EXTREMADURA 11 th 15 th APRIL 2013

Transcription

1 EXTREMADURA 11 th 15 th APRIL 2013 Leaders Participants Dave Read & Andy Shooter Keith & Louise Tinmouth Daz Houzman, Henry Scall John Ward, Jack Driver and Richard Ness

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3 ITINERARY Thursday 11 th April Our trip began with a trouble free direct flight into Madrid; from where we picked up the hire vehicle and was soon heading out of Madrid without too much delay. Our journey south to Trujillo was pretty uneventful, with Booted Eagle and Griffon Vulture both noted, along with a few of each Red & Black Kites. The Highlight was probably the first of many Black Vultures to be seen during the tour. Before reaching Trujillo we stopped off at the Embalse de Arrocampo, know by visiting birders as Almaraz Marshes. Our first stop was at a small farm along the entrance road where we enjoyed good views of Stonechat, Crested Lark and Southern Grey Shrike. Once at the marshes, we were soon enjoying some of the many target species that breed in the area; these included up to 3 Purple Heron, 2 Squacco Heron and a male Little Bittern. A distant Savi s Warbler could be heard singing but not located, although we had better luck with a male Penduline Tit, with its continued calling leading us directly to the nest hung in a nearby willow. It proceeded to show incredibly well and in full view for some time, making it an early contender for bird of the trip. Other highlights included 2 Purple Gallinule, both Little and Great Egrets and a Gull-billed Tern Departing from Almaraz we stumbled across our first Azure-winged Magpies as we re-joined the motorway. Then some 30 minutes later shortly after exciting the motorway, we found a pair of Black-winged Stilt flying around a small pool on the edge of Trujillo. From there we continued up the narrow cobbled streets into the old town, where we reached the Hostal Hueso, our base for the next four nights. Checking in was quick and easy, and before long we were enjoying a drink at Dinner. 3

4 Friday 12 th April After breakfast we headed straight to Monfragüe National Park, stopping first at Pẽna Falcon, a steep pinnacle of rock formed by the Rio Tajo and home to some 200 Griffon Vultures, which gave excellent views as they soared low overhead. In addition to the Griffons we also saw Peregrine, several Black Kites, our first Egyptian Vultures and a pair of distant Bonelli s Eagle. Meanwhile in the surrounding scrub and rocky slopes near the car park we added Rock Bunting, Black Redstart and Serin, along with Redrumped Swallow and Crag Martin overhead. Other highlights included Black Stork both in flight and at the nesting ledge and a party of three migrating Spoonbills on passage. We then made our way slowly up to the Castillo where amazing 360 degree views can be had of the surrounding area. Our next stop was the Mirador de la Trajadilla, where on arrival we immediately found several Hawfinches feeding on the fresh new shoots. It was however very busy here, with a bus full of children arriving just before we did. As a result of this we moved the short distance across the dam to eat our packed lunches, which we were more than happy to share with a group of opportunistic Azure-winged Magpies. Continuing through the park to another viewpoint, we arrived at the famous Portilla del Tietar. Here as with all the crags in the area Griffon Vultures and Black Kites were common with other raptors including more Egyptian and Black Vultures and a Short-toed Eagle. The star bird however was Spanish Imperial Eagle with two adults present. They were almost certainly nesting just out of sight around the hillside, but the male made regular appearances and at times gave stunning views. Other birds in the area included Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting and both Sardinian and Sub-alpine Warblers. 4

5 We then continued a little further to a small restaurant / bar where we had a few coffees and a walk around the surrounding cork oaks. Several species were noted here, with highlights including Common Cuckoo, Short-toed Treecreeper and Woodchat Shrike, the latter giving good views. Meanwhile overhead several European Bee-eaters were hawking for insects and a large flock of Common Swifts contained at least one Alpine Swift. We then headed back to Portilla del Tietar for our second target there, European Eagle Owl, however despite searching until almost dark it never showed. Although other species noted included Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Robin, Nightingale and Long-tailed Tit as well as further excellent views of the Spanish Imperial Eagle. Saturday 13 th April The day started with a pre-breakfast visit to the Belén Plains east of Trujillo, where stopping at a favourite viewpoint produced several Calandra Larks as well as our main targets Great and Little Bustard. The Bustards however were both fairly distant, so we attempted to move closer for better views, but unfortunately the road was blocked by maintenance vehicles and we couldn t reach the best viewpoint. Views were still reasonably good though and we enjoyed a single female Little Bustard and three Great Bustards, including a displaying male. Happy with this and with access to additional areas blocked, we headed back to Trujillo where we spent some time admiring the many Lesser Kestrels at the Bullring before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we headed out onto the plains west of Trujillo, often referred to as the Santa Marta Plains, after the village Santa Marta de Magasca which is found on them. Stopping at the first suitable area to scan produced a pair of Little Bustard, which showed well in flight. Meanwhile the distinctive calls of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse could be heard, a number of which were also seen in flight, although these remained distant. Moving closer to where the Sandgrouse had dropped produced several Calandra Larks, but it took a while before any of the Sandgrouse 5

