MONNEGRE

After another extraordinary deluge on Wednesday we went out as planned today - Thursday 31st March - as we knew the migration was passing through regardless of this wet and cold spring.

Needless to say we went high. Monnegre was the target as we wanted to see if Trumpeter Finches - Camachuela Trompetero were around. They were not but in that location were the usual Black Wheatears - Collalba Negra and a Blue Rockthrush - Roquero Solitario called and so did a Green Woodpecker - Pinto Real. A Robin - Petirrojo was in a bush and a Crag Martin -  Avión  Roquero flew within feet of our heads. Barn Swallows - Golondrina Común were around but not in large numbers.

That was a fair start to our day bearing in mind the cold and gusty wind. We slowly carried on stopping at any habitat that could hold an incoming migrant. We had seen Subalpine Warblers - Curruca Carrasquena on this mountain and stopped at a known spot. Negative result but instead of taking the usual route through the village of Monnegre we took a route on the other side of the river. That was a good decision. Soon we were hearing Sardinian Warblers - C. Cabecinegra and as usual they were numerous. Two males popped up to be clearly seen. These are good birds to watch as they are so active and secretive and so are Subalpines. With these we got lucky and located four different males, even two in the same bush. Photographing one was tedious and all Bryan got was one flitting away - but at least it shows some of what we did see!

Having found four we wondered how many this area could hold? It will be worth another trip or two. Carrying on this road - well worn but easily negotiated - we came to the river - Rio Monnegre. Just before it was a door - old and not doing a lot . Bryan and I are suckers for old doors and here it is.

A few metres away was the bridge dated 1969 and with a photo to prove it. A couple of dwellings edged onto the flowing water and there was access down to it. The habitat here is ideal for Warblers, Nightingales and possibly Wagtails. It will be visited again as it is a spot we fancy.

On up the mountain we tried to locate Dartford Warblers - Curruca Rabilarga. We have known them to be around but not today. There were a couple of Griffin Vultures - Buitre Leonado high above the rock and one Raven - Cuervo sat and there could have been others flying beyond or maybe Choughs - Chova

 

I love this mountain with its vistas and rock formations. Now to brush up on warblers.