RUPPELL’S VULTURE….DOUBLE ACT

Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppellii) is one of the most frequently featured species in this blog, being one of the national rarities most often recorded in Extremadura.  Since 2008, it has been recorded in six consecutive years, with one or two individuals annually and this is the fourth year running that we have shared the news here. And on this occasion with a double, given that in the same week in May, two individuals were seen: one in Badajoz province and the other in Cáceres.

The Badajoz bird, with plumage of a second-year juvenile (hatched in 2012), was found on 21st May 2013 by Marc Gálvez (see photo) in the roost site at Riscos de Valbellido, Salvaléon, in company with 240 Griffon Vultures (including birds tagged in Spain, France and Portugal). On the following days, at least until 25th May, it was also seen by Francisco Montaño, Antonio Núñez Ossorio, Joaquín Vázquez, Lorenzo Alcántara, José Portillo, José Gómez, Jerónimo Corral and Óscar Llama.

The Cáceres bird, with immature plumage of third calendar year (hatched in 2011), was found at Ecoparque (rubbish tip) at Mirabel on the morning of 25th May 2013 by Javier Prieta (photo above), together with 250 Griffon Vultures (three of them tagged in Spain) and more than 60 Black Vultures. A couple of hours later, Sergio Mayordomo and Eva Palacios (photo below) confirmed that it was still there, until 16.00 when it flew off. A little later, based on plumage similarities, it was seen at the Tajadilla in Monfragüe (Toril, Cáceres) by some Portuguese visitors and the following morning (26th May) it was again at the Mirabel rubbish tip (José Portillo), although there were no vultures still present there at midday (J. Prieta).

They appear to be the first Rüppell’s Vultures recorded in Spain in 2013. Based on a review by De Juana (2006), most records of the species in the Iberian peninsular are in May and October, coinciding with migratory movements to and from Africa by non-breeding Griffon Vultures. The two records from Extremadura given here, in areas where non-breeding birds were concentrating, also suggests that they accompanied the Griffon Vultures on their dispersal movements, As we have seen in a previous entry, in Extremadura the records are predominantly in May and June. With respect to age, of the eleven records in our region, seven were immature and four adults or sub-adults. De Juan’s (2006) review only covers the period to 2003, so we have also checked more recent data. In 2010, there were only two confirmed records, with none in Cádiz, where there are many sightings that are not submitted. In 2011 and 2012, although not yet confirmed, Rare Birds Spain collates 32 records in 2011 and 29 in 2012. No fewer than 52 of the two years combined were seen in post-breeding passage in Cadiz province. The rest, just eight birds, were spread between Cáceres (3), Teruel (2), Guadalajara (1), Lérida (1) and Albacete (1). Although the shape of the graph below is clearly skewed by the massive raptor watching effort in Cádiz, it can be seen that almost all of the sightings are between May and November. That is to say, when the Iberian Griffon Vultures arrive from and depart to Africa. Outside this period, there was one sighting in December (a bird on apparent passage to Africa, one in January (an immature in Cádiz) and another in March (an adult in a vulture colony, but not showing signs of breeding). The only record from Extremadura outside the May-November period is from January, again an adult, possibly hybrid.

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

[NOTE. A few weeks after the cases listed above, the June 22th, 2013, has been photograped by Alfonso Pérez del Barco, a third different vulture, aged third calendar year, at Villanueva del Fresno, Badajoz. Below is one of the picutres.]

Source: Juana, E. 2006. Aves raras de España. Lynx Edicions. Barcelona.

WHICH IS THE LARGEST LESSER KESTREL COLONY?

On the weekend of 16-19 May 2013, the fourth Festival of Birds took place in Cáceres, in which one of the main stars was the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni). On various occasions it was again stated that the Lesser Kestrel colony in Cáceres (numbering between 250 and 400 pairs – a figure depending on which source one uses) is the largest in Europe. Not wanting in the least to criticise anyone, we would like to correct this mistake which is starting to be repeated so frequently that people are taking it as a fact. Whilst Cáceres holds almost certainly the largest colony (or group of colonies) in Spain, the honour for holding the largest in Europe in fact belongs to a little-known Italian town called Matera, in the region of Basilicata. Matera holds a thousand pairs of Lesser Kestrel (953-1074 pairs to be more exact), that is three times the size of the Cáceres colony. Both sites are also World Heritage sites, in the case of Matra for the extraordinary concentration of cave dwellings. Another unusual fact about Matera is that the Lesser Kestrels roost together in an enormous pine in the town centre where up to 3000 individuals have been cunted before the breeding season. The existence of this curious roost makes counting the birds much easier, something which remains a challenge in Cáceres. It was not necessary to go very far to find out about Matera, indeed we were told by Italian ornithologists at a congress here, in Almendralejo. Hopefully this small blog will help people pay more attention when preparing information about Extremadura, in material to promote the region to visiting birdwatchers, to check facts. Fortunately the incidence of errors is lessening, but from time to time one sees photos of birds wrongly identified or indeed of species from other continents that have never been recorded here.

