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.

RESERVOIRS OUT OF CONTROL: BLACK STORK NESTS FLOODED

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Monfragüe National Park, flooded nest in 2007. By Miguel Ángel Muñoz "Memole".

The irregular rainfall of the Mediterranean climate, for better or for worse, governs Extremadura and especially so in 2013. In spring we were blessed with one of the wettest on record, filling the reservoirs to levels never seen before. The Tajo, which used to be a river is now an uninterrupted chain of reservoirs established almost exclusively for power generation. It is a resource for everyone, used by one of the biggest multinational power companies without respect for legislation pertaining to the protection of species and protected areas. In April (see photo below), voices were already being raised in alarm because the Alcántara reservoir was rising and threatening some of the most famous Black Stork (Ciconia negra) nests in the Monfragüe National Park. Even though the Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo and Iberdrola had been advised, this was ignored and water was released upstream from the Valdecañas reservoir, with grave consequences for the colonies of birds nesting there on islands (so much so that by mid-June, the islands became connected to the shore and dozens of chicks died and many clutches were lost), the water level in the Alcántara reservoir was rising to 99% of its limit and ended up flooding active Black Stork nests in Monfragüe.

 Black Stork (Ciconia negra). Monfragüe National Park, 20th April 2013.

The image of a Black Stork chick on a wooden pallet, in the heart of Monfragüe, is shown below. This nest had two chicks, but when the Monfragüe staff intervened they found the surviving chick perched on top of its drowned sibling. Faced with this emergency, they opted to raise the nest on three pallets and other material. This nest had also been flooded in May 2007 (photo at the top of the posting), when fours chicks had to be removed and taken to the Animal Clinic at Sierra de Fuentes, Cáceres. In the winter of 2008, a new platform was installed at a higher point to try to avoid a future flooding, a solution which clearly failed this year since the artificial nest was situated below the maximum water level of the reservoir.

Black Stork (Ciconia negra). Monfragüe National Park, 8th June 2013.

These events, in Monfragüe as well as at the Valdecañas reservoir, have been denounced by SEO/BirdLife [read here] and by the authorities in Extremadura. We shall see how the story ends and if the surviving chick fledges. At the end of June the reservoir had lowered and it seemed that the youngster would be fine (see photo below), but at the start of July, alarm was raised again because the Alcántara had increased its level dangerously. We have heard that the nest has again been rebuilt by the authorities.

Black Stork (Ciconia negra). Monfragüe National Park, 19th June 2013.

The Government of Extremadura provided explanations that surprised us. On one hand it came out in defence of the multinational Iberdrola. It also blamed the rains of March, a full three months earlier, which would have had no influence over the fluctuations of level in June and July, which are exclusively due to the management decisions of the company. And finally, and as it usual, the present government put the blame on its predecessor.

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

JUNE 2013. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Drawing: Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata) female, by Sergio Mayordomo

