Floods, mud and raptors

The weathers been atrocious for most of this week, so I haven't been out and about too much. However although I'm not much of a  twitcher,  I did make a point of stopping off to see a rare vagrant Red-flanked Bluetail on Tuesday. Since I was passing by anyway, it seemed rude not to! It's a rather charming little bird.

 

Red-flanked Bluetail

On Thursday I was passing the Cotswold Water Park so again decided to take a flying visit to a couple of the pits even though I didn't have the camera. I particularly wanted to see the Smew that had been reported along with a Red-breasted Merganser. I was lucky to see one Drake and 3 red-headed Smew and briefly got a glimpse of the Merganser (for me a first in my local area). I also saw my first Black-necked Grebe in the UK along with plenty of Teal, Shoveller, Pochard and a couple of Red-crested Pochard. 

Black-necked Grebe (For reference, Taken in Spain)

When the clouds lifted for a while this afternoon we took the opportunity to get out and about to see how the local wildlife is faring after the storms. We've been relatively lucky and escaped fairly lightly compared to many areas. However driving round the lanes, we saw a lot of storm damage - felled trees and downed branches - as well as acres of thick mud washed onto the road. A lot of fields are flooded, and several streams have burst their banks - particularly around the Aldbourne area. 

Things started off fairly slowly, with just a few Fieldfares and lots of Jackdaws and Crows in the field as we passed by. After checking a few sites, we were rewarded with a pair of Hares resting very close to the road. They seemed to be stick close together as they moved off, so hopefully I may get to see some boxing action in the next few weeks. We saw several more singleton Hares in the fields along our route.

Brown Hares

We were also really pleased to get a good view of a Goshawk, displaying above a small copse. It was a bit distant for photos though, but always great to see these fantastic birds. The resident Red Kites were all taking advantage of the better weather too - we saw six in the space of a couple of miles.

Heading back towards town, we passed a big mixed flock of Redwings, Fieldfares and Starlings huddled in a tree, trying to avoid a marauding Sparrowhawk.  We also came upon a Buzzard perched up on a post & as it was in a good position where I could safely stop, I decided to try for a few shots of it. I'm really glad that I did, as I've seldom met such an obliging raptor! Although I was less than 5 metres away, it showed no signs of rousing and seemed quite content to sit and pose for me. (In reality, I suspect the strong gusts of wind were making it reluctant to take off, plus it seemed to be watching some small prey in the grass beneath it). I was so close to begin with  that I could only fit it's head and upper body in the frame, so I had to circle further back to get the whole bird in shot. I've always really liked buzzards, and I think they're under-photographed  - so it was great to be able to get some really detailed shots of this one.

Buzzard

Buzzard

We also got some good views of a Kestrel - I was getting overexcited for a moment thinking it was a Merlin! Plus I spotted group of 3 males and 2 female Bullfinches sheltering in a hedgerow at the side of the road. Not a bad little tally for a quick pootle round the local spots.

Sierra Morena Trip Day 5 - Little luck with Lynx

Today was my last day in the Sierra Morena, and sadly I haven't managed to see my number one target species. I always knew there would be a lot of luck needed to get a sighting, and conditions were against us again today. There was torrential rain in the morning, so we didn't get going until late morning.

We spent the afternoon driving round likely tracks on two private Fincas, where there are known to be a healthy population of Lynx. The scenery is really spectacular, with rocky crags rising up above dense Cork-oaks and Pine wooded slopes, interspersed with golden grassy glades and pastures. 

Spanish Imperial Eagle - 3rd year bird

The first Finca we visited is the same one on which the Imperial Eagle hide is located - although we were exploring on the slopes on the other side of the estate; a good area for golden Eagles. While I didn't see them today, I did get some great views of one of the young Imperials, which circled round the Landrover a couple of times while we'd stopped to eat lunch. From the coloration, it looks to be a third year bird, just starting to moult into it's adult plumage. We also had several small groups of Griffon Vultures fly overhead, and I was befriended by the resident woolly sheepdog. He looked like he'd met a Lynx or two, judging by his scars!

Red Deer yearling

There are large numbers of Red Deer on the estate, and I really enjoyed getting up close and personal with several groups.We encountered a wide range of different ages on our way around - from does with yearlings, to subordinate young 10 pointers. Seeing some of the really mature dominant stags with 12 points or more is always a bit of a thrill. The Red Deer in the South of Spain are a lot less shaggy-coated than the UK population, so their musculature is much better defined and they tend to look sleeker.

