them was the striking yellow and black of a Great Tit. All good birding. Michelle managed to get two good shots and these so small birds are just wonderful to see.

Spotted Flycatchers and Long-Tailed Tits

BIRDS IN FRAME

I am now doing what I said that I would do. That is to concentrate on an area and see what’s there. It has dense pockets of bamboo which are close to the irrigation canal on the outskirts of San Miguel de Salinas. The habitat around it is very mixed with some cultivated ground, the odd almond tree, exposed rock and scrub. It has two distinct advantages in that there is water and plenty of cover. I spent several days being patient and this was rewarded with hearing the constant sound of Nightingales singing but with only the occasional sighting. Then there were the first glimpses of darting warblers. Reed warblers occasionally perched on a waving frond but long enough to get a scope on it. Melodious Warblers (Zarcero Comun) flew down to feed in the bushes not far away from my feet. It does pay to stand still and watch. A male Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra) perched within ten feet of me with Serin (Verdecillo) almost perching to order and Goldfinches (Jilguero) flying and singing. The surrounding habitats do favour both Stone Curlew (Alcaravan Comun) and Green Woodpecker (Pito Real). One evening a Gull-billed Tern (Pagaza Piconegra) flew along the adjacent canal and then flew back again which gave the best view I have had. However, the stars of this locale are the Red-rumped Swallows (Golondrina Daurica) who fly just over head and perch within feet of me without any fear. They are so beautiful and at this range you can see their striking reds and finely decorated plumage- they are simply great. Having located where the birds can be seen and photographed we are concentrating on just that but also hope to see other species as well. You can see how good those swallows look at Michelle’s photo. It is superb.

Red-rumped Swallow