Birds of Andalucia Autumn 2015 Volume four, issue Four

Autumn Bird Migration in Cyprus

Cerro Alto Mountains A year in the drylands - Almeria

The Quarterly editorial journal of the andalucia bird society 1 .

In this issue.... Front Cover Photograph Photo courtesy: Notice Board 2 Stephen Powell Vice President Peter’s Review From Brenda - Editor Autumn has arrived, migration of soaring birds It is always a special moment, when those of Important dates for your diary 3 Audouin’s Gull a has been spectacular and continues as I write this us involved with the magazine, see yet another familiar bird on ABS August Field Meeting piece. Also some of our winter birds are arriving edition successfully completed. I would like to 4 the Meditterranean thank all the contributors of the articles, and we coast. 50 years ago and an early date for me was my first Ring Ouzel The cycle of Autumn bird migration in Cyprus 8 it was one of the in the Libar valley on the 21st September! The hope that you will enjoy reading them. Thank world’s rarest gulls Society is continuing to progress with increasing you very much to all our advertisers too, as your Cerro Alto Mountain 10 with a population of membership and raising of our profile here and contribution is greatly appreciated. We have less than 1,000 pairs. A year in the drylands - Almeria beyond Andalucia. Our Field Meetings seem to discussed the possibility of including a couple 12 It is still classified as of regular features in future editions, maybe a rare with numbers grow in popularity and are well attended by our Nature in Focus 14 exceeding c.10,000 members. I would like to thank Frank Hair for his piece on bird identification for the more difficult pairs. species, what do you all think? Let us know. Playing Hide and Seek with Doña Ana 16 efforts in organising these meetings, so enjoyed Audouin’s Gull by us all. Also it is a pleasure to welcome 4 new My local Patch - La Cala Coastal Path Ichthyaetus audouinii Committee members to our number John Brooks, 18 Lindsay Pheasant, Jerry Laycock and Derek Membership Secretary Bob writes... Etherton. Linda Roberts will soon be returning to Since the last issue we have gained a further take up residence in the UK and I thank Linda for affiliated member and a good number of joint ABS Photographic Competition - Summary of Judge Commentary her efforts during her time on the Committee, she and ordinary members. One of the attractions The winner of the ABS Autumn 2015 photo competition is Stephen Powell. All three members of the jury had brought a level head to proceedings and always of my position is that I get to meet some, or agreed on the number one picture, that of Audouin’s Gull. This picture stood out for a number of reasons; proved so willing with helping progress the Society, indeed most, of these new members at the the lighting on the subject was excellent and despite the bird being predominantly white there was a warmth thank you Linda. Another exciting development is following field visits and it is always a pleasure to introduce them to the Society and its members. to the overall colour temperature of the picture. The technical aspect of the picture was also first class with our proposal to ‘adopt’ La Esperanza Salt Pans and sharp focus and an appropriate shutter speed to capture the bird in flight. Finally the movement of the bird, La Covacha Island as the Society’s conservation I mention affiliated members in particular as many are owners of hotels or hostals offering the background and the composition of the picture gave the whole image a wow factor, which impressed project, see a report on our Field Meeting on Page the judges. The complete Jury report with the numbers 2 and 3 can be found on our website, as well as a accommodation for the benefit of our members 4. We will be reporting more on this project in the “slideshow” of all other entries. on our widespread field visits. This is much January magazine and feature regular articles and We hope all photographers (and aspiring photographers) among our membership, will continue sending in appreciated by the officers and members of updates for this great effort to restore breeding their best photographs. We appreciate your entries and of course the winner ensures we grace our magazine the society and we would certainly encourage areas for Spoonbills and much more besides. cover with superb portraits of our birds. other providers of accommodation to make The final date for entry is 15th of December 2015. The decision of the judges will be final and there will be no discussion Please be aware that when you go out on a field contact with the Society and join us to our of the decisions with the entrants. The rules of the Photographic Competition can be found on our website meeting, or birding on your own, that there are mutual advantage. Affiliated members receive some desperate people out there wanting to rob three copies of this magazine, in addition to you. Be very careful, and try not to leave anything all other benefits of membership, so always an visible in the car. If you have to leave anything in opportunity to pass on details to our Society to the boot, try and put it there without anyone seeing guests. Why not join us today? Important dates for your diary you do it. Attendance of all Field Meetings and meetings are free to members of Andalucia Bird Society.

October 24th, Saturday. Odiel Marshes Nature Reserve. The reserve is the second largest wetland in Huelva Province after the Doñana and the most important tidal wetland in . Meet at the visitor Centre car park Officers of ANDALUCIA BIRD SOCIETY: 09.30hrs. President: Alfredo Carrasco Vice President: Peter Jones Treasurer: Luis Alberto Rodriguez Secretary: Helen Wallbank Membership Officer: Robert Wright Field Meeting Officer: Frank Hair Editor: Brenda Jones Other Committee Members: Pieter Verheij, John Brooks, Lindsay Pheasant, Jerry November 21st, Saturday. Llanos de Libar behind the village of . Meet at Venta La Vega on the Laycock and Derek Etherton main to Sevilla road A372 at the junction for the MA 505 at 09.30hrs. To learn more about the society’s activities visit our website: www.andaluciabirdsociety.org December 12th Saturday. Our annual Xmas lunch and also some birding in the Alta Genal valley. Meet at the Advertising 2015 Membership Fees Contact us Garage on the main Ronda - San Pedro Road near to the junction for Cartajima 10.00hrs. AndaluciaContact Birdus Society SpainContact the Society for advertisement 1/4Ordinary page € 45 € 25 ApartadoAndalucia de Bird Correos Society 375 E-mail:1/4 page [email protected] € 45 1/2Joint page € 80 € 30 29400Apartado Ronda de (Málaga)Correos 375 Advertising1/2 page € 80 FullAffiliated page € 140 € 40 Please see the Forum for more details and any changes a few days before each meeting. Let us know via the Full page € 140 BackJunior page € 180 € 10 Spain29400 Ronda (Málaga) Contact the Society for advertisement Forum if you are attending any of these meetings, as we need to know numbers beforehand. E-mail: [email protected] Back page € 180 Life € 300

