Birds of Andalucia Winter 2013 Issue ONE Volume TWO

Extralimital occurrence of Slender-billed Gull A colossus in our skies

Andalucia and ABS

The Quarterly editorial journal of the andalucia bird society 1 From our Chairman News from the Editor

I have written an article that is on page 10, which paints a picture of Andalucia and Welcome to our January edition of the Andalucia Bird Society’s magazine. We its birds. It was against this background of unique location, wonderful and varied are very fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world where the sun nearly habitat and constant bird activity that we decided to establish the Andalucia Bird always shines and we have such diverse locations to visit for birding, wildlife and Society. We started by creating a misson statement to guide us and to communicate wildflowers. The article on Andalucía, by David Hird, explains it all. We would like to with others just what it was we wanted to achieve with the Society. share it with you through our new magazine. We have articles from the scientific Slender-billed Gull article to Kevin Wade’s article “Andalucía Bird Society is committed to providing an English-speaking on birding in Marbella of all places. There is an article talking about the wetlands, forum for anyone with an interest in birding in Andalucía. We steppes and migration located around Osuna , an area we are visiting in March, and welcome everyone, from beginners to experienced birders, including also another about morning sessions of Ringing birds. There is an excellent article non-English speakers. by Manuel Mojarro talking about the unique Odiel Marshes, Huelva, where we We provide our members with the opportunity to share and extend have a field trip on February 16th 2013. Life member, Phil Perry, has written about their knowledge of birds through regular Field Meetings at prime Lesser Kestrels wintering in South Africa and also there is an interesting article on locations throughout Andalucía, and also through web-based articles and discussion groups. By being involved Griffon Vultures, so I hope you enjoy the read. in the Society’s collection of bird sighting information, the members contribute to our growing database of I would like to thank all the authors of each article for their very welcome contributions and also our members and advertisers, all the birds of Andalucía and where they can be found throughout the region. The Andalucía Bird Society is as without them there would not be a magazine at all. We would also welcome any articles for future publication, so you budding dedicated to the study, observation and sharing of bird knowledge.” authors please start writing. Our next magazine is due for distribution in April 2013. Please make a note that the final date for receiving articles and advertising In fullfilling this mission statement we provide a wealth of information on our web-site that assists you in enjoying birding in artwork for the April edition will be 22nd February 2013. Until our next issue, good birding! Andalucía. We also organise monthly Field Trips to prime bird watching sites throughout Andalucía. These trips are led by expert birders and are designed to help both beginners and experts improve their bird watching skills. We have created a Forum to allow unhindered communication Brenda Jones about birds and birding activities between members. In this issue.... Another key role we have established for the Society is the recording of bird sightings in Andalucía. It is our aim that our From our Chairman 2 database will eventually hold sufficient records for the data to be Important dates for your diary used by other professional organisations as well as our members. Important dates for your diary 3 Attendance of all Field Meetings and meetings are free to members of Andalucia Bird Society. Our latest activity is the creation of this magazine, which provides further knowledge of Andalucia birds and habitat and Membership Matters 4 January 19th 2013 - Field Meeting and Financial Report for the Society - Fuente de Piedra also provides a vehicle for our members to create and publish The Field Meeting will start at 09.30 am from the main car park in front of the visitors centre. After exploring A bird in the hand, worth 2 in the bush? 5 their own articles. the nearby scrapes and lagoons we will proceed to the conference room within the visitor’s centre for our annual So, please join us and become part of the knowledge of the birds financial report. We will have lunch in the village and then explore the surrounding shoreline of the main lagoon and Colossus in our skies 8 of Andalucía. Visit our web-site and Forum to find out more. also search for Little Bustard, Common Crane and Stone Curlew in adjacent fields.

Andalucia and ABS 10 February 16th 2013 - Field Meeting - Odiel Marshes David Hird Our February Field Meeting takes us to the Odiel Marshes in Huelva province. Under the professional guidance of Wintering grounds of Lesser Kestrel 12 Manu, also a member of ABS, we hope to track down a number of wintering waders and aquatic birds, plus a few local specialities like Osprey. Of course this meeting is rather a long way to travel for many members, but several Wetlands, Steppes and Migration 14 DID YOU KNOW? Nothing gives more mean- members are planning to make a weekend of it, so why not join them? ing to the saying ‘Never say never’, than the re- Slender-billed Gull in Europe 16 cent rediscovery of the Sillem’s Mountain Finch. March 9th 2013 - Field Meeting - Osuna / Marchena / Lantejuela After 80 years since the last sighting, the discov- We will meet at Venta Las Vegas (Near Petrol Station off the exit of junction 80 on the motorway A92 Sevilla / Marshes del Odiel 20 ery has inspired the Oriental Bird Club to ask vis- Antequerra) at 10 am. Our journey around the area will include typical steppe habitat and also several lagoons. We iting birders to search for the bird above 5,000m will search for Great Bustard, Black-winged Kite, White-headed Duck among many of the species to be found here. Our lunch stop will be in the small village of Lantejuela. Local Patch - Marbella? 22 over a vaste swathe of Pakistan, China and Tibet. April 20th 2013 - Field Meeting - Loja / Andalucia Bird Society Quaterley Magazine Website: www.andaluciabirdsociety.org Our ever popular visit to Mick Richardson’s home patch (Mick is a professinal wildlife guide and member of ABS) is sure to be another success, so if the distance might be far for a few members, past experience almost guarantees a Contact us Advertising 2013 Membership Fees great day. Mick’s knowledge of both fauna and flora in the area gives added interest to all attending these Granada Andalucia Bird Society Contact the Society for advertisement Individual € 25 Apartado de Correos 375 1/4 page € 45 Couple € 30 visits. Be sure to be there! 29400 Ronda (Málaga) 1/2 page € 80 Affiliated € 40 Full page € 140 Corporate € 60 NOTE: Please visit the ABS Forum for further details on all planned Field Meetings i.e. Meeting place, times and for E-mail: [email protected] Back page € 180 Life € 300 directions - see Calendar Events

