Malaga City, Malaga Province.

A visit to the Glass museum and Tyssen Art Gallery.

Group around the Museum.

Jayne and I meet several other members of the English Group for a coach trip down to the Glass Museum in Malaga (link on right hand side of blog), Jayne and I had been before but had really enjoyed it.

Viewing the painting.

We arrived and strolled through the streets of the City passing the Cathedral to the Museum where we were to meet Ian Phillips one of the owners and our guide for the visit.

Glass cabinet.

On arrival Ian gave us all a brief history of the building and it past uses before splitting us into two groups for the tour. The exhibits were varied and very interesting just to look at but with all the information supplied by Ian about the Glass, furniture and paintings the visit was made so much richer.

Fountain in the park.

Later we made our way though the City, had a coffee and eventually found the Tyssen Art Gallery. I enjoyed this but much preferred the earlier part of the day.
After having a nice lunch we spent some time around the shops and then had a stroll along the tree lines areas near the port, here we saw both Ring-necked and Monk Parakeets.

Government building in Malaga.

Later we had another drink before meet the coach and the journey home, a long but very enjoyable day.

Granada and the Cacín Valley, Granada Province.

Bargins and Birds.

Little Bustards (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax).

Jayne and I set off up towards the City of Granada to visit the large Saturday market as we were hoping to do a car boot sale on the Sunday morning when the other Granada market is on. On the way up I saw a small flock Iberian  Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki) which were raiding the remains of next doors grape vines, a very dark Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo) which flapped low over the road by the A92 and a small flock of around 20 Little Bustards (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax) on a motorway side field.

We spent the next 2 ½ hours having a wonder around the market and both picked up a couple of bargins!

Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea).

On the way home we went via La Malahá and Ventas de Huelma on the way over to Cacín, on the way I added Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Little Owl (Mochuelo Europeo / Athene noctua), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and another Common Buzzard but this time right at the other end of the colour scale as it was almost white below with just two dark brown bars.

We dropped down into the Cacín Valley and headed North stopping at the Embalse for a while, here I picked up Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca), Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Pochard (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocorax carbo) and 3 Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea). 

Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra).

In the surrounding fields and bushes I caught up with Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa), Thekla (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae) and Crested Larks (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Long-tailed Tit (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba) and Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus).

Our last stop was out on the El Temple agricultural area nearby, here we only managed to pick up 3 new chat species for the day list, these were Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata) and Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe).

Near Huétor Tajar, Granada Province, Spain.

Moth Records for the 7th October 2011. 
15W Actinic on the terrace.

Any corrections, PLEASE send me a comment on the post, thanks. 

 

6208 Euchromius vinculellus.

Another three new species caught on what was a nice warm October night, moth numbers were up, possibly due to a thin layer of cloud.

6524 Hydriris ornatalis.

The new species were 6208 Euchromius vinculellus, 6524 Hydriris ornatalis and 7882 Charissa mucidaria with a few more still to ID. 

7882 Charissa mucidaria.

9056 Autographa gamma (Silver Y).

Other interesting species were 1655 Ethmia bipunctella, 6604 Pyrausta aurata, a second 7761 Peribatodes umbraria after the first on the 6th, 8211 Rhodometra sacraria (The Vestal) x30+, 9056 Autographa gamma (Silver Y) x1, 9081 Ni Moth (Trichoplusia ni) x1, 9621 Episema grueneri, 9628 Leucochlaena oditis (Beautiful Gothic) and 10326 Eucoptocnemis optabilis.

9081 Ni Moth (Trichoplusia ni).

Near Huétor Tajar, Granada Province, Spain.

Moth Records for the 6th October 2011.
15W Actinic on the terrace.
Any corrections, PLEASE send me a comment on the post, thanks. 

6446 Cynaeda dentalis.

As usual, I decided to run the 15w trap and was pleased to find a drastic drop in the number of the black beetles which had been infesting the trap recently.

7761 Peribatodes umbraria.

Along with a few beetles there were a number of new species for the garden, these included 6446 Cynaeda dentalis, 7761 Peribatodes umbraria, 8045 Scopula ornata (Lace border) and 9408 Stilbia andalusiaca.