2 3 Little Terns, Flamingos, White Storks, and other species feed on. And, speaking of ABS August Field Meeting food, we moved on to the old farmstead El Boli/ Salarte building for our lunch. Juan Martín introduced us to Juan and Juan Martín Bermúdez described the regeneration work the Salarte NGO Ricardo, brothers who are responsible are undertaking in the Bay of Cadiz in his article in the Summer 2015 ABS for managing the sluice gates and maintaining the containing walls, keeping magazine. This is the story of our fascinating visit to: out the ocean. Affectionately called “Los Machaca”, Juan Martín called them the La Esperanza salt pans and La Covacha Island stars of the project, sending in daily reports of the birds seen (thus alerting the University to when they can ring the I recently had a memorable morning in the archaeological museum in Nicosia, Cyprus, as a wonderfully knowledgeable and birds) and the details of the fish they catch enthusiastic guide breathed life and spirit into the ancient statues and Grecian urns. An hour into the meeting at La Esperanza on La Covacha Island (which include I realised I was in for another memorable day as Juan Martín breathed life and spirit into the salt pans, set amongst scrub among other species oysters, sea bream, and water channels, and which one sea bass, sole, and shellfish). Los Machaca could easily overlook if it weren’t for were also stars in our eyes as they arrived the way he brought to life the workings with drinks and plates of cheese, sausage of the salt pan. Demetrio, who has and other goodies - a quite unexpected been manually working this salt pan and very much appreciated lunch. While for 10 years, with the seasonal help of we sat inside - a welcome respite from the 2 workers, demonstrated how the salt Levante winds (the sailors amongst us thought was “great, but will I feel sea- and repair any breaches in the walls. is raked by hand into piles (varachas). disputed whether the gales gusted at force sick?”. I later realised I wouldn’t, because La As we anchored ourselves on the roof of The finest salt forms a crust at the 8 or 10; the rest of us just felt them as gales!) Covacha is a salt marsh island in a virtual the Salarte building Juan Martín showed top of the pile during the day and has - we admired / bought the Salarte t-shirts lagoon, in the Bay of Cadiz. Nevertheless, us the area that Salarte had managed to be harvested before sunset as the and finest salt. Refreshed, we headed I was surprised when we arrived on the to reclaim for the Spoonbills to breed. overnight dew dissolves it and it sinks outside where, just beside the building, we island (safely delivered there in the fishing Just before the breeding season the sea to the bottom. Juan Martín said that were treated to close views of summer and boat which Juan, Ricardo, their wives and had again breached the walls and the this finest salt (the “flor” or “flower”) winter plumage Grey Plovers, a Curlew a daughter had brought round for us), volunteers had worked for 4 days to is the healthiest salt in the world as Sandpiper, Kentish and Ringed Plovers, that it seemed less like an island and more rebuild the wall and protect the habitat. it contains nearly all the elements of Sanderlings and Black-tailed Godwits. like a few strips of scrub in the middle of He considers it a miracle how a small the periodic table, which make up When Juan Martín suggested we went on a lagoon. As the high tide receded and group of volunteers have recovered the nearly 10% of this salt. In contrast, salt to the roof, I thought it was to see if we more sea grass came into view, it started La Esperanza salt pans and La Covacha which is mechanically extracted has could fly but, no, it was to get a better view to more resemble an island (though only Island habitat and enthused about the to be washed to eliminate the dirt also of 80 Spoonbills. barely!), and it was abundantly clear potential for sustainable fishing, and excavated, which eliminates the healthy Our afternoon tour was to the Island of La what a precarious habitat this is, and how producing skin treatments, which could elements too, leaving only sodium Covacha. When the ABS first discussed important that Juan and Ricardo are there bring rejuvenation to an economically chloride (99%). a visit to an island near Cadiz, my first day or night to manage the sluice gates depressed area. It is difficult to listen to Juan

Ok, by now you are probably asking “well, that the salt pans had been worked in Mendoza) initiated an agreement for what about the birds?”! Well, yes, we saw the same way since Roman times, with the University to manage the salt pans plenty. A flock of about 20 Spoonbills the sluice gates from the ocean to the and Kentish Plovers are again breeding flew over, which included some 2-month channels being opened to let in the high in the salt pans, together with Avocets, old chicks, identified by their black wing tides to refresh the water, which travels Little Terns and Black-winged Stilts on tips and grey bills; also a lone Griffon along the zig-zag of channels and ends the ridges. The Kentish Plovers favour the Vulture, Gull-billed Tern, Slender-billed up in the “cristalizadores”, divided into areas beside the “tajos” to breed because Gull, Common Tern and Snipe. During squares “tajos”, each one in ancient times their eggs are hidden in the small stones, the morning we saw many Grey Herons, a managed by one man, and where we had shells, etc. and the chicks can walk around large kettle of White Storks accompanied already watched Demetrio raking off the the tajos and shallow water to find food. by a Booted Eagle, Black-winged Stilts, salt. The salt is harvested 2 or 3 times a The Spoonbills have returned to breed on Greater Flamingos, Little Egrets, Yellow- year between May and September. We La Covacha Island, which we were to visit legged Gulls, Avocets (with chicks), then went to the old farmstead where, in the afternoon. This is really an instance Redshanks, Dunlins, Whimbrels, Little until the 1970s, the “Madriz” used to live where human intervention has delivered a Terns, Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, self-sufficiently on his small-holding with positive impact on the environment. But, Common Swifts, Sardinian Warblers and his cattle, vegetable patch and salt pan. equally importantly, in an area with 42% Zitting Cisticolas diving quickly for cover Almost all the salt pans in the Bay of Cadiz unemployment (the highest in Europe), to escape the wind, and large flocks of had ceased to be harvested by the 1970s, there is potential for regeneration of the migrating Bee-eaters. But more about the and had reverted to scrub, causing a loss salt pans to create employment. birds later, as the salt pans continued to of habitat for the breeding Spoonbills, The water in the salt pans was red from intrigue us. Kentish Plovers and other species. In the phytoplankton (Dunaliella salina), As we walked around the channels to the 1999 a Professor at the University of which is full of carotene, and the first step viewing platform Juan Martín explained Cadiz (Dr. Alejandro Pérez-Hurtado de in the food chain for shellfish, which the 4 5 Advertisement

