LEACH'S STORM PETREL: NEW SPECIES FOR EXTREMADURA

The Storm Petrels (family Hydrobatidae) are small pelagic (offshore) birds  that appear only inland in exceptional circumstances. Three species of storm petrel have been recorded in Extremadura. One of them recently, the story of which appears on the personal blog  of Victor Manuel Quintana. A Leach's storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) was found on January 21, 2013 in Miajadas (Cáceres). The bird must have died after colliding with the walls of a factory. Here we show a photograph taken by V. M. Quintana from his blog, where you can see more images of this individual.

All records in Extremadura of petrels relate to birds found dead or very weak in urban areas after wind storms in the Atlantic. Apparently the birds had been carried by the wind inland where they become disoriented, perhaps being attracted by the lights of the towns. In this case, on January 19, two days before, there was an explosive cyclone with strong winds and rain. In April 2012 a similar one occurred, as reported in this blog, which was also associated with the arrival of seabirds.

The first record in Extremadura of a storm petrel dates back to February 15, 1970, when a first winter Madeiran storm petrel (Oceanodroma castro) was found dead in Badajoz city (J. Gómez-Tejedor). The second record was also a Maderian storm petrel: a bird ringed on January 28, 1995 in the colony  Farilhao Grande, Berlengas island (central Portugal), was found very weak on February 24, 1995 in Benquerencia de la Serena (Badajoz) and died the next day in a recovery center. Since being ringed only 27 days had elapsed and the distance travelled was 362 km (Oficina Anillamiento). This species breeds in winter in Macaronesia (in the archipelagos of Madeira, Azores and the Canary Islands) and a colony on Portuguese Iberian coast (Berlengas). Its taxonomy is being debated, with some authors include populations that breed in Cape Verde, in the South Atlantic and even in the Pacific. To complicate matters, there are two populations in the Azores, one breed in winter and other in summer, the latter being proposed as a separate species: the Monteiro's Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma monteiroi).

The third record of a storm petrel seen in Extremadura was of two European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) found, one dead and one wounded but died later, in Fregenal de la Sierra (Badajoz) on November 6, 1997 (Juan Carlos Delgado). Of the three species mentioned it's the only storm petrel breeding on Spanish coasts, both Mediterranean and Atlantic.

The fourth record was this Leach's storm petrel, a species that breeds in the North Atlantic, both in America and in Europe. And anecdotally, the first sighting of European storm petrels in Madrid took place on January 1, 1999, when one fell from the shy onto a group of people waiting at the door of a nightclub for a New Years Eve party.

DECEMBER 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

A list of the most interesting sightings sent to the GOCE forum. Composed by Sergio Mayordomo. CC= Cáceres province. BA= Badajoz province.

- Bean Goose: One at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 10/12 (Goyo Naharro, Fernando Salas and Antonio Torrijo), 11/12 (Sergio Mayordomo, Ricardo Montero, Hugo Sánchez y César Clemente), 15/12 (Javier Prieta, Javier Mahillo and C. Clemente) and 22/12 (S. Mayordomo and Eva Palacios).

- Pink-footed Goose One found on 02/11 at  the embalse de Valdecañas and still present on 02/12 (Vicente Risco and Javier Briz), 07/12 and 23/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- White-fronted Goose: One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 01/12 (Manuel García del Rey, Juan R. Suárez and David Cuenca). At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 7 were seen on 02/12 (Juan Diego Acevedo), 8 on 16/12 (F. Salas and A. Torrijo) and 23/12 (S. Mayordomo) and at least one on 29/12 (V. Risco and J. Briz). At the embalse del Borbollón (CC) 2 were seen on 10/12 (G. Naharro, F. Salas and A. Torrijo), 11/12 (S. Mayordomo, R. Montero and H. Sánchez), 15/12 (J. Prieta, J. Mahillo and C. Clemente) and 22/12 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and one on 13/12 (H. Sánchez).

- Bar-headed Goose: One in the rice fields of Trebolosa, Madrigalejo (CC), on 09/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Canada Goose: The bird seen in november was still present at Lagunas de Torremejía (BA) on 02/12 (Vanessa de Alba, Francisco Montaño and Antonio Núñez), 06/12 (Miguel Ángel Muñoz, Jesús Solana, E. Palacios -photo- and  Ángel Sánchez), 08/12 (John Muddeman) and 09/12 (S. Mayordomo, E. Palacios and Antonio Matador).

- Barnacle Goose: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) one was seen on 02/12 (V. Risco and J. Briz), 23/12 (S. Mayordomo), 25/12 (R. Montero) and 29/12 (V. Risco and J. Briz). One was seen at la Vega del Haza and the one seen last month on 03/12 (Chema Diu). One was at the embalse del Salor (CC) on 30/12 (Carlos Fernández).

