Not much birding in late 2019 and 2020 as for me health and family matters dominated, and then the limited opportunities afforded by the corona virus lockdown situation in Spain. The Grey Heron below was photographed at the Charca de Suarez in nice evening light.
Grey Heron - ardea cinerea
A stroll along the Rio Chillar near Nerja revealed a healthy population of Grey Wagtails enjoying the quite high levels of water flowing down to the sea.
Grey Wagtail - motacilla cinerea
During the lockdown period I have been limited to photographing birds on and around our terrace. Elena has attracted a large colony of Greenfinches which feed on her endless supply of seeds. The shot below shows an alpha male aggressively protecting his perch close to the seed tray.
Greenfinch - chloris chloris
Greenfinch - chloris chloris
Prior to the virus pandemic we had attended a day trip to Osuna arranged by Derek Etherton. It was a highly successful outing with the highlight being excellent sightings of a large flock of Great Bustards. The best photographs from the day were of this Common Buzzard which kept moving and perching ahead of the car as we progressed slowly along the road. I have always admired Buzzards, a fine looking raptor sometimes undervalued by birders because it is quite numerous.
Common Buzzard - buteo buteo
Common Buzzard - buteo buteo
This shot below is the best I could get of the Great Bustards which were quite distant. It was however really satisfying to see such a large number of these fantastic birds, estimates varied between 56 and 120+ depending upon who you asked. I am not a counter, preferring to enjoy the sight and take the opportunity to capture images with the camera.
Great Bustards - otis tarda
One other shot worth including is this one of a Grey Shrike which perched nicely for a shot through the car window.
Iberian grey Shrike - lanius meridionalis
On the way home we stopped in at Fuente de Piedra which was very dry but I did catch quite a nice reflection shot of a row of Flamingos in evening light.
Greater Flamingos - phoenicopterus roseus
During the lockdown period I have been reduced to practicing my camerawork by chasing the Common Swifts as they dart around the house in the evenings. I have to admit I am simply not quick enough to get a close enough shot for the quality I would like. This one below is about the best I could do so far. I will keep trying.
Common Swift - apus apus
Collared Doves are as common as muck but I quite like the next photo taken below our terrace, for its aesthetic quality.
Collared Dove - streptopelia decaocto
I almost forgot to include two birds enjoyed by the Axarquia group on a trip to El Robledal. The Common Redstart was one of a pair making sorties from the same tree as a pair of Pied Flycatchers. Watching this activity was a real pleasure.
Common Redstart (female) - phoenicurus phoenicurus
Pied Flycatcher - ficedula hypoleuca
