Up The Mountains to Maigmo & Montnegre

Again we wanted to get away from the heat, at least for the morning. On Tuesday 18th August we left San Miguel in a cool 22 degrees and headed to Gran Alicant. Our targets were to go all the way up to both vantage points of Maigmo and then Monnegre from the top down. In other words we reversed our route for the latter.

It was pleasant but quiet on Maigmo with not that much to see but Coal Tits (Carbonero Garrapinis), Longtail Tits (Mito) Crested Tits (Herrerillo Capuchino) were heard with the latter one easily visible. Both a Magpie (Urraca) and a Jay (Arrendajo) called as we travelled up. Around the accommodation area, where there is a water source, Crossbills (Piquituerto Común) called and flew and I had clear views as they bent down to drink. My best views ever and only a few yards away.

Our bird of the day, so far, was a Robin (Papamoscas Papirrojo) always so good to see. 

At our first stop near to the picnic tables there had been a hatching of butterflies. They swarmed around a false oak which could have been the host plant. Michelle took numerous photos of we believe Striped Grayling. And in another location one Wall Brown. A Red Squirrel was our only mammal of the day.

Reversing our route down to the junction we then went to the watch tower and saw very little. A few Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido) were still around with some Barn Swallows ( Golondrina Común) and House Martins (Avión Comuún). On our way down we stopped at the accommodation area where the sharp eyes of Bryan found a fast flying Goshawk that rapidly disappeared only to re-appear high in the sky with a Bonneli’s Eagle. They were distant and high but Bryan, after consideration, and with enough to identify both, were certainly a Goshawk and a Bonnell’s. ( Azor Común) &  (Águila-azor Perdicera)

We travelled up through Tibi and down through Montnegre. Nothing exciting but we did see a Black-Eared Wheatear (Collalba Rubia) Stonechat (Tarabilla Común) both Woodchat (Alcaudón Común) and Southern Grey Shrikes (Alcaudón Real Meridional). One Black Wheatear (Collalba Negra) flew.

At the usual spot for Trumpeter Finches ( Camachuelo Trompetero) we only saw six Red-legged Partridges (Perdiz Roja) walk across in front of us. We assumed the Finches were elsewhere.

I always enjoy the mountains and we always get something good. Until next spring we will not visit either again except perhaps for night-time photography.

The season is on the change as we enter the cusp of summer with early autumn. Some are ready to go south while we wait for the northern nesters to arrive. Looking forward to it and we will see what Clot has to offer next week and we can note any changes.