2 3 Membership Matters ABS Field Meeting Report A Bird in the hand, worth 2 in the bush? In the very first issue I referred to “membership matters” in two aspects, one of which was to emphasize that members are important; it is the members who It always amazes me that when you see birds in the hand they primary feather and make up the overall membership and without these we do not have a Society. invariably seem so much smaller than you would think. Of course, fat condition. Other that’s the result of usually observing birds through binoculars. details, which are Similarly, an increase in membership enables the Society to move forward. The opportunity to view birds in close-up was just too tempting sometimes, recorded Well, since the publication of Issue 1 we have seen many new ordinary to miss. Of course ringing is an important aspect of birding, and are; weight, moult members and a splendid increase by nine in our affiliated members. We we are lucky to have licensed ringers in our membership. score, wing formula for sometimes forget the important role that these affiliated members play in our similar species, and Society. They bring not only a valued income, but are able to pass on to their Saturday 25th August muscle scores. Each clients just what the Andalucia Bird Society has to offer to guests holidaying On 25th August nine of us crawled out of our beds, in the pitch country throughout in the region. In addition, many of these hotels, hostals and casa rurales offer black, to go off at 7:00am to observe the ringing process up close. Europe operates their a discount to members, so why not when travelling to far away field meetings Peter Jones, ably assisted by Frank Hair our Field Trips Officer, own ringing schemes with the Society, or even when away on your own or with family and friends, and togged out in rather fetching welly-boots, set up a large mist and central databases. check out the website to see if we have an affiliated member residing in your net across the upper reaches of the Rio Guadiaro. The spot is However, all contribute just one of the many superb birding sites within the Serrania de their data to a central intended destination. At least make contact and see what they may be able to offer. Please help yourself to help our Ronda, just off the Benaojan road below Ronda. ringing database held members to help your Society. Peter always puts the safety of the birds first; for example, he and administered by Although few pelagics, apart from the Cory’s Shearwaters, were seen on our first such trip out of Tarifa in September, will not ring on a day with strong wind. This is because in places the BTO at Thetford in members were rewarded with at least three species of dolphins and many Pilot Whales. As a bonus, the previous day’s of overlap, the net is doubled, and birds could get a nasty neck the UK. The scheme is called Euring (www.euring.org). visit to the raptor watch points above Tarifa, despite the strong winds, produced a few Egyptian Vultures, Honey Buzzards, lengthening if they’re unlucky. I’ve missed-out on ringing before Booted Eagles and Short-toed Eagles. The follow-on visit to not only produced the resident Glossy Ibis but because of that premise; too much wind. The 25th was perfect, The Birds members were rewarded by the sight of a Bald Ibis which had drifted over from its introductory base in nearby Barbate. however, and soon we were watching from a distance as Franky First out of the bags were two juvenile Grey Wagtails; Add on Marsh, Hen and Montagu’s Harriers plus a Black-winged Kite and the scores of White Storks for good measure and Peter carefully untangled the first birds and put them in unsurprising really considering our situation. Even young and it would seem that all had plenty to observe. Whilst we managed to get down to the in Malaga for special cloth bags to bring to the ringing table. Because of the birds show the bright yellow vent area and yellow/green rump, our October visit, as reported in the on-line magazine sent to members, the continuous heavy rain throughout early stress to the birds, they aren’t left more than 15 minutes in the although the facial markings are less clear and the breast is more net, and afterwards are ‘processed’ as quickly as possible. buff than yellow. The birds are gently but firmly held on their November led to the cancellation of that month’s visit to the Sierra de las Nieves. Hopefully, a rearranged date might backs, which keeps them calm whilst being handled. The wing become available to undertake a first Society visit to this beautiful area of Andalucia. Records measurements are taken and noted, and the breastbone felt to The coming three months will see a range of birding sites with lots of water involved so, hopefully, many wader species The records kept, and later submitted to SEO in Madrid (the assess muscle condition, which if the bird is about to migrate to be seen. Fuente de Piedra should, in addition, also produced Flamingos and the wintering Common Cranes before Spanish Society for Ornithology), are as follows; ring number., over long distances is important. Generally, if it’s sharp with little the Annual Finance Meeting and then it will be all the way down to the western end of the region for a day in Huelva in species, juvenile/adult, sex, total length of wing, length of third muscle padding, the bird has arrived from quite a distance north. February where the wonderful Odiel Marshes await. Remember, for most the journey will take us either through or past For the wagtails, however it was likely the magnificent Doñana National Park, so why not check out some of our affiliated members and make a very long week- that they were fledged thereabouts. So, end of the occasion. March will see us back nearer the centre with a visit based on Osuna and a possible chance to see on with the new ‘ring’ and away they the remaining resident Great Bustards in Andalucia, which go. I have to say that I find it hard to are now, probably, down to less than thirty in number. DID YOU KNOW? watch the ringing itself; the incredibly thin leg in the ring clamp just terrifies More details can be found elsewhere in the magazine All new members receive a me, though Peter showed us how the and updates will be, when necessary and/or appropriate, construction of the clamp prevented posted on the Society’s website. I was very pleased to see free copy of our official Sys- tematic List and Checklist. any injury to the bird. that we have an interesting illustrated article from one of Next out were two lovely blue juvenile our members in this issue. Hopefully, when you have read The society’s official logo is Kingfishers, one male, one female. Peter Kevin’s description of his local Marbella site some more of also available free to new explained that females’ lower bills have you will also want to put pen to paper, all right - finger to members in the form of a almost one third red, towards the base. keyboard, and let us know something about your local and/ windscreen and window Males show very little red. We also found or favourite birding sites in the region. sticker! out that juvenile birds have a lot of grey Finally, do remember that it is your Society, so continue on the tops of their feet, whilst adult birds have all red feet. In fact a special to let your elected officers know how best we can improve Existing members can pur- chase replacements for either narrow ring is used for Kingfishers your birding experience in Andalucia; we will listen to you because they have a very short tarsus, or and take on board for consideration all the suggestions and the Checklist or Windscreen/ Window Sticker at a special lower leg. After ringing, Peter held the proposals that you make. member’s rate of 1 euro each. Call 00 34 669 649 529 birds by the legs to show us the strange Bob Wright head swiveling that they perform. They look just like wind-up toys! Why do Brenda Jones they do it? Possibly as a distraction to Officers of ANDALUCIA BIRD SOCIETY: predators, but no one really knows. On President: Alfredo Carrasco Chairman: David Hird Treasurer: Pieter Verheij Secretary: Helen Wallbank Membership Secretary: Robert Wright Field Officer: Frank Hair Editor: Brenda Jones DID YOU KNOW? ABS meetings and field meetings are free to society members. Our quarterly To contact the society please email us: [email protected] journal is also free and on joining new members receive a free copy of our Birds of Andalucia Sys- To learn more about the society’s activities visit our website: www.andaluciabirdsociety.org tematic List and Checklist, plus a free society car windscreen sticker! 4 5 Advertisement release the birds dazzled us all with their iridescent, cobalt blue Other birds of interest rumps and tails. Other birds seen around the river: flocks of Rock Sparrows, a From the next sweep of the net came a third juvenile Kingfisher. juvenile Stonechat, four Grey Herons on a fly-past, Hoopoe, These birds may have been fledged here or may have migrated lots of Greenfinches on the sunflower field next to us, Collared here from further north. Some Kingfishers do migrate south for Dove, Griffon Vultures over the mountains, and of course House the winter. The sweep after that produced a Juvenile Goldfinch, Sparrows. An interesting pair of Booted Eagles was sparring three adult Willow Warblers, and a Great Tit. At this point I have overhead; one was the typical pale form and one, the dark phase, to confess that I once spent a good half-hour wondering what which to my unskilled eyes looks like a different bird entirely.

