PURPLE HERON IN EXTREMADURA

The purple heron (Ardea purpurea) was one of the species covered by the national census in 2011 ardeids promoted by SEO/BirdLife (Garrido et al., 2012). The registered population in Extremadura was 105 pairs, representing only 2% of total the Spanish population (5379 pairs). The most important regions were Andalusia (70%, mostly in Doñana) and, to a lesser extent, Catalonia (13%, 10% in the Ebro Delta). The purple heron trend in Spain is positive, although subject to significant fluctuations depending on the water situation in Doñana. There was an increase between 1960 and 1997 to 2003 and stability further increased in 2011. In Extremadura the heron was found in 11 colonies in eight locations. Most are in mixed colonies (except Zújar River and three isolated pairs) and the nesting sites were in marsh vegetation (90% of pairs), although in several colonies nests are built in trees and shrubs.

Breeding of the purple heron is a recent development in Extremadura, known only from the 1990s. The first colony was reported as Arrocampo reservoir, occupied first in 1992 and an estimated 50 pairs in 1994. The second colony, on the river Zújar, was discovered in 1996, reporting two pairs in 1998. The third location was the dam of Montijo, occupied by six pairs in 1997. Valdecaballeros  has had perhaps some nesting pairs since 1998 (for sure since 2004) and the Guadiana River in Badajoz since 2000. The Alqueva dam reported seven breeding pairs in 2007 and the two remaining colonies (Orellana and Los Molinos) were recorded for the first time in the 2011 census. Apart from these places, there have been casual reports of  the purple heron breeding  at the reservoirs of Portaje and Valuengo and Guadiana river, but not confirmed. There was a failed breeding attempt at the pond of La Calera, Toril (two pairs in 2007)

When assessing the regional trend it must be taken into account that there has been no previous censuses of the species. In 1994 it were estimated there were about 50 pairs in the only colony in Arrocampo. In 2002 it was estimated 70-80 pairs in three colonies: Arrocampo 50-60, Montijo reservoir 15 and River Zújar 5 couples. In 2007 there was a survey of breeding waterbirds, counting 142 adults purple herons in 52 Extremadura wetlands (11% of those sampled), mostly feeding sites close to breeding colonies. Thus in Arrocampo and its surroundings they were at at 14 sites, in the Guadiana between Merida and Alqueva in 18 locations, in two at Zújar River, four on the river Guadalupejo and 14 at other scattered locations. In 2008 the first census was conducted specifically at Arrocampo, with a count of 40-45 pairs, 26 of them successful (Garcia and Prieta, 2011). The second census was collected here in 2011 with 46 pairs, in line with all previous numbers, suggesting a high stability in this colony since its formation. At the Guadiana basin, the trend is positive, with the progressive occupation of new locations and a sharp increase in the number of breeding pairs, peaking (10 colonies and 59 pairs) in 2011.

As for the winter period, the presence of the heron is anecdotal in Spain and Extremadura. In January 2011, only three were found in Spain (Salamanca, Huelva and Malaga). In winter there are some records Extremadura, both adult and immature, aat Vegas Altas and Arrocampo.

Sources:
- Garrido, J. R., Molina, B. y del Moral, J. C. (Eds.) 2012. Las garzas en España, población reproductora e invernante en 2010-2011 y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid.  [download]
- García del Rey, M. y Prieta, J.. 2011. Censo de garza imperial (Ardea purpurea) en el Parque Ornitológico de Arrocampo. En, Prieta, J. y Mayordomo, S. 2011. Aves de Extremadura, vol. 4. 2004-2008. SEO-Cáceres. Plasencia. [download]
- Aves de Extremadura. Volúmenes 1, 2, 3 y 4. Años 1998-2008. [download]

Collaborators 2011 survey: Coordinators: Javier Prieta (Cáceres) y José María Traverso (Badajoz). Badajoz: Alfredo Mirat, Antonio García-Ortiz, Antonio Núñez Ossorio, Carmen Galán, Casimiro Corbacho, Emilio Costillo, Fernando Yuste, Jesús Morena, Jesús Solana, José Ángel Salas, José Antonio Fimia, José Elías Rodríguez Vázquez, José Gordillo, José María Traverso, Juan Antonio Barquero, Juan Carlos Paniagua, Luis Galán, María J. García-Baquero, Patricia Gordón, Toribio Álvarez y Xurxo Piñeiro. Cáceres: Agustín Morena, Carmelo Fernández Martínez, César Clemente, Emilio Costillo, Helios Dalmau, Javier Briz, Francisco Javier Caballero, Javier Mahíllo, Javier Prieta, Jerónimo Jaén, Jesús Montero, Juan Manuel Brías, Julián Panadero, Manuel García del Rey, María José Moreno, Martín Kelsey, Sergio Mayordomo y Vicente Risco.

