THE GREAT BUSTARD IN BADAJOZ. 2011

Great Bustard (Otis tarda). Male in courtship display. By Ángel Sánchez. 

The veteran birdwatching review Quercus regales us in its April 2012 issue with an article on the current situation of the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) in the province of Badajoz (Sánchez and García-Baquero, 2012). It sets out the results of a count conducted from 21 to 23 March 2011, throwing up a total of 1653 birds (677 males, 691 females and 285 unsexed). The authors conclude that the population is holding steady with a tendency to cluster in the best conserved areas to the detriment of the outlying and smaller populations.

The following table shows the results for the four provincial counts conducted in Badajoz over the last 23 years. Allowing for the fact that the effort and methodology are perhaps not strictly uniform and comparable across the four counts, and even though the findings for 1993 and 2002, were 25% down, the conclusion drawn is that the breeding population is currently stable. Geographically, there are six main clusters. The biggest three account for 90% of the total, with an upward trend in La Serena (+10%) and southern Badajoz (+12%) and a fall in La Campiña Sur (-14%). Many of the smaller populations are likewise declining, from 283 birds to only 128 (-55%).

As we pointed out in an earlier blog entry, the worldwide Great Bustard population adds up to about 50,000 birds. Spain accounts for the lion's share (32,000 birds; nearly half of them, 14,000, in Castilla y León). The recent rise recorded in the Iberian Great Bustard population can be put down largely to the increase in Castilla y León (+34% from 1998 to 2008), but also Castilla-La Mancha, though this is partly due to a better surveying performance (Martín et al., 2012; Alonso and Palacín, 2010).

Great bustard (Otis tarda). The only two adult males in the rump breeding population of Guijo de Coria-Calzadilla, Cáceres, in 2012. By Javier Prieta. 

Information on the important Extremadura population is imprecise. Monitoring has been patchy and sometimes partial or untimely. Only two complete regional counts of the breeding population have been conducted, in 1988 and 2002. Winter information is better, with eleven published counts, although ten of them are now fairly old (1985-1998) and the other dates from nine years ago (2003). There is therefore no trustworthy information on the Great Bustard's current population or trend. Another as yet unexplained factor is the glaring difference between the winter and spring counts, the former recording maximums of nearly 7000 birds and the latter only half that figure at 3500. This finding is repeated in all the studies carried out, including the abovementioned Badajoz 2011 count. Some put this down to a methodological error; others regard it as a bona fide finding. But little is known about the movements of Extremadura's Great Bustards so it has not been possible to confirm where they come from (the findings in other regions do not bear out this spring depletion) or where these thousands of Bustards hide in spring... While waiting for this mystery to be cleared up, we have recorded in two tables, for information purposes, all the figures on Extremadura's Great Bustard population to date (click on them to open them up).

To wind up, a brief comment on a second article from the same Quercus issue 314 on the impact of power lines and fencing on the Great Bustards of La Serena (Calderón, 2012). In 2010 members of the ANSER group surveyed 292 km of power lines and 100 km of fencing, finding 55 dead birds in the former, nine of them Great Bustards(16%), and 25 in the latter, seven of them Great Bustards(28%), with an estimate of 35-41 Great Bustards killed in fenced fields each year in the SPA of La Serena.

Sources: 

- Alonso, J. C. and Palacín, C. 2010. The world status and population trends of the Great Bustard (Otis tarda): 2010 update. Chinese Birds 1:141-147 

- Alonso, J. C., Palacín, C. and Martín, C. A. (Eds.). 2005. La avutarda común en la península ibérica: población actual y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid [PDF]. 

- Calderón, M. J. 2012.Tendidos y alambradas cercan a las avutardas en La Serena. Quercus 314:1622. 

 - Corbacho, C., Fernández, A., Costillo, E., Lozano, L., Acedo, F. and Gil,. A. 2005. La avutarda común en Extremadura: distribución, población y tendencias. En: Alonso, J. C., Palacín, C., y Martín, C. A. (Eds.). La avutarda común en la península ibérica: población actual y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid. [PDF] 

- Martín, C. A., Martínez, C., Bautista, L. M. and Martín, B. 2012. Population increase of the great bustard Otis tarda in its main distribution area in relation to changes in farming practices. Ardeola 59:31-42. 

- Sánchez, Á, and García-Baquero, M. J. 2012.La avutarda en Badajoz: estabilidad, pero con matices. Quercus 314:1622.

MAY 2012. Notable bird sightings in Extremadura

Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius collurio). Male. Puerto de Tornavacas (Cáceres-Ávila). By Javier Prieta. 

