Oystercatcher, with Avocet and Shoveler A quick walk around the Guadalhorce today as we were in Malaga anyway for Elena to take her driving theory test again, (this time she passed).
The first bird we noticed from the main hide was a one-legged Oystercatcher. Birds often stand on one leg, for example the Avocet in the picture, but the Oystercatcher was hopping on it too, so the other leg is missing or not working. The Avocet was one of a pair sharing the little island with the Oystercatcher, some Shovelers and best of all a nice little Wood Sandpiper.
As we watched a Redshank flew in, giving us a good chance to compare size and colouring with the smaller Wood Sandpiper
The first bird we noticed from the main hide was a one-legged Oystercatcher. Birds often stand on one leg, for example the Avocet in the picture, but the Oystercatcher was hopping on it too, so the other leg is missing or not working. The Avocet was one of a pair sharing the little island with the Oystercatcher, some Shovelers and best of all a nice little Wood Sandpiper.
As we watched a Redshank flew in, giving us a good chance to compare size and colouring with the smaller Wood Sandpiper
Redshank and Wood Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper I know I have said this often but I am shocked at how few birds there are at the Guadalhorce now compered with two years ago. I would say numbers are down by more than 50%, & that is a conservative estimate. Why? I don´t know, lack of food - possibly, excessive human disturbance - definitely, too many cyclists, joggers and dog walkers. Aircraft noise could be a factor but that has not changed, they are no closer than they ever were.
Although it was a calm, almost windless day there were quite large rollers pounding the beach, what little was left of it. The sea was almost up to the fence, so close in fact that it was difficult to walk along, being necessary to hug the fence in places. I guess that recent prolonged westerly winds have created a surge and the sea level had risen locally. It was causing some devastation as much of the sand appeared to have been washed away. In fact these Turnstones had to roost on a log to avoid the waves. More birds on one leg!
Turnstones
Sanderling The only other birds in sight on the beach were a flock of fifteen or so Sanderlings, scurrying around on what little sandy foreshore was left.
Strangely there was not a single Gull anywhere in sight. perhaps they have all gone out to sea looking for food after all the storms have finally abated.
Strangely there was not a single Gull anywhere in sight. perhaps they have all gone out to sea looking for food after all the storms have finally abated.
Sickly Barn Swallow On a final, sad note, we were visited by a Barn Swallow that wanted to land close by in our direct path. I took some close up photos and I suspect this was a rather sick bird. The eyes look quite opaque and although it could fly well enough it looked tired and listless. I fear it might not be long for this world.
