18 February, Arboleas Birding Group

The following received gratefully and published in haste:

On Wednesday 18th February 2009 five members of the Arboleas Birding Group visited
the Embalse de Negratin, near Baza. A chilly crosswind on the top of the dam, but otherwise
a sunny day. Typically the open water on the reservoir produced only a couple of Great
Crested Grebe, five Cormorant and a single Yellow-legged Gull.
Below the dam, where it was considerably warmer we were greeted by a pair of Raven and
a Great Spotted Cuckoo. At least 30 Redwing were still present, but the previously numerous Blackcap had apparently departed. Two Grey Wagtail and a solitary Green Sandpiper were feeding at the water's edge of the brook.
The final birds of the day were 4 Griffon Vulture near to the quarry on the way back to Zujar. A 28 species count in all, so a satisfactory day.

Dave & Gilly