RING-BILLED GULL. SECOND IN EXTREMADURA

On March 18, 2013 for the second time in Extremadura, a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) was seen in the rice fields of Santa Amalia (Badajoz) by José Guerra, Marc Galvez (pictured) and Fernando Yuste. The purpose of the field trip was to find 24 flamingos that appeared in the area the day before, and also to see waders. Among the many gulls present, which is unusual at this time, a gull was photographed and looking at the photos more closely it proved to be a Ring-billed Gull in second winter plumage. To verify, identification experts were consulted (Albert Cama and Daniel Lopez Velasco) who then confirmed the species. Read more on the personal blog of Jose and Marc.

Therefore, it is the second record for Extremadura, after one seen on the River Guadiana it passes through Badajoz, in the winter of 2008-2009. The first case was a first winter bird viewed from the Old Bridge in Badajoz between late 2008 and January 31, 2009 (Joaquin Mazon -bottom photo-, Jose Manuel Caballero, Salvador Solis and Juan Carlos Paniagua).

Ringed-bll Gull is a bird of North American origin. This is the Nearctic gull observed in greatest numbers in Western Europe. Although in Spain it is known of the 1950 ringings in the Great Lakes region, the species was not seen in Europe until the 1970s. Thereafter it began to be increasingly frequent in the next three decades, the cumulative number of birds seen in the UK, France, Portugal and Spain approached two thousand. Therefore, this gull was removed from the lists of rarities from the above countries. The distribution and Iberian phenology is typical of Nearctic gulls, with a high presence in the Northwest coast during winter, although there are records every month of the year and some remain even in summer. The regions accumulating more recordings are Asturias and Galicia, also being present, although in small numbers, in the Mediterranean coast of western Andalusia. To our knowledge, the first date in the interior of Spain is the one referred to in Badajoz in 2008. Then there are records in the dump of Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real): first winter birds in February-March 2009 and February-April 2010 (Gabriel Martin), and in Madrid: at least five recordings in the landfills of Pinto and Colmenar Viejo, first and second winter and an adult, on 05/02/2010, 25/11/2012, 02/12/2012, 06/12/2012 and 02/08/2013 (Madrid Gull Team), and a first winter from 14/12/2011 to 26/02/2012 in the river Manzanares in Madrid (M. Fernandez Lamadrid). It is interesting to note the observation of an apparent hybrid gull (Larus fuscus x. L. delawarensis) for five winters, moving progressively from first winter plumage to adult plumage in Pinto landfill, 30/11/2008, and at Colmenar Viejo, on 15/11/2009, 28/11/2010 and 12/10/2012 (Delfin Gonzalez and Juan M. Ruiz

RARE BIRDS IN EXTREMADURA 2010

The last volume of the Ardeola journal (vol. 59-2, December 2012) contains the report of the Spanish Rarities Committee for the year 2010. Of the approved 360 citations, only ten records were in Extremadura. Because in May 2010 this blog begun, most of them have more or less detailed posts. As a reminder they are presented below.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podylimbus podiceps). An indeterminate age male was seen in the Pond at Huerta de la Magdalena, Trujillo, Caceres, on 13, 14 and 15 May 2010 (Nigel Milbourne, John Barnet, Jack Willmott, Sid Massey, Jesus Porras and Pieter Vantieghem). This is the first sighting in the southern half of the peninsula and the only one in Extremadura. [See post and photography]

Marabou Stork (Leptotilos crumeniferus). A new record of a bird seen in October and November 2008 at Acehúche and Plasencia (Cáceres). The same individual was seen on February 28, 2009 by Manuel Perez Gonzalez at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres). [See post and photography]

Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppellii). Two observations have been approved, both in Monfragüe (Cáceres). One is for the year 2008: in Tietar Portilla an immature was observed on May 24, 2008 (Alfonso López and Ángela Molina). [See post and photography]. The second was in 2010: a second-year bird seen in the Salto del Gitano on 5 and 6 June 2010 (Sergio Mayordomo, Jesus Porras, Ernest Garcia, Manuel Garcia del Rey and others). [See post and photography].

Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni). This record has never been reported in this blog. An adult was picked up exhausted in the industrial area at Plasencia (Cáceres) on January 25, 2010 (Nuria Carrasco -author of photography, provided by Antonio Castellanos-). It was then transferred to the Centro de Recuperación de Los Hornos (Sierra de Fuentes, Cáceres), where it died the next day. This is the only report for Extremadura and the tenth in mainland Spain.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos). Two juveniles were seen in the lagoon of Galisteo (Cáceres) on 17 to 19 September 2010 (Ricardo Montero, Sergio Mayordomo, Javier Prieta, Cesar Clemente, Eva Palacios, Miguel Ángel Muñoz and José Ramón Martín). This is the sixth sighting approved in Extremadura [View post and photographs]

Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis). A juvenile was observed at Valdecañas Reservoir, El Gordo (Cáceres), on 15 October 2010 (Angel Sanchez). First record approved for Extremadura [View post and photographs]

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus). A first winter bird was seen at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on September 8, 2010 (Fernando Yuste and others). Possibly the same bird was seen again in Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on September 14, 2010 (José María Benítez). This record was treated only briefly in a monthly summary in this blog (September 2010). Photographs taken by José María Benítez can be seen in the following links: here and here.

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii). An individual was seen on January 2, 2010 at Pela Navalvillar paddies, Badajoz (Antonio Ceballos), and Casas de Hitos and localities, Navalvillar Pela (Badajoz)-Madrigalejo (Cáceres), on 24 and 28 January 28 and February 1, 2010 (Local Group SEO-Cáceres). It is the only known record in mainland Spain. However, this species is currently included in the D (origin uncertain) in the list of birds of Spain, but in Europe there are known cases of natural arrivals. [See post and photography]

Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). A record of a bird seen in La Serena, Badajoz, on April 22, 2007 (Jorgen Ballegaard and Alex Kirk Sand) has been approved. It is certainly of this species but had leashes so had escaped from captivity or falconry. So it goes to swell the list of Class E and is not considered a natural vagrant.

Apart from sightings approved, there have been others rejected. Specifically two Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus): the first in Belen, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 11 June 2010 and the second in Los Cerralbos, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 22 June 2010. This does not mean that they can not be of that species, especially as it is so difficult to identify this species safely. Here you can read a review of this species, including photographs of one of the rejected specimens. It also rejects a Common pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) seen in the Alqueva reservoir (Badajoz) on January 8, 2009. In this case, the description is considered insufficient, however, it is known that this birds corresponds to this species according to other accounts from the Spanish and Portuguese sides of this reservoir.

FEBRUARY 2013: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis). Madrigalejo ricefields (Cáceres). By Ángel Sánchez.

List of the most interesting observations during February 2013. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo.

Bean Goose: On 02/02 the first winter bird seen in January was seen at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA) (Guillermo Mayor, Jaime Tolosa, José Guerra, Julio Merayo, Marc Gálvez and María José Valencia).
White-fronted Goose: Again 2 individuals were seen at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC), on 03/02 (Dave Langlois, Javier Briz, Manuel García del Rey, Samuel Langlois and Vicente Risco). And the 2 seen in January were seen at the embalse del Borbollón (CC) on 11/02 (César Clemente, Goyo Naharro and Javier Mahillo).
Barnacle Goose: Again one seen at the embalse del Salor (CC) on 09/02 (C. Clemente and Sergio Mayordomo).
Egyptian Goose: One at the embalse de la Solana, Herrera de Alcántara (CC), on 06/02 (Justo Tarriño and Raúl Méndez). 2 at the embalse de Orellana (BA) on 17/02 (C. Clemente, Eva Palacios, Lorenzo Alcántara, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo). 2 at the embalse del Salor, Cáceres, on 23/02 (Carlos Fernández).
Ruddy Shelduck: A pair at the Charca de la Zarzuela, Calzadilla (CC), on 15/02 (Ángel Rodríguez).
Common Shelduck: 22 in the ricefields of Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (BA-CC) on 10/02 (Antonio Calvo). On 24/02 more than 15 at the embalse de Valdecañas (CC) (Pepe Guisado and Pilar Goñi) and 30 at the embalse de Sierra Brava, Zorita (CC) (Martin Kelsey).
 

