Hello Everyone,
I arrived Malaga late evening 26th January. We were staying with freinds in Fungerola about 20minutes drive from the airport. Next morning from the apartment balony which overlooks one of the many golf courses in the area i seen Serin 100+ feeding on the fairway, Chiffchaffs and M+F Sardinian Warblers flitted about in the hedge below and the first Yellow Legged Gulls, House Sparrows, Blackbirds,White Wagtails and Spotless Starlings of the trip were seen. Crag Martins could be seen in the distant and a Cormaorant on the distant lake.
After getting a hired car i headed to Gaudalhorce Ponds near Malaga airport. This really is a little oasis in this really built up area of Spain.First bird out of the car was a Booted Eagle and when i looked round two others were also soaring. Very soon the species were mounting up. Kestrel, Crested Lark, Meadow Pipit, Coots, Med Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gulla nd Black Headed Gull were all added quickly and while scanning the gulls on the sea, 5 Common Scoter were a mild surprise. A very tame Sanderling was on the beach and other common Irish species seen included Grey Heron, Shovelor, Mute Swan, Teal, Little Grebe, Redshank, Moorhen, Robin and Greenshank.But this being Spain of course other goodies were soon found. Black Winged Stilts never fail to impress and a nice flock of White Headed Ducks was nice too see. But star bird of the day for me was a Bluethroat which was haveing a running battle with a Robin along a pool edge. Goldfinch, Pochard and Collared Dove were also added and a Fan Tailed Warbler showed well amongst the many Chiffchaffs. Birds of prey were much in evidence, Booted Eagles were nearly always in the sky and while looking at one an Osprey flew past and was soon joined by another! A Common Sandpiper invited a close look in case it might of been its rarer cousin, it wasn't and 3 Flamingoes flew in from somehwere. A Gadwall peeped out from the Margins and finally after a few hours scanning on one of the pools a Marbled Duck showed in the far corner. These ducks are always wary and as i tried to make a stealth like approach, it took off to hide in another pond. Absolutely delighted,the walk back to the car produced a fast flying Kingfisher, Stonechats, Parakeets and Little Egret and just before i put the gear in the car a Marsh Harrier drifted over, fantastic.
Next morning arrived and so had the wind. 70mph winds! was i in Spain or back in Northern Ireland. I attempted to brave the elements and went to Fungerola beach. A Sandwhich tern was sheltering in the harbour and Turnstone was new for the trip. I headed back after an hour or so and drove along a river near the apartment.1000's of Crag Martins were in the area and careful searching produced small numbers of swallows and House Martins but no Sand Martins. I then decided to go into the hills behind the town. Stops along the way to the aptly named Rio Grande produced Sardinain w, Serins, Black Redstarts, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit and a Sparrowhawk.A flying Little egrat on top of a mountain looked out of place.In the evening i went back to Fungerola beach. A razorbill was now sheltering but the star of the show for me was the 3 Audouins Gull on the beach amongst the LBBG's and YLG's. I wasn't expecting this fantastic gull on this trip.But the day had been spoilt by the winds although seeing the huge waves on the Med Sea was an experience, it was like being at Portrush Co Antrim in a North West gale, the huge rollers comeing in.
Day 3 awoke to torrential rain and when it rains in Spain, it rains. I had warm clothing but not waterproof clothing so the day was a write off the only new bird for the trip was a Barn Owl late in the evening near the apartment.
Last day i managed to get a few hours back at Guadalhorce Ponds. Much the same species were seen again but i addded 2 Buzzards, Skylark,Song Thrush and several Cettis Warblers which were even attempting to sing! Nearly the last bird of the trip was a Penduline Tit a nice end to a rather frustrateing few days.
If you are ever in Malaga Gaudalhorce Ponds is a must visit place but be sure to get directions as it is not easy to find. Many thanks to Andy Patterson for his help and directions.
The Costa Del Sol is so built up and to be honest is not a great place for someone who likes scenery with their birding. Spian has so many other fabulous places and attractions that i doubt very much that i will ever be back in this area.
Derek
Considering the weather you still managed some great birds.
Excellent report - but was the accommodation really this bad?
quote:
the apartment balony
