Thursday 1 May 2014

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Tuesday 15 April 2014

MARCH 2014. Notable observations in Extremadura


Annotated list of the most noteworthy records throughout March 2014. Compiled and with illustration above of Lesser Kestrel, adult male (Falco naumanni), by Sergio Mayordomo.

Translated by MARTIN KELSEY.
-Barnacle Goose: Two remained in Santa Amalia (BA) on 05/03 (Marc Gálvez, Jose Guerra -photo- and Julio Merayo), 07/03 (Vanessa de Alba, Antonio Núñez and Fernando Yuste) and 16/03 (Lorenzo Alcántara).
Egyptian Goose: Two at Tozo reservoir, Torrecillas de la Tiesa (CC) on 08/03 (Genaro Sánchez) and 25/03 (Martin Kelsey). Eight at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 15/03 (Sergio Mayordomo and Eva Palacios). Two at the Campazo lagoon, La Aldea del Obispo (CC), on 27/03 (Neil Renwick).
Common Shelduck: Seven at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 08/03 (A. Núñez) and 11/03 (Jose Antonio Román). Seven at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 15/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). Nine at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 28/03 (M. Kelsey).
Red-crested Pochard: A male at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 07/03 (Juan Carlos Paniagua), two pairs there on 08/03 (A. Núñez), 09/03 (F. Montaño) and 17/03 (Francisco Lopo). 12 at Valdelagrana pools, La Albuera (BA) on 10/03 (Albert Cama, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra and Matxalen Pauly). A pair at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 26/03 (M. Kelsey). 
-Ferruginous Duck: A pair at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 13/03 (M. Kelsey), 16/03 (S. Mayordomo -photo- and E. Palacios) and 21/03 (Javier Briz), and two males and a female on 30/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 21/03 (A. Núñez).
Common Pheasant: A female at Madrigalejo (CC) on 07/03 (M. Kelsey). One at Oliva de Mérida (BA) on 09/03 (Paco Bernáldez, M. Gálvez and P. Macías). Four at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 22/03 (Dave Langlois). A m,ale beside road between Trujillo and Monroy (CC) on 29/03 (M. Kelsey).
Black-necked Grebe: One at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 03/03 (L. Alcántara and M. Kelsey). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 13/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Three at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 26/03 (M. Kelsey).
Squacco heron: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 21/03 (J. Briz). Two at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 25/03 (F. Montaño and Joaquín Vázquez).
-Glossy Ibis: One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 07/03 and 28/03 (M. Kelsey). 22 at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 21/03 (J. Briz), five there on 23/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), seven on 28/03, 11 on 29/03 (J. Briz) and five on 30/03 (S. Mayordomo -photo- y E. Palacios). Three at Madrigalejo (CC) on 27/03 and 28/03 (Henk Zweers).
Greater flamingo: 22 at La Albuera lagoons (BA) between 03/03 and 13/03 (A. Cama, Juan Cuesta, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra, M. Kelsey, A. Núñez, M. Pauly and J. A. Román).
Pallid harrier: An adult male over Alange (BA) on 16/03 (M. Gálvez). Another adult male at Higuera de Llerena (BA) on 26/03 (M. Gálvez, J. Guerra, F. Montaño and Celestino Moreno).
Osprey: One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 13/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra), three on 17/03 (J. Guerra) and two on 29/03 (J. Guerra and John Muddeman). One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at Salor reservoir, Cáceres, on 16/03 (Alberto Sánchez). One at Cornalvo reservoir (BA) on 16/03 (Ángel T. Mejías).One at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 27/03 (J. Guerra). One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 30/03 (F. Lopo).
Little Crake: A male at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 27/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra) and on 28/03 (Eduardo Amengual, V. de Alba, M. Gálvez, F. Lopo, F. Montaño, A. Núñez and Jesús Solana).
Red-knobbed Coot: Two, one with collar, at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 08/03 (Pedro Mangas, Carmen Montaño and A. Núñez) and one without collar on 13/03 (Gustavo Gahete, P. Mangas and F. Montaño) and 14/03 (V. de Alba, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra and A. Núñez).
Avocet: 26 in the rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 06/03 (Juan Pablo Prieto and Godfried Schreur). Two at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 09/03 (F. Montaño) and one there on 10/03 (A. Cama, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra and M. Pauly). One at Torviscal (BA) on 17/03 (M. Gálvez).
Kentish Plover: Two at Palazuelo (BA) on 06/03 (J. P. Prieto and G. Schreur). Two at Santa Amalia (BA) on 07/03 (V. de Alba, A. Núñez and F. Yuste). Three at Moheda Alta on 21/03 and eight at Casas de Hitos, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 28/03 (M. Kelsey).
Temminck's Stint: One at El Torviscal (BA) on 17/03 (M. Gálvez). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 18/03 (J. Guerra). One at Palazuelo (BA) on 21/03 (M. Kelsey).
Jack Snipe: One at Villagonzalo (BA) on 13/03 (M. Gálvez). One at Arrocampo (CC) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo). One at Palazuelo (BA) on 17/03 (M. Gálvez).
Woodcock: One at Bodonal de la Sierra (BA) on 02/03 (F. Montaño).
Curlew: One at Palazuelo (BA) on 06/03 (J. P. Prieto and G. Schreur).
Lesser Yellowlegs: The over-wintering bird remaining at Palazuelo (BA) on 06/03 (J. P. Prieto and G. Schreur) and on 10/03 (M. Kelsey).
Wood Sandpiper: One at El Batán rice fields (CC) on 10/03 (S. Mayordomo and J. Prieta). One at Valdefuentes gravbel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo). Three at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 22/03 (Javier Mahillo, S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at Galisteo rice fields (CC) on 26/03 (S. Mayordomo). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 27/03 (J. Guerra). One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 30/03 (A. Calvo).
Mediterranean Gull: Two at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 03/03 (M. Gálvez) and one on 13/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 07/03 (V. de Alba, A. Núñez and F. Yuste).
Common Gull: One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 13/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Yellow-legged Gull: One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 03/03 (M. Gálvez). One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 12/03 (J. A. Román). Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 15/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One on Guadiana River at Badajoz on 29/03 (J. C. Paniagua).
Little tern: 12 on Guadiana River in Mérida (BA) on 02/03 (Ángel Sánchez).
Long-eared Owl: One at Pago de San Clemente (CC) on 12/03 (M. Kelsey).
-Wryneck: One at Palazuelo (BA) on 18/03 (A. Davies and R. Miller). One on trail at Navacebreda, Plasencia (CC) on 20/03 (S. Mayordomo). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 21/03 (M. Kelsey).
Alpine Accentor: One at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 02/03 (V. de Alba, Esther Charles, Eva Juarros, S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios, José Portillo, Diego Santamaría and Ivana). One at Montánchez castle (CC) on 08/03 (J. Nolan and G. Schreur). Four on Pico Villuercas (CC) on 09/03 (M. Kelsey). Two at Casares de Hurdes (CC) on 22/03 (Alberto Pacheco).
Bearded Tit: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 08/03 (J. Briz, M. García del Rey, D. Langlois and Sammy Langlois -photo-), two males and a female there on 13/03 (M. Kelsey) and one on 30/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