- Egyptian Goose: One was at the charca de Corral Alto, Zorita (CC), on 06/12 (M. Á. Muñoz and E. Palacios -photo-). 2 were seen on a pond between La Nava de Santiago and La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 23/12 (José Luis Bautista).

- Ruddy Shelduck: 2 were at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 15/12 (S. Mayordomo, Marta Gómez, J. Prieta, J. Mahillo and C. Clemente).

- Shelduck: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 5 were seen on 02/12 (V. Risco, S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey, J. Prieta and J. Briz), 3 on 16/12 (F. Salas and A. Torrijo) and 4 on 23/12 (S. Mayordomo). At the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) 1 was seen on 02/12 (Adenex), 16/12 (J. Solana) and 29/12 (Francisco Lopo), and 2 on 13/12 (Juani Vilches, José Mari Salazar, Javier Arias and Fran Molinos). A female at the embalse del Sotillo, Monroy (CC), on 12/12 (S. Mayordomo). A pair in the rice fields of Palazuelo (BA) on 16/12 (José Antonio Román).

- Red-crested Pochard: A male on charca de Morantes (BA) on 23/12 (J. L. Bautista and F. Lopo). 3 at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 18/12 (A. Maestre).

- Ferruginous Duck: A female at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 02/12 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and J. Prieta).

- Common Quail: 2 in the rice fields at Galisteo (CC) on 23/12 (J. Prieta).
- Great Northern Diver: One was collected from an industrial estate at Almendralejo (BA) on 03/12 and taken to AMUS (Jesús Sánchez and Isabel González). The bird was released the next day.

- Black-necked grebe: On 01/12 sone was seen at the Balsa de Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), (José Carlos López) and 4 on the Charca de Brozas (CC) (Godfried Schreur).

- Bittern: At the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) one was seen on 02/12 (Javier G. Labrador) and 3 on 23/12 (Julio Ceballos and Antonio Ceballos). One was at the rice fields of Galisteo (CC) on 23/12 (J. Prieta).

- Little Bittern: At least 3 at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 07/12 (J. Muddeman). On the River Guadiana as it passes through Badajoz 2-5 were seen between 13/12 and 29/12 (Juan Carlos Paniagua and José Guerra).

- Night heron: One on the River Guadiana in Badajoz between 06/12 and 29/12 (J. C. Paniagua and J. Guerra).

- Squacco Heron: On the River Guadiana at Badajoz, 1-4 were seen between 05/12 and 29/12 (J. C. Paniagua and J. Guerra). One at Azud del Guadiana on 29/12 (Juan Carlos Salgado -photo-).

- Great white Egret: 49 went into a roost at Arrocampo (CC) on 07/12 (J. Muddeman). Biggest group sighting in Extremadura. 12 were on the River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 08/12 (Antonio Calvo).

- Black Stork: 2 were at the canal de Las Dehesas, Logrosán (CC), on 18/12 (Á. Sánchez). On 19/12 one was seen at Oliva de Plasencia (CC) (S. Mayordomo), another at La Bazagona (CC) (J. Prieta and Iván Hernández) and another at Macarra, Toril (CC) (Javier Parra). One was at Monesterio (BA) on 27/12 (Javier Conejero).

- Glossy Ibis: 3 were seen at Santa Amalia (BA) on 02/12 (Á. Sánchez).

- Black Kite: 2 in Badajoz on 30/12 (J. Guerra).

- White-tailed Eagle: A first winter bird was seen at Talaván (CC) on 06/12, 07/12 (Julio Gutiérrez) and 09/12 (J. Gutiérrez, Javier Cuesta and Enrique Álvarez). It was relocated at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 24/12 (José Luis Rivero) and between Talaván and Torrejón el Rubio (CC) on 27/12 (Luis J. González).

- Marsh Harrier: The roost at Madrigalejo had 140 birds on 30/12 (Pep Tapia and Maribel Jiménez)

- Pallid Harrier.  An adult male was seen at Madrigalejo (CC) on 03/12 (J. M. Vadillo) and Acedera (BA) on 26/12 (Miguel Gómez Guarín and Manuel Gómez Calzado). It was relocated at the roost at Madrigalejo (CC) on 30/12 (P. Tapia and M. Jiménez) and on 31/12 (P. Tapia, M. Jiménez and A. Calvo).

- Goshawk: 2 at Alía (CC) on 02/12 (Noelia Baeza, Jorge Ángel Herrera and Jaime Cerezo).

- Booted Eagle: In Mérida (BA) one was seen on 02/12 (Ángel Sánchez) and 20/12 (Paco Bernáldez). One in Plasencia (CC) on 06/12 (J. Prieta). One in Badajoz on 29/12 (J. Guerra).