Martín and not be moved by his passion for the Salarte project, restaurant. (He already transforms the cheaper fish caught on La the dedication of the volunteers, and his pride in what they have Covacha into his speciality dishes.) achieved and in winning the Andalucian Environmental Award We returned to the boat about 5.30 p.m. after an exhilarating this year - and all without any public funding. If so much can day. We had anticipated that we would be the mad dogs and be achieved by 4 volunteers, how much could be achieved by an Englishmen turning out in the midday sun, but the clouds and initiative to rejuvenate the whole of Trocadero Island, which is the Levante had kept us cool (if pummeled). We had enjoyed the presently a desolate salt marsh? abundant bird life and learnt about the marine life, the salt pans, There was also pride and delight in his voice as he showed us “our the ecology and the history of the area. But more than anything Osprey”, sitting on a pole in the lagoon, crouched down against we were bursting with admiration for these volunteers who, with the battering wind. This was one of 3 birds which have spent the so much passion, are regenerating La Esperanza and La Covacha year there, using the nesting platforms to roost, but not nesting … and dare to dream of regenerating the whole of El Trocadero

Eurasian Spoonbill Osprey yet. However, it is hoped that they are young birds which will Island. breed in years to come. He showed us the Spoonbill nesting sites, As we waited for the boat Juan Martín told us that up until the where the Spoonbills destroy some scrub to make a nest. 23 pairs 1970s the salt pan workers, “the foremen”, had been better paid had bred this year. The birds migrate to Guinea, Mali, Mauritania and had a higher status than the ship builders of El Trocadero. and Senegal, where the young remain for 3 years before returning The saltmakers were sun-tanned from the ankles upwards but to breed. maintained white feet from wading in the salt pans. When going As we walked along the earth and scrub walls we saw huge flocks into town on a Saturday night they were careful to show off their of migrating Grey Plovers, and large flocks of Redshank and white feet, which was a signal that they were a “good catch” and Dunlin hunkered down on a sheltered sandbank. Little Egrets, gave them extra sex appeal! He hoped that a new generation Grey Herons, Eurasian Curlews and Whimbrel were dotted might again take pride in working the salt pans. around, and several Yellow Wagtails whizzed past in the wind. As we said our goodbyes we felt we had been hugely privileged to As the tide went out and the bay turned green with sea grass, enjoy a day in this special environment with Juan Martín. If you Juan Martín waded in to bring us a handful of sea grass and ever have the opportunity to visit La Covacha I am sure you will explained that a separate initiative is beginning in October to understand what I mean. harvest sea grass, which an award-winning chef from El Puerto de Santa Maria, a founder of Salarte, will be promoting in his Linda Roberts - ABS Member

