PHENOLOGY OF MIGRANT BIRDS IN EXTREMADURA

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RECORD YEAR FOR RÜPPELL’S VULTURE

In May 2013 we published two simultaneous observations of Rüppell’s Vultures Gyps rueppellii) in Extremadura, one in Badajoz province and the other in Cáceres. Thanks to the collaboration of photographers we now know of two further sightings, one in June and the other in July, which means that we now have four records in 2013 (and there is still time for more!!). This is without precedent and clearly demonstrates the regular arrival of individuals in Extremadura. It is difficult to guess the numbers involved, but it must be more than we imagined, perhaps a few dozen.

The first of the photographed birds was “taken” in Villanueva del Fresno, Badajoz on 22 June 2013 by Alfonso Pérez del Barco. It is a different individual to the one seen twice in May, an older bird, perhaps of third or fourth calendar year. (Photo above).

The second photo was taken on 28 June 2013 close to the rubbish tip at Mirabel, Cáceres, by David Álvarez. One of the sightings in May took place here. Although the photos taken then were of poorer quality so a direct comparison is not possible, the field notes taken suggest that two different birds are involved, with a third-year bird in May and a second-year bird (showing no signs of moult) in July (see photo above).

[NOTE: There is still lots of time! Just a few days after posting this note we have been informed of a further record, the fifth this year. Justo Manuel García saw a Rüppell’s Vulture flying alone in the Sierra de Magacela (Badajoz) on 21 August 2013. Will it be the last?]

RINGING OF WESTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER IN BADAJOZ

As occurred in July 2012 at the Azud de la Granadilla or Azud de Badajoz individuals of Western Olivaceous Warbler (Iduna opaca) have been trapped for ringing. This new record complements the recent posting in this blog, which carried a revision of the status of Western Olivaceous Warbler in Extremadura.

In 2012, a bird of the year was trapped for ringing on 14/07/2012. It was probably a bird reared at the same site or nearby (Ángel Tomas Mejías). In 2013 on 10 August the same ringer trapped close to the Azud de la Granadilla an adult and a juvenile. The two birds were flying together and trapped in the same shelf of the same net, beside each other. Therefore it is thought they too were local birds. Their physical condition suggested that they were not on passage, rather they were starting to accumulate fat before migration. (Á. T. Mejías, Pablo Herrador, Inmaculada Jerez y José Luis Bautista –photos, Western Olivaceous warbler to the left and in the centre and a Melodious Warbler to the right). They also caught a Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta), so a good comparison was possible. Without doubt there are more Western Olivaceous Warblers in Extremadura than previously supposed.

JULY 2013. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Kentish Plover (Charasdrius alexandrinus). By Sergio Mayordomo.

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in July 2015. Compiled by  Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

- Greylag Goose: One on the River Jerte at Plasencia (CC) on 08/07 (Montaña Domínguez) and 11/07 (J. Prieta). At Los Canchales reservoir (BA) one seen on 21/07 (César Clemente, Manolo García del Rey and Sergio Mayordomo) and 28/07 (Paco Bernáldez and Paco Macías). Birds of domestic origin cannot be ruled-out.
- Egyptian Goose: A pair with six young at Charca de Morantes (BA) on 14/07 (Francisco Lopo).
- Common Shelduck: Three adults, four juveniles and ten ducklings at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Garganey: A pair at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 08/07 (Javier Prieta). A male at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 13/07 (Juan Carlos Paniagua).
- Red-crested Pochard: At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) two pairs seen on 06/07 (José Miguel Mirasierra, J. C. Paniagua and Miguel Mirasierra) and one pair on 10/07 (Sergio Pérez Gil). At the La Atalaya pool, Aldea del Cano (CC), three were seen on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo) and on 23/07 (S. Pérez Gil).
- Ferruginous Duck: At the La Atalaya pool, Aldea del Cano (CC), four present on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo) and three on 23/07 (S. Pérez Gil). Two seen on a pool at La Trebolosa, Madrigalejo (CC), on 27/07 (Martin Kelsey).
- Tufted Duck: Two males and a female at the large lagoon of La Albuera (BA) on 10/07 (S. Pérez Gil). At the pool at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), two males seen on 13/07, 14/07 (Jesús Solana) and 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Great Crested Grebe: Large gathering of 465 birds at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 27/07 (M. Kelsey).
- Squacco Heron: One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 09/07 (S. Mayordomo). At Esparragalejo pool (BA) one seen on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo) and 30/07 (Elvira del Viejo). Two at mouth of River Aljucén, Mérida (BA), on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo). Six at La Albuera, Mérida (BA), on 25/07 (Ángel Luis Sánchez).

