Isabelline Wheatear at Llanos de Libar

[Peter]

Had my first Spanish record for Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina yesterday. The bird was made pretty easy to identify being among many Northern and Black-eared Wheatears. The main characteristics was the long-legged and upright appearance, more sandy coloured than Northern, but the real clincher was the lack of spotted shorts (no black/grey spotting to the feathering on the tibia). Larger bird, but you need to be a bit cautious at this time of year as you might also get the greenland version of the Northern Wheatear, a large and generally more colourful bird than the nominate race.

Peter 

[john]

I found Isabelline Wheatear to be pretty distinctive birds when I saw them a few years back, but you must been pretty sharp eyed and on the ball to pick one out from so many wheatears.  Well done Peter!  How many Andalucian/Spanish records are there?

John

[Peter]

Umm, interesting and surprising to discover my Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) is a first record for Spain! I don’t believe this for one moment and can only assume ‘bad’ practise or lack of observer coverage means it has been missed in the past. I guess it is sure to prove controversial, which is a shame. 

Peter