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

- Greylag Goose: Two birds at Valdecañas Reservoir on 20/05 (Sergio Mayordomo and Eva Palacios). Feral birds cannot be ruled out.
- Egyptian Goose: On 06/05 two birds seen at Alqueva Reservoir (Badajoz) (Emilio Costillo) and another two at Charca de Morantes (Badajoz) (Pablo Herrador and José Luis Bautista). At El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), two birds on 11/05 and one on 17/05 (S. Mayordomo). Four pairs, one with nine chicks, at La Serena Reservoir (Badajoz) on 18/05 (Sergio Pérez, Miguel A. Sánchez, Fermín Sierra, Domingo Rivera, Demetrio Vázquez and Ángel Sánchez). Two birds at Salor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 31/05 (Sebastián Molano).
- Shelduck: One bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 04/05 (Martin Kelsey). At Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres), several drakes on 15/05 (Á. Sánchez), 11 birds on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and two pairs on 22/05 (Vicente Risco and Javier Briz). Two at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 27/05 (Yolya Simón, Vanessa de Alba, Jesús Solana, Gerardo Pizarro and Antonio Núñez).
- Shoveler: At Sierra Brava Reservoir (Cáceres), two birds on 05/05 (M. Kelsey), one drake on 08/05 (John Muddeman) and 10 birds on 13/05 (M. Kelsey). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), one drake on 06/05 and one pair on 19/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). At El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), one drake on 11/05, 17/05 and 25/05 (S. Mayordomo). One drake at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (Cáceres), on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One pair at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 30/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Red-Crested Pochard: One bird at River Guadiana, La Zarza (Badajoz), on 03/05 (G. Pizarro). Two birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 05/05 (Antonio Calvo). Seven birds, 4 drakes and 3 ducks, at Charca de Morantes (Badajoz) on 06/05 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista). At Sierra Brava Reservoir (Cáceres), 11 birds, 7 drakes and 4 ducks, on 08/05 (J. Muddeman), 12 birds on 13/05 and two pairs on 21/05 (M. Kelsey). At a River Guadiana gravel pit (Badajoz), one pair con 9 chicks on 23/05 (Juan Pablo Prieto).
- Tufted Duck: At Sierra Brava Reservoir (Cáceres), one pair on 08/05 (J. Muddeman) and one drake and 2 ducks on 13/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Pochard: At El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), eight birds on 11/05, 15 on 17/05 and nine on 25/05 (S. Mayordomo). Six at Sierra Brava (Cáceres) on 13/05 (M. Kelsey). At Los Arenales, Cáceres, three pairs on 17/05 and two drakes and one duck on 25/05 (S. Mayordomo). One drake at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (Cáceres), on 21/05 (S. Mayordomo). One pair at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 30/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Ferruginous Duck: One drake at El Manantío, Aldea del Cano (Cáceres), on 21/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Glossy Ibis: At Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, up to 16 birds throughout May(Luis R. Hernández, Juan Carlos Paniagua, Mercedes Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Salgado, Atanasio Fernández). One bird at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 01/05 (V. Risco and J. Briz). At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres), two birds on 08/05 (J. Muddeman), 12/05 (J. P. Prieto and José Luis Pérez Chiscano) and 13/05 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 08/05 (Elvira del Viejo and Antonia Cangas) and 27/05 (Y. Simón, V. de Alba, J. Solana, G. Pizarro and A. Núñez). Roost at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), nine birds on 21/05 (Juani Lopo, J. Solana, G. Pizarro, Francisco Lopo and Francisco Castro), 10 on 27/05 (Y. Simón, V. de Alba, J. Solana, G. Pizarro and A. Núñez) and on 31/05 (A. Calvo). 24 birds on 31/05 in flight near Mérida (Á. Sánchez).
- Bittern: At Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres), one bird on 17/05 (Manuel García del Rey) and 28/05 (M. García del Rey, Enrique Fernández Larreta and Emilio Pérez-Balsalobre).
- Squacco Heron: One or two birds at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) from 04/05 to 20/05 (S. Mayordomo, Samuel Langlois, J. Muddeman, Javier Prieta, E. Palacios and Dave Langlois). At Montijo Reservoir , Mérida, one bird on 14/05 (Á. Sánchez) and 31/05 (A. Calvo). One bird at Palazuelo ricefields (Badajoz) on 23/05 (J. P. Prieto).
- Great White Egret: One non-breeding bird at Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (Cáceres) on 01/05 (S. Mayordomo, J. Prieta, E. Palacios and Antonio Jiménez). Birds in breeding plumage: One bird at Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 06/05 (Javier Mahillo); one bird at El Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 11/05 and 25/05 (S. Mayordomo); and another at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 17/05 (J. Prieta), 20/05 (S. Langlois and D. Langlois) and 28/05 (M. García del Rey, E. Fernández Larreta and E. Pérez-Balsalobre).

- White Stork: Three nests on the ground at an island of La Serena Reservoir (Badajoz) on 18/05 (S. Pérez, M. A. Sánchez, F. Sierra, D. Rivera, D. Vázquez and Á. Sánchez -photograph-).
- Lammergeier: One immature at Los Hoyicios, Guadalupe (Cáceres), on 31/05 (Pilar Chamorro).
- Hen Harrier: One female at Ahigal (Cáceres) on 30/05 (Alberto Pacheco).
- Montagu's Harrier: One dark-phase bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 02/05 (A. Pacheco) and at Talaván (Cáceres) on 05/05 (S. mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Red-Footed Falcon: One male at Los Cerralbos, Trujillo (Cáceres), on 17/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Hobby: One bird at Zorita (Cáceres) on 05/05 (J. Muddeman). One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 08/05 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Llanos de Cáceres on 27/05 (Justiniano Julián and Iván Solana).
- Little Bustard: At Guijo de Coria (Cáceres), one courting male and 2 females on 02/05 (J. Prieta).
- Purple Swamphen: One bird at Valdefuentesgravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), on 30/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Baillon's Crake: One possible bird with Little Crake at Palazuelo ricefields (Badajoz) on 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Avocet: At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres), two birds on 04/05 (M. Kelsey), five on 05/05 (M. Kelsey and J. Muddeman) and two on 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano). One bird at Los Arenales, Cáceres, on 27/05 (J. Julián and I. Solana).
- Lapwing: At Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres), one bird from 02/05 to 21/05 (S. Mayordomo, J. Mahillo and E. Palacios). Three birds at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/05 (F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Cangas). Two birds at Charca de Torrealba, Torremocha (Cáceres), on 09/05 and 11/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Kentish Plover: At Puebla de Alcollarín ricefields (Badajoz), four birds on 10/05 (J. P. Prieto) and one pair on 12/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano). At Valdecañas Reservoir 20 pairs seen on 15/05 (Á. Sánchez) and three on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black-Tailed Godwit: One bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 05/05 (J. Muddeman) and another on 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Redshank: One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/05 (S. Mayordomo). At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres), six birds on 21/05 (M. Kelsey) and one on 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Sanderling: One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 01/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres), two birds on 01/05 (M. Kelsey) and one on 13/05, 21/05 (M. Kelsey) and 23/05 (J. P. Prieto).

