HAVE OSPREYS EVER NESTED IN EXTREMADURA?

Have Ospreys ever nested in Extremadura ? Well recently, no, and in a the not too distant past, it seems not, although there are some references that suggest a possibility. Two references were found by Javier Ortega. The first, although very doubtful, was in 1977, supplied by the Terrasse brothers in an article on the distribution of Ospreys in the Western Mediterranean. In a paragraph on reproduction in mainland Spain it indicated no certain proof, but to quote Jesus Garzon, it said that Ospreys nested in the province of Cadiz, and Garzón himself saw a stuffed Osprey, which the hunter claimed to have killed close to the nest, which was located in a tree on a river in Extremadura (Terrase and Terrase, 1977). The second, and a less doubtful report, comes from Willy Suetens, an Extremadura loving Belgian naturalist and a founder of ADENEX. In his book on European raptors, he notes that in 1987 there was courting behaviour in Extremadura: with a pair in a nest containing two chicks near a reservoir in the western region. He also claims that the nest was not occupied in 1988. 25 years have passed since then so it is difficult to confirm.

Sources: 

- Terrasse, Jean-Francois & Terrasse, Michel. 1977. Le Balbuzard pecheur Pandion haliaetus (L.) en Méditerraneé occidental. Distribution, essai de recensement, reproduction, avenir. Nos Oiseaux, 34:111-127. 

- Suetens, Willy. 1989. Les rapaces d’Europe. Pág. 195. Editions du Perron.

A RÜPPELL'S VULTURE IN LLANOS DE CÁCERES

An immature specimen Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppellii) was photographed on 12 October 2012 at Aldea del Cano (Cáceres) by Sebastián Molano. This is the sixth sighting in Extremadura of this African vulture species, considered rarity in Spain, which was also reported in this blog. It is also the fifth consecutive year since 2008, of sightings in the region. Altogether, there are five accepted records in Extremadura (May-June 1992, May 2000, June 2004, May 2008, January 2009 -a possible hybrid-) and four possibles (June 2010, June and August 2011 and October 2012). Considering the difficulty in identifying the species, especially immatures, the abundance of vultures and the lack of areas visited by birders, it is likely that the presence of this species of vulture spotted in Extremadura is regular but scarce.

From these nine observations, it shows a predominance of sightings in May and June. In terms of age of the nine birds observed, five were immature and four adults or subadults. This high proportion of mature birds digresses from of the pattern observed in Tarifa (Cádiz), area with the majority of sightings in Spain, is clearly dominated by inmature birds (Javier Elorriaga, in litt.). It's really suggestive of the possibility of Rüppell's vultures breeding in Extremadura. However, with such a small sample it is impossible to obtain any conclusion.

SEPTEMBER 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). By Atanasio Fernández.

List of the most interesting records sent to the GOCE forum during September 2012. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo. 

- Egyptian Goose: One in the Embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/09 (Francisco Montaño, Francisco Lopo, Francisco Castro, Elvira del Viejo and Damián García), 22/09 (F. Montaño, Emilio Costillo and Antonio Núñez) and 23/09 (Sergio Mayordomo, Eva Palacios and César Clemente. 12 in the Embalse de Cubilar, Logrosán (CC) on 23/09 (Emilio Peña). Shelduck: 6 juveniles at Embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 01/09 (S. Mayordomo).

- Ruddy Shelduck: One in the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 05/09 (Paul Farrier and Jose Luis Bautista) and 06/09 (Antonio Calvo, F. Lopo -photo-). One in the charca de Morantes (BA) on 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clement) and 24/09 (P. Herrador).
- Red-crested Pochard: 6 individuals, 3 males and 3 females/juveniles, in the embalse de García de Sola, Talarrubias (BA), 06/09 (Sergio Perez Gil). In El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC), a copy on 23/09 (Jesus Solana and Carlos Fernandez) and a pair 29/09 (Javier Prieta).
- Ferruginous Duck: At El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC), 5 indivuduals, 4 of them males, 16/09 (J. Solana) and 4 on 23/09 (C. Fernández) and 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Great Crested Grebe: Large concentrations: At the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) 123 individuals were counted on 01/09 (José Antonio Román), 411 on 07/09 (F. Montaño) and 296 on 14/09 (JA Román ). In the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) there were estimated to be 350 individuals on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black Necked Grebe: A juvenile at charca de Esparragalejo (BA) 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente).