- Presumed hybrid Little x Western Reef Egret: One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 16/07 (Javier Briz, S. Mayordomo -photo- and Vicente Risco).
- Sacred ibis: One at Guijo pool, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 13/07 (Fergus Crystal).
- Eurasian Spoonbill: Post-breeding gatherings: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), 52 seen on 16/07 (J. Briz, S. Mayordomo and V. Risco), 63 on 17/07 and 59 on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo). 20 at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 19/07 (S. Mayordomo). 37 at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Greater Flamingo: An adult at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo.)

- Turkey Vulture: An adult at Fuente del Maestre (BA) on 04/07 (Angel Sánchez -photo-, M. Rivera and R. Tejeda). It was present at small house outsider the town, unringed and with no tags, and was able to fly perfectly. The owner of the property was feeding it dead rabbits and said that it had been around for a few days.
- Ruppell's Vulture. An inmature at Mirabel (CC) on 28/07 (David Álvarez).
- Goshawk: A female at Cambrocino (CC) on 01/07 (Alberto Pacheco).
- Osprey: One at Salorino (CC) on 15/07 (Helios Dalmau).

- Red-knobbed Coot: One with a neck-collar at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 06/07 (J. M. Mirasierra, J. C. Paniagua and M. Mirasierra), relocated on 07/07 (J. C. Paniagua), 10/07 (S. Pérez Gil), 11/07 (Antonio Núñez, Francisco Montaño, José Antonio Román and Vanessa de Alba), 18/07 (J. C. Paniagua) and 20/07 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías). 4º record for Extremadura.
- Kentish Plover: On 26/07 one seen at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), and 2 at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) (S. Mayordomo).
- Temminck’s Stint: Two at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 21/07 (C. Clemente. M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
 - Curlew Sandpiper: 12 at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo). One at pool at Esparragalejo (BA) on 30/07 (E. del Viejo). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 31/07 (M. Kelsey).
- Spotted Redshank: On 26/07 one still in breeding plumage seen at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), and another almost completely moulted into winter plumage at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) (S. Mayordomo).
- Wood Sandpiper: Two at rice fields near Palazuelo (BA) on 06/07 (M. Kelsey). At La Albuera (BA) one present between 11/07 and 14/07 (A. Núñez, C. Clemente, Eva Palacios, F. Montaño, J. C. Paniagua, Lorenzo Alcántara, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba) and two seen on 18/07 (J. C. Paniagua). One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 28/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black-headed Gull: A nest with two eggs at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 14/07 (A. Núñez, C. Clemente, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).
- Mediterranean Gull: One at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 11/07 (José Antonio Álvarez).

- Audouin’s Gull: A juvenile at Ahigal reservoir (CC) on días 22/07 (J. C. Paniagua -photo-), 23/07 (J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo) and 24/07 (Ricardo Montero).
- Yellow-legged Gull: Two seen at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 14/07 (A. Núñez, C. Clemente, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba). 22 at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo). An adult at Puente Viejo, Badajoz, on 31/07 (J. C. Paniagua).

- Whiskered Tern: At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) two seen on 07/07 (J. C. Paniagua) and 10/07 (S. Pérez Gil); on 14/07 four seen entering possible nest sites in rushes (A. Núñez, C. Clemente, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, L. Alcántara, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba) ando n 18/07 breeding confirmed with fledged young seen (J. C. Paniagua -photo-). Still present on 20/07 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías).
- Black Tern: Two in winter plumage at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- White-rumped Swift: Up to four seen on Sierra de la Culebra, Alange (BA), between 03/07 and 14/07 (A. Núñez, C. Clemente, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, J. Solana, L. Alcántara, S. Mayordomo, S. Pérez Gil and V. de Alba). Two at the Sierra de San Pedro (BA/CC) on 12/07 (Ángel Sánchez).
- Little Swift: One at Alange castle (BA) on 01/07 (S. Pérez Gil), 03/07 (J. A. Román) and 11/07 (L. Alcántara).
- Wryneck: A juvenile mistnetted for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 21/07 (GIA Extremadura).
- Common Redstart: A pair at Cabezabellosa (CC) on 07/07 (R. Montero). Two familias in chestnuts on Sierra de Tentudía (BA) on 19/07 (A. Pacheco).
- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush: A male at La Mesa, Piornal (CC), on 06/07 (J. Prieta).
- Western Olivaceous Warbler: One at River Guadiana, Mérida (BA), on 03/07 (A. Núñez and J. Solana).
- Red-backed Shrike: At Castañar del Lomo, La Garganta (CC), present on 02/07 (R. Montero) and two females, a male and at least ten juveniles seen on 22/07 (C. Clemente, J. C. Paniagia and S. Mayordomo). Two males at Tornavacas Pass (AV/CC) on 16/07 (L. Alcántara).

