Sierra Loja, Moraleda and upper Cacín Valley, Granada Province.

Migrants and a returning visitor.

Erodium cheilanthifolium

I picked Paul up just off the A92 at Moraleda, the second time we have spent a day birding, the clouds were looking a little on the dodgy side so we first had a look at the small Laguna called Balsa de Regidor, here we started by seeing good numbers of Common Pochard (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina), Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata) and Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), all on the far less disturbed shore of the pool. 

A single Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Reidora / Chroicocephalus ridibundus), several Little Grebes (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra) and Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus) were also on the water. 

The only wader seen was a vocal Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos) which was flushed from the pools main outlet stream. On the weeds along the entrance track we picked up the first of quite a few Whinchat’s (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra) along with Eurasian  Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus) and Western Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula). Our next area was the fields to the north of Huetor Tajar, Crested Larks (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata) were everywhere, a few Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) followed a ploughing tractor and in a small area of reeds along side one of the irrigation channels we added Common Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), European Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), European Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris) and a fine male Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata). On a newly cut Lucerne field, large numbers of Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae) were feeding along with a few Whites (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba). 

Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops).

A couple of Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Gorrión Molinero / Passer Montanus) were perched on the fence around a rather smelly goat pen and a single Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus) flew up the dry river. 

A large flock of at least 70+ Iberian Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki) were seen raiding one of the unnetted Fig trees growing out in the fields, several Spotless Starlings (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) also feasted on the fruits.

Sierra de Loja was our next port of call, the quarry just above the town was deserted and the crags were not much better. Once we were up on the tops we did start to pick up birds including several Thekla Larks (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae), Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Common Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), European Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis) and Tawny Pipit (Bisbita campestre / Anthus campestris). 

The stars were a cracking family party of Rufous-tailed Rock Thrushes (Roquero Rojo / Monticola saxatilis) which showed well near the paragliding turn. Rock Sparrows (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia) showed well at several spots on the drive to the goat cave as did Red-billed Chough (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros) and Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius). 

On the way down a flock of hirundines were feeding low down amongst the pines trying to stay out of the wind, Crag (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) and Western House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and Red-rumped Swallows (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) were all seen. A single Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus) and several Common Crossbills (Piquituerto Común / Loxia curvirostra) were added to the day list. 

Two flowers were seen in bloom whilst we were near the Charca del Negra, Merendera pyrenaica covered an area near the pool and Erodium cheilanthifolium clung to several rocks near the goat cave.

We then drove back towards and through Moraleda to the crags on the El Turro road, here at least 3 Black Wheatears (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura) showed well but distantly on the rocks, along with Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs). 

Paul watching the migrating Wagtails.

In the air we picked up a pale phase Booted Eagle (Aguila Calzada / Aquila pennatus) and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus). The only butterflies of the day were also seen here, 3 or 4 Bath Whites (Pontia daplidice). 

In the pines on our way up to the agricultural area above the valley we heard and saw Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Great (Carbonero Común / Parus major) and Coal Tits (Carbonero Garrapinos / Periparus ater). 

On the fields there were large groups of migrating Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail, a flock of at least 70 Greater Short-toed Larks (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), several Lesser Kestrels (Cernicola Primilla / Falco naumanni), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe) and a ♂ Eurasian Hobby (Alcotán Europeo / Falco subbuteo) which flashed past quickly heading south. 

We then headed back to the starting point, where Paul’s wife and other members of his family were waiting for him.

Sierra de Loja and Cacín Valley, Granada Province.

Pam and John's second day.

Mist from Sierra de Loja.

When we walked out to the car things did not look very promising, a thick layer of fog had dropped over the valley during the night and visibility was down to a few yards. Not put off we headed through Loja and made our way up and through the cover to a bright and sunny day on top of the sierra. In the pines we could hear good numbers of birds but could not see any, they included Common Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), European Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus), Iberian Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), Long-tailed Tit (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus) and Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla). 

Once we were above the mist things started to show well, first a small flock of Western Jackdaws (Grajilla / Corvus monedula) flew along the crags calling, a couple of Black Wheatears (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura) chased each other up and over the cliff tops and went out of sight and were replaced by a group of Thekla Larks (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae).

Merendera pyrenaica.