10460 Earias insulana (Egyptian Bollworm).

Other species were 0663 Trichophaga Bipartitella, 6521 Hellula undalis (Old World Webworm), 7987 Microloxia herbaria, 8189 Idaea degeneraria (Portland Ribbon Wave), 9621 Episema gruenri, 9628 Leucochlaena oditis (Beautiful Gothic), 10326 Eucoptocnemis optabilis, Pseudozarba bipartita, a dozen or more 10460 Earias insulana (Egyptian Bollworm), 10528b Coscinia chrysocephala and 10535 Utetheisa pulchella (Crimson Speckled).

9408 Stilbia andalusiaca.

RAM, Motril Port and Charca del Suarez, Granada Province.

Sea bird survey, Ring checking and a quick look at Charca.

Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patinegro / Sterna sandvicensis).

Today it was an early start; it was still dark as I was leaving the house which was the reason for me getting a new bird for my seen from the garden list. As I was walking out to the car an Eagle Owl (Buho Real / Bubo bubo) flew off my neighbor’s roof and out into the Olives. Dave Jackson a friend from the UK had seen one from the terrace a couple of years earlier but I had not recorded it which is surprising as they breed just up the road.

Yellow-legged Gull (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis).

I met up with Juan at the usual place on Aki car park and we made our way down to the headland just to the east of Motril. We arrived a little early so we had a scan around the local scrub first picking up Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala), Tawny Pipit (Bisbita campestre / Anthus campestris), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricapilla).

The sea watch started well it two Great Skua’s (Págalo Grande / Catharacta skua) chasing each other and a flock of Balearic Shearwater (Pardela Balear / Puffinus mauretanicus) passing to the west. We also recorded 2 more Great Skua’s, many more Balearic’s along with a single Cory's Shearwater (Pardela Cenicienta / Calonectris diomedea), Northern Gannet (Alcatraz Atlántico / Morus bassanus), Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patinegro / Sterna sandvicensis), Yellow-legged (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis), Lesser Black-backed (Gaviota Somria / Larus fuscus), Mediterranean (Gaviota Cabecinegra / Larus melanocephalus), Black-headed (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus) and Audouin's Gulls (Gaviota de Audouin / Larus audouinii).

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Gaviota Somria / Larus fuscus).

After the sea watch we made our way around to the fish port to check through the Gull flocks which roost there to see if we could find any birds that were ringed. On the drive round we picked up Common (Vencejo Común / Apus apus) and Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus) both still moving along the coast in small numbers, House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Red-rumped (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) and both Western Cattle (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) and Little Egrets (Garceta Común / Egretta garzetta).

Once we were in the port we located a largish flock of Gulls which contained all the species of Gull and tern mentioned earlier. We found several Lesser Black-backs with rings along with a single Yellow-legged.

Mediterranean (Gaviota Cabecinegra / Larus melanocephalus).

Our last stop was at Charca where we called at several of the hides and did a full loop around the site. The first small hide was quiet but we did add Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus) and Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) to the bird list and started the dragonflies off with Lesser (Anax parthenope) and Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator), Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea), Epaulet Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysostigma) and Small Red-eyed (Erythromma viridulum). 

We pushed on further round to the next hide where several Little Grebes (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis) were seen and a nice Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea) performed and posed until we got the cameras ready and then disappeared. As we were leaving the spot for the main hide we picked up a couple of male Red Avadavat (Bengali Rojo / Amandava amandava) which quickly dropped from the reed tops out of sight.

Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra).

At the main hide we picked up the only Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocorax carbo) of the morning, 4 more Little Egrets, a single Purple Swamp-hen (Calamón Común / Porphyrio porphyrio), a couple of squabbling Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata) for the bird list and Long Skimmer (Orthetrum trinacria), Black Percher (Diplacodes lefebvrii), Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) and Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) for the dragons.

We continued on passed a newly dig scrap which looks as though it will be interesting once it is completed and into the last hide by the long pool. Here we added females of Red-crested Pochard (Pato Colorado / Netta rufina), Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca) and Eurasian Wigeon (Silbón Europeo / Anas Penelope).

Sierra de Loja, Granada Province.

A morning in the mountains seeing some of my favorite birds.

Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata).

Got up to a nice morning with a few more clouds around than usual but the sun was trying hard to brake through, so I decided to carry on with last nights idea of a trip up Sierra de Loja. On the way over I started the list with a small flock of around 25 Iberian  Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), several Common Chaffinches (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus) and Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica).

Just as I started to make my way up the Sierra from the town of Loja I picked up 2 late Honey Buzzards (Aberjero Europeo / Pernis apivorus) moving west along with the first of 11 Marsh Harriers (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) seen during the morning (all female of immature birds). Once I was clear of the pine woods I started to see the expected Thekla Larks (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae), Rock Sparrows (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia) and Common Stonechats (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata) either perched on rocks or making use of the road side barriers. 

Rock Sparrow (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia).

Along the crags good numbers of both Jackdaws (Grajilla / Corvus monedula) and Red-billed Choughs (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) called noisily as they chased around the cliff faces. Once up on the more level areas I pushed on to the first of the water collection buildings to have a look for any remaining Rufous-tailed Rock Thrushes (Roquero Rojo / Monticola saxatilis) that may be hanging around. I parked right next to the building and got some nice views of several Rock Sparrows, Black Redstarts (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros) and several Northern Wheatears (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe). After about 10 minutes a bird jumped up on to a rock and sat there for some time, giving me chance to roll down the hill, park right across the road and get some nice views and a couple of shots. Also around here I added a late skulking Spectacled Warbler (Curruca Tomillera / Sylvia conspicillata) moving though the low thyme plants, Little Owl (Mochuelo Europeo / Athene noctua) which was screeching from a nearby rock pile and a small flock of Corn Buntings (Triguero / Emberiza calandra) which flew by. 

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrushes (Roquero Rojo / Monticola saxatilis).

I then continued on up to Charca del Negro and on to the Goat Cave where Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa) were added along with a migrating flock of Sparrowhawks (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus), I counted 19 birds over a few minutes.

On the way down I saw two large Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica) moving through one of the mountain top fields, Several flocks of Spotless Starlings (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) and around 10 Whinchats (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra) all in a small track side field. A Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops) and a male Blue Rock Thrush were all seen perched in the same large Hawthorn bush, with the Shrike right on top singing its head off. 

Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica).

On my way back down passed the crags I eventually saw the first Black Wheatears (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura) of the morning and added Great Tit (Carbonero Común / Parus major), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Crossbill (Piquituerto Común / Loxia curvirostra), Pied Flycatcher (Papamoscas Cerrojillo / Ficedula hypoleuca) and Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla) to the list. On the track up to and at the disused Quarry Dartford (Curruca Rabilarga / Sylvia undata) and Sardinian Warblers (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) were seen, along with Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis) and a single Meadow Pipit (Bistita Común / Anthus pratensis).

Near Huétor Tajar, Granada Province, Spain.

Moth Records for the 24th September 2011.

15W Actinic on the terrace.

Any corrections, PLEASE send me a comment on the post, thanks.

 

9370 Heliothis armigera (Scarce Bordered Straw).

Last night I made the decision to run the 125w MV lamp, what a mistake. I got up to find the trap, nearby plants and all the walls were swamped in small black beetles, literally 10s of thousands had been attracted in along with a few moths.

8699 Clostera pigra (Small Chocolate-tip).

New species or first time identified moths included a single 8699 Clostera pigra (Small Chocolate-tip) and 9370 Heliothis armigera (Scarce Bordered Straw) x2.

10528b Coscinia chrysocephala.

Other species of note were 9628 Leucochlaena oditis (Beautiful Gothic) and 10528b Coscinia chrysocephala and the Tiger species 10555 Cymbalophora pudica.

9628 Leucochlaena oditis (Beautiful Gothic).

Near Huétor Tajar, Granada Province, Spain.

Moth Records for the 21st September 2011.

15W Actinic on the terrace.

Any corrections, PLEASE send me a comment on the post, thanks. 

 

8509 Eupithecia cenaureata (Lime-speck Pug).

Ran the 15w trap again and had a reasonable spread of species including around 8509 Eupithecia cenaureata (Lime-speck Pug) x4, 9460 Spodoptera exigua (Small Mottled Willow), 10343 Agrotis puta (Shuttle Shaped Dart) x20+ and 10535 Utetheisa pulchella (Crimson Speckled).  