The photographer is Javier Briz. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

Source: Ceccolini, G., Cenerini, A., Francione, M., y Visceglia, M. 2008. Las acciones del Proyecto LIFE Naturaleza Rapaci lucani para la conservación del Cernicalo primilla (Falco naumanni) en la provincia de Matera - Italia. Actas del VII Congreso Internacional sobre cernícalo primilla. Almendralejo, 20-23 noviembre 2008.

APRIL 2013. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Annotated list of the most interesting records during April 2013. Compiled by Sergio Majordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

- Greylag Goose: One at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 22/04 (Nick Moran and Ricardo Montero).
- Egyptian Goose: Two at Las Canteras, Trujillo (CC), on 01/04 (Tim Earl).
- Ruddy Shelduck: The individual at El Batán (CC) was still there on 02/04 (Javier Prieta). One at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA), on 10/04 (José Guerra and Marc Gálvez). At Guareña (BA) a male was seen on 10/04 (M. Gálvez) and 11/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at the Torrealba pool, Torremocha (CC), on 26/04 (Inmaculada Jerez and José Luis Bautista).
- Common Shelduck: At Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) six present on 04/04 (M. Gálvez) and two on 09/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), 16/04 (Sergio Pérez Gil) and 17/04 (Bernat Iglesias and M. Gálvez). Two at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 07/04 (Eva Palacios and Sergio Mayordomo). At Valdecañas reservoir (CC) 18 were present on 07/04 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo), three on 13/04 (John Muddeman) and two on 19/04 (S. Mayordomo) and 22/04 (N. Moran and R. Montero). One at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA), on 10/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). A pair at Guareña (BA) on 10/04 (M. Gálvez) and 11/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/04 (Fernando Yuste). A pair at Moheda Alta (BA) on 13/04 (M. Kelsey). A pair at Alange reservoir (BA) on 16/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). A pair at Sierra Brava reservoir (CC) on 21/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Garganey: A pair at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 07/04 (S. Mayordomo). At Guareña (BA) a pair was seen on the following dates 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), 14/04 (Antonio Núñez, Francisco Castro, Francisco Lopo, Jesús Solana, Lorenzo Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and Vanessa de Alba) and 16/04 (B. Iglesias, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).  A pair was present at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 17/04 (César Clemente and Gia-León) A pair also at Guadiloba reservoir, Cáceres, on 19/04 (J. L. Bautista). A pair was seen in flight over River Matachel, Alange (BA), on 25/04 (J. Guerra).
- Red-crested Pochard: At Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) a pair was present on 17/04 (B. Iglesias and M. Gálvez) and 19/04 (Paco Barnáldez). At the La Albuera lagoons (BA)three birds present on 17/04 (Adolfo García and A. Núñez), two pairs in 18/04 (A. García, A. Núñez and P. Barnáldez) and a male on 21/04 (J. Guerra, L. Alcántara and M. Gálvez). In pools produced following the rise of the Guadiana River (BA) four were present, three males and a female on 26/04 (F. Lopo).
- Common Pochard: At Talaván reservoir (CC) three males and a female on 20/04 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and two males and a female on 24/04 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). Eight on the lagoons of La Albuera (BA) on 21/04 (J. Guerra, L. Alcántara and M. Gálvez).
- Black-necked Grebe: Three seen on the Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 09/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and still present on 19/04 (P. Barnáldez).
- Great Bittern: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 14/04 (C. Clemente, Javier Mahillo and Juan Carlos López Alvar).
- Squacco Heron: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 13/04 (C. Clemente, GIA-León, Juan Carlos Salgado, Mercedes Rodríguez and S. Mayordomo). One at Villaba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 17/04 (B. Iglesias and M. Gálvez). One at the Los Galgos lagoon, Esparragalejo (BA), on 27/04 (Antonia Cangas and Elvira del Viejo).
- Preumed hybrid Little x Western Reef Egret: Seen on 04/04 in the heronry at Arrocampo (C. Clemente and Miguel de Gabriel) and then throughout the month with indications of possible breeding (Alejandro Briz, Ana M. Ruiz,  C. Clemente, E. Palacios, GIA-León, Javier Briz, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta, José V. Oropesa, J. C. López Alvar, Miguel Ángel Muñoz, Paco Ramírez, R. Montero, S. Mayordomo and Vicente Risco).
- Glossy Ibis: At the River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) two seen in flight over the Lusitania Bridge on 08/04 (S. Pérez Gil) and four entering the heron roost at the Fernández Casado Bridge on 22/04 (Antonio Calvo). Three seen in flight over Alange Reservoir (BA) on 10/04 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One in the Palazuelo rice fields (BA) on 13/04 (M. Kelsey). At the La Albuera lagoons (BA) two seen on 17/04 and three on 18/04 (A. García and A. Núñez). Four entering the heronry at Arrocampo (CC) on 18/04 (J. Prieta).

