DECEMBER 2013. Notable observations in Extremadura

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in October 2013. Compiled and illustration (Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey

TRANSLATED BY MARTIN KELSEY

- White-fronted Goose: One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 07/12, 08/12 (Antonia Cangas) and 30/12 (Rosa Cano).

- Egyptian Goose: One at Morante reservoir, Badajoz, on 19/12 (Pablo Herrador).

- Ruddy Shelduck: Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 01/12 (Javier Briz and Vicente Risco). Twp at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), (César Clemente, Martin Kelsey and Sergio Mayordomo) and another at Galisteo rice fields and later at El Batán (CC) (Javier Prieta -photo- and Luis Miguel Parejo) on 15/12.

- Common Shelduck: One at Ahigal reservoir (CC) on 03/12 (Alberto Pacheco). Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 08/12 (J. Briz and V. Risco). One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 08/12 (M. Kelsey) and three present on 15/12 (C. Clemente, M. Kelsey and S. Mayordomo). A pair at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) on 13/02 (José Antonio Leal). One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 14/12 (Antonio Núñez, Jesús Solana and Vanessa de Alba). Two at Tozo reservoir, Torrecillas de la Tiesa (CC), on 17/12 (M. Kelsey).

- Red-crested Pochard: Two males at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 08/12 (M. Kelsey) and a male and two females there on 15/12 (C. Clemente, M. Kelsey and S. Mayordomo). A female at La Atalaya gravel pits, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 15/12 (J. Solana). More than ten amongst 106 other duck on Orellana reservoir (BA) on 20/12 (Juan Antonio Barquero).

- Ferruginous Duck: 10 on the Los Calles pools, Toril (CC), on 09/12 (Antolín Redondo and Javier G. Labrador). Three on the La Atalaya gravel pits, Aldea del Cano (CC) on 15/12 (J. Solana).

- Black-necked Grebe: Two at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 15/12 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

- Squacco Heron: One at Arrocampo reservoir (CC) on 09/12 (A. Redondo and J. G. Labrador). Two at Puente Viejo, Badajoz, on 15/12 (Juan Carlos Paniagua -photo, with Little Bittern-) and one there on 27/12 (José Guerra). One at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 17/12 and on 23/12 (Francisco Montaño). One at Quebrada de las Palomeras reservoir, Navalmoral de la Mata (CC), on 22/12 (J. Briz and V. Risco).

- Black Stork: Five at Fresnedillas, Oliva de Plasencia (CC), on 13/12 (Jesús Montero), three on 15/12 (L. M. Parejo) and one there on 22/12 (Chema Diu). This individual was ringed in the Czech Republic as a nestling (W[61JJ]) and regularly winters at this site. One at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 17/12 (F. Montaño). One at Valuebo reservoir (BA), on 29/12 (Adolfo García).

- Glossy Ibis: Six at Santa Amalia (BA) on 02/12 (José Antonio Román) and four on 09/12 (Juan Pablo Prieto and Rafael Serra). Two at Yelbes (BA) on 18/12 (Fernando Yuste). Three at Madrigalejo (CC) on 20/12 (Jesús Porras). 13 at Toconal, Don Benito (BA), on 20/12 (J. A. Leal). One at the Lugar pool, Malpartida de Cáceres (CC), on 23/12 (Manuel Iglesias). One at El Batán rice fields (CC) on 28/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Spoonbill: One at Valhondo stream, Cáceres on 08/12 (Pablo Ramiro). 14 at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 09/12 (Toribio Álvarez), three there on 14/12 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba), 18 on 16/12 (J. A. Román), six on 20/12 (Francisco Lopo) and 37 there on 21/12 (Elvira del Viejo, F. Lopo and Losé Luis Bautista). One at Vega del Haza, Malpartida de Plasencia (CC), on 09/12 (Raúl Sancho) and on 22/12 (Eva Palacios, Francis Martín and Miguel Ángel Muñoz). One at Villalba de los Barros (BA) on 12/12 (Hugo Gómez-Tejedor). Six in flight over Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 15/12 (SEO-Badajoz). 14 at the Pizarrilla pool, Villanueva del Fresno (BA), on 15/12 and three there on 16/12 (Alfonso Pérez del Barco -photo; This birds was seen at Los Canchales on 21/12-). One at Tozo reservoir, Torrecillas de la Tiesa (CC), on 14/12 (J. Porras) and on 17/12 (M. Kelsey). One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 19/12 (J. Porras). One at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 20/12 (Raúl Granados). Nine at Morante reservoir, Badajoz, on 20/12 (J. L. Bautista) and 20 there on 22/12 (T. Álvarez). One between La Nava de Santiago and Aljucén (BA) on 22/12 (F. Lopo). One at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 23/12 (F. Montaño).

- Greater Flamingo: A juvenile at Santa Amalia (BA) on 06/12 (J. P. Prieto and R. Serra).

- Black Kite: One at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 22/12 (P. Herrador).

