At the Rio Velez we enjoyed watching a pair of Cettis Warblers engaged in some kind of ritual. One bird buzzes it wings furiously and displays in a very agitated manner for the benefit of the other. This lasts for ten for minutes or so during which time the birds seem oblivious of anything else around them, like me with my camera for example. I have seen this behaviour before and think it is probably a pre-nuptial ritual as both birds eventually fly off together. However it could be a territorial male Cetti warding off a competing male. Whatever the reason they put on a very good show.
Cettis are polygandrous, ie males mate with several females which will raise two or more broods in a season, so mating does take place in August. Cettis are also highly territorial and will act aggressively towards other males, so the verdict is out on the reason for such strange behaviour. |

There was plenty of evidence of successful breeding going on with tens of Blackbirds, a pair of juvenile Flamingos, a young Woodchat Shrike and two two young Night Herons seen amongst others.

Another welcome addition to the Charca is this young Red Knobbed Coot, one of a successful brood from an introduced adult pair.