THE BUZZARD IN EXTREMADURA (2009-2010)

Buzzard (Buteo buteo). By José Ledo.

The Buzzard (Buteo buteo) was another one of the target species in the SEO/BirdLife-brokered national woodland raptor survey 2009-2010 (Palomino and Valls, 2011). The estimated Extremadura population came out as 2870 territories (range 2790-2960). This represents 9.3% of the Spanish total (31,000 territories), coming in fourth behind three bigger regions: Castilla y León (5530), Andalucía (5520) and Castilla-La Mancha (3900). Extremadura's average density is 6.9 territories per 100 km2, a little above the national mean (6.1) but behind the Canary Islands (16) and the Cantabrian coast (9.5).

Cáceres, with an estimated 1490 territories, boasts Spain's biggest provincial population, followed by Badajoz with 1380 territories. Since both provinces are so big, the density (7.5 and 6.3 respectively) is lower than many other provinces, ranking 12th and 22nd respectively.

The Buzzard's range takes in the whole of Extremadura. It is most frequent in the province of Cáceres and thins out only in the Sierra de Gata, Las Hurdes, Las Villuercas and the southeast corner of the province. In Badajoz the best areas are in the northern third, near the River Guadiana, numbers dying down towards the south of the province. In Extremadura it was detected in 60% of the surveyed grids. The Buzzard is a very versatile raptor that can take to many different types of habitat. In general it prefers low- or medium-altitude areas that are not too hot and with a patchwork mixture of farmland, deciduous woods and Holm-Oak woods. It prefers high rainfall in hotter climes and low rainfall in colder areas.

Predictive map of the Buzzard's range in Spain, taken from Palomino and Valls (2011).

The car transects in Extremadura threw up an average of 6.3 birds every 100 km (6.8 in Badajoz and 5.8 in Cáceres); it was observed in 85% of the surveyed grids. Spain's mean birds-per-kilometre figure was 6.8, with Salamanca (19.2), Cantabria (17.9) and Ávila (14.9) to the fore.

The Buzzard's trend in Spain is stable according to the breeding birds monitoring project SACRE, especially in the centre of the country, including Extremadura.

The fieldwork was coordinated and carried out by SEO volunteers and staff of the Environment Board of the Regional Council of Extremadura.

Source:
- Palomino, D., and Valls, J. 2011. Las rapaces forestales en España. Población reproductora en 2009-2010 y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid. [PDF]

THE SHORT-TOED EAGLE IN EXTREMADURA (2009-2010)

Short-Toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). Eva Palacios.

The Short-Toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) was another one of the target species in the SEO/BirdLife-brokered national woodland raptor survey 2009-2010 (Palomino and Valls, 2011). The estimated Extremadura population came out as 980 territories (range 940-1020). This represents 9.4% of the Spanish total (10,380 territories), ranking fifth behind the bigger regions of Castilla-La Mancha (1800), Castilla y León (1760), Andalucía (1620) and Aragón (1340). Extremadura's mean density is 2.4 territories per 100 km2, above the national average of 2.1 and behind only Aragón (2'8) and the Valencia Region (2.7).

Cáceres, with an estimated 570 territories, boasts Spain's biggest provincial population, albeit ranking fourth in density (2.87 territories per 100 km2) behind Castellón, Teruel and Guadalajara. Badajoz, for its part, accounts for 410 territories, 1.88 every 100 km2 (the 30th highest density in Spain).

The Short-Toed Eagle ranges widely over the whole of Extremadura. It is especially abundant in the eastern half of Cáceres and the northeast corner of Badajoz, the two areas with the highest sighting probability in the whole of Spain. Although it is less common in the province of Badajoz, especially in its western half, some parts of the province still throw up the highest one-off densities in the whole of Spain (2.5 territories in only 10 km2). In all it was detected in 41% of the surveyed 10k grids. In Spain the Short-Toed Eagle favours low-altitude, high insolation areas with extensive Holm Oak woods, warm but with a certain humidity and little farmland.

Predictive map of the Short-Toed Eagle's (Circaetus gallicus) range in Spain, taken from Palomino and Valls (2011). This clearly shows that the eastern half of Cáceres offers the highest likelihood of a Short-Toed Eagle sighting.

On the Extremadura car transects 2.5 birds were seen every 100 km; it tuned up in 65% of the sampled grids. The mean birds-per-kilometre figure for Spain as a whole was 1.6, led by Castellón (4.4), La Rioja (2.8), Ciudad Real (2.8), Badajoz (2.7), Segovia (2.7) and Cáceres (2.4).

The Short-Toed Eagle's trend in Spain is stable according to the breeding birds monitoring project SACRE, although migration figures across the Strait of Gibraltar increased at an annual rate of 6.6% over the 1998-2009 period. Given that Spain's population is the biggest in Europe, it is logical to conclude that it is on the increase; this is born out by comparing the birds-per-kilometre figure with previous studies.

Not much can be added to the SEO/BirdLife results. The apparent discrepancy between the different surveying methods (for example, Cáceres is the province with the highest sighting rate from lookout points but only the sixth in car transects) is only to be expected in samples where the zones visited might be different and there are also several factors that might muddy the subsequent analysis (low territoriality, territory overlaps and shared hunting grounds).

The fieldwork was coordinated and carried out by SEO volunteers and staff of the Environment Board of the Regional Council of Extremadura.

Source:
- Palomino, D., and Valls, J. 2011. Las rapaces forestales en España. Población reproductora en 2009-2010 y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid [PDF]

SANDHILL CRANE. FIRST FOR EXTREMADURA AND SPAIN

Manuel Gómez Calzado, without doubt the person with most crane-watching hours behind him in Extremadura, has reported the sighting of a Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) in his personal blog (grullas veo). The bird was seen on 4 November 2011 grazing stubble in a flock of ten Common Cranes (Grus grus) on the estate called Don Benito between Torviscal and Palazuelo (Badajoz). He explains in the blog entry that the bird was only about 200 metres away, the visibility was perfect and he was able to take in all the plumage details for about 5 minutes: clearly smaller in size than the Common Cranes alongside, a paler grey colour overall, a bright red bald patch on the crown, no black in the neck and dark patches on the wing coverts, a characteristic of this bird's winter plumage. When it took flight its smaller size again stood out against its bigger cousins. This description suggests that it was not a young bird. Manolo Gómez returned to the area on following days but could not relocate the bird. After word of the finding got out, other birders flocked to the area but no one had any luck as far as we know. Although it's a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack, there's a lot of winter left for looking, so there is still hope.

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) photographed in United States by Ron Flemal (taken from IBC).

Unfortunately there are no photos of the Extremadura bird. If accepted by the rarities committee it will be the first record for Extremadura and Spain.

After a quick trawl through the Net in search of info we have come up with the following list of former sightings in Europe:
- Cork, Ireland (killed by hunters on 14/09/1905)
- Faroe Isles (one adult on 14/10/1980)
- Fair Isles, Shetland, Scotland (one juvenile on 26/04/1980)
- Shetland Isles, Scotland (one juvenile on 25 and 26/09/1991); this bird then moved on to Holland (17-26/09/1991; the firs record on mainland Europe)
- Flores Isles, Azores, Portugal (one juvenile from 26/06 to 03/07/2000)
- Orkney Isles, Scotland, (one adult, 22-29/09/2009)
- Les Landes, Southwest France (one adult on 11/10/2009). Might be the one seen earlier in Scotland. Hopes were harboured that it might move on to Spain but it was never seen here.
- Finland (one adult, 05/09/2011)
- Estonia (the former bird; 06-08/09/2011)
- Scotland (one 2nd-winter bird on 22-26/09/11 in Aberdeenshire, and then maybe the same bird in England 29/09 to 07/10/2011 in Northumberland). This might be the same bird that has turned up in Extremadura.

This means that, with the latest Badajoz sighting, there have only been 12 Sandhill Cranes seen in Europe, four of them in 2011. Our heartfelt congratulations therefore go out to Manolo Gómez Calzado for this memorable find, just reward or so many years watching his beloved cranes in the field. Note also that Manolo was the first person to see a Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo) in Spain, from 4 to 14 February 1996 in Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), later seen on 7-8 March in Gallocanta. In this case a feral bird cannot be ruled out. In any case it was the first accepted record of a Demoiselle Crane in Spain, a species that bred in the past, with the last Iberian records in Badajoz back in 1924.

OCTOBER 2011. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides). One of the birds seen at El Batán, Cáceres,
from 30.09.11 to 15.10.11. Javier Prieta

A list of the most notable October records sent to the GOCE birdwatching forum. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Egyptian Goose: one bird still at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 26/10 (Sergio Mayordomo). Also three birds still at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 29/10 and two on 31/10 (Francisco Lopo).
- Shelduck: three birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 25/10 (Antonia Cangas, Elvira del Viejo and Juan Pablo Prieto) and two at Charca de Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (Cáceres), on 30/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Great Crested Grebe: 150 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 9/10 (A. Cangas, A. Garrote, Ángel Sánchez and E. del Viejo).
- Black-Necked Grebe: one bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) from 12/10 to 30/10 (A. Cangas, Á. Sánchez, Ángel Luis Sánchez, E. del Viejo, Francis Prieto, Juan Carlos Paniagua, J. P. Prieto, Miguel Rouco and S. Mayordomo). Still one bird at Ventaquemada Reservoir, Guijo de Granadilla (Cáceres), on 19/10 (Javier Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterur roseus). Rosarito Reservoir (AV-TO), 08.10.11 (Samuel Langlois).

- Greater Flamingo: two birds seen on 1/10 at the fishfarming ponds of Sierra de Fuentes (Cáceres) and one at Charca de Torrealba, Torremocha (Cáceres) (Andrés Maestre and Juanjo Espinigoitia); the latter was seen again on 5/10 (J. P. Prieto). Four at Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 6/10 (Rafael Parra). One bird near Robledillo de Trujillo (Cáceres) on 8/10 (Steve Fletcher). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 9/10 (A. Cangas, A. Garrote, Á. Sánchez and E. del Viejo).
- Glossy Ibis: at Santa Amalia (Badajoz): four birds on 3/10 (John Muddeman) and 6/10 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at El Batán ricefields (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta). One bird at Torviscal ricefields (Badajoz) on 22/10 (J. P. Prieto).
- Spoonbill: 50 birds at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 6/10 (R. Parra).
- Night Heron: 24 birds at Mérida (Badajoz) on 10/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Squacco Heron: present at El Batán ricefield (Cáceres) from 5/10 to 22/10 peaking at six birds on 8/10 and 15/10 (J. Prieta). One juvenile at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 6/10 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 12/10 (Manuel García del Rey and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Casas de Belvís (Cáceres) on 15/10 (Javier Briz). One bird at Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz) on 29/10 (J. P. Prieto).
- Great White Egret: 15 birds at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 7/10 (S. Fletcher). Over 25 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 9/10 (A. Cangas, A. Garrote, Á. Sánchez and E. del Viejo). 29 birds at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 13/10 (S. Mayordomo), the biggest flock ever seen in Extremadura. 16 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 25/10 (A. Cangas, E. del Viejo and J. P. Prieto).
- Little Egret: 147 birds at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 12/10 (José Luis Guisado, M. García del Rey, Pilar Goñi and S. Mayordomo).
- Grey Heron: 83 birds at Reservoir Los Canchales (Badajoz) on 9/10 (A. Cangas, A. Garrote, Á. Sánchez and E. del Viejo).
- White Stork: 1000 birds at Mérida landfill site (Badajoz) on 7/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Osprey: one bird at River Tiétar (Cáceres) on 19/10 (José María Cano).
- Goshawk: one bird at Arrolobos, Hurdes (Cáceres), on 4/10 (Alberto Pacheco) and one female at Pasarón de la Vera (Cáceres) on 19/10 (Pedro Gómez).
- Merlin: one bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 8/10 (J. Muddeman). On 20/10, one bird at Riolobos (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo) and another at Torviscal (Badajoz) (J. P. Prieto). On 30/10, one female or juvenile at El Gordo (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo) and another bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) (Á. Sánchez).
- Little Bustard: 250 birds at one alfalfa field at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 6/10 (Fernando Yuste) and 120 birds at Zorita (Cáceres) on 31/10 (Martin Kelsey).
- Oystercatcher: one bird in flight over Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) and then on the ground at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 12/10 (J. L. Guisado, M. García del Rey, P. Goñi and S. Mayordomo).
- Avocet: One bird at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 7/10 (J. Muddeman and S. Fletcher).
- Grey Plover: one bird at Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 11/10 (José Luis Pérez Chiscano and J. P. Prieto).
- Kentish Plover: at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz): 62 birds on 7/10 (S. Fletcher), 6 on 28/10 and 15 on 31/10 (M. Kelsey). 14 birds at Puebla de Alcollarín ricefields (Badajoz) on 29/10 (J. P. Prieto).
- Snipe: 1000 birds at Santa Amalia ricefields (Badajoz) on 6/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Spotted Redshank: Several at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 6/10 (Á. Sánchez). 47 birds at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 7/10 (S. Fletcher). Present at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 8/10 (Á. Sánchez). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres): two birds on 16/10 (S. Langlois) and 22/10 (Eva Palacios, Francis Martín and Miguel Ángel Muñoz), 9 birds on 28/10 and one on 30/10 (S. Mayordomo). 23 birds at ricefields de Torviscal (Badajoz) on 22/10 (J. P. Prieto).
- Wood Sandpiper: at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres): two birds on 7/10 (A. Pacheco). 19 birds at Torviscal ricefields on 20/10 and one at Puebla de Alcollarín on 29/10 (J. P. Prieto). 15 at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 31/10 (M. Kelsey).
- Buff-Breasted Sandpiper: Second record for Extremadura: one bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 5/10 (J. Prieta).
- Curlew Sandpiper: at Reservoir Ahigal (Cáceres): three birds on 7/10 (A. Pacheco). Four birds at Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz) on 29/10 (J. P. Prieto). Two at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 30/10. One bird at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 31/10 (M. Kelsey).
- White-Rumped Sandpiper: First record for Extremadura: One bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 19/10 (F. Prieto) and on 20/10 (Á. Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and F, Prieto) and 22/10 (A. Cangas, Á. Sánchez, E. del Viejo and J. C. Paniagua).
- Pectoral Sandpiper: One juvenile at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 21/10 (M. Rouco and S. Mayordomo), 22/10 (A. Cangas, Á. Sánchez, E. del Viejo and F. Prieto) and 29/10 (Lorenzo Alcántara).
- Temminck's Stint: one bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 22/10 (A. Cangas, Á. Sánchez, E. del Viejo and J. C. Paniagua) and 29/10 (L. Alcántara).
- Black-Headed Gull: 500 birds at Mérida landfill site (Badajoz) on 7/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: one adult at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 30/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Little Tern: one bird at Mérida (Badajoz) on 3/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Wryneck: At Plasencia (Cáceres): one bird on 2/10 and 22/10 (J. Prieta). One bird at Torrecillas de la Tiesa (Cáceres) on 5/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Chough: ten birds at Ahillones (Badajoz) on 13/10 (Antonio Núñez).
- Carrion Crow: two birds at Riolobos ricefield (Cáceres) on 22/10 (C. Clemente).
- Bluethroat: At El Batán ricefield (Cáceres): one female on 8/10 (J. Prieta), one male on 15/10 (E. Palacios and M. Á. Muñoz) and one bird on 22/10 (E. Palacios, F. Martín and M. Á. Muñoz). Two males at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 12/10 (J. L. Guisado, M. García del Rey, P. Goñi and S. Mayordomo). One male at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 16/10 (S. Langlois). One male at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 31/10 (S. Mayordomo).

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria). El Batán, Cáceres, 21.10.11. Eva Palacios.

FIRST WINTER VISITORS
- Tufted Duck: 10 birds, 8 drakes and 2 females, at Charca de Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (Cáceres), on 30/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Crane: two birds in the central zone (Badajoz) on 6/10, 24 on the following day, including one Estonia-ringed bird, and 8805 on 21/10 (Manuel Gómez Calzado and Miguel Gómez Guarín). Five at Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 7/10 (J. Muddeman and S. Fletcher). Nine at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 8/10 (Charo Casado and Mario Arcas). Ten birds at El Borbollón Reservoir (Cáceres) on 9/10 (Goyo Naharro).
- Golden Plover: one bird at Batán on 21/10 (E. Palacios and M. Á. Muñoz).
- Stock Dove: 121 birds on fallowfields at Riolobos (Cáceres) on 20/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Skylark: two birds at La Aldea del Obispo (Cáceres) on 2/10 (J. Muddeman), one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 9/10 (F. Yuste) and five birds at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 10/10 (E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Chiffchaff: one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 3/10 (J. Muddeman). Several at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) on 6/10 and a big fall at Piornal (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- Goldcrest: two birds at Piornal (Cáceres) on 16/10 (J. Prieta).
- Starling: three birds at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/10 (J. Prieta) and another three at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 31/10 (S. Mayordomo).
- Song Thrush: two birds at Valdecañas de Tajo (Cáceres) on 6/10 (J. Muddeman). Two birds at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 8/10 and one at Piornal (Cáceres) on 13/10 (J. Prieta).
- Redwing: one bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/10 (J. Prieta).
- Dunnock: two birds at la Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 4/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Water Pipit: several seen on 6/10 at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) (Á. Sánchez) and eight at Jerte Reservoir (Cáceres) (J. Prieta). One bird at Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 7/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Bullfinch: one male at Serradilla (Cáceres) on 15/10 (Alfredo Gómez) and one bird at Villanueva de la Vera on 30/10 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois).
- Siskin: Several birds at river Jerte, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 25/10 (Ricardo Montero).
- Reed Bunting: two birds at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 31/10 (S. Mayordomo).

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flava). Ángel Sánchez.

LINGERING SUMMER VISITORS
- Purple Heron: one adult at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 12/10 (J. L. Guisado, M. García del Rey, P. Goñi and S. Mayordomo).
- Short-Toed Eagle: one bird at Almaraz on 8/10 (J. Muddeman) and another at Esparragalejo on 12/10 (Á. Sánchez).
- Egyptian Vulture: one juvenile at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 1/10 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois). One juvenile and one adult at La Aldea del Obispo (Cáceres) on 2/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Montagu's Harrier: one juvenile at Riolobos (Cáceres) on 20/10 (S. Mayordomo) and one male adult at El Batán ricefield (Cáceres) on 22/10 (E. Palacios, F. Martín and M. Á. Muñoz).
- Hobby: three birds at Puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (Cáceres), on 5/10 (A. Pacheco) and one bird at Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 7/10 (S. Fletcher).
- Lesser Kestrel: six birds at Las Canteras, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 2/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Collared Pratincole: one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 6/10 (F. Yuste).
- Whiskered Tern: one bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 21/10 (Á. Sánchez, M. Rouco and S. Mayordomo) and 22/10 (A. Cangas, Á. Sánchez, E. del Viejo, F. Prieto and J. C. Paniagua).
- Scops Owl: one bird at Plasencia on 06/10/11 (J. Prieta).
- Pallid Swift: three at Piornal (Cáceres) on 6/10 (J. Prieta), one bird at Montehermoso (Cáceres) on 21/10 (César Clemente), one bird found dead on Calle del Sol de Plasencia (Cáceres) on 22/10 (María José Escalante) and another bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 23/10 (J. Prieta).
- White-Rumped Swift: two birds still entering a nest at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 19/10 to 22/10 (M. Kelsey).
- Nightjar: six birds at Puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (Cáceres), on 5/10 (A. Pacheco).
- Red-Necked Nightjar: two birds at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 1/10 (J. Muddeman).
- House Martin: 3 birds at Badajoz on 19/10 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Sand Martin: 3 birds at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 6/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Short-Toed Lark: 4 birds at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 3/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Tree Pipit: one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 3/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Tawny Pipit: en Trujillo (Cáceres): two birds on 3/10, one on 7/10 and five on 5/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Willow Warbler: on 20/10: one bird at Batán (Cáceres) two at Galisteo (Cáceres) (J. Prieta). Present at Esparragalejo on 22/10 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Savi's Warbler: one bird at Reservoir Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 1/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Sedge Warbler: one bird at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 15/10 (J. Prieta).
- Reed Warbler: three birds at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 6/10 (J. Muddeman) and two at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 15/10 (J. Prieta).
- Great Reed Warbler: one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 3/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Melodious Warbler: one bird at Torrecillas de la Tiesa (Cáceres) on 5/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Garden Warbler: one bird at Monroy (Cáceres) on 2/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Whitethroat: one bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 2/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Spotted Flycatcher: one bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 4/10 and another at Trujillo on 5/10 (J. Muddeman).
- Pied Flycatcher: one bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 25/10 (R. Montero).
- Redstart: one bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 25/10 (R. Montero).
- Whinchat: one bird at Batán (Cáceres) on 20/10 (J. Prieta) and another at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 22/10 (C. Clemente).
- Yellow Wagtail: Subspecies M.f.flavissima: 2 males at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 5/10 (J. Prieta). Hundreds in Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 7/10 (S. Fletcher). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 15/10 (J. Prieta) and another at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 16/10 (S. Mayordomo).

THE GOSHAWK IN EXTREMADURA (2009-2010)

Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). José Gordillo.

The Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) was another one of the target species in the SEO/BirdLife-brokered national woodland raptor survey 2009-2010 (Palomino and Valls, 2011). The estimated Extremadura population came out as 700 territories (range 650-750). This represents 6.2% of the Spanish total (11,350 territories), ranking seventh behind the regions of Castilla y León (2490), Castilla-La Mancha (2010), Andalucía (1370), Aragón (1280), Galicia (900) and Catalunya (760). Extremadura's mean density is 1.7 territories per 100 km2, below the national mean (2.2) and ranking a modest 12th in Spain.

Broken down by provinces, Cáceres accounts for 420 territories, and Badajoz 280. The densities (2.1 in Cáceres and 1.3 in Badajoz) are among the lowest in Spain. In all it was detected in 14% of the surveyed 10 k grids (18% in Badajoz and 6% in Cáceres).

The Goshawk has a somewhat patchy range in Extremadura; this also holds true for the whole of Spain and France. It is very scarce in the central and western sectors of both provinces, barring some zones of the central mountain range and southern Badajoz. Conversely it is exceptionally common in eastern districts (La Siberia, Las Villuercas y Los Ibores), which contain the lion's share of the regional population; in fact the likelihood of a Goshawk sighting is higher here than anywhere else in Spain. In the northern two thirds of Spain the Goshawk chooses hilly, low-insolation, inland areas with conifer woods (especially pine). At lower altitudes it prefers high-rainfall areas, unlike in the upland areas.

Predictive map of the Goshawk's range in Spain, taken from Palomino and Valls (2011). This shows the high likelihood of Goshawk sightings in the centre-east of Extremadura.

Car transects are not really a very suitable censusing method for this shy raptor so rarely seen outside the display season. In Extremadura only 3 birds were seen on average every 1000 k, an identical finding to the whole of Spain. It was detected in 13% of the surveyed 10 k grids (20% in Badajoz and 5% in Cáceres).

The Goshawk's trend in Spain is uncertain according to the breeding birds monitoring project SACRE; its trend within Extremadura is equally unsure.

The figures obtained for Spain as a whole were much higher than expected, even tripling the important French population. This has made even the survey authors chary of the results. The same goes for Extremadura, with figures way above forecasts and perhaps overstating the real case. Another striking finding is that the Goshawk's population should be just as big as the Sparrow Hawk's, a raptor of similar habits but more easily and regularly detected. Another apparent discrepancy arises between Cáceres and Badajoz. Contacts were higher in the latter but estimates were lower than for Cáceres. This might be due to the fact that best areas of Badajoz were surveyed more comprehensively than in Cáceres.

The fieldwork was coordinated and carried out by SEO volunteers and staff of the Environment Board of the Regional Council of Extremadura.

Source:
- Palomino, D., y Valls, J. 2011. Las rapaces forestales en España. Población reproductora en 2009-2010 y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid. [PDF]

SEPTEMBER 2011: Notable bird sightings in Extremadura

Greenshank (Tringa nebularia). Casatejada, Cáceres. Sergio Mayordomo.

A list of the most notable September records sent to the GOCE birdwatching forum. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

- Egyptian Goose: One bird still at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres), seen on 02/09 (Sergio Mayordomo), 10/09 (Eva Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and 16/09 (S. Mayordomo). Three birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 19 and 20/09 (Francisco Lopo).
- Shelduck: 5 adults and 11 young birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).
- Ruddy Shelduck: 10 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/09 (Elvira del Viejo).
- Garganey: one female or young bird at Laguna Grande de La Albuera (Badajoz) on 22/09 (José Guerra and Marc Gálvez).
- Red Crested Pochard: one female at Laguna Grande de La Albuera (Badajoz) on 18/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One eclipse drake at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (Cáceres), on 25/09, 27/09 (Manolo Iglesias) and 29/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Ferruginous Duck: one drake at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (Cáceres), on 27/09 (M. Iglesias) and 29/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Great Crested Grebe: Flocks: 153 birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Ángel Sánchez), 117 birds at Valuengo Reservoir (Badajoz) on 14/09 (Antonio Núñez), 300 birds at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/09 (Alberto Pacheco) and 124 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (César Clemente, Javier Mahíllo, Javier Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Black Necked Grebe: two birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Ventaquemada Reservoir, Guijo de Granadilla (Cáceres), on 21/09 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Flamingo: one young bird at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). Two at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 09/09 (E. del Viejo) and three on 24/09 (Á. Sánchez, Domingo Rivera and Joaquín Fernández). At Charca de Torrealba, Torremocha (Cáceres): three birds on 26/09 and one on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Glossy Ibis: at Santa Amalia (Badajoz): one bird on 7/09 and 8/09 (Fernando Yuste), three on 14, 16 and 25/09 (F. Yuste, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and five on 30/09 (F. Yuste). One bird at Ayuela River, Casas de Don Antonio (Cáceres), on 29/09 (Juan Carlos Salgado and Mercedes Rodríguez).
- Spoonbill: Flocks: 30 birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 02/09 (S. Mayordomo); at Reservoir Los Canchales (Badajoz): 86 birds on 05/09 (A. Núñez), 80 birds on 11/09 (E. Palacios, F. Lopo, Juan Carlos Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and 60 birds on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo); 31 birds at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 8/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo); 80 birds at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 11/09 (Rafael Parra); 44 birds at Laguna Grande de La Albuera (Badajoz) on 15/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 42 birds at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Squacco Heron: one bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 05/09 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 11/09 (E. Palacios, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo). At Santa Amalia (Badajoz): one on 21/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 30/09 (F. Yuste). One bird at El Batán ricefield (Cáceres) on 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Cattle Egret: Roost count: 4562 birds at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 26/09 (J. Prieta).
- Great White Egret: 17 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Little Egret: Flocks: 95 birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez) and 150 birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Purple Heron: 4 young birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez). One young bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 15/09 (J. Prieta). One adult and one young bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at River Aljucén, PN Cornalvo (Badajoz), on 19/09 (M. Iglesias). One young bird at Galisteo ricefields (Cáceres) on 25/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Grey Heron: Flocks: 151 birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez); 80 birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and 254 birds at Portaje Reservoir on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- White Stork: 1500 birds at Mérida landfill site (Badajoz) on 17/09 (Á. Sánchez).
- Black Stork: two flocks of 8 and 38 birds near Trujillo (Cáceres) on 9/09 (Jesús Porras). Air count: on 23/09, 8 birds at River Aljucén (Á. Fernández) and 82 birds counted on 24/09: 15 at River Tiétar (Cáceres) (J. Mahíllo), 11 at Guadarroyo Stream (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo) and 45 birds at River Guadiana (Badajoz) (C. Clemente).
- Osprey: at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres): one bird on 10/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and 16/09 (S. Mayordomo). At Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres): one bird on 16/09 and 3 birds on 20/09 (A. Pacheco). At Reservoir Ahigal (Cáceres): one Scottish-ringed bird on 19/09 (A. Pacheco) and 21/09 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Torrejoncillo (Cáceres) on 20/09 (Raúl Guzmán). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Spanish Imperial Eagle: One young bird at Riomalo de Abajo, Las Hurdes (Cáceres), on 28/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Goshawk: One bird at Cambroncino (Cáceres) on 13/09, another at la Sierra de Tentudía (Badajoz) on 17/09 and another at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 28/09 (A. Pacheco).
-Montagu's Harrier: Dark phase birds: one young bird at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo), one young bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 13/09 (J. Prieta), one bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 14/09 (J. Porras) and another at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Peregrine Falcon: one bird at Tentudía (Badajoz) on 17/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Hobby: one bird at Majadas (Cáceres) on 14/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Lesser Kestrel: on 19/09 one bird seen at Navalmoral de la Mata (Cáceres) (J. Briz), over 20 at La Contienda, Villanueva del Fresno (Badajoz), (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 4 at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), (M. Kelsey). One bird going to roost at Iglesia at Torre de Miguel Sesmero (Badajoz) on 22/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Crane: Summering birds: one bird still at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 2/09 (A. Pacheco) and two at Monroy (Cáceres) on 14/09 (there since June). Two birds still at Borbollón Reservoir (Cáceres) on 30/09 (Goyo Naharro), one possibly since April and the other was freed from a wildlife refuge centre.
- Avocet: 13 birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 02/09 (S. Mayordomo) and one at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz) on 28/09 (Martin Kelsey).
- Kentish Plover: At Santa Amalia (Badajoz): one bird on 11/09 (E. Palacios, F. Yuste, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and three on 14/09 (F. Yuste). Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Three birds at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Badajoz) on 28/09 (M. Kelsey).