FIRST BIRDS ON POST-BREEDING PASSAGE/WINTER VIISTORS
- Ringed Plover: One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 28/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Little Stint: At Esparragalejo pool two seen on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo) and five on 30/07 (E. del Viejo). Five at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Dunlin: One at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 13/07 (J. C. Paniagua). One at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 26/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Ruff: 12 males at rice fields near Palazuelo (BA) on 06/07 (M. Kelsey). A pair at pool at Esparragalejo (BA) on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo). A female at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 25/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Common Snipe: One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 30/07 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). One at Vegas Altas (BA) on 31/07 (M. Kelsey).
- Greenshank: One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 09/07 (S. Mayordomo). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), two seen on 16/07 (J. Briz, S. Mayordomo and V. Risco) and just one on 17/07 (S. Mayordomo).
- Redshank: One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 12/07 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías). One at Galisteo reservoir (CC) on 19/07 (S. Mayordomo). Four seen at pool at Esparragalejo (BA) on 21/07 (C. Clemente, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Common Redstart: One at Ahogal (CC) on 30/07 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).
- Whinchat: One at Riolobos (CC) on 27/07 (E. Palacios and Miguel Ángel Muñoz).
- Sedge Warbler: Two mistnetted for ringing at Budión stream, Rena (BA), on 21/07 (GIA Extremadura).
- Western Bonelli’s Warbler: Three at La Lapa (BA) on 17/07 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño and V. de Alba). Two seen at Casar de Cáceres (CC) on 03/08 (Antonio Cebrián).

JUVENILE DISPERSAL OF LAMMERGEIERS

One of the most-visited posts in this blog is that about the presence of Lammergeiers (Gypaetus barbatus) in Extremaduran published in August 2011. At that time we gathered information about direct sightings (and there have been others since then) and from maps showing the tracking of satellite-tagged individuals that was posted on-line by the Gypaetus Foundation (sadly since July 2012, they have discontinued this). The information presented was based simply of daily records, without any analysis to speak of. Given that recently a study has been published about the movements of pre-adult Lammergeiers in Europe (Margalidaet al. 2013), we can show a couple of very relevant maps. The analysis was based on satellite-tracked individuals from three populations: the Alps (reintroduced population), the Pyrenees (native population) and Cazorla-Segura (where reintroduction is starting). The three populations show different behaviours. The Alpine population disperses across the whole length of the mountain range with some sporadic movements as well south (to the northern Apennines in Italy) and north (plains of Central Europe). The Pyrenean Lammergeiers are much less mobile, restricted to the ranges where they fledged. The Andalucian birds from Cazorla are the greatest travellers, with displacements and stays in the mountainous massifs across the Iberian Peninsula, especially in the southern half (the Béticos, Sierra Morena and the Sistema Central), but also the Pyrenees (especially western part), the mountains of northern Spain and the Picos de Europa. Although the dispersal of these Lammergeiers varies greatly between individuals, there is a general pattern of birds staying during their first months of life close to their release areas, followed by a dispersal when about a year old to the high mountain ranges in Iberia (so far none have been found outside the Peninsula).

In the case of Extremadura, although there are pre-2008 records of individuals of presumed Pyrenean origin, not a single satellite-tracked individual from this population has arrived in our region. On the other hand, there is a regular presence of Cazorla birds in the Gredos Mountains (La Vera, Jerte and Ambroz in Cáceres) and the north-east of Badajoz. Other parts of Extremadura visited by Lammergeiers include Las Hurdes, Villuercas and the river system of Tajo-Monfragüe, the central ranges of Badajoz and the Sierra Morena in Badajoz.

Reference:
Margalida, A., Carrete, M., Hegglin, D., Serrano, D., Arenas, R. & Donázar, J. A. 2013. Uneven large-scale movement patterns in wil and reintroduced pre-adult bearded vultures: conservation implications. PLoS ONE 8(6): e65857. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0065857 [download]

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

PICOTO, THE TRAVELLING HONEY BUZZARD

On a day just like today, exactly a year ago (26th July 2012), I had the chance to participate in the capture and marking with a satellite tracker, for the first time ever in Spain, a European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus). The place: cool Pyrenean Oak woodland at 1,000 metres above sea-level on the slopes of the Jerte Valley in Cáceres province. The star: a male Honey Buzzard, we named Picoto. Here we can summarise a year in the life of an Iberian Honey Buzzard, thanks to the espionage that it was under. Photo above, by Domingo Rivera.