On the grass ledges Red-legged Partridges (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) and Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra) all scurried around and fly passes by Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis) and Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea) added to the list. 

Once we were up on the flatter areas more and more birds appeared including good numbers of passage Tawny Pipits (Bisbita campestre / Anthus campestris), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), a stunning immature ♂ Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Roquero Rojo / Monticola saxatilis) which showed very well perched on a rock at the roadside, Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia) and lots Rock Sparrows (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia) which only a few weeks ago were noticeable by there total absence.

More mist on the tops.

Two nice male Black-eared Wheatears (Collalba Rubia / Oenanthe hispanica) were seen near the Charca del negra pools along with plenty of Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros) and Red-billed Chough (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). In the air large numbers of birds were passing over, including Pallid (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), Common (Vencejo Común / Apus apus) and Alpine Swifts (Vencejo Real / Apus melba), Eurasian Crag (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) and Western House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), a single Short-toed Snake Eagle (Culebrera Europeo / Circaetus gallicus) started what was a slightly disappointing raptor list, it was soon followed by the days only Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus). 

A small group of migratory European Bee-eaters (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster) passed over quite high whist we were getting some good views of several juvenile Spectacled Warblers (Curruca Tomillera / Sylvia conspicillata) chasing around in the broom scrub. 

Wild Flowers were few but we did manage a nice show of Merendera pyrenaica by Charca del Negra.

Crimson Speckled Moth (Utetheisa pulchella).

The next stop was on the agricultural areas above Moraleda, We dipped on both the resident Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Ganga Ortega / Pterocles orientalis) and Little Bustards (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax) but we did add a Peregrine Falcon (Halcón Peregrino / Falco peregrinus), Eurasian  Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata) and Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) to a growing list.
The numbers of Tawny Pipits out on the fields was a surprise, we must have seen 50+ in just half an hour or so. 

While we walked around this site the ground flashed white beneath our feet with the number of Crimson Speckled Moths (Utetheisa pulchella), along with a few Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) and Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius feisthameli) butterflies. On the Embalse de Cacín we added Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata), Common Pochard (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Little (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis) and Black-necked Grebes (Zampullín Cuellinegro / Podiceps nigricollis), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba) and Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata).
Along the crags at Moraleda we did not see any new species, so we moved on to a small pool near the A92, we picked up Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) and I saw a Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus) briefly as it flew off.

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata) Male.

On the margins there were amazing numbers of dragonflies, nothing unexpected but lots of them, they included Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator), Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope), Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea), Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum), Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata), Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathinerum), Iberian Bluetail (Ischnura graellsii) and Small Red-eyed (Erythromma viridulum).

Osuna Area, Sevilla Province and Antequera, Malaga Province.

Dodging the storms around the Plains and Lagoons.

Great Bustards (Avutarda Común / Otis tarda).

Pam, John and I set off heading west for the Osuna area, the weather was not looking promising but the further we travelled, the better it got, as soon as we arrived we started to pick up birds and some mammals, on a stubble field we counted at least 12 Brown Hares (Lepus europaeus) and a covey of 15+ Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa). 

On the bushes, fences and roadside vegetation we added Little Owl (Mochuelo Europeo / Athene noctua), Melodious Warbler (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis) a nice bird sitting on a wire fence calling loudly and Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata). 

Pam and John watching the Great Bustards (Avutarda Común / Otis tarda).

On the surrounding pylons several Northern Ravens (Cuervo / Corvus corax) and a Short-toed Snake Eagle (Culebrera Europeo / Circaetus gallicus) were perched and in the air good numbers of Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) were seen flying low south. Other birds in this area were Calandra Lark (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), Western Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) and Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops).

We moved on to the second of the new bridges that cross the still to be laid high speed rail link between Sevilla and Granada, as we approached several Eurasian Stone-curlews (Alcaraván Común / Burhinus oedicnemus) flew into a small olive plantation where we saw several more feeding in the ridges. 

From the bridge we picked up a couple of Common Buzzards (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo) feeding in a recently ploughed field, several Thekla Larks (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae) sang overhead and on the far side of the bridge we then found the birds of the day, 6 Great Bustards (Avutarda Común / Otis tarda) were seen walking across a stubble field before settling in a corner of the field. 