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

- Greylag Goose: One at Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) on 01/06 (Gustavo Gahete). A domestic bird cannot be ruled out.
- Egyptian Goose: Two at the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 03/06 (Jesús Solana). Six pairs, one with four chicks, at La Serena reservoir (BA) on 17/06 (Ángel Sánchez, Andrés M. Sánchez, Domingo Rivera, Jezabel López, José María Abad, Toribio Álvarez and Paulino)
- Common Shelduck: One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 02/06 (Francisco Lopo). At Valdecañas reservoir (CC) two pairs seen on 15/06 (César Clemente, Eva Palacios, Javier Prieta, Pepe Guisado and Sergio Mayordomo), seven on 21/06 (E. Palacios and Miguel Ángel Muñoz), five adults and 16 young on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and eight adults and 10 young on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, Manuel García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Eurasian Wigeon: A male at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).
- Common Teal: Two males at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).
- Northern Shoveler: At Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) a pair with a duckling were seen on 01/06 (Antonio Núñez, Francisco Montaño, José Antonio Leal and José Antonio Román) and two males on 12/06 (Á. Sánchez and J. M. Abad). Several present with  some ducklings on Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 02/06 (F. Lopo). Two males at the rice fields at Riolobos (CC) on 03/06 (S. Mayordomo). 20 present at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 15/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Prieta, P. Guisado and S. Mayordomo).
- Red-crested Pochard: Four males at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 12/06 and two present at Alange reservoir (BA) on 13/06 (Á. Sánchez and J. M. Abad).
- Common Pochard: A male at the La Atalaya gravel pit, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 16/06 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). Two adults with four ducklings at La Albuera lagoons (BA) on 22/06 (Adolfo García and A. Núñez). A male at Talaván reservoir (CC) on 27/06 (Martin Kelsey).
- Ferruginous Duck: A male at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 11/06 (M. Kelsey).
- Tufted Duck: A pair at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 01/06 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño, J. A. Leal and J. A. Román).
- Common Scoter: One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 01/06 (Dave Crossley and M. Kelsey).
- Great Cormorant: 575 breeding pairs at La Serena reservoir (BA) on 17/06 (Á. Sánchez, A. M. Sánchez, D. Rivera, J. López, J. M. Abad, T. Álvarez y Paulino; X. Piñeiro).
- Squacco Heron: Two at rice fields El Batán (CC) on 06/06 (E. Palacios and Javier Mahillo). Two seen from Puente Viejo, Badajoz, on 08/06 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). An adult enetring a possible nest site at Arrocampo (CC) on 12/06 (J. Prieta). One at a pool at Esparragalejo (BA) on 15/06 (SEO-Badajoz). Two at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 22/06 (A. García and A. Núñez).
- Great White Egret: At least three breeding pairs at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 12/06 (J. Prieta).
- Sacred Ibis: One in flight over Montehermoso (CC) on 24/06 (J. Mahillo).

- Rüppell’s Vulture: A third or fourth-year bird at Villanueva del Fresno (BA) on 22/06 (Alfonso Pérez del Barco -photo-).
- Goshawk: One at Alía (CC) on 08/06 (Jaime Cerezo). A territorial bird in pine woods at Los Poyales de Losar de la Vera (CC) on 15/06 (C. Clemente, J. Prieta, M. García del Rey and P. Guisado).
- Hobby: One over Pico Villuercas (CC) on 16/06 (M. Kelsey). At the pine woods at Majadas three were seen on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and one on 30/06 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo).
- Lanner Falcon: One at Los Cerralbos, Trujillo (CC), on 10/06 (M. Kelsey and Jane and Don Walton).
- Common Crane: Oversummering birds present at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), four on 09/06 and two on 23/06 (M. Kelsey).
- Avocet: Three at Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) on 01/06 (G. Gahete).
- Kentish Plover: Two at Alange reservoir (BA) on 13/06 (Á. Sánchez and J. M. Abad). A pair copulating at the gravel pits at Soto, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 15/06 (J. Solana). At Valdecañas reservoir (CC) more than  20 seen on 15/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Prieta, P. Guisado and S. Mayordomo), more than seven on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and more than 50 on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Northern Lapwing: 18 at Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) on 01/06 (G. Gahete). One at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 02/06 (José Luis Bautista). On 03/06 one present at rice Fields of Riolobos and six El Batán (CC) (S. Mayordomo). On Galisteo rice fields nine seen on 06/06 (E. Palacios and J. Mahillo) and more than 65 on 22/06 (S. Mayordomo). At the rice fields of Palazuelo 170 present on 09/06 (M. Kelsey) and 54 on 30/06 (J. L. Pérez Chiscano and J. P. Prieto). Ten at the lagoons of Torremejía (BA) on 15/06 (Francisco Castro and J. Solana). At Valdecañas reservoir 21 seen on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and about 15 on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo). About 200 ejemplares at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 23/06 (M. Kelsey). About 280 at Ruecas (BA) on 27/06 (F. Yuste).
- Sanderling: Three at the lagoons at Torremejía (BA) on 06/06 (Francisco Barnáldez). An adult in breeding plumage at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).
- Ruff: Seven present at rice fields of Palazuelo (BA) on 30/06 (José Luis Pérez Chiscano and Juan Pablo Prieto).
- Black-tailed Godwit: At the rice fields of Palazuelo (BA) four seen on 09/06 (M. Kelsey) and 16 on 30/06 (J. L. Pérez Chiscano and J. P. Prieto). Seven at the rice fields of Santa Amalia (BA) on 15/06 (Fernando Yuste). One at rice fields at Navalvillar de Pela (BA) on 19/06 (Ángel Luis Sánchez). At Valdecañas reservoir (CC) one on 23/06 C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and ten on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).
- Common Sandpiper: One at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 15/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Prieta  and S. Mayordomo).
- Green Sandpiper: Two at Madrigalejo (CC) on 09/06 (M. Kelsey). Present by 15/06 at Santa Amalia (BA) (F. Yuste) and three seen at Valdecañas (CC) (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Prieta, P. Guisado and S. Mayordomo).
- Wood Sandpiper: Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).

