Coin 20/03/25

Thursday 20th March 2025 🌤️ 14C ~ W @ 7MPH ~ Today, I stayed close to home and explored the scrubland of Coín, a small town located inland from the Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas mountains. Coín is known as the "town of the fountains" because of its abundant spring water. It is situated in the Valle del Guadalhorce and is sometimes referred to as the "town of three hundred orchards."I came across this area after the 2022 wildfire destroyed my favourite local walk at Mijas Quarry.

Sierra de Mijas

It was truly an enjoyable few hours in the sunshine uninterrupted by showers, which has been rare during this visit to Spain. This location is excellent for spotting Dartford Warblers, especially during the spring when they are often quite vocal and easily spotted, typically perched at the tops of gorse while singing.

As expected it wasn't long before a Dartford Warbler appeared. 

With the sun shining and a bit of warmth, several butterflies were flying. The first species I spotted was one of my favourites, the Spanish Festoon. Apart from the south of France, in Europe this colourful butterfly is confined to Spain and Portugal; its southern range extends well into the northern countries of Africa and its preferred habitat is scrubby grassland and woodland clearings which is why this area is perfect. 

Spanish Festoon - A favourite of mine.

Along the treeline, I could hear a Short-toed Treecreeper calling and managed a few brief views before it quickly departed. As is the norm here in the local forests I could hear Crested Tits calling most of the time and after a brief wait, two appeared feeding towards the top of the pines. A difficult bird to photograph as they never stop moving for long. 

A Crested Tit feeding in among the pine trees.

More Butterflies on the wing with a few Provence Orange Tips, previously known as Moroccan Orange Tips, plus Small White, Large White and Clouded Yellow. 

Clouded Yellow

Provence Orange Tip on Wild Raddish. 

Asphodel

Some lovely plants to be found too at this time of year and those that took my eye included Barbary-Nut, Wild Radish and lots of Asphodels.

Barbary-Nut

I left the treeline and ventured deeper into the scrub. A couple of Stonechats were aware of my presence, constantly calling, while a Corn Bunting happily sang nearby. A few Crested Larks flew by, and then a Northern Wheatear appeared from the ground, sitting and watching me for a while. A few Sardinian Warblers were skulking through the undergrowth and I came across a small area of water where seven Meadow Pipits were bathing. A single Common Crossbill then appeared, perching up for a short while and then dropping down for a wash.

Common Crossbill - Ready for a wash-off.

I was surprised not to see any raptors during my visit, especially since Short-toed Eagles have been a regular sight for me over the villa this week. The highlights passing overhead included a Raven, five Common Swifts, and three House Martins. Twenty-four bird species were recorded during my walk.