Laguna Herrera, Fuente de Piedra and Salinas, Malaga Province.

A new species for my Herrera list and two new Dragonflies for my Spanish / Life list.

Migrant Spreadwing (Lestes barbarus).

I went up to the Hotel and meet up with Luigi who I was walking with today, he had been over to Fuente de Piedra the day before but wanted to go back so that he could get some better views of the Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber). 

Thinking about his request I first headed to Laguna Herrera which was not to far from the hotel where we had some cracking views of around 150 Flamingo’s including a nice flock of around 50 birds in flight, flushed when one of the micro-lights from the nearby grass strip took off. 

Mixed in with the Flamingo’s were plenty of Eurasian Coots (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Black-headed Gulls (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus) and a single non-breeding adult Slender-billed Gull (Gaviota Picofina / Larus genei), my first record of this species at this site. 

On the margins there were Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande / Tringa ochropus), lots of Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Avocets (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta) and Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus). 

Small Spreadwing (Lestes virens).

In the vegetation a family party of Great Reed Warblers (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus) scolded us from deep cover and the smaller commoner relative Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus, sang from the top of a reed stem, also seen were Alpine (Vencejo Real / Apus melba) and Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), Barn (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) and Red-rumped Swallows (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Yellow Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis) and at least 6 calling Common Quail (Codorniz Común / Coturnix coturnix) were heard.

We then moved on to Fuente for the walk which we started out by the hide on the road to the west of the Lagoon. 

Iberian Bluetail (Ischnura graellsii).

There were thousands of Flamingo’s on view, along with a female Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) which did a couple of passes, plenty of Gull-billed Terns (Pagaza Piconegra / Gelochelidon nilotica), adult and immature Woodchat Shrikes (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and several Lesser Kestrels (Cernicola Primilla / Falco naumanni). 

Iberian Bluetail (Ischnura graellsii).

We completed the walk and headed back to the hotel and I started my journey home via a small pool near the boarder between Granada and Malaga Provinces at Salinas. The main point was to check if there were any Dragonflies present and I was far from disappointed. 

In fact I found two new species for my list. The first was Migrant Spreadwing (Lestes barbarus), of which I saw at least 20 insects and the second was Small Spreadwing (Lestes virens) but this insect was much rarer and I only saw 1 pair in tandem. 

Epaulet Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysostigma).

Other Dragonflies included Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator), Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea), Epaulet Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysostigma), Iberian Bluetail (Ischnura graellsii) and Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).

Fuengirola, Malaga Province.

Day around the shops.

Orange-winged Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi).

The main reason for today’s trip was for me to pick up a couple of shirts (as I keep ripping holes in the ones I have got) and for Jayne to have a general wander. While Jayne was in the Miramar centre I went and had a look in the Rio Fuengirola just out side. Not a lot was seen except for a very nice male Orange-winged Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi) which was patrolling an area near the concrete dams just a little way up stream.

Granada Province.

Back out into the hills.

Juan and Ian with the Orchids.

I first of all meet up with Ian Phillips at salida 203 on the A92, from where we went to Salida 225 where we meet up with Juan. Once Juan and Ian had got acquainted we headed out into the Sierras again hoping to add two new species to Ian's Spanish Orchid list. Our first stop was to have a look at the Red Helleborine's (Cephalanthera rubra) I had seen a few days ago but they were well over with. Just down the road we parked on the road side and ventured into a small wet ravine where after some searching we relocated three spikes of Small-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis microphylla) which Juan had found earlier in the week, the first of Ian's new plants. 

Algerian Butterfly Orchid (plantanthera algeriensis).

Also seen here were a few birds taking advantage of the water in the warm weather, we saw Sardinian (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and Subalpine Warblers (Curruca Carrasquena / Sylvia cantillans), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Robin (Petirrrojo / Erithacus rubecula), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius) and Iberian Green Woodpecker (Pito Real / Picus sharpei). 

High-brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe).

We continued on through the hills to a picnic area where we had a quick walk around looking for anything interesting, I managed some better shots of a nice male High-brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe) and had some nice views of a family party of Hawfinch (Picogordo / Coccotraustes coccotraustes). We then drove some distance to a new site for me where Juan had found a second sizable population of Algerian Butterfly Orchids (plantanthera algeriensis), we found several plants including a huge spike with many flowers on it all in perfect condition. 

Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum).

Also here we found Common Twayblade (Listera ovata) and Robust Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza elata). Dragonflies were also in good numbers and they included lots of Common Golden Ringed (Cordulegaster boltonii subsp algirica), Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum), Copper (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis) and Western Demoiselle's (Calopteryx xanthostoma), Iberian Bluetail (Ischnura graellsii), Common Blue (Enallagma cyathinerum) and Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula). In the water there were a few tadpoles of the rare Iberian Midwife Toad (Alytes cisternasii) and a single adult Iberian Water Frog (Rana Común / Rana Perezi).

Epipactis fageticola.

Again we continued on to another site where we saw incredible numbers of Epipactis fageticola growing in a Planted Poplar wood, here we shown another three spikes of Algerian Butterfly Orchid, found some Bug Orchids (Orchis coriophora) but they were well over with and a single spike of Common Twayblade. A single Wood White (Leptidea sinapis) was seen egg laying on some Lotus stems and several Spanish Marbled White (Melanargia ines) flicked around the bushes. 

Wood White (Leptidea sinapis).

Our last stop of the day was in a small village near by for a drink and some tapas but even here the finds continued with several spikes of Fageticola being seen in a road side Poplar wood, a female Large Red Damsel coming to the table where we sat and a family of Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) on a light fitting above the door of the bar.

Some where in Granada Province.

Two rare Orchids and a couple of new Butterflies.

Algerian Butterfly Orchid (Plantanthera algeriensis).

After the aborted visit last weekend, we tried to find a market (which we did at Santa Fe) and then go up into the hills for the Orchid species that I had missed the last time. The market was busy but enjoyable, we piked up some nice fresh fruit and veg from on of the many stalls.

We then headed off into the mountains to the same site for the Red Helleborine's (Cephalanthera rubra) as we were at last weekend when the car throw a wobbly with the steering. The same 15 or so plants were flowering but slightly past their best. Also flowering here were Polygala boissieri, Bladder Vetch (Anthyllis tetraphylla), Aphyllanthes monspliensis and Salvia lavandulifolia. 

Algerian Butterfly Orchid (Plantanthera algeriensis).

The next stop was a little further along the track where I left Jayne reading near the car while I did the couple of Kms along a private track to the site for the Algerian Butterfly Orchid (Plantanthera algeriensis). I arrived to find that the Robust Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza elata) and Common Twayblades (Listera ovata) seen on my last visit with Juan were going or had gone over but the Butterfly Orchids were perfect. I counted at least 25 plants , most of which were around 30cm tall and had around a dozen or so flowers. Also flowering was Thalictrum speciosissimum.

Thalictrum speciosissimum.

Butterflies were also abundant at the site and on the walk down and they included two new species for my list, Mother of Pearl Blue (Plebicula nivescens) and High-brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe). The others were Cardinal Fritillary (Argynnis Pandora), Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra), Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea), Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi), Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas), Grayling (Hipparchia semele), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathseba), Iberian Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthameli), Wood White (Leptidea sinapis), Spanish Marbled White (Melanargia ines), Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris). 

Mother of Pearl Blue (Plebicula nivescens).

Common Golden Ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) was again on site but as usual avoided the camera with great timing and skill. 

High-brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe).

I had not taken my bins with me but I picked up Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Woodlark (Totovia / Lullula arborea), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur), Subalpine Warbler (Curruca Carrasquena / Sylvia cantillans), Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Robin (Petirrrojo / Erithacus rubecula), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus) and Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla) on the way.

Sierra's around Granada, Granada Province.

New Orchid for my Granada List.

Red Helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra).

Jayne and I made our way up to Granada to go to the large Sunday market on the outskirts of the City but as we arrived we found that annual summer Feria was on so the market was cancelled. So we then started the trip up to Sierra's earlier that expected. As we drove into the car park the motor started to make a strange noise, which I thought was something to do with the clutch but it turned out to be the power steering system. I parked up and had a look around the area where Juan had told me he had found several spikes of Red Helleborines (Cephalanthera rubra), after a short search I found 15 or so plants. 

Red Helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra).