6 7 Wagtail, Barred Warbler, Icterine Warbler, while Sand Martin numbers in autumn The serious winter visitors start to arrive at Golden Oriole and Rose-coloured are twice that of its spring passage, this time, many also occurring as passage THE CYCLE OF Starling. But the main excitement in late peaking in late September. Red-rumped migrants. The most common are Eurasian August is Demoiselle Crane, which pass Swallow is also prevalent in September, Skylark, Woodlark, Black Redstart, Water over the west of the island in V-formations but its numbers are only 10% that of Barn & Meadow Pipits, Common Chaffinch, in the late afternoon and at night. On some Swallow. Many migrant passerine species Eurasian Serin, European Robin, AUTUMN BIRD MIGRATION evenings groups halt at the Akrotiri Salt reach peak numbers in late September, Common Chiffchaff and Blackbird. Until Lake to rest, before rising up in thermals especially those that started arriving in recently Penduline Tit was believed to around 10am the following morning. The August. Late autumn migrants also start be predominantly a winter visitor, but in earliest birds arrive in the fourth week of moving in late September, including recent years it has occurred mainly as a IN CYPRUS August, with the latest in the first week of Common Redstart and Tree Pipit which passage migrant, with numbers peaking September, so it is very easy to miss them. reach their peak in early to mid October.. late October to early November, while Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia). Although it is a An interesting phenomenon, and possibly only a few remain to winter. Lastly, and member of the European Union, it is actually in the Middle East, 40 miles south of the Turkish coast and previously overlooked, is the massive especially interesting for keen birders August to October migration of Spanish Sparrow in early are Finsch’s Wheatear and Moustached 65 miles west of Syria. Its bird life is mostly of western Palearctic origin, with a country species list of Late August heralds the beginning of to mid October. For most of the year Warbler, which also arrive in late October. 395 (Birdlife Cyprus Checklist, June 2015), of which 52 are breeding residents. The rest are generally raptor passage too. Honey Buzzard adults the species is encountered in small to migrants, either passage, winter visitors, summer visitors or accidental visitors. The island is thus a perfect tentatively appear then, usually in ones medium-sized flocks in agricultural areas, place to enjoy the varied feast of bird migration. and twos, but increasing to over 300 per or nesting in colonies away from large Loop migration Because of Cyprus’s geographical location it is one of the few ‘European’ countries where Bateleur Eagle, day by early September when the young towns. However there is significant coastal species absent in autumn birds pass through. The greatest number migration in autumn, with groups of 100- Little Swift, Dunn’s Lark, Bar-tailed Lark, Blyth’s Pipit and Grey Hypocolius have been recorded. There counted was 2680 on 9th September 200 noted flying eastward throughout the Due to the phenomenon of ‘Loop are a host of other easier-to-see resident species which are hard to find elsewhere in Europe, including 2005. Large numbers of Marsh Harriers morning along the south coast in mid migration’- when migratory species Chukar, Black Francolin, Spur-winged Lapwing, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle and Audouin’s (peaking mid Sep) are joined by Black October. Over 3000 were counted on take a different route in spring and Gull. The two breeding endemics are also easy to find. Cyprus Warbler is present throughout year, although Kites (peaking late Sep), Montagu’s 15th October 2002, 2200 on 12 October autumn - many commonly occurring some do leave the island in winter, while Cyprus Wheatear is a fairly ubiquitous summer visitor, present Harrier (mid Sep), Pallid Harrier (late 2006 (Gordon 2003, Richardson 2007). spring migrants are much less common Sep) and Steppe Buzzards (late Sep). In and I counted 1500 in one flock on 15 or virtually absent in autumn and from mid-March to early October. The upland pine forests also host endemic breeding subspecies Cyprus late September the occasional Booted, October 2013. The southward migrations are noticeably missing from the text. Wren T.t. cypriotes, Cyprus Coal Tit P.a. cypriotes, ‘Dorothy’s’ Short-toed Tree-creeper C.b. dorotheae Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagle of Red-throated Pipit and White Wagtail These include Greater Short-toed Lark, and Cyprus Jay G.g. glaszneri, all of which are easily found. Meanwhile (Cyprus) Scops Owl O .s. cyprius may also appear, but they are not at all peak in mid October, while the slow build Common Nightingale, Desert Wheatear, occurs widely in the foothills and lightly wooded areas throughout the island. This owl is in full voice from common. These soaring raptors assemble up of Bluethroat from late September Subalpine Warbler, Rüppell’s Warbler, March to June. on the Akrotiri Peninsula, a wonderful shows it peaks from late October to mid Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Collared, Pied sight and this is where many birders November, although such a shy species and Semi-collared Flycatchers. In addition congregate to watch them. However it is is difficult to census only by observation. some summer breeders are common in general seawatching when thousands Red-backed Shrike arriving very early. a relatively small passage compared to Corn Buntings of northern populations spring, but due to their early departure are June to August of Glossy Ibis and Garganey pass along Their passage peaks from mid-August what occurs at the eastern bottlenecks arrive in good numbers from late very scarce in autumn, and these include One of the first autumn migrant species northern coasts from July, peaking in to early September, overlapped by the of Eilat and the Bosphorus. European September, becoming quite widespread by Great Spotted Cuckoo and Black-headed is Greater Sand Plover, which arrives late August, flying anticlockwise around passage of notably early warblers, Eastern Bee-eater is abundant at this time, being October. A notable and lingering passage Bunting. in small groups, three or four is usual, the island before heading south towards Olivaceous, Barred, Eastern Orphean present in far greater numbers in autumn of Red-footed Falcons occurs from late to feed on small crustaceans on rocky the Nile Valley. Passerine migration in and Willow Warblers, and Common and than in spring. Their overhead call is one September and their small hovering Colin Richardson coastlines. It arrives in mid June, being of Cyprus also starts early, in the heat of the Lesser Whitethroats. In late August the of the enigmatic sounds of autumn. Over groups are easily identified over cultivated the smaller western columbinus race, and summer. Hundreds of Masked Shrikes first Yellow Wagtails (of several interesting 12,000 individuals were counted in 2013 areas well into October. Colin is chairman of the BirdLife Cyprus is often confused with Lesser Sand Plover. leave their forest breeding grounds and races), Tawny Pipit, Whinchat, Northern during the period mid August to mid Rarities Committee and was Cyprus Bird Many other shorebirds move early too, move to low-lying open ground from late and Isabelline Wheatears and Spotted October, so it is one of the places to watch Recorder and editor of the Cyprus Bird with Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel and July, being joined by birds from Turkish Flycatcher start to pass through. Some and photograph bee-eaters in Europe. Of October to November Report from 2004-2012. If you have any questions about Cyprus birding please Turnstone appearing on coasts from July and Greek populations from mid August. target species for the keen birders which hirundines, there is a big movement of Common Stonechat is a very common contact him at [email protected] when Green, Wood and Marsh Sandpipers Other shrikes also form the vanguard of might make an appearance at this time - Barn Swallows in September and October. winter visitor and passage migrant P.O. Box 62893, Paphos, Cyprus appear at inland pools. This is a time for autumn migration, with Lesser Grey and in ones and twos only - include Citrine Their numbers peak in late September, through Cyprus, peaking in late October.