- Osprey: One at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 13/12 (H. Sánchez). One at the embalse de Tentudía, Calera de León (BA), on 19/12 (Alberto Pacheco).

- Lesser Kestrel: A male at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 06/12 and at Montijo (BA) on 08/12 (Joaquín Fernández).

- Little Bustard: On 06/12 a group of 420 were seen at Cabeza del Buey (BA) and another 210 close by with 330 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse between Cabeza del Buey and Castuera (BA) (J. M Vadillo).

- Avocet: 9 at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 01/12 (Pablo Herrador).

- Kentish Plover: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) one was seen on 07/12 (J. Muddeman) and 35 on 16/12 (F. Salas and A. Torrijo). 24 were in the rice fields of Palazuelo (BA) on 24/12 (Juan Pablo Prieto).

- Sanderling: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 16/12 (F. Salas and A. Torrijo).

- Curlew Sandpiper: 2 in the rice fields of Santa Amalia (BA) on 23/12 (Á. Sánchez).

- Woodcock: One at Las Mestas (CC) on 13/12 (A. Pacheco). One at Casas del Castañar (CC) on 20/12 (J. Prieta).

- Curlew: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 02/12 (V. Risco, S. Mayordomo, Pedro Gómez, M. García del Rey, Manuel Flores, Juan Pablo Resino, J. Prieta and J. Briz). One in the rice fields of Riolobos (CC) on 06/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Spotted Redshank: 2 at the charca de Brozas (CC) on 01/12 (G. Schreur). In the rice fields of Santa Amalia one was seen on 01/12 (Manuel Rodríguez and Blanca Arenaz) and 23/12 (Á. Sánchez). 7 were in the rice fields of Palazuelo (BA) on 24/12 (J. P. Prieto).

- Black-headed Gull: 13.000 went to roost at the embalse de Alange (BA) on 06/12 (J. Solana).

- Yellow-legged Gull: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) 3 were seen on 02/12 (S. Mayordomo, M. García del Rey and J. Prieta) and 4 on 23/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Little Gull: At the embalse del Borbollón (CC) a first winter was seen on 10/12 (G. Naharro, F. Salas and A. Torrijo) and 11/12 (S. Mayordomo, R. Montero and C. Clemente) and 2 first winter birds on 13/12 (M. Á. Muñoz, J. Mahillo, H. Sánchez -photo-, E. Palacios and C. Clemente) and on 15/12 (J. Prieta, J. Mahillo, G. Naharro and C. Clemente).

- Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. On 06/12 a group of 330 birds mixed with 210 Little Bustards, between Cabeza del Buey and Castuera (BA) (J. M Vadillo)

- Stock Dove: In the rice fields of Riolobos (CC) 75 were seen on 09/12 (J. Prieta) and 73 on 28/12 (S. Mayordomo). 40 at La Senda, Montemolín (BA), on 20/12 (A. Pacheco). 200 at Galisteo (CC) on 23/12 (J. Prieta).

- Long-eared Owl: The same bird as before at IES Zurbarán at Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 01/12 (Jesús Garrido and Carlos Andrés). 2 on a roundabout of the N-V in Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 02/12 (P. Gómez).

- Short-eared Owl: One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 13/12 (J. Vilches, J. M. Salazar, J. Arias and F. Molinos) and 16/12 (F. Lopo).

- Pallid Swift: Between 1 and 3 birds in Alange (BA) present for the whole of december (J. Solana).

- Wryneck: One at the Jerte river en Plasencia (CC) on 31/12 (Alberto Salvador).

- Barn Swallow: One at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (CC), on 03/12 (Rafael Parra). One at Barquilla de Pinares (CC) on 30/12 (J. Briz).

- Red-rumped Swallow: One at Alange (BA) on 21/12 (M. Gálvez and J. Guerra).

- House Martin: Between 1 and 3 in Alange (BA) present for the whole of december (J. Solana and J. Guerra). At least 5 at the Castillo de Benquerencia de la Serena (BA) on 10/12 (J. Muddeman).

- White Wagtail: Subespecie M. a. yarrellii: One at the weir at Mirabel (CC) on 12/12 (S. Mayordomo). One at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 15/12 (S. Mayordomo and M. Gómez).

- Alpine Accentor: At Pinofranqueado (CC) 7 were seen at the puerto de Esperabán and 5 at the Bolla Chica el 06/12 (A. Pacheco). One was at the castillo de Benquerencia de la Serena (BA) on 10/12 (J. Muddeman).

- Black Redstart: A leucistic bird was seen at Navalvillar de Pela (BA) on 04/12 (Ángel Luis Sánchez).

- Common Redstart: A male at Logrosán (CC) on 14/12 (Emilio Peña).

- Fieldfare: 2 at Vinosilla, Plasencia (CC), on 22/12 (M. Á. Muñoz, E. Palacios and Carlos Espadero).