- Sacred Ibis: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 04/04 (C. Clemente, M. de Gabriel and Sergio Briones) and 05/04 (Isabel Gallardo, Manolo García del Rey, M. Kelsey, S. Mayordomo and Steve Fletcher -photo-).
- Greater Flamingo: 21 present at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 05/04 (José Álvarez). 24 seen at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 06/04 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). 28 in flight at La Lapa (BA) on 08/04 (Joaquín Vázquez).

- Griffon Vulture: At the Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), nest with chick and unhatched egg on 07/04 (E. Palacios -photo-, José Arias and S. Mayordomo).
- Black Vulture: On 15/04 a very pale individual seen, clearly showng aberrant plumage, in Los Ibores (CC) (Pedro Gómez).
- Montagu’s Harrier: Melanistic forms seen at Casatejada (CC) on 04/04 (C. Clemente, M. de Gabriel and S. Briones), Mérida (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), Hinojal (CC) on 20/04 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 21/04 (Dave Langlois and Sammy Langlois).
- Pallid Harrier: An adult male at Torremejía (BA) on 09/04 (Pieter Dhaluin). 
- Osprey: At Alange reservoir (BA) an individual present on 01/04 (J. Guerra), 11/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), 14/04 (J. Solana, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil) and 20/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 07/04 (M. Á. Muñoz and P. Ramírez). One at Malpartida de Plasencia (CC) on 12/04 (Juan Óscar Carret). One at Guijo de Granadilla reservoir (CC) on 18/04 (Jesús Montero). One at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 20/04 (E. Palacios y S. Mayordomo).

- Red-footed Falcon: A female on the Cáceres plains on 19/04 (Jesús Porras -photo-). 
- Spotted Crake: One at Guareña (BA) on 25/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Pied Avocet: One on the rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 02/04 (J. Prieta). On the irrigated land of Santa Amalia (BA) three seen on 05/04 and two on 11/04 (F. Yuste). At Guareña (BA) two present on 14/04 (A. Núñez, F. Castro, F. Lopo, J. Solana, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba) and 19/04 (M. Gálvez), with one on 15/04 (J. Guerra).
- Kentish Plover: On 05/04, on the Santa Amalia (BA) rice fields, more than 50 seen, including a female apparently incubating, and still present on 11/04 (F. Yuste -photo below-). At Palazuelo (BA) two on 08/04 and 6 on 27/04 (M. Kelsey). At Guareña (BA) two seen on 11/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 27/04 (Esther Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, Isaac Flecha, José Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and Vicky Resa), and six on 25/04 (M. Gálvez).