Greater Sand Plover 8Black-headed Bunting Cretzschmar’s Bunting 9 Lesser Grey Shrike 8 forestry road again, the so-called “Camino de la Sierra” coming stairs is safely protected by the rock wall, we will have to be very from the Torrente riverbed. cautious with loose gravel partially covering the step surface. CERRO ALTO MOUNTAIN Once there, turn sharp right to take the branch that leads, in After walking down the last steps, a smooth ascent of about 250 metres of a wide and apparently drivable track, to the approximately 30 metres separates us from here to the point A balcony overlooking the Lecrín Valley, Granada province saddle where the path breaks continuity with the mountain crest. where the path twists right to emerge in a more open area just At this point of the hike we take the initially clear and broad track in front the dolomitic-limestone crags looming impressively leading down to the bottom of the Pleito valley, snaking along on the opposite bank. We may use the flat roof of a little white Arriving by car to the start of the proposed trek from Granada its southeastern mountain skirt. The opened track at its starting hut - see “FIRST CONTROL HOUSE” on the attached map- for city, we have to take the A44 highway until it meets - in just point is in a well-conserved state, as we move downwards shrubs comfortably leaning on and aiming our binoculars to the vertical 30 Kilometres - junction 157 km (the same exit number if begin to progressively occupy the lane margins until it virtually wall. Rock fragments rolling down the scree slope will reveal to travelling along the A44 from the opposite direction). disappears on reaching an acute right bend. The route here us the location of some surprised mountain goat trying to escape This highway exit is signposted “N-323A DÚRCAL turns sharply back on itself and changes to a narrow footpath uphill. This is also a privileged place from where we may hear NIGÜELAS” and once reached, two roundabouts must be flanked by shrub land vegetation mainly yellow broom (Retama the deep hoot of eagle owl (Bubo bubo), above all in the first few passed straight on before accessing to the smaller third one. At sphaerocarpa) or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). hours after sunset and the early hours of sunrise. this last roundabout we take the first exit to the right, Nigüelas A few dozens of metres further down, the path emerges onto Getting back to the route from this improvised watchtower, direction, the N323A road. a scree zone where broken rock fragments accumulated on the we must be careful returning to the higher and more obvious Keep going on this secondary road some 860 metres, the first slope have partially covered a small concrete channel. From the footpath. asphalted track branching off to the left leads us to the village level of this currently unused conduction it is already possible The next path is just 400 metres onwards -nominated as of Nigüelas after having covered the distance of 1,500 metres. to see the gully bed. The barrage erected there, crosswise to the “SECOND CONTROL HOUSE”-, consisting of an easy walk Just before arriving at the first houses of Nigüelas there is a wide stream, has resulted in a tiny dammed wet area around which leading us through a dense repopulated pine grove. As the esplanade finished with concrete where parking can be easily grows dense riverside vegetation made up essentially of poplar, path encounters the back area of the second house, it becomes found. This spot close to the start of Avenida de García Lorca street marks the beginning of the proposed pedestrian route along willow and African tamarix (Tamarix africana) trees. indistinct so we will have to advance a few metres from here to the streets of the village towards the Torrente River, beyond the outskirts of this lovely small town. While our route should keep on going through the edge of the find the continuation of the route looping round the southern said channel, it is worth venturing down from it for a short visit hillside just below the pine tree line. A rounded, lush pine situated Once reaching the Torrente River, we have to cross the concrete recognizable by providing access to the bridleway that runs to this waterlogged area. Lots of tracks over the boggy ground of about midway between the second and the third houses offers an small bridge over the stream and walk down the left riverbank parallel to the cliff north face of Cerro Alto Mountain. Originally the shore will let us notice mammal species inhabiting the Pleito excellent reference point for not departing from the trail. for about 40 or 50 metres before taking a wide track, the forestry created for use by horses and beasts of burden like mules or steers, Ravine. In addition to the more common mountain goats, foxes The next white shed which we meet, the last one along the road known locally as “Camino de la Sierra” heading right to the this well marked path belongs to the south branch of Sendero de or even wild boars (Sus scrofa), perhaps we may be surprised remainder of the trek and called the “THIRD CONTROL mountain. The route commences as a gentle ascent as it traverses Gran Recorrido GR-7 (long-distance path or great route GR-7). with traces left by other types of elusive and strictly nocturnal HOUSE”, marks the beginning of the route section going through the valley floor, a fertile lowland divided into small private The strategic location of this part of the trail progressing animals such as badger (Meles meles), beech marten (Martes the conifer plantation that covers the foot of the Cerro Alto plots or orchards where olive and almond trees grow between under vertical and inaccessible crags offers a good chance of foina) or genet (Genetta genetta). southwest face. Barely 220 metres from this point, the track ends vineyards and poplar groves. Several warbler species, Blackbirds seeing some rock-dwelling bird species such as Crag Martin Back on the proposed route surrounding Cerro Alto Mountain, in the small and superficially carved ravine. Passing the gully, we (Turdus merula), Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus) and Hoopoes (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura) we advance close to the concrete channel as far as a big broom now have to cross cleared land farmed with almond trees. There (Upupa epops) look for shelter and food in the dense vegetation or even Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) and birds of bush, which stops us continuing on. This obstacle can easily be is no pathway plotted, so the best option is to keep going down of ivy (genus Hedera), blackberry bush (genus Rubus), and prey like Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) or Bonelli’s Eagle overcome. close to the wire fence enclosing a tiny plot with a house. Some broom (genus Retama) covering the thick dry-stone walls that (Hieraaetus fasciatus). By this stage of the trek it is very important to warn that people 200 metres on away from the gully we encounter the landmark border both roadsides. After putting our binoculars into the backpack, we keep to prone to dizziness should not venture further than this. From that signposts the same bridleway previously picked up at the Ignoring the right branch leading down to the farmland area the left and continue on the ascending branch of the afore- here, both the narrowness and the virtual lack of protection beginning of the circular route. at the tip of the mountain, we must advance a little further on mentioned bridle path, maintaining the north-easterly direction along its left flank, clearly contribute to the sensation of hanging To reach this starting point again, we will only have to walk around - roughly 50 metres uphill- until we find the starting point for for almost its entire length, this next part of the route runs along above the ravine floor. If we decide to continue, two difficulties 500 metres of a gently rising path traversing the most important an apparently drivable paved track forking right to Acequias the abrupt slopes of Cerro Alto rising directly ahead up to the still have to be passed on our trail across the rugged slope of the pine forest throughout the journey. The higher humidity village. The sound of water coming from the nearby irrigation crest of the hill. About 350 metres after the ford, where Plúnez mountain. The first challenge will consist of a short segment provided by its facing north orientation, has undoubtedly caused channel accompanies our first steps along this broad track whose ravine crosses the path, it twists right and begins to zigzag up a with a couple of 3 to 4 metres long bridges traversing two small the pine tree growth to form the current tightly packed grove. alignment skirts halfway up the hillside. Going on, barely 250 very steep section, climbing powerfully until we encounter the tributary gullies to the Pleito Ravine main stem. Once over Once completing the circular walk, we can follow the same metres ahead, the path climbs up to the level of the vast plateau these, the trail alignment maintains its gentle descent for other path used before (when ascending Plunez plains) to return to called “Llanos de Plúnez” by people from the neighboring 250 metres or so before arriving at another peculiar stretch with Nigüelas village. villages of Nigüelas and Acequias. a striking concrete staircase. Even though the right edge of the David Rios - ABS Member From the Llanos de Plúnez level the path runs progressing parallel to the Torrente river for around one hundred metres more before turning sharply to the left, in the south-easterly direction, towards Cerro Alto mountain-side. Passing over the track branching left to give access to a farmhouse, we must keep on the gravelly bed of the minor ravine “Barranco de Plúnez” (Plúnez gully) and walk up its usually dried bottom for some metres. Although the walking route across this first stretch of ravine maintains is an easy gradient, it gradually gets steeper searching for the distinct footpath that emerges from the gravel- filled floor and continues its way up bordering the left stream bank. Taking this more obvious path, after just 200 metres, passing through a scrubland with small and replanted pine trees partially occupying the lower part of the slope, we arrive - strictly speaking -at the starting and ending point for the proposed circular trek Map showing the proposed walking route from the village of Nigüelas around the hill. This turning point on the itinerary is easily to Cerro Alto Mountain. 10 11 10 A year in the drylands Cabo de Gata - Almería province Thinking about geological time is intending to understand the Cabo de Gata is a low mountain range in the very SE of the being forced to cross Cabo de Gata and/or Almería inland skies. Walking in the Almería wildlands is a true pleasure from October roots of the landscape, the rules of evolution, the deepest reasons Iberian Peninsula where weather forecasts are usually wrong. Marine birds, whales and migrating fish are also likely to be seen to May, but especially in the early spring. In March and April of our existence, and how each of us see mankind in the History This lost paradise holds the longest unspoilt coast in Spain’s when in the sea. Special mention has to be made of waders in the the landscape and wildlife will welcome you with unique vigour. of the Earth. The geologists try to bring geological time close mainland and some of the best preserved volcanic cliffs in the Almería wetlands. Resident and breeding birds start to display and feed their chicks, to our understanding using a comparison in which a natural entire Mediterranean. Walking that littoral strip means entering Winter slowly inches forward during November and December, so can be seen and heard everywhere. Amphibians and insects year summarizes the history of our planet (during the last 4543 a wild landscape, the home of some remarkable life beings -as the and definitely arrives in Almería in late January and February. emerge, there’s water everywhere, the mountains are an iceland, million years). Then, the first volcanic eruptions of the Cabo de Cabo de Gata Snapdragon Antirrhinum charidemi, (a Cabo de With four mountain ranges 2000m above sea level, 30% of the with snow on the peaks, but ephemeral green, and nature lovers Cabo de Gata charidemi Cabo Snapdragon Antirrhinum Gata endemic) and the Bonelli’s Eagle- and a millenary cultural land above 1000m, and most of the infrastructures, economy heritage. and large towns in the lowlands, Almería inland is a diamond Wildlife in such an extreme place re-starts in late summer. in the rough for the adventurers and nature lovers. The coast, Obviously everything is there in the middle of summer, but the however, remains warm, sunny and comfortable for life -and full heat and the multitudes make it not the best time to enjoy the of wildlife. An easy dive with a snorkel mask in the clear waters countryside (but it is wonderful for sunbathing or practising of Cabo de Gata will leave every visitor breathless (but actually water sports). Some plants, as the white asparagus and the sea breathing through the tube). Not only scuba enthusiasts but daffodil, bloom in August and September. It is not unlikely to every visitor is invited to try. You can dive all year round with a call this land the land of the ten months’ spring. The jewel of the neoprene suit and feel privileged enjoying the underwater world crown, the Snapdragon, is flowering almost all year round, with when almost nobody else does. The cold time is perfect to find a maximum in March-April. But any of the 1.200 different plant the Trumpeter Finch and wild flowers starting to grow. species are flowering at any time of the year, smoothly colouring Reptiles give some interest in the drylands during the hot the brown and inhospitable landscape of Europe’s driest corner. summer. They retire to winter in the caves and holes that erosion