Australasian Shoveler: (Anas rhynchotis): A male at the embalse de Orellana, near Casas de Don Pedro (BA), on 17/02 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios -photo-, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
Red-crested Pochard: 27 individuals, 15 males and 12 females, at Valdelagrana, La Albuera (BA), on 12/02 (Ángel Sánchez and José Manuel Rama). A male at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 16/02 (Paco Bernáldez). 21 at the Lagunas de La Albuera (BA) on 28/02 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
Ferruginous Duck: 3 at the Charca de la Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC) on 17/02 (J. Solana).
Greater Scaup: A female was last seen at the Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 03/02 (D. Langlois, J. Briz, M. García del Rey, S. Langlois and V. Risco). A female at Valdelagrana, Badajoz (BA), on 12/02 (Á. Sánchez and J. M. Rama).
Common Quail: One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 07/02 (Fernando Yuste). One at Montehermoso (CC) on 11/02 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). One at the embalse de Los Canchales (BA) on 13/02 (J. Solana). One at the gravel pit of El Soto, Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 24/02 (M. Gálvez).
Black-necked Grebe: One at the embalse de Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 02/02 (Antonio Núñez, Francisco Montaño, Iván Sánchez, J. Solana and Vanessa de Alba). At the embalse de Orellana 36 were seen on 07/02 (John Muddeman) and 21 on 17/02 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, L. Alcántara, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
Great Bittern: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 03/02 (Pablo García and Rafael Vicente) and on 04/02 (Luis Sitges).
 

Little Bittern: At least one at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 13/02 (S. Mayordomo). On the River Guadiana passing through Badajoz one was seen on 16/02 (Juan Carlos Salgado), 2 on 18/02 and 4 on 21/02 (Juan Carlos Paniagua -photo-).
Night Heron: One at the River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 07/02 (J. Solana). At the River Jerte in Plasencia (CC) one was seen on 12/02 and 25/02 (S. Mayordomo). 4 at the embalse de Montijo, Mérida (BA), on 16/02 (Sergio Pérez Gil). 2 at the River Guadiana in Badajoz on 24/02 (J. Guerra).
Squacco Heron: One at Arrocampo (CC) on 04/02 (L. Sitges), 13/02 (S. Mayordomo) and 23/02 (P. Guisado and P. Goñi). At the River Guadiana in Badajoz one was seen on 16/02 (J. C. Salgado), 18/02 (J. C. Paniagua) and 26/02 (I. Sánchez), and 2 on 21/02 (J. C. Paniagua) and 24/02 (J. Guerra).
Glossy Ibis: 9 at the weir of La Pesquera, Badajoz, on 26/02 (I. Sánchez).
Common Flamingo: One in flight above Carcaboso (CC) and then with a group of storks on 24/02 (Sociedad Zoológica de Extremadura).
Egyprian Vulture: At the roost in the centre of Caceres 36 individuals on 02/02 (Ángel Rodríguez, Á. Sánchez, Ángel Luis Sánchez, Fermi Martínez, Isabel Alcántara, Jesús Sánchez, Manuela Rodríguez and Roberto Sánchez).
Pallid Harrier: The male was still seen at Madrigalejo (CC) between 02/02 and 23/02 (Ángel Martínez, Á. Sánchez, C. Clemente, E. Palacios, Gregorio García, G. Mayor, J. Tolosa, Javier Gómez Aoiz, Javier Martínez, Jesús Ruiz, J. Guerra, José Portillo, José Antonio López, J. Merayo, M. García del Rey, M. Gálvez, M. J. Valencia, Pedro Tapia, S. Mayordomo, Steve Fletcher and Verónica López).
Goshawk: One at Alía (CC) on 10/02 (Jaime Cerezo, Jorge Ángel Herrera and Noelia Baeza). A female at Campillo de Llerena (BA) on 16/02 (F. Montaño, Gema Montaño, Gustavo Gahete, Miguel Corvillo).
Possible Rough-legged Buzzard: One in the area of Santa Amalia-Hernán Cortés (BA) on 14/02 (Jorge Sánchez, José María Abad, Mo Verhoeven and Nathan Senner). Would be the first for Extremadura.
Booted Eagle: 2 pale morphs at Lobón (BA) on 20/02 and another, also a pale morph, in Mérida (BA) on 21/02 (Francisco Lopo).
 

Osprey: One at the weir on the River Guadiana, Badajoz, on 12/02 (I. Sánchez). At the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) one was seen on 13/02 (S. Mayordomo) and 18/02 (H. Zweers). One at Cerro Alto, Saucedilla (CC), on 27/02 (José Luis Rivero -photo-). One at the River Aljucén, Mérida (BA), on 28/02 (Á. L. Sánchez).
Little Bustard: One in flight over Casas del Castañar (CC) due north of the Sierra de Gredos on 22/02 (Javier Prieta).
Common Avocet: 4 at the Lagunas de La Albuera (BA) on 02/02 (SEO-Badajoz). One at the Lagunas del Hueco, Azuaga (BA), on 16/02 (F. Montaño, G. Montaño, G. Gahete, M. Corvillo).
Kentish Plover: 4 in the rice fiels of Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (BA-CC) on 10/02 (A. Calvo).
Eurasian Woodcock: One at the River Matachel, Alange (BA), on 25/02 (J. Guerra).
Whimbrel: 4 in the rice fields near Guadalperales (BA) on 20/02 (Hilario García). 17 at Galisteo (CC) on 23/02 (S. Mayordomo).
Spotted Redshank: One at the rice fields of Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (BA-CC) on 10/02 (A. Calvo).
Yellow-legged Gull: On 24/02 one was seen at the landfill of Villanueva de la Serena (BA) (M. Gálvez) and another at the River Guadiana in Badajoz (J. Guerra).
 

