MOUNTAINS OF ALICANTE

 MOUNTAINS OF ALICANTE. THIS TIME MAIGMO

Well, in March the migration got well and truly underway and we got at it. After Monnegre last week it was Maigmo this morning. The sun was out and only a light breeze. Ideal. At times it was shorts and ‘T’ shirt weather and it was beautiful. Gareth kept a tally of species seen and that was 17.

For me it was never the total count that matters it is the quality sightings and we had ‘a-star-burst-day’ yet again. We took it steady, searching and listening as we went. In the usual spot Wood Larks (maybe 5/6) - Totovia were showing and as we moved on steadily up we observed many cock Chaffinches - Pinzon Vulgar and with only one sighting of a female. These maybe garden birds back home but mountain birds here. I love seeing them. Blackcap - Curruca Capirotada were singing, it seems, everywhere. It was thought a Peregrine -Halcón Peregrino flew through very fast. So only a possible.

We headed on up to the balcón with car parking and picnic area and where the birds are used to people. Feeding in the gravelled area were two stunning male Rock Buntings - Escribano Montesino and possibly one more in total. They were difficult to photo as they moved in and out of shade. We had almost given up on this location when Bryan saw them in the car park. A terrific sighting.

We went down to go up and hoping at the other summit, at almost 1200 metres, we thought we might see some passing Swifts - Vencejo, but even though we searched the skies there was no Hirundine in sight.

In the distance and at the extreme of vision, two large ones but too far to call. But if you keep looking something will turn up and two Ravens - Cuervo flew up from the Agost side. Maybe our first sighting on this mountain. Also one Kestrel, a male and with two middle tail feathers protruding maybe a Lesser - Cernicalo Vulgar o Prímula? Must pay more attention next time!

On the way down Bryan heard the soft call of Firecrest. We stopped, paid attention and over our heads calling away there they were. One of them showed an ‘inflated’ crest. The photo will prove it. Not just a lateral crown stripe of red but a wider one and raised too! According to the ‘bible’ - much orange on crown usually visible when relaxed - and I think we got that. It was too obvious to miss. I learnt something today about this species.

Add into the mix Mistle Thrushes - Zorzal Charló that flew in front of us and except for Blue Tits - Herrerillo Común all other members of that family that we would expect to see in the woods were seen. 

Wonderful sightings of birds in excellent condition and what is so good there were so many more that have yet to arrive and we will see eventually. We hoped to see Bonnelli’s Warbler - Mosquitero Papialbo but not yet but we do know where we can see them. So much to look forward to. Next week then and after Semana Santa.