Juvenile Black-eared Wheatear

Our trip to Estepas de Yecla, as I have previously said, was not very productive, but it still turned up one other bird that was interesting. I would not have been able to identify it on my own, but Bryan was able to do it. It was a juvenile Black-eared Wheatear and this was confirmed when it flew and showed it's distinctive white tail and rump with a broad black terminal band separating the two sides. This is clearly shown in Collins Bird Guide on page 266. We know that this species are in the area as we generally see them, but not in this exact spot. The opportunity to see this species within a few meters of where we were was very helpful when we were watching this young bird. The photograph is not of a flying bird so those diagnostic features will have to be viewed on the page.



While I was writing this short blog an Audouin's Gull landed on a nearby roof and then it flew down and walked in front of the house. Almost a garden bird!