5865 Acrobasis romanella.

New species or ones I identified for the first time included two pyralids 5865 Acrobasis romanella, 5850 Oxybia transversella and a Macro 10215 Xestia kermesina.

10215 Xestia kermesina.

Padul Wetlands, Granada Province.

Getting lost in a nice place.

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

I parked at the far end of the reserve away from the visitors centre thinking that if they do get any kids visits I would be unlikely to bump into them and started to make my way down to ward the hide on the board walk. Around the first bridge there were large numbers of hirundines feeding up before moving on south, they included large numbers of Sand Martins (Avión Zapador / Riparia riparia), Red-rumped (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) a few House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and several of the resident Crag Martins (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) had come in to feed on a large hatch of some small insects. On the adjacent thistle field’s good numbers of Goldfinches (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Greenfinches (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Serins (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus) and Linnets (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina) were joined by a large flock of House Sparrows (Gorrión Común / Passer Domesticus). In the reedbeds along the path there were continuous scolding calls from Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and the loud blasting song from the resident Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) population.

Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus).

I was surprised to find that the hide was open and that the water level in the ditch along the track was low enough to be showing a nice muddy margin. Here there were plenty of Common Moorhens (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus), Eurasian Coots (Focha Común / Fulica atra) and at least 5 squealing Water Rails (Rascón Europeo / Rallus aquaticus) which eventually gave me some nice if not brief views. From the hide I could see that some ringing was in progress but was behind the locked gates, so I thought that if I made my way to the far end of the ditch track I might see who was there. I started off around the nice newish boardwalk trail, on the way I picked up a female Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and a new bird for the year a Wryneck (Torcecuello / Jynx torquilla) which was drinking at one of the small pools on the track side. 

Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus).

As I approached the lake I picked up a couple of Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), several Great Crested Grebes (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus), Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Common Pochard (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina) and around 50 Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis). This was where it all started to go wrong, first I ended up in a private garden by mistake but I did add Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricapilla), Common Redstart (Colirroja Real / Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba) to the growing list. Later I took the wrong track through the fields and ended up with a shoe full of something very nasty whilst trying to cross a ditch to get to the right track. Once back on course I managed to find the far end of the middle tack but could not find any ringers so I continued on around the reserve, 

Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra).

On the more agricultural western side I picked up Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra) and a nice male Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus). I then made it back to the car and was much earlier than I had thought so returned to the hide were the only new species added were singles of both Wood (Andarrios Bastardo / Tringa Glareola) and Green Sandpipers (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus). I then made my way back home via the City and some lunch.

Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra).

Later In the day I went for a couple of drinks with friend Bernard in El Turro but stopped off for a few minutes at the Balsa de Regidor just as the Western Cattle Egrets were starting to arrive, I only saw 23 but more flew over while I drove towards Bernard’s. Also seen were 8x Grey Herons, Common Pochard, 1x Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egretta garzetta), Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata), Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus) and Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica).

Moraleda Area, Granada Province.

Sunday morning run round.

Jayne and I went for a drive out to the local English car boot sale at Moraleda, except for a chat with John and Jenny Wainwright there was little of interest to see so after a few minutes we were on our way down to see Bernard a friend who was over from the UK working on his house. We had a coffee around at the bar and sorted an evening when we were all free to meet up for a drink.

The last stop of the morning was on an agricultural area nearby where I did half an hours birding. The first bird seen was a cracking Short-toed Eagle (Culebrera Europeo / Circaetus gallicus) which circled overhead before heading off west. Also moving through were lots of Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) and House Martins (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), along with good numbers of Tawny Pipits (Bisbita campestre / Anthus campestris). I dipped on the Sandgrouse that are usually around but did added Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Spectacled Warbler (Curruca Tomillera / Sylvia conspicillata), Iberian  Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata) and Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus).

On the way home we had a look for the first of the expected Little Bustard (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax) with out any success. The only birds seen were Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis), more Iberian  Magpie and Spotless Starlings (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) which were raiding one of the roadside fig trees and a male Common Redstart (Colirroja Real / Phoenicurus phoenicurus) which flew across the road and disappeared into a hedge.