- Goldcrest: One at Matallana, Alía (CC), on 08/12 (N. Baeza, J. Á. Herrera and J. Cerezo). 4 in Mérida (BA) on 16/12 (J. Solana). 2 in Zafra (BA) on 18/12 (F. Montaño).

- Bearded tit: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 07/12 (J. Muddeman).

- Carrion Crow: One at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 11/12 (S. Mayordomo and R. Montero) and 22/12 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at Calamonte (BA) on 23/12 (J. Guerra). One at Santa Cruz de Paniagua (CC) on 27/12 (J. C. Paniagua). 2 in a cut rice field at Riolobos (CC) on 28/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Brambling: 3 at Robledillo de Gata (CC) on 06/12 (A. Pacheco). A female at Villar de Plasencia (CC) on 07/12 (H. Sánchez). 10 in Galisteo (CC) on 23/12 (J. Prieta). Many birds at Cuacos de Yuste (CC) on 31/12 (Manuel Nieto).

- Bullfinch: 3 males in Alía (CC) on 08/12 (N. Baeza, J. Á. Herrera and J. Cerezo).

PALLID HARRIER WINTERING IN VEGAS ALTAS

On December 26, 2012 a Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) was observed for the second time this year in Extremadura, and is also only the third sighting for Extremadura. The second dates from March 26, 2012 and was the subject of a separate entry in this blog, which also gave details about the presence of this rarity in Spain. This third record was made in Acedera, Badajoz, in the region of Vegas Altas. The fortunate observers were Miguel Gómez Guarín (supplier of the photographs) and Manuel Gómez Calzado, who wrote in his personal blog "Grullas veo" where you can also read of other interesting sighting, told in a very entertaining manner. In his blog, Manolo said that this same bird could have been seen on the 6th of December, although not for certain.

[NOTES. Subsequent to the publication of this post has received information from a previous observation made ​​in Madrigalejo on December 3, 2012 by Jose Manuel Vadillo. The December 30, 2012 was found by Jose Tapia and Maribel Jimenez a mixed roost with Marsh and Hen Harriers at Madrigalejo, Cáceres, where the pallid harrier sleep. Several others have observed it again in this roosting bird on 31 December 2012 and 4 and January 8, 2013 (Jose Tapia, Maribel Jimenez, Antonio Calvo, Sergio Mayordomo, César Clemente, Pepe Guisado, Pilar Goni, Lola Huerta, Mariano Martinez, José Guerra and Marc Galvez).]

Like the previous two observations in Extremadura, this one is an adult male, the plumage of which makes it easier to identify, which also suggests that the presence of immatures or females could be going unnoticed. The previous two sightings in Extremadura, both in Badajoz, were on a migratory path. The presence of Pallid Harrier winter in Iberia is recent, but increasing, and had already been predicted by some experts knowing the westward expansion of its breeding area in Europe. In the previous blog post we discussed the presence between November 2011 and January 2012 from various individuals, especially in Andalusia, but also in Gerona, Palencia and Valencia. In this winter 2012-2013 there are again sightings being reported of pallid Hrriers in Doñana and Cadiz. Luckily, Extremadura adjoins some wintering areas, so we have to be very careful and start studying the plumage of this beautiful bird.

THE WHITE-TAILED MOVES TO MONFRAGÜE

A white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), likely the same individual observed between 6 and 9 December in Talaván (Cáceres), has been observed on 24.12.12 in the Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (Cáceres), 27 km from the first observations. The excellent photographs shown below were taken by José Luis Rivero/Objetivo Vede. It therefore appears that the white-tailed eagle remains in the area, perhaps moving in search of food (carrion) with the large population of vultures of Monfragüe. To get an idea, in the Salto del Gitano in December and January congregate over 500 vultures every night to sleep.

[NOTES. Subsequent to the publication of this post, there are new information about this white-tailed eagle: seen the December 20, 2012 by two English tourists inside Monfragüe National Park, photographed by Luis J. Gonzalez on December 27, 2012 on the road between Torrejón el Rubio-Monroy and seen the January 8, 2013 by Ashley Saunders on Monroy, on the bridge over the River Almonte.]

DIVERS IN EXTREMADURA

Divers, or loons to Americans, are a small order of birds (Gaviformes), related to the penguins and seabirds, with only five species grouped into a genus (Gavia) and a family (Gaviidae). They are distributed in the northern hemisphere and are associated with aquatic environments, mainly in the interior during the breeding season, and in the sea out of the breeding season. No species of loon breeds in the Iberian Peninsula, where their presence is scarce in winter, being closely linked to coastal waters and appearing to be very rare inside. Despite the above, three species have been observed in Extremadura.

