Zapata & Rio Grande 25/04/25

Friday 25th April 2025 🌤️ 25C ~ Wind S @4MPH ~ A pre-sunrise meeting today with Derek Etherton at Zapata. For those new to my blog, details regarding the site can be found HERE. The primary purpose of meeting before sunrise was to attempt to locate Red-necked Nightjars. In spring, these birds can be observed before dawn, perched on the lighting gantries of the airport flare path lights. Alternatively, driving along the ground tracks with headlights on may reveal their distinctive red eyes. We were uncertain about the impact the recent construction work might have on the returning birds.  

The Ford at Zapata in its prime! 

Over the past year, work has been underway to lay a water pipeline. Unfortunately, this project, combined with the recent devastating floods, has affected the entire area. Some reedbeds have been stripped away, and heavy machinery has made some tracks impassable. I was very keen to see if there was any sign of things improving. 

Zapata just after work had begun. 

Zapata during the floods of November 2024

Shortly after entering the site, we were delighted to hear the unmistakable "ktok, ktok, ktok, ktok" of a Red-necked Nightjar. Listen HERE. It was also obvious to see that the contractors installing the pipelines had already begun reforming the tracks, which hopefully bodes well for the site's future recovery. During our drive around, we managed three Red-necked Nightjars with one showing well on the track in front of us. Also of note were the many singing Nightingales, with of total of twelve today.

Red-necked Nightjar - Photo by Derek Etherton.

At one point, we came across a Turtle Dove on the ground, appearing somewhat fatigued, which led us to speculate that it might have arrived the previous night. Fortunately, there was no sign of it later as we walked through the area in daylight, but we did come across one purring in the trees nearby. We were happy to think it was the same bird!

A forlorn-looking Turtle Dove on the trackside - Photo by Derek Etherton

As daylight broke we moved the short distance upstream to the spot where Derek had seen a Penduline Tit the previous week. We spotted a male almost immediately, remarkable really as the location was situated almost directly beneath the AP7 motorway.

Record image of the Penduline Tit, which I struggled to get.

Soon, a second bird arrived, and we watched them for some time, concluding that they were gathering aphids, possibly to feed their young. 

It was a delightful early morning visit with no fewer than twelve Nightingales singing throughout the area. Additionally, hearing Reed Warblers and Cetti's Warbler was encouraging, indicating that reedbeds remain viable., full details of our sightings can be found HERE on eBird.

Monk Parakeet enjoying a breakfast of Thistle 

After breakfast, we set out to explore the Rio Grande. Our journey began at the Aerodrome, base Brica Infoca, situated just off the A-357. From there, we drove east along the dirt track to check out the eucalyptus trees and tamarisk. Below, the river was flowing quite fast; I have visited this area in previous years when the riverbed was completely dry.

It wasn't long before we heard the call of a Golden Oriole high in the treetops, prompting us to go for a stroll. We located two birds perched atop the eucalyptus and managed to take several record images of them. Additionally, we heard the gentle purring of a few Turtle Doves, suggesting there had likely been an influx overnight. A Short-toed Treecreeper was also singing, while a few Bee-eaters noisily meandered overhead. 

To the west, along the riverside, the initial species of note included a pair of Common Sandpipers, soon accompanied by a Little-ringed Plover and four Black-winged Stilts. However, there were few waders overall, and the area remained notably quiet. A solitary Woodchat Shrike made a brief appearance on the wires, and at the far western end of our walk along the river, around fifteen Bee-eaters perched in the treetops, occasionally taking to the air.

One of four Black-winged Stilts

Derek was saying that the recent floods had stripped away the midstream vegetation and species such as Squacco Heron and Purple Heron, that we normally find here, had little cover, as with Zapata, let's hope the recovery is swift.

A total of thirty-two species today, a full listing can be found on eBird HERE.

Sierra Loja 23/04/25

Wednesday 23rd April 2025 🌤️ 17C ~ Wind S @7MPH ~ Having arrived in Spain late last night, I was up at the crack of dawn this morning to meet up with friends Derek and Barbara Etherton and Mick Richardson, who runs Loja Wildlife along with his friend Gary. 

Sierra Loja

We were heading up the Sierra de Loja, a limestone massif, with its highest point, Sierra Gords, reaching 5,400 feet. This area is open and beautiful, yet remote and sparsely populated. It can be covered in snow and ice in winter, although there were no signs of that during our visit. This is also Mick's patch, so I was looking forward to a good day's birding and hopefully finding Rufus-tailed Rock Thrush, our target species. 