6 were located. Eventually however up to a dozen Pin-tailed were found feeding in the grass, with as many as 30 noted in area along with three Black-bellied Sandgrouse, although these were only seen in flight. Moving position again to try and locate the Black-bellied produced further sightings of Pin-tailed as well as three Tawny Pipits and twelve Short-toed Larks but no sign of the Black-bellied. We continued through the town of Santa Marta de Magasca and headed south toward the main road to Caceres. This road is always productive and today was no exception, with several interesting sightings. The highlight of which was this adult Bonelli s Eagle which was seen at close range circling over its nest. Further on the road entered a vast area of steppe where we received good views of up to nine European Roller, our first Montagu s Harrier and a further five Great Bustards. We then skirted along the edge of Caceres before taking the EX-390, stopping at a favourite river valley to eat our packed lunches. Here up to 30 Alpine Swift which nests under the bridge showed exceptionally well, as did several Crag Martins. The drive from here to Monroy was rather uneventful; although three Black-eared Wheatears seen by the roadside was the only record of the tour. Once at Monroy we checked an area just north of town for Blackwinged Kite but without any success, although we did see our only Garden Warbler here. Before leaving Monroy we stopped for a coffee and then continued south on the CV128 back to Trujillo. Again this road has always proved to be very rewarding and is one of the best in the area for good views of Montagu s Harrier. It lived up to expectations when at least eight harriers were found, some of which gave very good views. Other highlights included exceptional views of Black Vulture low overhead and a flock of European Bee-eaters right by the roadside. 6

7 Sunday 14 th April Today we headed north to an area of heath close to the town of Jaraicejo, where a number new species for the trip could be found. The first addition was Dartford Warbler, with several seen during our visit. Both Thekla Lark and Woodlark were also new as was a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. From there we moved to the Sierras de Villuercas, an area of high ridges to the northeast, spending some time at Cabanas del Castillo where we enjoyed some superb birding at this beautiful unspoilt location. The highlights of which included Short-toed Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush and Sub-alpine Warbler. After lunch we moved to Almaraz Marshes for the remainder of the day. Once there we saw a similar range of species as we did on day one with many herons and egrets present, including Great White Egret and two Little Bitterns, however up to 20 Black-crowned Night Heron roosting on the far bank were new for the list, as was a Greenshank. The reedbeds were full of warbler song, with Reed, Great Reed and Savi s all competing, whilst the loud bursts of Cetti s Warbler could be heard from the surrounding scrub and Zitting Cisticola frequently preformed its display flight overhead. The Penduline Tit first seen on day one was again showing well at the nest whilst nearby a Chiffchaff and a female Common Redstart were also new for the trip. Nevertheless we had not managed to find our main reason for revisiting this site, Black-winged Kite which usually breed here and can often be found on the nearby pylons. With this in mind we decided to leave and visit another site for this species 12km to the north. However as we drove off Henry spotted something from the van and although he wasn t 100% sure he thought it was the Kite. Reversing back for some distance, it looked like whatever he had seen was gone, but then, there it was perched in a tree reasonably close to the road, a stunning Blackwinged Kite. We stopped and all got out to admire the bird receiving prolonged scope views, and even found a second bird nearby. Excellent!!! 7