FIRST SIGHTINGS OF SUMMER VISITORS AND SPRING OPASSAGE MIGRANTS
Garganey: A male at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 07/03 (S. Mayordomo). A male at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 08/03 (A. Núñez) and 09/03 (Francisco Montaño). A pair at Majadas Altas, Campo Lugar (CC), on 10/03 (M. Kelsey) and on 15/03 (Antonio Calvo). A male at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA) on 21/03 (F. Montaño).
Montagu's Harrier: A male at Morante, Badajoz, on 10/03 (F. Lopo). Two males at Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 16/03 (Alan Davies and Ruth Miller). Two males and a female at La Albuera (BA) on 17/03 (F. Lopo).
Booted Eagle: One at Jaraicejo (CC) on 09/03 (César Clemente and Manolo García del Rey). One at Casas del Castañar (CC) on 10/03 (Javier Prieta). One at Galisteo (CC) on 10/03 (Ricardo Montero and J. Prieta).
Collared Pratincole: 12 at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 20/03 (José María Álvarez). One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 22/03 (A. Calvo). 14 at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 27/03 (J. Guerra).
Gull-billed tern: Two at Casas de Hitos, Navalvillar de Pela (BA) on 01/04 (M. Kelsey). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 31/03 (M. Gálvez). Present at Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 05/04 (J. M. Álvarez). Three at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 06/04 (J. L. Bautista).
Whiskered Tern: The over-wintering bird remained on River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 01/03 (Juan José Ramos Encalado), on 06/03 (Á. Sánchez) and on 08/03 (Jeremy Nolan and G. Schreur). Arrivals: One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 30/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra) and on 31/03 (Claudia Camacho, M. Gálvez and M. Kelsey).
Turtle Dove: One at Feria (BA) on 15/03 and another at Almendralejo (BA) on 30/03 (Agustín Giraldo and Antonio María Sánchez).
Common Cuckoo: One at Burguillos del Cerro (BA) on 05/03 (Francisco José Durán). One at Oliva de Mérida (BA) on 09/03 (P. Bernáldez, M. Gálvez and P. Macías). One at Trujillo (CC) on 11/03 (J. Muddeman).First female at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 30/03 (D. Langlois).
Scops Owl: One at Pago de San Clemente (CC) on 12/03 (M. Kelsey). Three at Plasencia on 16/03 (J. Prieta) and one mobbed by Magpies on 20/03 (S. Mayordomo).
Red-necked Nightjar: One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 22/03 (A. Calvo).
Common Swift: Present at Feria (BA) on 15/03 (A. Giraldo and A. M. Sánchez). One at Sierra de Alor, Olivenza (BA) on 23/03 anbd several at Badajozonl 26/03 (J. C. Paniagua).
European Bee-eater: Several at Plasencia (CC) on 18/03 (Miguel Ángel Muñoz). Also at Burguillos del Cerro (BA) on 21/03 (F. J. Durán). Several at Torremejía (BA) on 22/03 (A. Giraldo and A. M. Sánchez).
Greater Short-toed Lark: Three at Santiago del Campo (CC) on 21/03 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Two at Campo Lugar (CC) on 22/03 (A. Calvo) and one there on 28/03 (M. Kelsey).
Tree Pipit: One at Plasencia (CC) on 20/03 (J. L. Bautista) and another there on 02/04 (S. Mayordomo). Two at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 27/03 (M. Kelsey).
Yellow Wagtail: One at Soto gravel pit, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 13/03 (J. Guerra). One at El Torviscal (BA) on 17/03 (M. Gálvez). One at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (CC) on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo).
Common Nightingale: One at Brovales, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 21/03 (F. Montaño). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 29/03 (D. Langlois) and another at Alange (BA) (E. Amengual and M. Gálvez).One at Llera (BA) on 30/03 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez).
Common Redstart: One at Palazuelo (BA) on 18/03 (A. Davies and R. Miller). Four at Salvatierra de los Barros (BA) on 30/03 (F. Montaño).
Northern Wheatear: A female at La Aldea del Obispo (CC) on 02/03 (N. Renwick). One at Los Cerralbos, Trujillo (CC) on 08/03 (M. Kelsey). A male at Hinojal (CC) on 09/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
Black-eared Wheatear: A male at Trujillo (CC) on 11/03 (J. Muddeman). A male at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 15/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at Alange (BA) on 18/03 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Savi's Warbler: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 13/03 (M. Kelsey) and on 14/03 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One on River Guadiloba, Cáceres, on 17/03 and two in Plasencia (CC) on 18/03 (J. L. Bautista).
-Sedge Warbler: Four at Soto gravbel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 18/03 (J. Guerra) and on 27/03 (M. Gálvez), two there on 28/03 (V. de Alba, F. Lopo, F. Montaño, A. Núñez and J. Solana) and three on 31/03 (C. Camacho, M. Gálvez and M. Kelsey). One at Viñuelas gravel pits, Galisteo (CC) on 19/03 (S. Mayordomo). UOne at River Gargáligas between Obando and Acederas (BA) (W. Haworth -photo-) and two at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 23/03 (J. Prieta).
Reed Warbler: Two at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 13/03 (M. Gálvez). One trapped for ringing at Budión, Rena (BA), on 15/03 (GIA-Extremadura). Two on River Gargáligas between Obando and Acedera (BA) on 21/03 (William Haworth).
-Spectacled Warbler: A male between Trujillo and Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 07/03 (J. Nolan -photo- and G. Schreur). Earliest ever arrival date. A male in Monfragüe (CC) on 05/04 (S. Mayordomo).
Subalpine Warbler: One at Plasencia (CC) on 10/03 (R. Montero). One in Monfragüe (CC) (M. Kelsey) and two at Miravete Pass (CC) on 11/03 (J. Nolan and G. Schreur).
Iberian chiffchaff: Three at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 15/03, one on 20/03 and another on 24/03 (D. Langlois). Two on Navacebreda trail, Plasencia (CC), on 20/03 (S. Mayordomo). Two at River Gargáligas, Vegas Altas (BA) on 26/03 (M. Kelsey). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 27/03 (M. Gálvez).
Willow Warbler: One at Plasencia (CC) (S. Mayordomo) and another at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 13/03 (M. Gálvez). One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 16/03 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
Eurasian Golden Oriole: Two at Alange (BA) on 29/03 (E. Amengual and M. Gálvez). A male at La Lapa (BA) on 30/03 (F. Montaño).
Woodchat Shrike: One at Acehúche (CC) on 09/03 (Manuela Rodríguez). One at La Albuera (BA) on 10/03 (A. Cama, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra and M. Pauly). One at Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 11/03 (J. Muddeman).
LAST RECORDS OF WINTER VISITORS
Stock Dove: Five at La Albuera (BA) on 09/03 (F. Montaño) and six on 10/03 (A. Cama, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra and M. Pauly). Two at Riolobos (CC) on 10/03 (S. Mayordomo).
Pied Wagtail: A male at El Batán rice fields (CC) on 10/03 (S. Mayordomo y J. Prieta). A male at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 26/03 (S. Mayordomo).
- Redwing: Uno en Pago de San Clemente (CC) el 12/03 (M. Kelsey).
Siskin: Two in pines at Piornal (CC) on 17/03 (J. Prieta). Eight at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 20/03 (D. Langlois).
Bullfinch: A male at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 15/03 (D. Langlois). A pair at Ojaranzo, Monfragüe (CC), on 18/03 (J. L. Bautista). One at Llera (BA) on 30/03 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez -photo-).
Reed Bunting: Five at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 10/03 (J. Muddeman). Two females at Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), 16/03 (J. Prieta).