On December 3, 2012, a Common Loon (Gavia immer) juvenile appeared at a factory in an industrial area of Almendralejo (Badajoz), apparently wounded, as the plumage was bloodstained. Jesus Sánchez Cidoncha (photo 1) and Isabel Gonzalez Alcantara were alerted and called the AMUS recovery center in Villafranca de los Barros (Badajoz), where the bird was under observation. Fortunately it didn't appear hurt and bleeding could be due to some superficial wound caused by being trapped or whilst moving. Without further ado, the day after the issue was released by AMUS (Figure 2).

It is the fourth common loon observation in Extremadura. The above dates from January 25, 2009, when Godfried Schreur (photos 3 and 4) located a juvenile while on a transect to the atlas of wintering birds. Specifically it was seen in the Charco de la Virgen in Carrión, Alburquerque (Badajoz). On the previous night there was a strong wind from the west. On the same day of observation the bird flew to the southwest, but was observed again in the same pond between 13 and 15 February (J. P. Menendez).

The remaining events are recorded in the yearbooks "Birds of Extremadura". Thus, two separate adult Common Loon were seen in Gabriel y Galán reservoir (Cáceres) in March 1991 (Javier Briz) and Orellana Reservoir, Talarrubias (Badajoz), on April 15, 2008 (I. T. Escribano, Juan Gomez Navedo, José María Gutiérrez Abad and J. S. Gutiérrez / GIC-UEX). The Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) has two records, both in the Llanos de Cáceres: a juvenile in Petit de Abajo, Arroyo de la Luz, in January 1995 (Antonio Acha) and one on the reservoir Valdesalor on January 25, 1998 (M. Ruiz and A. Acha). Finally, the red-throated diver (Gavia stellata) has been observed only once: a juvenile at Cornalvo Reservoir (Badajoz) on April 22, 2000 (J. Matute, Goyo Para and R. Sanchez Herrero).

Sources:
- Prieta, J. and S.Mayordomo 2011. Birds of Extremadura. Vol 4. 2004-2008. SEO-Cáceres. Plasencia. [Download]

FIRST WHITE-TAILED EAGLE FOR EXTREMADURA

On the holiday weekend between 6th and 9th of December, 2012, a juvenile White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) was observed and photographed at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) by Julio Gutierrez. This is the first observation of this species in Extremadura, well away from former Spanish records, making the sighting even more interesting. Unfortunately were no further sightings during the following days, and although several people visited Talaván on the 10th and 11th, the eagle has not been seen again.

The White-tailed Eagle is a large raptor which is distributed throughout the temperate and aboreal regions of Eurasia. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 pairs worldwide. In Europe it is limited to the north and east, but in the not too distant past it was also present in the Mediterranean. The last sightings date back to 1956 in Sardinia and Corsica 1968, 1975 and in 1983 in Algeria and Morocco. It was also suspected to have bred in the Peninsula and the Balearics. The European population is mainly resident, but some birds, especially immatures, move south during the winter (October to March). In parallel to the increase in the breeding population, observations in southern Europe are becoming more frequent. Thus, in the French Camargue usually about 20 birds winter.

In Spain this sighting is exceptionally far south. Multiple records are known from the 19th century, but only three from the 20th century: Castellón in 1944, Santoña (Cantabria) in 1944 and in 1953 in the Ebro Delta. The sighting at Santoña was first reported much later. In the 21th century there are at least eight records:

1 - Mallorca. December 2001-February 2002. Second winter bird. Accepted.
2 - Santoña (Cantabria). From 14/12/03 to 05/03/04. Immature. Accepted.
3 - Viana (Navarra). Ringed bird from Sweden. From 15 to 20/12/04 and unconfirmed sightings until February 2005, in Navarra, and in areas close in La Rioja and Treviño (Burgos). First winter bird . Accepted.
4 - Zudaire (Navarra). 28/12/2005. First winter bird . Accepted..
5 - Ordesa (Huesca). February 2007. In a feeding station for vultures. 1st or 2nd winter bird. Accepted.
6 - Aiguamolls de Empordà (Gerona). From 19/02/11 to 09/03/11. First winter bird. Pending acceptance.
7 - Carcastillo (Navarra). On a rubbish tip. From 03/01/12 to 08/01/12. Second winter bird. Pending acceptance.
8 - Talaván (Cáceres). From 6 to 9/12/12. First winter bird. Pending acceptance.

All observations have been in winter, between December and early March, and except for the Caceres bird, all have occurred in the northeast of the peninsular and the Balearic Islands, as shown on the map.

Sources:

- De Juana, E. 2006. Aves raras de España. Lynx Edicions. Barcelona.

- Comité de Rarezas de SEO. Diversos informes. Ardeola.

- Rare Bird in Spain (web) y Reservoir Birds (web).