Thanks to Peter Jones and Frank Hair for educating us all and to my fellow members for their company: Barbara Vagliano (our US member!), Barbara & Jerry, Liz & Geoff, and Mrs. Peter i.e. Brenda.

Helen Wallbank - ABS Member

the bird with the yellow wing patches was. I was with another member who shall remain nameless. Eventually it dawned on us that it was a young Goldfinch, which hadn’t yet developed the ‘embarrassed’ red face of an adult, so I now know what a juvenile Goldfinch looks like! I took Peter’s word for it that we’d netted Willow Warblers not Chiffchaffs (they have darker legs normally), but the scientific method of emargination on the 6th primary, which Peter tried to explain, goes right over my head. The Great Tit was a male, as shown by the wide black stripe and belly patch on his front. Females have much less black. By now we were seeing a pattern; almost all the smaller birds flew straight to a nearby tree to investigate their new jewellery. Then after a few pecks they dismissed it, and flew off unconcerned. Next up was a treat; a Green Sandpiper. And it was this bird which most prompted my earlier comment about size perception. It seemed quite small. It was an adult male, with the diagnostic bright white rump and clear broad bars on the tail. To me these are beautifully proportioned birds with long elegant legs, which as a wader, get ringed on the thigh. It’s thought to be safer to ring waders on the thigh, or tibia, because it’s often in contact with vegetation, and has the advantage of making the ring more Pieter Verheij visible for scoping/reading when the bird is in water or mud. The next birds to fly into the net were an adult male Serin, Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus Estornino Soberbio showing very yellow and a nicely coloured male adult Chaffinch. The next two sweeps produced three more Willow Warblers, and Andalucia has a large number of exotic bird species and at this point Peter showed us how the wing length indicated how some have established sustainable/viable breeding popula- far the birds migrate. One, with the longest wings that Peter had tions. As a society we welcome all records from both mem- ever noted, had surely arrived from the far North. The last bird of bers and visitors for this group of exotics, it is important for the day was an adult male Kingfisher, demonstrating his all black us to understand both the distribution and status of such bill and glorious blue backside. birds. Please do report your sightings to us and help us mon- We shut up shop at around midday as, despite the shady itor the success or otherwise of these introduced species. riverside, the heat was starting to get to us, and making the birds less mobile. On to a nearby venta for lunch then back home for Superb Starling has recently been found in the locality a needed zzz. of Golf, Malaga. Appears to be co-habiting with I missed the second day of the event but I know that they managed Spotless Starling. to snag the Cetti’s Warbler that had been taunting us from the riverbank all the previous day. Also, a Western Olivaceous Superb Starling As illustrated above is normally com- Warbler, both of which I would’ve loved to see to improve my monly found in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, warbler ID skills, which are sadly lacking. Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. 6 7 the bird world, using up-draughts and thermals to perfection. In common with many large birds, Griffons save energy by finding airflows which reduce the need for the flapping of their wings. In fact, apart from take-off and landing, it is rare to see these giants of the skies flap their wings. Young birds can take 6 years to mature sufficiently to become breeding DID YOU KNOW?

Griffon Vultures lay one egg and it takes between 52 and 60 days to hatch.

Four months is required before the young vulture is independent enough to fly.

Spain holds the main breeding popula- tion for Europe.

The longest recorded lifespan of a Grif- fon Vulture is currently 41.4 years old.

birds and this makes their adolescence one of the most protracted of all birds. Adults can live beyond thirty years and once established in an area will rarely venture far from their home territories. Non-breeding birds however will range over wide areas, with some choosing to venture as far afield as Africa, where they will spend between 12 to 18 months before returning to Spain.

Pieter Verheij Peter Jones - ABS Member Senior Bird Guide - Spanish Nature Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Buitre Leonardo Essentially a specialist carrion eater, this last official census carried out to ascertain in the area) find identification of raptors www.spanishnature.com enormous bird is spectacular and the the number of breeding birds put the difficult and confusing. With 4 breeding most easily seen raptor in our mountains. population at 17,000 pairs. EU legislation species of eagle and other large raptors threatened the status quo with the in this area, then I think this is not Throughout Spain, this species has banning of artificial feeding stations. With surprising. However, as far as our Griffon A colossus in our mountains! increased steadily over the past 15 years the advent of mad cow disease (BSE), Vultures are concerned, identification by the provision of feeding stations. The legislation was introduced requiring is made less difficult if we take account all dead carcasses to be incinerated of its unique flight silhouette. Next time limiting the possibility of any further you see this bird in flight, either at close With a wingspan of 2.8 metres and cross-contamination of this disease. The quarters or in the distance, make a note affect upon many areas was a disaster for of the almost total lack of tail in relation Griffon Vulture populations and other to overall size. The depth of wing (leading weighing 8 kilos, that’s 9 foot and carrion eating birds. In fact, some Griffon to trailing edge) is very much greater than Vultures, normally a placid bird, took to tail length. In many other raptors the tail attacking livestock where feeding stations is as long as the depth of wing. You could 17lbs in old money, Griffon Vulture were closed! Happily, due to pressure from say, when in the air, Griffon Vultures look various conservation and agricultural rather like a huge flying moustache! Gyps fulvus is one of our largest organisations, feeding stations are now Our windscreen/window sticker permitted again and are regulated to Our local breeding population of circa.600 now available to adorn and include fenced off compounds sited pairs and probably as many, if not more, improve even the most luxurious raptors in the Serranía de Ronda and more than 500 metres away from human non-breeding birds, make this area one of of vehicles! habitation. Of course all carcasses will the most important in Europe for Griffon have to have been tested negative for BSE, Vultures. Perhaps not the best looking of Only 1 Euro each. Sierra de Grazalema. but I’ve never seen Griffons kissing cows! birds, whilst perched or feeding, seeing these birds in flight is a natural wonder. Call 00 34 669 649 529 Many visitors (and possibly those living They are among the best aviators in 8 9 Advertisement