- Egyptian Vulture: Four at Portaje (CC) on 07/12 (Manuela Rodríguez). One at La Roca de la Sierra (BA) on 09/12 (T. Álvarez).

- Goshawk: One at Palacio Quemado, Alange (BA), on 02/12 (J. A. Román).

- Osprey: One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 07/12, 08/12 (A. Cangas) and 09/12 (T. Álvarez). One at Rivera de Fresnedosa, between Ceclavín and Acehúche (CC), on 07/12 (M. Rodríguez).

- Common Crane: 82,197 in the Central Zone Zona Centro (BA/CC) on 20/12 (Emilio Peña, F. Yuste, Francisco Borja Maldonado, José Ángel Sánchez, J. A. Román, J. P. Prieto and Manuel Gómez Calzado).

- Avocet: Five on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 06/12 (J. P. Prieto and R. Serra), eight there on 15/12 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and 25 on 21/12 (Antonio Calvo).

- Kentish Plover: On the rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC), one on 01/12 (A. Núñez), 12 on 06/12 (J. P. Prieto and R. Serra) and seven on 15/12 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). 11 at Santa Amalia (BA) on 06/12 (J. P. Prieto y R. Serra). Three at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 22/12 (P. Herrador).

- Dotterel: Five at Castuera (BA) on 06/12 (J. Guerra) and right there on 08/12 (William Haworth -photo-). Six remaining at Hinojal (CC) on 10/12 (J. Porras) and on 20/12 (C. Clemente, J. Porras and S. Mayordomo). 11 at Cabeza del Buey (BA) on 11/12 (J. Guerra and Marc Gálvez).

- Curlew Sandpiper: One at Guadiana del Caudillo (BA) on 22/12 (P. Herrador).

- Jack Snipe: Two on Guadalupejo river, Alía (CC), on 03/12 (Jorge Ángel Herrera and Noelia Baeza). One at El Batán (CC) on 06/12 (S. Mayordomo) and another there on 09/12 (J. Prieta).

- Woodcock: One at Guadalupejo river, Alía (CC), on 04/12 (Jaime Cerezo, J. Á. Herrera and N. Baeza). Two at Parque Natural de Cornalvo (BA) on 09/12 (J. Guerra). One photo-trapped at Parque Natural del Tajo Internacional (CC) on 11/12 and on 13/12 (Paco García).

- Curlew: Two at Galisteo (CC) on 15/12 (J. Prieta) and one on 22/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Spotted Redshank: On the rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC), ten on 01/12 (A. Núñez), ten on 06/12 (J. P. Prieto and R. Serra) and five on 15/12 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). 20 on the rice fields at Fernando V, Madrigalejo (CC), on 15/12 (M. Kelsey). One at Toconal, Don Benito (BA), on 20/12 (J. A. Leal).

- Lesser Yellowlegs: One at the rice fields at Puebla de Alcollarín, Villar de Rena (BA), on 30/12 (Fergus Crystal, José G. Aparicio, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Wood Sandpiper: Two on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 06/12 (J. P. Prieto and R. Serra) and another on the rice fields of Guadiana del Caudillo (P. Herrador).

- Turnstone: One at Arroyoconejos reservoir, Llerena (BA), on 02/12 (F. Montaño and Joaquín Vázquez).

- Yellow-legged Gull: There at Mérida landfill (BA) on 01/12 (J. Guerra).

- Stock Dove: Three at Fresnedillas. Oliva de Plasencia (CC), on 30/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Ring-necked Parakeet: One at Plasencia (CC) on 03/12 (Ricardo Montero). Two at Mérida (BA) on 20/12 (Hugo Sánchez).

- Short-eared Owl: One at Valdeherrero, La Roca de la Sierra (BA), on 20/12 (F. Lopo). One at Alvarado, Badajoz, on 23/12 (J. Guerra).

- House Martin: At last three regularly present at Alange (BA) until 15/12 (J. Solana, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Five present in Badajoz city on 26/12 (Atanasio Fernández).

- Pied Wagtail M. a. yarrellii: Four at Moraleja (CC) on 01/12 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and another at Mérida landfill (BA) (J. Guerra). One at Mérida (BA) on 18/12 (F. Lopo). One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 22/12 (S. Mayordomo).

- Ring Ouzel: Two at Hornachos castle (BA) on 29/11 and one at San Bernabé, Don Álvaro (BA), on 23/12 (F. Crystal).

- Goldcrest: One at Sierra del Ladrillar (CC) on 02/12 (A. Pacheco).

- Red Avadavat: Records at Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), three birds: a male, female and possible juvenile in the irrigated land of Valuengo on 07/12 (Juan Carlos Delgado) and six adults at Brovales reservoir on 23/12 (Francisco Montaño -photo, male-).

- Brambling: One at Parque Natural de Cornalvo (BA) on 09/12 (M. Gálvez).

- Common Crossbill: About 15 in the Sierra del Ladrillar (CC) on 02/12 (A. Pacheco).

