📖 Post Storm Clarity

From the Atlas Mountains to the Rio Grande

There is a specific kind of magic that happens on the Costa del Sol the day after a heavy downpour. After Tuesday’s deluge, Wednesday, March 11th, broke with a clarity so piercing it felt like the world had been high-pressure washed.

Standing with a coffee on the terrace, there wasn't a single cloud to soften the deep blue of the sky. Looking south, the Moroccan coastline was visible across the Alboran Sea—the peaks of the Rif mountains appearing in the clarity. With the air this clear and the ground still damp, I knew it was the perfect morning to see how our local wildlife was responding to the change in weather.

---

First Stop: The New Stronghold for Dartford Warblers

My first port of call was a site in Coín. Since the devastating fire at my usual haunt in Mijas Quarry, this location has become my primary spot for catching up with Dartford Warblers.

I certainly wasn't disappointed. Within ten minutes of arriving, I had already clocked three birds. It’s heartening to see them thriving here, though my visit was cut slightly short due to noisy heavy machinery working nearby in the woodlands.

Dartford Warbler: One of three today.

Despite the industrial soundtrack, the trip was a success. Before heading off, I managed to spot:

• 5 Crested Tits darting through the trees.

• A pair of Sardinian Warblers.

• My first Green Hairstreak butterfly of the season—a brilliant splash of emerald against the scrub. 

Green Hairstreak

---

Along the Rio Grande: Scars of the Flood

My second stop was a slow drive along the dirt track at Rio Grande, starting from the Wildfire Fighting Helicopter Station at Cártama.

The river has receded significantly, but the sheer power of the recent floods is still visible. The familiar 'ford' has been virtually erased, and large swathes of reedbeds have been uprooted and swept downstream. It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly these riparian habitats can change.

Riverside Sightings

Even with the habitat disturbance, the river was far from empty. Along the muddy banks and receding water, I noted:

• 5 Little-ringed Plovers * 2 Green Sandpipers and a single Common Sandpiper

• 2 Cattle Egrets roosting quietly in the treeline

• 1 Little Egret

Little-ringed Plover: One of at least five today.

The skies were equally productive. I recorded my first Common Swift of the year—a sure sign that spring migration is shifting into high gear—alongside both Booted and Short-toed Eagles soaring overhead.

Short-toed Eagle

Closer to the ground, the fencelines were busy with a male Stonechat, while the buzzing song of Serins was so constant I eventually lost count. An excellent morning of birding, and back home for lunch.

Dartford Warbler

📖 From Bustards to Behemoths

What started as a chilly, drizzly morning in the lowlands of Granada Province quickly evolved into one of the most spectacular days of birding I’ve had in years. Alongside friends Barbara and Derek Etherton and Mick Richardson, we spent Monday, March 9th, navigating a landscape of resilience and rare sightings.

---

Resilience Amidst the Landscape: Huétor-Tájar

After a quick breakfast at Venta Riofrio, we headed into Mick’s "patch." It was impossible to ignore the power of nature here; the landscape still bears the scars of the devastating floods that hit the region earlier this year. Despite the changed terrain, the birdlife remains remarkably resilient.

Little Bustard from last year's visit.

Our primary target here was the Little Bustard. With crops sitting high, spotting them on the ground was a challenge, but persistence paid off when we were treated to two separate birds in flight. Well spotted by Barbara!

Raptor & Lowland Highlights:

• Black-winged Kites (2): Perched high in distant treetops, offering good scoped views.

• Iberian Magpie (9): Their azure wings provided a splash of colour against the grey sky.

• Western Yellow Wagtail: A first sighting this year on Mick's patch.

• Other sightings: Corn Bunting (5), Black Redstart (2), Stonechat (3), and Crested Lark (2).

---

The "Cuckoo Buffet" at El Temple

As the weather shifted, we drove north to El Temple, a beautiful mosaic of olive groves and almond plantations. This area is famous for its asparagus and garlic, but for us, it was all about the Great Spotted Cuckoos.