Andalucía, the southern most point storks, sometimes numbering up to three thousand, cross en of the , is the masse. Each year tens of thousands of raptors cross the Straits, second largest of the autonomous south into Africa between July and November and back north communities in Spain and it into Europe between late February and mid-June. For about contains 8 provinces. It covers eight months in the year you can see raptors on the move. nearly 9 million hectares, an area larger than Scotland and almost Different Bird Species as large as Portugal and it is a So how many different bird species can you see in Andalucia? birdwatcher’s paradise throughout Well, the Society’s systematic list contains 523 different species the year. of which, at the simplest level, there are 132 resident breeding, 73 migrant breeding, 81 passage migrant, 48 winter visiting The Natural Habitat and 3 summer visiting species. In addition there have been 139 Essentially, as shown in Figure 1, different vagrant species recorded and we have 47 introduced Andalucía consists of a large plain, species of which 9 have been recorded breeding. Also during the valley of the Rio , the winter the numbers of resident birds are increased with birds hemmed in by mountains on every from the north over-wintering. side except for the south-west where it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. David Hird - ABS member The combination of mountains, a large river valley and coastal plains www.andaluciabirdsociety.org provide a wide range of different www.andaluciabirdsociety.org/forum habitats that attracts a large number Figure 1 of different species of birds. Protected Landscape In the north, the mountainous Sierra Morena separates The Guadalquivir is 657 kilometres long, originating in the Andalucia from the rest of Spain. To the south there are parallel mountains of the Sierra de Cazorla in the province of Jaen. It mountain ranges, one near the Mediterranean coast and the flows west, draining 58,000 square kilometres of land to reach other inland. The , part of the coastal mountain the sea at Doñana. Like other rivers that have their estuary in range, in the province of Granada, has the highest peaks in the tidal Atlantic it does not form a delta, but the accumulation Spain: El Mulhacén at 3,478 metres and El at 3,392 metres. of the sediment carried down the Guadalquivir over hundreds In a mere 50 kilometres one can travel from the subtropical coast of years has created the great marshes of Doñana, which is the ANDALUCIA AND THE ANDALUCIA BIRD SOCIETY within the province of Granada to the snowy peaks of the Sierra foremost national park of Spain. In addition to Doñana there are Nevada. Andalucia also includes both the dry Tabernas Desert a further 23 National and Natural Parks in Andalucia and their in the province of Almería and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural locations are shown in Figure 2 below. Park in the province of Cádiz, which experiences Spain’s greatest Nearly a fifth of the land mass of Andalucia is protected inside rainfall. All told, there is a wide variation of habitat that attracts National and Natural Parks. This is an area almost as big as a wide range of natural life. Wales.

Migration Andalucia has a large range of natural habitat that attracts a wide variation of bird species, which is a great attraction to bird watchers throughout the year. In addition there is also migration. A large number of species, that have spent either their summer breeding in north-west Europe or their winter in Africa, pass through Andalucia during the Pieter Verheij migration periods. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of two major European passages DID YOU KNOW? Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major thanneri, for migrating birds, especially a resident in Morocco, is thought to occur in the south- raptors and other soaring birds. ern areas of Andalucia. Worth to keep your eyes peeled Soaring birds cross at the Strait of for this rare bird and shown here, in the photo, is a female! Gibraltar as they rely on thermals It has been observed in the upper reaches of the Rio Guadiaro, and updrafts which only occur Serrania de Ronda. First photographed by Juan Luis Munoz, over narrower expanses of water. other birders, searching their photos, discovered they had pic- One of the most impressive sights tures taken as far apart as Sierra de las Nieves and the Cortes area! Figure 2 over the Strait is when flocks of 10 11 Advertisement

Spain is fortunate to have the largest breeding population Wintering Grounds of Lesser Kestrels of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni in the Mediterranean region. Neighbouring Portugal is trying to increase the number of breeding birds by building artificial nesting walls such as the one in Castro Verde, Alentejo. But where do they go after breeding? Well many of them congregate in large roosts in South Africa. A total of approximately 60,000 lesser kestrels roost over around 20 different roost sites. A few years ago I visited the famous roost in De Aar, a sleepy town in the Northern Cape region of South Africa. De Aar usually hosts around 10,000 to 12,000 birds. In an age where alien plants are an increasing problem there are a few beneficial aliens, as the lesser kestrels choose to roost in imported Pine Trees planted in the grounds of the local hospital. Roughly a dozen trees will hold 1,000 kestrels each. As the sun goes down a large flock of lesser kestrels starts to circle overhead. Gradually birds fly into the pine trees to settle down for the night. The birds are generally silent except when jostling for choice roosting spots. But the birds soon settle in for the night and the roost becomes quiet. This roosting behaviour is quite different to that of Amur falcons that also have large winter roosts in South Africa. A handful may even join the lesser kestrels in De Aar, though most choose sites dominated by Amur falcons. At Newcastle in Kwa-Zulu Natal 35,000 or more Amur falcons can be seen. They Photo by Roberto Ragno congregate very high up and only descend after dark. Amurs are very noisy, calling all the time and the noise continues even once the birds are in the roost trees. Lesser kestrels leave their roost very early in the morning. Perhaps 50 or so birds at a time burst out of one tree in an explosion of falcons. By first light nearly all the birds have left to forage for insects in the surrounding veld until they return again in the evening. Amur falcons by contrast all leave the roost under cover of darkness, leaving the roost empty by sun-up.