- Curlew Sandpiper: At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres), five birds on 05/05, 25 on 13/05 and one on 21/05 (M. Kelsey). On 06/05 ten birds seen at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) (Lorenzo Alcántara) and one at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) (F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Cangas). Nine between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz) on 12/05 (J. P. Prieto -photograph- and J. L. Pérez Chiscano). Three in breeding plumage at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/05 (Á. Sánchez).
- Temminck's Stint: One bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 01/05 (M. Kelsey) and another at Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz) on 10/05 (J. P. Prieto).

- Turnstone: Two birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 01/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). At Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz), six birds on 01/05 (F. Lopo, F. Castro and I. Sánchez) and 06/05 (F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Cangas).
- Mediterranean Gull: One second year bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 01/05, 04/05 and 21/05 (M. Kelsey -photograph-).

- Audouin's Gull: One third-summer bird at La Pulgosa, Cáceres, on 12/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios -photograph-), second record for the province of Cáceres. - Yellow-Legged Gull: At Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres), several birds on 15/05 (Á. Sánchez) and 36 on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One adult at Gabriel y Galán Reservoir (Cáceres) on 23/05 (J. Prieta).
- Common Tern: At Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres), a pair with courtship feeding on 17/05 (J. Prieta) and one immature on 20/05 (S. Langlois and D. Langlois).

- Long-Eared Owl: Two chicks in a nest at Saucedilla (Cáceres) from 01/05 to 17/05 (V. Risco, S. Mayordomo, Miguel Ángel Muñoz, M. García del Rey, J. Prieta -photograph, adult-, J. Briz and E. Palacios).
- Great Spotted Cuckoo: One chick in a nest with Raven chicks at Ahigal (Cáceres) on 30/05 (A. Pacheco).
- Green Woodpecker: One bird at Santa Marta de Magasca (Cáceres) on 01/05 (Antonio Cebrián).
- Wryneck: One bird at Madrigalejo (Cáceres) on 05/05 (M. Kelsey and J. Muddeman). At Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres), one bird on 12/05 and 14/05 (D. Langlois). One bird calling at Cheles (Badajoz) on 12/05 (L. R. Hernández and J. C. Paniagua). Proven breeding of one pair at Cornalvo (Badajoz) on 16/05 (José Ledo).
- Bearded Tit: One male at on Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 10/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Swallow: Two albino birds at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 07/05 (Roberto Cabo).
- Chiffchaff: At Soto del Guadiana, Badajoz, three birds on 01/05 and one on 06/05 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird singing in a Serradilla pinewood (Cáceres) on 27/05, a spot where singing males have now been detected in five non-consecutive summers (J. Prieta). - Olivaceous Warbler: Two birds at Montijo Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 30/05 (F. Montaño, E. del Viejo and A. Ruiz).
- Spectacled Warbler: One bird at Piornal (Cáceres) on 10/05 (J. Prieta). Two pairs at Llanos de Cáceres on 14/05 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Tierra de Barros (Badajoz) on 18/05 (Steve Fletcher, M. Kelsey and J. Porras). Twelve males at La Mesa, Piornal (Cáceres) on 19/05 (J. Prieta). Present at Cabezabellosa (Cáceres) on 20/05 (Ricardo Montero), at Puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (Cáceres), on 23/05 (A. Pacheco) and at Puerto de Tornavacas (Cáceres) on 26/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Firecrest: One male singing in a Serradilla pinewood (Cáceres) on 27/05; first probable breeding record in Monfragüe (J. Prieta).
- Rock Thrush: Two males at Cabezabellosa (Cáceres) on 01/05 (Rixte Boitenwerg and Heirdert Hindrik). One male at Valcorchero, Plasencia (Cáceres) from 04/05 to 06/05 (Jesús Rodríguez). One male at Puerto de Esperabán, Pinofranqueado (Cáceres), on 06/05 and 23/05 (A. Pacheco).
- Redstart: On 06/05 two males seen at Losar de la Vera (Cáceres) (D. Langlois) and at La Lapa (Badajoz) (F. Montaño), and at least seven pairs on an urban stretch of River de los Ángeles, Pinofranqueado (Cáceres) (A. Pacheco). One male and one pair at Gata (Cáceres) on 13/05 (J. Prieta). One male singing at Cabezabellosa (Cáceres) on 20/05 (R. Montero).

LAST SPRING ARRIVALS

- White-Rumped Swift: At Castillo de Monfragüe (Cáceres) one bird on 06/05 (J. Muddeman) and two on 11/05 (M. Kelsey). Two birds at River Guadarranque, Alía (Cáceres), on 12/05 (Jorge Ángel and Jaime Cerezo). One bird at Alange dam (Badajoz) on 18/05 (M. Kelsey and Jesús Porras). Two birds at Estrecho de la Peña, Alía (Cáceres), on 30/05 (J. Ángel). Photograph by Raymond de Smet, taken in Monfragüe on september 2011.
- Nightjar: One bird at la Sierra de San Serván, Mérida (Badajoz), on 06/05 (E. del Viejo and A. Cangas). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 11/05 (D. Langlois).
- Red-Backed Shrike: One pair at Puerto de Tornavacas (AV-Cáceres) on 26/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).

