20 January, Embalse de Negratín, Arboleas Bird Group

Another brave offering from Almería and Arboleas Bird Group. Tomorrow, if I have time after going to Fuente de Piedra, I will tell you all the story of a peculiar falcon at the Guadalhrce today and what some of who get involved on behalf of others go through, although really it comes down to 'you win some, you lose some.....'

The forecast for Baza was clear blue skies, so five members of the group headed for the Embalse de Negratin. It was cloudy with sunny patches, so no complaints! As per usual there was very little bird life on the water. Three Cormorants, one Great Crested Grebe, a few flying Yellow-legged Gulls and a possible Mallard.....it was flying away from us so we only got a rear end view!!
Down in the sheltered valley below the dam we faired slightly better. Lots of small birds: Great Tit, Blue Tit, Serin, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Black Redstart and Robin. Expected to see Redwing, but all the suspects turned into Song Thrushes. On the cliff tops we spotted Blue Rock Thrush and Black Wheatear. Gilly spotted a solitary Griffon Vulture. I was just trying to think what bird could be our bird of the day when a lovely Peregrine Falcon passed over our heads at about 100ft. Sorted!
Ended up with 31 species. Not brilliant, but great to be out in semi decent weather!!