LESSER YELLOWLEGS: SECOND RECORD FOR EXTREMADURA

After a very poor autumn for rarities in Extremadura, especially compared with the outstanding year of 2012, when between September and December several species of rare geese were found, a White-tailed Eagle, a Pallid Harrier, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ruppell`s Vulture and two Buff-breasted Sandpipers. During the same period in 2013 we have not had much to show…until the 30th December 2013, when Fergus Crystal found a Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) in the rice fields close to the village of Puebla de Alcollarín (Villar de Rena, Badajoz). In the same day José Guerra, Marc Gálvez (photos, see link) and José Gómez Aparicio were able to watch it as well and suggested it was an adult; after that the bird flew off and was not relocated.

[NOTE: the bird was found again on 7th January 2014 by Martin Kelsey on another rice field at the same area, Puebla de Alcollarín. On 8th January it was seen by Alberto Gil at the same site. On 11th January seen again by Pablo Prieto, Francisco Montaño, Sergio Mayordomo, César Clemente, Javier Prieta, Eva Palacios, M. Gálvez, J. Guerra, Antonio Calvo, Pepe Guisado, Pilar Goñi y Neil Renwick. On 10th February is seen again in the same place by Martin Kelsey]

This is the second record of this species in Extremadura. The first took place 14 years ago: a probable adult seen by Agustín Mogena on 8th August 1999 at Valdesalor reservoir (Cáceres).

The Lesser Yellowlegs is a New World wader that breeds in the Arctic and Winters from the South of North America to Chile and Argentina. In mainland Spain there have been 57 accepted records up until 2011. On one occasion, two birds were together, otherwise all the records are of single birds. Although it has been recorded in every month of the year, the peak is clearly in autumn (September-December), with a second peak in April-May. It has been recorded throughout the peninsular, as well as on the Caneries and Balearics, but mainly in north-west Spain. This is a typical pattern for neartic waders. As far as we know, there were only autumn records in 2013, from August onwards with five records: Valencia, Navarra, La Coruña and two in the Algarve (Reservoir Birds, Rare Birds in Spain). 

THE BLACK VULTURE IN EXTREMADURA: 2013 CENSUS

The Government of Extremadura has published the results of the Black Vulture (also known as Monk or Cinereous Vulture) (Aegypius monachus) census of 2013 (see link), showing the highest ever known population of 897 breeding pairs. Furthermore, the breeding success of 806 pairs was monitored, showing that 590 young fledged, in other words a breeding success of 73%.  The first Black Vulture censuses, albeit only partially completed, were from 1974, when only 86 pairs were known in the whole region. With the passing of time, the quality of the censuses has significantly improved, but there was also a true increase in the population with the figures in 1990 reaching 404 pairs, in 2000 610 pairs and in 2006 to 829 breeding pairs. Since then the population has remained, with small fluctuations, between 800 and 900 pairs. One must take into account that this type of census will always underestimate the real population, owing to the difficulty of determining if pairs do breed or because some nests remain undetected (in order to do a thorough census it is reckoned that 16 visits are necessary). Notwithstanding these caveats, it is clear that Extremadura has the most important Black Vulture population in Europe. For further information about the population, evolution and distribution of the Black Vulture in Extremadura read here

NOVEMBER 2013. Notable observations in Extremadura

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in November 2013. Compiled and illustration Ttree Sparrow Passer montanus) by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey

- White-fronted Goose: One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 24/11 (Francisco Lopo, Francisco Montaño and Gema Montaño).

- Egyptian Goose: Six at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) (Toribio Álvarez) and one at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA) (Antonio Núñez), on 01/11. Two present on a pool in La Serena (BA) on 09/11 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño). Two at La Isla pool, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), 19/11 (Juan Antonio Barquero). Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 23/11 (Dave Langlois and Sammy Langlois).

- Ruddy Shelduck: Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 08/11 (Sergio Mayordomo) and on 23/11 (D. Langlois and S. Langlois). Two at Borbollón reservoir (CC) on 16/11 (Goyo Naharro). One at Santa Amalia rice fields (BA) on 29/11 (Fernando Yuste).

- Common Shelduck: Two at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 08/11 (S. Mayordomo) and one on 10/11 (Javier Briz and Vicente Risco). Seven present at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 13/11 (Martin Kelsey) and two on 24/11 (José Guerra, Marc Gálvez, Miquel Ángel López and Núria Tarrasón). Two on the Santa Amalia rice fields (BA) on 22/11 (Ángel Sánchez), three on 23/11 (Á. Sánchez and F. Yuste) and six on 28/11 (Kelly Renwick, Neil Renwick and William Haworth) and on 29/11 (F. Yuste).