Great-spotted Cuckoo

While we didn't reach last year's record of fourteen, the four we found were putting on a show. We watched them hunting for Pine Processionary Moth caterpillars. These birds have "iron stomachs," allowing them to feast on the toxic, hairy larvae that most predators avoid. We even caught one perched right atop a silken "tent" nest—a literal buffet!

---

An Eagle Extravaganza

The recent heavy rains made for some "creative" driving for Derek as we navigated deep mud, but the detour was worth every second. The sky above El Temple felt alive. We were treated to a rare "double" of Golden Eagle and the magnificent Iberian Imperial Eagle (both juvenile and adult).

Golden Eagle

Iberian Imperial Eagle

The Migration Passage:

The raptor tally continued to climb as we watched the seasonal shift in real-time: 

Short-toed Eagle: One of ten on passage today.

• Short-toed Eagles (10): A steady flow on migration.

• Black Kite (1): Normally in a group while migrating, this one was a lone traveller. 

• The Swifts: Both Pallid and Alpine Swift glided past overhead.

• Hirundines: Flocks of Barn Swallows and House Martins.

Black Kite: directly overhead.

---

Final Stops: From Bermejales to Regidor

Species	Count/Observation
Bonelli's Eagle	1
Iberian Imperial Eagle	A second individual (missing primaries)
Stone Curlew	2
Western Marsh Harrier	At least 2 Pairs
Calandra Lark	12
Northern Goshawk	1
Also Noted;	Hoopoe (2), Iberian Grey Shrike, Thekla Lark

Before the rain finally set in, we squeezed in a few more stops at Contraembalse de los Bermejales, Ventas de Huelma, and Laguna del Regidor. The diversity was staggering:

Hoopoe: Two seen today

Little Owl: Point-blank range at el Temple

Fan Lipped Orchid: A new species for me. This species is one of the earliest to bloom in the Mediterranean spring.

---

"A huge thanks to Mick, Barbara, and Derek for another unforgettable day in the field. 

📖 Guadalhorce Return Visit

A second visit to Guadalhorce today, Saturday, March 7th. Being the weekend, it was a little busier than a weekday visit, but the birding was good, with a few species added to Thursday's visit. 

View from Laguna Escondida Hide

With no school parties today, I was able to access the Laguna Escondida hide for a close look at another conservation success: the White-headed Duck. 

White-tailed Duck today on the Laguna Escondida, Guadalhorce.

In Andalusia, the White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) is more than just a rare bird; it is the ultimate symbol of European wetland conservation. Locally known as the Malvasía Cabeciblanca, this "stiff-tailed" duck was famously rescued from the very brink of extinction right here in Spain on the lagoons of Córdoba. 

White-headed Duck

The Great Recovery

In 1977, the species was nearly lost to history, with only 22 individuals remaining in the entire world—all of them clinging to life in the Laguna de Zóñar (Aguilar de la Frontera, Córdoba). Thanks to aggressive protection of wetlands, a ban on hunting, and the controversial but successful removal of the invasive North American Ruddy Duck (which threatened the species through hybridisation), the population has rebounded. Today, Spain hosts about 2,500 of these ducks, with Andalusia remaining their primary stronghold.

Highlights from the Hides: 

Del Río Viejo: Wader activity. I managed to pick out Ruff, Greenshank & Kentish Plover, additions to my 2026 Spanish list.

Ruff

De Aves Marinas: Spent some time around the sea lookout, where a 2cy Mediterranean Gull was just below. It seemed to have a slight issue with one leg, but it appeared otherwise healthy and strong, eventually heading off. A pair of Sandwich Terns also made a fly-past during my watch. 

2cy Mediterranean Gull

Laguna Grande: The species mix mirrored my earlier trip on Thursday, but with a nice bonus bird: a Glossy Ibis that flew in and settled during my stay. 

