Introduction
To find the endemics and other specialities of the Canary Islands two fellow birders from Holland went birding for five days on Tenerife and two on Fuerteventura. The trip turned out to be very successful (We only dipped on Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Little Shearwater), that’s why we decided to put it on paper for other birders that want to visit the islands in future.
Flights, accommodation and car rental
Only two weeks before our trip we booked a last-minute package deal (flights + apartment) via www.vakantiediscounter.nl for a very reasonable € 293 pp. We flew with Martinair from Amsterdam to Tenerife Sur Airport and vice versa. We stayed in the somewhat cheapy Alondras Park complex in Ten Bel/Las Galletas along the Costa del Silencio (don’t expect silence, ha-ha). The appartment was clean and quite big.
We pre-booked also the flights to Fuerteventura from Tenerife Norte Airport with Binter Canarias Airlines via www.edreams.com. The return ticket was priced at around € 135 pp. It is possible to buy your tickets at Tenerife Norte. Our plane wasn’t full so to book ahead is maybe not necessary in the low-season. The one night on Fuerteventura we stayed at Caleta Garden in the centre of Caleta de Fuste for only €33 (two persons).
On Tenerife we rented a car (a brand new Opel Corsa 1.2) at Alondras Park for seven days for € 168 with Tropic Car-rental. The car served well on the sometimes rough tracks we encountered during our stay. At Fuerteventura Airport we rented a Renault Clio with Avis for € 59 (two days).
Books, trip reports and maps used
Books and reports:
• A birdwatchers guide to the Canary Islands – Tony Clarke and David Collins (dated, but most site were still easy to find with this book)
• Birds of the Atlantic Islands – Tony Clarke
• Collins Bird Guide of Britain and Europe (Dutch version, ANWB)
• Several tripreports from the web (especially from www.travellingbirder.com )
• According to a local birder the best book for the Canary Island is that of Eduardo Garcia del Rey – Finding birds on the Canary Islands.
Maps:
• Tenerife, 1:75.000, Freytag & berndt; served well, best map.
• Tenerife, 1:120.000, Reise Know-How/World mapping project; this map was not very useful because of the scale.
• Fuerteventura, 1:60.000, Reise Know-How/World mapping project; many tracks are not described on the map; many tracks are already paved with tarmac.
Areas visited on Tenerife
El Fraile and surroundings
The area to the (south) west of El Fraile held Hoopoe’s, Southern Grey Shrikes, Spectacled Warblers and the omnipresent Berthelots Pipits. This area should also be good for Barbary Partridge and Lesser Short-toed Lark. The hunting-season had decimated the numbers of Barbary Partridges; November is therefore not a good period for seeing this species on the Canary Islands. The last day of our stay a juvenile Barbary Falcon was see at one of the high poles in the area by Barry Lancaster.
El Fraile reservoir
We had great difficulties in getting to the reservoir because the description in Tony Clarkes book is no longer an option because many of the tracks are closed and the banana-plantations have grown.
The best way to get to the reservoir is now by following the track from the southwest of El Fraile, behind the football field. Drive this track to the west (do not follow the one to the southwest) for approximately one kilometre and you will get to a gate, park the car here and walk the last hundred metres to the reservoir, we encountered no problems with the local personnel.
The whole week there was a female Ring-necked Duck present on the reservoir. The reservoir holds small numbers of waders, herons and Yellow-legged gulls, a flock of Coots and there was a female Northern Shoveler present. A flock of approximately 30 Spanish sparrows was seen in the banana-plantations nearby.
Ten Bel
Around the apartment complex Alondras Park in this tourist-settlement we had Canary Island Chiffchaffs, Plain Swifts and a Common Chiffchaff as notable species.
Guargacho reservoirs
These reservoirs turned out to be quite a deception. Because they are very close to the town of Guargacho disturbance is making them less attractive for waders, ducks and herons.
Amarillo golf course / Golf del Sur
These two golf-courses were also a bit disappointing. Amarillo golf course is the more accessible of the two.
Notable species were a flock of Cattle Egrets, a Blackcap, Little Ringed Plovers and some Hoopoe’s.
Erjos ponds
These small ponds close to village of Erjos were easy to reach via the description in Tony Clarkes book. The beautiful surroundings make this site also worth checking. Here we saw our first Canary’s. Other species here were Common Buzzards, a flock of Moorhens, Common Snipes, a few Coots, Chaffinches, Sardinian Warblers and quite some Grey Wagtails.
Erjos / Monte del Agua
This famous pigeon site was easy to find with the description in Tony Clarkes book. The first 500 metres from Erjos were the worst part to drive with the car. From November 2005 it is no longer permitted to drive the track with a car from this point. The only option is thus to park the car here and walk the few kilometres to the lookout point. Approximately 700 metres before the lookout there is a track to the right with a metal pole in the middle. We followed this track down and had good views of a Bolles’ Pigeon and also a short bad view of a Laurel Pigeon. Many other pigeons were heard flying off (like Wood Pigeon), most of them probably Bolles’. At Monte del Agua this track was the best in seeing both pigeons, the lookout point turned out to be very disappointing, with only a few unidentifiable fly-by’s.
Other mentionable species in the laurel forest were Canary Goldcrest, Tenerife Blue Tit, Tenerife Robin, Chaffinch, Canary’s and Buzzards.
Mirador Don Pompeyo
Along the road towards Punto de Teno coming from Buenavista del Norte there is on the right (near a small tunnel) a somewhat decayed mirador with spectacular views of the high black cliffs. Here we had our only sighting of a Barbary Falcon.
Punta de Teno
The beautiful landscape at this site alone is already worth a visit. From the lighthouse we saw over 150 Cory’s coming through in only thirty minutes of seawatching. The abandoned tomato plantations along the road were good for hundreds of Rock Sparrows and Canary’s. The dry plains should also be good for Barbary Partridge in the right time of year.
Las Lajas picknicksite
This picknicksite was easy to find in the Canarian Pine-zone on the southern slopes of the Teide. The Blue Chaffinch was extremely easy to locate (we were the only visitors in the early morning), other easily seen species here were Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tenerife Blue Tits, Canary’s and Canary Islands Kinglets. Look especially near the dripping water taps closest to the main road, most of the mentioned species come to drink on a certain moment.
Chanajiga and surroundings
The way to this pigeon-spot wasn’t easy to find but we managed with the good description in Clarke’s guide. On the way up we saw a big flock (150+) of Plain Swifts.
Close to the pigeon site we parked the car just past the children’s playground (located past the picknicksite) and walked further along the track. From the track there are quite some good lookout points over the steep slopes that are covered with nice laurel forests.
Here we had within an hour views of 2 or 3 Bolles´ flying by and almost certain one Laurelpigeon. We saw also one Bolles´ flying off from the track in front of us. This site is probably better than Monte del Agua because you have more good viewpoints from the track.
Mirador de Lagrimona
We had heard of this site being the easiest place on Tenerife for seeing Laurel Pigeon, and it was ! Although the site is located along the very busie TF5 we had within ten minutes the pigeon flying by along the steep slopes/cliffs. Later also one was seen diving into a small tree but we couldn´t locate it with our scopes. Here we saw also our only Sparrowhawk of the trip.
Drive along the TF5 to the west coming from Los Realejos and immediately after a tunnel there is a small mirador on the right. Park the car here and look up to the steep slope that is covered with bushes and trees. We didn´t stay very long but with some more effort it is possible to have good perched views of the Laurel Pigeon as we read in a trip report.
Embalse de Valle Molina
We were very lucky because the gate was open and we just walked in, checked all the birds and left because we were on forbidden ground. When the gates are closed you can see only a very small proportion of the concrete embalse.
Here we had some waders, herons and a flock of Coots. Unfortunately no ducks were present.
Tejina ponds
We could locate only one small pond that held a few Moorhens. Between Tegueste and Tejina there was a new road being constructed (also into the direction of Bajamar). So the description in Clarke´s book is no longer accurate(?).
Punta / Faro de Rasca
From Faro (lighthouse) de Rasca and Punta de Rasca (halfway between the lighthouse and Palm-Mar) we had very good views of Cory´s Shearwater and also a sighting of a Great Skua. On the shore we found also some waders like Whimbrel and Turnstone. On the dry plains there are good numbers of Southern Grey Shrike.
This area is most easily reached by parking on the southern edge of Palm-Mar and walk one of the coastal paths south. The area should be good for Barbary Partridge and Stone Curlew. We walked about four times in the area. We encountered only a Whimbrel, Southern Grey Shrikes, Spectacled Warblers and Berthelots Pipits.
Palm-Mar
In the bay of Palm-Mar and on the cliffs to the north of the village we found high numbers of herons and gulls. In the evening they gather on the circular floating fishing-nets in the bay and they use the cliffs as a roosting site.
We saw here over 150 Little Egrets, 55+ Grey Herons, 4 Sandwich Terns, our only Black-headed Gulls and many Yellow-legged Gulls. This is a site were rare nearctic gulls and herons could turn up !
Barranco del Rey reservoir
We heard only of this site a few hours before dusk on our last day on the Canaries from Barry Lancaster that we met at El Fraile reservoir! He gave us excellent directions to this small reservoir. He said there was a scaup present there that could be one of the two possible species. In a fast drive to the location we located the female scaup and made some pictures. Also there were two wigeons present but these turned out to be eurasian.
This site is not easy to find. Take salida 29 (San Eugenio) from the TF1 (coming from Los Cristianos) and go straight ahead all the way up following the Europa-road. All the way up; turn right onto a new wide road and take the first road left down into the caldera (volcanic crater) with bananaplantations. Drive all the way through the crater between the plantations untill you´re on the other end and turn again left and drive up. On the right you will see the reservoir after the a few hundred metres. There is a track going down to the reservoir with a barrier across, park here and walk down.
Llano Azul reservoir
In the last hours of daylight on the last day we drove fast to another of Lancasters locations. Here we saw no waterbirds due to the fact that there were machines making a lot of noise in the barranco nearby. Nevertheless we had the best views of Plain Swifts of our trip !
We got there by taking salida 26 of the TF1 (coming from Los Cristianos) turn left (going under the motorway) and the immediately the first road left, this road is paralel with the motorway. After a kilometer turn right on a small (but busie !) road called Llano Azul and drive up untill you see a big enclosed building on the right. On the sharp bend there is a track to the left which you cannot drive into. Drive a little further (50 metres or so) and you will see a small inlet in the buildingwalls where you can park (beware of the traffic!). Walk back to the track and follow it for half a mile and you will finally see the concrete reservoir in the barranco on the right. The best way to get there is by crossing the fields to the right of the track untill you are on the edge of the barranco.
El Medano
The brackish lagoon between El Medano and montaña Roja didn´t hold any waders during our visits because of the disturbance by the many tourists and surfers in the area. This site looked nevertheless promising for waders.
The only notable sighting was a flock of Kentish Plovers on the dry plain between the main road and the lagoon.
Areas visited on Fuerteventura
Barranco de la Torre
This site was easy to find driving south from Las Salinas along the coastal track. Here we saw our first Cream-coloured coursers, Trumpeter Finches and a male Common Stonechat(!) of the trip. We have driven the track into the barranco untill it got very bad and we had to turn back to La Torre.
Barranco de la Antigua
Coming from Caleta de Fuste on the FV2 turn left near a white building onto a track that goes down into the barranco. We didn’t drive far because the track got very bad. Nevertheless we had good views of our first female Canary Islands Stonechat on the edge of the valley.
Salinas del Carmen (Las Salinas)
At the salinas (now a museum !) and in the small bay of Salinas del Carmen we saw small numbers of several wader species and gulls.