- Red-crested Pochard: Five on Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 02/11 (A. Núñez, Eva Palacios, F. Montaño, José Gómez Aparicio, Miguel Ángel Muñoz and Vanessa de Alba) and a male there on 13/11 (Martin Kelsey). A male at Alange reservoir (BA) on 10/11 (José Guerra and Marc Gálvez). A male at Moral reservoir, Los Santos de Maimona (BA), on 17/11 (A. Núñez, César Clemente, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, M. Á. Muñoz, Paco Ramírez, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).

- Ferruginous Duck: Four at pool of Los Calles, Toril (CC), on 01/11 (E. Palacios -photo- and J. G. Aparicio) and on 08/11 (S. Mayordomo), and five there on 23/11 (Antolín Redondo, Guillermo Rivas and Leandro Rivas). Three at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 10/11 (A. Núñez and V. de Alba) and on 17/11 (Jesús Solana), still present on 25/11 (Alejandro Puerto) and four there on 28/11 (S. Mayordomo). One at Corral Alto pool, Zorita (CC), on 30/11 (Pepe Guisado and Pilar Goñi).

- Northern Bobwhite: Two in stubble at Montijo (BA) on 15/11 (P. Herrador).

- Common Pheasant: A female in maize stubble at Vegas Altas (BA) on 24/11 (M. Á. Muñoz). One calling at Matachel River, Valencia de las Torres (BA), on 30/11 (M. Gálvez).

- Black-necked Grebe:  Two at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 10/11 (Antonio Calvo -photo-), on 13/11 and on 22/11 (M. Kelsey), and one there on 24/11 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Á. López and N. Tarrasón). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 30/11 (M. Kelsey and S. Mayordomo).

- Squacco Heron: Two in rice fields at El Batán (CC) on 03/11 (S. Mayordomo) and one on 19/11 (C. Clemente). One seen from Puente Viejo in Badajoz on 04/11 and 2 el 17/11 (Juan Carlos Paniagua). One in rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 24/11 (M. Á. Muñoz).

- Western Reef Egret: Possible example but a hybrid with Little Egret cannot be ruled-out, at Molino de la Aceña, Don Álvaro (BA), on 19/11 (J. Guerra).

- Black Stork: Four on the Canal de las Dehesas (BA/CC) on 01/11 (José Ángel Sánchez and Luis Salguero), one on 16/11 (A. Calvo), three on 19/11 (J. A. Barquero) and 11 on 22/11 (Á. Sánchez). One at Villar de Plasencia (CC) on 05/11 (Ricardo Montero). Two at Fresnedillas, Oliva de Plasencia (CC) on 11/11 (R. Montero) and four there on 16/11 (Javier Prieta) and also on 24/11 (Jesús Montero). Three at the El Sevillano dam, Puebla de Alcocer (BA), on 12/11 (J. A. Barquero). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 16/11 (A. Calvo).  One at Jarripa reservoir, Torremocha (CC), on 25/11 (A. Puerto). One at Galisteo (CC) on 27/11 (S. Mayordomo). Two at Dehesa de Solana, Herrera de Alcántara (CC) on 28/11 (Antonio Galán).

- Glossy Ibis: One at Galisteo (CC) on 01/11 (E. Palacios and J. G. Aparicio) and three there on 03/11 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Four at El Batán rice fields (CC) on 01/11 (E. Palacios and J. G. Aparicio) and on 05/11 (R. Montero). Four in a Cattle Egret roost at Valdeobispo lagoon (CC) on 03/11 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Five at Santa Amalia (BA) on 15/11 (José Antonio Román), on 24/11 (F. Montaño) and on 28/11 (K. Renwick, N. Renwick and W. Haworth).

- Spoonbill: Nine at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 11/11 (Emilio Costillo), eight on 19/11 (F. Lopo) and six on 24/11 (F. Lopo, F. Montaño and G. Montaño). Two at Brovales reservoir, Jerez de los Caballeros (BA), on 28/11 (S. Mayordomo).

- Greater Flamingo: A juvenile in the Santa Amalia rice fields (BA) on 29/11 (Fernando Yuste).

- Egyptian Vulture: Five over the Viñuelas gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 13/11 (S. Mayordomo).

- Goshawk: One at Vegas Altas (BA) on 01/11 (Juan Pablo Prieto and W. Haworth). One at riverside trail Plasencia (CC) on 17/11 (R. Montero).

- Osprey: One at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 01/11 (Toribio Álvarez), on 15/11 (Inmaculada Jerez and José Luis Bautista) and on 24/11 (F. Lopo, F. Montaño and G. Montaño). One at Portaje reservoir (CC) on 01/11 (E. Palacios and J. G. Aparicio). One at Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (CC), on 01/11 (J. Á. Sánchez and L. Salguero) and on 30/11 (M. Kelsey). One at Borbollón reservoir (CC) on 13/11 (Kenet Sánchez and R. Montero). One at Gabriel y Galán reservoir (CC) on 18/11 (J. Montero).

- Red-footed Falcon: A male at Palazuelo (BA) on 17/11 (José Luis Pérez Chiscano).

