Morning walk with the parents for a few miles along the coastline thru desert steppe.Quiet for birds in windy conditions.A few Cory’s Shears offshore,Southern Grey Shrike & the ubiquitous Spanish Sparrows & Red-Vented Bulbuls.Also noted Atlantic Lizards & Barbary Ground Squirrels
Birds aside, highlight of today was the impeccable behaviour of my little partner in crime. Helping my dad over rocky ground & ensuring we all had food & drink. Dave is the bomb ❤️
On drive back to hotel, we stopped off at the coastal village of La Pared. Another cracking spot with sev Cory’s Shearwaters passing close inshore & entertaining Barbary Ground Squirrels.
We then made the short drive to the Barranco de los Molinos. A really beautiful wild location. Absolute highlight was a family of 4 Fuerteventura Stonechats showing very well.
Hired a car today & took family to Embalse de los Molinos.Superb scenery and very birdy.60 Ruddy Shelduck, 2 ‘Barbary’ Peregrines,2 Egyptian Vultures,10 BW Stilts,20 Black-Bellied S’Grouse,2 Hoopoes,sev Southern Grey Shrikes,5 Berthelots Pipits,7 Lesser ST Larks,2 Trumpeter Finch
A very windy day on Fuerteventura. Just a short walk from the hotel was hard work with the weather. Nevertheless Berthelot’s Pipit located and good to hear the distinctive call. Some impressive desert scenery
@MYBirding We’re at Costa Calma. I’ve seen all the main stuff before but will hire a car and take family out for day. Hopefully will get the chat and a few others bits
After a delayed flight y’day,nice to take it easy on Fuerteventura. Spanish Sparrows everywhere but more interesting were 3 African Sacred Ibis & sev Red-Vented Bulbuls.Naturalised escapes which are now part of the avifauna.Always entertaining to see the Barbary Ground Squirrels
Couple of hours at Belvide this afternoon with Dave was thoroughly enjoyable. The 1st s Bonaparte’s Gull again gave great views. Also noted Red Kite, ringed 1st s Caspian Gull, 2 YL Gull(ringed 2nd s & 3rd s), ad Med Gull, plenty of warblers singing.
Early morning visit to Gailey Res produced 2 Egyptian Geese, Common Tern, 4 Oyc + 2 young, Common Sand, 2 Yellow Wag, 7 Reed Wblr, Garden Wblr. Also at nearby WMI off Gravelly Way 2 LRP @Staffsbirdnews
Belvide does it again! The smart 1st s Bonaparte’s Gull gave some nice flight views but even better when it landed on the Chappell bund. 30 years since my last and only other in Staffs! Also BN Grebe & drk Scaup as a nice back up.
With a bit of time spare before a family birthday celebration, no better way to spend an hour enjoying one of my favourite migrants the Wood Wblr. Outstanding views of a very vocal individual. Doesn’t get much better!
A few hours at Belvide this evening. After a couple of brief views, the Great Reed Wblr finally gave itself up on top of an oak tree! One of the most random sightings I’ve had in Staffs. Also BN Grebe, drk Mandarin, sev Common Terns, & plenty of Garden, Reed & Sedge Wblrs.