Saturday 8 March 2014

FEBRUARY 2014. Notable observations in Extremadura


 
Annotated list of the most noteworthy records throughout February 2014. Compiled and with illustration above of Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), by Sergio Mayordomo.

TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY

-Barnacle Goose: Two on the ricefields of Santa Amalia (BA) on 25/02 (Fernando Yuste).
Egyptian Goose: Three on Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 12/02 (Marc Gálvez and José Guerra). Six at Los Arenales, Cáceres, on 16/02 (Alberto Sánchez). Four on the pool at Morante, Badajoz, on 17/02 (José Luis Bautista). Two on Alcollarín reservoir (CC) on 22/02 (Antonio Calvo). Two at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 23/02 (Francisco Montaño and Gema Montaño).
Ruddy Shelduck: One at rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 03/02 (Sergio Mayordomo). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 12/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Common Shelduck: One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 09/02 (Martin Kelsey). Three at Guareña (BA) on 12/02 (José Antonio Román). Six at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 16/02 (J. L. Bautista). 18 at rice fields at Santa Amalia (BA) on 22/02 and 22 on 25/02 (F. Yuste). Three at Palazuelo ricefields (BA) on 26/02 (Urban Bühlmann, Juan Pablo Prieto and Kirsten Walker).
Red-crested Pochard: 7 on lagoons at La Albuera (BA) on 09/02 (Juan Carlos Paniagua) and on 20/02 (John Muddeman, J. P. Prieto and Godfried Schreur). A male at River Ardila (BA) on 15/02 (F. Montaño). One at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 16/02 (M. Kelsey and Patrick Kelsey) and four on 23/02 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño).
- Black-necked Grebe: 40 at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 09/02 (S. Mayordomo and Eva Palacios), 30 on 16/02 (M. Kelsey and P. Kelsey -photo-), seven on 22/02 (Vanessa de Alba and Antonio Núñez) and 18 on 23/02 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño). One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 16/02 (M. Kelsey and P. Kelsey). Two at lagoons at La Albuera (BA) on 20/02 (J. Muddeman, J. P. Prieto and G. Schreur) and one there on 22/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Great White Egret: 12 at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 02/02 (M. Kelsey) and 25 there on 17/02 (Manuel García del Rey).
Glossy Ibis: One at rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 03/02 (S. Mayordomo).
Greater Flamingo: 14 at the lagoons at La Albuera (BA) on 24/02 (Andrés Vega).
Goshawk: One at Puerto Peña (BA) on 16/02 (M. Kelsey and P. Kelsey).
Booted Eagle: One at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 02/02 (J. L. Bautista). One at Casatejada (CC) on 08/02 (M. Á. Muñoz and E. Palacios).
Osprey: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 23/02 (José María Herranz).
-Purple Swamphen: Adult with three chicks at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 25/02 (Michel Viskens).
Avocet: One at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 01/02 (S. Mayordomo). One at rice fields at Medellín (BA) on 15/02 (F. Yuste). 62 on rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 26/02 (U. Bühlmann, J. P. Prieto and K. Walker).
Kentish Plover: 25 on rice fields at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 01/02 (M. Kelsey) and 12 on 22/02 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez) and on 26/02 (U. Bühlmann, J. P. Prieto and K. Walker).
Dotterel: Six at Hinojal (CC) on 01/02 (Dave Langlois and Sammy Langlois) and 15 on 07/02 (Alberto Gil). One at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 03/02 (J. Guerra) and on 04/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Six at Cabeza del Buey (BA) on 08/02 (Jus Pérez, José Portillo and Alber Sanmartí) and three on 23/02 (Paco Bernáldez, J. Guerra and Paco Macías). 19 at Castuera (BA) on 23/02 (P. Bernáldez, J. Guerra and P. Macías).
Jack Snipe: One at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 03/02 (J. Guerra). Five seen on rice fields at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 08/02 (J. Pérez, J. Portillo and A. Sanmartí). One at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 15/02 (Juan José Ramos Encalado).
Curlew: Two on rice fields at Santa Amalia (BA) on 15/02 and four on 22/02 (F. Yuste). Three on rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 26/02 (U. Bühlmann, J. P. Prieto and K. Walker).
Lesser Yellowlegs: One remaining between Puebla de Alcollarín and Palazuelo (BA) on 10/02 (M. Kelsey), 12/02 (A. Gil), 18/02 (Santiago Avis), 22/02 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez) and 26/02 (U. Bühlmann, J. P. Prieto and K. Walker).
Mediterranean Gull: One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 05/02 and on 09/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). One at rice fields at Santa Amalia (BA) on 08/02 (J. Pérez, J. Portillo and A. Sanmartí). One at Torremejías (BA) on 09/02 (J. Guerra, J. Pérez, J. Portillo and A. Sanmartí) and another on rice fields at Navalvillar de Pela (BA) (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 12/02 and 14/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Common Gull: One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 09/02 (M. Gálvez).
Yellow-legged Gull: One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 02/02 (M. Kelsey). One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 05/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 12/02 and two on 14/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Kittiwake: One received at the Animal Recovery Centre Los Hornos which had been collected at Valencia de Alcántara (CC) on 10/02 (pers.com Javier Caldera). It died the following day.
Little Gull: A first winter bird at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 09/02 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), on 16/02 (M. Kelsey and P. Kelsey) and on 22/02 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez); and an adult there on 09/02 (M. Kelsey). One present at the lagoons of La Albuera (BA) on 16/02 (José María Álvarez).
- Caspian Tern: One at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 23/02 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño).
Whiskered Tern: One at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA), on 27/02 (J. Guerra).
White-winged Black Tern: One remaining at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 08/02 (J. Pérez, J. Portillo and A. Sanmartí), 09/02 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), 22/02 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez) and 23/02 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño).
Stock Dove: At least five at Galisteo (CC) on 08/02 (Javier Prieta), one on 10/02, two on 17/02 (S. Mayordomo) and 200 on 27/02 (M. Kelsey). 20 at Valverde de Leganés (BA) on 20/02 (J. Muddeman, J. P. Prieto and G. Schreur) and one on 22/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Ring-necked Parakeet: One at Mérida (BA) on 20/02 (Jesús Solana). Two at Campofrío, Badajoz, on 22/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Wryneck: One at River Bembézar, Azuaga (BA) on 01/02 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez). One trapped for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 23/02 (GIA Extremadura).
Pied Wagtail: One at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 04/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Two in a roost in Plasencia (CC) on 10/02 and three on 19/02 (J. Prieta). One at Acehúche (CC) on 15/02 (Iván Solana). One at Galisteo (CC) on 17/02 (S. Mayordomo). One at Majadas Altas, Campo Lugar (CC), on 23/02 (A. Calvo). One in the dehesa boyal of La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 26/02 (G. Schreur).
Alpine Accentor: Two at Montánchez castle (CC) on 01/02 (M. Kelsey). One or two at Alange castle (BA) on 24/02 (M. Gálvez) and one there on 25/02 (J. Guerra).
Snow Finch: One at Jálama peak, Acebo (CC), on 19/02 (A. Gil). First record for Extremadura. Still present there on 23/02César Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

