It may be pretty windy down here at this time of year, but there is plenty of other Iberian wildlife to observe when not at the observatory points. Ruth and Pauline that are running the programme are very knowledgeable on their subject and we had some really interesting and educational presentations on the work they have been involved with within the Straights of Gibraltar.
At its shorted point, it is a mere 14km across the Straights of Gibralter to the African mainland. Being the shortest route for migratory birds to and from Africa, determines this area as an absolute Mecca for birdwatchers. On Tuesday a very windswept but worthwhile walk to the Marismas de Barbate National Park (which is a vast area of marshland) left us all with colourful complexions if nothing else! We had fantastic sightings of the critically endangered bald ibis. There are less than 200 of these prehistoric looking birds in the world. We also had regular views of the gigantic white stork with the impressive wingspan of over 2 metres! (215cm to be precise). The elusive Stonechat brought welcome attention with its striking black and white mask with red belly.
Mallard duck Anas platyrhychos Ánade Azulón
Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita Ibis eremita CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (© Sarah)
White stork Ciconia ciconia Cigueña Blanca (© Sarah)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Garcilla Bueyera
Stonechat male and female Saxicola torquata Tarabilla Común (© Sarah)
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental (A pair hunting!)Skylark Alauda arvensis Alondra Común
Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Bisbita Común
Serin Serinus serinus Verdecillo
Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea Lavandera Cascadeña
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Triguero
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Escribano Palustre
Common Swift Apus apus Vencejo Común
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Cernícelo vulgar
And of course all the usual sparrows, starlings, crows, doves, blackbirds and quite a few warbler type birds we were unable to identify, together with many various butterflies and wonderful wild flowers.
Wednesday brought us fantastic views of the bird of prey migration. We lost count after 50 different birds! Many different species too. I used to work at a Bird of Prey conservation centre and I had never seen so many birds of prey in such a short space of time. To have so many predators flying overhead is quite a spectacle to see.
Black Kite Milvus migrans Milano Negro
Common buzzard Buteo buteo Busardo ratonero
Marsh Harrier Circus Aeruginosus Aguilucho Lagunero occidental
Booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Aguililla calzadad
Short toed eagle Circaetus gallicus Culebrera europea
Griffon vulture Gyps fulvus Buitre Leonado
Many more of the species already observed were spotted again on our visit to the historic and beautiful town of Vejer on Thursday with the following species being observed for the first time:
Greenfinches Carduelis chloris Verderón ComúnGoldfinches Carduelis carduelis Jilguero
Linnet Carduelis cannabina Pardillo Común
all of us in Vejer (© Jose)
On observation on Friday we had fantastic views of a kestrel hunting, flying over us at one point with a writhing lizard in its talons! We all had quite a baffling experience when a large bird with what appeared to have the colouration of a gannet came flying over us from the sea. I then realised it was actually a raptor and was indeed a Booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Aguila calzada which then proceeded to hunt within our view for over an hour and was still soaring in view when we drove home! The drive home also produced several Goldfinches.
All in all, despite the wind I (and Úrsula and José and Elena and María!) had a fab time and saw so much wildlife I am most definitely a happy bunny. Just wish I could stay for longer. I have already told Pauline I want to come back!
by Sarah Barry
by Sarah Barry
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