LINGERING WINTER VISITORS AND MIGRANTS
- Wigeon: At Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres), two drakes on 15/05 (Á. Sánchez) and a pair on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Pintail: One pair at Sierra Brava Reservoir (Cáceres) on 05/05 and 13/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Grey Plover: At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres), three birds on 04/05 (M. Kelsey), 13 on 05/05 (M. Kelsey and J. Muddeman), 9 on 08/05 (J. Muddeman) and one on 10/05 (J. P. Prieto). One bird at Arroyoconejos-Llerena Reservoir (Badajoz), on 08/05 and 09/05 (Francisco Montaño). Four birds at Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz) on 10/05 (J. P. Prieto).
- Golden Plover: One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 01/05 (F. Lopo, F. Castro and Ismael Sánchez). One bird with a broken wing at Palazuelo (Badajoz) on 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Ringed Plover: At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres), 125 birds, biggest flock ever recorded in Extremadura, on 21/05 (M. Kelsey), 15 on 23/05 (J. P. Prieto) and one on 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Curlew: Two birds at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 08/05 (J. Muddeman).
- Whimbrel: One bird at Laguna de Murtales, La Nava de Santiago (Badajoz), on 01/05 (P. Herrador). At Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres), one bird on 05/05 and five on 08/05 (J. Muddeman). Two birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). Two at Montijo Reservoir , Mérida (Badajoz), on 30/05 (F. Montaño, E. del Viejo and A. Ruiz).
- Greenshank: Twelve birds at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 21/05 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 27/05 (Y. Simón, V. de Alba, J. Solana, G. Pizarro and A. Núñez).
- Spotted Redshank: One bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 04/05 (M. Kelsey) and 05/05 (M. Kelsey and J. Muddeman). 24 birds between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (Badajoz) on 12/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Green Sandpiper: Two birds at Salor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 10/05 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 13/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Wood Sandpiper: At Laguna de Murtales, La Nava de Santiago (Badajoz), two birds on 01/05 (P. Herrador) and one on 06/05 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista).
- Ruff/Reeve: One bird at Salor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 12/05 (J. L. Bautista and Inmaculada Jerez). 30 birds at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 13/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Common Sandpiper: Three birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 15/05 (Á. Sánchez). One bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 21/05 (M. Kelsey).
- Dunlin: Twelve birds at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 21/05 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Salor Reservoir (Cáceres) on 22/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Black Tern: One bird at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 01/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. palacios). One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 06/05 (F. Lopo, E. del Viejo and A. Cangas). Two birds at Arroyoconejos-Llerena Reservoir (Badajoz), on 08/05 and 09/05 (F. Montaño). Two birds at Palazuelo-Puebla de Alcollarín ricefields (Badajoz) on 12/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano). One bird at Palazuelo-Campo Lugar ricefields (Badajoz-Cáceres) on 13/05 (M. Kelsey). Three birds at the Gull-Billed Tern colony of Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 20/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Whiskered Tern: At Arroyoconejos-Llerena Reservoir (Badajoz), fifteen birds on 08/05 and 5 on 09/05 (F. Montaño). Two birds at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 17/05 (J. Prieta) and 20/05 (V. de Alba, S. Langlois, D. Langlois and A. Núñez). Two birds at Palazuelo ricefields (Badajoz) on 23/05 (J. P. Prieto) and 26/05 (J. P. Prieto and J. L. Pérez Chiscano).
- Tawny Pipit: One bird at Santiago del Campo (Cáceres) on 05/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Torrequemada (Cáceres) on 09/05 and another at Torremocha (Cáceres) on 11/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Sedge Warbler: Two birds at River Guadiana, Badajoz, on 01/05 and 05/05 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 04/05 (J. Muddeman). Present at Charca de Morantes (Badajoz) on 06/05 (P. Herrador and J. L. Bautista).
- Garden Warbler: One bird at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 01/05 (F. Lopo, F. Castro and I. Sánchez). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 01/05 and 02/05, and three on 10/05 (D. Langlois). One bird at Guadiana, Badajoz, on 06/05 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at River Jerte, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 08/05 (S. Mayordomo).
- Wheatear: Four males at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 02/05 (J. Prieta) and one female at Santiago del Campo (Cáceres) on 05/05 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).

BOOTED EAGLES: THE HOMECOMING

A few weeks ago we spoke in this blog entry about the African odyssey of two satellite-tagged Extremadura Booted Eagles (Hieraaetus pennatus) from September 2011 to February 2012. Like the other tagged birds in other Spanish provinces our two Booted Eagles have now come home safe and sound and seem to have got down to the task of breeding. Their return journeys were as follows.

Luna (a female, No.5 on the map) left her stable wintering area in Mali on 16 March. After passing through Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco she crossed the Strait of Gibraltar on 1 April, thereafter returning more slowly to her breeding territory in Alburquerque (Badajoz), where she arrived on the 6th. In total a 2700 km journey in 21 days at an average of 130 km per day and the longest stages of 344 km and 323 km on 18 and 20 March, smack in the middle of the desert. Progress within Spain was much slower, with a maximum daily stint of 120 km. In 2012 she has built a new nest only 250 m from the one used in 2011, which fell down last winter (Ángel Sánchez, pers. com.). 

Valiente (male, No.6 on the map) kicked off his trip from Nigeria on 19 March, then passing through Niger, Mali, Algeria and Morocco, crossing the Strait on 2 April and arriving back in La Roca de la Sierra (Badajoz) on 7 April. A long journey of 3500 km in 20 days, at a mean speed of 175 km per day and the longest stages of 420 and 418 km on 21 and 24 March. The longest day journey made in Spain was only 95 km. This was the swiftest moving of the six birds and one of the two with the most distant wintering area.

If we look at the whole set of six tagged birds (two in Badajoz and Madrid and one each in Castellón and Ávila) we find that the spring homecoming journey did not follow the same route as the autumn outgoing one, which was further west in all cases. The start day varied from 1 to 20 March (mean date of 13 March), the Strait crossing from 30 March to 11 April (mean date of 4 April) and the arrival on the breeding territory from 4 to 26 April (mean date of 10 April). The total distance covered ranged from 2725 to 3530 km (mean of 3095 km), the duration from 17 to 51 days (28 mean) and the average daily speed from 70 to 175 km (mean 126). Barring one bird that made the trip in two stages, stopping for a time in one of its two wintering areas, the rest came back directly, moving more rapidly through Africa and slowing down upon entering the Iberian Peninsula.

More information on the SEO/BirdLife project website "La migración de las aves" (Bird Migration).