Phil Perry - ABS life member

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Wetlands, Steppes and Migration Brenda Jones Brenda

Since ancient times wetlands have been Andalucía? tarda or the Little Bustard Tetrax Tetrax. considered as worthless areas of standing As we report in the journal “Ardeola”, (the If in this ideal habitat for such species water and also sources of infection. This Journal of the Spanish Ornithological we add a lagoon we obtain a source of idea is very unrealistic, since wetlands are Society) the small number of migratory biodiversity with great potential such as ecosystems of great biodiversity despite birds that cross the Strait of Gibraltar are the ecological wetland steppe. occupying a small part of the earth’s declining even though their populations An example of wetland steppe is surface. Wetlands have great importance in Europe are stable, examples of which the Endorheic (a lagoon created by both for man and for the many species are such species as Gulls, Common levels of the water table) Complex that inhabit them, amphibians, insects, Swift Apus apus, and Tawny Pipit Anthus Lantejuela~Osuna~Ecija, where in recent aquatic plants, macrophytes and having campestris. surveys has been shown that many species a surprising function for migratory birds. This change in behaviour in the different inhabit its lagoons throughout the year, In the last decade, climate change has birds makes the Andalusian wetlands alter which shows a change in behaviour in caused behavioural changes in most of from being places of passage to being the these species, previously used as resting the species, accentuating this change destination for a variety of species, many sites before setting off postnuptial and in migratory species, as these are most now reside throughout the year. These vulnerable, when using multiple habitats After the heavy rains of 2010 wetlands cause a perpetual spring, and a wealth of resources. and 2011 the temporary improving their survival and productivity. As stated in the publication of CMS wetlands around Osuna After the heavy rains of 2010 and 2011 (Convention of Migratory Species) on these temporary wetlands have been migratory species and climate change, this have been flooded all year flooded all year maintaining an acceptable is changing migration routes. A response maintaining an acceptable depth for many species. Similarly, to various adversities caused by climate depth for many species. vegetation changes such as at the La Hoya change is well known, as is the temporary de Turquilla lagoon where the reeds and inconsistency of prey and predators, of which are now residing, as the White- sedges are the main type of vegetation the disjunction phenomenon known as headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and for species such as the Night Heron ecological climate change elevates factors the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Nycticorax Nycticorax has resulted in this such as erosion and high temperatures etc. Among all types of wetlands notable species tripling their number of breeding This pattern of behaviour, inherited for this role on these routes are steppe pairs in a period of five years. from generation to generation, has been wetlands. When these areas of water are modified by such sudden temperature located in an ecosystem as dry as the So, if we compare the results of the surveys changes and high erosion afflicting the steppes and where water is a limiting conducted in the area of lagoons around African continent. What has caused challenger, they inevitably become havens Lantejuela~Osuna~Ecija with the passage a reduction in total miles of the bird of life. through the Strait, we can conclude that migration routes or in some cases birds The steppes are ecosystems that have been steppe wetlands form a key part of this becoming resident, as is the case of the created by the hand of man, after centuries great puzzle of climate change. White Stork which are frequently seen of agriculture, making it the ideal habitat all year round near their nesting sites in for species such as the Great Bustard Otis M º Angeles Andrades Martin 14 15 in table 1. On the Croatian and Slovenian Extralimital occurrence of Slender-billed Gull in Europe side of the Adriatic Sea, the species ringed in Italy (one) and Spain (two). The tributaries (up to northernmost France), is surprisingly rare, given the rather Italian bird was the oldest in the colony; it with some birds reaching the Atlantic close proximity of Italian populations. In Europe, increasing numbers of Slender-billed had been ringed 12 years earlier in the Po coast (Dubois et al 2000) where, in 2004, However, recent records (see table 1) may delta, Veneto, Italy. Since 1999, it had been the first (unsuccessful) breeding attempt suggest that the species is probably a very Gull Larus genei have been observed away from controlled as a breeding bird only in the took place on Île de Noirmoutier, Vendée scarce visitor (Komsija za Redkosti 1993, Camargue, Bouches-du-Rhône (Gonin (Desmots et al 2004). Interestingly, the Rubinič et al 2002, Sovinc 1993). the breeding colonies in recent years. This paper 2004). The Spanish population, however, majority of these vagrants in Europe were The French and Spanish breeding describes this extralimital occurrence, both shows a higher degree of philopatry. Most recorded at inland sites. As with many populations have increased by more recoveries of birds ringed in the major French vagrants, birds found in Central than 80% over 1990-2000 (BirdLife in space and in time, by analyzing the species’ colonies at the Ebro delta, Catalunya, and Europe may have followed rivers like the International 2004). It is clear from figure 1 migration strategies, dispersal behaviour and Coto Doñana, Andalucía, are local with Rhône and the Po (and their tributaries) that the number of extralimital individuals only some individuals recovered from and from here to, for example, Austria, in Europe has accordingly increased vagrant records. In order to establish a picture of France and Italy (Manuela Forero in litt). Germany and Switzerland. Other birds dramatically over the past decade. The In Italy, c 2500 Slender-billed Gulls probably follow the (Atlantic) coast lines French and Spanish populations (together all records of vagrant Slender-billeds, reports of have been ringed (Po delta, Apulia and and end up in the North Sea area. with the growing Italian population) are national rarities committees were consulted and, Sardinia) in 1991-2004, which resulted In Spain, however, the species is very also the likely sources for vagrancy north in more than 1400 resightings of 666 rare on the Atlantic coast, with only a of the European breeding range. The fact in addition, information was asked from several individuals. Most were observed in or handful of records for Asturies and the that both of the ringed birds found in committees (vagrant reports were not taken near Italian breeding colonies, as well as Basque country (Ricard Gutiérrez in Switzerland (see table 1) had been ringed in France and Spain, and during winter litt). In Portugal, the species is being in the Camargue seems to confirm this. into account when not accepted by the relevant in Tunisia. Interestingly, one individual assessed since 1995, when the Portuguese The first three British records (see table 1) ringed as pullus in Foggia was observed rarities committee (Comité Português are very interesting in this respect, because committee). in N’Djamena, Chad, the following winter de Raridades, CPR) became operative. they occurred at a time when the European (Nicola Baccetti in litt). During 1995-2003, 14 records of 71 breeding population was concentrated individuals have been accepted. It is very around the Black Sea, while breeding in Vagrancy in Europe rare on the west coast but probably a scarce the western Mediterranean was irregular, In France, observations away from the migrant (and rare winter visitor) to the involving very small numbers. Likewise, Mediterranean populations winter in the Dispersal and immigration Mediterranean coast have increased eastern Algarve, especially Castro Marim. records from Belarus, Finland, Poland south of their breeding range and both The species mostly breeds in dynamic corresponding with the exponential It is not unlikely that in the near future and Sweden and some of the Hungarian the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts habitats: shallow saline areas or salt increase in numbers of breeding pairs the CPR will stop considering the species records seem to confirm the notion that in the Camargue. Most of these records (Gonçalo Elias in litt). The Portuguese some European vagrants originate from Distribution and status of north-western Africa, partly together marshes where conditions may vary with are from the valley of the Rhône and its records have therefore not been included eastern populations (SOF 2003). On that Slender-billed Gull breeds locally with the western African population or within breeding seasons. In the western (and rather disjunct) in coastal areas (Olsen & Larsson 2004). Birds of the Mediterranean, breeding colonies are of West Africa (c 22 500 individuals), Black Sea population spend the winter on regularly found on artificial islands in the Mediterranean and Black Sea (123 the northern African coast from Egypt salinas. Modern management of these 000-237 000 individuals, and eastwards west to Tunisia but also in Bulgaria, salinas involves levelling each salina to into Central Asia and