Monday 26 November 2012

HERONS IN SPAIN AND EXTREMADURA. SURVEYS 2011.

SEO/BirdLife has published a monograph of the census results of breeding and wintering herons carried out in Spain in 2011 (Garrido et al. 2012). Although Extremadura is not renowned for its wetlands, rather the opposite, it ranks second after Andalusia, in terms of importance for wintering birds (32 900, 14% of Spain) and third in terms of breeding pairs (9,900 pairs, 15% of Spain, in 84 locations).

As a family, the herons are increasing and most of the studied species show increases in Spain. The night heron (Nycticorax Nycticorax) has risen from 1,300 in 1986 to 5,400 pairs in 2011. The squacco heron (Ardeolla ralloides) from 200 in 1980 to 2100 pairs in 2011. Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) from 168 in 1950 to 7,000 pairs in 2011. The purple heron (Ardea purpurea) from 2,000 in 1997-2003 to 5,400 pairs in 2011. The bittern (Botaurus stellaris) from 26 pairs in 1980 to 41 in 2011. And the great white egret (Egretta alba), which began breeding in 1997 in the Ebro Delta has gone to 53 pairs in 2011. By contrast decreases were detected in the little egret (Egretta garzetta), with a small drop in the last ten years, resulting in 2011 (9350 pairs) against 1990 figures (7,600 pairs) but lower than 2002 (10,400). The most abundant species is the only one who has suffered a significant decrease. We talked about the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), down from 70,000 pairs in 1989 to 40,000 in 2011. This is a species that has incresed during the twentieth century and whose population can fluctuate greatly depending on local conditions. Experts say that some species show strong expansions, then suffer a decline after which the population is consolidated and stabilized.

 
 
 

Garrido, J. R., Molina, B. y del Moral, J. C. (Eds). 2012. Las garzas en España. Población reproductora e invernante en 2010-2011 y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

CHONI, BLACK STORK

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Choni on nest "original" in 2011, last season it was observed, with an age of 21 years. Eva Palacios.

Humans name each new family member as it enters the world, but the animals that we see in our travels are all anonymous. Or almost all. Some have brand new names thanks to man marking them. Among the birds of Extremadura has been such a particular individual: Choni, a Black Stork. The legend was born of "The Choni".

Choni had the great idea of starting her home in a highly visible place in the much visited Monfragüe National Park, becoming perhaps the most famous Black Stork in the world. And all because on one of her red legs is a white plastic ring with the letters C/HN. It is now easy to see how she got her name. This author came to Extremadura in 1995, when Choni started her nest. So for over 18 years we were almost neighbors ... with me waiting for her timely return each spring. In 2012 she did not return. After a year's absence, it seems highly justified for me to write this small tribute.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Choni was born in Oliva de Plasencia. Photo by J. A. Roman in 1988. There are no photos of 1990 when Choni was ringed.

Choni was born in a nest in an old corn oak in Oliva de Plasencia (Cáceres), in the spring of 1990. A productive and accessible nest where several chicks had been ringed in previous years, probably Choni's siblings. On 11 June 1990, Jose Antonio Román and Juan José Ferrero, ringers from Elanus de Adenex group, ringed the three chicks in the nest. Of the three siblings, C/HL was seen on 13 and 25 September 1991 in the Emblase de Valuengo, Badajoz, but there have been no further sightings. Worse fate befell C/HP, found dead, 2,900 km away, in Africa three years later, on June 14, 1993 in Macina, Mali.

In her fifth year, Choni, now an adult female took possession of one of the classic nests in Monfragüe, close to the famous Portilla del Tiétar and only 35 km from her birthplace. A territory held from 1994 to 2011 for 18 straight seasons where year after year she successfully raised between one to four chicks each year. We have data for 18 seasons, when she fledged a total of 46 young , ie an average of 2.55 per year. At least three different males have shared her nest. One of them, ringed as 1/9V, was her partner four years, between 1999 and 2002. This male, also born in the north of Cáceres, was ringed by Elanus de Adenex on June 19, 1992.


Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Choni, aged 21, with her partner. Year 2011. Javier Prieta.
Black Stork. Male W[1/9V]. Partner of Choni between 1999 and 2002. By Enrique F. Larreta.

Thousands of people have enjoyed seeing Choni on her nest, resting, flying, incubating or feeding her chicks, and sometimes seeing surprising behavior, such as two cases of infanticide, and the presence of other ringed birds in or near the nest: a juvenile from Luxembourg on September 18, 2004 (O [CT05]), a bird born in 2005 Lanzahíta, Avila was seen on 18 and 23 March 2008 (W [68C4]), and one born in Valdemaque, Madrid in 2005, was observed on June 12, 2010 (W [W10V]).

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Choni with her partner and three chicks. Year 2003. Javier Prieta.

Perhaps most interesting was documented conflicts with her neighbours. With the increase in population of vultures, it has become commonplace in Monfragüe for them to usurp nests of other species, especially black storks, but also nests of Egyptian Vultures, Bonelli's and Spanish Imperial Eagles that are found in trees. Choni began to suffer with nest occupatons by vultures in 1999. When she returned she found a vulture incubating in her nest, however, with human assistance, it was recovered and she fledged 4 chicks. In 2002 she had worse luck and this time the vultures won, leaving no other choice for Choni but to build a new nest a few meters away. Thereafter annual occupations were, even in two nests at once, although interventions by park staff eased the situation. Since 2002, Choni used the original nest five times and the new one six times. On two occasions, the first nest was used by a pair of egyptian vultures, and in 2010 there were two pairs of black storks in the nests, but the other pair did not lay eggs.

Choni nesting place between 1994 and 2011. Picture taken in 2010. With yellow circle the traditional nest, known for decades and occupied this time by another pair of black storks. With blue circle the nest "alternative" built in 2002 and occupied by Choni and her chicks. With red circle where there was a egyptian vulture nest. Above and to the right of the rock usually breed griffon vultures.

Sadly, in 2012 Choni did not return home. A sighting was reported in Monfragüe, but with no confirmation. The nest was used but both birds were unringed. Although there is no evidence that Choni has died, 21 years of life would make her the oldest known Spanish Black Stork.... and also the most famous.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Choni with her three chicks. Year 2006. Javier Prieta.

This text is dedicated to GOCE, source of most of the information and experiences collected; Santi Cano for his infectious teaching and especially his passion for "Black Ladies" and José Antonio Román, Víctor Pizarro and Juan José Ferrero (Adenex ringing group), who between 1980 and 1995 ringed no less than 555 black storks in Extremadura. A task which unfortunately has not been continued, but which has helped to understand the species in Extremadura. J. A. Roman has provided data and photographs. 

Sources: 
- Ferrero, J. J. and Pizarro, V. M. 2003. The Black Stork in Extremadura. Cuadernos Poplulares No. 61. Consejería de Cultura. Junta de Extremadura. Merida.

Friday 16 November 2012

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER: FIRST FOR EXTREMADURA

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) photographed by Steve Fletcher.

At last ... after several questionable records, we have the first sighting of a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) in Extremadura, although this will have to be accepted by the Spanish Rarities Committee. It was found near Madroñera (Cáceres), on November 12, 2012 by Colin Jewitt and Juan Carlos Molina. Accompanied by Steve Fletcher they returned the next day, but were unable to relocate the bird.

This tiny warbler, which somewhat resembles a Firecrest, is the commonest Siberian passerine seen in Western Europe. Its breeding range spans the Russian taiga and winters in southern Asia. But migration between the two is not always straightforward and a part of the population moves west  during autumn. So hundreds of Yellow-browed Warblers, possibly juveniles are mostly seen in northwest Europe (UK, Netherlands, Northern France ...) during the months of September and October. They then head east to Asia by the same way they arrived. But not all. Some will drop southward reaching the Iberian Peninsula. So, in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands 77 records have been approved up until 2009. The dates are somewhat later than in the north and occur mostly in October and November, especially in the Mediterranean coastal provinces and Andalusia, being rarer in the north and almost nonexistent in the interior. It seems that these birds, or at least some,  winter further south, at some unknown location in Africa. This pattern suggests the presence in the Canary Islands (with 17 confirmed records until 2009),  there are fully documented winter examples in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura of birds staying for months (for example, from October to December to March or April). On the mainland Spain there are also some spring records, perhaps wintering birds returning to Russia, these sighting dates being rare in more northerly countries.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

ALIEN QUAILS: CHINESE AND JAPANESE

Chinese Quail (Coturnix chinensus). Male and female. Taken from Avikultura. 

