October has ended and with it the door to autumn is firmly closed, or at least as far as birds are concerned, and November opens the door to winter that will endure for the next three months for most of our migrant winter birds. Wintering … Continue readingNovember, declining birds and climate change
I write pieces for Costa Connection each month and normally in the month preceding publication and in July I wrote on a post to my Facebook page “During the hottest of days, it can still be worthwhile to catch up with a favourite bird before … Continue readingStill crazy after all these years
It is that time of year, my time. We each have our favourite time of year, our own favourite of all the four seasons. Talking to friends, opinions vary, and no doubt guided by their own preferences, friends who are plant lovers have a distinct … Continue readingSpringtime and our birds!
Winter birding can be a cool affair as we languish in our colder months, but in January I like to set a couple of days aside to target a few of my favourite winter birds. Common Firecrest, allegedly known as ‘king of birds’ in folklore, … Continue readingCommon Firecrest – a winter favourite
As early as July many birds begin their long journey to Africa as they seek more temperate climates in which to spend their winter. Many of our summer resident small birds such as warblers will begin to disperse from breeding grounds and slowly make their … Continue readingFlyway to Africa – Bird Migration
Our Scops Owl is a member of the genus Otus, an old-world family and the largest genus of owls in relation to the number of species, 45 members of Otus have been recognised to date. As the name implies, the distribution of this sometimes-elusive owl … Continue readingEurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops scops)
Seasonal Overpopulation During the spring and summer our cities and towns increase their residents in high numbers. We know plenty about this issue in the province of Málaga, thanks to our great beaches and nature which attract thousands of visitors every year. In this case … Continue readingAerial Project: citizen science for the conservation of our feathered neighbours
Andalusia Bird Festival of Montejaque First ornithological fair in the province Between April 19 and 21, 2024, Montejaque hosted the Andalucía Bird Festival, the first fair in the province of Málaga dedicated to ornithology, organized by its City Council with the support of the Málaga … Continue readingFirst ornithological fair in the province of Málaga
March is the month of the great crossover as many of our wintering birds leave us to begin a journey northward towards their breeding grounds and the void here will be filled by those birds returning from Africa to occupy many of the territories awaiting … Continue readingMigration and The Magic Corridor
I pull into the parking area of the field centre near the small town of Sorbas in Almería province and as I get out I see a figure approaching with a sense of urgency from an area of shrubs. He has tousled hair, a greying … Continue readingRinging a Hoopoe
