Doñana Bird Fair, 1-4 May, 2014

Doñana Bird Fair, 1-4 May, 2014 

It is 60 years since the foundation of the Spanish Ornithological Society – SEO/BirdLife – whose functioning in those early days was largely due to persons such as Francisco Bernis, Mauricio González-Gordon, José Antonio Valverde, José Manuel Rubio and a handful of ornithological pioneers who carried out expeditions to Doñana in which British ornithologists such as Guy Mountfort, Max Nicholson, Phil Hollom and others from the British Ornithological Union also took part and which are detailed in the splendid book ‘Portrait of a Wilderness’. This work enabled the start of the Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO) back in May 1954.

In many ways Doñana has been the scene and starting point for deeds and projects which have been decisive for the conservation of birds and wildlife in Spain and the rest of the world. It is thanks to those pioneering experts that then was born what is today SEO/BirdLife. It is important to remember that date now as one of those pioneers, Mauricio González-Gordon, died in 2013 and this has encouraged the SEO to celebrate the holiday weekend of 1 May 2014 with the Doñana International Bird Fair, Memorial to Mauricio González Gordon. It is the intention of SEO/BirdLife that this fair should be a big celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the founding of the SEO and, especially, a meeting of the greatest number of birders possible in the splendid surroundings of Doñana and Dehesa de Abajo.

 Throughout the 60 years of its existence the SEO has taken part in campaigns in defence of birds and wildlife in all places and environments in the Spanish territory, both peninsular and in the two archipelagos. In prime position, Doñana itself, then the efforts at reclamation of the wetlands of the Tablas de Daimiel, the former bombing range at Cabañeros, the splendid scenery and avifauna of Monfragüe, the introduction of ecological rice production as well as other actions within the Ebro Delta, the marshes of the Marismas de Santoña and a large et cetera.. SEO/BirdLife has always been present and giving battle for the protection of the vast natural patrimony within Spain and, if it is possible, even more so where the battle has involved the protection of menaced species, be they in danger or vulnerable in the face if any aggression.

Since its foundation in 1954, SEO/BirdLife defined itself as a scientific body dedicated to the inextricably linked study and conservation of birds. For decades, with the help of members and collaborators, it has carried out the enormous task of bettering the knowledge of the Spanish avifauna. There has been a multitude of projects ranging from the censusing of migrant birds, especially the soaring species, in the Strait of Gibraltar which was started by Professor Bernis with GEMRA, the annual reports of the Rare Birds Committee (Comité de Rarezas – CR), the breeding and wintering birds atlases, all the censuses, monographic works and long-term censusing, all carried out thanks to the hundreds of collaborators, and not least the scientific investigations published in the journal Ardeola.

Independently of Spanish ornithologists visiting other areas within Spain, there are thousands of ornithologists from central European countries who wish to know and see the birds of the great Spanish birding meccas: Extremadura, Gallocanta, the Pyrenées, the Ebro Delta, Doñana, the Strait of Gibraltar … The Doñana International Bird Fair, 1-4 Mayo, 2014, will, apart from being a great opportunity to celebrate 60 years of the SEO, enable the meeting of both amateur and professional ornithologists in spectacle of spring in Doñana. The SEO does not see the Bird Fair as a purely commercial or professional encounter but a birding festival open to all those who enjoy birding and the environments in which they practice it. 

HOW TO GET THERE

The site selected for the Doñana International Bird Fair is the reserve of La Dehesa de Abajo. Dehesa de Abajo lies within the bounds of the town of Puebla del Río at less than 30 minutes from Seville. The reserve has a visitors centre with all the installations necessary in order guarantee the success of the bird fair. La Dehesa de Abajo covers an area of 700 hectares within which there is the largest colony of White Storks in Europe and which breed in the wild olives. In the lake, La Cañada de la Rianzuela, there are large numbers of many of the most representative species to be seen in Doñana: flamingos, marbled ducks, white-headed ducks, red-knobbed coots …, not to mention raptors, gulls, terns and waders, herons and egrets and these sum more than 100 species at the time of spring the fair will take place. Dehesa de Abajo is surrounded by rice paddies and large forests of stone pines in which, apart from many bird species, there lives the extremely scarce Iberian Lynx.