- Audouin’s Gull: At Villalba de los Barros reservoir two seen, an adult and a second-year bird, on 01/06 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño –photo.-, J. A. Leal and J. A. Román) and just the adult on the following day, 02/06 (Á. Sánchez and Lorenzo Alcántara).
- Yellow-legged Gull: An adult at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 01/06 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño, J. A. Leal and J. A, Román). Two from Puente Viejo, Badajoz, on 06/06 (J. C. Paniagua). Five at Alange reservoir (BA) on 13/06 (Á. Sánchez and J. M. Abad). At Valdecañas reservoir (CC) four adults and at least one immature on 15/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Prieta, P. Guisado and S. Mayordomo) and more than 20, mainly immatures, on 23/06 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).

- Common Tern: One at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 15/06 (C. Clemente, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo) and 21/06 (E. Palacios -photo-and M. Á. Muñoz).
- Black Tern: 13 at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 01/06 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño, J. A. Leal and J. A. Román). Seven – four in breeding plumage, two in winter plumage and the other in active moult – Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 30/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, M. García del Rey and S. Mayordomo).

- Whiskered Tern: One at Villaba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 01/06 (A. Núñez, F. Montaño, J. A. Leal and J. A. Román). One at Orellana reservoir (BA) on 19/06 (Á. L. Sánchez -photo-). Two at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 23/06 (M. Kelsey).
- European Nightjar: One or two at Montehermoso (CC) on 07/06 (C. Clemente), 18/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios and J. Mahillo), 24/06 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo) and 29/06 (C. Clemente, E. Palacios, J. Mahillo and José Portillo). One at Casas del Monte (CC) at about 1400 masl on 27/06 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).
- White-rumped Swift: In the Sierra de la Culebra, Alange (BA) one seen on 04/06 (J. A. Román) and 15/06 (F. Castro, F. Montaño and J. Solana). One seen at Peña, Alía (CC), on 08/06 (J. Cerezo). Three at River Sotillo between Azuaga and Malcocinado (BA) on 12/06 (Fergus Crystal). One at Cancho del Fresno reservoir, Cañamero (CC), on 13/06 (Godfried Schreur).
- Wryneck: Breeding pair at La Lapa (BA) on 12/06 (F. Montaño). One carrying food at River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 30/06 (C. Clemente and M. García del Rey).
- Skylark: At the Tornavacas Pass (CC) two on 15/06 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and present on 26/06 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). Two at Valdeamor peak, Cabezuela del Valle (CC), on 23/06 (J. Prieta).
- Tawny Pipit: A pair at Esperabán Pass, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 15/06 and seven at Majá-Robledo, Casares de Hurdes (CC), on 27/06 (Alberto Pacheco).
- Tree Pipit: One at pine Woods at Casa del Monte (CC) on 27/06 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Fourth possible breeding record for Extremadura.
-Rufous Bush Robin: One at Pescueza (CC) on 16/06 (Andrés Rodríguez). Four in olive Groves at  Pozuelo de Zarzón (CC) on 20/06 (C. Clemente).
- Common Redstart: A male at Losar de la Vera (CC) on 15/06 (C. Clemente, J. Prieta, M. García del Rey and P. Guisado). A male at Hornachos (BA) on 16/06 (L. Alcántara). Two pairs along River Hurdano at Arrolobos (CC) on 24/06 (A. Pacheco).
- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush: A pair at Esperabán Pass, Pinofranqueado (CC), on 15/06 (A. Pacheco). Four, three males and a femake at Valdeamor peak, Cabezuela del Valle (CC), on 23/06 (J. Prieta). A male at Majá-Robledo, Casares de Hurdes (CC), on 27/06 (A. Pacheco).
- Song Thrush: A singing bird and a nest at Garganta de los Infiernos, Jerte (CC), on 16/06 (Á. Sánchez and José Luis Rivero).
- Western Olivaceous Warbler: Sightings of at least three birds at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, thoughout June (Atanasio Fernández, E. Palacios, J. C. Paniagua and S. Mayordomo). One at River Guadiana in Mérida (BA) on 30/06 (C. Clemente and M. García del Rey).
- Sedge Warbler: One at Arrocampo reservoir on 09/06 (E. Palacios and J. Mahillo).
- Common Chiffchaff: Two males singing in the pines at los Poyales , Losar de la Vera (CC), on 15/06 (C. Clemente, J. Prieta, M. García del Rey and P. Guisado).
- Iberian Chiffchaff: Breeding male (marked cloacal protuberance) trapped and ringed at La La Lapa (BA) on 05/06 (Hugo Gómez-Tejedor).
- Western Bonelli’s Warbler: Four, three amles and a female, en the pines of Los Poyales, Losar de la Vera (CC), on 15/06 (C. Clemente, J. Prieta, M. García del Rey and P. Guisado).
- Red-backed Shrike: A male at La Garganta (SA/CC) on 07/06 (C. Clemente). At the Tornavacas Pass (CC/AV) two males on 15/06 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo) and two pairs and a chick on 26/06 (C. Clemente and J. Mahillo). Three, two males and a female at El Lomo, La Garganta (CC) on 22/06 (J. Prieta).
- Common Crossbill: 14 at the pines at La Muela, La Garganta (CC) on 22/06 (J. Prieta)