Rain is a scarce phenomenon. Some may fall in September and time have carved in the volcanic andesites of Cabo de Gata, as Starfish and October (as well as during early spring), cleaning up the well as in the metamorphic (phyllites, schists, shales and others) fog-covered sky and, along with some early clouds, painting and calcareous rocks that form the inland reliefs of the Almería wonderful sunrises and twilights that make this place unique province. Metamorphic ones are by far the oldest in the Almería Gata volcanic complex happened on December 30th at about for landscape photography. In Almería this is also the season of province, with more than 250 million years (in our comparison, and photographers start to gently crowd the countryside. Spring 20:00 hours. It means as much as 14 million years ago, as in that rare birds and migrating creatures. Everything is moving north 20 days before the midnight of Dec. 31st). They can be found is definitely the time to come to Almería to enjoy its nature. geological calendar each day represents about 12.5 million years. to south, west to east, Atlantic to Mediterranean, Highlands to altogether in “El Hoyazo” volcano, an amazing geosite close The most recent sedimentary rocks that can be found are, of lowlands, or the reverse. Southward bird migrations reach the to the village of Níjar, which tells us a history of the geological David Monge - Geologist and Wildlife Guide course, actually being formed. Mediterranean Sea somewhere in Spain’s East coast and follow it, origin of the Alpine sierras in the West Mediterranean. geoGata - Wild East Nature

12 13 12 structures which complicate the operation of the system.