 Male Rufus-tailed Rock Thrush taken in 2016

In the woodlands before heading up the tracks, we encountered many noisy Serins and briefly spotted a singing Bonelli's Warbler in the pines. On the ground, numerous House Martins were collecting mud from a nearby puddle for nest building, while a Hoopoe was gathering what appeared to be caterpillars. This location is also a good spot for finding Azure-winged Magpies (Iberian Magpie), and we later spotted three of them on our way down.

Hoopoe

Our first stop was along a side track, at the end of which lies a disused quarry. I've stopped here before, and it can be a good place to find a Spectacled Warbler. Unfortunately, no sign today, but Dartford Warbler, Bonelli's Warbler and Sardinian Warbler were all additions to the day list. 

Sardinian Warbler

As we continued on, our intention was to reach the summit and then work our way back down. However, I was aware that this might not be feasible, and it took less than five minutes before we spotted a Black-eared Wheatear perched nicely on a fence—our first of many stops today.

Black-eared Wheatear

Along the cliff edges, we noticed a considerable number of Red-billed Choughs, totalling thirty-two. Occasionally, we'd spot Black Wheatears, which are easily identifiable by their distinctive black bodies and white rumps. On the ground, Red-legged Partridge, and as we continued, there was the constant sight and sound of Thekla Larks, with one occasionally perched on a rock.

Thekla Lark

As the area opened up, we stopped at our first location to search for our target bird, the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, which is a regular nesting species here. Unfortunately, they seem to be a declining species in the region, and sightings are becoming less frequent. Our initial scans revealed several birds along the mountain ridges, including Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Spotless Starling, and Black Wheatear, but there was no sign of our target bird. At one point, a large raptor appeared and turned out to be a female Western Marsh Harrier, an unusual sight here, according to Mick. 

Blue Rock Thrush

We continued our search for our target bird, visiting a few more locations, but we still had no luck. In one cave area, which is an excellent spot for observing nesting Crag Martins and Rock Sparrows, we paused for a moment. We watched as several Crag Martins collected mud from a small puddle to use in their nests. This was probably the closest I've ever been to one of these small, compact swallows. Also of note as we continued, Iberian Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Stonechat, Rock Bunting and four Northern Wheatear.

Crag Martin

By the time we began our descent, there was still no sign of our target bird, but we were thoroughly enjoying a fantastic day's birding. Things had begun to happen overhead, too, and we spotted several Griffon Vultures high in the thermals, and a small number of Common Swifts had also appeared. 

Just a little further on, we encountered no less than four Subalpine Warblers and had fantastic views of a singing Western Orphean Warbler. As if this wasn't enough, I noticed a large raptor being chased by a few Red-billed Chough, and this turned out to be a Golden Eagle, which then perched in an overhanging tree. We later watched the bird displaying!

Subalpine Warbler

Western Orphean Warbler

As we approached the Charca Negra turn, Gary, who was in the car ahead with Mick, suddenly communicated over the radio that Mick had briefly spotted our target species before it flew away. This prompted a 45-minute search of the area. Finally, I noticed a bird in a small tree that Mick and I thought was promising. When Derek got the bird in his scope, he offered me a quick look, and although it was slightly obscured, I was quite certain it was a male. I'd noted the rufous coloured front, longish bill and bluish-grey head. Unfortunately, just as I turned away, the bird flew off, and Barbara believed it had gone to the right. After a further extensive search, we were unable to relocate it, which was frustrating for Gary, who struggled with his tripod and missed it completely. Was this a Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush? I’m fairly confident it was, and so was Derek, but as we never reached 100% confirmation, we're left with a conundrum!

So nearly eight hours birding with forty-nine species and a mystery bird. What a brilliant day out in the high Sierra of Loja, and of course, the great company of Derek, Barbara, Mick and Gary.

A few more images of the day... If you're on eBird, our checklist can be found HERE

Yellow Bee-Orchid

Wild Tulips

Rock Bunting

Iberian Ibex

Black-eared Wheatear

Woodchat Shrike

📖 Spring Easter Update 21/04/2025

I wanted to provide a quick update before heading back to Spain for another week.

Callater Burn

On Saturday, the 19th, Dazza and I set off for a walk at Glen Callater in the Cairngorms. We hadn't planned to walk far due to my returning Achilles tendon issue. However, we ended up covering a fair distance along Callater Burn. This area is known for good sightings of Ring Ouzels, and we've seen them here before, but unfortunately, we didn't spot any this time.