Embalse de Los Molinos
We reached this reservoir by turning left (coming from Tefia) from the main road at the goatfarm in Las Parcelas and drove south untill we came at the dam of the lake near a ruined building. From here we walked along the track that continues along the embalse.
On the lake were small numbers of waders, a flock of Coots and over 100 Ruddy Shelducks, some Trumpeter Finches and a pair of Canary Islands Stonechat (near the dam). On the plains to the east we saw two Cream-coloured Coursers.
La Oliva
This site to the northwest of La Oliva turned out to hold one of the highlights of the trip. We heard of this area being good for Houbara´s because they tend to gather here in the evenings. We came from the north on the FV10 and turned right just before some arable lands with scattered palm trees and some buildings (Rosa de los Negrines). We neglected the signs saying´Finca Privado´and drove on past a couple of small buildings and soon after turned right onto a better track uphill. On top of the hill we turned left and drove slightly up for 500 metres. At this point you can look into both valleys on either side of the hill. The valley on the left had some abandoned arable fields with scattered bushes on the bottom, this is the place where the Houbara´s turned up.
The track where we were on was used by many trucks coming from a quarry further down the track. Our hope of seeing the Houbara´s was very low because of them. We scanned the hills in the late afternoon for a few hours and were just about to leave (the trucks were gone now) when we saw at least six Houbara´s (with even two males displaying !) at the mentioned spot (they must have been there for a while already) !
The next morning at 7:20 we saw eight birds here ! Excellent views were obtained through our scopes.
El Cotillo
On the plains to the south of El Cotillo we didn´t see any species that are worth mentioning, This area should be good for Houbara´s, Coursers and Black-bellies.
The road between El Cotillo and the lighthouse was better with Stone Curlews and other waders species seen along the sea (especially at the small bay called : Caleta del Rio). Also good numbers of Trumpeter Finches seen along the road.
Tip : Visit the bakery/coffeeshop in the centre of El Cotillo because it has excellent food and coffee and the Berthelots Pipits outside were the tamest that we have encountered on the Canary’s.
Barranco de Esquinzo
In this long barranco between Tindaya and El Cotillo we saw our only Barbary Partridges and a fine male Canary Islands Stonechat. There is a track going all the way through this valley and our car managed well.
Tindaya plains / El Norte
This big plain to the northwest of Tindaya seemed quite empty from a birders point of view. Although we had a Houbara within thirty meters from the car !!! Using the car as a hide we had excellent views !
Betancuria
Having heard from this village being one of the best spots on Fuerteventura for the Blue Tit. We walked around in the lowest parts of Betancuria (near the church) where it looked best for this species and soon found them calling very loud and good views were obtained of at least four birds. Also here we found good numbers of Sardinian Warbler and some Ravens and Buzzards in the surrounding hills.
Las Peñitas
To get to this site you need to drive all the way through Vega the Rio Palmas following the small tarmaced road to the southwest. In the valley to the right there is a reservoir that sometimes holds water (at our visit it was dry). Nevertheless was this one of the greenest areas we saw on Fuerteventura. When the road ended we parked there and soon found a roosting spot of Egyptian Vulture (with three adults present) on the cliff on the other side of the valley. In the bushes we found a few Blue Tits, our only Song thrush and good numbers of Spanish Sparrow, Spectacled and Sardinian Warblers.
Catalina Garcia reservoir
This site was easy to find and also the richest site, speaking in terms of birdlife, we encountered on the Canary Islands. Driving south from Tuineje for a few kilometers you will see the reservoir to the left at a certain moment. Where there is a white building (goat farm ?) on the left you immediately turn left also and drive down to the lake.
Here we saw three species of american duck (two drakes Lesser Scaup, a female Blue-winged Teal and a drake Ring-necked Duck) ! And also Spoonbills, good numbers of Ruddy Shelduck, some other ducks and waders. This site is a must-visit when you´re on Fuerteventura.
Triquiviate plains
Along the road halfway between Triquiviate and Nuevo Horizonte we found a flock of Cream-coloured Coursers. These plains should also be good for Houbara´s and Black-bellies.
Coastal track between Salinas and Pozo Negro
From Las Salinas we followed the coastal track south in the direction of Pozo Negro. Halfway we returned because the track got undriveable. Between La Torre and the Barranco Malada Honda we found a nice flock of Coursers on the coastal plain and in the barranco itself we had our best observation of a pair of Canary Islands Stonechat close to the car.
We welcome any questions or comments on this report.
Martijn Bunskoek
E-mail: bunskoekoek@yahoo.co.uk
Foto-site with pictures of the trip: http://www.bunskoekoek.fotoblog.co.uk/c1151103.html
Lennaert Steen
E-mail: steenl@home.nl
Foto-site with pictures of the trip: www.pbase.com/steenl/canarische_eilanden
Birds seen on Tenerife
55 Species observed, species in bold are confined to Macaronesia. * Taxonomy followed is that of Arnoud B. van den Berg, 2006
1. Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) – Ringsnaveleend
A female present on the El Fraile reservoir from at least the 24th until the 30th November, probably wintering here (see a picture here).
2. Scaup/Lesser Scaup (probably the last one in our opinion) – Topper/Kleine Topper
1 female present at Barranco del Rey on the 30th (see a picture here).
3. Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) – Smient
Two females present on the Barranco del Rey reservoir on the 30th.
4. Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) – Slobeend
Female present on the El Fraile reservoir from at least the 24th until the 30th.
5. Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) – Kuhls Pijlstormvogel
150+ at Punta de Teno on the 25th, 25+ at Faro de Rasca on the 26th , ±100 floating off Punta the Rasca in the evening of the 27th and 20+ seen here on the 30th.
6. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) – Koereiger
25 birds present at Golf del Sur on the 27th and at least 10 birds present at Amarilla Golf on the 30th.
7. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) – Kleine Zilverreiger
Highest numbers were seen in the bay of Palm-Mar with 150+ birds present on the 27th . 26 at El Fraile reservoir on the 24th . Was seen in small numbers at various locations elsewhere.
8. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) – Blauwe Reiger
Highest numbers were also seen at Palm-Mar with over 55 present on the 27th. Was seen in very low numbers elsewhere on the island (e.g. one at Punta de Teno on the 25th, one at Mirador de Lagrimona and two at Emb. de Valle Molina on the 26th ).
9. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus granti) – Sperwer
Only one bird was seen flying over on the 26th at Mirador de Lagrimona.
10. Canary Islands Buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) – Canarische Buizerd
Seen mostly in the north-western and northern parts of Tenerife, in low numbers.
11. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) – Torenvalk
The most common raptor on the island. Seen all over Tenerife.
12. Barbary Falcon (Falco pelegrinoides) – Barbarijse Valk
1 adult was seen soaring around high over the cliffs at Mirador Don Pompeyo
13. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – Waterhoen
By far the best site for this species are the ponds near Erjos with at least 50 birds present on the 25th and 27th. Only a few birds seen at other sites like: Barranco del Rey(1), the Tejina pond (3) and Llano Azul (1).
14. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) – Meerkoet
The highest numbers were seen at El Fraile reservoir with at least 45 present on several visits, two birds at Erjos ponds on the 25th and 27th, 15 at Emb. de Valle Molina on the 26th . Not seen elsewhere.
15. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) – Kleine Plevier
11 birds at Amarilla Golf on the 24th and 8 on the 27th , 5 at Emb. de Valle Molina on the 26th.
16. Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) – Bontbekplevier
1 bird present at Emb. de Valle Molina on the 26th .
17. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) – Strandplevier
13 birds present on the plain between the main road and the brackish lagoon of El Medano on the 30th.
18. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) – Watersnip
2 birds at the Erjos ponds in the evening of the 25th.
19. Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) – Regenwulp
3 birds seen at Punta de Rasca on the 27th and 2 here on the 30th.
20. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) – Oeverloper
6 birds present at Emb. de Valle Molina on the 26th .
21. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) – Groenpootruiter
2 birds present at El Fraile reservoir on the 24th and 30th . 1 bird present at the big pond along the entrance road to Amarilla Golf on the 24th and 30th . 3 were present at Emb. de Valle Molina on the 26th .
22. Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) – Tureluur
Only one bird seen at El Fraile reservoir on the 24th.
23. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) – Steenloper
1 bird was present at Punta de Rasca on the 27th with 2 here on the 30th.
24. Great Skua (Stercorarius skua) – Grote Jager
On the 30th one bird was seen killing a presumed Yellow-legged and afterwards feeding from it quite far off Punta de Rasca. After dinner it flew off in the direction of Gomera.
25. Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) – Kokmeeuw
2 adult birds were seen in the bay of Palm-Mar on the 30th.
26. Atlantic Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis atlantis) – Atlantische Geelpootmeeuw
Quite common along the coast, highest numbers were encountered along the coast between Las Galletas and Los Cristianos
27. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicens) – Grote Stern
At least 4 birds present in the bay of Palm-Mar on the 30th
28. Rock Dove (Columba livia) – Rotsduif
Presumed genuine wild birds were seen at Erjos Ponds, Las Lajas and on the cliffs of Palm-Mar. Most towns hold sometimes big flocks of feral birds.
29. Bolles’ Pigeon (Columba bollii) – Bolles Laurierduif
Only 1 pigeon was positively identified (of 15 pigeons flying off) and seen well at Monte del Agua on the 25th and 4 were heard calling but seen badly on the 27th. 2 or 3 were seen at Chanajiga on the 26th.
30. Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae) – Laurierduif
1 was seen very briefly at Monte del Agua on the 25th. 1 or 2 birds were seen at Mirador de Lagrimona on the 26th, this site gives the best chance in seeing this species (see also site-info).
31. Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) – Turkse Tortel
Seen in most villages, although numbers seemed to be not very high.
32. Plain Swift (Apus unicolor) – Madeiragierzwaluw
18+ birds were seen above Alondras Park in Ten Bel on the 24th; a massive flock of over 150 birds was seen when driving up to Chanajiga on the 26th and over 20 birds flying around at Llano Azul reservoir, giving excellent views, in the evening of the 30th.
33. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) – Hop
5 birds were seen on the plains to the southwest of El Fraile on the 24th, 3 at Amarilla Golf on the 27th and 1 here on the 30th. 2 were seen at the Barranco del Rey reservoir and 4 or 5 in the surroundings of the Llano Azul reservoir on the 30th.
34. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major canariensis) – Grote Bonte Specht
At least 4 different birds were present at Las Lajas on the 26th. Quite tame and approachable.
35. Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii) – Berthelots Pieper
Common in the more open often rocky areas of Tenerife. Often very approachable.
36. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea canariensis) – Grote Gele Kwikstaart
Widespread but always in small numbers. Seen in diverse habitats.
37. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) – Witte Kwikstaart
Only 1 bird was seen at Punto de Teno on the 25th.
38. Tenerife Robin (Erithacus superbus) – Teneriferoodborst
Was seen and heard at Monte del Agua, Chanajiga and surroundings and Erjos ponds where it was quite common.
39. Common Blackbird (Turdus merula cabrerae) – Merel
Seen all over the island but highest numbers were encountered in the more forested northern half of Tenerife.
40. Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis) – Brilgrasmus
Common at Punta de Rasca, El Fraile, Punta de Teno and both golfcourses. But also seen and heard at Erjos ponds and El Medano. Mostly found in drier areas than Sardinian Warbler
41. Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala leucogastra) – Kleine Zwartkop
Common at Erjos ponds, widespread on the northern half of Tenerife.
42. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) – Zwartkop
1 bird was seen at Golf del Sur on the 27th and 1 at Tenerife Sur Airport on the 1st of December.
43. Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Fitis
1 bird was seen at Punta de Teno on the 25th.
44. Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) – Tjiftjaf
1 bird was heard and seen in the Alondras Park complex in Ten Bel on the 30th.