- Grey Plover: Two at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/04 (F. Yuste).
- Northern Lapwing: One at La Albuera (BA) on 17/04 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra). Two at Ahillones (BA) on 20/04 (F. Montaño). Several at Santa Amalia (BA) on 23/04 (F. Yuste). One seen at Guareña (BA) on 25/04 (M. Gálvez).
- Temminck’s Stint: At Guareña (BA) two present on 11/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and one on 27/04 (E. Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. Resa).
- Curlew Sandpiper: Two at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/04 (F. Yuste). Two seen at Guareña (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Bar-tailed Godwit: One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/04 (F. Yuste) and 36 at Aldea del Cano (CC) on 29/04 (Cristina Giner): Largest group ever seen in Extremadura.
- Curlew: One at Guareña (BA) on 14/04 (A. Núñez, F. Castro, F. Lopo, J. Solana, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba) and heard the following day 15/04 (J. Guerra).
- Spotted Redshank: Three at Guareña (BA) on 13/04 (J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil), one there on 14/04 (A. Núñez, F. Castro, F. Lopo, J. Solana, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba) and two on 25/04 (M. Gálvez).
- Wood Sandpiper: Six at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 21/04 (M. Kelsey). At Guareña (BA) one seen on 25/04 (M. Gálvez) and four on 27/04 (E. Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. Resa).
- Turnstone: One at Guareña (BA) on 27/04 (E. Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. Resa).
- Mediterrean Gull: Between one and four seen at Guareña (BA) (a first-winter, two second-winters and an adult) between 10/04 and 14/04 (A. Núñez, F. Castro, F. Lopo, J. Solana, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba).
- Common Gull: At Guareña (BA) three first-winter birds seen on 11/04 and 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Herring Gull: A first-winter birds seen at Guareña (BA) on 11/04 (M. Gálvez). First record for Extremadura.
- Yellow-legged Gull: One at Valdecañas (CC) on 06/04 (R. Montero) and 07/04 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). At Guareña (BA) two were seen on 11/04 (M. Gálvez), with one present on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 15/04 (J. Guerra).
- Caspian Tern: One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 30/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Whiskered Tern: On 14/04 more than ten present at Alange reservoir (BA) (J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil) and one at Guareña (BA) (A. Núñez, F. Castro, F. Lopo, J. Solana, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba). At the La Albuera lagoons (BA) four were seen on 17/04, more than 15 on 18/04 (A. García and A. Núñez) and 7 on 21/04 (L. Alcántara).
- Black Tern: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 05/04 (I. Gallardo. M. García del Rey, M. Kelsey, S. Mayordomo and S. Fletcher). Two at the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 15/04 (J. Guerra). At Villaba de los Barros reservoir three were seen on 16/04 (S. Pérez Gil) and two on 17/04 (B. Iglesias and M. Gálvez). At least five at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 19/04 (S. Mayordomo). Two at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 21/04 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). 14 at the Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 27/04 (A. Cangas and E. del Viejo).
- Monk Parakeet: Three seen in Cáceres on 02/04 (Antonio Cebrián).
- Short-eared Owl: One at Carcaboso (CC) on 17/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Wryneck: At Villanueva de la Vera one seen on 06/04, 07/04, 18/04, 22/04 and 30/04 (D. Langlois). At La Lapa (BA) two present on 13/04 (E. del Viejo, F. Montaño and F. Crystal) and 28/04 (F. Montaño). Two in Mérida (BA) on 13/04 (J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil). At least two singing on Navacebreda trail, Plasencia (CC), on 17/04 (S. Mayordomo). One at Pago de San Clemente (CC) on 21/04 (M. Kelsey). One seen at Sierra de Las Corchuelas, Monfragüe (CC), on 24/04 (S. Mayordomo). Present at Alange (BA) on 28/04 (M. Gálvez).
- Tawny Pipit: One near Zorita (CC) on 08/04 and another near Trujillo (CC) on 09/04 (M. Kelsey). One at Hinojal on 11/04 (J. Prieta). On 12/04 three seen at Marta de Magasca (CC) and one at Monroy (CC) (J. Muddeman). On 17/04 one seen at Villalba de los Barros (BA) (B. Iglesias and M. Gálvez) and was abundant on the plains of Brozas and Alcántara (CC) (Pepe Guisado). One at Toril (CC) on 19/04 (S. Mayordomo) and one at Campo Lugar (CC) on 21/04 (M. Kelsey). One at Montehermoso (CC) on 22/04 and on 24/04 one at Guijo de Coria (CC) and two at Calzadilla (CC) (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). Two seen at Guareña (BA) on 25/04 (M. Gálvez). One at Vegas Altas (BA) on 27/04. Five seen at Alange (BA) on 30/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Tree Pipit: Two on the riverside walk in Plasencia (CC) on 07/04 (R. Montero). One seen at Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 12/04 (J. Muddeman). One the Navacebreda trail, Plasencia (CC), two were seen on 14/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo) and a single bird on 17/04 and 29/04 (S. Mayordomo). Two seen at Peñas Blancas, La Zarza (BA) on 19/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at Arrocampo (CC) on 24/04 (J. Muddeman).
- Red-throated Pipit: At Guareña (BA) an individual was present on 25/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 27/04 (E. Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. Resa). First record for Extremadura. 
- Yellow Wagtail: An individual of the subspecies “M. f. superciliaris” remained on the rice fields of Riolobos (CC) on 02/04 (J. Prieta). An bird of the subspecies M. f. thunbergi was at Guareña (BA) on 27/04 (E. Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. Resa).
- Common Redstart: On 01/04 one at Alange (BA) (J. Guerra) and a male at Alconera (BA)(M. Kelsey). A male at Alange (BA) on 02/04 (M. Gálvez). At Villanueva de la Vera a male was seen on 04/04 and 09/04, and two males on 24/04 (D. Langlois). At Montehermoso (CC) two males were seen on 08/04 (J. Mahillo), and a pair were present on 19/04 and 23/04 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo) and a male on 26/04 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). S female was seen at Trujillo (CC) on 09/04 (M. Kelsey). In Las Hurdes (CC) 14 males were singing on 10/04 and another eight at Riomalo de Arriba (CC) on 25/04 (Alberto Pacheco). A female was seen at Arrocampo (CC) on 13/04 (J. C. Salgado, M. Rodríguez and William Haworth) and on 14/04 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and J. C. López Alvar). One present at La Lapa (BA) on 28/04 (F. Montaño).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: One at Alange (BA) (J. Guerra) and another at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) (D. Langlois) on 01/04. Another two at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 04/04 (D. Langlois). On the riverside walk, Plasencia (CC) five were present on 05/04 (J. Prieta) and 06/04 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) with one seen on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo). One in Mérida (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One beside River Ruecas, Madrigalejo (CC) on 13/04 and another at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 14/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Willow Warbler: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 05/04 (S. Mayordomo). In Plasencia (CC) one seen on the riverside walk on 06/04 (J. Prieta), with at least three on 14/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo) and one on the Navacebreda trail on 29/04 (S. Mayordomo). On 07/04 one at Alange (BA) (L. Alcántara) and several at Aceituna (A. Pacheco). One in Mérida (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). On 14/04 one seen at La Sierrilla, Cáceres, (Carlos Martínez) and another at Jaraicejo (CC) (M. Kelsey). Abundant passage through Villanueva de la Vera between 22/04 and 30/04 (D. Langlois). One at Barrado (CC) on 25/04 (J. Prieta). 
- Bearded Tit: A male at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 09/04 (J. Briz), 13/04 (J. Muddeman) and 14/04 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and J. C. López Alvar).

