TRUMPETER FINCHES NOT ON THE MOUNTAIN

MONTNEGRE AND MAIGMÓ AGAIN
Another visit to an area that seems rooted in time. Deep ravines and gullies, steep sided and even sheer, with high rocky crags poking up into the sky. Here the landscape is exceptionally different. It needs to be viewed!

We knew it was the end of summer and both Bryan and myself certainly had the feeling we were between seasons. Nevertheless we had a clear objective in mind. So, it was Montnegre again to see if the Trumpeter Finches were around. They were not where they had been previously and although we spent time there, we heard and saw nothing. Have they dispersed for the winter? Maybe even dropping into the valleys or moving away to another location? Never mind we will look again in the spring.

The list for this area has never been huge and there were some noticeable absentees. For example the only Raptor in view was a Marsh Harrier flying high and no Griffin Vultures either.

Today's list is:
Thekla Lark - the camera does not lie! (And not a common sighting for us here)
Crested Lark
Blue Rock Thrush (at least two calling)
Black Wheatear (times three)
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
House sparrows
Red-Legged Partridge
Serin
Spotted Flycatcher - a super view too with a very plain chest and could it be an Balearic/Iberian one?
Iberian Green Woodpecker - call only
Crag Martins filled the air
Bee-eaters flying over and distant

We moved on and checked both river areas with nothing to report except we did hear Chiff-Chaffs, Sardinian Warblers and a Cetti’s too.

Maigmó loomed in front of us and we travelled to the top. On way the usual Crossbills called and flew and a Coal Tit called. It was all very quiet with only a few Magpies about and a Jay screeched.

Some rain had been forecast, but the sun was out and we stood at the top in 27 degrees, The sky was devoid of birds except for the Crag Martins.

We spoke of the absence of a response from any source regarding our reporting of the Spotted Flycatchers. We will pay more attention ‘to my bird of summer’, the Spotted Fly next spring.

These mountains will not beckon us until next spring and we definitely need to find more birds! Thankfully lower temperatures will bring in our over wintering birds. Therefore we will be going inland and once winter has lowered the temperatures then a trek up to see the Ring Ouzels on Sierra de Espuña will happen.