📖 From Spanish Sun to Scottish Spring 23/03/26

After returning from Spain on the 14th, I’ve been eager to get back into the swing of things at home. While the weather briefly teased us with "dizzying" spring highs of 20°C last week, today’s visit to the coast proved that Mother Nature still has a firm grip on winter.

Despite the stiff southerly winds and the drop in temperature, the signs of the season are slowly but surely emerging across Aberdeenshire.

The First Notes of Spring

My local rounds started on the 16th at Dalmadilly Ponds, where I was greeted by the season's first Chiffchaff. He was singing heartily—though in typical fashion, he didn't stay vocal for long!

A few days later, on the 18th, I headed upstream along the River Don at Kemnay. I was on a specific mission: finding an early Sand Martin. They regularly nest in the sandy banks there, but despite the optimism of last week's warmth, the banks remained quiet for now. But it's still early!

Girdleness: Dolphins, Blooms, and a Record Breaker

Today, Monday the 23rd, I braved the "Baltic" conditions at Girdleness. Even with the cold, there were unmistakable signs that the landscape is waking up:

• Flora: Spotted the first delicate cherry blossoms on the way in.

• Wildflowers: Vibrant patches of Coltsfoot are now showing—always a reliable herald of the turning season.

The wildlife offshore was in high gear this morning, providing plenty of entertainment despite the biting wind. The stars of the show were undoubtedly the Bottlenose Dolphins. I spent an enjoyable half-hour alongside a couple of visiting students watching them breach; I’ll admit I failed miserably at capturing the action on camera—they were just too quick for me today!—but seeing them clear the water is always a thrill.

While the recently reported Glaucous Gull eluded me, the skies were anything but empty. Auks and Kittiwakes streamed past the point in steady numbers, while further out, several Gannets were busy diving for breakfast. At least fifty or so Purple Sandpipers were along the breakers, soon to be off to their various breeding grounds.

Did You Know? The Secret Lives of Purple Sandpipers

Purple Sandpipers - I took this photo at Girdleness in November 2020, shortly after moving here.

While we often see Purple Sandpipers huddled on the spray-soaked rocks at Girdleness, they are some of our most mysterious winter visitors.

• The Great Divide: The birds we see in Northeast Scotland are actually a mix of two different populations. Some come from the mountain tundras of Norway, while others perform a massive trans-Atlantic flight from Arctic Canada.

• The Highland Secret: Did you know that the Purple Sandpiper is one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds? A tiny number (fewer than 5 pairs) breed in the high Cairngorms, keeping their nests well-hidden in the mossy ground.

• Tough as Nails: Unlike many shorebirds that head south for the winter, "Purps" embrace the cold. They are perfectly adapted for the rocky "intertidal zone," with grippy yellow feet that act like hiking boots on slippery seaweed.

Closer to shore, I noted a lone Red-throated Diver, and a Fulmar put on a spectacular aerial display. I never tire of watching Fulmars; they have a certain mastery of the air that makes you feel as though they’re out there having the time of their lives.

A Fulmar just offshore from the foghorn today.

The Highlight

The "bird of the day" (and a personal milestone) came just before I packed up. A Sandwich Tern battled its way north past the foghorn. Not only was it my first of the year, but it’s my earliest ever recorded in Scotland by a single day!

📖 The Return of the Pink Tide

Fuente de Piedra is Overflowing!

The final outing of my current stay in Adalusia was with Barbara and Derek Etherton. After years of record-breaking droughts that turned Spain’s largest natural lagoon into a salt desert, the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is officially back—and it is bursting at the seams.

As of March 2026, water levels have reached heights not seen in over a decade.

Just a fraction of the 1000s of Greater Flamingos at Funte

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🌊 A Decade in the Making

While it's had "wet-ish" springs recently, the lagoon hasn't been this full since March 2013. Just three years ago, the lagoon dried up completely for the first time this century.

2026 (The Comeback): This year’s heavy rains have restored the lagoon to its full glory, surpassing the partial recovery of 2025.

🦩 Why the Water Matters

This isn't just about a pretty view; it’s a biological survival event. The Greater Flamingo requires specific water depths to build their mud-mound nests and protect them from predators like foxes.

Capacity: With the lagoon "full," they expect to see upwards of 25,000 pairs of flamingos nesting this season.

Biodiversity: The high water levels have done more than just create a beautiful landscape; they’ve restored a habitat for rare diving ducks and shorebirds that haven't called the main lagoon home in years. During our visit, we were lucky enough to witness this firsthand. While species like the Great Crested Grebe and Black-necked Grebe are usually confined to the shallower Laguneta (the 'small lagoon'), the current depth has allowed them to reclaim the open water. 

Black-necked Grebe: Almost in breeding plumage.

Great Crested Grebe

The Laguneto: A Hub of Activity 

Moving away from the vast expanse of the main lagoon, we spent time at the Laguneto del Pueblo (on your left as you enter). This smaller, fresher pool was alive with activity. The shoreline was a mosaic of waders: Spotted Redshanks and Black-tailed Godwits feeding alongside Avocets, Black-winged Stilts, Redshanks, and Green Sandpipers. 

Spotted Redshank: Two on Laguneto del Pueblo

The surrounding fencelines and scrub were just as busy. We ticked off Cattle Egret, Black Redstart, Spanish Sparrow, Chiffchaffs, and Stonechat, while the air was filled with the songs of Cetti’s Warblers, Serins, and the unmistakable 'zitting' of the Cisticola. 

Spanish Sparrow: A male enjoying the warm sunshine

From the Lagunetta Hide, the water surface was dotted with rare gems. We were treated to as many as 23 of the endangered White-headed Duck and a couple of Marbled Duck, alongside Red-crested Pochards, Gadwalls, and Northern Shovelers. Spring migration continues, as Gull-billed and Whiskered Terns have begun their return, patrolling the skies overhead.

Gull-billed Tern: Back again over the skies of Fuente.

The Scenic Route Home: Kestrels and Giants

We couldn't leave without a clockwise loop around the main lagoon, a drive that rewarded us almost immediately. Overhead, we were treated to an incredible display by five Lesser Kestrels—their acrobatic hunting was a true spring highlight.

Lesser Kestrel: On the hunt

Our next stop was Laguna Dulce, which, much like its neighbour at Fuente de Piedra, was brimming with water. The high levels brought us some fantastic new additions to our day list: Dunlin, Little-ringed Plover, and the unmistakable, iridescent silhouette of Glossy Ibis.

We ended the day under the shadows of the Peñón de Peñarrubia. Looking up, the sky was filled with the heavy, majestic shapes of at least 12 Griffon Vultures and a lone Red Kite catching the thermals. It was the perfect, soaring end to another brilliant Spanish adventure. I’m already counting down the days until my return in late April.

Griffon Vulture: From a previous visit to  Peñón de Peñarrubia

📖 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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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!

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.