8 Monday 15 th April Today was our last day and we decided to spend what time we had before returning to Madrid, approximately four hours, re-visiting the Plains around Santa Marta de Magasca in search of a few new species and better views of some we had only seen distantly. It proved to be a good move as we had a very enjoyable morning at a relaxed pace, and as we were never far from Trujillo never needed to worry about the time. The first birds of note came as soon as we turned off the main road when Daz spotted a small group of Black-winged Stilts from the van. Shortly after we entered the plains and soon located a group of Pintailed Sandgrouse, some of which were visible feeding in the short grass. Several Black and a few Red Kites gave excellent views over the road and several Calandra and Crested Larks were giving there display flights. Reaching the town of Santa Marta de Magasca, we took the short cut north which re-joins the Monroy to Trujillo road, instead of heading south towards Caceres like previously. This road passes through another river valley where a stop produced a pair of Cirl Buntings, Serin Little Ringed Plover and the usual Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows under the bridge. Continuing north we entered a vast area of grassland where regular stops produced our best views yet of Little Bustard. As we reached the Trujillo road once again several Montagu s Harriers were present. Travelling along the last stretch back to Trujillo, we made a number of stops in suitable habitat to look for Great Spotted Cuckoo, as some of the group had not seen the two distant birds earlier in the trip. One of these stops produced the goods when a bird was heard calling not far from the road. The group, which was a little spread out was gathered up just in time as a bird flew directly towards us and disappeared into scrub on the other side of the road, followed shortly after by a second. Other highlights along here included a male Great Bustard which was seen at close range by the roadside and the group of European Bee-eaters which 8

9 were in the same area we had seen them two days previously, one of which can be seen below. Back in Trujillo we checked out the hotel and made a start for Madrid, arriving in good time to return the van and check in for our return flight. This brought the group total to a very respectable 122 species of birds during the tour, a good total for just five days in this region. We would like to thank all group members for their participation, making it not only a great birding tour, but also a relaxed and enjoyable holiday with many memorable moments, along with a good share of laughs along the way. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and hope you might join us on another sometime in future. 9

10 SPECIES LIST 1 Gadwall Anas strepera Singles were noted at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th and 14 th, as well as on a small roadside pool west of Trujillo on the 13 th. 2 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Small numbers were present at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th and 14 th. 3 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Noted only at Almaraz Marshes on the 14 th. 4 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Small numbers were seen on four dates. 5 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis One was present on the small pool on the edge of Trujillo on the 11 th. 6 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo One was at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th with one noted in flight the following day past Pẽna Falcon. On the 14 th small numbers were again noted at Almaraz Marshes. 7 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus On the 11 th a male showed well, albeit fairly briefly at Almaraz Marshes (Embalse de Arroyocampo), with two there on the 14 th. 8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Small numbers were seen on four dates with wetland sites such as Almaraz Marshes providing the bulk of sightings. 9 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Three birds were at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th, with several noted there on the 14 th. 10 Great Egret Ardea alba Small numbers were noted on the 11 th & 14 th at Almaraz Marshes. 10

11 11 Little Egret Egretta garzetta Only seen at Almaraz Marshes where small numbers were present on the 11 th and 14 th. 12 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Unlike the above species this is a common and widespread bird with daily sightings, often far from water. 13 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Two at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th was a good find. 14 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax On the 14 th up to twenty birds were found roosting on the far bank at Almaraz Marshes. 15 Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Three birds were noted on passage past Pena Falcon on the 12 th, with the only other record being one over Almaraz Marshes on the 14 th. 16 Black Stork Ciconia nigra Several were noted from within Monfragüe National Park on the 12 th which is home to an estimated 25 pairs, making it the highest concentration of this species in Western Europe. Elsewhere singles were recorded on the 13 th & 15 th. 17 White Stork Ciconia ciconia Extremely common, seen every day and in almost any habitat, with many nesting on the rooftops around Trujillo. 18 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus On the 14 th a pair gave prolonged good views close to the roadside at Almaraz Marshes. 19 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus On the 12 th we were treated to several sighting from within Monfragüe Nation Park, with perhaps our best views at Pẽna Falcon. Also noted at Cabanas del Castillo on the 14 th. 11