ATLANTIC DEPRESSIONS AND WIND-BLOWN COASTAL BIRDS

Extremadura's last winter from December 2011 to March 2012 recorded an all-time low rainfall since records began. Luckily, April was fairly wet, saving a spring that was shaping up as dire. A succession of depressions swept in from the Atlantic in April 2012, rounded out by an explosive cyclogenesis on the 25th. The associated winds might have been responsible for the appearance in Extremadura of coastal migratory birds in the second half of April and first part of May. The phenomenon of coastal birds swept inland by winds usually occurs in winter, resulting in red-letter species for Extremadura like Great Northern and Black Throated Divers, Great Skua, Storm Petrel and Madeiran Storm Petrel. Spring episodes are pretty rare.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Adult at Valdecañas Reservoir, Cáceres, on 12.07.11 (Ángel Sánchez). 

The standout example this spring has been the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Our April summary reports sightings in three different reservoirs, with maximums of ten birds at Guadiloba on 26 April (S. McAvoy/Birdwatch Ireland and G. Schreur), seven at Ahigal (A. Pacheco) and twelve at Portaje on 27 April(S. Mayordomo). On all occasions they were accompanied by Little Terns and Whiskered Terns, which may also have been wind driven but are more normal passage drop-ins inland. Subsequent visits to the same places did not turn up any Common Tern sightings. This brief influx, albeit modest, is the biggest recorded to date in Extremadura. In the eleven-year period running from 1998 to 2008 there were only five sightings of one or two Common Terms in April-May (without counting the breeding birds in Valdecañas Reservoir, the most recent in 2011).

Some coastal waders also turned up in greater-than-usual numbers in spring 2012, though relating these to the April storms is perhaps more a bit more fanciful. These included the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), a very scarce but regular spring migrant in Extremadura. From 1998 to 2008 there were thirty sightings, the biggest being a flock of eight. In April 2012 it was seen in at least five sites, including the biggest flock ever recorded in Extremadura: 27 birds at Arrocampo Reservoir on 22 April (J. Julián). Much the same goes for the Sanderling (Calidris alba), with only 14 records involving 19 birds from 1998 to 2008 but with April 2012 records of six birds in three different places. That said, waders seem to be turning up in bigger numbers than usual in Extremadura this spring, this trend even continuing throughout May.

CASE OF ILLEGAL HUNTING OF PROTECTED SPECIES

Published in the newspaper HOY 16.05.2012.

The Guardia Civil Nature Protection Service (Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza de la Guardia Civil: SEPRONA) has arrested four people and accused another two of alleged involvement in an offence against the fauna. They are accused of setting snares and noose traps, forbidden hunting methods, for trapping threatened and protected species. The six plaintiffs are the gamekeepers and managers of three big-game hunting grounds in "Dehesa de los Barrancos", Peñalsordo (Badajoz).

The police caught the current gamekeeper red-handed setting out the snares and arrested him on the spot. The same forbidden practice was also used by the previous gamekeeper, who has also been arrested. Metal snares set on raptor perching points (rocks and tree trunks) were also found, some with remains of dead birds still attached. Among those identified were a Golden Eagle, four Eagle Owls, one Buzzard and an Egyptian Mongoose. The hunting grounds concerned fall within a protected area of the Natura 2000 network, listed as a Site of Community Interest (SCI) and Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA). The 2242 hectares of land occupied by the three hunting grounds were combed by police and agents from Extremadura's Environment Ministry on the days following the arrest. Sniffer dogs were used in the search to look for any poison bait but none was found. More than 30 snares and nooses were found, however, set up in passage areas, together with four unauthorised cage traps, one of them with live bait inside (a chicken). Many snares and wire nooses were also found in the gamekeeper's car and in the estate lodge.

APRIL 2012: NOTABLE SIGHTINGS IN EXTREMADURA

Rufous-Tailed Bush Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes). Ahigal, 29.05.2011. By Sammy Langlois. 

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

- Shelduck: At Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres), 16 birds on 08/04 (Sergio Mayordomo) and 22 on 19/04 (Ángel Sánchez). Present at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 22/04 (Francisco Lopo).
- Shoveler: Eight pairs at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 19/04 (Á. Sánchez), one drake at El Ancho Reservoir, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 20/04 (S. Mayordomo) and two pairs at Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), on 29/04 (J. Briz). Breeding birds not ruled out.
- Pochard: On 20/04 a pair was seen at El Ancho Reservoir, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres) and 40 birds at Los Arenales, Cáceres (S. Mayordomo). One pair at Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres) on 29/04 (A. Jiménez). Breeding birds not ruled out.

- Glossy Ibis: At Arrocampo Reservoir, one bird on 01/04 (José Luis Rivero), 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado) and 12/04 (Antolín Redondo), four on 15/04 (María Llorente, Javier Mahillo, César Clemente and Álvaro Díaz) and five on 22/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), eight birds on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado), ten on 05/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), two on 09/04 (Martin Kelsey), seven on 22/04, one on 28/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 12 on 29/04 (Javier Briz). One ringed bird at Cerro Alto, Saucedilla (Cáceres), from 05/04 to 17/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Kelsey, Marisa, M. Llorente, Manuel Estébanez, Lidia Roncero, Javier Prieta, J. Mahillo, E. Palacios, Conchi, C. Clemente, A. Redondo, Á. Díaz; -photograph by M. Estébanez-). One bird at River Ardila (Badajoz) on 08/04 (Francisco Montaño). At River Guadiana, Badajoz, three birds on 15/04 and one on 21/04 and 28/04 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). Two birds at River Salor, Cáceres, on 27/04 (Sebastián Molano). One bird at El Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 29/04 (Juan Pablo Prieto). This makes it the biggest ever influx of this species in Extremadura. Several of the sightings were ringed birds, in all cases from Doñana.
- Bittern: One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 12/04 (A. Redondo) and 22/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Squacco Heron: At Arrocampo (Cáceres), one bird on 17/04 (J. Prieta), five birds, four in breeding plumage, on 22/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and one on 29/04 (J. Briz).
- Great White Egret: Up to five birds in breeding plumage at Arrocampo (Cáceres) from 15/04 to 29/04 (Vicente Risco, S. Mayordomo, M. Llorente, Manuel García del Rey, J. Prieta, J. Mahillo, J. Briz, E. Palacios, C. Clemente and Á. Díaz).
- Osprey: One passage bird at Puerto de Piornal (Cáceres) on 24/04 (J. Prieta). One bird at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 28/04 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Long-Legged Buzzard: One presumed bird at Campo Lugar (Cáceres) on 15/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Goshawk: One bird at Herreruela (Cáceres) on 10/04 (Godfried Schreur). One female at Monesterio (Badajoz) on 28/4 (Alberto Pacheco).
- Montagu's Harrier: One dark morph bird at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 02/04 (A. Pacheco).
- Hobby: One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 26/04 (Ricardo Montero). On 28/04 one bird seen at Gabriel and Galán Reservoir (Cáceres), another at La Granja de Granadilla (Cáceres) and another at Talaván (Cáceres) (R. Montero). On 29/04 one bird seen at Navalmoral de la Mata (Cáceres) (J. Briz) and two at Majadas pinewood(Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Lesser Kestrel: New colony found at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 11/04, with eight males and six females (J. Prieta).
- Little Bustard: At Guijo de Coria (Cáceres), where the species stopped breeding a decade ago, two males singing on 02/04 (A. Pacheco) and two males and one female on 11/04 (J. Prieta).

- Spotted Crake: One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 06/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 07/04 (C. Clemente -photograph-).
- Avocet: One bird at Los Arenales, Cáceres, on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Grey Plover: One bird at Los Barruecos, Malpartida de Cáceres (Cáceres), on 27/04 (M. Kelsey). Two birds at El Paredón Reservoir, Campanario (Badajoz), on 29/04 (J. P. Prieto).
- Kentish Plover: At Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres), 14 birds on 08/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 72 birds on 19/04 (Á. Sánchez). Two pairs at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 27/04 (Á. Sánchez).
- Whimbrel: At Campo Lugar (Cáceres), four birds on 15/04 and 13 on 25/04 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Jerte Reservoir, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á, Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios). Two birds at Alburquerque (Badajoz) on 21/04 (G. Schreur). At Arrocampo (Cáceres), 27 birds, biggest flock over recorded in Extremadura, on 22/04 (Justiniano Julián) and eight on 27/04 (G. Schreur) and 28/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). At Talaván Reservoir (Cáceres), one bird on 26/04 (G. Schreur) and 29/04 (A. Jiménez).
- Spotted Redshank: Two birds at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 06/04 (M. Kelsey). One bird at Salor Reservoir, Cáceres, on 10/04, 12/04 and 18/04 (S. Mayordomo). At Laguna Torrealba, Torremocha (Cáceres), five birds on 10/04, 2 on 18/04 and three, one completely in summer plumage, on 20/04 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Los Arenales, Cáceres, on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo). Two birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 19/04 (Á. Sánchez).
- Wood Sandpiper: At Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres), two birds on 01/04 (J. Prieta), one bird on 03/04 (J. Mahillo and C. Clemente), 6/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios) and 7/04 (C. Clemente), four birds on 11/04 (J. Prieta) and one on 13/04 (S. Mayordomo), 19/04 (Mario Alonso) and 22/04 (J. Prieta). At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), three birds on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado), six on 05/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios), five on 09/04 (M. Kelsey), present on 15/04 (M. Llorente, J. Mahillo, C. Clemente and Á. Díaz), five on 17/04 (J. Prieta) and three on 28/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 15/04 (J. C. Paniagua).
- Common Sandpiper: Over 150 birds at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 19/04 (Á. Sánchez).

- Sanderling: One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 19/04 (M. Alonso). One bird at Charca de La Haba (Badajoz) on 24/04 (J. P. Prieto -photograph-). Four birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Curlew Sandpiper: One bird at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 19/04 (Á. Sánchez). Two birds at Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz) on 25/04 (Elvira del Viejo and Antonia Cangas).
- Temminck's Stint: At Charca de Esparragalejo (Badajoz), one bird on 06/04 (F. Montaño) and 11/04 (J. P. Prieto and Carmen Crisóstomo).
- Yellow-Legged Gull: One adult at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Common Tern: At Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres), one bird on 26/04 (S. Mayordomo and J. Prieta) and seven on 27/04 (A. Pacheco). Ten birds at Guadiloba Reservoir, Cáceres, on 26/04 (G. Schreur). Twelve birds at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Long-Eared Owl: One bird on its nest at Saucedilla (Cáceres) from 14/04 to 20/04 (V. Risco, Pablo de la Nava, M. Llorente, M. García del Rey, José Carlos López, J. Mahillo, J. Briz., J. Prieta, C. Clemente and Á. Díaz).
- Green Woodpecker: One bird at Proserpina Reservoir, Mérida (Badajoz), on 03/04 (E. del Viejo). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 27/04 (D. Langlois). On 24/03 one bird at Valdastillas and two at Piornal, Cáceres (J. Prieta).
- Wryneck: One bird at Dehesa boyal de Ahigal (Cáceres) on 07/04 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 12/04, 17/04 and 25/04, and two on 30/04 (D. Langlois).
- Bearded Tit: One bird at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado).
- Willow Warbler: At River Jerte, Plasencia (Cáceres), three birds on 01/04 (J. Prieta), two on 02/04, one on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo) and one on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios). Three birds at Oliva de Plasencia (Cáceres) on 01/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Valcorchero, Plasencia (Cáceres), on 03/04 (S. Mayordomo). Four birds at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado). One bird at Mérida (Badajoz) on 05/04 (M. Kelsey). At Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres), four birds on 07/04 and one on 30/04 (D. Langlois). One bird at River Guadiana, Badajoz, on 08/04 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at on Reservoir del Ancho, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramirez and E. Palacios). One bird at San Vicente de Alcántara (Badajoz) on 16/04 (G. Schreur). At Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres), one bird on 17/04 and 26/04 (D. langlois).
- Sedge Warbler: At River Jerte, Plasencia (Cáceres), one bird on 01/04 (J. Prieta), two on 02/04 (S. Mayordomo), two on 06/04 (J. Prieta), one on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo), four on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios) and one on 26/04 (J. Prieta). At Valdefuentes gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), one bird on 01/04 (J. Prieta), three on 03/04 (J. Mahíllo and C. Clemente) and also present on 07/04 (C. Clemente). One bird at Brovales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 02/04 (F. Montaño). Heavy fall at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado). Present on the final stretch of River Aljucén, Mérida (Badajoz), on 06/04 (F. Montaño). At River Guadiana, Badajoz, heavy fall of over 24 birds on 08/04 and several birds on 15/04 (J. C. Paniagua). One bird at El Ancho Reservoir, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Cerro Alto, Saucedilla (Cáceres), on 17/04 (J. Prieta).
- Spectacled Warbler: One territorial male at La Codosera (Badajoz) on 29/04 (G. Schreur).
- Black-Bellied Dipper: Breeding proven on River Jerte in the city of Plasencia: a pair with 3 chicks and another different adult carrying food on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo) and six birds in at least four possible territories, on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios).
- Ring Ouzel: One bird at Guijo de Santa Bárbara (Cáceres) on 08/04 (Jesús Calle).
- Robin: One leucistic bird at Santa Cruz de Paniagua (Cáceres) on 05/04 (J. C. Paniagua and C. Clemente).
- Redstart: One pair at Santa cruz de Paniagua (Cáceres) on 06/04 (J. C. Paniagua). One male singing at Garganta la Olla (Cáceres) on 24/04 (J. Prieta). One male singing at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 28/04 (D. Langlois).

FIRST ARRIVALS OF SUMMER VISITORS
- Night Heron: Arrival at Arrocampo colony(Cáceres): six adults on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado).
- Honey Buzzard: One bird at Santibáñez el Alto (Cáceres) on 09/04 (Goyo Naharro). On 15/04 one bird seen at El Torviscal (Badajoz) (Luis Lozano, Lorenzo Alcántara, Justo García, F. Lopo, Francisco Castro and Borja Maldonado) and another at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo, Miguel Ángel Muñoz, J. Prieta, Francisco Ramírez and E. Palacios). First bird at La Vera (Cáceres) on 30/04 (Dave Langlois).
- Little Tern: Present at Los Canchales Reservoir (Badajoz) on 22/04 (F. Lopo). Three birds at Guadiloba Reservoir, Cáceres, on 26/04 and 27/04 (G. Schreur). One bird at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/04 (A. Pacheco). One bird at Puente del Cardenal, Monfragüe (Cáceres), on 28/04 (Óscar Díaz).
- Gull-Billed Tern: Two birds at Arrocampo Reservoir (Cáceres) on 06/04 (J. Briz). Nine at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 14/04 (L. Alcántara).
- Black Tern: At Guadiloba Reservoir, Cáceres, five birds on 26/04 and three on 27/04 (G. Schreur). On 27/04 two also seen at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) (A. Pacheco), five at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) and three at Montijo Reservoir(Badajoz) (Á. Sánchez).
- Whiskered Tern: Three birds at Alange Reservoir (Badajoz) on 03/04 (Tomás Montalvo). Present at Guadiloba Reservoir, Cáceres, on 26/04 (G. Schreur). Two birds at Ahigal Reservoir (Cáceres) on 27/04 (A. Pacheco).
- Swift: Two birds at Plasencia on 01/04 (S. Mayordomo). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 02/04 (D. Langlois). One bird at Guijo de Santa Bárbara (Cáceres) on 03/04 and eight the following day (J. Calle).
- Red-Necked Nightjar: One bird at Monesterio (Badajoz) on 28/04 (A. Pacheco). One bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 30/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Golden Oriole: On 15/04 one bird recorded at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) (D. Langlois) and two at Casas del Castañar (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios). Three birds at Valencia de Alcántara (Cáceres) on 16/04 (G. Schreur).
- Short-Toed Lark: Scores of birds at Guijo de Coria (Cáceres) on 02/04 (A. Pacheco). Present at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). Eleven birds at Llanos de Cáceres on 10/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Grasshopper Warbler: One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 01/04 (J. Prieta). One bird at Santa Cruz de Paniagua (Cáceres) on 05/04 (J. C. Paniagua and C. Clemente). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 07/04 (D. Langlois). One bird at Valdastillas (Cáceres) on 25/04 (J. Prieta).
- Great Reed Warbler: At Valdefuentes Gravel pit, Galisteo (Cáceres), two birds on 01/04 (J. Prieta) and one on 03/04 (J. Mahillo and C. Clemente). One bird at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado). One bird at River Guadiana, Mérida (Badajoz), on 05/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Melodious Warbler: One bird at Mérida (Badajoz) on 23/04 (G. Schreur). Two birds at Valdastillas (Cáceres) on 25/04 and another two at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 26/04 (J. Prieta).
- Garden Warbler: At Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres), one bird on 13/04, 17/04 and 20/04, and two on 25/04 and 30/04 (D. Langlois). Four birds at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios) and one on 26/04 (J. Prieta).

- Whitethroat: Birds on passage: One bird at River Viar (Badajoz) on 07/04 (Javier Salcedo and A. Pacheco). One bird at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios). Two birds at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 29/04 (J. Briz). In breeding area: three males at Piornal (Cáceres) on 09/04 (J. Prieta).
- Rock Thrush: Three birds on passage at Sierra del Castellar, Zafra (Badajoz), on 17/04 (Joaquín Vázquez) and 19/04 (J. Vázquez and F. Montaño -photograph-).
- Spotted Flycatcher: One bird at Valdesalor, Cáceres, on 22/04 (Carlos Fernández -photograph-). One bird at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 25/04 (D. Langlois). On 29/04 one bird seen at Badajoz (J. C. Paniagua) and another at Majadas (Cáceres) (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Pied Flycatcher: On passage, one bird at Mérida (Badajoz) on 05/04 (M. Kelsey) and one pair at La Serena (Badajoz) on 15/04 (Santi Villa). In breeding areas, one male at Garganta la Olla (Cáceres) on 24/04 (J. Prieta) and one female at Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres) on 30/04 (D. Langlois).
- Rufous-Tailed Bush Robin: One bird in Montehermoso olive groves (Cáceres) on 24/04 (J. Mahillo and C. Clemente).
- Tawny Pipit: One bird at La Serena (Badajoz) on 15/04 (S. Villa). One bird at Cáceres on 30/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Ortolan Bunting: One bird at Puerto de Piornal (Cáceres) on 24/04 (J. Prieta). One bird on passage at La Aldea del Obispo (Cáceres) on 28/04 (S. Villa).

