📖 Salinas de Bonanza: 06/05/26

A Morning at Salinas de Bonanza - If you’re a birdwatcher or a photographer visiting Southern Spain, you quickly learn that the "Doñana" name covers a massive, complex landscape. While the National Park core is the stuff of legends (and strict permits), the Salinas de Bonanza in Sanlúcar de Barrameda is the open secret for those who want world-class views without the red tape. 

Technically part of the Doñana Natural Park—the vital buffer zone—these salt pans sit on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River. It’s a landscape of shimmering water, crusty salt flats, and, most importantly, thousands of birds that are surprisingly relaxed around visitors. 

Kentish Plover

The beauty of Bonanza is its accessibility. We spent the morning utilising the "Mobile Hide" strategy: staying inside the car as we navigated the tracks between the pans. 

Because the local birdlife is so accustomed to vehicles, they don’t see a slow-moving car as a threat. The moment you open a door or step out, the "flush" happens—but stay behind the glass, and you’re treated to front-row seats for behaviour you’d usually need a 600mm lens to capture from a distance.

The wader flocks were out in force today, providing a fantastic "search and find" challenge. We spent a few hours picking through the mixed groups and recorded Ringed, Grey, and the delicate Kentish Plover. Clouds of Dunlin mixed with Curlew Sandpipers, along with the energetic Sanderlings, Avocets, Redshank and leggy Black-winged Stilts. 

Non-Breeding Curlew Sandpiper

Another highlight was a Slender-billed Gull. Getting close to one is a rare treat. This particular bird, however, lacked the subtle pink wash they’re usually known for. Also of note, and perhaps a little unexpected, we also recorded a pair of Marbled Ducks flying through

Slender-billed Gull

While your eyes are usually glued to the mud, the air above the Salinas is never empty. Among the Barn Swallows and occasional Common Swift, a constant flow of Glossy Ibis moved overhead, along with several Black Kites, and two Marsh Harriers were very active. Little Terns and Gull-billed Terns were fishing, and a few Little Egrets, Spoonbills & Night Herons moved through, plus a lone Purple Heron. Yellow-legged Gulls were also about, and we recorded 8 during our stay. At one point, we watched White Storks high up, enjoying the thermals.

Black Kite - Numerous in the area

The perimeter fencelines and scrub provided a nice change of pace from the waterbirds. We spotted a Western Yellow Wagtail, a few Crested Larks, 5 Stonechat and a similar number of Sardinian Warblers, plus a single Common Waxbill.

A Few More Images From the Visit...

Female Sardinian Warbler

This Little Tern was constantly on the lookout

Western Yellow Wagtail

📖 Birding Cadiz Province - Part 2: 05/05/26

Our first stop today was the Campiña de Trebujena, a gently rolling agricultural landscape defined by its “albariza” soil—a white, chalky earth perfect for viticulture. This area is a vital refuge for birdlife, especially species that thrive in traditional, low-intensity mosaics of vineyards and olive groves, including our target species, the Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin (locally called the Alzacola). Highly sought after in this region, the species is declining across Europe and listed as “Endangered” in Spain, yet Trebujena remains one of the best places in the world to spot it. 

One of three Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robins seen during our visit today.

It didn’t take long to find one—actually, we saw three. We heard one singing almost immediately as we drove past the vineyards and olive groves, and stopped to enjoy and photograph it in the stunning surroundings.

Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin

In an era of intensive farming, Trebujena felt like a sanctuary. In this place, tradition and biodiversity haven't just survived, but are thriving, and we enjoyed a long walk around the area. 

A classic example of an old Andalusian cortijo (farmhouse) that has fallen into disrepair.

From the nearby ruins, we watched Lesser Kestrels nesting and flying in and out, but couldn’t spot any Little Owls, which apparently are regular nesters here. During the walk, we encountered: Nightingale, Bee-eaters, Melodious Warbler, Red-rumped Swallows, Crested Lark, Zitting Cisticola and Corn Bunting.

A confiding Crested Lark at Trebujena

Our next stop was Laguna La Mejorada: A former aggregate quarry located just on the edge of Los Palacios y Villafranca, about 25 minutes south of Seville.

A Black-crowned Night Heron at Laguna La Mejorada

Despite limited vantage points for open water access, the site delivered a high density of sightings. The tamarisk nesting sites revealed a multi-species colony with Black-crowned Night Herons, Cattle Egrets, and Little Egrets, alongside Glossy Ibis. On the water, we noted at least two active Great Crested Grebe families. The perimeter of the lagoon provided a rich acoustic backdrop, where the distinct purring of the Turtle Dove and the songs of Reed Warblers, Cetti’s Warblers, and Nightingales were heard.