Little Gull: At the embalse de Orellana 2 were seen at the bay in Casas de Do Pedro (BA), an adult and a first winter 07/02 (Á. Sánchez -photo- and J. Muddeman) and 17/02 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo), and a second winter at the end of the reservoir as well on 17/02 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, L. Alcántara, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
Whiskered tern: One was seen in Mérida (BA) on 07/02 at the River Guadiana (J. Solana) and 18/02 and at the embalse de Montijo (S. Pérez Gil).
Stock Dove: 20 at (CC) on 13/02 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo).
Monk Parakeet: 4 at the Paseo Alto, Cáceres, on 28/02 (Ricardo Montero).
Long-eared Owl: One at Montehermoso (CC) on 05/02 (C. Clemente).
Short-eared Owl: 3 at Hernán Cortés (BA) on 24/02 (Á. Sánchez). One at Santa Amalia (BA) on 26/02 (F. Yuste).
Wryneck: On the river walk in Plasencia (CC) one was seen on 07/02 and 12/02 (S. Mayordomo). One at Monfragüe (CC) on 09/02 (Jesús Porras). One at Galisteo (CC) el 13/02 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo).
White Wagtail: Subespecie M. a. yarrellii: A female on the river walk in Plasencia (CC) on 07/02 (S. Mayordomo).
 

Alpine Accentor: One at the Pico de Villuercas (CC) on 07/02 (J. Muddeman). 2 at the sierra del Castellar, Zafra (BA) on 12/02 (José Antonio Delgado). More than 15 at la Bolla, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 14/02 (Alberto Pacheco). 2 at the castillo de Alange (BA) on 28/02 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).
Fieldfare: In Galisteo (CC) 10 were seen on 13/02 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo) and 15/02 (S. Mayordomo) and 8 on 16/02 (J. Prieta -photo- and Juan Carlos López). One at Valverde de la Vera (CC) on 16/02 (Pedro Gómez).
Willow Warbler: One at the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) on 03/02 (P. García and R. Vicente).
Goldcrest: 2 at Montehermoso (CC) on 02/02 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). One at the Puente de Hierro, Plasencia (CC), on 24/02 (S. Mayordomo).

Bearded Tit: At the embalse de Arrocampo (CC) 4 were seen, 3 males and a female on 03/02 (D. Langlois, J. Briz -photo-, M. García del Rey, S. Langlois and V. Risco) and 2 males on 13/03 (S. Mayordomo).
Wallcreeper: One at the Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 28/02 (Roque Belenguer).
 

Brambling: In Piornal (CC) various individuals were seen on 09/02 (E. Palacios and M. Á. Muñoz) and about 40 on 15/02 (Antolín Redondo and Leandro Rivas). The group were still present at the gravel pit of Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC): 15 on 13/02 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo), more than 17 on 15/02 (S. Mayordomo) and more than 5 on 16/02 (J. Prieta -photo-). A female was in a mixed group with chaffinches at Cabrero (CC) on 15/02 (J. Prieta).
Citril Finch: At Piornal (CC) 3 were seen at Pinar del Puerto on 05/02 (J. Prieta) and 6 at Pinar del Pueblo on 08/02 (J. Prieta y S. Mayordomo).
Bullfinch: At Villanueva de la Vera (CC), 4 were seen on 03/02, 2 females on 04/02 and a pair on 07/02 (D. Langlois). On 09/02 2 were seen at the Malvecino stream, Monfragüe (CC), (M. García del Rey) and a male at the embalse de Casa Zafra, Cáceres, (C. Clemente, Jorge Sánchez, Justo García, L. Alcántara, Olga Jiménez and S. Mayordomo).

