MONNEGRE

We never ever go out on Saturdays because the hunters are banging about and there can be other people spoiling our peace. However we just had to, this week, rather than lose a chance to miss another day of the migration and new arrivals. We wanted to give Warblers a good crack and go yet again to Monnegre but this time take it slower, stop at more places and seriously check more sites.

Traffic wise it was quiet but there were many cyclists to be avoided. We made good time for the first part and again Trumpeter Finches - Camachuelo Trompetero were there waiting for us. They were not at all fazed about passing cars and cyclists and stayed to be photographed. Only a pair this time and they were in good shape. We checked on photos from last July and this bird had worn feathers. Okay it may have been after a breeding season and our two birds will probably not have bred and/or travelled far. We discussed the knowledge that we had of this species and also what info is available. The answer to the latter is not a lot and Gareth is going to investigate. Wouldn’t it be very good to find a nest. We also discussed the apparent lack of interest of others in not bothering to seek these finches out.

At first our attention was drawn to flying, circling and chatting Choughs - Chova Piquirroja of which they were over 40. That’s a good size population. So beautiful to see and hear.

My intention for the morning was to seek out arrivals, check on the spring flowers and what butterflies were to be seen. It was breezy for most of the time and so any butterflies - mariposa soon went by. Photographs will follow.

We moved on and stopped as usual by the bridge. There were birds around but nothing showed clearly except a female Blackcap - Curruca Capirotado. 

We usually go up through the village to the top point. This time we stopped at the fork in the road where the left turn is a track. Here we had luck because Subalpine Warblers - Curruca Carrasquena had been seen previously and today they were there again. Gareth got a perched bird, another tick, and Michelle and I saw flying birds. It pays to be patient.

We took the unmade track and ‘broke fresh ground’ and with another good result. There sitting in the clear on a low pine branch was a male Crossbill - Piquituerto Común. It was holding its own on the branch bouncing in the wind and not easy for photos either. It was very good clear low sighting. It flew after a while and I saw it fly from out of a rock pool. Stunning colours too.

We have a tendency to save the best for last! At the ‘lone tree’ a Dartford Warbler - Curruca Rabilarga was heard and found in a bush within 10 metres. The photographs will show how stunning this male was. My best views ever. He entertained us well. Now for next week and we think Maigmo.

We also saw a lone Red Rumped Swallow passing through.

Two Swallow Tails went past, both small and large Whites were around but only a few. No snakes this time and the only mammal was a mouse. We will keep looking.

Species count - not that many but the quality of sightings made our day.