Nightingale

The sky above the quarry was equally active throughout our stay. We recorded more than eleven Black Kites maintaining constant thermal activity, two Lesser Kestrels hunting the perimeter, and a lone Purple Heron on a flyover. A Kingfisher was also noted in transit across the water. However, the true star of the show occurred during our departure when a Little Bittern broke cover, crossing the track at low altitude to provide a rare, close-up look at this elusive species. 

A full species listing can be found on my eBird HERE

A fly-by Purple Heron in the heat haze

Beyond the avian life, the lagoon’s microclimate supports a vibrant population of dragonflies. We noted high Odonata activity levels, specifically observing Violet Dropwings and Northern Banded Groundlings.

Violet Dropwing

📖 Birding Cadiz Province - Part 1: 04/05/26

Back in Mijas and unpacking the gear after a brilliant few days exploring Cádiz Province with Dazza. Based in the charming Sanlúcar de Barrameda, we hit the region's legendary hotspots. But first, some highlights of the trip west:

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The Straits & Cazalla Bird Observatory

The Strait of Gibraltar looking across to Morocco

Our journey kicked off with a planned stop at the Cazalla Bird Observatory on the route. Early in the day, it was quiet, but birding requires patience. Soon enough, we were treated to the incredible sight Cazalla is known for: this time around 50 Black Kites gliding across the Straits from Africa, just an eight-mile hop away, circling with ease in the rising thermals. Adding to the moment, a few Griffon Vultures passed over, and a Melodious Warbler sang just below the observatory, providing the perfect soundtrack to our brief stop.

The Changing Face of La Janda

A drive through the historic La Janda was a bittersweet experience. It’s hard not to feel a pang of disappointment seeing how much the landscape has shifted. The paddy fields now replaced by ploughed fields and the vibrant heronry we marvelled at in 2020—which once boasted over 3,000 pairs of Cattle Egrets and a mix of Glossy Ibis and Squacco Herons—has completely vanished.

Beware, if you intend to leave the track at the Km 48 marker on the N-340, the track has collapsed!!

The canal-side reeds held Cetti's and Common Reed Warbler but were missing the usual chatter of Great Reed Warblers, and the Black-winged Kites were nowhere to be found today. There are much smaller numbers of White Storks too. 

However, La Janda always keeps a few aces up its sleeve.

Despite the habitat changes, we focused on the positives. We managed to secure some fantastic sightings that made the dusty tracks of La Janda well worth the effort: Spanish Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Collared Praticole and Greater Short-toed Lark all recorded.

Short-toed Eagle

Our next stop was La Barca de Vejer, arguably the most famous and accessible site in Europe to see the Northern Bald Ibis. Unlike many rare species that require hiking into remote wilderness, the Bald Ibis at La Barca de Vejer nest on a sandstone cliff face right next to a busy road. While here, a few Honey Buzzards drifted over, along with Black Kite and more Griffon Vultures.

The Northern Bald Ibis - Such a prehistoric-looking bird!

Late in the afternoon, we decided to head over to Chipiona before going to our accommodation. While the town is famous for its towering lighthouse (the tallest in Spain!), birders know the real stars at the marina are the Little Escapots (Little Swifts). This town holds the largest breeding colony in Europe. 

Little Swift - Persistence and sheer luck with the camera! 

We spent ages watching them, and after 200 or so attempts, I finally nailed one with the camera! A great end to the journey across.

📖 The Longest Day - Part 2: 30/04/26

Thursday 30th April 2026 ☀️23C  
Fuente de Piedra, Laguna Dulce, Peñón de Peñarrubia & Tajo del Molino de Teba

PART TWO: Laguna Dulce, Peñón de Peñarrubia & Tajo del Molino de Teba

Laguna Dulce - Enjoying a remarkable comeback.

Laguna Dulce near Campillos, like Fuente, is enjoying a remarkable comeback. After years of severe drought that left many wetlands in the region dry, the 2025-2026 hydrological year has turned out to be the fifth rainiest on record for Málaga province. Water levels at the lagoon are now the highest they’ve been in over a decade, and the flooding has breathed new life into the reed beds and shoreline, creating perfect conditions for nesting and feeding waterbirds. The transformation of the lagoon is nothing short of breathtaking. Upon arrival, the first thing that struck us was the sheer density of life. In just a 40-minute window, we counted 26 Black-necked Grebes.