These crackers were a new species for my Granada Orchid list. In the area there were large numbers of Common Golden Ringed Dragonflies (Cordulegaster boltonii subsp algirica) and at one location they seemed to be swarming, with around 30 insects in a roadside group.

Red Helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra).

As we pulled out of the car park the noises from the car got worse so the visit to the main Orchid site nearby was postponed and we made a dash for home, topping the hydraulic oil up on the way. On the Monday we took it down to the mechanic who found a leak in one of the pipes and repaired it nice and quickly.

Laguna Herrera and Torcal, Malaga Province.

A good mix of species.

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

I again popped into the Laguna on the way over to the Hotel for work, the numbers of birds which I had expected to drop off had actually risen dramatically. 

There were at least 600 Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) spread between the three waters, with most being on the first flooded field. 

Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).

They were seen along with a flock of 30 Black-tailed Godwits (Aguja Colinegra / Limosa limosa), around 150 Black-winged Stilts (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Kentish Plover (Chorlitejo Patinegro / Charadrius alexandrinus), Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), several Avocet (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta) but most surprising were a pair of Stone-curlew (Alcaraván Común / Burhinus oedicnemus) which were wading around in the shallow water.

On the main Laguna there were large numbers of adult and immature Eurasian Coots (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus), more Avocets, Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), Gull-billed Terns (Pagaza Piconegra / Gelochelidon nilotica) and three male White-headed Ducks (Malvasia Cabeciblanca / Oxyura leucocephala) but no sign of the females or young of the last visit. I briefly got out of the car to have a look at the second flooded field from the bank and was aware of hundreds, if not thousands of newly emerged Red-veined Darters (Sympetrum fonscolombii) amongst the grass, along with a few more mature red insects. 

Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica).

On the second flood there were more Flamingo’s and lots of Mallards (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos). In the reedy ditches Great Reed (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Reed (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and Melodious Warblers (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta) were again seen, along with Yellow Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator), Iberian Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis) and Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata). 

In the air there were the usual Common (Vencejo Común / Apus apus) and Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus) which were joined today by large numbers of the large Alpine Swifts (Vencejo Real / Apus melba).

Pyramidal Orchid (Orquidea pyramidal / Anacamptis pyramidalia).

I had run out of time so I went up to the hotel to meet David and the four ladies for today’s hike which was at El Torcal. 

The walk for this morning was the basic yellow route which passes through some of the nice limestone gullies and formations, on the way around we had some cracking views of the local Spanish Ibex (Capra pyreaica hispanica) including a young male which spent some time nose rubbing with David’s dog Lilly. 

Birds included the regular Griffon Vultures (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Black Wheatear (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura), Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Rock Sparrow (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops) and Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes). 

Linaria anticaria.

Two Orchids were seen on the trail, the commonest by far was the nice pink flowered Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalia) but I did see just a single spike of the Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera). Butterflies included Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra), Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Iberian Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthameli), Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathseba), Spanish Marbled White (Melanargia ines) and Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

A couple of interesting Wildflowers were also noted along the walk, on the rocks the endemics included Linaria anticaria and Saxifaga biternata. 

Saxifaga biternata.

We also recorded Spanish Mallow (Malva Hispanica), Shrubby Jasmine (Jasminum fruticans), Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia baetica) and Mountain Catchfly (Silene andryalifolia). 

A couple of Ocellated Lizards (Lacerta lepida) were also seen on the tracks, including a really bright large adult.

Cerro Gordo and travelling, Granada Province.

New bird for my Granadan List.

Mirado de Cerro Gordo.

Jayne and I found our selves down on the coast at Motril for the morning where we found a few bits for the garden. Later we called at a spot where Juan and I had been a few weeks earlier looking at Orchids and I had notice a nice bar (Mirado de Cerro Gordo). We found the bar which was out on the end of Cerro Gordo just on the boarder between Granada and Malaga Provinces where we had a nice light lunch and I did some birding from the terrace. I picked up a single Honey Buzzard (Aberjero Europeo / Pernis apivorus) which was heading west along the coast, Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Black Wheatear (Collalba Negra / Oenanthe leucura), Blue Rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Orphean Warbler (Curruca Mirlona / Sylvia hortensis) and Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus). 

View from the Bar.