White Storks (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia).

We took one of the tracks and got closer and had some fantastic views, after awhile the birds started to walk out on to the stubble again and this was when we discovered there were in fact 9 birds in the group. Also seen in this area were Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica), Short-toed Lark (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla), Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus) and Eurasian Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto).

We continued on along the road and passed a disused Cortijo with about 25 Lesser Kestrels (Cernicola Primilla / Falco naumanni) hunting around it and also added Common Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Spectacled Warbler (Curruca Tomillera / Sylvia conspicillata), Great Tit (Carbonero Común / Parus major) and Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus). 

Just before the junction to La Lantejuela we were treated to a view of about a thousand White Storks (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia), some on the ground and many starting to move on in large flocks. On a small area of water under the newly constructed railway bridge we picked up several Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber), Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Black-headed (Gaviota Reidora / Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and Yellow-legged Gulls (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis). In the air, several Western House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) flew around low over the fields and several Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) dragonflies flew over the wetter areas. 

Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra).

On a pylon and wires four Black-winged Kite (Elanio Común / Elanus caeruleus) were perched and a single Common Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos) flew into some roadside fruit trees. Also seen in this area were Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis), Black Kite (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans), Tawny Pipit (Bisbita campestre / Anthus campestris) and European Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur). 

We had some lunch in Marchena and then had a quick look at a site on the edge of town where we had a cracking immature Montagu's Harrier (Aguilucho Cenizo / Circus pygargus), a pale morph Booted Eagle (Aguila Calzada / Aquila pennatus), Common Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor).

We then moved on to Laguna Verde de Sal where there were a great many birds, mostly Eurasian Coots (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Gaviota Somria / Larus fuscus) and Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos). Mixed in with these were a couple of juvenile Whiskered Terns (Fumarel Cariblanca / Chlidonias hybridus), a female White-headed Duck (Malvasia Cabeciblanca / Oxyura leucocephala), Common Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago), Gadwall (Anade Friso / Anas strepera), Common Pochard (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina), Red-crested Pochard (Pato Colorado / Netta rufina), Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), Little (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis) and Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cuellinegro / Podiceps nigricollis), Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus) and Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus). 

Ortolan Bunting (Escribano Hortolano / Emberiza hortulana).

In the bushes we located Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita) and Iberian Grey Shrike.

We then moved on a few Kms to another smaller reed filled Laguna, again we had most of the above including several male White-headed Ducks and loads of Red-crested Pochards. 

New species included Ferruginous Duck (Porrón Pardo / Aythya nyroca), Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata), Great Crested Grebe (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus), Common Greenshank (Archibebe Claro / Tringa nebularia) and European Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris). 

In the air above the laguna by the time we were leaving there were hundreds of hirendines including Barn (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) and Red-rumped Swallows (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Western House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica). The weather closed in a bit so we started the drive back towards Antequera where we called at a small lagoon near the town. 

Just as we turned off the main road large numbers of Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), three White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba) along with a single Grey (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea)were seen. 

Ortolan Bunting (Escribano Hortolano / Emberiza hortulana).

In the thistle lined ditch we found a Willow Warbler (Mosquitero Musical / Phylloscopus trochilus), Ortolan Bunting (Escribano Hortolano / Emberiza hortulana) x5/6, Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), Common Chiffchaff, Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus) and Whinchat.

Out on the water there were about 50 Greater Flamingo’s, a couple of Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Black-tailed Godwit (Aguja Colinegra / Limosa limosa) and Pied Avocets (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta) all feed in the mud. 

On the far back there were a few Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca) dabbled around in the reeds and in the air there were Sand Martin (Avión Zapador / Riparia riparia), Alpine (Vencejo Real / Apus melba) and Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), Red-rumped (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica). 

On the wires we saw Common Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), European Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) and Iberian Grey Shrike. The next stop was on the fields near the house, where we got distant views of a small flock of Little Bustards (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax).

85+ Bird species seen during the day.

Laguna Antequera, Malaga Province.

A new species for my Malaga list.