12 20 Black Vulture Aegypius monachus Small numbers were recorded daily except for the 15 th. Our first sighting came early on the 11 th when two were noted from a motorway services on our journey south from Madrid. Next day several sightings came from various viewpoints within Monfragüe National Park where c250 pairs breed, making it the highest known concentration in the world. Our best views came on the 13 th when three birds flew low over our heads south of Monroy, one of which can be seen on the front cover. 21 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus A common but none the less impressive resident of the area, with up to 200 birds nesting at Pẽna Falcon alone. Other good sites include Mirador de la Trajadilla, Portilla del Tietar and Cabanas del Castillo, all offering particularly good close up views of this species. These two were found on the Monroy Trujillo road on the 13 th. 22 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Recorded on three dates with the majority of sightings from Monfragüe National Park on the 12 th. Other records included birds near Santa Marta de Magasca on the 13 th and Cabanas del Castillo on the 14 th. 23 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus The most commonly recorded eagle species, with records on all five dates. 24 Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti Our only sighting came on the 12 th when a pair gave exceptional views at Portilla del Tietar in Monfragüe National Park. Much time was spent at this site where the male made regular flights overhead as well as perching in full view on occasions. Monfragüe National Park is home to nine pairs of this globally endangered species. 12

13 25 Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata On the 12 th a pair was found circling distantly from the viewpoint below the Castillo de Monfragüe, much better views however came the following day, when a single bird was observed near Santa Marta de Magasca. This bird gave excellent views as it circled low over the road for some time before departing. 26 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus A single female was present at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th with a pair there on the 14 th. 27 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus Up to 11 birds were seen on the 13 th, the first three were between Santa Marta de Magasca and Cáceres, although these remained distant. Later eight birds were seen north of Santa Marta de Magasca on the Monroy road, where much better views were enjoyed. On the 15 th up to 6 birds were again present on the plains north Santa Marta de Magasca. 28 Red Kite Milvus milvus Small numbers were seen on three dates. 29 Black Kite Milvus migrans Always the more numerous of the two kite species it was recorded daily and often in good numbers. Several good views were obtained especially while in Monfragüe NP. 30 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Small numbers were recorded on four dates. 31 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Recorded daily from our hotel in Trujillo, where several birds were regularly seen overhead. On the 13 th we had perhaps our best views at the Bullring in Trujillo where this male was photographed. Away from Trujillo these birds were noted at many locations. 13

14 32 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Small numbers were recorded on three dates. 33 Peregrine Falco peregrinus A pair was seen on several occasions over Pẽna Falcon on the 12 th. 34 Great Bustard Otis tarda On the morning of the 13 th two females and a displaying male was observed on the Belén Plains. Later that day a single was noted on the plains between Trujillo and Santa Marta, with a further five between Santa Marta and Caceres. On the 15 th a single male gave good views north of Santa Marta de Magasca. 35 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax On the 13 th restricted access to the Belén Plains resulted in a single female being the only bird seen, though a distant male could be heard. Later that day a pair gave good flight views on the plains south of Santa Marta de Magasca, whilst on the 15 th a male gave good views as it displayed on the plains north of Santa Marta de Magasca. 36 Purple Gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio Two birds were at Almaraz Marshes proved rather elusive on the 11 th, though with a little patience reasonable views were received. 37 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Recorded only at Almaraz Marshes. 38 Coot Fulica atra Surprisingly only recorded on the 14 th at Almaraz Marshes. 39 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Two were noted on a small pool on the edge of Trujillo on the 11 th, with the only other sighting being six on a small pool west of Trujillo on 15 th. 40 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus A small flock was noted in flight from the minibus as we drove south from Madrid on the 11 th. 14

15 41 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius A pair was noted in a farmyard near the village of Santa Marta de Magasca on the 15 th, with another or possibly one of the same seen shortly afterwards over the nearby Rio Magasca. 42 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos One was noted on a small stream at the edge of Belén village on the 13 th. 43 Greenshank Tringa nebularia One was seen in flight over Almaraz Marshes on the 14 th. 44 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Small numbers were noted at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th and 14 th. 45 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis One was noted at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th. 46 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica One was at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th, with two there on the 14 th. 47 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata On the 13 th a number of small flocks totalling c30 birds were seen in flight over the plains south of Santa Marta de Magasca, with some located on the deck, allowing reasonable scope views. Similar numbers were also noted in the same vicinity on the 15 th. 48 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis Three birds were seen in flight within a group of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse over the Santa Marta Plains on the 13 th. 49 Rock Dove Columba livia Feral birds were seen daily in many urban areas, some birds in Monfragüe NP may have been genuine wild birds. 50 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Small numbers were recorded daily. 15