Just down the road I stopped at a spot where I had great views of a pair of White-rumped Swifts (Vencejo Cafre / Apus caffer) a new bird for my Granada Province list. The first views were brief as the birds passed off west but after about 20 minutes a singleton retuned and displayed well for some time right in front of us. Here I also saw Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica), Melodious Warbler (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) and around 20 Audouin's Gulls (Gaviota de Audouin / Larus audouinii) which were resting on a small off shore island. We then continued our round trip home via Torre-del-mar and Zaffarraya, on the way I saw Calandra Lark (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Lesser Kestrel (Cernicola Primilla / Falco naumanni), Rock Sparrow (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia), Iberian  Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax) and Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis).

Granada Province.

Another new Orchid out in the hills again.

Algerian Butterfly Orchid (plantanthera algeriensis).

I arrived at the meeting place just before Juan and found some nice spikes of Bug Orchid (Orchis coriophora) right by the side of the road and also picked up Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Bonelli’s Warbler (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) on the bird front, plus Brown Argus (Aricia agestis), Southern Blue (Polyommatus celina) and Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathseba) for the Butterflies.

Algerian Butterfly Orchid (plantanthera algeriensis).

As soon as Juan arrived we push on to our main objective a very rare Orchid which I have been looking for for many year which Juan had found a site for. We arrived at the parking place and walked out to the damp meadow where there plants grew and before long I had Algerian Butterfly Orchid (plantanthera algeriensis) on the list. 

Robust Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza elata).

The only down side was that there was only a single flower which was almost out on all 27 of the spikes we found. We also saw several spikes of Robust Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza elata) and some of the Common Twayblades (Listera ovata) we had seen a couple of weeks ago were still in good flower. In the surounding woods we heard of saw Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Bonelli’s (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli) and Subalpine Warblers (Curruca Carrasquena / Sylvia cantillans). 

Bug Orchid (Orchis coriophora).

A couple of Common Golden Ringed Dragonfly's (Cordulegaster boltonii) were also seen skimming around the woodland clearings along with a single Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) and Iberian Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthameli). 

On the walk back to the car we saw several more Bug Orchids, Lizard Orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum) and Purple Limodore (Limodorum abortivum). 

Small Woodcock Orchid (Ophrys picta).

From the cars we continued on seeing more Bug Orchids and a couple of spikes of Small Woodcock Orchid (Ophrys picta) but little else of interest.

Laguna Herrera and the walk from Nacimiento to Antequera, Malaga Province.

Laguna before work and then the long one.

Orange-winged Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi).

I had a quick look in at Laguna Herrera on the way to the hotel but it was fairly quiet species wise but the Greater Flamingo (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) flock had at least trebled in size with around 400 birds being seen. The best surprise of the morning was the confirmed breeding of at least one pair of White-headed Ducks (Malvasia Cabeciblanca / Oxyura leucocephala) at the site, One adult male and two female birds were on the water and one of the females had three ducklings in tow. The Avocet (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta) was still sitting eggs near the track and several Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus) were on nests whilst others had already got well grown young out on the margins. 

Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera).

Other birds included several Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Reidora / Chroicocephalus ridibundus) which were skimming the surface of the water feeding along side at least 10 Gull-billed Terns (Pagaza Piconegra / Gelochelidon nilotica), Kentish (Chorlitejo Patinegro / Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Ringed Plovers (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius) fed in a small flock which also included a couple of Common Sandpipers (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos) and a single very late or extremely early summer plumaged Little Stint (Correlimos Menudo / Calidris minuta). In the reed beds and along the ditches I picked up Reed (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Great Reed (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Melodious (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta) and Sardinian Warblers (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala), Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis) and Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra). I then turned around and headed for the hotel, on the way back down the track I added Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), 4x Northern Lapwings (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus) and Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos).

Candle Bugloss (Echium boissieri).