FIRST SPRING MIGRANTS
Purple Heron: One at Torremayor (BA) on 28/02 (J. P. Prieto).
Black Kite: One at Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 13/02 (M. Gálvez). One at Cáceres on 14/02 (J. L. Bautista). One at Plasencia on 15/02 (S. Mayordomo, Miguel Ángel Muñoz and E. Palacios).
Egyptian Vulture: One at La Aldea del Obispo (CC) on 18/02 (Neil Renwick). One at Cáceres on 22/02 (J. Muddeman and G. Schreur). One at Alburquerque (BA) on 23/02 (J. Muddeman and G. Schreur).
Short-toed Eagle: One at Alange (BA) on 26/02 (M. Gálvez) and another at Santa Cruz de la Sierra (CC) (U. Bühlmann, J. P. Prieto and K. Walker). One at Mérida on 01/03 (J. Solana) and two between Trujillo and Torrejón el Rubio (CC) (M. Kelsey).
Ringed Plover: 20 on rice fields at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 01/02 (M. Kelsey), present on 23/02 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez) and 23 on 26/02 (U. Bühlmann, J. P. Prieto and K. Walker).
Alpine Swift: Three at Alange (BA) on 20/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). One at Guadiana River in Badajoz on 26/02 (G. Schreur). One in Mérida (BA) on 03/03 (M. Kelsey).
Sand Martin: One at Soto gravel pit, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 14/02 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra) and more then ten there on 03/03 (M. Gálvez).
Red-rumped Swallow: One at Alange (BA) on 25/02 (J. Guerra). One at Monfragüe (CC) on 28/02 (Esther Charles and Ivana).

Thursday 27 February 2014

LANNER FALCON AT CUATRO LUGARES. MAY 2013


 Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus). 2º year bird. Santiago del Campo-Monroy, Cáceres, 4th May 2013 (John Dreyer Andersen).

TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY
Extremadura is a region at the periphery of a country at the periphery of Europe. It is a place about which generally little is spoken of across the continent, apart from about birds. For example there is the Facebook group "Extremadura Birdwatching", created by Ib Helles Olesen, a Dane living in Copenhagen, giving information about birds in Extremadura and taking into account posts from this blog. Interesting records also appear. One example is a photograph of a Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus), a second-year immature, seen in the district of Cuatro Lugares, close to Monroy (Cáceres), on 4 May 2013 by another DaneJohn D. Andersen.

We had a
post in June 2013 about this species concerning a sighting near Trujillo which was of another individual (a subadult). In that post there is further information about the status of the species in Extremadura. The record described here from Monroy would be the fifth confirmed record in Extremadura, all of them in steppe areas (La Serena, Llanos de Cáceres-Trujillo, Cuatro Lugares), apart from one in Plasencia. The species has been recorded in January, May (2 records) and June (two records) and all pertain to immature birds.

We thank Ib Helles for his initiative in spreading the news and look forward to further collaboration in the future.

Saturday 22 February 2014

SNOW FINCH: NEW FOR EXTREMADURA

Snow Finch (Montifringilla nivalis). Peña de Francia (Salamanca).  
14th November 2012. Ricardo Montero.

TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY

A Snow Finch (Montifringilla nivalis), the first one seen with certainty in Extremadura, was recorded on 19th February 2014 on the Jálama peak (Acebo, Cáceres) by Alberto Gil whilst he was undertaking a botanical study. The individual (not photographed) was present on patches of snow top of the peak, at about 1,500 metres above sea-level, the third highest point in the Sierra de Gata and on the border with Salamanca province. It was seen perched and in flight and giving its typical call. There were close-by four Alpine Accentors (Prunella collaris), which are scarce but not unusual in Extremadura in the winter.
The high montane habitat is poorly represented in Extremadura. Given its scarcity and difficult access, it is little visited by ornithologists, and therefore it is not unusual that it is Alberto Gil (see personal blog), an experienced naturalist with a wide knowledge of montane flora, who has provided us with most of the knowledge about alpine-zone bird species in Extremadura, especially in the breeding season (read more).
It is important to note that in the map for this species in the Atlas of Birds in Winter in Spain (PDF) there is a spot record in the centre of Cáceres. This is based on a record published in error in Ardeola and withdrawn shortly afterwards.
The Snow Finch is a high montane Palaearctic species. The nearest breeding populations are in the Cantabrian Mounatins, the Pyrenees and the Alps, where they occupy the highest zones, in alpine pasture or scrub, very close to the snow-line. Although the winter distribution is very similar to the breeding range, with a small descent because of snow coverage (about 400 metre descent in the Picos de Europa), wider movements have recently been shown for the population in the Alps (Switzerland and Austria) that have reached the eastern Pyrenees, with displacement of more than 1,000 km. In Span there are several records in the mountains of the Mediterranean arc, between Catalonia and Alicante. As well as on the Balearics. There are also records in the Sierra Nevada and in Portugal (four records, three of them on the coast, including one of Cape St. Vincent). Almost in Extremadura, there are at least five known records on the Salamanca slope of the Sistema Central, referring to groups of between 1 and 25 birds on the Sierras of Candelario, Lagunilla and Peña de Francia. The record posted here extends it presence to west, being perhaps the first in the Sierra de Gata, and suggests that the Snow Finch. Although scarce, may occur more often than thought in the Sistema Central. Determining the origin of this bird is complicated, since although the breeding area in the Cantabrian Mountains is closest, ringing data would not rule out either a Pyrenean or even an Alpine origin.
References:  
-Anuarios ornitológicos de Salamanca. SEO-Salamanca [PDF].
- Fernández-González, Á. & Fernández-Menéndez, D. 2012. Gorrión alpino. En Atlas de las aves en invierno en España 2007-201. SEO/BirdLife y Magrama [
PDF].
- SEO/BirdLife. Base de datos de anillamiento.
Gorrión alpino [PDF].
- Noticiarios ornitológicos. Ardeola.

Thursday 20 February 2014

WINTERING LESSER YELLOWLEGS



TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY

Almost at the very end of 2013, on 30th December, Fergus Crystal had the good fortune to find a Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) at Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz), in the district of Vegas Altas, which straddles the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz. As we posted earlier, this was only the second record in Extremadura of this rare American wader. The first was a bird on autumn passage (08/08/1999, Valdesalor reservoir, Cáceres). This second bird is particularly interesting because it is one of the very few confirmed over-wintering records in the Iberian peninsula. The bird has remained in the same area in which it was first discovered in December. This winter it seems that one or two Lesser Yellowlegs have also stayed on in the Algarve (Portugal). This magnificent photo (above) published by Santiago Avis serves as a deserved excuse to provide you with an update on this bird.
It was first found on 30th December 2013 (F. Crystal), and seen again that same afternoon (Marc Gálvez, José Guerra, José Gómez Aparicio). On 7th January 2014 it was relocated by Martin Kelsey in an adjacent area, where it was seen on 8th (Alberto Gil) and on 11th January (Juan Pablo Prieto, Francisco Montaño, Sergio Mayordomo, César Clemente, Javier Prieta, Eva Palacios, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra, Antonio Calvo, Pepe Guisado, Pilar Goñi and Neil Reinwick) and then on 10th (M. Kelsey) and 18th February (S. Avís).

Tuesday 11 February 2014

JANUARY 2014. Notable observations in Extremadura

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in January 2014. Compiled and illustration - Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus), by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey. Census team for the Vegas Altas (ECVA): José María Abad, Marcelino Cardalliaguet, Benigno Cienfuegos, Joaquín Fernández, Manuel Gómez Calzado, Carlos González, Luis Lozano, José Antonio Masero, Javier Prieta, Juan Pablo Prieto, Domingo Rivera, Ángel Sánchez, Ángel Luis Sánchez, Daniel Vicente, Fernando Yuste, Manuel Gómez and F. Borja.

