Wednesday 14 April 2021

MONNEGRE WEDNESDAY 14th APRIL

On Wednesday 14th it was a choice between another trip to Monnegre or stay local. The mountains won and in the area around Rio Park Sand Martins -  Avión Zapador, Barn Swallows -  Golondrina Común, Redrumped - Golondrina Daurica and House Martins -  Avión Común were flying. We could not see where there was a likelihood of a Sand Martin nesting site.  


Generally, with only 14 degrees and little sun, it was very quiet. Again a raptor flew over and the identification is ongoing. The bird seen here last week is now considered to be a Black Kite - Milano Negro.


We moved on searching and checking as we went. Further along we heard and saw Choughs -  Chova Piquirroja. We spent some time looking at different habitats with the varieties of vegetation they contained. We are working on it. In doing so we entered another world with these two photographs.





Again we saw Black-eared Wheatears - Collalba Rubia and one was photographed and gave us such stunning views. It had to be the bird of the day. They are gorgeous birds.


We took the left turn at Montnegre and travelled it’s full length eventually joining up with AP7. On the way sharp ears picked up calling Peregrine Falcons - Halcón Peregrino and they were glimpsed briefly. Another location to pay more attention to later on. Nearby Larks were heard calling and there was a clear view of Thekla Larks - Cogujadada Montesina. The Spanish name gives an indication that this is a mountain bird and unlike the Crested Lark will perch in trees. The photo will prove it. 


Back along N332 opposite The Stones we found that the Curlew Sands had gone but on the same water two Greenshanks - Archibebe Claro, and a juvenile Spotted Redshank - Archibebe Oscuro that flew off before the photo. Then in the same margin my first of the year a Western Yellow Wagtail - Lavandera Boyera. It appears to be Iberian (Iberiae) a local variation for us showing it’s blue head. What a way to end the trip.

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