We did, however, see about half a dozen Wheatears and a small number of Red Grouse. Meadow Pipits frequently displayed and parachuted down, and we watched a couple of Red Kites showcasing their aerial displays. A Dipper was seen flying along the burn, and we also managed to find Dazza her first Common Sandpiper of the year, although it was generally a quiet walk in terms of birding. A highlight was spotting a huge herd of no fewer than forty Red Deer traversing the mountain ridges.

Red Deer at Callater

Red Grouse

Wheatear

On Easter Sunday, I took an early morning walk at my local Dalmadilly Ponds before the wild swimmers and plastic dinghies appeared for the usual disruption. I did come across my first Common Whitethroat of the spring and an amazing count of eleven Willow Warblers, along with three Chiffchaff and a couple of Swallows. 

First Common Whitethroat of the season at Dalmadilly Ponds.

On Easter Monday, Dazza was on the evening flight to Birmingham, so we had an early afternoon walk at Fyvie Castle in hopes of spotting a pair of Mandarin Ducks that nest here each year. This migratory pair usually returns in late March, and we found the drake sitting contentedly in a Mandarin's 'happy place'. No sign of the female, hopefully she's already down to business. 

Drake Mandarin Duck at Fyvie Castle. 

After hearing reports of two Avocets and a Spoonbill at RSPB Strathbeg earlier in the day, I decided to make a late evening visit after dropping Dazza off at Aberdeen airport. I was able to find the Spoonbill sleeping in front of the nature centre, but unfortunately, there were no Avocets in sight. I spent about an hour overlooking Starnafin Pools, where I noted a pair of Marsh Harriers, six Black-tailed Godwits, two Little-ringed Plovers, and two Little Egrets before I headed home.

Today, Tuesday 22nd, I'm off back to Spain for a week on the evening flight from Edinburgh. 

📖 White-billed Diver 17/04/2025

Thursday, 17th April 2025, 🌤️ 10c ~ Wind N @ 11mph ~ I had a very enjoyable day out today with David Lesley and his dad, Rob, in Portsoy, searching for White-billed Divers.

Before 2011, the White-billed Diver was considered a vagrant in north-east Scotland, with only 20 recorded sightings, most of which were birds passing at sea. However, today they are a regular spring visitor, using the waters off Portsoy as a staging area during the spring migration.

Portsoy Dolphin Sculpture

We began at the harbour, setting up our scopes near the dolphin sculpture, where we were able to shelter from the breeze. Almost immediately, I spotted some Long-tailed Ducks near the shore, transitioning into their summer plumage. After about a minute, David successfully sighted our first White-billed Diver, which was a pleasant surprise considering how quickly it happened. The bird was in summer plumage, and its distinctive ivory-colored beak was very noticeable.

One of many Long-tailed Ducks today.

As we continued our scans, we observed many Gannets heading along the coastline, along with Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, and Fulmars. A few Sandwich Terns screeched past as they headed west, while Cormorants and Shags fished offshore. It made for quite an idyllic setting.

Passing Gannet at Portsoy.

We then decided to head to the other side of the harbour to scan the nearby bay. Here, we found dozens more Long-tailed Ducks. On the surrounding rocks, there were a few Eiders and several Gulls. A Red-throated Diver was also spotted nearby, and I managed to locate our second summer-plumaged White-billed Diver of the day. Not to be outdone, Rob then spotted a third, this one still in winter plumage. We then managed to identify a Diver flying west low over the water as a Black-throated Diver, so not a bad haul for a shore-based search!

Highly cropped image of White-billed Diver.

We then proceeded to Findlater Castle, situated just west of Sandend. Upon arriving at the car park, we heard and later spotted a Corn Bunting along the fenceline. As we walked towards the coast, Rob noticed a single Swallow flying by, marking our first sighting of the year. In the fields, we saw Yellowhammers and Linnets, and we also observed a large flock of Pink-footed Geese, likely feeding before their journey back to their breeding grounds in Iceland.

While scanning the sea, we recorded many of the same species we had seen previously, including another summer-plumage White-billed Diver. After having lunch, we wrapped up the day with a delightful treat of ice cream from the Portsoy Ice Cream shop, which was a perfect way to conclude a wonderful outing. Special thanks to David for driving, and to both Rob and David for their excellent company.

Rob Leslie and I 

Part of a much larger group of Long-tailed Ducks.

White-billed Diver - Although you may require a magnifying glass. 