Red Deer Stag

We  passed another large flock of Azure-winged magpies in the woods - this is definitely the area to come to for a good look at these engaging little corvids!  I was also interested to see large numbers of Wood Pigeons; while hardly a rare bird in the UK, you don't see too many in Spain as they are hunted quite extensively. However this Finca is a non-hunting estate - no wonder it's so good for wildlife. We also saw various Thrushes, Redstarts, Black Redstarts and a good number of Ravens.

Little Owl

On our way to the second Finca, we stopped off to look for Little Owls, and I was delighted to spot one lurking on a hollow stump. As many of you will know, they're one of my favourite birds to photograph and I'm always pleased to get them in different surroundings.

Little Owl

No luck with Lynx on the second Finca either, though we stayed out looking until dark. However, we were really surprised to see a fairly large flock of House Martins, plus one Crag Martin at dusk. These are birds that wouldn't normally be seen back in this area until spring is well underway, so they are extremely early. I wonder if the mild winter has lulled them into making an over-early return?

I may not have seen everything I'd hoped to, but it's still been a very enjoyable few days and I think I've come away with some decent shots - particularly of the Crested Tits. Now for a lot of sifting and editing when I get home. Better pick up some nice Spanish cheese on route home to keep Louise happy!

Seirra Morena trip day 4 -Eagles ahoy

Back in the Imperial Eagle Hide today, but with one important difference; the sun was shining & it was a stunning day.

Spanish Imperial Eagle fly-by

I did at least get to see the Eagles today, although they still weren't entirely obliging! The adults flew over several times in the morning & early afternoon, and they were definitely close by for most of the day, as I could hear them calling down the slopes behind the hide. I suspect they may have a kill or a carcase somewhere further down the valley, since they generally guard the bait even if they don't come down for it.  I also saw one of the juveniles fly past.

Spanish Imperial Eagle 

One of the adults did finally perch up in the pine trees in late afternoon, and I think it was working up to come down for the bait, but a group of Griffon Vultures started to descend & the Eagle promptly chased them off & didn't return. 

Spanish Imperial Eagle calling

Many of the same woodland birds kept me occupied in between Eagles' fly-pasts as on my visit on Friday. The Azure-winged Magpies were taking full advantage of the bait being unguarded & at one stage there were over 50 of them on the ground, with at least as many again in the trees around the clearing.

Azure-winged Magpie

 A small gang of Spotless Starlings decided to serenade me.

Spotless Starlings

Again, I saw a Sardinian Warbler and Black Redstarts - presumably the same birds as on Friday. I also had a Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Chaffinches and Serin.  A couple of red Deer were glimpsed through the trees to the far-end of the clearing, and I also saw a Red Squirrel.  It was a really dark brownish-red; much darker than the UK Reds I've seen. 

Black Redstart female

I also had two Black Vultures flying past, but a little too high for decent pictures. Off to the Finca tomorrow for a last look for Lynx, so I'll be keeping everything firmly crossed for a little luck & a dry day.

Seirra Morena Trip Day 3 - Deer in the mist

Saturday was another grey, misty & drizzly day in Andalucia. The plan had been to spend today on a private Finca looking for Lynx, but as we learned that a shoot had been organised, we drove a bit further afield to another good site in Andujar. 
We spent a couple of hours exploring along the riverbank, where I enjoyed photographing Red Deer though the swirling mist. I like the moody, atmospheric look it gives; very different from strong sunlight.  We also saw several Green Woodpeckers and a Hoopoe, as well as smaller passerines such as Whinchat. 

Young Red Deer Stag through the mist

Moving on into the valleys, we spent the rest of the morning & early afternoon looking for signs of Lynx in likely spots, but no joy. You can see why this is such a good area for them - there were lots of rabbits and partridge around, just not the cats themselves. Visibility was quite limited thanks to the mist, so not the easiest conditions for making a sighting! We did see a lot more deer, which I'm always happy to spend time with.

Red-legged Partridge through mist

We stopped for a late lunch and a bit of a rest at a rural restaurant, which has a small bird hide. I spent a very pleasant hour or so photographing Crested Tits, which were busy displaying to each other. I'm really chuffed with some of the shots.  

Female Crested Tit

Crested Tit - Male displaying

There was also a large flock of House Sparrows hopping around. I was rather startled to see a Golden Oriele, as these normally all migrate for the winter; so started in fact, that I missed my shot as it flew in and out again!

On the way back to base, we saw quite a few Buzzards,. Just as it was getting dark a herd of 14 or 15 deer bounded out in front of the Landrover; a mix of adults and this year's fawns.

I also got to experience the Fiesta de la Candelaria in the village, where each street has a large bonfire,  including lots of Rosemary branches, which give the smoke a pleasant smell. You have to jump across the fire as the evening goes on, so I think I'm now an honorary citizen!