- Common Crane: The census in the Central Zone (BA/CC) produced a figure of 43,051 birds on 15/11 (Emilio Peña, F. Yuste, Francisco Borja Maldonado, J. A. Román, J. Guerra, J. P. Prieto, Manuel Gómez Calzado, M. Gálvez and W. Haworth).

- Avocet: Five on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 22/11 (M. Kelsey). 14 at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 22/11 (M. Kelsey) and three on 24/11 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Á. López and N. Tarrasón). Two at La Albuera large lagoon (BA) on 23/11 (Godfried Schreur and Pedro Schreur).

- Kentish Plover: 47 at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 08/11 (S. Mayordomo). Three at Santa Amalia rice fields (BA) on 09/11 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño) and five on 24/11 (F. Montaño). 11 on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 11/11 (M. Kelsey).

- Dotterel: Four on Hinojal plains (CC) on 09/11 (Chris Mills and R. Montero -photo-) and seven present there for the remainder of the month (Á. Sánchez, Antonio Ceballos, A. Núñez, Carmen Diu, C. Clemente, Chema Diu, D. Langlois, E. Palacios, Francis Martín, F. Montaño, José Luis Copete, J. Guerra, Julio Ceballos, M. Gálvez, M. Kelsey, Michel Viskens, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez, R. Montero, S. Langlois, SEO-Cáceres, S. Mayordomo and V de Alba).

- Grey Plover: Two juveniles at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 08/11 (C. Mills and R. Montero).

- Sanderling: One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 23/11 (G. Schreur and P. Schreur).

- Curlew Sandpiper: One at Moral reservoir, Los Santos de Maimona (BA), on 08/11 (A. Núñez and V. de Alba). Two on rice fields at Santa Amalia (BA) on 09/11 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño). One on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 17/11 (M. Kelsey).

- Jack Snipe: One in irrigation canal at Galisteo (CC) on 11/11 (J. Guerra y M. Gálvez). One in rice fields at Riolobos (CC) on 13/11 (S. Mayordomo). Four in rice fields at Palazuelo (BA) on 24/11 (M. Á. Muñoz).

- Woodcock: One at Puebla de Obando (BA) on 15/11 (J. L. Bautista and P. Herrador)

- Spotted Redshank: One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 08/11 amd another at Lugar Nuevo, Peraleda de la Mata (CC) (S. Mayordomo). Two at Santa Amalia (BA) on 09/11 (F. Montaño and G. Montaño). One on rice fields between Palazuelo (BA) and Campo Lugar (CC) on 13/11, 2 on 22/11 (M. Kelsey) and one on 28/11 (K. Renwick, N. Renwick and W. Haworth). One at La Jarilla reservoir (CC) on 16/11 (J. Prieta).

- Yellow-legged Gull: At least four at Mérida landfill (BA) on 07/11 (M. Gálvez). One at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 08/11 (S. Mayordomo). One at Alange reservoir (BA) on 10/11 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). Two at Badajoz landfill on16/11 (J. C. Paniagua).

- Stock Dove: 20 at Galisteo (CC) on 05/11 (R. Montero) and two on 11/11 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). 60 at Vegas Altas (BA) on 15/11 (M. Kelsey). Two at Riolobos (CC) on 20/11 (S. Mayordomo). Six at Cortijo de la Concepción, Retamal de Llerena (BA), on 30/11 (M. Gálvez).

- Ring-necked Parakeet: One seen on riverside trail, Plasencia (CC) on 03/11 (R. Montero) and on 21/11 (Montaña Domínguez).

- Monk Parakeet: Four at Parque del Príncipe de Cáceres on 04/11 (Alberto Gil) and at the municipal hostel on  17/11 (Francisco Javier Caballero).

- Long-eared Owl: Two within Badajoz city on 07/11 (J. Guerra).

- Wryneck: One at Monfragüe (CC) on 14/11 (Manolo García del Rey and Mark Hörstermann). One at Matachel River, Alange (BA) on 22/11 (J. Guerra and Lorenzo Alcántara).

- Pied Wagtail: Subspecies M. a. yarrellii: One at Mérida landfill (BA) on 07/11 (M. Gálvez). One at Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA) on 08/11 (J. Guerra). Two at rice fields El Batán (CC) on 13/11 and one on 20/11 and 27/11 (S. Mayordomo). One at rice fields at Riolobos (CC) on 17/11 (J. Prieta -photo-).

- Ring Ouzel: Two at Sierra del Castellar, Zafra (BA), on 11/11 (A. Núñez) and between two and four seen there from 12/11 until 25/11 (Antonia Cangas, A. Núñez, C. Clemente, Elvira del Viejo, E. Palacios, Fergus Crystal, F. Montaño -photo-, Joaquín Vázquez, José Antonio Delgado, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba).

- Goldcrest: Two in pinewood in Zafra (BA) on 21/11 (F. Montaño).

- Citril Finch: Several in pine at Serradilla (CC) on 27/11 (David Cobos).