north-western Greece and Israel (Olsen & Larsson maximize the surface water area. Ground- India (c 150 000 individuals) (Delany 2004). Most ringing recoveries in Tunisia, nesting birds, like Slender-billed Gull, & Scott 2002). Since the 1960s, it has for example, relate to birds from the are thus regularly displaced from their spread from the Black Sea through the Black Sea population. After the species breeding sites. Also, natural breeding sites eastern Mediterranean to the western extended its breeding range into the are being converted for agriculture or Mediterranean (Serebryakov & Zubakin western Mediterranean, French, Italian recreation (Tucker & Evans 1997). From 1997). More than 90% of the total and Spanish birds were also increasingly year to year, numbers (as well as breeding number of European breeding birds are observed there. Individuals ringed in sites) tend to fluctuate accordingly (Oro concentrated at just a dozen sites (BirdLife Tunisia have also been recovered in 2002, Serebryakov & Zubakin 1997), International 2004, figure 1). Egypt and Libya (Isenmann et al 2005). causing dispersal. The current European breedingThe species returns to its Black Sea and Within a colony, the females (and their population is concentrated in Italy, Turkey western Mediterranean breeding sites mates) in the best breeding condition have and Ukraine, with smaller populations in from late March, with adults peaking in been found to select the most suitable Azerbaijan, France and Spain (BirdLife April and early May and immatures in breeding site (Oro 2002). This is another International 2004). The latest published May (Dies & Dies 2000, Olsen & Larsson cause for the high breeding site turnover figure for Italy is 3350 pairs in 2001 (Serra 2004). in this species, which is confirmed by & Brichetti 2004). The Spanish breeding Most movements outside the breeding several ringing programmes. population is estimated at 800-900 pairs season occur within the species’ breeding Individuals ringed in France have been (Martí & del Moral 2003). In France, c 850 range, with the exception of those by the found breeding in colonies in Italy and pairs breed, all in the Camargue, Bouches- populations from West and Central Asia Spain, Italian ringed birds were found du-Rhône (Sadoul et al 2003). that winter around the Arabian Peninsula, breeding in France and Spain, while birds east to western India (Glutz von Blotzheim ringed in Spain have been recorded in Migration & Bauer 1982, del Hoyo et al 1998). Birds France. For example, in a newly established The European populations have developed leave their breeding grounds in July colony in Aude, southern France, in 2004, different migration strategies. The western (Olsen & Larsson 2004). birds were controlled that had been Pieter Verheij 16 17 Advertisement between 1984 and 1992 and the second (or another) bird in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, in the winter of 1991/92 (Brazil 1991, Moores 2002). Three records have been accepted for Hong Kong, China; an adult on 10 and 25-26 February 1990, a first- summer on 3-10 April 1992 and an adult on 27-28 February 1993, with several (mostly recent) records for China (Carey et al 2001). In Thailand, the species is considered a vagrant to the central coast (Robson 2000). The western African population is considered to be resident. The record mentioned before of an Italian ringed bird recovered in Chad is possibly the furthest inland record in Africa, although a few Saharan records are known for Algeria (Isenmann & Moali 2000), Morocco (Thévenot et al 2003) and Tunisia note, Cramp & Simmons (1983) mention in Europe (78 records), only 11 first- (Isenmann et al 2005). Other vagrants in a bird ringed as a chick in the Ukraine and summer and two second-summer birds Africa have been recorded in Ethiopia, found on the Canary Islands. However, have been recorded. Most observations Nigeria and Sudan (Urban et al 1986). In this record is considered suspect due to are of birds that stay for only a very short Kenya, it is considered a scarce migrant the possibility of misidentification with period, usually one day, before moving on. to the Rift Valley lakes, with a few coastal Mediterranean Gull L melanocephalus in All groups consisted of adults only. Since records (Zimmerman et al 1999). The the breeding colony (if the chick is seen many immature birds stay on the wintering species’ status in (landlocked) Uganda away from the parents). The species is grounds (Malling Olsen & Larsson 2004), is comparable with inland Kenya, as it currently considered a vagrant in the this is not unexpected. This could indicate appears to be extending its East African Canary Islands, with only a few records that mostly birds in breeding dispersal are wintering range (Carswell et al 2005). (Ricard Gutiérrez in litt). Interestingly, involved, as is evident from observations An exceptional record is that of an adult a bird ringed in Coto Doñana in 2001 of displaying pairs in Austria, Britain at Durban Bay, Kwazulu Natal, South was observed on Fuerteventura, Canary and France. Of the seven birds present in Africa, on 10-13 September 1999 (Trevor Discussion the birds depended (Rudenko 1996). characteristics (Barthel & Königstedt Islands, in January and March 2002. In Germany in May 1997 (see table 1), two Hardaker in litt). Most populations in Europe have increased The population increases recorded in 1993, Corso 1999) could be another factor March 2004, it was again observed and pairs showed courtship behaviour and In the Western Hemisphere, vagrancy to considerably over the last two decades, the western Mediterranean basin would but probably does not account for the photographed there (Michiel Versluys even copulated. The notion of breeding the Caribbean region has been suggested especially in the western Mediterranean. therefore appear to derive from displaced rapid increase of records. in litt) and, the following month, it dispersal is further augmented by the but could not be substantiated (cf Ebels This period corresponds with the putative birds from these populations (Sadoul In order to have a further understanding of was observed at Oued Souss, Morocco seasonal pattern of extralimital European 2002). decrease of the Black Sea populations due 1997). the geographic expansion of the Slender- (Manuela Forero in litt). records, with the great majority of birds to degradation of the wetlands on which It is thought that some populations are billed Gull, and the ecological factors Away from France, the increase in the (151) recorded in May. A notable not even viable without immigration. involved, a wider-scale metapopulation number of vagrants in Europe started with exception is the influx in France in In southern France, for example, framework (including the eastern the influx in Switzerland in 1997. Until 2000, which took place in April (see breeding success remained quite low populations) is needed (Sadoul et al 2003). that year, records were widely scattered table 1). The total for April is 33 while the population size has increased around Europe but since 1997 have been individuals (16 records). The few late exponentially from the 1990s. The Gert Ottens concentrated in central Europe (Austria, June-July records of adults probably expansion, generally interpreted as an Germany, Hungary and Switzerland) relate to post-breeding dispersal indication of a healthy population, does and France (table 1). The reasons for this (or failed breeders). No pattern is not match the observed breeding success changing pattern are unclear. Data on evident for records of immature (Sadoul et al 2003). French and Spanish colonies indicate that birds but (as far as the few data The recent upsurge of vagrant Slender- nothing out of the ordinary happened in allow) their occurrence seems to billed Gulls might be a consequence of the years leading up to 1997 (Daniel Oro in mirror that of adults, although with conditions in the wintering range that litt). Further influxes took part since then a slight emphasis on April. could push some individuals to change and particularly in 2001, which was most migration routes. Hence, some birds decide pronounced in France and Switzerland Vagrancy outside Europe to move northwards and others follow and, to a lesser degree, Austria. Also, until In Asia, vagrants have reached them (see Dispersal and immigration, the invasion of 1997 mainly individual Nepal and Sri Lanka (Malling Daniel Oro in litt). Increasing vagrancy in (in a few exceptions more than two) birds Olsen & Larsson 2004). Further a northern direction has, in this species, were recorded (see figure 1). Since that east, Slender-billed Gulls have also been explained as a response to year, group size increased dramatically. been recorded in South Korea (an climatic warming as with a number of Besides Portugal, the largest groups were adult-winter at Gwangyang Bay, other southern breeding species (Burton recorded in Switzerland (20 in 1997, 11 in Jeollanam, on 9-11 January 2002; 1995). This last subject needs more Gert works for the BirdLife-partner 2001 and 10 in 2002) and France (17 in Moores 2002) and Japan (two birds research, as its effects on bird distribution “Vogelbescherming Nederland”. 2001). wintering in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, are not yet fully understood. Increased Gert is also editor for Dutch Birding Of a grand total of 205 individual vagrants with one returning to the same areas Pieter Verheij observer awareness of the species’ subtle Magazine. www.dutchbirding.nl 18 19 Advertisement