FIRST SIGHTINGS OF SUMMER VISITORS 
- Honey Buzzard: One at La Bazagona, Malpartida de Plasencia (CC), on 30/04 (Juan F. Sánchez). One at Montehermoso (CC) on 03/05 (J. Mahillo). One seen in Monfragüe (CC) on 05/04 (J. Prieta et al.).
- Hobby: One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 17/04 (D. Langlois). Two seen at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 25/04 (J. Muddeman). Two at Alange (BA) on 30/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Little Tern: Present on pools beside River Guadiana (BA) on 26/04 (F. Lopo). One seen at River Matachel, Alange (BA), on 27/04 (L. Alcántara). One on River Guadiana as it passes through Badajoz on 28/04 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Turtle Dove: On 16/04 one seen at Fuente del Maestre (BA), another at Monesterio (BA) (S. Pérez Gil) and another at La Nava, Benquerencia de la Serena (BA) (B. Iglesias, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- European Nightjar: One at Montehermoso (CC) on 22/04 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 24/04 (D. Langlois).
- Red-necked Nightjar: One at Los Santos de Maimona (BA) on 13/04 (F. Montaño and Fergus Crystal). One at Alange (BA) on 14/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Serrejón (CC) on 16/04 (M. García del Rey).
- White-rumped Swift: At the Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), one seen on 29/04 (George Carr y Leslie Carr) and two there on 01/05 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).