FIRST PRE-BREEDING SIGHTINGS
Black Stork: 2 at cerro Lobo, Hornachos (BA), on 02/02 (Á. Sánchez). In Logrosán one was seen on 02/02 (Henk Zweers) and 2 on 08/02 (Emilio Peña). One with an unreadable ring at Toril (CC) on 04/02 (L. Sitges). One at Puerto Peña (BA) on 07/02 (J. Muddeman). 2 at Burguillos del Cerro (BA) on 16/02 (Francisco José Durán). One at Gargüera (CC) on 17/02 (Miguel Ángel Muñoz).
Black Kite: One at Valcorchero, Plasencia (CC), on 02/02 (M. Á. Muñoz). One at La Pesga (CC) on 06/02 (J. Muddeman). One at La Torre de Miguel Sesmero (BA) on 28/02 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).
Egyptian Vulture: One in flight over Aldea del Cano (CC) on 12/02 (José Carlos López). 2 at the Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 17/02 (José Casado). One at San Pedro de Mérida (BA) on 18/02 (Juan Pablo Prieto). On 24/02 8 were seen at los Canchos de Ramiro, Cachorrilla (CC), and another 2 on the sierra de Marisantos, Pescueza (CC) (Á. Rodríguez and M. Rodríguez). One at Oliva de Mérida (BA) on 26/02 (Antonia Cangas, Elvira del Viejo and Fergus Crystal).
Short-toed Eagle: One at Montehermoso (CC) on 14/02 (J. Mahillo). One at Castuera (BA) on 24/02 (M. Gálvez).
Scops Owl: One at La Haba (BA) on 23/02 (Francisco Javier Morcillo). One in Plasencia on 26/02 (J. Prieta).
Pallid Swift. Excluding the birds in Alange (BA), where about 2-3 birds have spent the winter and 10 were seen on 10/02 (J. Solana), the first arrivals at other sites were: 3 birds in Campo Lugar (CC) on 04/02 (A. Calvo), various in Montehermoso (CC) on 05/02 (C. Clemente), 2 at Usagre (BA) on 12/02 (F. Montaño), 10 birds in Mérida (BA) on 24/02 (S. Pérez Gil).
Alpine Swift: 15 at the dam in Alange (BA) on 28/02 (J. Solana, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, Marisa García Soria and S. Pérez Gil). 5 birds in Mérida (BA) on 06/03 (J. Solana).
Sand Martin: At the gravel pit of El Soto, Valverde de Mérida (BA), 5 were seen on 24/02 (M. Gálvez) and many on 28/02 (J. Solana, M. García Soria and S. Pérez Gil). 2 at the River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 25/02 (J. Solana).

WATERFOWL CENSUS IN SIERRA BRAVA AND LOCALITIES. JANUARY 2013

Shoveler (Anas clypeata). Detail of a typical raft in Sierra Brava Reservoir (Cáceres), on 12/1/2013. The shoveler was again the most numerous species in the wetlands of Vegas Altas (photo Eva Palacios)

As usual, during the month of January the wintering waterfowl census takes place in Extremadura. January 2013 was the second year  that the regional census was organized by SEO-Cáceres in collaboration with the Department of Environment of Extremadura.

The overall result of the region has yet to be finalised, as we are still waiting for some details, but here are the 2013 results from Sierra Brava reservoir and its surroundings. Also called Zona Centro de Extremadura and Vegas Altas, a term we prefer to call this complex of wetlands, the most important of Extremadura for waterfowl. Specifically eight wetlands have been the targets of the census: four reservoirs located north of the River Guadiana (Sierra Brava, Gargáligas, Cubilar y Ruecas), three ponds for livestock farming (Casas de Hitos, Moheda Alta y Majadas Altas) and a wide area of thousands of acres of irrigated crops, especially rice. During the waterfowl census there were also other small wetlands censused and stretches of the Guadiana river within the region of Vegas Altas, which however are not included in this analysis.

The following table shows counts of waterfowl, coot and grebes obtained in each of the eight wetlands cited. Compared to January 2012, when we used the same methodology and effort, it is seen that the total is very similar (one thousand birds more in 2013), but with a slightly different distribution. Sierra Brava Reservoir remains the most important, although decrease of 17,000 individuals. In contrast, the counts at the reservoirs of Cubilar and Gargáligas increase altogether 10,000 birds and 13,500 more in the ricefields, almost exclusively greylag goose. Majadas Altas ponds had reduced numbers down to a quarter, perhaps because during the previous weeks people have been hunting ducks here. The Casas de Hitos has lost almost all wildfowl after changing its use from agricultural to industrial (associated with a solar thermal plant). The comparison with the average of the 2002-2013 censuses is only indicative and should be treated with caution, since they were made with different teams and methods. Still, the 2013 figures are close to the average of the last 12 years.

The detected species and their abundance are given in another table. The most numerous were the shoveler and the greylag goose, with nearly 19,000. Next in importance the teal and pintail ducks, mallard and gadwall. All other species have less than a thousand individuals, their presence in some cases being anecdotal. Compared to January 2012, we see a sharp increase in the number of greylag geese, probably because of the major flooding of the rice fields. The pintail is maintained at levels, while other similar dabbling ducks decrease, in particular, gadwall,wigeon and coot. In 2013 there have been increasing of crested grebe and common pochard, the latter absent in 2012.