Booted Eagle, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Crested Coot, Collared Pratincole, The Odiel Marshes Little Tern, and Bee-eater. Migrants: Knot, Spotted Redshank, Roseate between the sea, the earth Tern, Arctic Tern and Black Tern. Certainly the Spoonbill is an historic emblem of this natural site, however, in and the sky recent years another bird has taken centre stage here. The Odiel Marshes is the In front of Huelva, possibly the oldest city in Western Europe, an principal wintering site for Ospreys in Spain with around 30 estuary was born from the tidal sea and the embrace of the rivers individuals, 60 in the whole province. In addition, eight years ago Odiel and Tinto whose waters have been plied by Phoenician they began a reintroduction programme that has become very and Greek boats, attracted by the gold and silver of the mythical successful. In 2009 three chicks were born, the first in 70 years Tartessos. on the Spanish mainland, and this year the nesting population has risen to 7 Ospreys (two pairs and a trio!). Fish will not be Thousands of years later, the discovery of the most important safe anymore! colony of European Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia in 1977 sparked Since the bird ringing station started in 1997, this has become a movement for the protection of this site. Then in 1983, the Odiel very important for bird research in Spain. In 15 years over 25.000 Marshes were declared as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due birds of 43 different species have been trapped in the summer to the importance of this area for wildlife and migratory birds. night ringing programme whose main purpose is the monitoring This fact encouraged the Andalusian Government to create of waders and terns (50% of the total recorded in Spain). About the first “Paraje Natural” in this region. Beside this the area 600 of those birds had already been ringed abroad, the majority has been recognised as a Ramsar Site (International Wetlands of them in Britain and Holland. In this programme more than Convention), Special Area for Protection of Birds and Site of 1.000 volunteers from all over the world have participated Community Importance by the European Union. making the Odiel Marshes a place for the celebration of birds. Because of this, the Odiel Marshes Nature Reserve has become Therefore, the Odiel Marshes Nature Reserve is a wonderful one of the major and best preserved wetlands in Iberia, a paradise meeting point between the sea, the earth and the sky where our for birds that discover a fantastic collection of habitats to feed beloved birds come from. And in February this will hopefully be and to breed in; salt-pans, lakes, forest, sandbanks, tidal channels a meeting point between me and you. and rivers. The tide is the main factor that makes this area such a productive place with such a high biodiversity (including Manu Mojarro - ABS Member the endemic beetle Akis saltesiana and butterfly Malacosoma Bird Guide - Spoontrips laurea). The tide really sets the pace of life here. Every six hours www.spoontrips.com the seawater comes in full of nutrients that are spread through the veins of the marshes. Have you ever wondered why so many waders can be seen on a mudflat? Around 30.000 micro organisms live on a square metre of mud; hence the Odiel Marshes is a paradise for waders and water birds. Manu is leading a field trip for th The Odiel Marshes Nature Reserve has always been in the shade ABS on February 16 2013 of the world famous Coto Doñana, however this area is the perfect complement to the birds of Doñana as it is only 30 minutes from this renowned National Park. Moreover, as a tidal wetland, the Odiel Marshes are not affected by the lack of rainfall and an extensive checklist is guaranteed even in dry periods. As formerly mentioned, the different habitats favour a big variety of birds (around 150 species throughout the year) among which we highlight: Resident: Shelduck, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Stone Curlew. Winter: Great White Egret, Common Scoter, Osprey, Audouin´s Gull, Slender- billed Gull, Caspian Tern and Bluethroat. Summer: Purple Heron, Osprey, Montagu´s Harrier,