NOVEMBER 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

A list of the most interesting observations sent to the GOCE forum in November 2012, Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo

Pink-footed Goose: One at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 02/11 (Vicente Risco and  Javier Briz), 03/11 (Sergio Mayordomo, Ricardo Montero and Eva Palacios), 11/11 (Javier Prieta) and 16/11 (R. Montero). Third for Extremadura.
Greater White-fronted Goose: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC)  3 adults on 11/11 (Sammy Langlois, J. Prieta and Dave Langlois), a juvenile on 19/11 (César Clemente) and 2 adults and a juvenile on 23/11 (S. Mayordomo).
Bar-headed Goose: One at Vega Zarzalejos, Logrosán (CC), on 11/11 (S. Mayordomo and Luis Salguero).
Canada Goose: One atVega Zarzalejos, Logrosán (CC), on 04/11 (L. Salguero and José Ángel Sánchez). One at the lagunas de Torremejía (BA) on 24/11 (Fergus Crystal and Antonia Cangas).
Barnacle Goose: One at Vega del Haza, Malpartida de Plasencia (CC), on 19/11 (J. Prieta), 22/11 (Antolín Redondo) and 25/11 (S. Mayordomo).
Egyptian Goose: At the embalse de Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), 3 on 09/11 (S. Mayordomo) and 11/11 (Yolanda Muñoz, Teresa Laguna, S. Mayordomo, Pilar Alonso, Luis A. Rodríguez, José M. Ruiz, Jesús Mora and Alfredo Vivas).
Common Shelduck: One at Valdecañas (CC) on 23/11 (S. Mayordomo).
Ruddy Shelduck: One at the charca de Morantes (BA) on 01/11 (Pablo Herrador and José Luis Bautista) and on 04/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 03/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).

Red-crested Pochard: At the Manantío/Gravera Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), 2 individuals on 04/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 2 mmales on 18/11 (José Carlos López -photo-). 2 males at Los Canchales (BA) on 04/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). At Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), a male on 09/11 (S. Mayordomo and A.Vivas), 2 males on 10/11 (Y. Muñoz, T. Laguna, S. Mayordomo, P. Alonso, L. A. Rodríguez, J. M. Ruiz, J. Mora and A. Vivas) and 7 on 25/11 (Jesús Solana). At the embalse de Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), 8 individuals on 17/11 (Martin Kelsey) and 4 on 18/11 (SEO-Badajoz).
Ferruginous Duck: At Manantío/Gravera Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), one on 04/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 2 on 24/11 (J. Solana). Uone at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 09/11 (S. Mayordomo). 3 at the embalse de Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), on 18/11 (SEO-Badajoz).
Common Quail: 2 flushed by a hunter at Santa Amalia (BA) on 18/11 (SEO-Badajoz).
Black-necked Grebe: One at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 10/11 (Vanessa de Alba, Francisco Montaño and Antonio Núñez). One at the embalse del Paredón, Campanario (BA), on 23/11 (William Haworth and Juan Pablo Prieto). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 25/11 (J. Solana).

Common Flamingo: UA juvenile in the rice fields at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (BA-CC) on 12/11 (Vega y Antonio Calvo).
Glossy Ibis: 25 between Torremayor and Montijo (BA) on 04/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). 15 entering the roost at the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), on 12/11 (Sergio Pérez Gil).
Great Bittern: One seen at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 10/11 (M. Kelsey).
Squacco Heron: In the River Guadiana in Badajoz, one on 01/11 y 03/11 (Juan Carlos Paniagua), 2 and 3 individuals on 04/11 and 10/11 (Juan Carlos Salgado), 8 on 13/11 (Atanasio Fernández) and 3 on 19/11 (Mariano Martínez). One in the rice fields of El Batán (CC) on 01/11 (S. Mayordomo). At the  embalse de Arrocampo (CC), 2 on 10/11 (M. Kelsey) and 3 on 11/11 (Cristina Delgado).
Great-white Egret: Concentrations: At the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), 9 on 12/11 (S. Pérez Gil) and 24 individuals on 25/11 (Ángel Sánchez). 9 at the el embalse de Talaván (CC) on 25/11 (S. Mayordomo).
Black Stork: One at the Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 06/11 (Raúl Virosta). One at the charca de Corral Alto, Zorita (CC), on 09/11 (S. Mayordomo). At the finca Solana, Herrera de Alcántara (CC), one on 12/11 and 14/11 (Antonio Galán). On 13/11 22 individuals were seen at the embalse de Orellana (BA) (Francisco Rodríguez and Ángel Luis Sánchez) and one at Vega del Haza, Malpartida de Plasencia (CC) (Raúl Sancho). One at the río Budión, Valverde de Burguillos (BA), on 19/11 (V. de Alba). At the charca de Fresnedillas, Oliva de Plasencia (CC), 4 on 19/11, one ringed in Czechoslovakia (R. Montero on J. Prieta), 2 on 21/11 (R. Montero) and a different 4 individuals, including another ringed in Czechoslovakia on 25/11 (Rubén Borrega and Pablo Núñez). One was seen flying over Torremayor (BA) on 21/11 (Francisco Lopo). 2 at the río Tiétar in Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 27/11 (Pedro Gómez).
Osprey: On  09/11 one was seen at the embalse de Gargáligas, Puebla de Alcocer-Logrosán (BA-CC) (S.Mayordomo) and a juvenile ringed in Scotland at the embalse de Gabriel y Galán (CC) (José A. Manzanedo). One at the Azud del Ruecas, Logrosán (CC), on 11/11 (Y. Muñoz, T. Laguna, S. Mayordomo, P. Alonso, L. A. Rodríguez, J. M. Ruiz, J. Mora and A. Vivas). 2 at the embalse de Cubilar, Logrosán (CC), on 18/11 (SEO-Badajoz). One at the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), on 25/11 (Á. Sánchez).
Black Kite: 2 at the weir in Badajoz on 10/11 (J. C. Paniagua). One at Casatejada (CC) on 14/11 (Isabel Gallardo).
Booted Eagle: Throughout the month 1-2 pale phased individuals have been seen in Mérida (BA) (S. Pérez Gil, F. Lopo and Á. Sánchez). One pale phased at Plasencia (CC) on 02/11 (J. Prieta). One at Sierra de Fuentes (CC) on 10/11 (Javier Zalba and Felipe Holgado). One at Badajoz on 13/11 (A. Fernández). One at Galisteo (CC) on 29/11 (R. Montero).
Goshawk: At the Raña de Alía (CC), one on 01/11 and 07/11 (Noelia Baeza, Jorge Ángel Herrera and Jaime Cerezo). One at the embalse del Borbollón, Santibáñez el Alto (CC), on 20/11 (Á. Sánchez).
Lesser Kestrel: One at Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 06/11 (J. Briz). An adult male perched at   the charca de San Lázaro, Trujillo (CC), on 29/11 (Genaro Sánchez).
Little Bustard: 16 at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 18/11 (S. Langlois and D. Langlois).

Red-knobbed Coot: One in a group of 125 Common Coots at the embalse de Valdecañas, Bohonal de Ibor (CC), on 23/11 (S. Mayordomo -fphoto-) and on 24/11 (V. Risco, Miguel Ángel Muñoz, J. Briz and E. Palacios). Third sighting for Extremadura.
Common Avocet: On 18/11 2 were seen at Santa Amalia (BA) (SEO-Badajoz) and 4 at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (BA-CC) (C. Clemente). 8 at the embalse de Gabriel y Galán (CC) on 30/11 (Andrés Maestre).
Kentish Plover: At the embalse de Valdecañas (CC), 20 on 11/11 (J. Prieta) and 12 on 13/11 (S. Mayordomo). 4 at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 12/11 and 17/11 (M. Kelsey). Various individuals  at Santa Amalia (BA) on 18/11 (SEO-Badajoz). 5 at Palazuelo (BA) on 20/11 (W. Haworth y J. P. Prieto).
Eurasian Curlew: One at the embalse de Villanueva de los Barros (BA) on 10/11 (V. de Alba, F. Montaño and A. Núñez). One in the rice fields at Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) on 17/11 (M. Kelsey).
Spotted Redshank: 2 at  Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 13/11 and 6 in the rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 14/11 (S. Mayordomo). One in the rice fields of Santa Amalia (BA) on 18/11 (SEO-Badajoz). 8 in the rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 20/11. El 25/11 and one was seen at the embalse del Sotillo, Monroy (CC), and another at the charca del Excedente, Talaván (CC) (S. Mayordomo).
Yellow-legged Gull: A third winter bird at the weir in Badajoz on 10/11 (J. C. Paniagua). An adult at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) on 23/11 (S. Mayordomo). 3 at the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA),on 25/11 (Á. Sánchez).
Stock Dove: 40 at Casas de Hitos, Madrigalejo (CC), on 15/11 (M. Kelsey).

Long-eared Owl: One at IES Zurbarán de Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) until 21/11 (V. Risco and J. Briz) and continued to the end of the month (V. Risco, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Briz, E. Palacios -photo- and C. Clemente).
Short-eared Owl: One in Cáceres harrassed by Magpies on 22/11 (Florencio Carrero)
Pallid Swift: Present at Alange (BA) on 04/11 (Elvira del Viejo, A. Cangas, Thor y Per). 2-3 in Alange (BA) between 09/11 and 29/11 (J. Solana).
Rose-ringed Parakeet: One at  Puente Vadillo, Cáceres, on 13/11 (J. L. Bautista). One at the roundabout Méridas del Mundo, Mérida, (BA) on 15/11 (Á. Sánchez).
Wryneck: One at Hernán Cortés (BA) on 02/11 (J. P. Prieto). One in Mérida (BA) on 03/11 (Á. Sánchez). One at the río Jerte en Plasencia (CC), one on 05/11 (R. Montero) and 19/11 (S. Mayordomo).
Bearded Tit: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 10/11 (M. Kelsey).
House Martin: 8 entering the roost at puente del ferrocarril en La Zarza (BA) on 10/11. One at Alange (BA) on 14/11 and 22/11 (J. Solana).
Red-rimped Swallow: One in Plasencia (CC) on 02/11 and 16/11 (R. Montero). One in the Plaza Mayor de Trujillo (CC) on 07/11 (M.Kelsey).
Yellow-browed Warbler:  One at La Tenzuela, Madroñera (CC), on 12/11 (Juan Carlos Molina and Collin Jewitt). First for Extremadura.

Goldcrest: 4 at Piornal (CC) on 01/11 (Jesús Sánchez). At least one at the río Ibor, Alía (CC), on 06/11 (N. Baeza, J. Á. Herrera and J. Cerezo). At Riomalo de Arriba (CC), 2 on 02/11 and 12 on 27/11 (A. Pacheco). 7 at La Tenzuela, Madroñera (CC), on 13/11 (Steve Fletcher -photo- and C. Jewitt). 2 in Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 18/11 (Álvaro Díaz).
Pied Wagtail : Subespecie M. a. yarrellii: One at Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 03/11 (J. Briz and Alejandro Briz) and on 28/11 (Isabel Gallardo). One at the charca de Esparragalejo (BA) on 04/11 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at the weir in Badajoz on 10/11 (J. C. Paniagua). One in the rice fields at Riolobos (CC) on 18/11 (S. Mayordomo).
Brambling: One at Raña de Alía (CC), 3 on04/11 and 4 on 07/11 (N. Baeza, J. Á. Herrera and J. Cerezo). One at Pago de San Clemente (CC) on 07/11 (M. Kelsey). A group of 400 at Galisteo (CC) on 17/11 (R. Montero). One at the río Jerte, Plasencia (CC), on 22/11 (J. Sánchez). One at Jarandilla de la Vera (CC) on 25/11 (Joaquín García).
Bullfinch: 7 eeating the fruit of a strawberry tree at Puebla de Obando (BA) on 01/11 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista). 5 individuals, 2 males and 3 females, at Riomalo de Arriba (CC) on 08/11 (A. Pacheco). Present in Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 16/11 and 19/11 (D. Langlois). A male at Las Corchuelas, Monfragüe (CC), on 28/11 (S. Mayordomo). At the  río Guadajira, La Lapa (BA), a pair on 28/11 and 29/11 (F. Montaño). 3 at el huerto del Ojaranzo, Monfragüe (CC), on 30/11 (M. García del Rey, C. Clemente and Carlos Dávila).
Common Crossbill: One in flight at Monfragüe (CC) on 18/11 (Cris Mills). A male in flight in pines at Cañaveral (CC) on 22/11 (S. Mayordomo).

First winter visitor sightings

Redwing: 5 at Villanueva de la Vera (CC) on 20/11 (D. Langlois). One at the río Jerte en Plasencia (CC) on  22/11 (J. Sánchez).
Alpine Accentor: On  22/11 30-40 individuals were seen at the sierra del Ladrillar (CC) (A. Pacheco) and 4 at the sierra del Castellar, Zafra (BA) (F. Montaño and A. Núñez -fotografía-).





Late summer migrant sightings

Short-toed Eagle: One at Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) on 05/11 (M. Kelsey).
Alpine Swift: In Mérida (BA) s40-50 individuals were seen on 04/11 (Á. Sánchez) and several were heard on 11/11 (S. Pérez Gil). 400 were at the presa de Alange (BA) on 04/11 (E. del Viejo, A. Cangas, Thor and Per).

Willow Warbler: One at Plasencia (CC) on 22/11 (J. Sánchez Cidoncha).
Spotted Flycatcher: One at Casas de Belvís (CC) on 10/11 (J. Briz).
Pied Flycatcher: One at Mohedas de Granadilla (CC) on 10/11 (Fernando Ruedas). One caught and ringed at the río Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 18/11 (GIA Extremadura).
Whinchat: One at Los Cerralbos, Trujillo (CC), on 18/11 (M. Kelsey).
Northern Wheatear: One at El Gordo (CC) on 02/11 (V. Risco and J. Briz). One at La Pulgosa, Cáceres, on 09/11 (M. Kelsey).
Woodchat Shrike: One at the embalse del Salor, Cáceres, on 25/11 (Antonio Ceballos -photo-).