- White-fronted Goose: Two adults at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 05/01 (Javier Prieta) and a juvenile there on 10/01 (César Clemente and Sergio Mayordomo). One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 13/01 (Marc Gálvez and José Guerra).
-
 Egyptian Goose: Two at Marinejo reservoir, Trujillo (CC), on 05/01 (S. Mayordomo). 30 at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 11/01 (Eva Palacios and J. Prieta). Three at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 13/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Two at Alcollarín (BA) on 25/01 (Antonio Calvo). Five at Arce de Abajo reservoir, Brozas (CC), on 27/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and on 29/01 (Manolo Iglesias). 24 at La Serena reservoir (BA) on 29/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). 38 Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (CC), on 30/01 (Chris Cook, John Muddeman, Angela Plumb and Trevor Plumb).
-
 Ruddy Shelduck: One at Holguera (CC) on 10/01 (J. Prieta) and possibly the same bird at El Batán rice fields (CC) on 13/01 (S. Mayordomo) and 19/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).
-
 Shelduck: Four at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 08/01 (Alberto Gil). One at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 10/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Three at Gargáligas reservoir, Puebla de Alcocer (BA), on 11/01 (C. Clemente, M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). 16 at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 11/01 (E. Palacios and J. Prieta). Two at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 13/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra) and six on 24/01 (Elvira del Viejo). Six at Palancoso lagoon, Navalmoral de la Mata (CC), on 23/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Three at El Torviscal (BA) on 23/01 (Juan Pablo Prieto). One at La Serena reservoir (BA) on 29/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
-
 Red-crested Pochard: Six at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 11/01 (Juan Carlos Paniagua) and seven on 25/01 (Paco Mendoza and J. C. Paniagua). At least five at Alange reservoir (BA) on 14/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Five at Tentudía reservoir, Calera de León (BA), on 18/01 (Alberto Pacheco). Eight at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 24/01 (E. del Viejo). 10 at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 28/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
-
 Ferruginous Duck: Five at Los Calles pool, Toril (CC), on 05/01 (J. Prieta) and three there on 12/01 (E. Palacios).
-
 Quail: At least eight at Taliga (BA) on 26/01 (Ángel T. Mejías).
-
 Great Crested Grebe: More than 500 at Alange reservoir (BA) on 14/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
-
 Black-necked Grebe: One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 05/01 (S. Mayordomo) and on 09/01 (Martin Kelsey); and three on 11/01 (SEO-Extremadura). One at Brozas pool (CC) on 27/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). 60 at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 28/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Five at La Serena reservoir (BA) on 29/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
-
 Great Bittern: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 17/01 (José Gómez Aparicio), on 18/01 (Javier Briz) and on 19/01 (J. Briz and J. Guerra).
-
 Squacco Heron: Two on Guadiana River in Badajoz on 12/01 (J. C. Paniagua) and one on 16/01 (J. Guerra). One at Rena (BA) on 21/01 (Luis Lozano). One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 25/01 (S. Mayordomo) and on 26/01 (C. Cook, J. Muddeman, A. Plumb, T. Plumb and Santiago Villa). One at Sierra de Fuentes pools (CC) on 26/01, where present for some of winter (Estela Herguido).
-
 Black Stork: Four at Campillo de Llerena reservoir (BA) on 05/01 (Paco Macías). Two at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 09/01 (M. Kelsey) and three on 30/01 (C. Cook, J. Muddeman, A. Plumb and T. Plumb). One at Valuengo reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 10/01 (Vanessa de Alba and Antonio Núñez). Two on Ardila River (BA) on 11/01 (E. del Viejo). Two on Fresnedillas pool, Oliva de Plasencia (CC), on 12/01 (José María Herranz). One at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 13/01 (Francisco Montaño, A. Núñez and Joaquín Vázquez). Three at Navalvillar de Pela (BA) on 21/01 (Manuel Gómez Calzado). One at Monfragüe (CC) on 22/01 (Rubén Serradilla). One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 26/01 (Antonio Calvo and J. P. Prieto). One at Llanos de Brozas (CC) on 27/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One at Puerto Peña, Talarrubias (BA), on 31/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
Glossy Ibis: One at Hitos de Abajo, Campo Lugar (CC), on 01/01 (A. Calvo). One at Riolobos rice fields (CC) on 10/01 (J. Prieta). One at pool at Lugar de Malpartida de Cáceres (CC) on 12/01 (Francisco Javier Caballero) and on 16/01 (M. Iglesias). Four at El Torviscal (BA) on 23/01 (J. P. Prieto).
-
 Spoonbill: 12 at Los Canchales reservoir (CC) on 11/01 (E. Costillo) and 17 on 13/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Two at Galisteo (CC) on 13/01 (S. Mayordomo). One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 14/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Two at Moral reservoir, Los Santos de Maimona (BA), on 17/01 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
-
 Black Kite: Four at Villanueva de la Serena landfill (BA) on 05/01 and three on 12/01 (Chema Traverso). One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 16/01 (Antonio M. Mendoza). One at Navalvillar de Pela (BA) on 21/01 (Juan Antonio Barquero).
Egyptian Vulture: An adult at Torrecillas de la Tiesa (CC) on 10/01 (Alfredo Ortega). Two at Torrejoncillo (CC) on 19/01 (S. Mayordomo). One at Canchos de Ramiro, Cachorrilla (CC), and two at Acehúche (CC) on 23/01 (J. M. Moreras, P. Rodríguez and Ángel Sánchez). One at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 30/01 (M. Kelsey and Neil Renwick).
-
 Goshawk: One at Gévora River, Alburquerque (BA), on 11/01 (Godfried Schreur and Pedro Schreur). One at Oliva de Mérida (BA) on 15/01 (J. Guerra). One at Alcántara reservoir (CC) on 24/01 (S. Mayordomo). A female at Montehermoso (CC) on 26/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). A female at Las Mestas (CC) on 26/01 (A. Pacheco). One at Brozas (CC) on 27/01 (M. Iglesias).
Booted Eagle: A pale morph at River Gévora, Badajoz, on 01/01 (José Antonio Molina, Mª Rocío Molina, Sabas Molina F. and Sabas Molina R.). A dark morph at El Almendral (BA) on 06/01 (Juan Carlos Delgado). One at Guadiana River, Badajoz, on 31/01 (Jesús Sánchez).
-
 Osprey: One at Gabriel y Galán reservoir (CC) on 08/01 (A. Pacheco). One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 13/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra) and on 24/01 (E. del Viejo). One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 25/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).
-
 Common Crane: 63,205 in the central zone (BA/CC) on 24/01 (M. Gómez Calzado and José Antonio Román).
-
 Black-winged Stilt: 1,649 in the Vegas Altas (BA/CC) on 21/01 (ECVA).
-
 Avocet: Six at Hitos de Abajo, Campo Lugar (CC), on 01/01 (A. Calvo) and 23 on 05/01 (M. Gálvez, J. Guerra and S. Mayordomo). Three at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 08/01 (A. Gil) and on 12/01 (Lorenzo Alcántara). One at Medellín (BA) on 21/01 (F. Yuste).
-
 Kentish Plover: Three at Hitos de Abajo, Campo Lugar (CC), on 01/01 (A. Calvo). Four at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 01/01 (A. Calvo) and on 08/01 (A. Gil), 22 on 09/01 (J. P. Prieto), 8 on 11/01 (SEO-Extremadura), 24 on 12/01 (L. Alcántara) and 34 on 21/01 (Marcelino Cardalliaguet and J. P. Prieto). Three at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/01 (F. Montaño and Gema Montaño), 41 on 21/01 (J. Prieta) and three on 30/01 (A. M. Mendoza).
-
 Dotterel: Seven at Hinojal (CC) on 12/01 (E. Palacios) and six on 24/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo), on 27/01 (C. Cook, J. Muddeman, A. Plumb and T. Plumb) and on 31/01 (M. Kelsey). At La Serena (BA): 2 at Cabeza del Buey, 3 at Castuera and 18 on the cañada real Segoviana on 24/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra), the latter group remaining at least until 25/01 (E. del Viejo). One at Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) on 26/01 (Miguel Corvillo).
-
 Grey Plover: Two at Logrosán (CC) on 12/01 (Noelia Baeza and Jorge Ángel Herrera).
-
 Little Stint: 446 in the Vegas Altas (BA/CC) on 21/01 (ECVA).
-
 Temminck’s Stint: One at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 21/01 (M. Cardalliaguet and J. P. Prieto).
-
 Dunlin: 4,217 on the Vegas Altas (BA/CC) on 21/01 (ECVA).
-
 Ruff: 572 on the Vegas Altas (BA/CC) on 21/01 (ECVA).
- Curlew: One at Palazuelo (BA) on 02/01 (A. Calvo). Two at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 07/01 (M. Kelsey), four on 08/01 (A. Gil), 19 on 09/01 (J. P. Prieto), 9 on 11/01 (J. Guerra and S. Mayordomo) and 15 on 21/01 (M. Cardalliaguet and J. P. Prieto). Three at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/01 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño). Three at Hernán Cortes (BA) (J. Prieta) and three at Villanueva de la Serena (BA) (Carlos González) on 21/01. Two at Hitos de Abajo, Campo Lugar (CC), on 28/01 (C. Cook, J. Muddeman, A. Plumb and T. Plumb).
-
 Lesser Yellowlegs: One at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 07/01 (M. Kelsey), on 08/01 (A. Gil), on 09/01 (Jesús Porras and Rufino) and on 11/01 (SEO-Extremadura).
-
 Wood Sandpiper: Six at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 01/01 (A, Calvo). Five at Rena (BA) on 21/01 (L. Lozano). Two at El Torviscal (BA) on 23/01 (J. P. Prieto).
-
 Mediterranean Gull: One at Villanueva de la Serena (BA) on 21/01 (C. González).
-
 Yellow-legged Gull: Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 10/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Three at Villar de Rena (BA) on 21/01 (Ángel Sánchez).
-
 Little Gull: A juvenile at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 28/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra) and on 30/01 (C. Cook, J. Muddeman, A. Plumb and T. Plumb). An adult at Navalvillar de Pela (BA) on 30/01 (C. Cook, J. Muddeman, A. Plumb and T. Plumb).
-
 Caspian Tern: One at Alqueva reservoir, Villarreal (BA), on 16/01 (Joaquín Mazón).
-White-winged Black Tern: One at Orellana Reservoir (BA) on 09/01, on16/01 (William Haworth) and on 28/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).
-
 Stock Dove: Two at El Sotillo reservoir, Monroy (CC), on 12/01 (E. Palacios). Six on rice fields at Riolobos (CC) on 13/01 (S. Mayordomo). Four at Galisteo (CC) on 26/01 (J. Prieta).
-
 Tawny Owl: A fledged chick at the university campus at Badajoz on 13/01 (E. Costillo).
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 Short-eared Owl: One at Hernán Cortés (BA) on 21/01 (J. M. Abad and J. A. Masero). One at Valdehornillos (BA) on 23/01 (J. A. Román).
-
 Pallid Swift: At least one at Alange (BA) on 09/01 (Jesús Solana) and on 14/01 (J. Guerra).
-
 Hoopoe: A leucistic individual between Yelbes and Valdetorres (BA) on 29/01 (J. A. Román).
-
 Wryneck: One at Matachel River, Alange (BA) on 09/01 (J. Guerra). One in pinewood at Garrovillas (CC) on 12/01 (S. Mayordomo). One at Cedillo (CC) on 18/01 (G. Schreur and P. Schreur). One at Malpartida de Plasencia (CC) on 18/01 (S. Mayordomo). One at La Parra (BA) on 18/01 (V. de Alba and A. Núñez). One at Valdecigüeñas, Puebla del Maestre (BA), on 23/01 (M. Gálvez). Three at El Batán (CC) on 24/01 (Ricardo Montero, Jenny Torfs and Michel Viskens).
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 Pied Wagtail: One at Riolobos rice fields (CC) on 13/01 (S. Mayordomo). One at Cedillo (CC) on 18/01 (G. Schreur and P. Schreur). One at Brozas pool (CC) on 27/01 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).
-
 Moustached Warbler: One at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 08/01 (A. Gil). One at Budión stream, Rena (BA), on 21/01 (L. Lozano).
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 Goldcrest: Two at Granadilla pines (CC) on 20/01 (S. Mayordomo).
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 Bearded Tit: A male at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 25/01 (S. Mayordomo).
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 Brambling: A male in Gata valley (CC) on 26/01 (S. Mayordomo).
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 Common Crossbill: Seven at Riomalo de Arriba (CC) on 08/01 (S. Mayordomo). Several at Ladrillar (CC) on 21/01 (A. Pacheco). 

