Gilly is due back tomorrow morning. Was I staying in to clean the
house & do the washing? No, I was heading to the Sierra de María
where I met up with 15 other members of the Arboleas Birding Group for
some, as it turned out, non-fairweather birding! The sky was full of
cloud, which was spewing over the mountain ridge. Someone with a smart
car said the temperature was a cool 4ºC.
We first headed down
towards the plain, stopping at the farm buildings. As we arrived a low
flying Griffon Vulture departed westward. Above the water deposit we
could see up to half a dozen Crossbills waiting to drink at a puddle.
They were joined by a Blue Tit and a pair of Goldfinches. We all could
hear a Corn Bunting nearby, but saw no sign of it. We did see Chaffinch
and White Wagtail. Also seen were Mistle Thrush, Rock Sparrow and
Woodlark.
We then descended upon
the water trough area where there were many more Rock Sparrows and
Corn Buntings. Les spotted a Linnet. A Crested Lark was seen as well as a
distant Griffon Vulture just under clouds above the mountain ridge. We
then convoyed across the plain. I didn't see a single bird, but Adrian
saw a Barn Swallow and Rod a Carrion Crow. We had much better luck at
the hamlet. I spotted a pair of disappearing Red-billed Choughs. At least
4 Lesser Kestrels were present as was a solitary Black Redstart. A
flight of about 20 Calandra Larks flew over.
Brian was badly affected
by the cold so he and Mary headed home while we made for the La Piza
cafe for a brew. From inside we observed Great, Coal and Blue Tits
visiting the cone bird feeder. A Short-toed Treecreeper showed up as
well. A Robin and Chaffinches were ground feeding. Some Jays were also
seen.
It was next up to the
chapel, seeing a Common Kestrel on the way. Colin also spotted a
Southern Grey Shrike. It began to drizzle as we walked up to the
Botanical Gardens. We all entered the Information Centre as drizzle
turned to light rain. 5 minutes later it was frozen sleet! We retreated
back to the cars, some heading home, the rest heading back to La Piza
for an early lunch.
We depleted the cafe's supply
of the very good Sierra de Maria Bird Guide, in fact the owner sold his
personal copy as well. As we were driving off, Alan, John and Adrian
in the car in front of me suddenly stopped. Had seen a large bird of
prey flying off. Pretty certain it was a Goshawk!
30 species for the day, not bad considering the weather! Hopefully the Rambla de Almanzora next week will be a lot warmer!
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