THE MOUNTAINS OF ALICANTE AGAIN

STRICTLY BIRDING

Today we again checked out some of the slopes of Monnegre. We had targets in mind but because we searched other areas we only just got past the village of  Montnegre.

We have observed and commented upon the lower area and at Rio Park we turned into an unmade track. There was a level area of ‘meadow/dehesa’ and there swooping low were possibly 45-50 Sand Martins - Avión Zapador. Flying just over our heads and onto the meadow with some landing. We thought maybe for grit but one was photographed with nesting materials. An area to visit again and attempt to locate nests.  

In low bushes a Spectacled Warbler - Curruca Tomillera was heard and it popped up to be seen and photographed. This was a new site for us for this species. We will look again. While this was going on Bee-eaters - Abejaruca Común were heard, seen flying and one perched too. Our first sightings for this season. Also flying north one raptor - buzzard size and we are not sure. It was on it’s way!

We travelled further along this track and eventually were at the river and we retraced our route. It was all new to us and maybe more investigation and comments later. 

Trumpeter Finches - Camachuelo Trompetero were seen again. Four this time and we exchanged information with a representative from Alicante University. It’s good to talk. We will spend more time at this site and hopefully learn more. The population is very small and we saw only ten on one occasion last year. Lets hope that it is a sustainable one. Then a Chough - Chova flew over, just the one.

Subalpine Warblers - Curruca Carresquena were located in the same place as last time and today I had terrific views of this seriously tardy bird. It was photographed too. At this spot was the turn off for a track we wanted to target. That will now be for another time.

The river bridge was quiet. We moved on and in a deserted ruin Red-rumped Swallows - Golondrina Daurica were flying in and out. Maybe a nesting sight and another location to visit again.

This was the highest we went and on the way back a male and female Black-eared Wheatear - Collalba Rubia were seen and photographed. Then we checked on our scarce Finches again and two more of these Wheatears (both males) were in full view. A little further on another male and these are stunning birds. Also Black Wheatears - Collalba Negra were seen and they are commonly found here. Northern Wheatears - C-Gris. we have yet to see.

I have been excited to see the Warblers and this afternoon Western Bonnelli’s Warblers - Mosquitero Papialbo we saw for the first time this season. It is still early but this migration is proving to be very good. It was great to be out there.