Record shot of Glossy Ibis, which remained distant during my stay.

Scrub & Pathside: I was also treated to three separate sightings of Black Redstart, their distinctive tail-quivers making them easy to spot against the vegetation. Another productive day in one of Málaga’s best birding pockets. In addition, there were also a few butterflies on the wing, which included a few gorgeous Swallowtails.

Swallowtail

Black Redstart - One of three today

Kentish Plover Guadalhorce today.

Greenshank

📖 Rain, Reeds and a Flash of Blue

Friday, March 6th 2026: It was a bit of a "moody" day here in Mijas—definitely cooler than yesterday at 12°C with some heavy showers rolling through. 

Since the weather wasn't playing fair, I opted for a bit of "comfort birding," sticking to shorter walks and using the car as a mobile hide. I managed to squeeze in two of my regular locations before meeting friends for lunch in Malaga: Cantera Los Arenales (Mijas Quarry) and the unique habitat at Zapata. 

 Mijas Quarry: A Resilience Check. 

The fire of 2022 at its peak

My regular readers will remember the devastating wildfire in July 2022 that tore through the landscape above the quarry. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I pull into the car park; the rocky outcrops and shrubs there luckily escaped the flames. It’s usually my reliable 'go-to' for Black Wheatear and Dartford Warbler, but after 45 minutes of scanning my usual hotspots, I'm sad to report they were nowhere to be found today. I've pencilled in a revisit of the whole site when I'm back here in May.

However, the pines and scrub still offered up some high-quality regulars: Crested Tit,  Short-toed Treecreeper, Sardinian Warbler and Common Crossbill. 

Sardinian Warbler 

Zapata: The Airport’s Wild Side.

I headed over to Zapata. For those who haven't visited, this extraordinary stretch of land runs along the Rio Guadalhorce on the north-west fringe of Malaga Airport (essentially the "other side" of the Guadalhorce reserve). It’s a brilliant mix of reedbeds and scrubland. 

Today I focused my efforts on the reeds along the river. Despite the grey skies, the area was buzzing with activity. On the airport perimeter fencing, Stonechats and Corn Buntings were perched prominently, while Barn Swallows and House Martins were busy overhead. 

Notable sightings included: Cetti's Warbler (loud as ever!) Zitting Cisticola (Fantailed Warbler) with a pair actively carrying nesting material—a lovely sign of the season. Crested Lark,  Chiffchaff, Serin, and Greenfinch.

Bird of the Day: The absolute highlight, however, was a Bluethroat. It briefly popped out into a small gap in the reeds to take a quick drink before vanishing back into the shadows.

Bluethroat - Taken in 2024 in almost the same spot!

📖 Spring’s First Arrival: Guadalhorce

 Date: March 5, 2026

Location: Desembocadora del Guadalhorce, Málaga

After yesterday’s relentless deluge, waking up to clear blue skies felt like more than just a change in weather—it felt like a gift. While the morning started with a brisk 8°C chill, the Andalusian sun soon worked its magic, warming the reserve to a comfortable 16°C.

As I crossed the bridge, the Rio Guadalhorce was running fast and a little high. The air was thick with the "explosive" calls of Cetti’s Warblers and the song of Blackcaps and Serin in the shrubs below.

European Serin

The True Signal of the Seasons

One of the highlights of the morning came as I headed toward the Laguna de la Casilla Hide. Looking up, I caught sight of a mixed group of Barn Swallows and House Martins slicing through the pristine air. For any birder, seeing the "first of the year" is a major milestone. It’s the definitive proof that the seasons are shifting and the great migration is underway.

The scrub along the tracks was equally alive:

• Chiffchaffs calling and Goldfinch singing provided a constant chatter from the bushes.

• A Zitting Cisticola (Fantail Warbler) made a brief appearance, punctuating the air with its relentless, monotonous "chipp."