📖 Girdleness 14/04/2025

Tuesday 14th April 2025 ☁️ 8C ~ Wind SE @ 11mph ~ My brief mid-morning visit to Girdleness was relatively quiet, with little migration observed. A 20-minute sea watch from the foghorn revealed many Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills constantly on the move and several Gannets were fishing, but not a single Tern species passed by. 

Gannet

The best part of the visit came as I walked around to the southern breakwater. I watched a flock of around one hundred Purple Sandpipers resting on the rocks, a single Iceland Gull perched on the breakwater, and a sizable group of Bottlenose Dolphins, including several young ones.

Juvenile Iceland Gull observed on the southern breakwater, likely the same bird reported over the past week.

A group of Bottlenose Dolphins, including what I think is a juvenile. 

📖 Dinnet NNR & The Cabrach 12-13/04/2025

Saturday 12th April 2025 🌤️ 18C ~ Wind SSW @ 9MPH ~ Today marked the last day of high pressure, so Dazza and I decided to take a walk around Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve to enjoy the last of the unseasonal warmth. We parked at the visitor center and chose to follow a clockwise route. Our walk began at Loch Davan and concluded with a stroll past Loch Kinnord.

During the latter part of our walk, the weather changed, with low-hanging clouds casting a gray pall over the landscape. Despite the shifting conditions, we were fortunate to spot a few newly arrived Tree Pipits. One of them was performing its characteristic parachuting song flight, which I could listen to and watch all day long.

Tree Pipit at Dinnet.

Although the sun was disappearing behind the clouds, we were fortunate to encounter a small Adder, which we watched slide slowly across the path, along with a couple of Common Lizards during the visit. Our first Orange-Tip butterfly of the year was also seen. Unfortunately, there was no sign of any Great Crested Grebes, a rare species in Aberdeenshire. They were usually found at Loch Davan, but sadly, they have not been seen since 2023, when a nesting attempt ended in failure near hatching!

Adder at Dinnet.

Sunday 13th April 2025 🌤️ 6C ~ Wind NW @ 10MPH ~ About 25 miles from my home lies the Cabrach, an estate and a largely depopulated rural community. It is home to one of the largest coniferous forests in the northeast. The area features a diverse range of habitats, including typical forests and clearings, birch woodlands, scrubland, and open stream valleys, as well as adjacent upland farmland and moorland.

View from the roadside at Clashindarroch.

Today, twenty-two RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group members met at the Clashindarroch Nordic Skiing car park at 7 a.m.

After the recent fine weather, a cold front had moved in overnight, dropping temperatures to a chilly 5°C. Despite the cold, the sun was shining, and the parking area was bustling with activity. A pair of Crossbills could be spotted in the nearby pine trees, while just across the road, a Willow Warbler was singing. Siskin, Lesser Redpoll were also noted. Rob and David were already scoping a distant Black Grouse lek, and overhead, a few Skylarks were singing.

Male Common Crossbill in the harsh low sun. 

After organising a car share, we drove a short distance to a well-known Black Grouse lek and parked just off the road. From that location, we could easily observe the lek from a safe distance. We spotted at least nine male Black Grouse; however, during our time there, we didn't record any females. While here, we were constantly searching the sky and surrounding hillsides, and this eventually paid off when we spotted three distant Hen Harriers. Just below in the valley, a group of five Red Deer.

Black Grouse lek.

We then headed into the Cabrach farmlands, where we saw plenty of Lapwing, Curlews, Oystercatchers, Meadow Pipits, and Buzzards — the latter seemed to be everywhere today. At one point, we parked the cars and took a short stroll, where we spotted a few male Wheatears. We also observed a couple of winnowing Common Snipe, a Sand Martin flying by, and several Common Gulls, which nest in the area. In the distance, a couple of Ravens seemed to be displaying. 

Male Wheatear, one of a half dozen seen today.

The biggest surprise of the day occurred when we returned to our cars. Suddenly, a juvenile White-tailed Eagle flew directly overhead, being mobbed by several corvids. It was an exciting moment for the group, especially since several members had never seen one before.

Juvenile White-tailed Eagle. 

After another stop, we eventually returned to the car park, spotting a Red Kite along the way. From there, we took a short stroll along the road to a great open area for scanning. We spent about half an hour there, the best of which was a distant Goshawk over one of the plantations, along with more Common Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk. During the short walk back to the car, Stonechat and a Tree Pipit were further additions to the day list. A very successful and enjoyable day with a total species count of forty-two. 

A few more images of the day...

Wheatear

White-tailed Eagle

White-tailed Eagle