On Thursday 19th November we went first to Montnegre and then down and up to Maigmo.
We took it very easy, slowly and watching and listening as we went. It was cloudy and cool to start with but when the sun won through the temperature had risen to 24C.
Wherever we went Black Redstarts - Colirrojo Tizón, were everywhere and mainly female.
We paid attention to all our favorite spots and at the river bridge going up towards the village of Monnegre we got lucky. In the vegetation below two Blackcaps - Carruca Capirotada fed and we were fortunate enough to get an excellent view of a female. She was pristine. Being able to look down on her made all the difference. On the other side of the bridge and where water was gushing from a drain we watched four Grey Wagtails - Lavandera Cascadeña . Just brilliant with their yellow and grey colours standing out in the sunshine.
It was very quiet overall, but we had good views of Black Wheatears - Collalba Negra and Blue Rock Thrush - Roquero Solitario. (The photo proves it!) Also Starlings - Estornino Europea, but we did not see one Spotless - Estornino Negra
Then, further on Bryan was focusing on a flying Blue Rock Thrush when Golden Eagles - Águila Real flew across his vision. Not just one but two! They were high up and moderately distant. They soon disappeared but then they appeared again. Unfortunately there is no photo of this pair, but thanks to Bryan for getting me on them, twice.
On the way up to Maigmo we came across a small flock of Chaffinches - Pinzón Vulgar and had good views of several. We do see them down on the coast, but only in small numbers. Bryan started to get excited when he thought there was a Brambling -Pinzón Real with them. We will give this another go in January and maybe then not just, a Brambling, but Siskins - Lúgano too. While watching these Finches there was a Short-toed Treecreeper - Agateador Común on the trunk of a pine tree. They are beautiful and they do move a around- so no photo this time! We saw another one after as well.
We knew that winter was arriving when we saw Mistle Thrush - Zorza Charlo (And that is a lovely photo of one) and also several Robins - Petirrojo.
We had wonderful quality views of almost everything was saw. I know that there were many absent, but it was so peaceful out there and well worth the miles. Looking forward to doing it again.
Best wishes to Mark in Aberdeen in his post-op recovery and good luck to Bryan for his operation on Friday.
No comments:
Post a Comment