• High above, a Booted Eagle soared, while the ever-present, noisy Monk Parakeets ensured they were never out of earshot.

---

Hide Highlights: Conservation in Action

At the Laguna de la Casilla Hide, I was treated to a sight of five Marbled Ducks. Knowing how successful the reintroduction program has been in this specific pocket of Málaga makes every sighting feel like a personal win for local conservation.

Marbled Duck at Guadalhorce

Moving on to the Del Río Viejo Hide, the pace slowed down. Four Northern Shovelers were tucked up fast asleep on the bank, while a dozen Black-winged Stilts—the elegant staples of the Guadalhorce—roosted on the island alongside a few Redshanks. Just as I was moving on, two more Booted Eagles drifted southward overhead.

Booted Eagle

Shoreline Diversity

I paused at the De Aves Marinas lookout. Despite the harsh glare of the sun hitting the water, the gull diversity was excellent. I managed to pick out various numbers of:

• Mediterranean Gulls

• Lesser Black-backed Gulls

• Yellow-legged Gulls

• Black-headed Gulls

From here, a walk along the beach revealed the aftermath of the recent storms, with debris strewn across the sand. Here, Sanderlings patrolled the tideline with their characteristic clockwork run, while a few Crested Larks picked through the tideline remains. The overhead appearance of a magnificent Osprey was the cherry on top.

---

Laguna Grande: The "Smartest" Gulls in Town

The high water levels from the recent rains have significantly reshaped Laguna Grande, pushing the waders into smaller, more concentrated pockets.

Species	Observations
Greater Flamingo	12 not so pink sentinels.
Avocet	7 feeding in the shallows.
Black-necked Grebe	4 diving in the fresh influx of water.
Shelduck	4 keeping a watchful eye.

Greater Flamingo - Laguna Grande

However, the undisputed stars of the show were the three Slender-billed Gulls. There is something uniquely elegant about them; with their elongated necks and refined profiles, for me, they truly are the "smartest" looking gulls in the region. 

Slender-billed Gull at Laguna Grande

*Worth mentioning that I didn't visit the Laguna Escondida today due to a large school party, but I'm aware that at least five White-headed Ducks were showing well. 

White-headed Duck - From a previous visit to Guadalhorce

Final Thought

While the flooding submerged some of the usual wader scrub, the influx of fresh water has clearly revitalised the reserve. Between the first swallows of the year and the rare beauty of the Marbled Ducks, today was a vivid reminder of why the Guadalhorce estuary is such a vital sanctuary.

📖 A Retreat in the Sierra de Mijas 04/03/26

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you combine long-term friendship with exceptional birding. Yesterday, I touched down in Malaga after my flight from Edinburgh to spend ten days with a lifelong friend who has called the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas home for over 15 years. I’ve been visiting for nearly as long. Yet, even after a decade and a half, the novelty remains undiminished. I love to visit in March as it usually heralds the beginning of Spring migration. 

The View from the Terrace

There's something inherently timeless about the vista from David’s terrace. When the sky plays nice, you are perched high enough to watch the white-washed architecture of Fuengirola spill down toward the Mediterranean. On those crystal-clear days, the horizon offers up the rugged, shimmering silhouette of the Moroccan coastline—a reminder of just how close these two worlds sit.

A Familiar March Rhythm

View from the terrace today, looking east. 

However, today is far from a "postcard" day. Outside, the landscape is blurred by low clouds and a steady, rhythmic rain, occasionally punctuated by a rumble or two of thunder. I’ve started to notice a recurring theme: My March visits to Andalusia seem to have a personal vendetta against my birding exploits. This isn't the first time my spring visit has been greeted by a deluge. March 2025

The Garden Residents

Still, even in the rain, you don't have to leave your morning coffee behind to start ticking off your day list. The grounds are a constant hive of activity:

• Firecrests: These tiny, restless jewels are a constant delight, often flitting through the pine needles.

