Serrania de Ronda - Good migration day

[Peter]

Had a reasonable day yesterday with migration in evidence for hirundines and raptors. Short-toed Eagles were drifting North as small groups and individuals, Lesser Kestrels were flocking near to the old dam at Montejaque, whilst my biggest surprise and a 1st for 'my patch' was a Little Swift flying with lots Swallows, House/Sand Martins and a few Red-rumped Swallows at the eatern head of the reservoir near Zahara! Several Chiffchaff, not any Willows, were busy feeding in the area and a solitary Ring Ouzel was feeding near the dam (Montejaque). Northern Wheatear were on cereal fields near the dam and also had my first Black-eared Wheatear male (1st summer male) near to Montecorto. A Black Stork was resting on flooded fields near to the Rio Guadiaro near to Indiana.

So despite the weather (rain) its still very worthwhile to take yourself out and about!

Peter 

[Clive Finlayson]

great to be able to compare notes Peter. I've been looking for Wheatears with no luck so far. Clive

[Peter]

great to be able to compare notes Peter. I've been looking for Wheatears with no luck so far. Clive

Agree and it really is interesting to compare notes. Had lots of Short-toed Eagles today and around 100+ Black Kite. Also my 1st Willow Warbler for the spring. Again lots of hirundines.

Peter

[sherloklewis]

August produced some spectacular raptor migration with the most notable movements appearing towards the end of the month. Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Booted and Short-toed Eagles came through in big numbers with the odd Red Kite adding spice to the occasion. A single Marsh Harrier on the Rio Guadiaro was complemented by my first Squacco Heron for what seems like an age. Montagu’s Harrier became more frequent and by the end of the month it was rare not to see them making their way leisurely southwards. During the month I discovered a great area for Roller and Collared Pratincole with both Short-toed and Calandra Larks giving further reasons for visiting the area next spring.