One of  the many Black-necked Grebes at Laguna Dulce

While these birds are often admired for their golden "ear" tufts, it was their voices that stole the show. I had never heard them call in the wild before, but they were remarkably vocal, filling the air with a nonstop chorus of whistling "poo-eeep" calls. It was a powerful reminder of how quickly these ecosystems can bounce back when the water returns.

Black-necked Grebe

Total species at the lagoon reached 28, with highlights including: 4 White-headed Duck, 4 Common Pochard and a flock of 14 Little-ringed Plovers darting along the mudflats. 75 Greater Flamingos,14 Gull-billed Terns and 4 Glossy Ibis were seen flying in. Two Marsh Harriers were patrolling the reeds, but the absolute standout was a stunning male Montagu’s Harrier.

Gull-billed Tern - Most abundant in the area

On the route home, we stopped at the Peñón de Peñarrubia, a massive limestone wall that serves as a high-rise apartment complex for specialised cliff-nesting species.

Penon de Penarrubia

The thermal updrafts were working in our favour. We counted at least 10 Griffon Vultures soaring majestically above the rock face, accompanied by the acrobatic displays of Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins. The scale of the Peñón always humbles you, but seeing it teeming with raptors is a true spectacle.

Griffon Vulture

Finally, we pushed on just a little further to the Tajo del Molino de Teba, a narrow, dramatic limestone gorge carved by the Venta River. This "micro-hotspot" allows for incredibly close views of rupicolous (cliff-dwelling) birds.

View from the road bridge at Tajo del Molino de Teba

The day ended with Thekla Larks, very vocal near the parking area. A nice Subalpine Warbler, a female, was spotted flitting through the shrubs.

We stood on the bridge to watch scores of House Martins nesting beneath us, while Alpine Swifts shrieked overhead. Derek also spotted a Blue Rock Thrush, which I failed to see, but we caught sight of at least four Red-billed Choughs, another target species to close out the trip.

Alpine Swift

From the vast lagoon of Fuente de Peidra (Part 1) to the flooded plains of Laguna Dulce and the sheer chasms of Teba, the resilience of Andalusia’s birdlife—and the sheer volume of sound and colour—made for an unforgettable day in the field.

A full species list can be found on  my eBird listings: Here, Here & Here

📖 The Longest Day - Part 1: 30/04/26

Thursday 30th April 2026 ☀️23C  
Fuente de Piedra, Laguna Dulce, Peñón de Peñarrubia & Tajo del Molino de Teba

PART ONE: Fuente de Piedra

Spring in Andalusia is always a gamble with the elements, but yesterday proved that even when the water is "too much" for some, it is a bounty for others. Along with Derek & Barbara Etherton I once more embarked on a full-day circuit that showcased the fascinating, shifting dynamics of the Andalusia wetlands.

Arriving at Fuente de Piedra, the sheer scale of the water is the first thing that hits you. Just as it was during my visit in March, the lagoon is brimming—a rare and beautiful sight. For the 60,000 Greater Flamingos currently occupying the main lagoon, these record levels are a blessing, creating a deep-water moat that promises a highly successful breeding season.

However, nature is a game of trade-offs. While the flamingos thrive, the waders are feeling the pinch. The lack of exposed mud and shoreline on the remainder of the lagoons meant that specialists like the Avocet and Black-winged Stilt were the only waders in numbers. At the Laguneto del Pueblo, we managed to find a Common Sandpiper, plus a fly over Greenshank but the high water remained a challenge for finding diversity among the shorebirds.

Avocet on the Sendero las Albinas

As we transitioned to the Sendero las Albinas, the focus shifted from the water to the reeds and fencelines. The air was thick with the songs of Cetti’s, Reed and Sedge Warblers. A family of Stonechats (including three very busy juveniles) gave us a great show, while a lone Woodchat Shrike kept watch from the wire. Adding a touch of elegance to the morning, the soft, rhythmic purring of a Turtle Dove provided a gentle backdrop to the brilliant, sulfur-yellow flash of a Western Yellow Wagtail.

One of three Juvenile Stonechat

The sky was just as bustling, with vibrant Bee-eaters and Gull-billed Terns above, a trio of Honey Buzzards gliding high, and the lively chatter of Common Swifts, House Martins, and Barn Swallows filling the air—a true reminder of migration’s peak.

A stroll along the tamarisk stands offered up some vocal treasures. After the liquid notes of Common Nightingales, we were treated to a fantastic view of a Western Olivaceous Warbler.

Western Olivacious Warbler - Showing very well today.

At the Observatorio El Laguneto, the "specialty" ducks were out in force. It’s not every day you get Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, and Red-crested Pochard in a single sweep!