20 21 It was when a birder commented Crested Tits are always there. They on one of my photographs that seem to prefer their own company SPRING WATCH they would not have associated a Local Patch and are best seen during the breeding Between now and our next issue (April), Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus season, when the young chicks are many of our familiar summer birds will with Marbella, that I started to think EVERY BIRDER SHOULD HAVE ONE ever demanding. However, the most be arriving from their winter quarters about the wonderful birdlife that we numerous tits are the Long-tailed in Africa. In particular our summer are blessed with here on the Costa BUT MARBELLA? Tits Aegithalos caudatus, which do resident eagles will be appearing during del Sol. Most think of Marbella as tend to associate with others such March, but these are likely to be pro- big boats and nightlife, accentuated as Coal Tit Periparus ater, BlueTit ceeded by smaller birds such as Swal- by TV programmes such as “The Only birds that I’m trying to photograph! Cyanistes caeruleus, Great Tit Parus low and Pallid Swift, White Stork will Way is Essex” with their “Marbs” specials. It is our preferred walk since it has plenty major, Short-toed Treecreepers Certhia already be busying themselves with nest I am so lucky to have chosen Marbella of shade for those hot sunny days, plus it brachydactyla and Firecrests Regulus duties! So between now and April keep as my home for the past 23 years and is the least muddy and sheltered in the ignicapilla. Firecrests are quite common, a watchout for new arrivals, maybe post but they are so difficult to get a decent your sightings on the ABS Forum to let picture of as they flit around in the canopy us all know when and what has arrived? of the pine trees. There are always Jays on guard somewhere along the track and Kevin Wade What can we expect? Hoopoes can occur all year. I have noticed February in the last two years that there seems to be Firecrest Regulus Ignicapilla has left this area untouched but I maybe Barn Swallow far more Jays than I have noticed before. rescued from the art room and a wonderful not so fortunate with my 10x10km square, Pallid Swift Lovely colourful birds but very difficult to location that gives a tremendous view which is centred around Monda, in which Black Kite approach and get a good photograph. over the Rio Verde means there’s always I conduct a common breeding bird survey Black Stork Crossbills have also become more something to see! Despite the current for the Spanish Ornithological Society common and they are often heard euro-crisis, Spain’s wildlife might be (SEO) But that’s another story. March splitting the pine kernels before they are the one benefactor of the reduction in Booted Eagle seen. A dead giveaway that they are there construction due to the economic crisis. Kevin Wade - ABS Member Short-toed Eagle are the husks of the pine seeds floating Incidentally, the Rio Verde here is the site Little-ringed Plover down through the branches of the trees. of a large colony of Monarch butterflies Did you know? Alpine Swift One bird that I always look forwards to Danaus plexippus. The beautiful pink plumage of flamin- House Martin seeing is the Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa It’s not just the birdlife that one can observe gos has long captured the attention of Bee eater striata. When they arrive in numbers in on this walk. There is much evidence of the general public but did you know Woodchat Shrike Kevin Wade mid-May, the temperatures are reaching the nocturnal activity of wild boar, digging that it now appears that flamingos may Black-eared Wheatear the high 20ºs, and for me that’s summer! up large areas in the search of food. I be paying as much attention to their vi- Northern Wheatear Hoopoe Upupa epops on the track winter rains. There is something very As a teacher at an international school, I have seen Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaica, brant colouration as we are. New data enjoyed, with my family and friends, the un-appealing about the smell of a damp know that the holidays are not far away Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon And of course many others, please keep suggests that Flamingos in the wild use wonderful sights, sounds and, above all, dog and Roddy hates being hosed down and I can soon take a step back from and Brown Rat Ratttus norvegicus on the us informed on your spring sightings! pigments as “cosmetics” to enhance the countryside that is visible from the before being allowed to enter the house! the demands of getting pupils on course walk and have recently put up a couple of the colour of their plumage. As well as beach, but often ignored by the visiting for their future success. Conversely, camera traps, to capture any night time Front Cover Photograph smoothing and tidying their feathers, hordes. I have lived on the northern edge And so to the birds. Obviously, given its the southerly passage of Bee-eaters residents. Snakes are pretty rare on this many birds deliberately rubbed their of Marbella for the past 12 years, only 10 privileged position on the main migration Merops apiaster and Honey Buzzards walk I only saw two last year one of which cheeks against the preen gland and then minutes walk from the main bus station, routes between Africa and Europe, Pernis apivorus means “summer over” was flying at about one hundred metres in immediately onto their neck, breast yet my list of birds seen or heard from the anything can turn up, and it usually and back to work soon! The good thing altitude!! Prey to a migrating Short-toed and back feathers and appeared to ma- house and garden stands at 80 species. Just does! The area is overflown by many about work is the birding never stops. Eagle Circaetus gallicus. nipulate the colour of their plumage as some of the highlights include a party of 5 species of migrating raptor, including A male Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus There are many lizards the Large and a signal of their quality. Since it takes Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana on Booted Eagle, Black Kite, Short- Spanish Psammodromus, usually time and energy to apply the pigments, migration, a Blue Rock Thrush Monticola toed Eagle and the odd Osprey in seen scuttling away through the being more colourful could be a power- solitarius on the roof terrace and accepted autumn. Common Kestrel Falco undergrowth. ful visual signal of a healthy, well-nour- records of Long-legged Buzzard Buteo tinnunculus and Peregrine Falcon However, this walk may have a ished flamingo with time to take care rufinus and Eleonora’s Falcon Falco Falco peregrinus are resident, different claim to fame. Orchids, of its appearance. Although scientists eleonorae! being seen regularly throughout although not numerous, include have not directly investigated how this Most of my birding out of the house is the year, the latter recently nesting a very small colony of Ophrys cosmetic use benefits the birds, they conducted with my faithful companion, on a nearby hotel. When the trees malacitana, the Málaga Dull think that the more colourful flamin- Roddy. He is a padenco mix dog that allow, I am sometimes lucky to get Ophrys. gos might have more success in finding follows me blindly with the utmost trust a tantalising glimpse of Bonelli’s These come into flower at the end a mate. They have found that the more and companionship. We have several Eagle high over the mountains. of November, or the beginning of coloured birds started breeding earlier different walks, but our favourite, and During a normal year we can December, making them some of than paler ones. So by mating to a co- therefore my local birding patch, is witness the normal flow of the the earliest flowering orchids (or Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris lourful bird an individual may increase the walk behind the new cemetery in seasons. Ever present though, are latest) in the whole of Europe! At Photo courtesy Pieter Verheij its reproductive success, as from previ- Marbella. It is also Roddy’s local patch, the woodland birds. least seven other species of orchid A small passerine bird found through- ous studies scientists know that the first since he is a rescue dog from “Triple The route is at the foot of the Sierra grow here, along with many other out the mountains of southern temperate pairs to start breeding gain access to the A”, the local dog pound, which is only a Blanca mountains and the main species of wildflower, all depending Europe and Asia at heights above 2000 m best breeding sites. They also have data (breeding). It is mainly resident, wintering couple of hundred metres further up the vegetation is Mediterranean scrub on the winter and spring rains. indicating that females make-up much more widely at lower latitudes, but some track! I don’t think he knows how lucky or matorral, together with pines Kevin Wade Fortunately, the recent destructive more often than males - just like in hu- birds wander during winter months as he is, as he often annoyingly frightens off and the odd Eucalyptus trees. fire at the start of September 2012 Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus mans. rare vagrants even as far as Great Britain. 22 23 Advertisement

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