During the fist month, until 30th August when his southward migration started, Picoto successfully raised the single chick that was in the nest. Below, there is a photo taken on 9th August of his offspring, the not so small Picotín, who successfully left the territory several weeks later, in early September. 

The map shows the outward and return journey of Picoto, to his wintering grounds in Liberia. The southward journey took 17 days, from 3oth August to 15th September 2012. With a total of 4.085 km in a straight line, this means on average 255 km a day, with a maximum of 329 km. He stopped in La Janda (Cádiz) a day, crossing the Straits of Gibraltar on 1st September. On that very day, the largest number of Honey Buzzards of the season passed over Tarifa (Cádiz), more than 10,000 birds. Therefore Picoto was more than accompanied! Then he passed across Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Mali and Guinea, in a pretty much direct route across the Sahara desert.

The stay in Liberia was full of uncertainties, signals were barely being picked-up, with long gaps and always coming from a very restricted area. Suspicions rose that Picoto may have died and that the transmitter had become someone’s toy. But then, at last, after seven months of doubts, Picoto headed north again on 15th April 2013. The weak signals from October to April was probably because of the dense forest habitat where our Honey Buzzard was staying, with the canopy impeding the correct connection to the satellites. In the picture below, although some imagination may be needed, one can see the wintering area in the middle of the equatorial forests of Africa. 

Picoto’s return to his “home” in Extremadura was almost the same as his outward journey. It took just one day less (16 days) from 25th April to 10th May 2013. The journey was 200 km more (a total of 4,274 km in a straight line), with an average of 267 km a day, with the maximum considerable higher at 512 km in one day. The maximum altitude was 3,360 metres above sea-level and the maximum velocity was 41 kmph. The countries crossed were the same in reverse order: Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Algeria and Morocco. On 8th May he crossed the straits and on 10th May was already occupying his nest from the pervious year in the Jerte valley. From then on, for reasons of security, the data from the transmitter are not available to the public, but Picoto has remained faithful to his nest site and is breeding normally, as you can see from the photo taken on 21st June, where he appears to be peacefully incubating. One can just about make out the antenna of the transmitter, with some down on its tip, coming from the back. 

Acknowledgements: Of course to long-suffering Picoto, involuntary collaborator, we hope for the benefit of all his species. A special thanks to Ivan Solana, the agent who found the nest and has been carefully monitoring Picoto and to Domingo Rivera and Ángel Sánchez, who are following the satellite data and who kindly have provided information about the adventures of our dear Honey Buzzard. In the capture and marking Javier de la Puente, José María Abad, Javier Caldera, Ángel Sánchez, Iván Solana and Domingo Rivera participated, along with a helper (Javier Prieta, who did very little apart from giving Picoto his name) and apologies a other collaborators whose names I do not know.

Translated by Martin Kelsey. 

SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE: POPULATION IN 2012

Another year has passed and we can give our annual update on the population of the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) in the Iberian Peninsula and in Extremadura. We are rather late this year because we have been waiting for the publication of the official data from each Autonomous Community for 2012. But since this has not yet happened, and seemingly will not happen in the near future, we are providing only the figures for Extremadura and for the Iberian Peninsula as a whole, without being able to disaggregate the information by regions as usual. Nevertheless, the situation is excellent, with 380 pairs in the peninsula (370 in Spain and 10 in Portugal), 55 more pairs than the previous year, that is a 17% increase. Between 2006 and 2012, the population has grown by no less than 168 pairs, i.e. by 75%. Although the detailed regional figures are not yet available, in the last year the population has grown in all of the autonomous communities, especially in Castille-La Mancha, followed by Andalucia and Castille y Léon. In Extremadura there are five new pairs, with the total now a historic maximum of 53 pairs. So for the first time the 50 pair threshold has been crossed and there has been a 10% increase, breaking the levelling out that was shown over the last few seasons. Although the information is not yet available regarding the distribution of these new pairs in Extremadura, possibly the biggest growth has been in the centre and southern part of the province of Badajoz, in areas where the rabbit population is enjoying an excellent conservation state.

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Ángel Sánchez for his role in the Spanish Imperial Eagle census in Extremadura.

Translated by Martin Kelsey.