The Chinese quail (Coturnix chinensis) is a common galliforme in South Asia, Sunda Islands, and Australia. Their easy breeding and obvious attraction makes them relatively common as an ornamental bird. A male of this species has was found ran over on July 12, 2012 on the A-5, near the Parque Natural de Cornalvo (Badajoz). Jesus Manuel Crespo, sent some photos to the Rarities Committee SEO/BirdLife. As is not an uncommon bird and did not arrive here by natural means, the description was sent to the Exotic Bird Group (GAE), which then came to our notice. It is probably an escapee, although the date it was found could mean it was released for hunting.

 Chinese Quail (Coturnix chinensus). Male hit in Cornalvo, Badajoz (Jesus Maria Crespo) 

Unfortunately, this observation shows the risks arising from the introduction of exotic species. One of the biggest causes of extinction in recent times. Perhaps the Chinese quail is not among the most dangerous compared with the the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Another species of eastern Asia itself much like our Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) and long considered a mere subspecies of this. Indeed, easily hybridized in captivity, it is then difficult to identify resulting hybrids (the song is slightly different) and genetic testing must be resorted to. Quail hunting is common in Extremadura, but the extent of the introduction of the Japanese quail and their hybrids is totally unknown . However, studies by Manuel Puigcerver's team between 1999 and 2005 detected that 4.4% of quails analyzed in Catalonia were hybrids (but if specimens are considered doubtful, the percentage then rises to 15%).

 Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Taken from here.

The release of Japanese quail for hunting is a recent practice, as studies started in 1983 did not detect hybrids until 1990. Currently all quail farms breed the Japanese quail (there are no Common Quail breeding farms), which are the then released as either pure or hybrids. At some well quoted sites in France, 75% of the quail hunted are Japanese quail. Numbers released in Catalonia are also increasing and official figures quote 2,430 Japanese quail released in 1991 and 153,600 in 2003, 60 times more, in 17 years releases total more than one million. For comparison, the wild Common Quail breeding population in Extremadura is estimated at only 15,600 birds (Carrascal and Palomino, 2008), although in summer many migratory birds arrive from other locations.

In Extremadura is certain releasing takes place from quail farms, but the presence of Japanese quail has not been confirmed and is not on any list. Elswhere it is not know what proportion are natural hybrids, if any. Despite the massive release performed in Spain, France and Italy, it seems that most Japanese quail die, or are hunted, shortly after their release. No study has been carried out to ascertain the proportion of hybrids. It is standard practice to release them in the midseason at the end of the summer and as poultry have lost their migratory instinct, they do not usually survive the winter. But, is has also been found that more Iberian quail are over-wintering and have less tendency to migrate. Maybe hybrids are responsible ... but this has yet to be proved.

Sources: 
- Puigcerver, M., Vinyoles, D.& Rodriguez-Teijeiro, J. D. 2007. Restocking with Japanese quail Do hybrids affect the native population of common quail coturnix Cotunix? Biological Conservation 136:628-635. 
- Rodriguez-Teijeiro, J. D. & Puigcerver, M. 2006. Study of the degree of hybridization between Common Quail and Japanese quail in Catalonia. Report. Universitat de Barcelona and Generalitat de Catalunya. 
- Carrascal, L. M. & Palomino, D. 2008. Common birds breeding in Spain. Population in 2004-2006. SEO / BirdLife. Madrid

FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES IN EXTREMADURA 2012

The IV Festival of the Cranes will be held this year on Saturday December 1, again at Moheda Alta,Navalvillar de Pela, Badajoz. You can enjoy a day observing nature, with your family or friends, watching the cranes that come from northern Europe and remain here until spring. The final program has no been published yet, but will consist of guided ornithological walks, presentations, folklore and popular food tasting.. For interested parties there are free buses from Cáceres, Badajoz and Meridal to Moheda Alta, returning in the evening.