FIRST SPRING MIGRANTS
-
 Lesser Kestrel: Two at Almendralejo (BA) on 29/01 (J. A. Román).
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 Great Spotted Cuckoo: Two at Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 11/01 (M. Kelsey). Two at Villamesías (CC) on 25/01 (A. Calvo).
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 Barn Swallow: Four at Alange (BA) on 04/01 (P. Macías) and one on 14/01 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). One in Trujillo (CC) on 14/01 (N. Renwick).
-
 House Martin: One in Mérida (BA) on 03/01, three on 05/01 (J. Solana) and two on 09/01 (A. Calvo). Three at La Codosera (BA) (P. Schreur) and present at Villanueva de la Serena (BA) (J. P. Prieto) on 09/01. Present in Alange (BA) throughout the whole month (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).

Wednesday 5 February 2014

SURPRISING TALES OF TRAVELLING BIRDS



Pintail (Anas acuta). Female 2º year. Carrying a pale blue nasal band [12]. It was marked in the Gargáligas reservoir (Badajoz) on 11th December 2012 and was seen in northern France on its first spring migration (2nd March 2013) and at Galisteo (Cáceres) eon its second autumn journey (25th September 2013, photo). Most of the Pintail that winter in Spain originate from northern Russia.

During 2013 SEO/BirdLife brought its vast databank from ringing up to date (more than seven million birds ringed and about 400,000 recoveries). With this information now updated, members of the public can now access it through a new app www.anillamientoseo.org through which one can consult the information, which is updated every day. Furthermore, it allows one to enter recoveries as well as requesting data on ringing and recoveries for scientific study.

In 2013 SEO/BirdLife took over the tracking management from ICONA, which had been responsible for the scientific ringing of wild birds, following a pause of two years, because of lack of funding from the Ministry of the Environment. During 2013 59,500 data were handled, that is to say 59,500 tales of travelling birds. Amongst them, we would like to highlight two related to Extremadura. Sadly, in both cases, the information came from birds killed by hunters.
The first, a Pintail (Anas acuta) was ringed by the University of Extremadura in Badajoz province in 2009 and recovered in June 2013 in Archangel (in the north of European Russia) a distance of 4,243 km. It represented the longest distance recovery from Extremadura in 2013 and the second longest from Spain.

The second, a Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) was ringed as a nestling in Estonia (in Toolse, Laane-Virumaa) on 20th June 2013 and recovered on 17th November the same year in Olivenza (Badajoz) after 3,307 kms from its place of origin and 168 days afterwards. This was the second longest journey recorded in 2013.

Monday 27 January 2014

THE DATABASE OF BIRDS IN EXTREMADURA



TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY

From the beginning of this blog, since May 2010, the only section that has remained unchanged has been the monthly summaries of the most interesting sightings of birds in Extremadura. This compilation of records did not arise from the blog, rather it had been taking place from much earlier, indeed since the mid 1990s. The purpose was to publish them in a book, an annual report called “Aves de Extremadura”. Up to now, four reports have been published, covering the period 1998 to 2008. Given that the information flow is, thanks to new technology, much greater now than in those first years, it is also much easier to disseminate it, so that these monthly summaries have become the priority, appearing each month, regularly and on time. All of this is possible thanks to the enormous efforts of Sergio Mayordomo, who has been compiling all of the observations that meet certain criteria for each species (see vol IV de Aves de Extremadura). Given the large number of records, not all necessarily appear in the summaries; although as many as possible do. 
 

To the end of 2013, some graphs have been prepared to show the amount of information that has been received to date (taking into account all data received, not just that given in the summaries). There are more than 10,000 records between May 2010 and December 2013, that together with the information gathered between 1998 and 2008 in the reports, provide the biggest database on birds in Extremadura. The main source is the Goce Forum. There are also records submitted directly. The information shown in the graphs is so clear that it barely requires comment. From the first year, people have been encouraged to submit records and there is now an average of 3,200 annual records. By month, the pattern is the same as bird activity, with maxima coinciding with migration peaks in April and September/October (there is great interest in phenological patterns) and lowest at the start of summer in June and July, when there is less bird movement and people may spend less time in the field because of the heat.

As well as providing information of use for our birding and for those visiting Extremadura, a lot of this information has been made available also for particular studies of species and sites, when required. Always we have in mind the understanding that we can only conserve what we know! Of course, this database has only been possible thanks to the incalculable collaboration of hundreds of birders who pass on their records. A thousand thanks to you all!!