Antonio dropped David and I at the start of the Nacimiento track with the three guests, where started the long walk back down to Antequera. The first leg was a steady up hill walk through some grassland with a few added thistles just to keep you moving, along here I picked up several Woodchat Shrikes (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), Thekla Lark (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Alpine Swift (Vencejo Real / Apus melba) and Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus). The second stage was down hill through mainly Olive groves to the Magdalena Hotel, all the way along this section we could hear and see European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), we found a couple of small colones of these birds nesting on the track sides in banks that were no taller than 20cm. Also along this bit I added Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa), Sardinian Warbler, Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Iberian  Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) and Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor). After a quick stop at the spring just out side the hotel to top up the water bottles and a swift chat to the members of the Loja Royal British Leigon's walking group (who were sat out side the hotel have a proper drink) we continued on down to Antequera. This route was good for birds which included a family party of Orphean Warblers (Curruca Mirlona / Sylvia hortensis), a couple of Melodious Warblers, Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and a dark phase Booted Eagle (Aguila Calzada / Aquila pennatus) but was even better for the insects with an immature male Orange-winged Dropwing (Trithemis kirbyi) being the star find. 

Shrub Tobacco (Nicotinana glauca).

We also recorded Red-veined Darter Dragonfly (Sympetrum fonscolombii), while the butterflies were represented by Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera), Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria), Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathseba), Spanish Marbled White (Melanargia ines), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus), Large White (Pieris brassicae), Knapweed Fritillary (Melitaea phoebe), Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus), Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra), Brown Argus (Aricia agestis), Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi) and Bath White (Pontia daplidice). Along the track we also saw several immature Spiny-footed Lizards (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) with their bright Orange/ red tails, Candle Bugloss (Echium boissieri) and Shrub Tobacco (Nicotinana glauca).

RAM and Charca del Suarez, Motril, Granada Province.

Sea bird survey and water birds at Charca.

Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator) male.

Juan and I meet as usual at Aki in Granada and then made our way down to carry out the monthly sea bird count. Bird numbers were mixed with Balearic (Pardela Balear / Puffinus mauretanicus) and Cory's Shearwater’s (Pardela Cenicienta / Calonectris diomedea) and immature Northern Gannet’s (Alcatraz Atlántico / Morus bassanus) being the most common species counted. A single Great Skua (Págalo Grande / Catharacta skua), Black-headed (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), Yellow-legged (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis) and Audouin's Gulls (Gaviota de Audouin / Larus audouinii) added a bit of variety. Other birds recorded during the two hours were Common (Vencejo Común / Apus apus) and Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), House (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and Crag Martins (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulga / Falco tinnunculus), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Crested Lark (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), a single fly by Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egretta garzetta), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor) and Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis). 

Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator) female.

A couple of pods of cetacea's passed distantly west, the second contained at least 20 Common Dolphin's (Delphinus delphis) but the first pod remained unidentified but all the animals stayed very low in the water and had fine backwards pointing dorsal fins.

We then moved on to Charca where we meet the warden at the main gate, who gave us a copy of the new book about the site. We then spent a couple of hours wandering around the hides. In the small hide not far from the gate we saw Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus), Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis) all out on the water, while in the air lots of Red-rumped (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica) and Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica) were feeding. Further around the reserve we stopped at the hide near the photograph centre and picked up Purple Swamp-hen (Calamón Común / Porphyrio porphyrio), a pair of Black-winged Stilts (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Cetti’s (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) and Reed Warblers (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur) and Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos). On the track near these hide we had some cracking views of a male Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator) which sat on a reed stem and let us take several close up shots, also seen briefly was a male Black Percher (Diplacodes lefebvrii) which zipped in to sight and was gone as quick as it arrived. 

Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egretta garzetta).

From the photographic hide we picked up a nice Squacco Heron (Garcilla Cangrejera / Ardeola ralloides) and from the board walk at the back of the hide I saw at least three different Little Bitterns (Avetorillo Común / Ixobrychus minutus), several Iberian Bluetail Damselflies (Ischnura graellsii), a male Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) and a couple of Speckled Wood Butterflies (Pararge aegeria). The time flew by and the warden was soon around to close up so we walked back towards the entrance picking up an old female Blue / Common Emperor on the bamboo fencing which also posed for a couple of shots. Other species seen included Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus), Iberian Water Frogs (Rana Común / Rana Perezi) and a Viperine Snake (Culebra viperina / Natrix maura).

Ronoral Pine woodlands near Antequera, Malaga Province, Spain.

Rio Frio Health walk at Ronoral Woods.

Spanish Mallow (Malva Hispanica).

I picked the two guests that were walking with me up from the hotel and headed out, while David took the others on a different route up through the mountains. We parked up and walked the dirt roads through the Pines which later opened out and then changed to a mixture of Oaks and scrub. 

Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi).

On the way round good numbers of birds were seen and heard, on the first section I picked up Woodlark (Totovia / Lullula arborea), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Iberian Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur), Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla), Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Coal Tit (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) and Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus). 

Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum).

Some wildflowers were still in good condition but all the Orchids were well over with, flowers seen included Wild Leek (Allium ampeloprasum), Blue Alkanet (Anchusa azurea), Spotted Rockrose (Tuberaria guttata), Ground-pine Germander (Teucrium pseudochamaepitys), Spanish Mallow (Malva Hispanica) and Mucizonia hispida.

Out in the more open areas I added Sardinian (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and Bonelli’s Warblers (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Common Crossbill (Piquituerto Común / Loxia curvirostra), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus) and Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor). 

Pine-cone Knapweed (Leuzea conifera).

Butterflies were on the wing in good numbers including lots of Black-veined Whites (Aporia crataegi), Cardinal Fritillary (argynnis Pandora), Cleopatra (Cleopatra / Gonepteryx cleopatra), Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea), Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus), Southern Gatekeeper (Pyronia cecilia), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria), Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). Hummingbird Hawkmoths (Macroglossum stellatarum) were also common including one which landed on a dirt bank and gave us some nice views and a chance with the camera. 

More wildflowers were seen on this more open stretch, Italian Sainfoin (Hedysarum coronarium), White Rockrose (Helianthemum apenninum), Helianthemum lavandulifolium, Caper (Capparis spinosa), Cynara cardunculus, Pine-cone Knapweed (Leuzea conifera), Large Blue Flax (Linum narbonense) and White Flax (Linum suffruticosum).

Laguna Herrera and El Chorro, Malaga Province.

On the way to and at work.

Anders and Betsy at the summit.

I made a quick visit to the Laguna on my way to work at Antequera, on the flooded fields there were several Black-winged Stilts (Ciguenuela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Avocets (Avoceta Común/ Recurvirostra avosetta), Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinula Chloropus) and several Gull-billed Terns (Pagaza Piconegra / Gelochelidon nilotica).

David at the summit.

Out on the main Laguna there were about 200 Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) feeding, a single male White-headed Duck (Malvasia Cabeciblanca / Oxyura leucocephala), a Common Pochard (Porrón Europeo / Aythya ferina), Little (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis) and a single Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cuellinegro / Podiceps nigricollis). In the air there were several more Gull-billed Terns, Black-headed Gulls (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus). Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Great Reed Warbler (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and Melodious Warbler (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta) were all heard rattling out songs from the margins, while an Avocet sat quietly on her nest just a meter from the track side. Other species seen included Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirundo daurica), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Spanish (Yellow) Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), Calandra (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra) and Crested Larks (Cogujada Común / Galerida cristata), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra) and Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops).

View from the summit.

I then made my way up to the hotel to meet today’s hikers and then we all travelled out to do one of the walks in the El Chorro area. On the way over we passed Laguna Dulce just as around 150 Greater Flamingo’s (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus ruber) were leaving the site, which made for a spectacular view as they all flew low over the road and the Olive groves.

The first part of the walk took us through some mature pine woodland were Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus) and Coal Tit (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) were all seen. On the more open areas of scrub I picked up Dartford (Curruca Rabilarga / Sylvia undata), Sardinian (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and Subalpine Warblers (Curruca Carrasquena / Sylvia cantillans), along with Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Thekla Lark (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae) and in the air Alpine Swift (Vencejo Real / Apus melba), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus) and Red-billed Chough (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). Other birds seen on the way to the summit of the hill and on the way back included Long-tailed (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus) and Great Tits (Carbonero Común / Parus major), Pallid Swift (Vencejo Pálido / Apus pallidus), Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Cetti’s Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos) and White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba).

Common / Southern Blue (Polyommatus icarus / celina).

Good numbers of butterflies were also on the wing, these included Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathseba), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), Southern Blue (Polyommatus celina), Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus), Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra), Sage Skipper (Muschampia proto), Large (Pieris brassicae), Bath (Pontia daplidice) and Small Whites (Artogeia rapae), Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) and Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera).

Other birds seen whilst travelling included Rock Sparrow (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia), Iberian  Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cooki), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur) and Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa).