PICOTO: THE TRAVELLING HONEY BUZZARD – PART 2

“Picotin” the sole chick reared by Picoto in 2013m just days before leaving its territory.

Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), juvenile, Valle del Jerte (Cáceres), 28th August 2013

Picoto, the first Iberian Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) tracked by satellite, was the star of a popular posting in this blog which attracted even the press. On that occasion we told the story of his outward and return journeys between Spain and Liberia and of his travels in Liberia during the winter of 2012-2013. His next journey to Africa has also been the object of attention and the information obtained has been of great interest.

Covering 365 days, a complete year, from the first migration, the time spent migrating has been 33 days (9%), the time spent in Extremadura has been 111 days (30%) and the period in his winter home in the Liberia forests has been no less than 221 days (61%). In the two years of the study Picoto has occupied the same territories and the same nest, demonstrating that Honey Buzzard show a great faithfulness to both breeding and wintering areas.

Notwithstanding that the information is partial, Picoto’s movements in the Jerte valley were limited to a well-defined breeding territory, with some differences between the first part of spring (May – June, in the red circle and upper left map) compared with summer (July – August, green circle and upper right map). At the start, contact with Picoto was in the lower part of the valley, with no difference between the sunny and shady slopes. In the later months almost all of the activity was on the sunny slopes with a wider range of altitude, crossing the Jerte River towards the south on two occasions. Outside his territory, he only showed a short displacement down the valley to Rebollar and once outside the Jerte valley to Hervás.

Almost all of the contacts with Picoto were from within Pyrenean oak woodland (Quercus pyrenaica), which is a habitat under much pressure in the Jerte valley, having lost much of its area and quality over the last few decades, as a result of the unstoppable spread of cherry production. This photo of part of Picoto’s territory clearly shows the high level of fragmentation of the oak woodland. Given that Picoto spends seven months a year in the Liberian forest, his problems do not end here, as in Africa also there are threats to the forest, illegal logging for timber for example, which are even more serious.

The post-breeding migration in 2013 was very similar to that undertaken in 2012. Picoto left the Jerte valley on 29th August; in two days reached the Straits of Gibraltar and crossed to África on the morning of 31st August, crossing the 30 kms of open sea over the Atlantic and reaching the African coast next to Tangier. In 2012 he crossed the straits on the morning of 1st September, just a day later. Between the 2^nd and 7^th September Picoto crossed the Sahara, the second great geographic barrier that he had to encounter. After crossing the savannahs of the Sahel belt he entered more forested areas. Finally on 15th September he reached the wintering area, the jungles of eastern Liberia, after 16 days and 4,000 kms journey across Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Liberia, flying over open sea, mountains, deserts, savannahs and forests. Since then, as in 2012, the signals from Liberia have been sporadic, presumably because the deep canopy cover of the forest there impedes the correct working of the solar-powered transmitter.

The data obtained agree with other studies carried out in Europe. For example, with eleven Swedish Honey Buzzards tagged, they show that the adults maintain, as does Picoto, small permanent territories in the African forest (stars), whilst the juveniles first of all spend some time in the northern zone of the forest belt and then move in the months that follow between 2,400 and 4,000 kms, without fixed territories or fixed travel direction and without return to Europe during their second year (Strandberg et al. 2012).

All of these findings have been possible thanks to SEO/BirdLife and the Junta de Extremadura. The work forms part of the Programa Migra of SEO/BirdLife.

Strandberg R., Hake M., Klaassen R.H.G. & Alerstam T. 2012. Movements of immature European Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus in tropical Africa. Ardea 100: 157–162.

SEPTEMBER 2013. Notable observations in Extremadura

Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) by Sergio Mayordomo

Dedicated to the memory of Natalia Moral

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in September 2013. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

- Egyptian Goose: 11 seen at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 08/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Three at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 10/09 (Francisco Montaño). 33 birds at Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (CC), on 14/09 (Juan Pablo Prieto -photo). The largest group ever seen in Extremadura.

- Shelduck: Three at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 11/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). At Talaván reservoir (CC) two young birds seen on 26/09 (Javier Esteban) and 29/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).

- Garganey: One present at the large lagoon La Albuera (BA) on 05/09 (M. Gálvez)

- Red-crested Pochard: At La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC) a female seen on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo), five present on 22/09 (César Clemente, Jesús Solana and S. Mayordomo), three on 26/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and six on 29/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). At the Valdelagrana pools, La Albuera (BA), 30 were present on 06/09 (Carlos González), six on 13/09 (Ángel Luis Sánchez and C. González) and two on 24/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 08/09 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). A female at the gravel pits at Valdefuentes, Galisteo (CC), on 09/09 (Ricardo Montero). A female at Alange reservoir (BA) on 26/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Ferruginous DucK: Two at the Torrealba pool, Torremocha (CC), on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 12/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). At the Valdelagrana pools, La Albuera (BA), two were seen on 06/09 (C. González) and a male on el 13/09 (Á. L. Sánchez and C. González). At La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), four males present on 22/09 (C. Clemente, J. Solana and S. Mayordomo) and a male on 26/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Black-necked Grebe: One at the Torrealba pool, Torremocha (CC), on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo) and 12/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One at Valdelagrana pools, La Albuera (BA), on días 06/09 (C. González) and 13/09 (Á. L. Sánchez and C. González). At Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), three present on 07/09, 08/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 10/09 (M. Kelsey). One at Los Calles pool, Toril (CC), on 20/09 (J. Prieta).

- Great Cormorant: 569 birds at Valuengo reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 18/09 (José Antonio Román).

- Squacco Heron: One at Matachel River, Alange (BA), on 06/09 (J. Guerra).

- Cattle Egret: Roost of about 750 birds at Ardila River, La Bazana, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA) on 12/09 (Juan Carlos Delgado).

- Black Stork: Postbreeding gatherings. 11 at Arroyoconejos reservoir, Llerena (BA), on 10/09 (J. Guerra, Juan Carlos Albero, M. Gálvez and Silvia Fernández). 15 at Torrecillas de la Tiesa reservoir (CC) on 17/09 (John Hawkins).

- Glossy Ibis: Three on irrigated land at Santa Amalia (BA) on 01/09 (Fernando Yuste). One at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 06/09 (C. González). At Galisteo lagoon (CC) one on 18/09 (Kenet Sánchez and R. Montero), three on 25/09 (J. Prieta -photo-) and four on 30/09 (R. Montero). On 21/09 more than 60 birds seen at Casas de Hitos, Madrigalejo (CC), (J. Hawkins) and one at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), (Antolín Redondo). One at the rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 25/09 (J. Prieta). On the rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) three seen on 27/09 (M. Kelsey) and on 28/09 (A. Calvo).

- Spoonbill: Postbreeding gatherings. 20 at Alange reservoir (BA), on 02/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). At Los Canchales reservoir (BA) 70 seen on 03/09 (Elvira del Viejo, J. Solana, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and 47 on 29/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). At Valuengo reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), 26 birds were seen on 06/09 and 25 on 18/09 (J. A. Román -photo-). At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) 22 present on 07/09 (J. C. Paniagua), 33 on 24/09 and 22 on 25/09 (J. A. Román).

- Greater Flamingo: Continued presence of between 9 and 56 birds from 05/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) until 24/09 (Á. L. Sánchez, Á. T. Mejías, C. González, E. del Viejo, Francis Martín, F. Montaño,  J. A. Román, J. Guerra, J. C. Paniagua, Juan Carlos Salgado, Juanma Brías, M. Gálvez, Mercedes Rodríguez, Paco Bernáldez and Paco Macías). Nine present at the  Valdelagrana pool, La Albuera (BA), on 13/09 (Á. L. Sánchez and C. González).

- Goshawk: One at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 18/09 (J. Prieta). One at Montánchez (CC) on 24/09 (Nacho Rodríguez). A juvenile at Alburquerque, Sierra de San Pedro (BA), on 21/09 (L. Sitges).

- Osprey: Two at La Pesga (CC) on 02/09 (A. Pacheco). At Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA), one seen on 03/09 (J. Solana), one on 12/09 (Fernando Díez) and another on 29/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). At Alange reservoir (BA) one seen on 06/09 (J. Guerra, J. A. Román and M. Gálvez), two on 09/09 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), one on 10/09 (J. Guerra, J. C. Albero, M. Gálvez and S. Fernández), one on 28/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo) and one on 29/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC) one 07/09 and 08/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (CC), on 14/09 (J. P. Prieto). One at Guijo de Coria (CC) on 18/09 (K. Sánchez and R. Montero). One at Zorita (CC) on 18/09 (Henk Zweers). One on Guadiana River passing through Mérida (BA) on 26/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 29/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo).

- Red-footed Falcon: Three present at Cornalvo Natural Park (BA) el 23/09 (Diego Recio).

- Hobby: One at Esperabán Pass, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 16/09 (A. Pacheco). Three, 2 adults and a juvenile, at Villanueva de La Vera (CC) on 24/09 (Dave Langlois).

- Red-knobbed Coot: Two individuals at the large lagoon La Albuera (BA) on 05/09 (J. Guerra), one of the these had a neck collar and was still there on 09/09 (J. C. Paniagua).

- Avocet: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), two seen, an adult and a juvenile, on 01/09 (Javier Briz and Vicente Risco) and one there on 09/09 (José Carlos López), 11/09 and 12/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two in flight over Alange reservoir (BA) on 03/09 (J. Guerra). One at Morantes pool, Badajoz, on 09/09 (José Luis Bautista). Nine at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 26/09 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez).

- Kentish Plover: At Alange reservoir (BA) two seen on 09/09 (J. A. Román) and one on 28/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). One at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 11/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 27/09 (M. Kelsey).

- Red Knot: One individual at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 14/09 (J. C. Paniagua -photo-), 20/09 (E. del Viejo, P. Bernáldez and P. Macías) and 24/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Temminck’s Stint: One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 06/09 (J. Guerra, J. A. Román and M. Gálvez). One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 13/09 (F. Montaño). Three at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 29/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo).

- Curlew Sandpiper: Two juveniles at Salor reservoir, Cáceres, on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo). A juvenile at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 10/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Two juveniles at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 11/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 12/09 (A. T. Mejías), 21/09 (J. C. Paniagua) and 24/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), and three on 25/09 (J. A. Román). One at Torrecillas de la Tiesa reservoir (CC) on 15/09 (J. Hawkins). A juvenile at Valdelagrana pool, La Albuera (BA), on 24/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Bar-tailed Godwit: A juvenile at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 20/09 (J. Prieta -photo-), 21/09 (E. Palacios) and 25/09 (R. Montero). Two at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 21/09 (J. Esteban).

- Curlew: One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 05/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), 06/09 (J. C. Salgado and M. Rodríguez), 07/09 (F. Martín and J. C. Paniagua) and 20/09 (E. del Viejo).

- Spotted Redshank: At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) four seen on 01/09 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), three on 06/09 (J. C. Salgado and M. Rodríguez), one on 09/09 (A. T. Mejías),  two on 13/09 (F. Montaño) and four on 20/09 (E. del Viejo, P. Bernáldez and P. Macías). One at the Torrealba pool, Torremocha (CC), on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Salor reservoir, Cáceres, on 10/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), 14 birds  present on 11/09 and 12/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), two on 15/09 (J. Briz) and four on 20/09 (J. Prieta). One at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 25/09 (J. Guerra). One on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 27/09 (M. Kelsey). Two at Alange reservoir (BA) on 28/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo).

- Wood Sandpiper: Three on irrigated land at Santa Amalia (BA) on 01/09 (F. Yuste). One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 09/09 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías). Four seen at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 09/09 and one on 12/09 (A. T. Mejías). Two at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 11/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One at Galisteo reservoir (CC) on 25/09 (J. Prieta). One on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 27/09 (M. Kelsey).

- Yellow-legged Gull: At Alange reservoir (BA) an adult present on 05/09 (M. Gálvez) and an immature on 28/09 (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). 27 birds, the majority adults, at Vadecañas reservoir (CC) on 11/09 and 12/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Whiskered Tern: At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) one on 07/09 and three on 09/09 (J. C. Paniagua). On 10/09 a juvenile seen at Ahigal reservoir (CC) (A. Pacheco) and three at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), (F. Montaño).

- Black Tern: One at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 10/09 (F. Montaño). Two juveniles at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 24/09 (J. Guerra and M.Gálvez). At Talaván reservoir (CC) a ju8venile present on 25/09 (M. Kelsey) and 29/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).

- White-winged Black Tern: One at Torrecillas de la Tiesa reservoir (CC) on 09/09 (J. Hawkins -photo-).

- Ring-necked Parakeet: One at the alcazaba in Mérida (BA) on 22/09 (Juan José Ramos Encalado).

- European Nightjar: Three seen at the Sierra de San Serván, Mérida (BA), on 17/09 (Antonia Cangas).

- Wryneck: One on banks of Guadiana River in Medellín (BA) on 09/09 (F. Yuste). One trapped for ringing at the Sierra de La Mosca, Cáceres, on 23/09 (GIA Extremadura).

- Tawny Pipit: One at Torremocha (CC) on 12/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). On the plains of Cáceres seven seen on 13/09 and four on 25/09 (GIA Extremadura).

- Tree Pipit: Two at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 18/09 and five at Piornal (CC) on 20/09 (J. Prieta). One at La Albuera (BA) on 21/09 (J. C. Paniagua). Seven seen at Jerte reservoir, Casas del Castañar (CC) on 24/09 (J. Prieta).

- Yellow Wagtail: Examples of Motacilla flava thunbergi: one at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 08/09 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez) and one at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 11/09 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

- Grasshopper Warbler: One at Casar de Cáceres (CC) on 06/09 (Alberto Sánchez -photo-). One impaled on barbed-wire by an Iberian Grey Shrike at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 16/09 (Jesús Porras). One at Piornal (CC) on 20/09 (J. Prieta). Two at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 22/09 (A. Pacheco). One trapped for ringing at Salor River, Cáceres, on 24/09 (GIA Extremadura).

- Sedge Warbler: Seen on Guadiana River in Badajoz on 08/09 (J. C. Paniagua). Two trapped for ringing at Salor River, Cáceres, on 27/09 (GIA Extremadura).

- Iberian Chiffchaff: One trapped for ringing at La Lapa (BA) on 01/09 (Hugo Gómez-Tejedor). At least one at Acehúche (CC) on 07/09 (Manuela Rodríguez). In the Sierra de La Mosca, Cáceres, one trapped for ringing on 23/09 and another on 26/09 (GIA Extremadura). Two trapped for ringing at Gargáligas River, Rena (BA), on 28/09 (GIA Extremadura).

- Bearded Tit: A female at Arrocampo Reservoir (CC) on 12/09 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

FIRST POSTBREEDING SIGHTINGS

- Greylag Goose: 13 at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 07/09 and 8 at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 11/09 (Jose Guerra and Marc Gálvez). Five still present at Borbollón reservoir (CC) on 15/09 (Javier Prieta). One remaining at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 29/09 (Eva Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and Sergio Mayordomo).

- Eurasian Wigeon: Three at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 25/09 (J. Guerra). On the rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) one on 27/09 (Martin Kelsey) and eight on 28/09 (Antonio Calvo). On 29/09 two seen at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) (E. Palacios, J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo), and two at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC) and seven at Talaván reservoir (CC) (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).

- Red Kite: In Badajoz, one on 12/09 at Fregenal de la Sierra (BA) (J. C. Delgado).

- Hen Harrier: One at Talaván (CC) on 29/09 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). One on Cáceres plains (CC) on 01/10 (GIA Extremadura).

- Common Crane: 20 flying over Plasencia (CC) on 29/09 (Javier Parra). Ten over Cáceres on 02/10 (Arturo Domínguez). One at Tietar River, Malpartida de Plasencia (CC), on 03/10 (Javier Manzano and Juan Óscar Carretero).

- Stock Dove: Two at Galisteo (CC) on 28/09 (R. Montero).

- Skylark: One at El Batán (CC) on 30/09 (R. Montero).

- Meadow Pipit: One at Jerte reservoir, Casas del Castañar (CC), on 24/09 (J. Prieta).

- Bluethroat: On Salor River, Cáceres, a male captured for ringing on 20/09 and a female on 24/09 (GIA Extremadura -photo-). One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 28/09 (R. Montero).

- Song Thrush: Two at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 18/09 (J. Prieta).

- Willow Warbler: One trapped for ringing at Gargáligas River, Rena (BA), on 28/09 (GIA Extremadura).

LATE OBSERVATION SOF SUMMER VISITORS

- Quail: One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 02/09 (S. Mayordomo). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 04/09 (J.Solana). One at La Albuera (BA) on 12/09 (A. T. Mejías).

- Honey Buzzard: Two at Campo Lugar (CC) on 15/09 (A. Calvo). One at Riomalo de Abajo (CC) on 27/09 (Alberto Pacheco).

- Common Swift: One at Alange (BA) on 21/09 (Bernat Iglesia, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Latest record ever in Extremadura.

- Bee-eater: 15 at the Sierra de la Mosca, Cáceres, on 11/09 (GIA Extremadura). Several over Plasencia (CC) on 13/09 (S. Mayordomo). Two over Monterhermoso (CC) on 19/09 (Javier Mahillo).

- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush: A male at Esperabán Pass, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 16/09 (A. Pacheco). Three, a male and two juveniles, at Montánchez (CC) on 24/09 (N. Rodríguez).

- Western Bonelli’s Warbler: One at Aldea del Cano (CC) on 06/09 (S. Mayordomo).

- Golden Oriole: A male at Valuento reservoir (BA) on 05/09 (J. C. Delgado). One at Acehúche (CC) on 11/09 (M. Rodríguez). One at Jerez de los Caballeros (BA) on 18/09 (J. A. Román).

- Woodchat Shrike: A juvenile at Fregenal de la Sierra (BA) on 06/09 (J. C. Delgado). A juvenile trapped for ringing at Salor River, Cáceres, on 10/09 (GIA Extremadura). A juvenile at Oliva de Plasencia (CC) on 15/09 (J. Prieta).

TWO HUNDRED POSTS AND FORTY MONTHS

Forty months have passed since that May in 2010 when this blog started and unbelievably we have now reached 200 posts,that is exactly five on average every month. Perhaps now would be a good time to say a little bit about this blog which has through 199 posts been dedicated to the life and wonders of birds in Extremadura. During this time, based on the blog statistics, we have received almost 160,000 visits, a figure which has grown from the initial visits by those closest to us. In the last twelve months, there has been on average between 5,000 and 6,000 visits a month, and i9ndeed sometimes we have had over 8,000 visits, such as in December 2012…let’s have a look why.

It is not easy to know what have been the most popular themes, since the statistics only show us the visits directly for each posting and not general visits to the blog, which is how most people may consult the blog. However, the postings about the White-tailed Eagle are in first place (particularly if you sum the visits to the two postings). After that is the post about phenology of Extremadura’s birds written by Sergio Mayordomo posted just a few weeks ago! It is so recent in fact that perhaps it is too early to say whether it will overtake the admirable White-tailed Eagle! After that comes the most common birds of Extremadura, the story of our dear friend the  Black Stork Choni, then the complex theme of the Long-legged Buzzards (or whatever they are), the Lammergeiers that travel through Extremadura and some of the  monthly summaries, the most visited being March 2012. So varied themes, probably corresponding to an equally varied public - something that pleases us.

Our visitors to the Spanish version, as one might expect are mainly Spanish. The smaller number of foreign are mainly from (in order) United States, France, Mexico, Germany and, curiously, Russia.  Lower down the list are our neighbours in Portugal, Colombia and Argentina, and way down the list Great Britain. People find us using Google (more than 95%) using the key words “aves” and “Extremadura”. In contrasts, links with other blogs yield just 1% of visits. Looking back, it is quite nostalgic to look at the posting marking the first anniversary of the blog.

The themes most visited in the English version were about Rüppell’s Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, exotic quails (rather curiously), Saker Falcon and monthly summaries. These themes are predominately about rare birds and notable sightings, for readers particularly interested in specific and current information, perhaps to plan for a forthcoming visit. It is therefore and added satisfaction that the blog is thus contributing towards birding holidays in Extremadura. Most visits to the English blog are from Great Britain and the United States, followed far behind by Spain. Even further back is France, tied with Germany, Russia, Holland, India, Belgium and Sweden. Therefore English-speaking countries predominate and those in Western Europe, plus Russia and India. The majority find the blog via Google.

So a big thank you to all of our Readers, may you continue to visit us.

IBERIAN GREEN WOODPECKER: ANOTHER NEW IBERIAN SPECIES?

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis). On the left, head of a male viridis from central Europe.  On the right, head of a male sharpei from the Iberian peninsula. The black mask, present in the fomer, is the male morphological difference. In both cases the female does not have red in the moustache.

How many species of birds are there? Well it depends on which list you use and which criteria they use to compile the list. Among the many world lists of birds that are available, the IOC World Bird List is one of those with the most followers, being the one being kept continually up-to-date. One of the recent changes was their validation as a full species the Iberian Green Woodpecker  (Picus sharpei)- or perhaps it should just be called Iberian Woodpecker, which has traditionally be considered as a subspecies of the Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis). The scientific basis for this change are the studies of Pons et al. 2011 and Perktas et al. 2011.

The use of molecular techniques has brought about a revolution in the taxonomy (classification) of birds. Thu8s, some Iberian species have recently been elevated to full species level, as has been the case with the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti), Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus) and Iberian Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis). One of the Iberian endemics most recently accepted has been the Iberian Magpie Cyanopica  cooki). The case of the Green Woodpecker is less well known, although its taxonomic status has been subject to debate for many years, indeed there are field guides which have already treated sharpei as a separate species in Iberia (Aves de Europa de Barthel y Dougallis, 2008). However, one will need to wait to see if other lists, including the official SEO Spanish List will also take this proposal into consideration.

The main study setting out the proposed change (Pons et al., 2011) looked at the evolutionary history of the Green Woodpecker complex in the western Palaearctic.  The results provided evidence of three genetic lineages, which coincided with differences in plumage, especially head pattern, and voice.  A North African lineage (vaillantii), split about 1.6 to 2.2 million years ago, the European  (viridis) and a third Iberian form (sharpei). These two separated about 0.7 to 1.2 million years ago, during a glaciation, when they probably occupied refuges in South-Eastern Europe (Italy, the Balkans and Anatolia) and in Iberia respectively.  Following the glaciation, both forms expanded northwards and established contact in southern France, where today there is a certain gradation (the plumages of the three forms as well as intermediates can be seen in Copete, 2011). Neither the Iberian nor the North African forms have Spanish names. Both populations are highly sedentary. There are no ringing recoveries of Green Woodpeckers (viridis) in Spain, nor Iberian birds in other countries. Almost all of the controls occur at the site of ringing, with the longest displacements being a bird from Cuenca recovered at the coast in Cádiz, another from Ciudad Real on the coast in Valencia and a bird from Burgos on the Cantabrian coast  (SEO/BirdLife).

The second study (Perktas et al. 2011) has similar results as the former and furthermore suggests the presence of a fourth species in the Middle-East (Iran).

Sources:

- J.M. Pons, G. Olioso, C. Cruaud & J. Fuchs. 2011. Phylogeography of the Eurasian green woodpecker (Picus viridis). Journal of Biogeography, 38:311-325. [summary]

- U. Perktas, G. F. Barrowclough & J. G. Groth. 2011. Phylogeography and species limits in the green woodpecker complex (Aves: Picidae): multiple Pleistocene refugia and range expansion across Europe and the Near East. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 104:710-723. [summary]

- G. Olioso y J.M. Pons (2011). Variation géographique du plumage des Pics verts du Languedoc-Roussillon. Ornithos 18(2): 73-83

AUGUST 2013. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Male Little Bustards (Tetrax tetrax) By Sergio Mayordromo

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in August 2013. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

-       Greylag Goose: Individual first seen in July still present until 10/08 at Los Canchales (BA) (Carlos González). Five at Borbollón reservoir (CC) on 21/08 (Goyo Naharro). Origin from captivity cannot be ruled out.

-       Egyptian Goose: Four at Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (CC), on 31/08 (César Clemente and Sergio Mayordomo).

-       Shelduck: three (an adult and two juveniles) at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, Javier Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Garganey: A female at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, Javier Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

-       Red-crested Pochard: At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) four seen on 03/08 (Juan Carlos Paniagua), one on 11/08 (Paco Bernáldez and Paco Macías), five on 20/08 (Francisco Montaño and Joaquín Vázquez) and six on 31/08 (J. C. Paniagua). At La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), a male present on 04/08, seven birds on 15/08 (J. Solana) and 8 on 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). A female at the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 05/08 (J. Solana).

-       Ferruginous Duck: A male at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

-       Great Cormorant: 483 present at Valuengo reservoir (BA) on 28/08 (José Antonio Román).

  

-       Squacco Heron: At the pool at Esparragalejo (BA) between one and three present on 01/08 (Á. Sánchez -photo- and P. Bernáldez), 02/08 (P. Macías), 05/08 (J. Solana), 08/08 (C. González), 16/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and 25/08 (José Gómez Aparicio). On 01/08 8 present at the La Valluncosa pool, Mérida (BA), and 4 on River Aljucén, Mérida (BA) (Á. Sánchez). Two at the Azud de la Pesquera, Badajoz, on 04/08 (J. C. Paniagua). One at Brovales reservoir (BA) on 06/08 (Antonio Núñez, F. Montaño and Vanessa de Alba). At least 3 at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 10/08 (C. González). 7 present on River Guadiana in Badajoz on 29/08 (J. C. Paniagua).

-       Presumed hybrid Little x Western Reef Egret: One at Talayuela (CC) on 29/08 (Pedro Gómez).

-       White Stork: A group of 1000 birds flying over Baños de Montemayor (CC) on 04/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Glossy Ibis: 14 at the Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 02/08 (P. Macías). Regular presence at the La Albuera lagoons (BA) between 10/08 and  27/08, with a maximum of six birds (F. Montaño, Jerónimo Milán, Joaquín Vázquez,  J. A. Román, J. C. Paniagua, P. Bernáldez and P. Macías

-       Spoonbill: Postbreeding concentrations: At Los Canchales reservoir (BA) 22 seen on 05/08 (Pablo Herrador), 76 on 10/08 (C. González), 63 on 16/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and 83 on 31/08 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba). 21 present at Portaje Reservoir (CC) on 08/08 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). At the La Albuera lagoons (BA) more than 20 seen on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), 35 on 27/08 and 26 on 31/08 (J. C. Paniagua). 30 present at Valuengo Reservoir (BA) on 28/08 (J. A. Román).

-       Greater Flamingo: An adult at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Black Kite: Three present at Mirabel Refuse Tip (CC) on 16/08 (J. Prieta). Two at La Bazagona (CC) on 31/08 (Raúl Guzmán).

-       Lammergeier: An immature at Lobón (BA) on 19/08 (María Jesús García-Baquero)

-       Rüppell’s Vulture: An immature at the Sierra de Magacela (BA) on 21/08 (Justo Manuel García).

-       Goshawk: One over River Ibor (CC) on 04/08 (Á. Sánchez). At least two young birds at Las Mestas (CC) on 05/08 (Alberto Pacheco). 2 at Guadalupe (CC) on 15/08 (Jorge Ángel Herrera). One at the Sierra de Palomera, Alía (CC) on 31/08 (J. Á. Herrera y N. Baeza).

-       Osprey: One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 03/08 (Lorenzo Alcántara). One at Borbollón Reservoir (CC) on 21/08 (G. Naharro). One at Portaje Reservoir (CC) on 28/08 (S. Mayordomo). One at Membrío Reservoir (CC) on 30/08 (Ian Parsons). On 31/08 one seen at Los Canchales (BA) (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba) and another at Sierra Brava (CC) (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

-       Lesser Kestrel: 397 counted at the roost at La Vera (CC) on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

-       Hobby: Three hunting dragonflies at the edge of wildfire at Las Hurdes (CC) on 12/08 (A. Pacheco).

-       Red-knobbed Coot: Continued presence of neck-collared bird first seen in July at La Albuera lagoons between 03/08 and 31/08 (F. Montaño and J. C. Paniagua).

-       Avocet: One at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 05/08 (J. Solana). One at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 23/08 (F. Montaño). One at Valuengo Reservoir (BA) on 28/08 (J. A. Román).

-       Kentish Plover: At least seven present at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Sanderling: One at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 08/08 (C. González) and 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Two at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 25/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez). Two at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez).

-       Temminck’s Stint: At Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) two seen on 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo), one on 25/08 (J. Gómez Aparicio) and two on 31/08 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba).

-       Curlew Sandpiper: Four at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 01/08 (P. Bernáldez), 02/08 (P. Macías) and 08/08 (C. González), and three on 25/08 (J. Gómez Aparicio). On 01/08 two seen at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), and six at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo). At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) one present on 03/08 (J. C. Paniagua), two on 10/08 (José Antonio Álvarez), four on 11/08 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), present on 16/08 (J. Milán, P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), two on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez) and five on 29/08 (P. Macías). Three at the Majadas Altas pools, Campo Lugar (CC), on 03/08 (Antonio Calvo). Five at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 04/08 (Javier Briz and Vicente Risco). One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez). One at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 31/08 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba).

-       Whimbrel: One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 23/08 (F. Montaño).

-       Curlew: One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 27/08 (J. C. Paniagua).

-       Spotted Redshank: On 01/08 two at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), and one at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo). One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). At the large lagoon at La Albuera one seen on 28/08 (P. Bernáldez) and two on 29/08 (P. Macías). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 31/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

-       Wood Sandpiper: At Galisteo lagoon (CC) six seen on 04/08 (Eva Palacios, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo), two on 08/08 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo), 14 on 16/08 (J. Prieta), 15 on 22/08 and one on 28/08 (S. Mayordomo). At Portaje Reservoir (CC) one presento n 08/08 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo) and 28/08 (S. Mayordomo). At least two at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 08/08 (C. González). At Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), two seen on 10/08 (Martin Kelsey) and 10 on 31/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 10/08 (C. González). One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Six at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez). Four on rice fields at Santa Amalia (BA) on 22/08 (Fernando Yuste). One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez).

-       Turnstone: One at Villalba de los Barros Reservoir (BA) on 03/08 (L. Alcántara).

-       Yellow-legged Gull: At least 10 at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Whiskered Tern: One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 03/08 (L. Alcántara). Present at the large lagoon La Albuera (BA) on 03/08 (J. C. Paniagua), one on 11/08 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías) and four (two adults and two juveniles) on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez).

-       Black Tern: An adult at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (J. Gómez Aparicio).

-       Common Tern: Three at Gabriel y Galán Reservoir (CC) during the first week of August (Jesús Montero).

-       Gull-billed Tern: One at Gabriel y Galán Reservoir (CC) during early August (Jesús Montero).

-       Cockatiel: One at Plasencia industrial estate (CC) on 03/08 (Paco Ramírez)

-       Burrowing Parrot: One at Brozas (CC) on 28/08 (Carlos Fernández -photo-).

-       Common Cuckoo: One at Honduras Pass, Cabezuela del Valle (CC), on 12/08 (Blas Molina and J. Prieta). One at La Albuera (BA) on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez).

-       European Nightjar: Four at Las Hurdes (CC) on 12/08 (A. Pacheco).

-       Wryneck: One at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 17/08 (GIA-Extremadura). One at La Isla park, Plasencia (CC), on 25/08 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). One at Piornal (CC) on 28/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Western Olivaceous Warbler: Two birds, an adult and a juvenile, trapped for ringing at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 10/08 (Ángel T. Mejías, Inmaculada Jerez, José Luis Bautista and P. Herrador).

-       Sedge Warbler: One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 04/08 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

FIRST POST-BREEDING PASSAGE MIGRANTS/WINTER VISITORS

-       Pintail: Three (two males in eclipise and a female) at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 31/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Six present at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 03/09 (Elvira del Viejo, Jesús Solana, José Guerra and Marc Gálvez).

-       Black-necked Grebe: One seen from Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 18/08 (Ángel Sánchez).

-       Tree Pipit: Three at Piornal (CC) on 28/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Yellow Wagtail: On 28/08 first groups on passage at Portaje Reservoir (CC) and Galisteo lagoon (CC) (S. Mayordomo).

-       Common Redstart: Eight at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). Three at Montehermoso (CC) on 27/08 (C. Clemente).

-       Whinchat: On 28/08 one at Piornal (CC) (J. Prieta) and another at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) (J. L. Bautista). One at Galisteo (CC) on 31/08 (Ricardo Montero).

  

-       Northern Wheatear: One at Piornal (CC) on 28/08 (J. Prieta -photo-). One at Membrío (CC) on 30/08 (I. Parsons). One at Saucedilla (CC) on 01/09 (J. Briz and V. Risco). One at Monfragüe (CC) on 03/09 (Manuel García del Rey).

-       Common Whitethroat: One at River Guadalupejo, Alía (CC), on 13/08 (J. Á. Herrera and Noelia Baeza). One in the pines at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 22/08 (S. Mayordomo).

-       Garden Warbler: One at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 26/08 (J. Prieta). On 31/08 two seen at Pago de San Clemente (CC) (M. Kelsey), one at Azud del Ruecas, Logrosán (CC),and three trapped for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA) (GIA-Extremadura).

-       Iberian Chiffchaff: One possible at River Guadalupejo, Alía (CC), on 14/08 (J. Á. Herrera and N. Baeza). One in song at Plasencia (CC) on 15/08 (S. Mayordomo). A possible at Sierra de la Palomera, Alía (CC), on 18/08 (J. Á. Herrera). Three at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). One at Pago de San Clemente (CC) on 31/08 (M. Kelsey).

-       Willow Warbler: On 08/08 one at Portaje Reservoir (CC) (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo) and another at Vegas de Coria (CC) (A. Pacheco). Four at Piornal (CC) on 09/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Pied Flycatcher: One at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 08/08 (B. Molina). One at Piornal (CC) on 09/08 (J. Prieta). On 15/08 one seen at La Isla park, Plasencia (CC), (S. Mayordomo) and a male at Cornalvo (BA) (Á. Sánchez, Ángel Luis Sánchez and José Ledo).

-       Spotted Flycatcher: One at Cornalvo (BA) on 15/08 (J. Ledo and Á. Sánchez). Two at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). One at Tornavacas Pass (CC/AV) on 26/08 (J. Prieta).