NATURE IN FOCUS PITFALLS OF FLASH THEORY AND PRACTICE FOR SUCCESSFUL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY Perhaps the biggest difficulty when photographing animals with flash is eye The previous articles in this series have looked at shine and red-eye. If the flash unit is the basic equipment for photography, the cameras mounted on the camera and is aimed and lenses, and then the basic principles for their directly at the animal the eyes are often use. While the commonest situation for taking rendered as completely red discs. While photographs is with a hand held camera in good this red-eye effect can be dealt with to some extent in the image processing daylight, wildlife photographers quickly find step the eye detail is inevitably lost. The themselves in much more difficult situations, trying problem can be alleviated by locating the to take good pictures, and this is when a range of flash to one side of the camera, or using ancillary equipment becomes essential to achieve bounce flash i.e. bouncing the flash off a good results. This article will also be the last one of reflective surface (usually not possible in the open air). The other difficulty is this serie about Nature photography techniques. the harsh shadows that can be produced from the flash and, again, while image Photographs of a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth – Bradypus variegatus and Crested Guan – processing can remove some of the effect, Penelope purpurascens taken using flash in the jungle of Costa Rica. Note how clearly flash has it is often impossible to disguise the fact 7. Ancillary Equipment a range of sizes and fabrication materials, the Guide Number means the flash can been used by the prominent shadows and the red-eye of the Guan, which has not been corrected. that the photograph has been taken using with the metal versions the cheapest but illuminate an object at twice the distance Neither of these pictures would have been possible without using flash due to the very low light flash. One last important point when using conditions. SUPPORTING THE CAMERA heaviest and the carbon fibre ones the or at the same distance at one quarter the flash is to remember that the light from We have already seen how we can control lightest and most expensive. Perhaps sensitivity. Doubling the Guide Number output being moderated by the camera length of the lens being used. It is possible the flash has a specific colour temperature the exposure parameters of the camera more important than the tripod is the of a flash requires the light output to be (which is why the specification is now to make the illumination angle of a flash and for best colour rendition the white and how it is necessary to try and retain a head that is fixed to the tripod to carry the increased four times since the area to given as maximum Guide Number) and gun narrower and therefore to give a balance needs to be set accordingly. sufficiently fast shutter speed to negate the camera. The most obvious type is the pan be illuminated increases as the square the illumination angle of the flash gun greater ‘throw’ by placing a Fresnel screen movement of the subject and the shake and tilt head, although this is more suited of the distance (the inverse square law). automatically adjusted to suit the focal in front of the flash, but these are flimsy Roger Marchant - ABS Member of the hand held camera. Unfortunately to small video cameras than to telephoto The Guide Number is the product of the Advertisement too often there is just insufficient light lenses. The ball head can be very effective maximum flash to subject distance and to accommodate both the desired depth although adjusting the friction to exactly the f value ie. GN = distance x f-number. of field and an appropriate shutter speed the correct setting to allow movement We can use this Guide Number to indicate within a desired ISO range. The solution without collapse is difficult. Without how effective a particular flash will be eg. a in these situations, providing the subject doubt the system of choice is the gimbal flash with a Guide Number of 24 m at ISO is not moving rapidly, is to use some head, which allows the camera to be 100 means that a target 6 m away will be support for the camera. In its simplest perfectly balanced around its centre of correctly illuminated with an aperture of form this consists of resting the camera on gravity so that it can be moved in any f4 (24 = 6 x 4) whereas to use an aperture of a solid object or for the photographer to direction with no frictional restraint. f8 with the same ISO setting would require lean against a tree for instance to provide Due to the necessary design constraints the subject to be 3 m away (24 = 3 x 8). a more solid base. Simply resting the of this system gimbal heads are heavy Many DSLR cameras have small pop-up camera on a hard surface, particularly if and expensive. An intermediate solution flash units incorporated in the camera but it is uneven, does not work too well and rather than opting for a tripod is to use a these are only really useful for auxillary the answer here is to use a bean bag. This monopod, this provides some support and lighting over short distances (fill-in flash) is a simple small fabric sack that can be takes the weight of the camera and lens. since the Guide Numbers are small eg. 12 filled with rice grains, lentils or any other With a big lens, however, it is still difficult m. Flash guns that can be attached to the suitable filler and which deforms to hold to get complete stability and it becomes hot shoe on the camera come in a variety the camera steady. Bean bags can also a liability for shots up high or for flight of sizes with Guide Numbers between eg. be used effectively over the window of a shots unless a quick release mounting is 28-60 m, but more interestingly these can vehicle when it is being used as a hide. used. be deployed remotely from the camera From experience, a bean bag is also and more than one flash unit can be used useful for close up photography of plants FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY at the same time, controlled by a wireless as something to kneel on. The only real The use of flash to allow pictures to be unit attached to the camera. This provides drawback of a bean bag is the weight it taken in otherwise impossible situations is the opportunity to set up the lighting for adds to your camera bag. a complex topic which we will only cover a specific location like a stake-out. The For a more static location, like photography briefly here. The first things to consider most important thing to glean from from a hide, the best solution is to use a here are some of the basic principles this basic information is that the light tripod with a suitable head for attachment starting with the Guide Number. Each output from a flash falls off very quickly of the camera. Apart from supporting flash unit has a specific Guide Number. with distance and expectations of results the camera for taking the pictures it also This indicates the ability of the flash to should be moderate in field conditions. reduces movement in the hide which illuminate a subject at a specific sensor Modern DSLR cameras and flash guns might disturb the birds. Tripods come in sensitivity and angle of view. Doubling are now very sophisticated with the flash 14 15 14 Advertisement Playing Hide and Seek with Doña Ana Andalucian Birders in particular will be pleased to read that and Cattle Egret, Moorhen and Mallard were present in good some 30 kilometres west of Málaga, a new hide has been built numbers, as were Goldfinch and Greenfinch. Close by we had on the Guadalhorce river, just south of in an area called several sightings of Golden Oriole, Turtle Dove and a White Doña Ana. Inaugurated in July 2015, the new Doña Ana hide Stork. Both Booted and Short-toed Eagle soared overhead was a joint undertaking between the Ayuntamiento (town hall) fairly frequently, interspersed with Spotless Starling, Collared of Pizarra and the Diputación de Málaga (County or Provincial Dove, Bee-eater, Swift, Barn Swallow and House Martin. Several Council) Spotted Flycatcher, a Stonechat, Wagtail and Blackbird popped The robust wooden structure is airy, well built and relatively in and out, as did two Kestrels having a mid-air argument about comfortable. Perched high on the right-hand bank* of the river, something or other. The monarch was in residence as well, a facing North-North-East the sun sets on your left hand side and hovering colourful Kingfisher. Salvador, a local birder and keen rises on your right so the light is good all day long in summer. photographer, confirmed the area to be rich in both resident and With little glare or shadow to contend with, the hide provides a migratory bird life, with Black Stork and Little Ringed Plover good visual and photographic vantage point with plenty of shade. being particularly partial to the Guadalhorce river around There are a few negative points however; the window openings Pizarra. are perhaps a little on the large side for this particular location, Using the hide as a centre point, it is easy to spend several hours making it easy to spook the birds on arrival or with sudden there. The reed beds, long grass and scattered Eucalyptus trees movements, the two benches are a bit too close together and immediately behind the hide should not be overlooked as they there is not much room for setting up tripods or attaching scope are also full of birds. There are more birds in the citrus orchards Special discount for ABS Members clamps should you want to. behind that but these orchards are obviously fenced off farmland Bringing a new meaning to the game “hide” and seek, it’s also and best left alone. a devil of a place to find for the first time and it’s going to need The footpath along the river going upstream soon peters out and some garden maintenance. Built on a patch of cane, the view to apart from the rabbits and a single Pomegranate tree, a favourite the right is completely obscured and needs clearing. Furthermore of the Sardinian Warbler, is not so interesting. fresh cane is starting to sprout up right in front of the hide, as are Downstream is better. Running for three or four hundred metres the Tamarisk bushes lower down, however Pizarra town hall has alongside the river the overhanging trees and pools dotted received and acknowledged an email on this subject. “Vamos a along the path make good shaded spots for watching more ver” as to what will happen. birds, turtles, surprisingly big river fish, numerous red and blue On the positive side, once you know where it is, access is dragonflies and if you are very quiet and a little bit lucky, you’ll quite easy, there is a slot for viewing from wheelchairs and the see Otter, as we did. location appears to be well chosen, relatively flood resistant The banks of the Guadalhorce river are generally quiet but in with good views and free from rubbish left by picnickers, etc. addition to providing summer homes for Bee-eater and burrows The information board claims a possibility of sightings of up to for Rabbit, this is also an important farming area. Clearly visible 190 different bird species, although that is obviously not likely to on the other side of the river from the hide there are ploughed happen in one day but it does indicate there are a lot of different fields and then the old Pizarra to Málaga road with some passing birds present in the area. In short, it’s quite rewarding and three- traffic. There is also a railway line with a few trains, so visitors can cheers are certainly in order for Málaga County Council and expect some natural noise and maybe the odd tractor. A man on Pizarra town hall for their efforts, the site and providing the horseback may say hello as he passes by to check on the hobbled materials for the hide. horses left by the river to graze, which some may find disturbing, In August it is very hot even down by the river but it is also very along with the discarded empty shotgun cases but this is all picturesque. The view over the river is an impressive steep rock part of everyday life in the Andalucian campo, where birding is escarpment. The flowing water, the thick green reed beds and a relatively new but a rapidly growing pastime. All in all - well wiry Tamarisk bushes strike a strong contrast with the parched worth the effort. yellow grass, arid brown sand and the sun-bleached river rocks Pete Woodall and Satori Casanova - ABS Members lodged in the shallows, where the birds pause to drink and turtles sunbathe. * The right-hand bank of a river is the one on your right when Waders were scarce to non-existent at the hide in August, not facing downstream. even a Sandpiper or an alarmist screechy Black-winged Stilt. ** Full directions and more photos on the ABS website and at: However Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret www.facebook.com/andaluciathecampoandthecoast