LINGERING WINTER VISITORS AND MIGRANTS 
- Greylag Goose: One bird at El Borbollón Reservoir (Cáceres) on 02/04 (A. Pacheco) and two at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Wigeon: Six birds, 4 drakes and 2 females, at Valdecañas Reservoir (Cáceres) on 08/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Teal: One pair at Sotillo Reservoir, Monroy (Cáceres), on 13/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Garganey: At Charco Salado, Casatejada (Cáceres), one drake on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and Pepe Guisado) and 05/04 (S. Mayordomo and Eva Palacios). - Hen Harrier: One bird at Talaván (Cáceres) on 29/04 (A. Jiménez).
- Merlin: One female at Zorita (Cáceres) on 08/04 (M. Kelsey). One female or juvenile at Valdesalor, Cáceres, on 09/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Crane: Two birds, one lame and another with a swollen throat, at Malpartida de Plasencia (Cáceres) on 02/04 (M. Á. Muñoz and Daniel González). One adult and one immature at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 03/04 (J. Mahillo and C. Clemente).
- Black-Tailed Godwit: One bird at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz), on 06/04 (M. Kelsey) and another at El Ancho Reservoir, Arroyo de la Luz (Cáceres), on 11/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Snipe: One bird at Laguna Torrealba, Torremocha (Cáceres), on 18/04 (S. Mayordomo) and another at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 21/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, Iván Mairlot, E. Palacios and Ana Ruiz).
- Skylark: Two birds at Arrocampo (Cáceres) on 04/04 (S. Mayordomo and P. Guisado).
- Meadow Pipit: Two birds at Plasencia (Cáceres) on 15/04 (S. Mayordomo, M. Á. Muñoz, J. Prieta, F. Ramírez and E. Palacios). Five birds at Torrequemada (Cáceres) on 17/04 and two at Torreorgaz (Cáceres) on 18/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Water Pipit: One bird at Saucedilla (Cáceres), on 07/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 13/04 (S. Mayordomo).
- Song Thrush: One bird at Galisteo (Cáceres) on 01/04 (J. Prieta). One bird at Toril (Cáceres) on 05/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios). One bird at Trujillo (Cáceres) on 10/04 (M. Kelsey).
- Bluethroat: One bird at Laguna de Galisteo (Cáceres) on 06/04 (S. Mayordomo and E. Palacios).
- Chiffchaff: Two birds singing at River Guadiana, Badajoz, on 29/04 (J. C. Paniagua).

SATELLITE TRACKING OF BLACK-SHOULDERED KITES IN EXTREMADURA

 

The aforementioned website of the SEO/BirdLife bird migration project shows the movements of several different satellite-tracked species. The latest to be brought into the trawl are four Black-Shouldered Kites (Elanus caeruleus) tagged by the Regional Council of Extremadura (Junta de Extremadura). These birds are resident in Spain so their movements are not as spectacular as the migratory species but the tracking still offers valuable insights. We also phase in information furnished by Ángel Sánchez (Regional Environment Department of Extremadura) and Domingo Rivera (GPEX), and our thanks go to all the people working with this lovely raptor in Extremadura.

 The first Black-Shouldered Kite, a young male called Chemi born in 2010, was tagged in Badajoz on 25.11.10. This makes it the project veteran. For a year it stuck close to the tagging area, normally staying within a radius of 1-5 km. It always used the same roost, shared with another 10-12 of its species plus 5-14 Marsh Harriers and 3-10 Hen Harriers. At the end of the first year, on 24.11.11, it set off westwards. By 04.12.11 it was 60 km away and 90 km away by the 23rd, in Portugal. On 14.01.12 it moved further into Portugal, arriving at the peak, though modest, distance of 170 km from its tagging site, returning quickly thereafter and remaining there up to the last record taken on 08.04.12.

The next two Black Shouldered Kites, a nesting pair of adults, were tagged in Talarrubias (northeast of Badajoz) on 08.04.11. The female (bird number 3, called Bellota) has stuck within a radius of 10 km nearly every day, barring two slightly further forays of 23 km and 17 km. The male (bird number 4, name of Pipo), strayed even less, to a maximum distance of 4 km up to 01.11.11 when the transmitter signals ceased. During 2011 this pair raised a first clutch of four chicks (ringed on 08.04.11), and a second clutch with three fledglings (ringed on 06.07.2011) and a third with another three young (located on 17.09.11). While the male looked after these last youngsters the female moved to a new territory close by (only 2150 m) where it paired with another male, laying another clutch of eggs, the fourth of the year, with four chicks on 25.10.2011. This means that the female Bellota produced 14 young throughout 2011 in four consecutive nests with hardly any rest between. The information on this bird ceased on 11.12.11.

Lastly, a fourth Black-Shouldered Kite (bird 2,called Campana), an adult female, was tagged on 16.06.11, again in Badajoz. One month later (19.07.11) it settled down near Sines, in the Portuguese district of Bajo Alentejo, where each day it made journeys of up to 10 km, with occasional forays up to 40 km. On 09.12.11, the last day with information, it remained in the same area.

Movements of the four Black Shouldered Kites (Elanus caeruleus). To the left, in pink, the male Chemi and in purple the female Campana. The point to the right represents the reduced movements of the pair formed by Bellota and Pipo.