FIRST WINTER OBSERVATIONS

- Alpine Accentor: Two at Sierra de Utrera, Oliva de Mérida (BA), on 09/11 (M. Gálvez). Two at Sierra del Castellar, Zafra (BA), on 12/11 (A. Núñez and F. Montaño) and on 17/11 (A. Núñez, C. Clemente, E. Palacios, F. Montaño, M. Á. Muñoz, P. Ramírez, S. Mayordomo and V. de Alba) and six on 25/11 (F. Montaño).

- Siskin: A female along riverside trail, Plasencia (CC) on 03/11 (J. Prieta) and a pair there on 06/11 (S. Mayordomo).

- Reed Bunting: Three at Viñuelas gravel pit, Galisteo (CC), on 03/11 (S. Mayordomo). One between Montehermoso and El Batán (CC) on 05/11 (C. Clemente). At least three at Arrocampo (CC) on 08/11 (S. Mayordomo).

LATE RECORDS OF SUMMER MIGRANTS

- Purple Heron: One at El Batán rice fields (CC) on 05/11 (C. Clemente). One at rice fields at Campo Lugar (CC) on 16/11 (A. Calvo).

- Black Kite: One at Matachel River, Valencia de las Torres (BA), on 01/11 (Manuel, Marisol Díaz and M. Gálvez).

- Booted Eagle: A pale morph at Lobón (BA) on 24/11 (Pablo Herrador).

- Lesser Kestrel: Four males between Valdivia and Entrerríos (BA) on 08/11 (J. P. Prieto). One at Campo Lugar (CC) on 09/11 (A. Calvo).

- Pallid Swift: Three at Alange (BA) on 06/11 (M. Gálvez) and on 10/11 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez), four on 12/11 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez) and on 19/11 (J. Solana), and one on 29/11 (J. Solana).

- Alpine Swift: 35 at Badajoz on 05/11 (J. C. Paniagua). Eight at Alange (BA) on 17/11 (M. Gálvez) and three on 20/11 (Aleix Millet, Alicia Carreño, J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- Barn Swallow: One at Barquilla de Pinares (CC) on 02/11 (Virgilio Beltrán). One at Alange (BA) on 04/11 and on 12/11 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 11/11 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). One at Villar de Rena (BA) on 15/11 (J. P. Prieto and W. Haworth). One at Sierra Brava reservoir, Zorita (CC), on 24/11 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez, M. Á. López and N. Tarrasón).

- Red-rumped Swallow: Ten at Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) on 08/11 (J. Briz). 11 at  Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC) on 11/11 (J. Guerra, M. Gálvez and S. Mayordomo). One at Alange (BA) on 12/11 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez).

- House Martin: Present at Alange (BA) throughout the whole of November, e.g. three on 12/11 and five on 16/11 (J. Guerra and M. Gálvez). One at Olivenza (BA) on 17/11 (Arturo Domínguez).

- Northern Wheatear: One between Villanueva de la Serena and Magacela (BA) on 04/11. One at Casas de Belvís (CC) on 10/11 (J. Briz).

- Iberian Chiffchaff: One at Galisteo (CC) on 03/11 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). One at Alange (BA) on 06/11 and another on 13/11 (M. Gálvez).

- Willow Warbler: One at Los Santos de Maimona (BA) on 08/11 (A. Núñez and V. de Alba).

“FERNANDO” THE FLAMINGO AND OTHER LONG-LIVED BIRDS

Fernando, a Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) of French origin seen at Santa Amalia (Badajoz) in March 2013 was over 33 years old, the oldest wild bird ever recorded Extremadura, according to the SEO-Cáceres/GOCE database. Photo by Fernando Yuste

This post has been ready for publication for several weeks. However, just by chance new information about longevity in birds has been arriving, meaning that we have incorporated this to make a post a little longer than usual, and hopefully even more interesting. It is likely that our information is incomplete, representing as it does recently available information gathered by a small group of enthusiasts. If someone has sightings in Extremadura of older birds and would like to share their news, we would be delighted to publish it here. None of this information would have been available at all without the work of bird ringers and those birders who patiently read the codes on rings and send the information through. To all of those, a big thank you.

Ringing does not only help the study of the movements of birds, but also provides information of great value about various aspects of biology. How long a bird can live, in other words its longevity, is one of these. For this we have searched the modest but growing ringing database of GOCE in order to determine the oldest birds that we have seen in Extremadura, and then comparing this with data published at both a European and global scale, some of which may not be wholly reliable (Euring, HAGR).