 

In addition to the infrastructures at Dehesa de Abajo, the bird fair can count on the Franciso Bernis Ornithological Centre in the middle of the village of El Rocio in the municipality of Almonte and by the wetland of  la Madre de Las Marismas. This infrastructure in the very heart of the area of Natural Doñana in El Rocio will be the direct connection to the Doñana Bird Fair from Huelva, crossing the National Park and visiting sites such as the Antonio Valverde Centre in the FAO, Entremuros or the Guadiamar green corridor.

The Doñana Bird Fair is to celebrate 60 years since its inauguration and will take place between 1 and 4 May 2014 with a notable celebration. The fair will bring together activities related to the observation, instruction and enjoyment of the birds of Doñana and will bring together amateurs and professionals as well national and foreign exhibitors. The SEO is most grateful for the support of the Rutland Bird Fair organisation from Great Britain, the biggest birdwatching fair in the world. In the installations of Dehesa de Abajo visitors will be able to listen to talks, see projections, assist at workshops for observation and photography and take part in some competitions. 

So, if you are interested in seeing good birds, meeting fellow birders and so on, come along. And if you see me and want to chat, please do come and say ‘hi’ (or something). I shall be there for all four days.

21 December : La Janda (first day of winter)

21 December, first day of winter according to the stars and waning moon in the sky when I left home for La Janda, but apart from the early morning cold one wouldn't have thought so as it was sunny and virtually windless all day from dawn onwards and around noon onwards it was positively warm. As I hadn't been birding, proper birding, since before mid November when I went to England and having had a rather busy week since returning, it was just the day I needed. And I got it!

There wasn't a vast quantity of species, exactly 40, but there was quality and when you see the list I think you'll agree, even though one of the most desirable species, the Black-shouldered Kite, was notable by its absence but there were compensations. For a start off, no sooner had I started down towards the drainage canal than a Merlin crossed my bows - flat out on the deck, the only way they fly. There were fewer Marsh Harriers than expected, only 5, and not a single Hen Harrier. There were fewer Kestrels too, less than 10, but outnumbered by at least 11 Common Buzzards (photo above). But things were to get even better with 2 juvenile/immature Bonelli's Eagles and then a tremendous racket caused by 2 Ravens seeing off a 1st year Imperial Eagle. The two photos below aren't great but they were very distant. There was also a very distant and unidentifable Aquila-type eagle which showed a silhouette which reminded me much of Spotted/Lesser Spotted but which will remain one of birdings great unknowns.

 There were quite a lot of Chaffinches (but no Bramblings), Goldfinches (but not a single Greenfinch!) and House Sparrows, plus flocks of Skylarks and later a few Calandra Larks which are always nice to see. There were Chiffs everywhere there was cover and large numbers of White Wagtails also.I saw both species of starlings, most were Spotless but there I saw one lovely spotty Common (perhaps we ought to call them Northern Starlings down here?), this latter being species much overlooked as most birders don't bother.
The rice fields, long harvested, have been dried out and the majority left with the stubble but with little standing water. In fact, there were only two areas of water and on the first, about half way along on the left hand side going northwards along the track, gave a few Lapwings (more seen later), 2 Green Sandpipers and a solitary Greenshank. The second area of water, more or less opposite the bridge, was more productive with a count of 19 Ringed Plovers and 2 Little Stints on the outward leg and going back later no waders but a couple of Water Pipits.
And there were the Cranes, with at least 350 streaming across in front oif me far along the track and setting down in the fields to the west. Some 30 minutes later I heard and then picked out a very high flying flock of some 80-90 birds coming down from the north. They really were high, I reckoned at least 1.500 feet and possibly a lot more, altitude is very difficult to estimate. These must have seen or heard those below and they went on down La Janda, turned across the light breeze and made a long final approach, legs down to brake and lose height, to land amongst those already present. And what a noise they made, almost a celebration of their arrival (highly anthropomorphic, I know), and I wondered very seriously how far they had come. I do like cranes!

