Paul from the village and I had a few hours this morning down at the river at Cortes in the hope of finding some passerine migrants as well as raptors on passage. We met outside my house just as it was getting light at 7:30am.
It was a lovely morning with a bit of nip in the air especially down by the river, but the sun quickly rose and warmed us up. At the river we soon logged several species: both Grey & White Wagtails, Chiffchaff, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher were among the first sightings. A Sparrowhawk flew down to the river bank and landed on the gravel spit much to anoyance of the local Little Ringed Plovers however it flew off before we had chance to photograph it.
COMMON WHITETHROAT
We also had great views of Golden Oriole, Spotless Starling, Red-rumped Swallow and a Peregrine Falcon that made a couple of sorties over us. On the distant hillside we logged a flock of 55 Bee-eaters, a Short-toed Eagle and some swift species high up in the distance. A flock of some 25 Rock sparrows was nice as was a smaller flock of Cirl Buntings.
We had brief glimpses of Melodious Warbler but Common Whitethroat, lots of Spotted Flycatchers and Sardinian Warblers showed well. Other species seen included Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Crag Martin, Pallid Swift, Jay, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, House Martin & Barn Swallow.
By 10:30am we were back in the car and heading up the hill to Gaucin, we both had chores to do, work and all that jazz but we both enjoyed a lovely bright morning with plenty to see.
Red-throated Bee-eater
join us for a fantastic tour of The Gambia this November
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