- Common Flamingo: 2 individuals at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 01/09 (S. Mayordomo). 8 at the embalse de Salor, Caceres, 08/09 (C. Fernández-photo-).
- Glossy Ibis: 20 at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) 01/09 (Vanessa de Alba, F. Montaño, A. Nunez). At the embalse de Montijo roost, Merida (BA), 13 entered on 05/09 (Sergio Perez Gil) and 20 on 26/09 (J. Solana). One in the rice fields of Santa Amalia (BA) 13/09 (Angel Luis Sanchez). 22 individuals in the rice fields of the Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) el 24/09 (P. Herrador).
-  Spoonbill: Major concentrations: Embalse de los Canchales (BA), 100 on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño y A. Núñez), 140 on 05/09 (P. Herrador y J. L. Bautista), 150 on 15/09 (E. del Viejo), 52 on 16/09 (V. de Alba, Ismael Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo y A. Núñez), 48 on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo, D. García), 42 on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. Costillo y A. Núñez) and 39 on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey, E. Palacios, E. del Viejo, C. Clemente, Antonia Cangas, Arturo, Juande y Emi). 42 individuals at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (CC), on 03/09 (Sebastián Molano). 51 at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) el 30/09 (J. A. Román).
- Bittern: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) 02/09 (Manuel Carregal and Graciela Fernandez).
- Squacco Heron: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) 02/09 (M. Carregal and G. Fernandez). On the Guadiana River as it passes through Badajoz, there were 18 on 08/09, 19 on 09/09 (Juan Carlos Paniagua) and 2 on 29/09 (SEO-Badajoz).

- Black Stork: Major concentrations: In Trujillo (CC) 42 individuals were counted on 05/09, 109 on 09/09 (photo) and 45 on 12/09 (Javier Esteban). 61 were at Alange Reservoir (BA) 13/09 (Jesús Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez).
-  Osprey: At the embalse de Portaje (CC), 2 individuals on 01/09 (J. Prieta) and one on 04/09 and 20/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), one on 03/09 (F. Lopo), 2 on 06/09 (A. Calvo), 3 on 16/09 (V. de Alba, I. Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez), 2 on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo and D. García), 2 on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. Costillo y A. Núñez), 2 on 25/09 (Joaquín Vázquez, J. Solana and A. Núñez) and on 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz), and one on 30/09 (E. del Viejo, A. Cangas, Arturo, Juande yand Emi). At the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), one on 05/09 (S. Pérez Gil) and another on 26/09 (J. Solana). One not near water at Talavera la Real (BA) on 10/09 (Atanasio Fernández). One at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 16/09 (A. Fernández). One example at embalse del Jerte (CC) on 19/09 (J. Prieta). At the embalse del Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), one on 23/09 and 26/09 (E. Peña). One in the Sierra del Ladrillar, Las Hurdes (CC), on 25/09 (A. Pacheco). One at the embalse de Ahigal (CC) on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Goshawk: One at Puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), caught a Bee Eater on 01/09 and a female at Ladrillar (CC) on 25/09 (A. Pacheco).
- Hobby: One at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). One in Guijo de Granadilla (CC) on 04/09 (Ricardo Montero). An adult and a juvenile at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 27/09 (Dave Langlois).
- Common Avocet: On 01/09 11 were seen at Los Canchales (BA) (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and 3 at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) (J. A. Román). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 12 were present on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista), 5 on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo and D. García), one on 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente) 5 new ones on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey, E. Palacios, E. del Viejo, C. Clemente, A. Cangas, Arturo, Juande and Emi). One at the embalse del Salor, Cáceres, on 08/09 (C. Fernández). 17 examples at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 20/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Kentish Plover: One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA) on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One at the embalse de La Anguila, Serrejón (CC), on 02/09 (M. Carregal and G. Fernández). One at the embalse de Portaje (CC), 1 on 04/09 and 2 on 20/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), 3 on 16/09 (V. de Alba, I. Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez) and 1 on 20/09 and 2 on 30/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. Llorente, M. García del Rey, J. Vázquez, J. Solana, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. Palacios, E. Costillo, E. del Viejo, D. García, C. Clemente, A. Núñez, A. Cangas, Á. Díaz, Arturo, Juande and Emi). 9 individuals at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). 2 at the embalse del Ayuela, Casas de Don Antonio (CC) on 23/09 (C. Fernández).

- Dotterel: 3 at Campanario (BA) on 09/09 (Juan Pablo Prieto -photo- and José Luis Pérez Chiscano).
- Spotted redshank: 2 individuals at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (CC), on 03/09 (S. Molano). One at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, 2 were seen on 10/09 and one on 24/09 (P. Herrador). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 26/09 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Wood Sandpiper: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (BA) on 01/09 (S. Mayordomo). Att the laguna de Galisteo one was seen on 04/09 and 3 on 29/09 (S. Mayordomo, J. Prieta and E. Palacios). One at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, on 10/09 (P. Herrador).
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper: One at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 13/09 (S. Mayordomo, Miguel Ángel Muñoz and E. Palacios), 20/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 22/09 (Julio Ceballos and Antonio Ceballos). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 25/09 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana and A. Núñez). The third and fourth occurrence for Extremadura, and the first for Badajoz.

- Sanderling: A juvenile at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 01/09 (S. Mayordomo -photo-). One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA) on 16/09 (V. de Alba, I. Sánchez, F. Montaño, F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez).
- Turnstone: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA), on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and 05/09 (P. Herrador y J. L. Bautista).
- Curlew Sandpiper: One at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 01/09 (J. Prieta). One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA), 3 examples on 01/09 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and one on 26/09 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, on 10/09 (P. Herrador). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. Costillo and A. Núñez). A juvenile at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 24/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 26/09 (J. Prieta).
- Temmink's Stint: 2 at the charca de Morantes, Badajoz, on 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 25/09 (J. Vázquez).
- Yellow-legged Gull: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC), 3 individuals on 01/09 and 13 on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). On at the river Guadiana en Badajoz on 16/09, 18/09 and 20/09 (J. C. Paniagua). One at the charcas de Manzanares, Campo Lugar (CC), on 22/09 (A. Calvo).
- Caspian Tern: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 01/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black Tern: 8 at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on15/09 (S. Mayordomo). 5 at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 22/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the charca de Esparragalejo (BA), 2 on 22/09 (F. Montaño, E. del Viejo and A. Núñez), 23/09 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente) and 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz), and one on 25/09 (J. Vázquez, J. Solana and A. Núñez).
- Pin-tailed Sandgrouse: A groupl of 600 individuals at Llanos de Cáceres on 24/09 (Agustín Mogena). -
- Short-eared owl: 2 at the Canal de las Dehesas near at Gorbea (BA) on 26/09 (E. Peña).
- Rose-ringed parakeet: One in Mérida (BA) on 24/09 (S. Pérez Gil).
- Eurasian Wryneck: At Galisteo (CC), one on 04/09 and 24/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Piornal (CC) on 13/09 (J. Prieta). In Plasencia (CC), 2 on 14/09 and 16/09 (R. Montero), and one on 22/09 (J. Prieta). At Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, one on 14/09 (A. Fernández) yand another on 30/09 (J. C. Paniagua and Ángel T. Mejías). One at Ventaquemada, Guijo de Granadilla (CC), on 20/09and another at Torrejoncillo (CC) on 25/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: Possible examples of these at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). Present in Monfragüe on 01/09 and 02/09 (M. Carregal and G. Fernández). One at Piornal (CC) on 25/09 (J. Prieta).
- Garden Warbler: One at the Fuente del Francés, Monfragüe (CC), one on 02/09 (Isabel Cerrudo) and 2 on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). One was caught and ringed at the arroyo Malvecino, Monfragüe (CC), on 07/09 and 5 at the River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 09/09 (GIA-Extremadura). At the River Jerte in Plasencia (CC), one on 10/09 and 17/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 3 on 30/09 (R. Montero). One at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on11/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Whitethroat: At Galisteo (CC), one on 04/09, 11/09 and 24/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista). A dead female found after hitting a window at Caceres Golf course, was found to have been ringed in Belgium. 3 were caught and ringed at the River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 09/09 and one at Las Cansinas, Monfragüe (CC), on 14/09 (GIA-Extremadura). At the River Jerte in Plasencia (CC) 4 were seen on 10/09, 2 on 17/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 3 on 30/09 (R. Montero). One at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 11/09 (Vicente Risco and Javier Briz). 2 at Piornal (CC) on 20/09 (J. Prieta). 6 at Ventaquemada, Oliva de Plasencia (CC), on 21/09 (S. Mayordomo). 4 at the River Guadiana in Badajoz on 29/09 (SEO-Badajoz). One in Monfragüe (CC) on 30/09 (J. Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez).
- Spectacled Warbler: 10 were seen at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 10/09 (P. Herrador). PresOne at pico Espolón, Piornal (CC), on 13/09 (J. Prieta).
- Rock Thrush: One male and 3 juveniles at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco).

- Redstart: One at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). In Galisteo (CC), a pair on 04/09 and a female on 29/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales, a male on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista) and a female on 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz). A male at Santibáñez el Alto (CC) eon06/09 (S. Mayordomo). A male caught and ringed at the arroyo Malvecino, Monfragüe (CC), on 06/09, and another 2 at Las Cansinas, Monfragüe (CC), on 14/09 and another young male at the River Guadámez, Don Benito (BA), on 30/09, where was also seen an adult male (GIA-Extremadura). A female in Monfragüe (CC) on 07/09 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and C. Clemente). 2 in Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 11/09 (V. Risco and J. Briz). At Piornal (CC) 11 were seen on 13/09 and 20/09, and 9 on 25/09 (J. Prieta -photo-). Present at Cornalvo (BA) on 18/09 (José Ledo, J. Sánchez, Á. L. Sánchez and Á. Sánchez). More than 15 examples at Ventaquemada, Guijo de Granadilla (CC), on 21/09 (S. Mayordomo). Present at the River Alcollarín, Campo Lugar (CC), on 23/09 (A. Calvo). One in Ahigal (CC)onl 26/09 (S. Mayordomo). One in Plasencia (CC) on 30/09 (R. Montero).
- Tree Pipit: At the end of the embalse del Jerte, Casas del Castañar (CC), 2 on 11/09 (S. mayordomo on E. Palacios), prone on 13/09 and 4 on 19/09 (J. Prieta).

- Tawny Pipit: At the embalse de Portaje 5 were seen onl 01/09 (J. Prieta) and 8 on 04/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Cerezo (CC) on 03/09 (A. Pacheco). One at Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 06/09 (Á. Sánchez -foto-). On11/09 3 were seen at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) (P. Herrador) and one in Medina de las Torres (BA) (V. de Alba and A. Núñez). In Guijo de Coria 2 were seen on 14/09 (J.Prieta) on 19/09 (Javier Mahillo and C. Clemente). One at La Anguila, Serrejón (CC), on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo, Pepe Guisado and M. García del Rey).
- Yellow Wagtail: Males of the subspecies M. f. flavissima: one at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 15/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Badajoz on 22/09 (Mercedes Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Salgado and J. C. Paniagua). At the laguna de Galisteo (CC) one was seen on 24/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 2 on 26/09 (J. Prieta). A male of the scandanavian subspecies M. f. thunbergi: One at Galisteo (CC) eon29/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Crossbill: Several specimens in the Sierra de Ladrillar, las Hurdes (HS-CC), 12/09 (A. Pacheco).

FIRST WINTER VISITORS
- Wigeon: An eclipse male at the embalse de La Anguila, Serrejón (CC), on 16/09 (S. Mayordomo, Pepe Guisado and Manolo García del Rey). One at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC) on 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Pintail: At the laguna de Galisteo (CC), 2 on 01/09 (J. Prieta) and 3 on 04/09 (S. Mayordomo). A pair at the embalse de Portaje (CC) on 20/09 (S. Mayordomo). Tufted Duck: A female at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 29/09 (J. Prieta).
- Hen Harrier: A male at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo and D. García) and 30/09 (C. Clemente). A female at Galisteo (CC) on 29/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Skylark: 3 at Portaje Reservoir (CC) 20/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Common Chiffchaff: 2 at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) 1on 1/09 (V. Risco and J. Briz). One at Ahigal (CC) on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Bluethroat: One in the rice fields at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 11/09 (P. Herrador). 3 at the gravel pit of Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 12/09 (S. Mayordomo). At the laguna de Galisteo (CC) one was seen on 16/09 (E. Palacios) and a male on 24/09 (S. Mayordomo). A male and a female were caught and ringed at the arroyo Budión, Rena (BA), on 23/09 (GIA-Extremadura).
- Meadow Pipit: One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 15/09 (A. Calvo). One at Galisteo on 16/09 (C. Clemente) and 18/09 (S. Mayordomo). The massive influx across the region normally starts from 30/09.

LINGERING SUMMER VISITORS
- Common Quail: 2 at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 30/09 (María Llorente y Álvaro Díaz). Purple Heron: One in Plasencia (CC) on 22/09 (J. Prieta). One in Medellín (BA) on 26/09 (F. Yuste).
- Black Kite: One in Riolobos (CC) on 01/09 (J. Prieta). A juvenile in Monfragüe on 11/09 (M. García del Rey).
- Egyptian Vulture: 2 at Portaje (CC) on 15/09 (S. Mayordomo). 2 birds, a 4 year old and another 1 year old at Aldea del Cano (CC) on 22/09 (S. Molano and A. Fernández). An immature at Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe (CC), on 29/09 (José Luis Rivero).

- Montagu's harrier: A dark morph individual: One at Ovejuela, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 07/09 (A. Pacheco -photo-). One at the pico Espolón, Piornal (CC), on 13/09 (J. Prieta).
- Lesser Kestrel: One at Los Canchales (BA) on 20/09 (F. Montaño, F. Lopo, F. Castro, E. del Viejo, D. García). One was seen in the City of Badajoz on 21/09 (A. Fernández) and 30/09 (J. Solana).
- Turtle Dove: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 05/09 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista)
- Common Swift: On 01/09 some individuals were seen at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and 3 in Monfragüe (M. Carregal and G. Fernández). 4 at Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 07/09 (F. Montaño).
- Pallid Swift: 2 still in their breeding colony at Piornal (CC) on 20/09 and one in Plasencia (CC) on 14/09 (J. Prieta). At the embalse de Ahigal (CC) one on 26/09 (S. Mayordomo). In Alange (BA), where the species is partially resident, it is estimated there were 110 birds on 30/09 (Á. Sánchez).
- Red Necked Nightjar: On 26/09 one was seen in Mérida (BA) (J. Solana) and another at Canal de las Dehesas (BA) (E. Peña). One at the embalse de Orellana (BA) on 29/09 (M. Llorente and Á. Díaz).
- European Bee Eater: On 11/09 various individuals were seen at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) (V. Risco and J. Briz) and one at the back of the embalse del Jerte (CC) (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Woodchat Shrike: 2 juveniles in Plasencia (CC) on 17/09 and another at Galisteo (CC) on 18/09 (S. Mayordomo). A juvenile at Toril (CC) on 26/09 (M. García del Rey). Bonelli's Warbler: One in Monfragüe on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). Sedge Warbler: One at the laguna de Galisteo (CC) on 11/09 (S. Mayordomo).
- Melodious Warbler: One at the Fuente del Francés, Monfragüe (CC), on 19/09 (S. Mayordomo). On 22/09 2 were seen at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) (F. Montaño, E. Costillo and A. Núñez) and one in Plasencia (CC) (J. Prieta).
- Common Nightingale: 2 at Piornal (CC) on 13/09 (J. Prieta). One at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 21/09 (D. Langlois). One in Plasencia (CC) on 30/09 (R. Montero).
- Rufous Bush Robin: One in Almedralejo (BA) on 10/09 (Lorenzo Alcántara).
- Black Eared Wheatear: One at puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 01/09 (A. Pacheco). 5 at Peraleda de la Mata (CC) on 11/09 (V. Risco and J. Briz).
- Ortolan Bunting: 2 at Galisteo (CC) eon04/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 30 at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 09/09 (P. Herrador).

THE 2012 SPOONBILL BREEDING POPULATION

The Extremadura breeding Spoonbill survey (Platalea leucorodia) continued in 2012. See other Spoonbill posts in this blog.

During the breeding season all Extremadura's spoonbill colonies were visited. Nests occupied by Spoonbills were found in 6 places, adding up to a total of 49 pairs (74 in 2011, 50 in 2010).

 

The colonies were the following:
- Valle del Tiétar I (Cáceres). 18 pairs.
- Valle del Tiétar II (Cáceres). 15 pairs.
- Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres). 1 pair.
- Valle del Alagón (Cáceres). 2 pairs with nest, in one fledged 3 chicks.
- Montijo Reservoir (Badajoz). 12 pairs.
- Villanueva del Fresno (Badajoz). 1 pair. New site.
- Alqueva Reservoir (Badajoz). Two colonies empty.
- Borbollón Reservoir (Cáceres). It could not be accessed.
- Llanos de Cáceres (Cáceres). All colonies empty.

Three visits were made to the Valle del Tiétar I colony to monitor breeding success. The 18 detected pairs all began breeding. In 15 nests it was possible to estimate the final number of fledglings: 23. This represents a fledgling rate of 1.92 chicks per successful nest (2.93 in 2011 and 1.86 en 2010) and an estimated productivity and breeding success of 1.28 chicks per pair (1.94 en 2011 and 1.43 en 2010).

Collaborators.
Emilio Costillo (Badajoz province), Javier Prieta (Valle del Tiétar and Arrocampo), Sergio Mayordomo (Valle del Alagón and Llanos de Cáceres) and Alfonso Pérez del Barco (Villanueva del Fresno).

FAREWELL

Hi bloggers

My name’s Dave Langlois and I’ve been translating Birds of Extremadura into English ever since it started. It’s been a real pleasure to work with Javier Prieta and Sergio Mayordomo putting Extremadura’s birdlife on the map. It does not often fall to a translator’s lot to be interested in what he or she is reading as the translation unfolds. Unfortunately, due to the famous Repetitive Stress Injury syndrome, I’m now under medical instructions to hone non-professional typewriting and mousing to the bone. This unfortunately means that the translations into English might not be so regular or comprehensive from now on in. But please do keep reading the blog in the new format. Or even take this chance to learn Spanish. It’s dead easy. Go on, give it a try.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER IN LOS CANCHALES

On 25 September 2012 a juv Buff-Breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) was spotted at Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz) by Jesús Solana, Antonio Núñez Ossorio and Joaquín Vázquez. This is the fourth Extremadura record and the first in the province of Badajoz.

As for the other Buff-Breasted Sandpiper found at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) on 13 September [link], the bird was seen again on 20 and 22 but then wasn't found on a visit on 25 September. On the 22nd it was seen and photographed by Antonio and Julio Ceballos (bottom photo). As it happens, curiously enough, the Buff-Breasted Sandpiper's generic name has just been changed in the British List drawn up by BOURC. Its new name is Calidris subruficollis, so it is now included in the same genus as the Ruff (Calidris pugnax). More grist to the mill of nomenclature controversies...

Other posts on Buff-Breasted Sandpiper in Extremadura.

Buff-Breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis). Portaje Reservoir, Cáceres. 22.09.2012. By Antonio Ceballos

AUGUST 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Great Bustard (Otis tarda). Two females at Guijo de Coria, Cáceres, on 08.12.2012 (Javier Prieta). 

A list of the most notable August 2012 records sent to the GOCE birdwatching forum. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo. 

- Egyptian Goose: Four birds at Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz) on 19/08 (Emilio Costillo). Two birds at Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (Cáceres), on 26/08 (Sergio Mayordomo and César Clemente).
- Ruddy Shelduck: Three birds at Valuengo reservoir (Badajoz) on 17/08 (Sergio Pérez Gil).
- Garganey: Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 14/08 (Martin Kelsey). One drake in eclipse at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) from 16/08 to 22/08 (S. Mayordomo and J. Prieta). Seven birds at Cubilar reservoir (Cáceres) on 26/08 (S. Mayordomo and C. Clemente).
- Red Crested Pochard: Several birds at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) from 04/08 to 23/08, peaking at 5 birds on 04/08 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (Cáceres), on 19/08 (Jesús Solana).
- Rosy Billed Pochard (Netta peposaca): One drake at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) from 04/08 to 23/08 (S. Mayordomo).

- Pochard x Ferruginous Duck: One hybrid bird at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz), on 20/08 (Joaquín Vázquez and Francisco Montaño -photo-).
- Ferruginous Duck: At Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), two birds on 14/08 (M. Kelsey) and four on 26/08 (S. Mayordomo, Eva Palacios and C. Clemente). One drake at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (Cáceres), on 19/08 (J. Solana).
- Great Crested Grebe: Flocks: 630 birds at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/08 (Lorenzo Alcántara). 700 birds at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (Cáceres), on 26/08 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente).

- Glossy Ibis: At Montijo reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), birds seen coming into roost: eleven on 02/08 (S. Pérez Gil), one on 17/08 (J. Solana and Ángel Sánchez) and 26 on 19/08 (J. Solana). Seven birds, including 2 juvs 2 km from Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 17/08 and 21 birds on the ricefields between Gévora and Valdebótoa, Badajoz, on 18/08 (Atanasio Fernández). At Montijo (Badajoz), 19 birds on 19/08 on mown alfalfa fields (Pablo Herrador and Á. Sánchez -photograph-). On the same day 19/08 five birds were seen at Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz) (E. Costillo).
- Sacred Ibis: One bird seen in July still there on 02/08 (S. Pérez Gil) and 19/08 (J. Solana).
- Spoonbill: Flocks: 30 birds at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 08/08 (S. Mayordomo). At Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz), 88 birds on 12/08 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente), 76 on 15/08 (Francisco Lopo) and 87 on 19/08 (E. Costillo). 23 birds at Valuengo reservoir (Badajoz) on 17/08 (S. Pérez Gil). 24 birds at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) on 23/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Squacco Heron: One juvenile at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 05/08 (P. Herrador and José Luis Bautista). Two birds at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 12/08 (Vanessa de Alba, F. Montaño and Antonio Núñez). One bird at Brovales reservoir (Badajoz) on 17/08 (F. Montaño and A. Núñez).
- Cattle Egret: Roost in Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), with over 2000 birds throughout August and an estimated peak of 2700 on 23/08 (J. Prieta, S. Mayordomo).
- Osprey: One bird at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/08 and 23/08 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz) on 19/08 (E. Costillo). One bird at on del Cubilar reservoir (Cáceres) on 26/08 (S. Mayordomo and C. Clemente).
- Goshawk: One attacking a kite at Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 13/08 (M. García del Rey).

- Montagu's Harrier: Dark morph birds: One at Madrigalejo ricefields (Cáceres) on 23/08 (Ángel Luis Sánchez -photograph). Another at Piornal (Cáceres) on 24/08 (J. Prieta).
- Hobby: One bird successfully hunting swallows at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 23/08 (J. Prieta).
 - Lesser Kestrel: At a summer roost on power line pylons in la Vera (Cáceres) 529 birds counted on 09/08 (J. Prieta -bottom photograph). At feeding areas: present all month at Piornal (Cáceres) peaking at 20 birds on 30/08 (J. Prieta) and at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) peaking at 30 on 08/08 (J. Prieta, C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo and H. Sánchez). In the high mountains, 20 birds at Collado de las Yeguas, Jerte (Cáceres), on 21/08 (B. Molina) Pitolero, Cabezabellosa (Cáceres), on 18/08 (H. Sánchez).

- Little Bustard: Two birds at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Avocet: One bird at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/08 (L. Alcántara). 16 birds at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) on 23/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Kentish Plover: One bird at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) on 04/08 (L. Alcántara).
- Curlew: Two birds at Gabriel y Galán reservoir (Cáceres) on 14/08 (Jesús Montero).
- Spotted Redshank: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), seven birds on 02/08 (S. Mayordomo and J. Prieta) one on 08/08 and 16/08 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at La Anguila reservoir, Serrejón (Cáceres), on 08/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Wood Sandpiper: Present at Laguna de Galisteo all month with a maximum of five birds on 16/08 (S. Mayordomo and J. Prieta). At Portaje reservoir, one bird on 04/08, 09/08 and 15/08 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz) on 14/08 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Cordel reservoir, Casar de Cáceres (Cáceres), on 16/08 (P. Herrador). Two birds at ricefields between Gévora and Valdebótoa, Badajoz, on 18/08 (A. Fernández).
- Turnstone: One bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 12/08 (V. de Alba, S. Mayordomo, F. Montaño, E. Palacios, C. Clemente and A. Núñez).
- Curlew Sandpiper: Three birds at Charca de la Haba (Badajoz) on 04/08 (Juan Pablo Prieto). Four at Charca de Medina, Medina de las Torres (Badajoz), on 05/08 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez).On 08/08 six seen at Talaván reservoir (Cáceres) (M. Kelsey) and one at Valuengo reservoir (Badajoz) (J. Vázquez, F. Montaño and Benjamín Muñoz). On 12/08 six seen at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) (V. de Alba, S. Mayordomo, F. Montaño, E. Palacios, C. Clemente and A. Núñez) and one at Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz) (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente). On 15/08 eight seen at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo) and two at Brovales reservoir (Badajoz), (F. Montaño and A. Núñez). On 16/08 one bird seen at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo), another at Cordel reservoir, Casar de Cáceres (Cáceres), (P. Herrador ) and five at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) (L. Alcántara). On 17/08 one bird seen at Brovales reservoir (Badajoz) (F. Montaño and A. Núñez) and another at La Pantana, Calzadilla (Cáceres), (Hugo Sánchez). One bird at Charca de Morantes (Badajoz) on 18/08 (P. Herrador). One bird at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) on 23/08 (S. Mayordomo).

- Collared Pratincole: 200-strong roost between Montijo and Guadiana del Caudillo (Badajoz) in the first fortnight of August (J. L. Bautista -photograph).
- Lesser Crested Tern: First record for Extremadura: Two birds at Arroyoconejos reservoir, Llerena (Badajoz), on 07/08 and 08/08 (J. Vázquez, F. Montaño and B. Muñoz).
- Black Tern: One bird at Brovales reservoir (Badajoz) on 09/08 (J. Vázquez, F. Montaño and B. Muñoz). Three birds at Portaje reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/08 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) on 16/08 (L. Alcántara). Two birds at Charca de La Torrecilla, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 21/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black Bellied Sandgrouse: One leucistic bird at Campo Lugar (Cáceres) on 23/08 (Antonio Calvo).
- Pin Tailed Sandgrouse. One bird seen in July at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) still there at least until 21/08 (J. Prieta, C. Clemente, J. Mahíllo and H. Sánchez).
- Nightjar: One bird at Casas del Monte (Cáceres) on 21/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Red Backed Shrike: Three territories at Puerto de Tornavacas (AV-Cáceres) on 02/08. One territory with two young on the Cáceres side, where there might be a nest. Two territories on the Ávila side, with two young and a pair of adults respectively (J. Prieta).

