North and South of Trujillo

Day Five

We left at our usual time on Saturday morning 14th May to ensure that we could get a full day in before going home tomorrow morning. It was another fine day with clear skies which did produce more cloud in the afternoon although the early morning temperature was only 8 degrees.

Our main goal was to ensure that we could find Montague's Harriers as neither Trev nor Bryan had seen one so far on this trip although we had seen three on our journey here. So we headed northwards towards the Almonte Valley and the steppe country. We left Trujillo via 208 going north and then taking the CC 128 towards Santa Marta de Magasca. In one location there were derelict buildings either side of the road, which were inundated with White Storks. This is such a good place to watch and look. Co-ordinates: N 39.518643 W 5.914562

Once up into the steppes we were very lucky with amazing views of both flying and perched and male and female Montague's. Co-ordinates: N39.55561 W 5.99401. We had five good sightings of this species. Then right over our heads we had two Short-toed Eagles - such wonderful views of this great eagle. We have photographs all taken in good light and to be uploaded later. Then we had three females and one male Bustard in binocular range, but very good through a scope lens. To add to this we had a flying Spanish Imperial Eagle and a juvenile Egyptian Vulture - both correctly identified through a camera lens by Bryan. We also had our first new bird of the day when we saw two Stone Curlew fly.

Montagues Harrier

Short Toed Eagle

In an attempt to add new birds to our list we headed south of Trujillo on EX 208 and for the wetlands/rice fields south of Zorita and Embalse Sierra Brava. This was not the most successful. of afternoons as there was nothing of note and certainly nothing new in these areas. However we continued to have superb views of Montague's, Lesser Kestels and once again a small flock of Common Waxbills.

Common Waxbills

New birds were two Sand Martins. The area around Zorita is one of the areas where we were very lucky in seeing these marvelous birds - so check it out when passing!

We worked hard and our tally for the day was a total of 57 species. What a trip with excellent companions and friends. Now, what next?