Laguna Dulce, Fuente de Piedra, Teba Gorge and Laguna Herrera, Malaga Province.

91 species, no woodland and 4 hours of daylight to spare!

Ferruginous Duck (Porrón Pardo / Aythya nyroca).

I was meeting Andy Mountford for a days birding over at Laguna Dulce near Campillos which was abut the best site near to the halfway point for travelling. I had some good luck as soon as I left the house as with in 100 meters I flushed an Eagle Owl (Buho Real / Bubo bubo) up off the road.

I arrived at Dulce around and hour early and started to scan through the birds, Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra) numbers had greatly reduced since my last visit but bird numbers were still very good and were soon increased by a large flock of mainly Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) and Common Pochards (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina), some 1000+ birds. Other common birds included Black-necked (Zampullín Cuellinegro / Podiceps nigricollis), Great Crested (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus) and Little Grebes (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Western Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) some of which were still sat in their roost trees but most had left, Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus) and well over 350 White-headed Ducks (Malvasia Cabeciblanca / Oxyura leucocephala). I then picked up a single female Red-crested Pochard (Pato Colorado / Netta rufina) and two male Ferruginous Ducks (Porrón Pardo / Aythya nyroca), one of which disappeared straight back into the vegetation and the other flew right over to the far side of the lake and settled in with some Common Pochard.

A large female Peregrine Falcon (Halcón Peregrino / Falco peregrinus) then did a fly through upsetting some of the smaller wildfowl before heading out towards the town. A male Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) then moved along the eastern side of the Lagoon before plunging into the reeds and coming out with an immature Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), he was soon followed by the misses who came along the same route and then out over the water to the western margins.

Ferruginous Duck (Porrón Pardo / Aythya nyroca).

Andy then arrived and we continued to pick up some nice species including Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Reidora / Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Greater Flamingo (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) which showed particularly well in the Tamarisk just out side the hide window, Northern Shoveler (Cuchara Común / Anas clypeata), Snipe (Agachadiza Común / Gallinago gallinago), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis) and just as we were leaving a cracking Osprey (Águila Pescardora / Pandion haliaetus) which did not stop for more than a couple of minutes before continuing on South.

Our next stop was at the view point over Fuente de Piedra on the western side, on the way round we stopped and had some nice views of two migrating Honey Buzzards (Aberjero Europeo / Pernis apivorus) one with a standard plumage but the other with the nice fine barring replaced by much heavier bold lines.

Here we soon picked up some new birds for the growing day list including a pair of Western Swamp-hen (Calamón Común / Porphyrio porphyrio) on the nearest patch of water along with both Yellow-legged (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis) and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Gaviota Somria / Larus fuscus), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), a small number of White Storks (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia), Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo) and the first of the returning Meadow Pipits (Bistita Común / Anthus pratensis).

Two Temmincks Stints (Correlimos de Temminck / Calidris temminckii).

Our next stop was for a coffee in the town before making our way back to the visitors centre and having a look at the surrounding pools. First new species for the day were Northern Pintail (Ánade Rabudo / Anas acuta) with three females being seen, a female Eurasian Teal (Cerceta Común / Anas crecca), Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Grande / Charadrius hiaticula), Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), Dunlin (Correlimos Común / Calidris alpina) x4, Ruff (Combatiente / Philomachus pugnax) x2, Common Redshank (Archibebe Común / Tringa totanus) x2, a single Little Stint (Correlimos Menudo / Calidris minuta) and then the stars of the site two Temmincks Stints (Correlimos de Temminck / Calidris temminckii) all of which were just too far for any decent shots. 

On the main lake we added a couple of hundred Avocets (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta) to the list along with a smaller number of Black-tailed Godwits (Aguja Colinegra / Limosa limosa). On the pools behind the center we did not add any birds but we did see several species of dragonflies, the commonest were Lesser (Anax parthenope) and Blue / Common Emperors (Anax imperator), Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) and Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata). 