- Bar Tailed Godwit: one young bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) from 06/09 to 15/09 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Kelsey and S. Mayordomo, Photo attached).
- Spotted Redshank: at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres): one bird on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 8/09 (M. Kelsey). Present at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), from 06/09 to 27/09 peaking at 16 (Emilio Pérez-Balsalobre, E. Palacios, J. Prieta, Manuel García del Rey, Miguel Sánchez and S. Mayordomo). At Santa Amalia (Badajoz): two birds on 11/09 (E. Palacios, F. Yuste, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and 12 on 16/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). At Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Cáceres-Badajoz): 30 birds on 28/09 and 50 on 30/09 (M. Kelsey). Two birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 29/09 (J. Prieta). Three at Salor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Marsh Sandpiper: one bird at Los Arenales, Cáceres (Cáceres), on 28/09 (S.Mayordomo).
- Wood Sandpiper: At Santa Amalia (Badajoz): 24 birds on 04/09 (F. Yuste), 2 birds on 11/09 (E. Palacios, F. Yuste, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and on 14/09 (F. Yuste), 15 birds on 16/09 and one on 21/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Present at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres) from 06/09 to 21/09 peaking at 2 (E. Pérez-Balsalobre, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey, M. Sánchez and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 13/09 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/09 (A. Pacheco). Four at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo ricefields (Badajoz) on 28/09 (M. Kelsey).
- Ruff: Flocks: 60 birds at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 08/09 (F. Yuste) and 120 birds at Campo Lugar-Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 28/09 (M. Kelsey).
- Sanderling: one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 08/09 (F. Yuste).
- Turnstone: one young bird at Valdesalor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 09/09 (Carlos Fernández) and one bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Curlew Sandpiper: one bird at Valdesalor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 09/09 (C. Fernández), 18/09, 19/09 and 20/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One young bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 11/09 (E. Palacios, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 14/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Temminck's Stint: one bird at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 8/09 (M. Kelsey). Three at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 11/09 (E. Palacios, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Laguna del Casar de Cáceres (Cáceres) on 23/09 (Antonio Ceballos, Attached Photo).
- Cream Coloured Courser: one bird at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 22/09 (Raymon De Smet and Sallaets Gaston).
- Collared Pratincole: Flocks at Santa Amalia: 164 birds on 04/09, 270 birds on 08/09 (F. Yuste), 230 birds on 11/09 (E. Palacios, F. Yuste, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo), 132 birds on 14/09 (F. Yuste) and 170 birds on 16/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Black-Headed Gull: Flocks: 615 birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 and 800 birds at Mérida landfill site(Badajoz) on 17/09 (Á. Sánchez).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: two birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez). Six birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). One adult at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 14/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One second-year bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Lesser Black-Backed Gull: Flocks: 3850 at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 and 2000 at Mérida landfill site (Badajoz) (Á. Sánchez).
- Black Tern: one bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 02/09 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez). On 24/09, two birds at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) and two at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Whiskered Tern: 71 birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 11/09 (E. palacios, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and 24/09 (C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Long Eared Owl: one bird singing at Casatejada (Cáceres) on 19/09 (E. Pérez-Balsalobre, M. García del Rey, M. Sánchez and S. Mayordomo).
- Wryneck: one bird at Ahigal (Cáceres) on 7/09 and another at Portaje (Cáceres) on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo). On 18/09, one bird at Belvís de Monroy (Cáceres) (Javier Briz) and another at Valdesalor (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo). On 21/09, two at Guijo de Granadilla (Cáceres) and one at Oliva de Plasencia (Cáceres) (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Sierra de San Pedro (Badajoz) on 25/09 (José Gordillo). One bird at Plasencia on 27/09 and 29/09 (Ricardo Montero).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: one bird at Valdesalor (Cáceres) on 18/09 and 19/09 (S. Mayordomo) and another at Ahigal (Cáceres) on 21/09 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- Bluethroat: one bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 11/09 (E. Palacios, F. Yuste, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo). One male at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 22/09 and two males at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 25/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Redstart: one male at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Zorita (Cáceres) on 16/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One male at Torrequemada (Cáceres) on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). One female at Guijo de Granadilla (Cáceres) on 21/09 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 23/09 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). One bird at Río Ardila (Badajoz) on 24/09 (A. Núñez). Three at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 28/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Tree Pipit: two birds on 13/09 and four on 28/09 at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) (J. Prieta). One bird at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 16/09, and on 20/09 one at Botoa (Badajoz) and another at Alburquerque (Badajoz) (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Tawny Pipit: four birds at San Vicente de Alcántara (Badajoz) on 05/09 (J. Gordillo). Nine at El Gordo (Cáceres) on 08/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). Three at Llanos de Cáceres on 13/09, at Hinojal one on 15/09 and 16/09, and another at Sierra de Fuentes (Cáceres) on 17/09 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at El Canito (Badajoz) on 18/09 (J. Gordillo). On 19/09, two at Torrequemada (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo), one at Serrejón (Cáceres) (E. Pérez-Balsalobre, M. García del Rey, M. Sánchez and S. Mayordomo), four at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), (M. Kelsey), two at Villanueva del Fresno (Badajoz) (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and two at Ahigal (Cáceres) (A. Pacheco). At Campanario (Badajoz): five birds on 21/09 and three on 28/09 (José Luis Pérez-Chiscano and Juan Pablo Prieto). Six birds at Cáceres (Cáceres) on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). At Trujillo: one bird on 23/09 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo) and several on 24/09 (M. Kelsey). At Torreorgaz (Cáceres): six birds on 26/09 and three on 28/09, and another two at Torremocha (Cáceres) on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Yellow Wagtail: M. f. Flavissima subsp.: one male at Laguna de los Gañanes, Guijo de Coria (Cáceres), on 13/09 (J. Prieta); several at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/09 (A. Pacheco) and two at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 29/09 (J. Prieta). M. f. Thunbergii subsp.: one male at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 21/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Flock: over 2000 birds at Badajoz (Badajoz) on 11/09/11 (Gabriel Silva).
- Waxbill: New breeding site: at Ribera de los Limonetes-Nogales, Torre de Miguel Sesmero (Badajoz) nine birds were seen on 15/09; seven, one carrying nesting material, on 18/09 and three, one with nesting material, on 20/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
- Yellow-crowned Bishop: at Puente de Palmas, River Guadiana, Badajoz (Badajoz); 12 birds on 18/09 and 20 on 24/09 (J. C. Paniagua).