Marbled Duck lands on rthe Sendero los albinas

From the centre we drove around the main lagoon, stopping at Mirador de la Vicaria, where three Melodious Warblers competed for our attention, and a flock of 13 Slender-billed Gulls busy feeding on the water. By the time we reached Mirador de Cantarranas for lunch A few additions to the day list included: Black Kite, Red Kite, Common Buzzard and Lesser Kestrel. 

Slender-billed Gull

Melodious Warbler - One of five seen today!

However, the "Surprise of the day" was saved for lunch at Mirador de Cantarranas. As we sat eating a European Roller drifted nonchalantly past. A personal first for me at this site, its azure feathers were a brilliant flash against the Andalusian sky—the perfect exclamation point on a day dominated by water and wings.

Daily Totals of Note: 1000s of Greater Flamingos, Melodious Warblers, Marsh Harriers, Spanish Sparrows, and the unmistakable blue flash of the Roller.

A full check list of species can be found on my eBird HERE - HERE & HERE

📖 Resilience Amidst Change: 28/04/26

A Dawn Patrol at Zapata

📚This is my second visit to Spain this year, and I began in the pre-dawn stillness of Zapata, still high on my list even when the landscape tells a story of recent hardship. Located on the northwestern edge of Malaga Airport along the Rio Guadalhorce, this unique mosaic of scrub, reeds, and pines has been through the wars lately. Between severe flooding washing away essential tamarisk and reedbeds, and recent pipe-laying works, the habitat is noticeably scarred. It’s distressing to see such a vibrant spot so heavily impacted.

However, nature is nothing if not resilient. Joining Derek and Barbara Etherton, we navigated the remaining off-road tracks by headlamp, hunting for that tell-tale ruby glint of eyes in the dark.

The Night Shift

The air was thick with the song of Nightingales—seemingly one in every bush—but our primary targets were the Red-necked Nightjars. We weren't disappointed. We successfully located four birds, watching them display and listening to that hauntingly mechanical kyok-kyok-kyok call echoing across the tracks. We also noted one on the flarepath lighting gantry, which flew over the car calling before disappearing into the dawn.

Red-necked Nightjar

Dawn Chorus and River Life

As the sun rose, the species count began to increase rapidly. We had a brief yet brilliant encounter with a singing Melodious Warbler, followed by Reed Warblers and Cetti’s Warblers in the remaining reedbeds. We also spotted a few Common Waxbills. At least four Woodchat Shrikes perched on or near the fenceline, accompanied by Crested Larks, Hoopoe, and a single Bee-eater, which added a vibrant splash of Mediterranean colour. The busy sky was alive with Common Swifts, Barn Swallows, House Martins, and four elegant Red-rumped Swallows.

One of four Woodchat Shrikes in the morning gloom.

The lack of sheep grazing post-flood has left the area overgrown, meaning local favourites like the Short-toed Lark and Stone Curlew were missing. Yet, reaching the ford for the first time this year yielded fantastic results. Despite the devastation of the riverbanks, we were treated to: Squacco Heron (The morning's highlight!) Black-crowned Night Herons & Cattle Egrets (Flying out from roosts) Little-ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper & Black-winged Stilt

Black-crowned Night Heron as dawn breaks.

A Successful Tally

We capped off the morning with a Booted Eagle—the lone raptor of the trip—and a sighting of Turtle Dove and Corn Bunting.

While the physical landscape of Zapata has changed, the birdlife remains tenacious. Ending the session with 45 species before breakfast is a testament to the enduring importance of this site. It’s a bittersweet time for the Rio Guadalhorce, but the "red eyes" of the Nightjars prove that life goes on.

A full listing can be found on my eBird HERE

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Total Species: 45 Key Sightings: Red-necked Nightjar, Squacco Heron & Melodious Warbler.

📖 Muir of Dinnet NNR 22/04/26

📚There is a specific kind of stillness that settles over the Northeast of Scotland when high pressure arrives. It doesn’t always bring the sun, but it brings a quiet clarity—perfect for the ears, if a little chilly for the fingers. Today, I made my annual pilgrimage to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, arriving at the Burn O’Vat car park at 8 a.m. to an 8 °C chill and the glorious, frantic energy of an extended dawn chorus.

The Sounds of the Birchwoods

Before I even left the car park, the woodland was ringing with the "usual suspects"—Willow Warbler, now arriving in force, Chiffchaff, and Song Thrush—but the real prize was my first Tree Pipit of the year. There is nothing quite like their parachute display to signal that spring has truly taken hold.

Tree Pipit from last year's visit.