- Spotless Starling: one leucistic bird at Membrío (Cáceres) on 21/08 (Antonio Galán -photograph-).
- Carrion Crow: First record for Las Villuercas; one bird at La Raña, Alía (Cáceres), on 17/08. (Noelia Baeza, Jorge Ángel Herrera and Jaime Cerezo). Several birds at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 17/08 (H. Sánchez). One bird at Casas del Monte (Cáceres) on 21/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: One bird at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) on 16/08 (L. Alcántara). One bird at Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 18/08 (S. Mayordomo). In both cases Chiffchaff cannot be completely ruled out.
- Grasshopper Warbler: One bird caught for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (Badajoz), on 26/08 (GIA Extremadura).
- Sedge Warbler: At Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), two birds on 03/08 and one on 27/08 (S. Mayordomo). Three birds caught for ringing at Arroyo Budión, Rena (Badajoz), on 12/08 (GIA Extremadura). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/08 and 28/08 (S. Mayordomo).

- Yellow Crowned Bishop: At ricefields between Gévora and Valdebótoa (Badajoz) two males seen on 18/08 and one male and two females on 23/08 (A. Fernández -photograph-). One male at Montijo (Badajoz) on 19/08 (Á. Sánchez).
- Waxbill: Five birds at Arrocampo reservoir (Cáceres) on 05/08 (M. García del Rey and J. Briz).
- Tree Pipit: Six birds at Jerte reservoir, Casas del Castañar (Cáceres), on 29/08 and two at Piornal (Cáceres) on 30/08 (J. Prieta).
- Tawny Pipit: One bird on the shores of Gabriel y Galán reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/08 (A. Pacheco).
- Swallow. Pre-migration roost at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), with thousands of birds throughout August and an estimated peak of 25,000 on 23/08 (J. Prieta, S. Mayordomo).

FIRST POST-BREEDING RECORDS
- Shoveler: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), three females on 02/08 (S. Mayordomo and Javier Prieta) and two birds on 05/08 (Manuel García del Rey and Javier Briz). One female at Anguila reservoir, Serrejón (Cáceres), on 08/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Willow Warbler: On 02/08 one bird seen at Puerto de Tornavacas (Cáceres) (J. Prieta) and another at Arrocampo reservoir (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo and J. Prieta). One young bird seen and two birds heard at Piornal (Cáceres) on 03/08 (J. Prieta).
- Garden Warbler: One bird caught for ringing at Mérida (Badajoz) on 17/08 (DGMA). Two birds caught for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (Badajoz), on 26/08 (GIA Extremadura). Several birds at Mirandilla (Badajoz) on 29/08 (José Ledo and Á. Sánchez).
- Whitethroat: At Galisteo (Cáceres) one bird seen on 01/08 and two on 11/08 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Arrocampo reservoir (Cáceres) on 16/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Spotted Flycatcher: Birds on passage: on 20/08 one seen at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) (J. Prieta) and another at Valcorchero, Plasencia (Cáceres), (S. Mayordomo).
- Pied Flycatcher: One bird at Piornal (Cáceres) on 03/08 (J. Prieta). One bird at Pinofranqueado (Cáceres) on 05/08 (A. Pacheco). Several at Pago de San Clemente (Cáceres) on 12/08 (M. Kelsey).
- Redstart: At Piornal (Cáceres) one female seen on 24/08 and two males and three females on 30/08 (J. Prieta). One female at Valcorchero, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 29/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Whinchat: One bird at Piornal (Cáceres) on 27/08 (J. Prieta). Three birds at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 28/08 (S. Mayordomo).
- Wheatear: Three birds at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 21/08 (C. Clemente). Several at Gabriel y Galán reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/08 (A. Pacheco).

Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis). By Ángel Sánchez.

LINGERING SUMMER VISITORS
- Little Tern: Eight birds at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 15/08 (J. Solana). Six birds at Alange reservoir (Badajoz) on 16/08 (L. Alcántara).
- Gull Billed Tern: Three birds at Los Canchales reservoir (Badajoz) on 12/08 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and C. Clemente). Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 14/08 (M. Kelsey).
- Great Spotted Cuckoo: One young bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 21/08 (Juan Sánchez).
- Roller: At Arroyoconejos-Llerena reservoir (Badajoz), two birds on 07/08 (J. Vázquez, F. Montaño and B. Muñoz) and one bird on 11/08 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One bird on irrigated fields at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) on 15/08 (Fernando Yuste).
- Rufous Tailed Bush Robin: Three birds at Montehermoso (Cáceres) on 17/08 (H. Sánchez and C. Clemente).