16 51 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto A common bird with daily sightings. 52 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius Two birds were noted very distantly on the Belén Plains on the 13 th however only a few of the group saw these. Luckily however another two showed much better along the Monroy to Trujillo road on the 15 th. 53 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus This species was frequently heard, with small numbers seen on four dates. 54 Alpine Swift Apus melba On the 12 th a large flock of feeding swifts over the café/bar on the edge of Monfragüe contained at least one Alpine Swift. Next day between Cáceres and Monroy up to 30 birds gave excellent views and finally a few were also noted at Cabanas del Castillo on the 14 th. 55 Common Swift Apus apus Recorded daily. 56 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus At least three were seen over Trujillo on the 14 th. 57 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster This beautiful bird was recorded on four dates, with by far our best views coming from the side of a small stream near the end of the Monroy to Trujillo road, where up to a dozen birds were present on the 13 th & 15 th. 58 European Roller Coracias garrulous On the 13 th a total of nine birds were perched on telegraph wires running parallel to the road between Santa Marta de Magasca and Cáceres, with good views received. See image on the back cover. 59 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Recorded on four dates, with most sightings referring to birds in flight. 16

17 60 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor A male was drumming and calling at Jaraicejo on the 14 th, where it gave good views. 61 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major A male was seen briefly at Portilla del Tietar on the 12 th. 62 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis One was found by the motorway rest area when we stopped for coffee on our way south from Madrid. 63 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra Numerous in suitable steppe habitat, with several birds showing well at the Belén Plains on the 13 th and south of Santa Marta de Magasca on the 13 th and 15 th. 64 Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Up to a dozen birds were found feeding just off the road along the first section of the Santa Marta plains. 65 Crested Lark Galerida cristata This very common bird was recorded daily in a variety of habitats. 66 Thekla Lark Galerida theklae On the 14 th at least four birds showed reasonably well on the heath at Jaraicejo, allowing most of the subtle difference between this and the very similar Crested Lark to be noted. 67 Woodlark Lullula arborea One was in song flight over the heath at Jaraicejo on the 14 th. 68 Sand Martin Riparia riparia A single bird at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th was the only record. 69 Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris A fairly common bird with daily sightings in rockier areas, especially near water. On the 13 th a number of river valleys with bridges were crossed during the day, all of which provided good views. 17

18 70 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica A common bird with daily sightings. 71 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica This beautiful bird was seen daily except on the 11 th, and often in reasonable numbers. 72 House Martin Delichon urbicum Very common. 73 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Two (probably a breeding pair) were noted at the dam in Monfragüe NP on the 12 th. 74 White Wagtail Motacilla alba Reasonably common with daily sightings. 75 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Three were found just off the road along the first section of the Santa Marta plains. 76 Robin Erithacus rubecula Only recorded at Portilla del Tietar on the 12 th. 77 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos The distinctive song of this shy bird was a regular feature throughout the tour but it was only seen once, when one showed at Portilla del Tietar on the 12 th. 78 Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A single female found near the hide at Almaraz Marshes on the 14 th was a surprise find. 79 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Recorded on three dates, with notable sites including the viewpoint below the Castillo de Monfragüe, Portilla del Tietar and Cabanas del Castillo. 18

19 80 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius On the 12 th a number of birds were noted while in Monfragüe NP, where we were treated to excellent views at the viewpoint below the Castillo de Monfragüe, as well as at Portilla del Tietar. On the 14 th good views were also enjoyed at Cabanas del Castillo. 81 Stonechat Saxicola rubicola Small numbers were seen daily, with perhaps our best views on the 11 th when a pair were the first birds seen once we left the motorway near Almaraz. 82 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Recorded only on the 15 th, on the Santa Marta plains. 83 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Three birds noted while driving between Caceres and Monroy on the 13 th was the only record. 84 Blackbird Turdus merula Reasonably common, with daily sightings. 85 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Small numbers were recorded in suitable cork oak habitat on the 12 th & 13 th. 86 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti Recorded on four of the five dates. 87 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita One was in bushes near the hide at Almaraz Marshes on the 14 th. 88 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus On the 14 th one was singing at Almaraz Marshes and showed briefly on a number of occasions. 89 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus One was heard singing distantly at Almaraz Marshes on the 14 th. 19