LITTLE SWIFT: BACK AGAIN IN ALANGE

Little Swift (Apus affinis) photographed in Cádiz by Ricardo Rodríguez. 

Photo taken from blog: Aves Ricardo Rodríguez. 

 Just over a year ago, on 20th June 2012, the first Little Swift (Apus affinis) was seen in Extremadura, specifically in Alange (Badajoz), the only place in the region where all of the Iberian swift species have been seen. The lucky observer was José Antonio Román. Now, in 2013 and at the same place, Little Swift has been seen again, and who knows, possibly the same individual bird is involved. It was located on 1st July by Sergio Pérez Gil and on 3rd July by José Antonio Román. The bird flew over the crags there as well as over the town and on both occasions it was seen in the evening (at about 20.00). The possibility exists that it may even be nesting there. The species is no longer considered a national rarity and these new observations, which we hope will not the only ones of the season, are considered reliable. Up until now, all breeding records in Spain have been limited to three provinces in Andalucía (mainly Cádiz, and also Sevilla and Málaga).

Translated by Martin Kelsey.

WESTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER IN EXTREMADURA

Photos: Atanasio Fernández. Río Guadiana, Azud de Badajoz, junio de 2013

There are several small birds that have a marginal distribution in Extremadura or only in the last few years have started to be recorded. To increase our understanding of such species is a challenge for the developing body of ornithological knowledge in Extremadura. We hope that this note will help to get the ball rolling of one of these special birds: the Western Olivaceous Warbler (Iduna opaca), a passerine that usually will pass by unnoticed, partly because of its scarcity but also because of the similarity of its appearance and song to other species.

To start with we need to clear up its nomenclature, since quite recently its changing name has created some confusion. Up to a decade ago, it was referred to as simply Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida). The species was split into two, an eastern one which retained its scientific name and the western species, present in the Magreb and the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula, known as the Western Olivaceous (Hippolais opaca). The generic name also has changed, given the close relationship between the reed warblers and the “Hippolais” warblers, which led some authorities to consider both groups as within the Acrocephalus genus. The formula accepted by the official List of the Birds of Spain (SEO) is to give it the genus Iduna as intermediate between the typical Hippolais warblers and the reed warblers (Acrocephalus).