On Sunday December 2 ADENEX also has, in the same place, the 21st edition of the "Day of the Cranes in Extremadura", starting at 16 h.

More information can be found on the Birding in Extremadura website where the program of activities is published.

Friday 9 November 2012

OCTOBER 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata). Sierra de San Pedro. By Pedro Schreur.

List of the most interesting records sent to the GOCE forum during October 2012. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Egyptian Goose. Present for the whole of October at the embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), were between 8 and 11 individuals (William Haworth, Sergio Mayordomo, Manuel García del Rey, Javier Mahillo, Emilio Peña, Eva Palacios and César Clemente).
- Shelduck: The same individual seen throughout September was at the charca de Morantes (BA) (Pablo Herrador) on 19/10 .
- Red Crested Pochard: At El Manantío-Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), various examples were seen on 06/10 (Liz Snell) and 2 males on14/10 (Jesús Solana). At the embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), one male was seen on 18/10 and 19/10 (E. Peña). At Los Canchales (BA) 2 males on 20/10 and 27/10 (Elvira del Viejo and Antonia Cangas). One male at the charca de La Isla, Logrosán (CC), on 28/10 (S. Mayordomo and J. Mahillo).
- Ferruginous Duck: At El Manantío-Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), 4 individuals were seen on 06/10 (L. Snell), one on 14/10 (J. Solana) and 6 on 25/10 (Manolo Iglesias). One male was at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 28/10 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey, J. Mahillo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente).
- Common Quail: 4 at Alange (BA) on 20/10 (Vanessa de Alba, Francisco Montaño and Antonio Núñez).
- Black-necked Grebe: At the embalse de Orellana (BA) 20 individuals on 04/10 (Ángel Luis Sánchez) and 30 on 17/10 (Francisco Rodríguez and Á. L. Sánchez).

- Common Flamingo: Thirteen at los arrozales de Gargáligas, Don Benito (BA), on 14/10 (V. de Alba, Manuel J. Salguero -photo- and A. Núñez).
- Glossy Ibis. One at the rice fields between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 11/10 (Juan Pablo Prieto). At the embalse de Arrocampo (CC), one on 12/10 (Marc Gálvez and José Guerra) and 14/10 (S. Mayordomo, Samuel Langlois, M. García del Rey and Dave Langlois).
- Bittern. One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 11/10 (Rafael Vicente).
- Squacco Heron: On the Guadiana river at badajoz several individuals on 06/10 (SEO-Badajoz) and 2 on 20/10 (M. Gálvez, Juan Carlos Paniagua and J. Guerra). One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 13/10 (Mercedes Rodríguez and Juan Carlos Salgado).
- Great White Egret: 26 in a mixed roost with Cattle Egrets at embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 14/10 (S. Mayordomo, S. Langlois, M. García del Rey and D. Langlois).
- Reef Egret/Little Egret hybrid: One at embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 18/10 (José Manuel Castrillo and Fernando García Crego).