On the way over to the hotel Finca Eslava I again called at the small laguna, the usual flock of Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) were feeding on the far bank, along with 5 Black-tailed Godwits (Aguja Colinegra / Limosa limosa), 13 Pied Avocets (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta), 20+ Green Sandpipers (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Common Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago), Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), in the deeper water 5 Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) stalked their breakfast and good numbers of Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) were following a tractor turning over a stubble field. 

On the water, 100 or more Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) and a dozen or so Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca) all had their heads raised at the sound of the local hunter’s guns in the far corner of the laguna. 

In the air Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) hawked for insects and on the wires a solitary Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis) watched for prey in the verge. 

Around the margins, several Spotless Starlings (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) and Crested Larks (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata) were seen feeding amongst the Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus) and Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra).
On the way back along the track, several Cetti’s Warblers (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) were heard and large numbers of migrating Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae) flushed from the grass. 

Also good numbers of birds were seen feeding on the dead thistle heads, including Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), European Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), European Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis) and the star bird an immature Ortolan Bunting (Escribano Hortolano / Emberiza hortulana) which sat up on the top of a spike for several minutes (they know when you have not got the camera with you). 

Out on the fields there were 20+ Northern Wheatears (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe) and a couple of Common Stonechats (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata).

Rio Velez, Malaga Province.

Wading in a smelly Rio Velez.

Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope).

I dropped Jayne off at the shopping centre at Velez Malaga and went down to the Rio Velez and the beach. 

As I arrived I noted that there were large numbers of Dragonflies along the river, I immediately picked out several Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator) patrolling along the reeds, Broad Scarlet ( Crocothemis erythraea), Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata) and Epaulet Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysostigma) were all seen perched on spikes of vegetation along the track. 

A quick scan with the bins and I picked up a single immature Purple Heron (Garza Imperial / Ardea purpurea), a couple of adult Grey’s (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) and several Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis). 

As I walked towards the beach several Little Ringed Plovers (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius) flew along in front of me and a second Purple Heron flew up from the reeds carrying a large eel, as it flew over the two Grey Herons they both started to mob the bird till it dropped the eel and then the two Grey Heron squabbled over it. 

The dragonfly numbers grew greater the closer I got to the pool near the beach, there were hundreds, if not thousands of Broad Scarlet’s, lots of the Dropwings and new species included a single male Long Skimmer (Orthetrum trinacria) and several Red-veined Darters (Sympetrum fonscolombii).

The only ducks seen were a few Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) and the only other things on the water were Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus) and a single Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis). 

Epaulet Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysostigma).

In the trees and reeds surrounding the river I added Common Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Eurasian Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Eurasian Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), European Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Western House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus), Monk Parakeet (Cotorra Argentina / Myiopsitta monachus), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala), European Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata) and White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba). 

I eventually reached the pool behind the beach, here there were hundreds of hirundines feeding, most appeared to be Red-rumped Swallows (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica). There were also a few Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Eurasian Crag (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Western House and Sand Martins (Avión Zapador / Riparia riparia). 

Long Skimmer (Orthetrum trinacria).

I was chasing around in smelly ankle deep water trying to get some shots of another Long Skimmer when I stumbled across a ♂ Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) which was just taking the last few mouth fulls of a ♂ Broad Scarlet and was not in the mood to fly too far. 

I managed to get close enough to get some nice shots before he departed, as I started to turn around an old ♀ Long Skimmer landed on almost the same reed stalk with an Iberian Bluetail (Ischnura graellsii) in it grasp and quickly polished it off which gave me a chance to get the pictures I wanted. 

In the area around the beach I added Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Yellow-legged (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis), Mediterranean (Gaviota Cabecinegra / Larus melanocephalus), Black-headed (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus) and Audouin's Gulls (Gaviota de Audouin / Larus audouinii) and Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patinegro / Sterna sandvicensis). 

Another largish Tern was seen flying away from the beach, it definitely had an Orange / Red bill which looked to long for Caspian Tern (Pagaza Piquirroja / Sterna caspia) but from the angle and distance I was at and the fact that the scope was on drier ground I did not get good enough views for positive Id.

Iberian Bluetails (Ischnura graellsii).

On the way back to the car I picked up a few Butterfly species including African Grass Blue (Zizeeia knysna), Large (Pieris brassicae) and Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea) and Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina).

The Laguna and Torcal de Antequera, Malaga Province

Waders and Ibex.

Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber).

As usual, I called in at the laguna on my way over to the en-slava hotel at Antequera, the sun was low and viewing was not easy. 

I did manage to pick out a good selection of waders including Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Common (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Green (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), Wood (Andarrios Bastardo / Tringa Glareola) x1 and Curlew Sandpipers (Correlimos Zarapitin / Calidris ferruginea) x2, Common Greenshank (Archibebe Claro / Tringa nebularia), Little Ringed (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius) and Common Ringed Plovers (Chorlitejo Grande / Charadrius hiaticula), Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Ruff (Combatiente / Philomachus pugnax), Common Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago) and Spotted Redshank (Archibebe Oscuro / Tringa erythropus) x3. 

Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica).

The regular 50-70 Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) were out in the very slightly deeper water along with 2 Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) and a few Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis). On the water there were about 50 Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) and 8 Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra) and Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus). 

On the fields and in the air above the site I also saw Lesser Kestrel (Cernicola Primilla / Falco naumanni), Black Kite (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans) x2, Western Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) x1 female, Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), Red-rumped (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Crested (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata) and Calandra Larks (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), European Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster) and Western Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula).

The walk was the usual Saturday hike around the yellow trail at El Torcal, The five of us started out from the car park in nice sunny but cool weather and were soon well on the way around the first half of the walk. 

On the way we had some cracking views of the Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica), a small group of female were first seen and then a youngish male stood on the limestone crags. 

European Plumbago (Plumbago europaea).

Also see were Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Black Wheatear (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura), Common Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Cirl Bunting (Escribano Soteno / Emberiza cirlus), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Eurasian Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Rock Sparrow (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia) and Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor). 

Along the tracks on the second half of the walk the only plant in flower was European Plumbago (Plumbago europaea) and the only new birds were Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli) and Red-billed Chough (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).

The Laguna again and Near El Torcal, Malaga Province.

A walk to Davids Finca.

David.

On the way over for to days walk I called at the Laguna again, the first bird which stood out was an adult White Stork (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia) which was feeding amongst the 50 or so Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber). Waders included Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Common (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Curlew (Correlimos Zarapitin / Calidris ferruginea) and Green Sandpipers (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), Ruff (Combatiente / Philomachus pugnax), Little Ringed (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius) and Common Ringed Plovers (Chorlitejo Grande / Charadrius hiaticula) and Common Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago). 

A couple of Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) were out in the middle of the water fishing and Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) patrolled around the margins. 

About 50 Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) and 8 Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca) swam along with the Eurasian Coots (Focha Común / Fulica atra) and Common Moorhens (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus).

Southern Brown Argus (Aricia cramera).

Other birds noted were Crested (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Calandra (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra) and Greater Short-toed Larks (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus), Western House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus) and on the track back to the road I picked up a couple of Black Kites (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans) on the deck feeding.

Sophie, Rowina, David and I set off from the Hotel and made our way to a spot above Villanueva de la Concepcion where we started a walk out to David’s place called Finca Muerte (Death Farm!!!). 

We started from a watering hole for the local goat population, a row of 6 solid limestone baths and made our way up towards the foot of the Torcal cliffs.

David, Sophie and Rowina.

The views were fantastic, as we climbed further up through the scrub and Oaks we were soon in the low cloud as we were a few days earlier. 

Again the Griffon Vultures (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus) appeared ghost like out of the grey shroud, at least 10 birds were seen along with a pale morph Booted Eagle (Aguila Calzada / Aquila pennatus) passing what seemed to be a long way below us.
Along the base of the cliffs a couple of Black Wheatears (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura) and a ♂ Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius) were seen perched up on the large boulders and in the dried out grass I identified Southern Brown Argus (Aricia cramera), Striped Grayling (Pseudotergumia fidia), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and Large White (Pieris brassicae) butterflies. 

We arrived at David’s finca, pretty much a ruin but in a fantastic location amongst the Oak trees and with amazing views right down to the coast. 

We sat and had a drink at the stone building he and his friends had built, here I found a beautiful Spider which turned out to be a ♀ Argyope lobata.

Argyope lobata.

Refreshed we started the walk back down the hill through a much more agricultural area picking up Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Eurasian Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus) and a few Iberian Wall Lizards (Podarcis hispanica) which scuttled around on the track side boulders. We eventually got back to the car and went back to the hotel.

