Our area had major thunderstorms during the night
and as a result Ros and her husband Roger(?) were awake all night as a
lightening fire raged near their house. Hence they were absent as were
Rod and Linda who has come down, if that's the right phrase, with
shingles. As Gilly and I headed north passed Huercal Overa,
water dumping helicopters were still at work dousing the last of the
flames. We managed to spot a Crag Martin and a Black Wheatear before
we arrived at the cafe by the Maria garage. After the bad weather of the
previous night it was good to see blue skies and sunshine. Eleven of us
made our way to the Chapel car park. We could hear the screeching call
of a Golden Oriole, not the usual pleasant harmony. Eventually we had
good views of a male flying before it disappeared into the foliage of
the poplar tree. On top of this tall tree was a Woodchat Shrike for a
short time. A sunbathing cat
thwarted any birdlife at the water trough, so we sauntered up towards
the information centre. There was a steady stream of Griffon Vultures
flying along the ridge from the plain towards the direction of the
feeding station. Also seen up there were a pair of probable Ravens. On
the way we saw a Rock Bunting, a Melodious Warbler and a soaring pale
morph Booted Eagle.
It was good to get into the shade of the pine
trees in the Botanical Garden. The small man-made pools were being used
by Crossbills, Serins and a Subalpine Warbler. "Stragglers" also saw
Long-tailed and Blue Tits. We heard more than saw numerous Bonelli's
Warblers. As could be expected most birds were keeping silent and out
of sight. We did find three probable Tawny Owl pellets beneath one pine
tree. Insects seemed to be its main diet. Did get some photos of
Fritillary and Grayling butterflies as well as a sunbathing lizard. Before heading down onto the sweltering plain
we stopped for drinks at the La Piza cafe in the forest. Here, many
Crossbills were taking water from the top of a picnic
table. Received info from the owner that a Scops Owl
was regularly calling at the nearby campsite. We headed down to the
plain. A plume of Griffons was above the farm buildings with a Booted
Eagle above them. We managed to see Rock Sparrow and Goldfinch by the
watering trough. Only saw Crested Larks by the roadside. At the hamlet
our spirits were lifted with the sight of at least four Lesser Kestrels.
Back at La Piza for lunch. A very large
"Capricorn"(?) beetle was spotted 7ft up a tree. We ended the day with
30 species. Not too impressive but being out with birding friends made
it all worth it.
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