- Roller: One on the Cáceres plains on 07/04 (Carlos Luengo). On 09/04 two seen near Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) (M. Kelsey) amd one at Usagre (BA) (F. Lopo). One at Villanueva de la Serena (CC) on 14/04 (D. Langlois).
- Rufous Bush Robin: First arrival at Montehermoso (CC) on 18/04 (J. Mahillo). One at Ahigal (CC) on 19/04 (R. Montero). Two at Almendralejo (BA) on 01/05 (L. Alcántara).
- Whinchat: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 05/04 and another at Fernando V, Madrigalejo (CC), on 13/04 (M. Kelsey). A female on the Navacebreda trail, Plasencia (CC), on 14/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo). One at Retamal de Llerena (BA) on 18/04 (B. Iglesias, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Toril (CC) on 19/04 (S. Mayordomo). On 21/04 a male seen at Campo Lugar (CC) (A. Calvo) and one at Casas de Hitos, Madrigalejo (CC) (M. Kelsey). Between Puebla de Alcocer (BA) and Talarrubias (BA) three males seen on 23/04 (Ángel Luis Sánchez). On 24/04 two males at Guijo de Coria (CC) (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo) and three at Talaván (CC) (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). One at Guareña on 27/04 (E. Charles, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Gómez Aparicio, J. Guerra, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Mayordomo and V. Resa).
- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush: On 28/04 one seen at Alconera (BA) (F. Montaño) and three individuals, a male and two females at the Sierra del Castellar, Zafra (BA) (E. Charles, F. Montaño, I. Flecha, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). The following day, 29/04, just a female seen at the Sierra del Castellar, Zafra (BA) (Joaquín Vázquez).
- Grasshopper Warbler: One on riverside walk, Plasencia (CC), on 01/04 (S. Mayordomo) and 06/04 (J. Prieta). On 02/04 one seen at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) (D. Langlois) and another at Galisteo (CC) (J. Prieta). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 30/04 (D. Langlois).
- Sedge Warbler: At least four present at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 05/04 (M. Kelsey, S. Mayordomo and S. Fletcher). One at Guareña (BA) on 25/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Reed Warbler: Two at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 04/04 (C. Clemente, M. de Gabriel and S. Briones). One at Monfragüe (CC) on 18/04 (C. Clemente, Gia-León and S. Mayordomo). One at Zafra (BA) on 19/04 (F. Montaño).
- Great Reed Warbler: Two at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 07/04 (M. Á. Muñoz and P. Ramírez). One at Guareña (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Present at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA), on 15/04 (Carlos Fernández, F. Montaño, J. Vázquez and Víctor González).
- Melodious Warbler: One beside River Ruecas, Madrigalejo (CC), on 13/04 (M. Kelsey). On 14/04 two seen at Plasencia (CC) (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo) and another at Zafra (BA) (F. Montaño). Two at Valcorchero, Plasencia (CC), on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Spectacled Warbler: On 07/04 two seen at Jaraicejo (CC) (M. Kelsey) and two also at Arrocampo (CC) (M. Á. Muñoz and P. Ramírez). A pair in Plasencia (CC) on 09/04 (J. Prieta). Three at Robledillo de Gata (CC) on 21/04 (Pablo Gutiérrez).
- Western Orphean Warbler: On 06/04 one seen at Jaraicejo (CC) (Godfried Schreur) and another at Villarreal de San Carlos, Monfragüe (CC) (C. Clemente and Gia-León). One at Montehermoso (CC) on 08/04 (J. Mahillo). Several seen at Monfragüe on 13/04 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Muddeman and S. Mayordomo).
- Garden Warbler: Three at Mérida (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at La Zarza (BA) on 13/04 (J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil). Along the riverside walk at Plasencia (CC) one seen on 14/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo) and another on 16/04 (S. Mayordomo). On the Navacebreda trail, Plasencia (CC), two seen on 14/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo), three on 17/04 and two on 29/04 (S. Mayordomo). One at Zafra (BA) on 19/04 (F. Montaño). One by the Morantes pool, Badajoz, on 22/04 (Pablo Herrador). Three present on Gargüera walk, Plasencia (CC), on 23/04 (S. Mayordomo). Five present beside River Matachel, Alange (BA), on 27/04 (E. Charles, I. Flecha, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 30/04 (D. Langlois).
- Western Bonelli’s Warbler: One at Alange (BA) on 07/04 (L. Alcántara). In breeding area: one at Piornal (CC) on 12/04 (J. Prieta). On 13/04 two were seen in Mérida (BA) amd at least two others between Mérida and Alange (BA) (J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Pérez Gil). Two present at Jaraicejo (CC) on 14/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Spotted Flycatcher: Two at Zafra (BA) on 14/04 (F. Montaño). One at Rivera de Nogales, Torre de Miguel Sesmero (BA), on 22/04 (M. Gálvez). One at La Lapa (BA) on 23/04 (F. Montaño and J. Solana).
- Pied Flycatcher: On 07/04 a female seen in Monfragüe (CC) (José Carlos López Fuentes) and one on the riverside walk, Plasencia (CC) (R. Montero). One in Mérida (BA) on 12/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). On 14/04 a male seen at Zafra (BA) (F. Montaño) and a female on the Navacebreda trail, Plasencia (CC) (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo). By the River Matachel, Alange (BA), two seen on 17/04 (B. Iglesias, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and one on 25/04 (J. Guerra). In Plasencia (CC) s female seen on the Gargüera walk on 23/04 and five individuals, two males and three females, on the Navacebreda trail on 29/04 (S. Mayordomo). One at Rivera del Bronco, Montehermoso (CC), on 26/04 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo). On 28/04 one at La Lapa (BA (F. Montaño) and at least three others at Alange (BA) (M. Gálvez). A female at Navaconcejo (CC) on 30/04 (I. Solana).
- Golden Oriole: One at Aceituna (CC) on 06/04 (A. Pacheco). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 07/04 (D. Langlois). One in Plasencia (CC) on 13/04 (J. Prieta).
- Ortolan Bunting: Two at Peñas Blancas, La Zarza (BA), on 19/04 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Six present at Gargüera (CC) on 20/04 (Javier Gayo). One at Palazuelo (BA) on 21/04 (M. Kelsey). On 25/04 a male seen at Tornavacas Pass (CC) (J. Muddeman) and also present at Piornal (CC) (J. Prieta).

