Bluethroat - lucinia svecica Another pleasant nature walk around my local patch, the Rio Velez proved that even in mid winter there is always something interesting to see. For example I found this delightful male Bluethroat on the freshwater mudflats at the beach. Although he kept a close weather eye on me he was not too concerned by my presence and we enjoyed a friendly half-hour in each other´s company.
Collins Field guide states that the European Bluethroat breeds in damp birch woods in Northern Europe, and then winters mainly in N E Africa. Well I can assure them that lots of them winter here in Southern Spain as we birders see plenty of them here every year. Strangely I only ever seem to see males, perhaps I just don´t notice the less colourful females.
Collins Field guide states that the European Bluethroat breeds in damp birch woods in Northern Europe, and then winters mainly in N E Africa. Well I can assure them that lots of them winter here in Southern Spain as we birders see plenty of them here every year. Strangely I only ever seem to see males, perhaps I just don´t notice the less colourful females.
Bluethroat - lucinia svecica
Golden Plover - pluvialis apricaria Further up-river I was pleased to find a pair of Golden Plovers wading in shallow water. There have been one or two of this species here for quite a few weeks now, which is encouraging as there has been a general lack of waders about all year. There were a few Ringed Plovers present and a solitary Black-Winged Stilt, but that was about all unless one counts the flock of twenty or so Sanderling. Now these have very short but fast moving legs, more of a "Scurrier" than a wader.
Sanderling - calidris alba
Water Pipit - anthus spinoletta Water Pipits were foraging around on the riverbank. Their meadow Pipit cousins were also present, as were most of the usual species one sees here in Winter. Serins added a nice splash of colour in the tall grass of the water meadow. No sign today though of the White Stork that had been here for a while. Chiffchaffs were everywhere, there seem to be more than ever this year.
Serin - serinus serinus
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A wistfull looking Chiffchaff - phylloscopus collybita
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