- Cormorant: A leucistic individual at gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 29/10 (Javier Prieta -photo-).
- Osprey: One at the embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), one on 13/10 yand 2 on 19/10 (E. Peña) and 23/10 (W. Haworth). One at el Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 14/10 (Atanasio Fernández).
- Ruppell's Vulture: An immature at Mojón Gordo, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 12/10 (S. Molano). Goshawk: At Alía (CC), One on 07/10 (Noelia Baeza and Jorge Ángel Herrera) and another in a Chestnut on 31/10 (N. Baeza, J. Á. Herrera and Jaime Cerezo). One at the canal de Las Dehesas (BA) on 09/10 (Á. L. Sánchez).
- Avocet: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), one on 20/10 (J. Solana, Francisco Lopo, Francisco Castro, Marisa y Manolo) and 30/10 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana, F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One at theel embalse de Casas de Don Antonio (CC) on 23/10 (M. Iglesias).
- Grey Plover: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 27/10 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas) and 30/10 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana, F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Kentish Plover: One at the rice fields near Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 04/10 (J. P. Prieto).
- Spotted Redshank: In the rice fields between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) 12 individuals on 04/10 and 5 on 11/10 (J. P. Prieto). One at the laguna de Los Gañanés, Guijo de Coria (CC), on 12/10 (S. Mayordomo). 142 in the rice fields at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 27/10 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez). 
- Turnstone: One in the rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 27/10 (J. P. Prieto and Antonio Mendoza).
- Wood Sandpiper: One at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) between 01/10 and 23/10 (S. Mayordomo y J. Prieta). In the rice fields between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (BA), 2 on 04/10 and 5 on 11/10 (J. P. Prieto).
- Sanderling: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 30/10 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana, F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Curlew Sandpiper: A juvenile at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 02/10 and another 2 at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 12/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Yellow-legged Gull: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 11/10 (R. Vicente). One at the weir in Mérida (BA) on 18/10 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). 2 at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 21/10 (Vicente Risco and Javier Briz).
- Black Tern: Three individuals at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Short-eared Owl: One at the embalse de Talaván (CC) on 19/10 (Mathieu Bourgeois). One being harrassed by magpies st the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 27/10 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas).
- Monk Parakeet: A probable escapee at Villanueva de la Serena (BA) on 08/10, 09/10 and 10/10 (Justo M. García).
- Green Woodpecker : Six individuals near the dolmen de Lácara, La Nava de Santiago (BA), on 21/10 (P. Herrador).
- Wryneck: At the riverwalk by the río Jerte in Plasencia (CC), 2 on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo) and one on 10/10 (J. Prieta), 11/10 (S. Mayordomo) and 31/10 (Ricardo Montero). One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 21/10 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). One at the río Guadiana in Badajoz on 28/10 (Emilio Costillo).
- Bearded Tit: Four at thel embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 21/10 (M. Gálvez on J. Guerra).
- Grasshopper Warbler: One at the river walk by the río Jerte in Plasencia (CC) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Fieldfare: One in Monfragüe (CC) on 09/10 (Óscar Díaz and Jose María Jiménez).
- Rock Thrush: A juvenile male caught and ringed at sierra de Magacela (BA) on 02/10 (GIA-Extremadura).
- Tree Pipit: One at the embalse del Jerte, Casas del Castañar (CC), on 01/10 (J. Prieta).
- Yellow-crowned Bishop: One at the rice fields at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 19/10 (P. Herrador).
- Pied Wagtail: At least 3 at the gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 27/10 (S. Mayordomo).

First post breeding sightings 
- Greylag Goose: On 23/10, one at the embalse de Portaje (CC) (S. Mayordomo), 7 at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), and about 50 at the embalse de Sierra Brava, Zorita (CC) (M. Kelsey). El 24/10 a large passage group was seen near Trujillo (CC) (Jesús Porras) and a group of 12 flying over the city of Badajoz (F. Lopo).
- Merlin: One at La Haba (BA) on 13/10 (Francisco J. Morcillo). One at Galisteo (CC) on 16/10 (S. Mayordomo). One at Los Cerralbos, Trujillo (CC), on 19/10 (Martin Kelsey).
- Common Crane: On 15/10 one was seen at Los Canchales (BA) (J. Solana) and 4 at Vegas Altas (M. Gómez Calzado). Two at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 17/10 (Goyo Naharro and Domingo J. Cordobilla). On 31/10 18.065 were counted at la Zona Centro (CC-BA) (Manuel Gómez Calzado and José Antonio Román).
- Golden Plover: Three at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/10 (J. Solana, F. Lopo, F. Castro, Marisa and Manolo) and 27/10 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas).
- Stock Dove: Three seen drinking at the embalse del Sotillo, Monroy (CC), on 06/10 (S. Mayordomo and M. García del Rey). One at the gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 13/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Goldcrest: In pines at Piornal (CC) more than 2 were seen 2 on 26/10 (J. Prieta) and the same on 27/10 (Miguel Ángel Muñoz and E. Palacios).
- Common Starling: Two at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 11/10 (R. Vicente). More than one in the park at the Isla en Plasencia (CC) on 22/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Song Thrush: One at the río Jerte in Plasencia (CC) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo). On 13/10 more than 10 were seen at Casas del Castañar (CC) (J. F. Sánchez) and one at Valcorchero, Plasencia (CC) (S. Mayordomo).
- Water Pipit: One at the embalse del Jerte, casas del Castañar (CC), on 10/10 (J. Prieta). Five at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 16/10 (S. Mayordomo) and 35 on 29/10 (J. Prieta). Seen at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/10 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas).
- Bullfinch: Several at La Codosera (BA) on 25/10 (Godfried Schreur). On 27/10, one at Santa Cruz de Paniagua (CC) (J. C. Paniagua) and another at puente del Cardenal, Monfragüe (CC), (J. Porras). A large passage of more than 60 at the Sierra de San Pedro (BA) on 28/10 (J. Gordillo). One at el Huerto del Ojaranzo, Monfragüe (CC), on 31/10 (S. Mayordomo, Ó. Díaz and Luis Lozano).
- Reed Bunting: Two in the rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 28/10 (M. Á. Muñoz and Carlos Martín).