Wednesday 22 January 2014

THE BLACK STORK IN EXTREMADURA



TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY

Despite being a very attractive species for birdwatchers, the unusual and isolated Iberian population of Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) continues to be poorly known. Indeed, the only national census carried out in Spain took place way back in 1987. Since then, there have only been some compilations of information from varied sources. From these early estimates, the population in Extremadura (161-219 pairs over the period 1995-2013) has always been the largest. Portugal follows, with between 97-115 pairs in a national census carried out in 2004, and Andalucía, with 87 pairs in 2009, all of them in the Sierra Morena. With pre-2003 figures, we have Castilla y León (61 pairs), Castilla-La Mancha (24) and Madrid (12). Adding this all together, admittedly over a long time frame, produces 470 pairs for certain in the Iberian Peninsular, although it is likely that the real figure exceeds, probably by a margin, 500 pairs. If one takes into account published data, the Iberian population has apparently increased (Cano y Hernández, 2003, cited 405 certain pairs). If there had been a better coverage, it is probably wiser to consider the population as stable. For example, in the case of Andalucía, where a figure of 54 pairs (2006) and 52 pairs (1999, 2005, 2007) rose to 89 pairs (2009), an increase of no less than 70% in two years, which seems improbable under natural circumstances. 
 
Focusing on the population in Extremadura, the graph below shows the values obtained in 17 regional censuses that we have been able to compile. Two phases can be seen, the first between 1973 and 1989, when ornithology in Extremadura was in its infancy and the data are partial, mainly anecdotal. And the second phase from 1993m the government of Extremadura started annual counts. The studies undertaken by Adenex (José Luis Pérez-Chiscano, Víctor Pizarro, José A. Román, Juan J. Ferrero and others) have also helped. The information of these last twenty years shows a stable trend, with peaks and troughs most likely because of differences in effort and coverage (there are variations of up to 21% between consecutive years). The maximum figure was 219 pairs in 1995, followed by 195 pairs in 2011. In 2013, the census recently made public reached 189 certain pairs , 30 less than the maximum twenty years ago. By province, 116 pairs were found in Cáceres and 73 in Badajoz (in 2003 there were 101 and 82, respectively). Taking into account that censuses almost always underestimate real populations, it us very likely that there are more than 200 pairs in Extremadura, perhaps even 220.

The map shows the breeding distribution of Black Stork in Extremadura. The areas of highest breeding density are shown in red: the dehesas of south-west Badajoz, Monfragüe, Alagón, the Tiétar pinewoods and areas in along the Tajo and Guadiana rivers. This area of occupation remains practically the same since the first censuses, being centred along the Tajo river and its tributaries, and in some areas of dehesa and mountains.
With respect to breeding, we have information from 2002 and 2013. In 2013, 147 nests were monitored, from which 290 young fledged. The reproductive indices are very similar in both years:
- productivity (fledged young per occupied nest): 1.97 in 2013, 2.05 in 2002.
- fledging success (fledged young per successful nest): 2.45 in 2013 and 2002.
- Percentage of pairs which raise young successfully: 82% en 2013.
These figures for Extremadura are very similar to the average for Spain as whole (1.94) and elsewhere in Europe (1.81 in Latvia, 1.96 in Lithuania) (Cano, 2012).

An interesting aspect of the Iberian population of Black Stork is the high proportion of nests built on rock. The Black Stork normally nests in trees across its wide range across Europe, although there are countries where use of rocky sites is significant (Austria 28%, Bulgaria 52%). The distant population in southern Africa nests exclusively on rock and the isolated Iberian population has a figure of 55%, with 75% in the case of Portugal. For Extremadura detailed information of nest substrate use is given for the years 2003 and 2013 (table). Nests on rock reach 55%, the same as the Iberian population as a whole, with somewhat more use of this substrate in 2003 than in 2013. It is noteworthy that whilst the population, distribution and breeding success has remained stable over the last decade, there are important changes in best sites. There has been a drop in the number of nests in cork oak by a third, compensated by an increase in tree nests in general, especially in holm oak and pine. With respect to rock sites, there has been an increase in use of rocky valleys, now the habitat most often used, with a decrease in sites in mountain ranges.


These changes in nest sites deserve a more detailed analysis to determine the conservation impact of the Black Stork as well as the Cork Oaks themselves (are there fewer Cork Oaks of sufficient size? Has their management changed? Is there more disturbance?). Over the last decade there at least has been more information on the conservation of Black Stork. Some of us remember that in 2003, at a regional congress, Pizarro et al. cited seven nests that were destroyed by fire that year (three in the dehesas of Jerez, two in the Tiétar pines, one in Cañaveral and one in Sierra de San Pedro) or how the construction of the Alqueva dam apparently caused the loss of ten active nests; also they stated that half the nests in cork oak suffered disturbance during the cork harvest and during pruning; and how sensitive nests were to boat traffic on rivers, indeed that there were no nests on navigable stretches. And not forgetting the damage caused by changing water levels on reservoirs, with 23 nests and 25 chicks lost in 1994.

Acknowledgements: This post is based on information published in the sources cited below. The 2013 data come from a press release from DGMA-Junta de Extremadura, apart from the nest site data which have been provided Ángel Sánchez/DGMA (in litt.). The censuses in Extremadura are carried out every year by some 250 rangers and other staff of the Environment Directorate. We also would like to extend our thanks to personnel in Portugal and other parts of Spain, as well as to other fieldworkers and volunteers who have collaborated.

References:
  • Anuarios Ornitológicos de Extremadura. 1998-2008.
  • Informes de Medio Ambiente en Extremadura. 2006-2012.
  • Censos oficiales de la CMA-Junta de Andalucía.
  • Cano, L. S. 2012. Biología y conservación de la cigüeña negra en la península Ibérica. Tesis Doctoral. Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
  • Cano, L. S. y Hernández, J. M. 2003. Cigüeña negra Ciconia nigra. En Martí, R, y del Moral, J.C. (Eds.).Atlas de las aves reproductoras de España. MMA y SEO/BirdLife. Madrid.
  • DGMA. 2004. The black stork in Extremadura, Southwest Spain. IV Conferencia Internacional de cigüeña negra. Dávod-Püspökpuszta. Hungría. Abril 2004.
  • Ferrero, J.J. y Pizarro, V. M. 2003. La cigüeña negra en Extremadura. Cuadernos Populares 61. Consejería de Cultura. Junta de Extremadura. Mérida.
  • Pizarro, V. M., Fererro, J. J. y Gil, A. 2003. Conservación de la cigüeña negra en Extremadura. II Congreso de especies protegidas de Extremadura. 19-21 noviembre 2003. Cáceres. DGMA. Junta de Extremadura.