• Crested Tits: With their jaunty "mohawks" and sharp calls, they are regular visitors to the grounds, adding a bit of character to the local canopy.

• Sardinian Warblers: The quintessential sound of the Mediterranean scrub; these bold little birds with their bright red eye-rings and dark caps dart in and out of the bushes, chattering incessantly.

• Black Redstarts: These charismatic birds spend the winter around the villa and often perch on terracotta roof tiles or stone walls, quivering their orange tails as they keep a watchful eye on the garden.

• Eagle Owls: As the sun dips, the atmosphere shifts. At dusk, the deep, resonant hoot of these magnificent owls can be heard echoing from the scrubland below. Last night was no exception.

Firecrest

Crested Tit

While the birds dominate the day, the local mammals make their presence known at night. Wild Boars are regular visitors to the area, though David’s electric fence ensures they remain "background characters" rather than garden guests!

Recent Wild Boar damage to the grounds, although the electric fence prevents further incursions.

Eyes on the Skies

While the garden offers intimacy, the sky offers drama. Depending on the season, the thermal currents rising from the Sierra provide a highway for some of Europe’s most impressive raptors. It’s not uncommon to look up from a book and see:

• Booted Eagle: Spain's smallest Eagle, often seen overhead in both pale and dark morphs, slicing through the mountain air.

• Short-toed Eagles: Easily identified by their bright underparts and distinct, "owl-like" hovering hunting style as they scan the brush for reptiles. However, I believe that today both eagle species will likely be perched in cork oaks or on sheltered cliffs, waiting for the weather to improve.

Short-toed Eagle over the villa in 2023

The Art of Stillness

Whether you’re a seasoned "birder" or just someone who appreciates the rhythm of nature, there is a profound peace in the Sierra de Mijas. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best birding isn’t found by trekking miles into the wilderness, but by simply sitting still and letting the migration come to you.

📖 Signs of Spring on the Don: A Kemnay Loop - 25/02/26

As we approach the end of meteorological winter, I’ve been exploring my local patch ahead of my Tuesday departure for Spain. Yesterday's wander along the River Don upstream from Kemnay Bridge was a real highlight; the atmosphere and the activity of the wildlife provided undeniable evidence that spring is finally on the horizon.

---

The Soundtrack of the Lagoon

I always know the seasons are shifting when I hear the unmistakable chattering of Oystercatchers. Hearing them in the distance as I began my walk was my first signal that birds are making their way back from their coastal winter quarters.

A small group of many Oystercatchers seen today -  Taken using my old Canon SX50

By the time I reached the Kemnay "lagoon"—a wide stretch where the water backs up from the main River Don—I’d honestly lost count of them. The river itself is running fast and full right now, likely swollen by snowmelt from further upstream. While several areas were still underwater, I managed to navigate the slush and puddles to complete the full circuit.

Kemnay Lagoon looking north with Fetternear Woodlands in the background - iPhone 16

A large group of Curlews in flight - Taken using my old Canon SX50

My focus on returning birds was further rewarded when a flock of over forty Curlew suddenly took flight,  accompanied by their unmistakable calls. This was accompanied by a constant chorus of Skylarks singing throughout the walk.

Further into the marshland—usually a prime spot for Common Snipe and the occasional Jack Snipe—I flushed several birds. All were Common Snipe today, but seeing them at any time is always a treat.

---

An Unexpected Mountain Connection

The nearby fields were covered with Common Gulls and Herring Gulls grazing peacefully. It’s always a bit of a mental leap to remember that these Common Gulls will soon swap these local fields for the high ground of the Cairngorms to breed. Gulls nesting in the mountains sounds like a contradiction, but there it is!

Looking south over toward the fields at nearby Monymusk, I spotted at least forty Whooper Swans. They are a staple of the area, but after they were notably scarce last year, seeing them back in force was a personal highlight of the day.

Today’s Sightings at a Glance:

• Oystercatchers: Numerous (arriving back from the coast).