16 17 16 Between and Calahonda, For the Observation hide, by car, take the Spanish Atlantic coast, but a few venture sceptic, go through the car park and park way you came, or short cut along the where the recently opened section of the A7 coast road from Fuengirola (direction south to Andalucia each year. in any street close to the beach for free. secondary road behind the buildings. coastal walk stretches from Torrenueva ). After approximately 2kms Depending on where you park, when you There are numerous restaurants or beach to Riviera del Sol, is the subject from Fuengirola’s castle, (worth a look The hide is away from the road and opens hit the beach, there will be a promenade, chiringuitos along the route for comfort of “My local Patch” this issue. I also around the grounds in spring to see what towards the sea so is a good place for concrete path, or wooden walkway. Take stops, coffee or lunch. Our favourite is include the cliff top observation hide at might have dropped in, attracted by the seawatching. It offers a respite from the the path, (direction Marbella) and enjoy! “Papa O”, which is back at the beginning Calaburras, as my wife, Barbara, and I like elevation and nearby river) look for the traffic noise, with good views of wintering where the path becomes the promenade to combine the two sites. wooden hide on the left. (It has Gannet, and Tern on migration, diving This section, approximately 5 kms, around proper. The food is always good, and what written on it.) Above on the right is the for fish (if you’re lucky). All the usual the headlands, looks down over the rocky better way to end a morning’s birding. The entire coastal walk, (google “la cala lighthouse. Just after the lighthouse, take gulls, including plenty of Audouin’s, are shoreline interspersed with pebble and coastal path”) it is rumoured, will start the exit slip road (signed El Faro), up to here in winter. With a good scope, it is sandy beaches. All the aforementioned Jerry Laycock - ABS Member at and finish at Puerto Duquesa, the roundabout. Go round, cross over the possible, sometimes, to see Mediterranean birds can be seen here as well, and , opening in stages, as each one is A7, and park near the bottom of the other Shearwater skimming along just above the wintering Cormorants should soon be finished. They have a bit of work to do yet, slip road which re-joins the A7. There is waves, further out to sea. hanging around in big numbers. As you so don’t hold your breath. ample parking there on two bits of spare walk, watching out for mad cyclists, check ground opposite Restaurant Faro Playa. To continue on to the walkway, return to out the gardens and cliff sides you pass. It is possible to walk between the new Walk back behind the barrier, alongside your car and retrace your route back up We have seen Kingfisher, Black Redstart, pathway and the observation point at the A7 towards Fuengirola to reach the the slip road, (beware of traffic exiting the Wagtail and Meadow Pipit. Return the Calaburras, in 20/30 minutes at a leisurely hide. A7 at speed as you set off) back over the pace, but I would drive or bus it, as 30 A7 to the roundabout. Take the last exit minutes beside the A7 will give most The path beside the A7 is noisy, but check and rejoin the A7 toward Marbella again. people a severe headache! The area doesn’t the beach below the low cliff and rocks After passing around the back of La Cala offer a vast species list, but the birds are just offshore, as they are good areas for you will see the Lidl store on the right and close and easy to watch as they feed or small waders e.g. Sanderling, Plovers, a BP petrol station on the left. After these, bask on and around the rocks under the Turnstone and Common Sandpiper, as take the second exit (approx. 5kms. from low cliffs. On a sunny morning, it’s a well as seabirds. Whimbrel and Little where you re-joined the A7). The exit is very pleasant walk with great views each Egret have posed for us here from time at the end of the long straight section and way along the coast, and of course, the to time. In winter a reliable and special has a sign on the grassy bank on the right earlier the better for the birds. Weekends visitor is Purple Sandpiper. A small, dark “Torrenueva”. Go down to the roundabout, should be avoided, however, as the entire Sandpiper, it is often difficult to see against around it and back under the A7 to the big population of Andalucía is walking or the dark wave-washed rocks where it car park behind the beachside apartment biking on the path. feeds. The breeding grounds of Purple blocks. In the summer, a parking charge is Sandpipers are in Iceland and Norway, requested. It is discretionary, but most pay To access – the Fuengirola to Marbella bus and they winter mostly around Britain one euro for a ticket. The attendant told stops close to both sites. and the nearby continent as far as the me the money goes to charity. If you are a My local patch La Cala Coastal Path

Whimbrel Sandwich Tern Sanderling Little Egret

19 18 Binoculars & Telescopes

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Andalucia Bird Society Autumn 2015.indd 1 28/09/2015 11:17