Last summer sightings 
- Purple heron: A juvenile in the rice fields at Galisteo (CC) on 07/10 (J. Prieta) and an adult at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 14/10 (S. Mayordomo, S. Langlois, M. García del Rey and D. Langlois).
- Black Stork: In Monfragüe (CC), one on 05/10 (Alberto Rubio) and 07/10 (Anónimo). Six at the embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), on 12/10 (E. Peña). A juvenile at the embalse de Arroyoconejos, Llerena (BA), on 13/10 (Joaquín Vázquez, José Antonio Delgado, F. Montaño and A. Núñez). An adult at the río Alcarrache, Barcarrota (BA), on 19/10 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Two at the canal de Las Dehesas (BA) on 22/10 (E. Peña). On 27/10 2 individuals were seen at the embalse de Jarilla (CC) (S. Mayordomo, Rosa Cano and Luismi), one at the laguna de Galisteo (R. Cano y Luismi) and another at the charca de Fresnedillas, Oliva de Plasencia (CC) (Justiniano Julián).
- Short-toed Eagle: One in Monfragüe (CC) on 05/10 (A. Rubio).
- Black Kite: One at Mojón Gordo, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 12/10 (Sebastián Molano). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), on 20/10 (José Luis Bautista). One at La Nava de Santiago (BA) on 23/10 (Ángel Sánchez).
- Egyptian Vulture: One at Cañaveral (CC) on 05/10 (Carlos Dávila).
- Booted Eagle: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 11/10 (R. Vicente). One at Quintana de la Serena (BA) on 15/10 (Agustín Sanabria). One pale morph at Montehermoso (CC) on 20/10. One at El Batán (CC) on 23/10 (R. Montero).

