Spain Andalusia Spain 12/11/24

Tuesday 12th November 2024 ☀️22C ~ SW @ 3MPH ~ I'm halfway through my current trip to Andalusia, Spain, staying at my friend's villa near Mijas. Although it's not primarily a birding holiday, I've included several visits to my favourite birding locations in my itinerary.

The villa, tucked away from the main path and situated about 1000 feet towards Mijas Pueblo, has hosted countless wonderful hours of 'comfort birding' from its terrace, showcasing various esteemed bird species of Andalusia. This weekend was no exception, and I quickly confirmed that Black Redstarts are wintering here once more, with no fewer than three spotted on the property.

A Black Redstart was watching me just as much as I was watching him.

In the afternoon, a Robin diligently guarded its territory while several Chiffchaffs flitted through the greenery. A Spotted Flycatcher briefly graced us with its presence, and then, two of my favourite and regular visitors appeared. First came a Crested Tit, and not long after, a spirited Firecrest made its entrance. 

Crested Tit from the comfort of the terrace.

A Firecrest in the fading light.

As the afternoon progressed, a Serin emerged, singing its scratchy song, while overhead, several Crag Martins appeared, descending from higher elevations for the winter. A few other mentions included Song Thrush, Jay, Raven, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, plus a Crossbill which I've noticed appears in the late afternoon to sing from atop a nearby Cyprus Tree. 

This Crossbill is the regular entertainment in the late afternoons.

This morning, I briefly visited Zapata & Guadalhorce (information HERE), eager to assess the damage from the recent rains, especially at Zapata, although I was forewarned of the ongoing pipe-laying work. The area indeed looks like a war zone now, with the once beautiful ford and reed beds being completely inaccessible. My hope is that the site will be restored to its former glory after the work is completed, although I remain sceptical. However, there was an unexpected moment when an Egyptian Vulture soared overhead. It was likely lost or delayed, but it seemed to be heading toward the Straits of Gibraltar for the brief journey acros to Africa, just eight miles.

Egyptian Vulture over Zapata.

Guadalhorce was full to the brim, leading to a scant presence of waders. A noticeable number of Black Redstarts were present, and other sightings included Common Waxbill, Sardinian Warbler, Greater Flamingo, five Slender-billed Gulls, Spoonbill, Booted Eagle, an Osprey, and the ever-present, divisive Monk Parakeets.

A Few Images From Guadalhorce...

The divisive Monk Parakeet

Common Waxbill now a regular breeder in Andalusia from Africa.

Sardinian Warbler

A lone Spoonbill on Laguna Grande

An abundance of Black Redstarts at Guadalhorce.

Young Greater Flamingo's on Laguna Grande.