LATE SIGHTINGS OF WINTER VISITORS AND MIGRANTS
- Wigeon: A pair at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 06/04 (R. Montero). A pair at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 08/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Pintail: At the La Albuera lagoons (BA) a pair seen on 17/04 and 18/04 (Adolfo García and A. Núñez).
- Tufted Duck: A pair at the Valdepajares pools, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 09/04 (Ángel Sánchez, F. Hurtado, Manolo Flores and M. Tirado).
- Hen Harrier: An adult male at Arrocampo (CC) on 07/04 (E. Palacios and E. Palacios). A third-year male at Retamal de Llerena (BA) on 18/04 (B. Iglesias, J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).
- Common Crane: At Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA): Four individuals, two adults and two juveniles on 21/04; six birds, a family of four and two other juveniles (one missing a leg) on 27/04; and five seen, the family with three present and two separate juveniles on 02/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Common Snipe: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 07/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, Jordi Sargatal and S. Mayordomo). Several at Santa Amalia (BA) on 11/04 (F. Yuste). One at Guareña (BA) on 25/04 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).
- Meadow Pipit: Two at Guareña (BA) on 14/04 (A. Núñez, F. Castro, F. Lopo, J. Solana, L. Alcántara, M. Gálvez, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba). One at Alange (BA) on 20/04 (L. Alcántara). One at Vegas Altas (BA) on 27/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Water Pipit: One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 30/03 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). On the rice fields of Riolobos more than 30 seen on 30/03 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and 5 on 02/04 (J. Prieta). One on the rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 02/04 (J. Prieta).
- Alpine Accentor: Four at Bolla Grande, Robledillo de Gata (CC), on 04/04 (Jesús Serradilla).
- Bluethroat: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 07/04 (J. Prieta).
- Song Thrush: One at La Isla, Plasencia (CC), on 01/04 (S. Mayordomo). One taken by a Sparrowhawk ar River Ladrillar, Las Hurdes (CC), on 02/04 (A. Pacheco). Two at Jaraicejo (CC) on 07/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Common Chiffchaff: One at Plasencia (CC) on 14/04 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez and S. Mayordomo). One in the Sierra de Las Corchuelas, Monfragüe (CC), on 24/04 (S. Mayordomo). One at Alange (BA) on 28/04 (M. Gálvez).
- Bullfinch: One at Salvatierra de los Barros (BA) on 03/04 (J. Vázquez).