Near Antequera, Malaga Province.

Just the Laguna today.

Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber).

Jayne and I set off to have another look at the newly discovered Lagoon near Antequera and to get some plants for the garden. 

We arrived at the lagoon to again find good numbers of waders, all yesterdays species plus a couple of Curlew Sandpipers (Correlimos Zarapitin / Calidris ferruginea) and about half a dozen Common Greenshank (Archibebe Claro / Tringa nebularia). About 70 Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) were also present and looked spectacular in flight when they were flushed by a Micro light Aircraft passing too close. 

Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber).

A single ♀ Western Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) put all the birds up again as she flapped slowly along the far edge of the water and large numbers of Lesser Kestrels (Cernicola Primilla / Falco naumanni) were watched feeding on the fields nearby. 

Juvenile Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius).

Other species seen during the drive across county to the town included Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Calandra Lark (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Eurasian Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Eurasian  Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus), Common Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), Northern Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa), Common Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), European Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Thekla Lark (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae) and Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator).

Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica).

Both of the Garden Centre’s plants looked worse for ware, so we said we would wait till the weather cools off and try again.

El Choro and Near Antequera, Malaga Province.

Crags, More crags and a Lagoon.

The view from the top of the Arab steps.

Today it was again the same three intrepid walkers that set off on one of David’s lesser known walks called the Arab steps. The walk started below some amazing crags on the Eastern side of El Choro which were clocked in a heavy layer of low cloud / mist. 

At first the way was along a nice level track blow the crags, in the pine trees and scrub we soon found good numbers of birds including Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Black Wheatear (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura), Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Cirl Bunting (Escribano Soteno / Emberiza cirlus), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Common Crossbill (Piquituerto Común / Loxia curvirostra), Dartford Warbler (Curruca Rabilarga / Sylvia undata), Common Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Hawfinch (Picogordo / Coccotraustes coccotraustes), Melodious Warbler (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta), Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa), European Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and in the clouds over head we had the hazy shapes of Griffon Vulture’s (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus) breaking into view occasionally, Eurasian Crag (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) and Western House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) also darted around. 

The view from the top of the Arab steps.

After a while we reached the bottom of the steps, when David had said that we were going to the top of the cliffs we thought he was joking, WRONG. 

We started the ascent up the steep steps between a fold of rock which made them invisible from below, we move slowly up adding a small herd of Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica) which scampered up the almost vertical rock face, Striped Grayling (Pseudotergumia fidia), Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) and Small White (Artogeia rapae) were also added even though it was thick cloud and cool weather. 

Once we were at the top it was well worth the effort as the moody views through the clouds were great, we move on further up and around the back of the crags eventually coming to a decent track. On the walk down several Spotted Flycatchers (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata) were seen in the pine woods along with Common Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Western Subalpine Warbler (Curruca Carrasquena / Sylvia cantillans) and Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor). We arrived back at the car, and we started the drive over to the King's Walk end of El Choro to check out part of a walk I had missed a few days earlier.

We passed along the river and through some spectacular limestone areas until we reached the start point, from here we did most of the normal Choro walk but cut off on a spur which was the part I had missed. 

Here I added Common Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Eurasian Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricapilla), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oropéndola / Oriolus oriolus), Great Tit (Carbonero Común / Parus major), Eurasian Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops) and Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica). 

Once we were again back at the vehicle we headed back to the Hotel at Antequera where David gave me some directions to a Lagoon which I did not know about.

Bridge of the Kings Walk.

I arrived at the largish area of water to find good numbers of waders on the muddy margins including Ruff (Combatiente / Philomachus pugnax) x5, Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus) 100+, Wood Sandpiper (Andarrios Bastardo / Tringa Glareola) x2, Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Kentish Plover (Chorlitejo Patinegro / Charadrius alexandrinus), Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), Common Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Grande / Charadrius hiaticula), Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Little Stint (Correlimos Menudo / Calidris minuta) x2 and Common Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago). 

Other species seen included Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Spanish (Yellow) (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae) and White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Eurasian Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Common Stonechat, Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus) and Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis).

Three species of Dragonfly were also seen, Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum), Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator) and Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).