Considering exclusively Sierra Brava reservoir, the figures are lower by 17,000 ducks compared to 2012, affecting all species and most especially wigeon (seventh), Gadwall (fourth) and mallards (half). The only increase is the great crested grebe. However, we must bear in mind that the ducks use these dams as daytime resting sites, feeding at night in irrigated land by the day and returning to the same or different reservoir.

The method used was the same as in 2012. Reservoirs and ponds were surveyed in a coordinated system on January 12, 2012 by nine people divided into four teams. The irrigated areas were covered on 14 and 15 January by several teams with the main objective to census waders and cranes respectively, while obtaining information on other waterfowl, particularly on greylage geese. Except in Sierra Brava, in all places direct counts were made, although an estimate was made at Cubilar for the number of teal as to the difficulty of counting (5,000 birds). In the case of Sierra Brava, as in 2012, the method consisted of a mixture of direct census and photographic census. Certain reservoir areas and rare species were recorded in situ and numerous birds were counted after the photographs taken. Link here for more details of this method. Unfortunately, in 2013 the conditions for photography were much worse, due to wind and waves in the reservoir, which has become much more slow and laborious to carry out photographic counts.

As more than one has asked how to count in the pictures we have shown two cases. Above, marking various species by color (blue pintail, teal yellow, red shoveler). This system is very slow, so we preferred the picture below, which involves splitting the picture in sectors and making partial counts by species in each. In this particular example 1519 individuals have been counted, almost 1200 shovelers and the rest common teals and mallards. Photos by Eva Palacios.

Participants in the census of 2013 in Vegas Altas. Coordinador Javier Prieta.  12 January: Javier Prieta and Eva Palacios (Sierra Brava and Casas de Hitos); Marc Gálvez, José Guerra and César Clemente (Gargáligas, Ruecas and Cubilar); Sergio Mayordomo and Antonio Calvo (Majadas Altas and Sierra Brava); Óscar Llama and Javier Fernández (Moheda Alta and support at Sierra Brava). 14 January: Joaquín Fernández, Miguel Ángel Romo, Luis Lozano, Juan Pablo Prieto, Fernando Yuste, Ángel Sánchez, Domingo Rivera, Manuel Gómez Calzado, Ángel Luis Sánchez, Benigno Cienfuegos, Sergio Mayordomo, Marcelino Cardalliaguet, César Clemente, Javier Prieta and Emilio Jiménez. 15 January: José Antonio Román, Fernando Yuste, Marc Gálvez, José Guerra, Juan Pablo Prieto, Marcelino Cardalliaguet, Emilio Peña, José Luis Ciudad and Manuel Gomez Calzado.

POSSIBLE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD: ANOTHER NEW BIRD FOR EXTREMADURA

On February 14, 2013 a group of ornithologists from Holland, and the University of Extremadura were conducting daily monitoring of godwits (Limosa limosa) in rice fields between the towns of Santa Amalia and Hernán Cortés (Badajoz). Taking part were Nathan Senner, Mo Verhoeven, Jorge Sanchez and Jose Maria Abad. At one point a flock of godwits was unsuccessfully attacked by a raptor identified as as a Rough-legged Buzzard(Buteo lagopus). This species, which breeds in the Arctic tundra and winters in central latitudes of Eurasia and North America, is rare in Spain, but winters regularly in Holland, the Dutch observers being familiar with this species. The sighting was very quick, but enough to appreciate some features of this species: "Strikingly pale underparts with rust coloration in the greater and lesser  wing coverts, giving a slight impression of a Short-toed Eagle. Flight resembled a booted eagle, with rapid wing beats and glides. A darker abdomen contrasting with the light colors of the rump. " Nothing was said of the tail pattern, a characteristic necessary to reach a positive identification.

Having published the news, Fernando Yuste said that a few days earlier, on February 3, in Santa Amalia, he saw a pale buzzard,  it could be, or not, the same individual. Fernando managed to photograph it .... half a mile away (shown in the two photos). You can hardly make out any details except the white coloring, some dark areas on the belly (perhaps too small for this species) and what looks like a black band on the tail end (or perhaps an optical illusion).