20 90 Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides Almaraz Marshes was the only site this species was recorded, with a single heard reeling distantly on the 11 th, which despite our best efforts could not be located. On the 14 th however in calmer conditions two birds were located giving decent views as they reeled from the reedbeds. 91 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Birds in song flight were seen at Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th and 14 th. Elsewhere birds were heard giving this song flight on the Santa Marta plains but not seen. 92 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Small numbers were seen on four dates. 93 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin One was seen in bushes just north of Monroy on the 13 th. 94 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Our best views of this delightful bird were at Portilla del Tietar where a male showed well on occasions on the 12 th. Elsewhere it was noted only at Cabanas del Castillo on the 14 th. 95 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala The commonest warbler in the region, however a difficult bird to view due to its skulking behaviour and love of thick cover. First noted on the 12 th when birds were noted at various sites within Monfragüe NP. It was also note from Cabanas del Castillo on the 14 th, with perhaps our best views later that day at Almaraz Marshes. 96 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata At least four birds were present on heathland at Jaraicejo on the 14 th, and with some patience reasonable views were received. 97 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Only seen while in Monfragüe NP on the 12 th. 98 Great Tit Parus major Small numbers were recorded on two dates. 20

21 99 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Reasonably common in suitable habitat with sightings on four dates. 100 Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus A male gave exceptional views at Almaraz Marshes on the 12 th when it was observed nest building in a willow close to the road. On the 14 th a return visit saw both male and female birds present at the nest. 101 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus A small group were noted at Portilla del Tietar on the 12 th. 102 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla A male was singing in the grounds of the café near Portilla del Tietar on the 12 th. It was eventually found on the timbers of an old barn where it showed long enough for everyone to enjoy. 103 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis On the 11 th three birds were noted near Almaraz marshes, where it was also noted on the 14 th. Elsewhere small numbers were noted while on the Santa Marta Plains on the 13 th and 15 th. 104 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Recorded on four of the five dates, it is a reasonably common bird of the Cork Oaks for example at the Café on the edge of Monfragüe NP where good views were enjoyed on the 12 th. 105 Jay Garrulus glandarius Small numbers were seen on the 12 th & 14 th. 106 Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus This active bird of the cork oaks was seen daily, however most records were of birds in flight often in small groups. Our first views were by the side of the road just north of Almaraz Marshes on the 11 th but perhaps our best views came the following day when several were at the picnic area in Monfragüe NP where we ate lunch. 107 Common Magpie Pica pica Recorded daily. 21

22 108 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Recorded only at Castillo de Monfragüe on the 12 th. 109 Jackdaw Corvus monedula Recorded daily in Trujillo town as well as many other urban areas. 110 Common Raven Corvus corax Small numbers were seen on three dates, including the 12 th several were noted within Monfragüe NP. when 111 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor A very common bird which replaces European Starling in much of the Iberian Peninsular. It was seen daily in any built up area; this image was taken from our hotel in Trujillo. 112 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Recorded daily. 113 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis First noted on the Belen Plains on the 13 th, with further records along the Trujillo to Monroy road also on the 13 th and 15 th. On the 14 th several were noted at Almaraz Marshes. 114 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Reasonably common with sightings on four dates. 115 Greenfinch Chloris chloris Not as common as the above species but was still recorded on three dates. 116 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis The commonest finch in the area with several sightings daily. 117 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Noted on three dates. 22

23 118 Serin Serinus serinus A reasonably common bird in the area with many sightings, including in Trujillo town. 119 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes On the 12 th a flock containing c30 birds were feeding on the fresh new shoots in the trees bordering the Mirador de la Trajadilla. 120 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus A female was found in the Rio Tamuja valley on the Santa Marta de Magasca to Caceres road on the 13 th, whilst on the 15 th a pair was noted north of Santa Marta de Magasca where the road crosses the Rio Magasca. 121 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia A fairly common bird in rockier areas with birds recorded on the 12 th at Castillo de Monfragüe and Portilla del Tietar, both of which provided good views. 122 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Very common, especially in open drier areas, recorded daily. Images Courtesy of Dave Read Front Cover Page 2 top Page 2 bottom Page 4 Page 6 Page 9 Page 12 Page 13 Page 22 Back cover Adult Black Vulture View of the Hotel down the narrow cobbled streets of Trujillo Trujillo Square Pẽna Falcon Adult Bonelli s Eagle European Bee-eater Griffon Vulture Lesser Kestrel Spotless Starling European Roller 23

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