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). Ring Y[HIF]. Named "Fernando". A male ringed in the Camargue (France) on 3rd August 1979 and seen on the rice fields of Santa Amalia (Badajoz) by Fernando Yuste and Isaac Outón on 17th March 2013, in its 35th calendar year and  33 years, 7 months and 14 days since being ringed. It is, by far, the oldest bird that has been seen in Extremadura, as far as we know. During its lifetime, it has been seen many times, so many observations in fact that it could fill four pages of notes. We know that it has bred in its place of origin in the Camargue (1987, 1991, 1992 and 2009) as well as in the colony near Malaga of Fuente de Piedra (1988, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006). It has also been seen in the Ebro Delta, Doñana and the Villacañas lagoon (Toledo). It has only been seen once in Extremadura, as recorded above [see video]. Our data also include a record of a female Greater Flamingo seen at La Albuera in September 2013 in its 18th calendar year (José A. Román). Ringing of flamingos started in France in 1977 and there are still birds alive today from that period, with 35 years of age, although the maximum age given in Euring is 27 years. Flamingos are long-lived birds, with birds in captivity easily exceeding 60 years and the author once saw in Almeria a group of five ringed flamingos with ages of 18, 18, 18, 22 and 23 years.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia). Rings W[D] / W[S]a. This bird was marked as a nestling in Holland on 11th June 1988 and seen at Portaje Reservoir (Cáceres) by Sergio Mayordomo on 25 September 2012 in its 25th calendar year having passed 24 years and 3.5 months since being ringed. It is a male that had lost one of its rings, as can be seen in the photo, and thus could not be identified between 1994 and 2002. During its first two years there were sightings in the United Kingdom (from 12-10 to 18-11-08 and from 26-06 to 20-09-89), Algarve, Portugal (15 and 19-10-89) and Doñana (8 to 15-03-90), and in Holland on 16-07-90. Afterwards it was seen during several years in Huelva on autumn migration, once in December and in Holland during the breeding season. The only sighting in Extremadura is the Portaje Reservoir record. In our region, Spoonbills of 18 and 19 years old have been seen. We have not found information about the oldest wild Spoonbill in Europe, but in captivity one reached 30 years and in America other species of spoonbills have reached 28 years in the wild. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). Ring B[PC]. Ringed as a nestling in Bristol (UK) on 4th  July 1989. There were no further records until October 2013 when Marc Gálvez and José Guerra saw it on Mérida refuse tip [read more]. Therefore it is a bird in its 25th calendar year, having passed 24 years and three months since being ringed. As can be seen from the photo, the ring is now in poor condition. The maximum age known for this species in the world was one of 34 years and 10 months, also from the UK.

Common Crane (Grus grus). Ring a/NYB. A bird ringed as a juvenile on passage at Gallocanta (Aragón) in 1988 and seen by Manolo Gómez Calzado in Vegas Altas del Guadiana (Extremadura) on several occasions since 2003. In January 2009 and October 2011 it was accompanied by its mate, but without young. It is therefore a bird of its 24th  calendar year  and with more than 22 years of age [read more]. This bird exceeds the record of the oldest according to Euring for Europe, which cites a Swedish bird of 20 years and three months of age, although both are far from the record achieved by a bird of the eastern race (lilfordi) which reached 41 years old in the wild. In Extremadura we have another record of a crane in its 20^th calendar year, hatched in Germany and seen in Oliva de Plasencia (Javier Prieta).

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Ring G[J]. Female called Gabriela hatched in Scotland in 1991 (photo: Roy Dennis), where it has bred since1996, and has wintered, at least since 2000, at the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir (Cáceres), where it is currently present (November 2013; Jesús Montero. César Clemente, S. Mayordomo, J. Prieta). It is therefore a bird in its 23th calendar year and more than 22 years old. This bird perhaps merits its own post, since it has been tracked for three seasons by satellite, as have one of its mates and some of its young (all have wintered in Africa). One of its descendents is also part of an introduction project that has started in Urdaibai (Vizcaya). The oldest Osprey known is one of 32 years old in North America and in Europe one of 26 years and 11 months in Finland.

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia). Ring W[F|FS]. Hatched in a nest in Trujillo (Cáceres), where it was ringed on 6th June 1989, and has been seen twice nesting in a clump of pines at  Monroy (Cáceres), with records almost twenty years apart: on 12th April 1992 (I. Ludwichowst) and on 1st April 2010 (Juan Manuel Domínguez –photo-). Who knows if it is still there (if anyone is encouraged to look for it, the colony is beside the Cáceres -Torrejón el Rubio-Monfragüe road). It was in its 22nd calendar year and 21 years and 10 months since being ringed. It was also seen in January 2002 at a refuse tip at Cádiz and in January 2003 en the rubbish tip at Dos Hermanas (Seville). The oldest ages published for this species are: 39 years for a wild bird in Switzerland and 48 years in captivity. In Extremadura we have two records of birds in their 18th and 16th calendar years.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Ring W[C|HN]. Here we are talking about the dearly loved Choni, subject of one of the most popular posts in this blog [readmore]. Hatched in Oliva de Plasencia (Cáceres) in 1990, it occupied one of the most visible nests in Monfragüe for 18 years, successfully raising 46 young. It was seen for the last time in the summer of 2011, in its 22nd calendar year and with more 21 years and 3 months since being ringed, it could be the longest lived Black Stork in the world. There is a published record of a bird of 18 years and 7 months from Poland and one of 31 years in captivity.  In Extremadura we have records of a 15-year old bird and one in its 11th calendar year.