So all in all, a very pleasant, very relaxing, day with some nice birding to help along. There is very little more that one can ask for in life as far as I am concerned.

18 December : Sierra de María

On the subject of the Red Squirrels (see Dave's comment below), some 20 years ago there was quite a decent population of Reds in the El Retiro Park in the centre of Madrid (well worth a walk around of you happen to be in that metropolis). These Reds, were very tame and would come and take crushed walnut pieces from your fingers by the simple expedient of walking up you and along an outstretched arm. My son, then aged about 7, was particularly good at attracting them. Also, there were some melanic ones and very attractive they were too. I don't know if they are still there or not.
And while on the subject of the Retiro, a friend who lives about two blocks away rang about 10 pm. one evening a couple of Novembers since and asked me to guess what he was looking at. I said the television and he told me not to be stupid (normal) and that in fact he was watching an Eagle Owl on a roof top opposite! There are several pairs actually in the city. I bet they cleaned out the stray cats population! Some years ago there was one which took up winter residence in the centre of Coín (Málaga province) and totally cleaned out stray cat population. Old biddies were locking up their pet moggies at night lest they fall as dinner to the owl. We could use one around where I live as the law says that I can't shoot the cats or their owners!
 Well, Dave and Gilly at least have their wheels back, which is something, and made the most of them as he recounts below. 
I too add my best wishes to you all for a good Christmas and New Year, and my particular thanks to Dave for his enlightening reports from the other end of Andalusia and, especially, good birding again in 2014.

Firstly I apologise for the delay in submitting this report. When Gilly and I got home we had an e-mail from the Madrid garage to say our wounded truck was ready for collection. So it was early to bed and out of the house at 4am to catch the train at 6am. Truck now safely back home without any problems on the 500km return journey. 

     Kevin kindly taxied Gilly and I up to Maria where we met 6 other hardy members of the group at the garage cafe. We'd spotted a Raven as we approached the town to start our list. As it was chilly...could've been a lot colder...Brian suggested we headed to the plain before doing the shaded Botanical gardens. We stopped first at the farm buildings. On the trees beyond the small water deposit we saw numerous Crossbills and a pair of Mistle Thrushes. They were later joined by some Goldfinches. On some distant trees Chaffinches were seen again and Barrie, who was using his scope, spotted Long-tailed Tits as well. Unfortunately Les had a call from home and& had to leave us.

     The rest of us made for the water trough area. The trees beyond it were covered in Rock Sparrows. Also seen were Corn Bunting and Linnets and Serins also appeared. On the field the other side of the road a small flock of White Wagtails were feeding. As we left for the plain we spotted a group of Crested Larks.

The only bird of note, spotted by some, was a Southern Grey Shrike, so we headed back to the La Piza cafe for a coffee. Here, the owners had put up home made fatballs which attracted Crested, Great and Blue Tits. Chaffinches and a Jay searched below for scraps. Crossbills came to take the waters from a man-made pool. An Iberian Squirrel (if that's what they're called) visited. They are the size of a Grey but as you can see from the photo they have a mottled burgundy/grey coat.

We then made our way to the chapel. Very few birds around. A Cirl Bunting was seen. There was no sign of any bird life at the gardens, not even any calls. As we were on a tight time schedule we headed for lunch,but not before Kevin spotted a Black Redstart.

We saw 26 species, collected some fine honey from the farmhouse (Sure Barrie and Jan are on commission!) and had a very refreshing walk with great company! On the way home I spotted at least 6 Griffon Vultures over the Velez Rubio side of the mountain ridge where it gets all the sun!

Lastly Gilly and I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and good birding in 2014.