As I moved clockwise toward Loch Davan, the bird song intensified. Siskins and Chaffinches provided a constant backdrop. I noted a couple of Treecreepers, Blue Tits and Great Tits were flitting about everywhere, but the day’s "silver medalist" was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling away near the ruins of Old Kinord. It’s an unusual find for the site and a fantastic addition to my year list.

Shifting Tides on the Lochs

Loch Davan was a mix of nostalgia and new sights. It is a sobering reality that the Great Crested Grebe no longer graces these waters, a reminder that even our most cherished reserves are subject to the shifting tides of bird populations. However, the Goldeneye—for which Dinnet remains a UK stronghold—were out in force, joined by Tufted Ducks, Greylag Geese and Mute Swans.

Female Goldeneye on Loch Kinord today.

The Return of the Summer Stars

Heading toward Loch Kinord, the "target birds" appeared in quick succession. Near the Kinord Cross, a male Common Redstart gave a vocal performance from the canopy before dropping down to join a female near the shoreline. Above the water, the air was thick with Sand Martins, Swallows, and my first House Martin of the season. An Oystercatcher called, and the visit concluded with a Common Sandpiper, yet another "year tick" to add to the tally.

Common Sandpiper

Common Redstart

A Deeside Bonus

With the Adders, to which Dinnet has many, and Raptors keeping a low profile in the overcast and chilly conditions, I took a short detour to the Dinnet Oakwood. The move paid off handsomely with a sighting of a Nuthatch—still a notable scarcity in this part of the world—and the distant, mocking "yaffle" of a Green Woodpecker, another scarcity high on the list, but sadly this one remained elusive!

Rounding off the day with a Kingfisher flashing over the River Dee was the perfect ending to a productive morning. Oh, and a roadside Red-legged Partridge on route home. It wasn't the warmest day on the calendar, but for a birder, the heat comes from the quality of the sightings.

Total Year Ticks: 6 (Tree Pipit, Grasshopper Warbler, House Martin, Common Sandpiper, Nuthatch & Red-legged Partridge)

📖 Early Starts and Upland Icons 20/04/26

A Morning in the Cabrach

Dropping Dazza off for a ridiculously early flight at Aberdeen airport provided the perfect excuse to head for the hills. My destination? The Cabrach.

Located on the rugged border of Aberdeenshire and Moray near Huntly, the Cabrach is a remote and hauntingly beautiful landscape. It remains one of the most vital strongholds for Black Grouse in Scotland; while the species has faced a sharp decline across the UK, this area remains a "hotspot" thanks to its unique mosaic of heather moorland, rough grazing, and young forestry.

Into the Gloom

View across to Clashindarroch Woodland in the gloom

I arrived shortly after sunrise, though my timing coincided with the onset of heavy rain. The conditions were far from ideal, but the birding was so productive that I spent an excellent few hours observing without even needing to step out of the car.

I began at a few vantage points near the Nordic Ski Club Trail car park, where a few Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were singing. This area is an upland symphony in the spring. The air was filled with the calls of displaying Curlews and Lapwings, with several visible in the ploughed fields and rough grazing just below me. Oystercatchers were a constant, noisy presence, and the fencelines were dotted with Meadow Pipits and a particularly pristine-looking Northern Wheatear.

Northern Wheatear

The mammals were out, too—I spotted a couple of Brown Hares and caught a fleeting glimpse of a Weasel as it dashed across the track. The highlight of the early morning, however, was a ringtail Hen Harrier gliding low over the heather, and a pair of Ring Ouzels busily foraging for worms in a nearby paddock.

One of two male Ring Ouzels in the paddocks

The Main Event: The Lek

After spotting a lone Black Grouse nearby, I moved further up the road to the lek itself. Despite the gloom, the site was a hive of activity. I sat in the "mobile hide" of my car for a good hour, mesmerised by the spectacle.

Black Grouse at the roadside

Another Black Grouse encounter

At least 25 birds were on the ground, including a dozen or so females (Greyhens) watching the males battle for dominance. While the flat light and rain weren't conducive to National Geographic-level photography, witnessing that many birds lekking at once was a privilege.

View of the Lek from the car

On the drive around, I added three more Wheatears to the tally and spotted a single, rather forlorn-looking Sand Martin braving the drizzle. Down on the River Deveron, a female Goosander drifted past. The local colonies of Black-headed and Common Gulls were also well-represented.

Unsurprisingly, the heavy clouds kept the Eagles and Goshawks out of sight today, but in the Cabrach, you can never feel short-changed. Even in the pouring rain, it remains one of the most evocative wildlife spectacles in Scotland.