On the return walk we picked up a single Common Whitethroat (Curruca Zarcera / Sylvia communis), several Common Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Short-toed Lark (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla), Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), Kentish Plover (Chorlitejo Patinegro / Charadrius alexandrinus), Melodious Warbler (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta), a female type Common Redstart (Colirroja Real / Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra), Red-rumped (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and a couple of late Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus). 

Orange-winged Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi).

We then returned to Dulce and spent a little while having a second scan of the site seeing one of the male Ferruginous Ducks quite close in the reeds accompanied by a nice female this time. Also added were Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Sand Martin (Avión Zapador / Riparia riparia), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur) and Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus).

We then changed habitat a bit and went down to Teba Gorge which was a new site for Andy. As soon as we arrived a pair of Rock Buntings (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia) flew up and disappeared in to gorge, they were followed by a nice male Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), a pair of Black Wheatears (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura), Bonelli's Eagle (Aguila Perdicera / Aquila faciatus), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea), Kingfisher (Martin Pescador / Alcedo atthis) and Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris). 

Mediterranean Skipper (Gegenes nostrodamus).

Several Orange-winged Dropwings (Trithemis kirbyi) and Epaulet Skimmers (Orthetrum chrysostigma) were seen along with a single Small Pincertail (Onychogomphus forcipatus) during he gorge walk. As we walked back towards the car a small butterfly caught our eye and we soon sorted out that it was a plain but nice Mediterranean Skipper (Gegenes nostrodamus), also seen were Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea), Common / Southern Blue (Polyommatus icarus / celina), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and Iberian Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthameli).

We quickly called in at the Raptor view point back at the junction with the Malaga road but only picked up Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula). Andy then headed back south and I went on back towards Antequera where I had a swift look in at the dry remains of Laguna Herrera. On the right hand side of the track there is a small stream, along here I picked up another Common Whitethroat and a fine male Bluethroat (Ruiseñor Pechiazul / Luscinia svecica), along with a couple of Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops) and Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe). A total of 91 species were seen and when I tallied up the easier species that we had not seen we could quite easily have cleared 100 and been close to 110 for the day. Thanks Andy.

Near Huétor Tajar, Granada Province, Spain.

Moth Records for the 5th September 2011.

15W Actinic on the terrace.
Any corrections, PLEASE send me a comment on the post, thanks.

7987 Microloxia herbaria.

Again I set the trap up out in the same place in the garden and had a much more interesting haul and again I decided to use the 15 watt actinic as it does not seem to be affected as much as the MV by the new much brighter street lighting now fitted.

8828 Raphia hybris.

There were still high numbers of 9142 Eublemma parva (Small Marbled), 5624 Pyralis obsoletalis and 6690a Palpita vitrealis.
As well as 2965 Symmoca nigromaculella, 5643 Actenia brunnealis, 8145 Idaea manicaria, 8186 Idaea degeneraria (Portland Ribbon Wave), 8211 Rhodometra sacaria (The Vestal), 8828 Raphia hybris (New Species), 8965 Tyta luctuosa (The Four-spotted), 9100 Acontia lucida (Pale Shoulder), 9106 Pseudozarba bipartita, 9165 Metachrostis velox and 9460 Spodoptera exigua (Small Mottled Willow).

8186 Idaea degeneraria (Portland Ribbon Wave).

Smaller numbers of 9927 Hecatera dysodea (Small Ranunculus), 10015 Mythimna putrescens (Devonshire Wainscot) and 10347 Agrotis trux  were also caught.

Several species still need to be sorted out but a nice catch.

Embalse de Cubillas, Granada Province.

A few waders.

I popped in to have a quick look at the dry margins on the eastern side of the lake on the way home from the Sunday market. The birds were few but the most common sight was rubbish, I was appalled at the amount of crap that the people leave behind. I do not understand the mentality of going to a beautiful place for a day out and picnic and leaving the place looking like a stinking rubbish dump.

Anyway after my little rant I did see a single Curlew Sandpiper (Correlimos Zarapitin / Calidris ferruginea) and a Grey Plover (Chorlito Gris / Pluvialis squatarola) both of which were in winter dress, plus around 70 adult and immature Little Ringed Plovers (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius) on the mud. 

Also seen were Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Common Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus) and Common Crossbill (Piquituerto Común / Loxia curvirostra).