The first records in Extremadura of Western Olivaceous Warbler go back to 1985 and 1990, being mist-netted birds for ringing by Adenex. Subsequently in the fieldwork for the Spanish breeding birds Atlas (1998 – 2002) the species was not detected at all, thus showing a complete blank for Extremadura. This map is shown below, to which later records are shown (see the list at the end of the posting): in red are localities with certain or probable breeding and in orange are records of passage or where the record may be doubtful. In May and June 2013, Western Olivaceous Warblers were seen regularly at two locations on the Guadiana river: in Mérida (two males singing in riverine woodland dominated by ash) and in Badajoz (at least three males in a stretch dominated by willows). As can be seen in the list, these two locations stand out in terms of number of observations, without doubt because of the number of birdwatchers based there. Therefore, it is highly likely that the species breeds more widely on other stretches of the Guadiana and its tributaries. As can be seen in the map, the Western Olivacous Warbler is distributed throughout Andalucia, and there are also smaller populations in the east of the peninsula, especially on the Ebro and the edges of Ciudad Real and Valladolid.

Consulting ringing data provided by SEO/BirdLife, there are five sites where the species has been apparently trapped in Extremadura: four on the Guadiana (mainly Mérida) and the other in Cáceres province (Coria or thereabouts). However, this information is very confused. The data suggest that more than 8,000 birds have been ringed in Spain, the majority between 2009 and 2010 (when more than 1,600 captures took place (see figure below). Taking into account that in the Atlas for Spain the total population is estimated at 4,000 pairs and that this figure is reduced to only 1,000 pairs in the Spanish Red Data Book for birds, the figures given for trapped birds are wildly disproportionate. Numerous birds are claimed to have been trapped in Madrid province, where Western Olivaceous Warbler does not breed. Therefore, it is best to be sceptical about this information.

OBSERVATIONS OF WESTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER IN EXTREMADURA 
(Sources: Bird Reports 1998 – 2008 and monthy blog summaries)

- One ringed by Adenex in 1985 (José Antonio Román, 2011).
- One ringed by Adenex in 1990 (J. A. Román, 2011).
- Spring 1995: one seen at Valuengo reservoir in oleander and tamarisk (Emilio Costillo).
- One drinking at Fuente de Francés, Monfragüe (CC) on 20/08/1999 (E. Streich y Marc Gálvez).
- Two by River Guadiana, Mérida on 12/07/2004 (Francis Prieto).
- One by River Almonte, Trujillo on 23/04/2008 (Jesús Porras).
- One by River Gargáligas, Vegas Altas on 21/05/2008 (I. Castelao).
- One at Monfragüe on 28/05/2008 and three at Cabeza del Buey on 30/05/2008 (E. Bonavia).
- An adult feeding a fledged young by the Ribera de Nogales stream, between Torre de Miguel Sesmero and Entrín on 29/06/08 (M. Gálvez). First certain breeding record.
- Two by Guadiana River, Badajoz on 26/06/2009 (M. Gálvez y José Guerra).
- Two at Puente Viejo, Badajoz on 30/08/2010 (Juan Carlos Paniagua).
- Two at Montijo reservoir, Mérida (BA) on 30/05/2012 (Francisco Montaño, Elvira del Viejo y A. Ruiz).
- A juvenile of the year trapped for ringing at the Azud de Badajoz on 14/07/2012; could have fledged from the area (Ángel Tomas Mejías).
- A male singing by Guadiana River, Mérida (BA) at least from 13/05/2013 to 30/06/13 (Sergio Pérez Gil, Lorenzo Alcántara, M. Gálvez, Jesús Solana, César Clemente y Manuel García).
- At least three singing males between 27/05/2013 to 16/06/13 at the Azud de la Granadilla, Badajoz  (Juan Carlos Paniagua, Atanasio Fernández, Sergio Mayordomo y Eva Palacios)
- Unpublished information, for which there are no available details, of Western Olivaceous Warbler breeding in at least five locations in Badajoz province (Fergus Crystal Robertson).

Translated by Martin Kelsey.