- Hobby: Two juveniles at Villanueva de la Vera on 07/10 (Pedro Gómez). One juvenile and an adult at the puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 08/10 (Alberto Pacheco). One juvenile at the embalse de Orellana (BA) on 17/10 (F. Rodríguez and Á. L. Sánchez)
- Pallid Swift: In Alange (BA) 8 individuals were seen on 10/10 (J. Solana), one on 17/10 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra), 8 on 24/10 and 4 on31/10 (J. Solana).
- Red-necked Nightjar: One hit by a car at Serrejón (CC) on 13/10 (Pedro Holgado).
- House Martin: On 21/10 20-25 individuals were seen at Santa Amalia (BA) (Fernando Yuste) and 10-12 individuals at Las Mestas (CC) (Francis Martín). Three with Crag Martins at Plasencia (CC) on 22/10 (S. Mayordomo). Three at Alange (BA) on 31/10 (J. Solana).
- Barn Swallow: On 13/10 2 were seen at the gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), (S. Mayordomo) and were present at Hornachos (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
- Red-rumped Swallow: One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 21/10 (F. Yuste). On 23/10 one was seen at Pago de San Clemente (CC) and 2 at the Plaza Mayor in Trujillo (CC) (M. Kelsey).
- Willow Warbler: On 13/10 one was seen at the gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), (S. Mayordomo) and another at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) (M. Rodríguez and J. C. Salgado). One at Valcorchero, Plasencia (CC), on 26/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Garden Warbler: One at the río Jerte in Plasencia (CC) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo). 4 at the río Guadalupejo, Alía (CC), on 06/10 (N. Baeza and J. Á. Herrera). One at Galisteo (CC) on 08/10 (S. Mayordomo). An individual at the río Matachel, Alange (BA), on 15/10 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
- Whitethroat: On 01/10, one at the embalse del Jerte, Casas del Castañar (CC), (J. Prieta) and another at Galisteo (CC) (S. Mayordomo). One at the río Jerte in Plasencia (CC) on 02/10 (S. Mayordomo). One at Belén, Trujillo (CC), on 19/10 (M. Kelsey). On 20/10, one at the río Matachel, Alange (CC), (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) yand another at the río Guadiana in Badajoz (J. C. Paniagua).
- Reed Warbler: Two individuals at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 08/10 and 3 at the gravera Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 13/10 (S. Mayordomo). Subalpine Warbler: One at Galisteo (CC) on 01/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Spotted Flycatcher: One at the río Matachel, Alange (BA), on 20/10 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Pied Flycatcher: IN Plasencia (CC), one was at the río Jerte on 22/10 and another at Valcorchero on 23/10 (S. Mayordomo). One indivdual at the embalse de la Garza, Oliva de Mérida (BA), on 28/10 (Fergus Crystal and E. del Viejo).

- Common Redstart: A pair at the embalse del Jerte, Plasencia (CC), on 06/10 (Montaña Domínguez). One at, Alía (CC), on 07/10 (N. Baeza and J. Á. Herrera). A female at Valcorchero, Plasencia (CC), on 13/10 (S. Mayordomo). A male in the valle del Jerte (CC) on 23/10 (José Luis Rivero -photo-). One at the embalse de la Garza, Oliva de Mérida (BA), on 28/10 (F. Crystal and E. del Viejo).
- Whinchat: One in the rice fields between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 11/10 (J. P. Prieto). One at Belén, Trujillo (CC), on 19/10 (M. Kelsey). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 27/10 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Yellow Wagtail: Uone at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/10 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas). A male at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 23/10 (S. Mayordomo). One at Vegas Altas on 27/10 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez).

Monday 5 November 2012

THIRD PINK-FOOTED GOOSE RECORD IN EXTREMADURA

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) Embalse de Valdecañas, Cáceres. 
November 2, 2012. By Javier Briz 

A Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) was located within a group of greylag geese (Anser anser), by Vicente Risco and Javier Briz at Embalse de Valdecañas (Cáceres) on November 2, 2012. The next day it was observed in the same place, both in the morning (Ricardo Montero) and afternoon (Eva Palacios and Sergio Mayordomo).

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus). Embalse de Valdecañas, Caceres. 
November 3, 2012. By Eva Palacios. 

This is the third record of this species of goose in Extremadura. The previous two, also found with a group of greylag geese took place in Vegas Altas del Guadiana: the first was at embalse de Sierra Brava (Cáceres) on 1/12/2002 (John Muddeman: accepted) and very close to the second last sighting, in the rice fields of Casas de Hitos (Navalvillar de Pela, Badajoz) on 27/11/2010 (José María Salazar and others; pending acceptance).

It is also the third sighting in Spain so far this autumn 2012 (there was one in Orense in September and another in Villafáfila, Zamora, October). Until 2009 in Spain there has been 46 records of 72 individuals. Similar to other rare geese, they are usually seen in traditional areas of wintering greylag goose (Doñana, Villafáfila, La Nava, Vegas Altas), in Galicia and the Cantabrian coast. This species has a small breeding area, with two sub-populations, one in Iceland and Greenland that winters in Britain and another smaller group breeding in Spitsbergen that winters bordering the North See (Denmark, Germany and Holland).