Dave

4 December : Rambla de Almanzora & Vera

OK, yes, it's been a long time since the last entry but I have, perforce of family circumstances, been in England between mid November and mid December. I have news of various things which I shall give in a followup to this blog. However, I am back until mid January and there will be information but first this of Dave, Gilly & Co. and their disasters but also some birding, albeit rather dated.

     It's been ages since Gilly and I have been birdwatching. We had a disastrous journey to England. Our truck's engine blew a piston out 50km north of Madrid. It's still there having a new engine fitted. My Sigma 150-500mm lens's auto-focus gave up the ghost for the third time. It's now been sent to Japan for repairs at HQ. So it was really good to meet up with the group after an absence of nine weeks.

     We met above the ford overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora on a cool, grey day. On the water near the ford we saw a pair of Teal, Black-winged Stilts, Mallard and Black-headed Gulls. A Dartford Warbler showed well on a nearby bush as did a Black Redstart on the wooden fencing. We wandered further along, seeing Ringed Plover, Green and Common Sandpiper and a Snipe. Above us were a few Crag Martins. Also seen were Magpie, Hoopoe, Stonechat and House Sparrow. Further along towards the desalination plant I spotted a Grey Wagtail. Meadow Pipits were observed. Les saw a Water Pipit. A Redshank and some Shovelers completed the Rambla list.

     After a pick-me-up cup of coffee in Villaricos we made our way to the beach to the south of the harbour. There were 49 Cormorants with some white fronted juveniles on the rocks. A Black-necked Grebe was feeding nearby. Out to sea a 19 long string of presumed Balearic Shearwaters flew past just below the horizon. 3 Gannets were also seen. A Sanderling was seen before we walked over to the estuary. Loads more Cormorants were there together with Little Egrets, a couple of Grey Herons and a flock of Black-headed Gulls. Alan spotted a pair of Little Grebes. A Knot was a good find. A distant Kingfisher showed well. Sandwich Terns were resting on a pebble spit as was an Audouin's Gull. 

A Great Crested Grebe together with another Black-necked Grebe was swimming just beyond the breakers. A pair of Whimbrel was seen as well as a sleeping Grey Plover.

     We then convoyed to the road overlooking the pools at Vera. A juvenile Greater Flamingo was present. Les spotted a smart male Pintail. We also added Shelduck and Blackbird to our day list. 

 At the pool opposite the Consum supermarket we saw a number of White-headed Ducks. There were numerous Chiffchaffs flitting around, some being Iberian. Our list was completed by Lynn, Les's wife who saw a Marsh Harrier as she walked round whilst the rest of us drove!

     We ended up with an impressive 54 species for the day even though the weather could've been better.

PS: Dave forgot to say that Alan had seen a Temminck's Stint at the Rambla some days opreviously and that these shots are with Dave's new Canon Powershot SX50 whilst his Sigma lens is in intensive care in Japan.

03 November : Guadalhorce

November, cool winds in the early morning at about 08.30, lowish temperatures sufficient to warrant a light sweater, right? Wrong, not yet. Shirt sleeves and probably in the 27º-28º range when I came out around 11. When will this summer change? It's put back many arrivals. I saw my first Black Redstart around the paartments yesterday, 02 November, when I normally expect to see them around 20 October, although the first Crag Martins did arrive down on 22 of last month. Apparently plenty of Robins in the hills but they've not come down to the coast and so far not one in the garden, very few Chiffs too. Any how, to this morning's birding.... By the by, there are no photos, so if you don't feel like reading and only like pretty (?) pictures, turn off now.
So, I met Paco Rivera down by the laguna Grande where there was quite a lot of very little which included satanic black Cormorants decorating the dead eucalyptus,a few brass-off looking Grey Herons and some miserable Coots. Things were enlivened briefly by a an immature Marsh Harrier and a dark phase Booted Eagle showed for 10 seconds and both vanished, never to be seen again while one or two Chiffchaffs bounced around in the tamarisks. A Cattle Egret was surveying the universe from the back of one of the horses that have been grazing down the vegetation. The best there was probably a smart pair of Gadwalls.
From there it was round to the laguna Escondida - 'escondida' means hidden and everthing was, and that which wasn't was way down at the far end sonwards we trudged down to the east bank. First hide not a lot, one or two more Chiffs but nothing exciting at all unless you can worked up about Crag Martins swooping back and forth in the warm wind (yes, you read right, warm wind) and the odd Grey Heron chugging inland against the wind.
The second hide, which overlooks the so-called wader pool, proved slightly more productive with around 15 Teal, nice little ducks but there were very few waders: one each of Green and Common Sandpiper and 2 or 3 Snipe which eventually showed very well. There were few Little Egrets and a single adult Spoonbill sweeping its way through the mud while the Kingfisher made a brief appearance.
On down to the old river, the río Viejo. and there was equally little there except for 3 1st year Flamingos and we went all the way down to the seawatch mirador. We had seen Gannets from a distance and we were to see a few adults, 2nd plumage types and 1st plumage birds. There were plenty of gulls around as usual and not doing much until a dark phase Arctic Skua appeared and that moved them! There wasn't a single shearwater to be seen, although it's getting to the tail end of the season for Cory's as they are exiting the Strait for Brazilian waters. There were at least 2 Sandwich Terns, another species which has been scarce this year.
From there Paco and I wended our way out and we were on the point of nearing the cars when we had fleeting views of Red-rumped Swallow and House Martin. The first is, I think, rather late. However, there are reports in one of the Spanish bird forums of Barn Swallows and even Pallid Swifts as far north as Madrid!
I suspect that when this weather does change it will do so with an unsuspected violence and that we shall go from shirt sleeves to thick sweaters and waterproofs in a very short period of hours. However, time will tell. Good birding to you all.

01 November : Fuente de Piedra

Life has been a trifle fraught this week so when I awoke early this morning and all was tranquil and the sky clear, I thought, "Fuente de Piedra, here I come."
The reasoning was that as it was 1 November and All Saints Day (Todos los santos) when all the good little Spaniards would be at the cemeteries, laying bouquets of flowers for which they will have been well and truly ripped off, removing the dried and withered remains of last year's offering to Tío Paco or Tía María, cleaning up the headstone or whatever and then, after feeling all good and pious, shove off home and feed their faces, feeling all saintly for having done their filial (or whatever relationship) duties..
Wrong! They all went to Fuente de Piedra. Admittedly I was late arriving, just after 10, but they - the great unwashed - were there in their masses, along with yawling, uncontrolled brats, young and old on bicycles, mostly clad in their latest spandex cycling gear (and I thought that there was a recession) and even with their radio on in the case of one pair of unspeakable cyclists whilst another group felt that communication was best carried out by bawling.
By the time I had spent an hour there I was totally off the vast majority of the human race from which birders are generally exempt and included an ethical photographer from Córdoba who was gobsmacked by number of Stone Curlews (50+) in the ploughed field on the right and a couple from Otley (which isn't in Spain but West Yorkshire) and I didn't ask them what they thought.

Said photographer from Córdoba and myself tried to photograph the Stone Curlews but heat haze - yes, strong heat haze on 1 November! - made photography when the Stone Curlews were on the deck impossible and then the brightly coloured mob of pseudo humans going along the path to the Vicaria hide pushed them all off and the photograph here of 3 of them is the sole testimony of their by then distant presence.
By now I was wondering if a Gatling gun would be more effective than a Barratt .50 sniper rifle and a lot of ammo. I really was totally off the human race at that point.
There was nothing at the pond at the back, a lot of Shovelers on the lake, a Black Redstart and few Skylarks flew over, plus a few Crested Larks and Greenfinches. Oh yes, and a single Black-winged Stilt. The birder from Otley told me that he had seen ca.50 Cranes, the most seen so far, the afternoon of 31 October down towards Cantarranas.
Perhaps I could become the birding version of Billy  Connolly? After this morning I would not find it at all difficult.