The seven cases above are the only ones citing birds of more than 20 years old in Extremadura.  Examples of birds of great age, but less than 20 years old we have the following:

- Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). A 17 year old bird in Badajoz (Ismael Galván). The oldest wild bird recorded in the world is 27 years old.

- Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica). In the GOCE database we only have records of four birds, with ages of 11, 11, 13 and 16 calendar years (the last has 14 years and 10 months since ringing; see the blog of Atanasio Fernández). This is a high average, given that the oldest of this species ever recorded is one of 15 years and 9 months from Denmark.

- Greylag Goose (Anser anser). Birds of more than 11 and 13 calendar years (marked as adults) have been seen on the Portaje Reservoir (S. Mayordomo) and Valdesalor Reservoir (Carlos Fernández). The oldest in captivity in the world was 31 years old, although a wild Pink-footed Goose has reached 41 years old.

 A few days ago news came out about a House Martin (Delichon urbicum) ringed in Badajoz city in 2005 and found dead in a pellet of a Tawny Owl, collected just 400 metres from the site of ringing, eight years later. The site could not have been any other since Badajoz is where House Martins have been more closely studied than almost anywhere and it is where more House Martins have been ringed and controlled than anywhere else in Spain (Florentino de Lope’s team/UEX; photo by Carlos de la Cruz). This becomes the longest-lived of this species in Spain (there are two cases of seven-year old birds); although in Sweden there is a record of 15 years. These are all extraordinary results for a species which on average will live for just two or three years.

And since we have embarked on this saga, let’s continue: what are the longest living birds in the wild? At the global level, there is a female Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), called Wisdom, which is still alive and is breeding in Midway (Hawaii, USA), where in 2013 she succeeded to raise a young, despite being 62 years old.  She was marked in 1953 when five years old.  It is said that other albatrosses have lived longer, but that this has not been confirmed with marked birds. Thus there is a female Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea sanfordi) called Grandma also believed to be 62 years old, with an estimated age of ten years when ringed in 1937, and seen for the last time in 1989, 52 years later.

In Europe, the longest-lived bird we have come across is a Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) of more than 50 years and 11 months old (trapped as an adult). The following is a Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) of more than 45 years and three months, a Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) of more than 43 years and 11 months and an Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) of 43 years and 4 months. As one can see, seabirds, waterfowl and waders can reach great age, but also raptors (Golden Eagle 32 years, Eagle Owl 27 years) and even smaller birds like Alpine Swift (26 years) and passerines (Raven 23 years, Common Starling 23 years).

In captivity, it is difficult to find out about  the oldest bird. We have found a scientific publication on longevity in parrots that cites a Salmon-crested Cockatoo  (Cacatua moluccensis) of no less than 92 years old. There is a Greater Flamingo in a zoo in Adelaide (Australia) which is more than 80 years old, having lived there since 1933, when it arrived as an adult. In a zoo in Chicago there is a cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) 80 years old, called Cookie, which hatched in 1933. These figures are a long way short of the 255 years calculated by radiocarbon dating of a male Aldabran Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea), called Adwaita, captured in the Seychelles and kept in a zoo in India from 1875 to its death in 2006 (a life spanning three centuries!!). The longest-lived mammal appears to be a Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus). In some specimens remains of antique harpoons have been found which date back to the end of the 19th century suggesting ages of between 115-130 years. Additional studies based on the eye structure affirm the possibility that the species could reach 150-200 years old.

SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE: POPULATION IN 2013

Photo Pedro Schreur y Godfried Schreur

Keeping our promise we can provide yet another year’s update on the population of the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) in the Iberian peninsular and in Extremadura. On this occasion the official data has been published much earlier than usual and has been covered extensively in the press.

Overall, it has been yet again another excellent season for the species, with a new record of 407 pairs in the peninsular (396 in Spain and 11 in Portugal), 27 more than the previous year, an increase of 7.5%.

Apart from in Extremadura, where there has been a small decrease of three pairs, and in Castilla y León, the population of Spanish Imperial Eagle has increased in all of the other autonomous communities of Spain, especially in Castilla-La Mancha and in Andalucia. Extremadura continues to be the region with the slowest increase of Spanish Imperial Eagle, from being second position in 1999 to the penultimate in 2013. In these 15 years of exhaustive monitoring, the population has multiplied three-fold across Spain, but only by 1.5 times in Extremadura. In comparison, in Castilla – La Mancha the population has risen by more than four times, and around 3.5 times in Castilla y León and Andalucia. Madrid for its part has doubled its figures, whilst in Portugal the population has grown from a single pair in 2003 to 11 pairs ten years later. Almost certainly, the different trends shown are closely related to the conservation status of rabbit populations.