The Rough-legged Buzzard is extremely rare in the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, only six records were approved up until 2010, all on the coast of Catalonia. The only twenty-first century report, is between 18.12.2010 and 09.03.2011, on the coast of Tarragona. There is another record pending acceptance, documented with photographs, in Gerona, on 4 and 05.03.2011. Both coincide with an exceptional high number of birds wintering in France (more than 200 individuals, when a normal year would have between 10 and maybe 30). However,  Reservoir Birds has 16 reports collected from up to 11 different samples, each in Catalonia, except for one in Mallorca (March 2012) and this in Badajoz (February 2013). The rest are distributed as follows: two birds in 2007/2008, one in 2008/2009 and six in 2010/2011. A review written by Ricard Gutiérrez et al. (2011) of all confirmed sightings in Spain can be read here. This Extremadura observation has been published on the web Rare Birds in Spain. A different issue will be the final validation, using the limited information available and knowing that most of the records of rare birds seen in Spain are not even sent to the rarities committee. We will have to wait a few months to accept this as the first sighting in Extremadura and the most southern in Spain.

Gutierrez, R, Escolà, A, Rodriguez G, Albert, C, Bed, A and Ollé, A. 2011. The Rough-legged Buzzards in Catalonia in February-March 2011, 6th-7th for Spain, and a review of Spanish records. http://www.rarebirdspain.net/arbsi038.htm

THE BITTERN IN EXTREMADURA

Bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Steve Fletcher.

If anything distinguishes the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) from other large birds it is the difficulty for observation. Much of the reason lies with their nocturnal habits, their ability to camouflage and also scarcity, quite a challenge for any fan of birds. In Extremadura there have not published bittern sightings until the late 1980s: one was hit near Moraleja (Agustin Iglesias). The next record shad to wait until September 1997, when a male was heard in the Laguna Grande de La Albuera (Gragera Francisco). Since 1998 sightings were reported from Arrocampo reservoir, the only regular presence in Extremadura. Against all odds, the first confirmed case of breeding in Extremadura took place at Casa Zafra Reservoir, Cáceres. In 2007 a male was heard rePeatedly calling and finally, on 08.05.2007, two juveniles were observed. At Casa Zafra a male was heard again in the spring of 2008, but this time breeding could not be confirmed (Jerónimo Jaén). We had to wait until 2012 to see the long suspected breeding bittern in Arrocampo reservoir. Specifically, an adult and two juveniles were observed on 07.07.2012 (Sergio Mayordomo). Therefore, the eight species of Iberian heron were all breeding, for the first time in Extremadura, in this unique reservoir.

The maps shows the locations where it is aware of the presence of bittern inExtremadura until 2012 . In such areas for breeding Arrocampo and Casa Zafra, join Montijo reservoir (one in fall 2001), Talaván rservoir (a bird on 22.11.2003, 12.03.2006 and 30.12.1007) and Santa Amalia ricefields (one on 01.11.2011). In January 2012 it was discovered a bittern in Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (S. Mayordomo) and shortly after they were found two individuals present (Javier Prieta), observed one of them until 12.03.2012. The presence of two individuals in a wetland so small suggests that the number of wintering bitternsExtremadura could be much higher than observed. In 2011-2012 there were at least five bittern in Extremadura : three at Arrocampo and two at Galisteo. In December 2012 have seen three Arrocampo from an observatory and may be more in other areas of the reservoir. In December 2012 was seen a bittern in Galisteo ricefields, an inauspicious area, and in January 2013 has again seen one in the nearby gravel pit of Valdefuentes.

The graphs show the temporal distribution of bittern in Extremadura with records up to 2012. In the red figures is Arrocampo Reservoir, a place that has 75% of the observations. For months, a pattern typically seen in winter (December to February shows the maximum), with the minimum being between June and August, when only one breeding pair remains. Regarding the annual trend highlights of 2012 when both Arrocampo as well as Galisteo became popular and were visited by numerous observers. Although the graph is proportionately very large in 2012, actually it is because of many observations of a few birds (half a dozen or so). This annual chart is not representative of the spread of the species, as the amount of effort depends heavily on information collection, dissemination, and largely by chance when locating bitterns.

Observers: Javier Briz, Francisco Lavado, Enrique Fernández Larreta, Saturnino Casasola, Vicente Risco, Dave Langlois, Samuel Langlois, A. Hernández, Fundación Global Nature, Monfragüe Vivo, Francisco Rámirez, Joaquín García, Miguel Ángel Muñoz, Fernando Yuste, Juan Pablo Prieto, J. Traín, S. Wood, Daniel López Velasco, Carlos González, Marta Zamora, Martin Kelsey, C. Delgado, Óscar González, Manuel García del Rey, Antonio Ceballos, Unai Fuentes, César Clemente, Javier Mahíllo, etc, etc, etc.