FIRST HERRING GULL IN EXTREMADURA

An individual in first winter plumage Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) was seen on 10th April 2013 at Guareña (Badajoz) by Marc Gálvez. On subsequent visits there it was not re-located. This is the first confirmed record of this species in Extremadura, based on current taxonomy, given that it one reads the literature of more than twenty years ago, it was described as a very common species in Spain. The reason for this drastic change in status is due to the splitting into various species the Herring Gull complex. The first split was cachinnans (the Yellow-legged Gull) from argentatus (the name retained by Herring Gull), the latter breeding in central and northern Europe. A later split was to establish michahellis (the current Yellow-legged Gull) which breeds in south-west Europe) from cachinnans (Caspian Gull, from south-east Europe).

The situation in Spain and Extremadura of these three species is the following:

• Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis). Abundant resident throughout the Iberian coast, Balearics and Canaries. In Extremadura it is a scarce species with a few pairs breeding irregularly at Valdecañas reservoir (Cáceres) since at least 2002. During the rest of the year, individuals are found across the territory, with records in every month, being rather more frequent in spring (April) and autumn (October).

• Herring Gull (Larus argentatus). Basically a scarce winter visitor on the coast (several hundred), especially on the north of the peninsula. There are inland records at sites where gulls are studied (e.g. rubbish dumps in Madrid and La Mancha), so its presence, now confirmed, has been suspected in Extremadura. In general, these records are of immature birds passing unnoticed amongst other more common species.

• Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans). A rarity in Spain. Owing to identification difficulties, until 2011 there were no accepted records and thus its season pattern or distribution have not been analysed. In principle, it would appear more often in winter and on the coast, although there are some inland records, but none in Extremadura, although one will probably turn up.

El presente registro de gaviota argéntea ha sido antes publicado por Marc Gálvez y José Guerra en su blog personal “Pajareando en Badajoz”. En esta primavera húmeda y fría se han detectado en arrozales de las vegas del Guadiana concentraciones de gaviotas atípicas para las fechas. Ya se comentó la segunda cita extremeña de gaviota de Delaware (Larus delawarensis) y durante la observación de la gaviota argéntea se vieron también gaviotas sombrías (Larus fuscus), reidoras (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), canas (L. canus -foto 1-), patiamarillas (L. michahellis –foto 2, junto a sombrías y reidoras-) y cabecinegras (L. melanocephalus –foto 3-). Todas las fotografías por Marc Gálvez.

This record of Herring Gull has been published earlier by Marc Gálvez and José Guerra in their personal blog “Pajareando en Badajoz”. In the wet and cold spring of 2013, concentrations of gulls atypical for the season were found in the rice fields of the Guadiana. We have previously cited the second record for Extremadura of Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) and during the observation of the Herring Gull there were also present Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus), Black-headed (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Common (L. canus – photo 1), Yellow-legged (L. michahellis – photo 2, next to Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed) and Mediterranean (L. melanocephalus – photo 3). All the photos are by Marc Gálvez.

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

….AND ALSO THE FIRST RED-THROATED PIPIT

Marc Gálvez and José Guerra do not fail to surprise us, as you can read in the earlier posting son the Ring-billed Gull and the Herring Gull. Just a few days after Marc found the first Herring Gull for Extremadura, and at the same site, José found the first Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) recorded in the region. A male was seen on 25th April 2013 at Guareña (Badajoz). Soon afterwards Marc also observed it. And on 27th April, probably the same bird was found by José Gómez Aparicio, and also seen by Eva Palacios (photo), Sergio Mayordomo, Francisco Montaño, Lorenzo Alcántara, Vicky Resa, Esther, Isaac, Marc Gálvez and José Guerra. To complete the treats, on 25th a Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana) was also found in the area and on 27th a Scandinavian Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava thumbergi).

Although this pipit is unmistakeable in breeding plumage with its reddish breast and throat in both sexes, up until now it had never been recorded in Extremadura. It breeds in the Arctic tundra, from Norway to Alaska, wintering in Africa and South Asia, crossing Eurasia on migration. Spain lies on the margin of its migration route, and it is infrequently seen although not classed as a rarity. Most records are from spring (March to May, especially April), when perhaps the passage is heaviest, although it is most readily identifiable then and also other pipits will be scarce or absent. Autumn records are much rarer and in recent years there have been some over-wintering records. The species is a rare but regular over-wintering bird in Italy and Greece, with more wintering in north-east Africa. As with other migratory birds, most records are from the Mediterranean coast of Spain, and it is very rare indeed in the west and centre of the peninsula.

Translated by Martin Kelsey.