• Curlew: A flock of some forty - always a sign of spring here.

• Common Snipe: Several spotted in the marshland.

• Whooper Swans: 40+ near Monymusk.

• Pink-footed Geese: Several skeins passing noisily overhead.

• Skylarks: A constant companion.

• Mistle Thrush: One singing in the treetops to end the walk.

---

As I made my way back downstream, the sound of a Mistle Thrush singing from nearby woodland felt like the perfect punctuation mark for the day. Winter isn't quite gone, but it’s definitely packing its bags.

📖 Spring Stirrings: Peterhead - 22/02/26

Is spring finally knocking on the door of the northeast coast? After a dreary and miserable start to the year? Today, I led 22 members of the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group, and we were treated to a rare gift: glorious sunshine and a mild 11°C for our latest outing.

Our mission for the day was to track down white-winged gulls and waders, with Glaucous and Iceland Gull high on our radar.

---

Mediterranean Gull

The birding began before the official 10 AM start. Early arrivals at the mouth of the North Ugie Water were quickly rewarded when David Leslie located a Mediterranean Gull lounging among the usual suspects—Herring, Great Black-backed, Black-headed, and a few Common Gull.

Mediterranean Gull

As we strolled upstream, the riverside was bustling:

• Goldeneye drake & females bobbing midstream.

• A lone Curlew preening on the far bank.

• A flock of 20 Redshanks accompanied by a single Dunlin.

• Red-breasted Merganser, at least three Little Grebes, and a Moorhen soaking up the rays in the reedbeds.

A flash of wings over the golf course, scattering everything, caused a stir; while we couldn't clinch the ID, the speed suggested a Peregrine. Perhaps most heartening was the soundtrack: Song Thrush, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, and Great Tit were all in full song, providing a much-needed hint that winter is finally losing its grip.

After returning to the car park, we headed east along the seafront toward Buchanhaven, and the coastal specialists began to appear. A group of twenty or so Ringed Plovers landed among the rocks, perfectly camouflaged until they moved. This was actually my first of the year.

With the North Sea looking relatively kind, we set up the scopes. The highlights included:

• Eiders: The males looked spectacular with their plumage glistening in the bright light.

• Divers: One confirmed Red-throated Diver, while another, possibly a Great Northern, remained a "distant mystery."

• Sea Ducks: A few Long-tailed Ducks and sawbill Red-breasted Mergansers.

• The "Rock Stars": Turnstone, Purple Sandpipers, and Rock Pipits worked the shoreline, while a Shag posed perfectly on a rock with its wings outstretched—a classic photo op!

Shag

Rock Pipit

Purple Sandpiper

The Goose Chase at Rattray

After a quick coffee break, we made the 20-minute hop to St. Mary’s Chapel at Rattray. This spot offers a fantastic vantage point over the southern end of the Loch of Strathbeg, and we were hoping to catch up with a reported group of Taiga Bean Geese.

The fields were carpeted with Pink-footed Geese. While we definitely identified Bean Geese within the mix, the distance made it a classic birding debate: Tundra or Taiga? We’ll leave that one for the record books. We also added Greater White-fronted Geese and a single Barnacle Goose to our tally.

The final hour at the loch was the "cherry on top," featuring:

• Smew (always a crowd favourite). Two females and a Drake.

• Greater Scaup, Pochard, Pintail and more wildfowl.

• A "ringtail" Hen Harrier glided effortlessly past to close out the day.

---

It was a fantastic day of birding with great company. To see so many top species in such spring-like conditions was exactly the tonic we all needed.

Subnote:

Today's Mediterranean Gull displayed a ring on its leg. I managed to get a photo of it - the code allowed us to check its history, finding out it was ringed as a chick in Leipzig, Germany, in 2022 and has been seen in the UK and Germany over the last few years, with the last sighting in Germany in May 2025 - fascinating to know how far some of these birds travel.