FIRST WINTER VISITORS
- Greylag Goose: seven birds at Charca de Torrealba, Torremocha (Cáceres), on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Widgeon: three eclipse drakes and two females at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 26/09 (J. Prieta) and two pairs at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Pintail: on 19/09 six birds at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) (A. Pacheco) and five at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres) (E. Pérez-Balsalobre, M. García del Rey, M. Sánchez and S. Mayordomo).
- Hen Harrier: one bird at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 24/09 (M. Kelsey).
- Merlin: one bird at Belén, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 19/09 (M. Kelsey).
- Firecrest: one bird at River Jerte, Casas del Castañar (Cáceres), on 23/09 (J. Prieta).
- Meadow Pipit: three birds at Jerte Reservoir, Casas del Castañar (Cáceres), on 28/09 (J. Prieta).

LINGERING SUMMER VISITORS
- Black Kite: two birds at Salor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 25/09 (C. Fernández).
- Honey Buzzard: one bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 10/09 (S. Mayordomo) and another at Monfragüe on 23/09 (M. Kelsey).
- Nightjar: two birds at Portaje (Cáceres) on 10/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and one singing at Toril (Cáceres) on 30/09 (M. García del Rey).
- Bee-eater: flock flying over Piornal (Cáceres) on 15/09 (J. Prieta).
- Swallow: two birds at Torrequemada (Cáceres) on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Golden Oriole: one bird at Toril (Cáceres) on 11/09 (J. Porras) and two at Gargüera on 01/09 (J. Gayo).
- Woodchat Shrike: two young birds at Zorita (Cáceres) on 16/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and another two at Valdesalor (Cáceres) on 18/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bonelli's Warbler: one bird at Riomalo de Abajo (Cáceres) on 28/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Rock Thrush: two pairs at El Gasco, Las Hurdes (Cáceres), on 24/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Black-Eared Wheatear: several birds at Mohedas de Granadilla on 16/09 (A. Pacheco).

PECTORAL SANDPIPER: THE THIRD AMERICAN

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), juvenile.
Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz), 21.10.11 (Sergio Mayordomo).

October continues to be American wader month in Extremadura. Now it's the turn of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), seen on 21 October 2011 at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz). The sighting was quite serendipitous, because the target bird of the visit was the White-Rumped Sandiper seen on the same pond the day before. The White-Rumped failed to appear but this Pectoral popped up instead. It was found in the morning by Sergio Mayordomo; in the afternoon it was seen at least by Miguel Rouco and on the next day (22 October) it was seen by quite a few more observers (Ángel Sánchez, Francis Prieto, Elvira del Viejo, A. Cangas, Agapito,...). And on this day there was also a Temminck's Stint around... just for good measure . .

Of this month's three Nearctic sandpipers (click here and here), the Pectoral is the commonest. In Spain it is still rated as a vagrant though perhaps not for much longer, since nearly 300 birds have been accepted up to 2008 while in September and part of October 60 more were seen, including several inland records (Burgos, Palencia, Navarra, Albacete...). This bird will be at least the eighth for Extremadura, all juveniles on autumn passage. The sighting of two birds on Galisteo Lake (Cáceres) in September 2010 was previously reported in this blog. To find out more about this previous sighting, all other Extremadura records and general info on the species, click here.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), juvenile.
Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz), 22.10.11 (Ángel Sánchez).