45. Canary Islands Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis) – Canarische Tjiftjaf
Common and widespread
46. Canary Islands Kinglet (Regulus teneriffae) – Canarische Goudhaan
Common at Monte del Agua and Las Lajas.
47. Tenerife Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae) – Tenerifepimpelmees
Quite common at Monte del Agua and Las Lajas
48. Canary Islands Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis koenigi) – Canarische Klapekster
This species was seen in the surroundings of Punta de Rasca (max. 5) and El Fraile (max. 3). Not seen elsewhere on the island.
49. African Common Raven (Corvus corax tingitanus) – Afrikaanse Raaf
A pair was seen near Santiago del Teide feeding on a dead rabbit on the 27th, and 2 birds flying over near Arguayo on the same date.
50. Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) – Spaanse Mus
Small flocks were seen at the El Fraile reservoir (30), El Guincho (15), Palm-Mar (15+) and 1 bird at Alondras Park in Ten Bel. Not seen elsewhere.
51. Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia madeirensis) – Rotsmus
A tremendous flock of probably over 300 birds (mixed with 250 Canary’s) at the abandoned plantations near the lighthouse of Punta de Teno on the 25th. This is a well known wintering site for this species.
52. Canary Islands Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs canariensis) – Canarische Vink
Nice views of this good-looking subspecies were obtained at Monte del Agua on the 25th and the 27th. Also a pair was seen near the Erjos ponds on the 25th.
53. Tenerife Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea teydea) – Blauwe Vink
15 to 20 birds were present at the Las Lajas picknicksite on the 26th. Very approachable at the water taps here.
54. Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria) – Kanarie
Locally very common in the northern half of Tenerife. Not seen in the drier south.
55. Common Linnet (Carduelis cannabina meadewaldoi) – Kneu
8+ birds were seen at the abandoned plantations near the lighthouse of Punta de Teno on the 25th.
Birds seen on Fuerteventura
55 species observed * Taxonomy followed is that of Arnoud B. van den Berg, 2006
1. Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) – Casarca
120+ birds present at Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th and 29th. 50+ birds present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
2. Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) – Ringsnaveleend
1 drake present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
3. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) – Kuifeend
At least 8 birds present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th
4. Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) – Kleine Topper
2, 1w drakes, present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th (see a picture here)
5. Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) – Smient
Female present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
6. Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) – Blauwvleugeltaling
Female present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
7. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) – Pijlstaart
Female present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
8. Common Teal (Anas crecca) – Wintertaling
At least 6 birds present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
9. Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) – Barbarijse Patrijs
4 birds in the Barranco de Esquinzo on the 29th
10. Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) – Jan-van-Gent
1w flying around near de beach at La Torre on the 28th.
11. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) – Kleine Zilverreiger
1 bird at Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th. at least 8 birds along the coast north of El Cotillo, 10 at Catalina Garcia reservoir and 2 at Salinas del Carmen on the 29th.
12. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) – Blauwe Reiger
1 bird along the coast north of El Cotillo on the 29th.
13. Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) – Lepelaar
6 birds present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th. Two birds were colour-ringed in France.
14. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus junoniae) – Aasgier
3 adult birds at Las Peñitas on the 29th.
15. Canary Islands Buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) – Canarische Buizerd
Widespread, but more common in the surroundings of Betancuria and Las Peñitas.
16. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus dacotiae) – Torenvalk
Widespread, not as common as on Tenerife
17. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – Waterhoen
At least 25 birds present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
18. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) – Meerkoet
17 birds present on the 28th and 29th at Los Molinos reservoir, 40 present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
19. Canary Islands Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae) – Canarische Kraagtrap
6 birds on the 28th and 8 birds on the 29th at the La Oliva site, 1 bird seen at close range on the plains to the northwest of Tindaya (El Norte) on the 29th.
20. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) – Steltkluut
2 birds at Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th.
21. Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus insularum) – Griel
2 birds along the road to the lighthouse north of El Cotillo on the 29th.
22. Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius cursor) – Renvogel
7 birds flying over (and calling) at Barranco de la Torre and 2 birds seen on the plains to the northeast of Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th. 8 birds seen on the Triquiviate plains and 7 along the coastal track south of La Torre (same birds as on the 28th?) on the 29th.
23. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) – Kleine Plevier
At least 15 birds present at Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th and 29th.
24. Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) – Bontbekplevier
1 bird on the 28th and 5 birds on the 29th at Las Salinas, 5 birds along the coast north of El Cotillo on the 29th.
25. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) – Strandplevier
2 birds on the 28th and 29th at Las Salinas and 1 bird along the coast North of El Cotillo.
26. Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) – Zilverplevier
1 bird at Las Salinas on the 28th. 2 along the coast north of El Cotillo on the 29th.
27. Dunlin (Calidris alpina) – Bonte Strandloper
1 bird along the coast north of El Cotillo on the 29th.
28. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) – Watersnip
1 bird at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
29. Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) – Regenwulp
2 birds along the coast north of El Cotillo and 2 at Las Salinas on the 29th.
30. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) – Oeverloper
At least 10 birds present at Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th. 1 bird along the coast north of El Cotillo, 1 bird at Catalina Garcia reservoir and 1 bird at Las Salinas on the 29th.
31. Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) – Zwarte Ruiter
4 birds present at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
32. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) – Groenpootruiter
6 birds at Los Molinos reservoir on the 28th and 1 bird at Catalina Garcia on the 29th.
33. Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) – Tureluur
1 bird at Las Salinas on the 28th and 29th.
34. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) – Steenloper
4 birds along the coast north of El Cotillo and 3 at Las Salinas on the 29th.
35. Atlantic Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis atlantis) – Atlantische Geelpootmeeuw
Widespread along the coast and locally inland, highest numbers seen at Las Salinas and Catalina Garcia reservoir.
36. Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) – Kleine Mantelmeeuw
2 adult birds at Las Salinas on the 28th and 1 adult at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
37. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicens) – Grote Stern
1 bird seen along the coast south of La Torre and 1 at Las Salinas on the 29th.
38. Rock Dove (Columba livia) – Rotsduif
Presumably wild ones seen at Barranco de la Torre and Las Peñitas.
39. Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) – Turkse Tortel
Widespread, seen in most villages.
40. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) – Hop
In total 7 birds seen at 6 different sites on the island.
41. Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufescens polatzeki) – Kleine Kortteenleeuwerik
Widespread and locally abundant (e.g. a flock of 125+ birds seen at the La Oliva site).
42. Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii) – Berthelots Pieper
Widespread but less common than on Tenerife.
43. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) – Witte Kwikstaart
1 bird at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
44. Canary Islands Stonechat (Saxicola dacotiae) – Canarische Roodborsttapuit
1 female at Barranco de la Antigua, a pair at Los Molinos reservoir and a male in the Barranco de Esquinzo on the 28th. A pair in the Barranco Malada Honda on the 29th.
45. European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) – Roodborsttapuit
1 male at Barranco de la Torre on the 28th.
46. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) – Zanglijster
1 bird at Las Peñitas on the 29th.
47. Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis) – Brilgrasmus
Locally common such as at Barranco de la Torre and Las Peñitas.
48. Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) – Kleine Zwartkop
Common at Betancuria and Las Peñitas
49. Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) – Tjiftjaf
1 bird in Betancuria on the 29th.
50. Fuerteventura Blue Tit (Cyanistes degener) – Fuerteventurapimpelmees
4 birds at Betancuria and 2 at Las Peñitas on the 29th.
51. Canary Islands Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis koenigi) – Canarische Klapekster
Widespread and common.
52. African Common Raven (Corvus corax tingitanus) – Afrikaanse Raaf
Widespread, more common than on Tenerife. Seen at Betancuria (common), Las Peñitas, Barranco de la Torre, Los Molinos reservoir and La Antigua.
53. Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) – Spaanse Mus
Widespread and locally very common especially in barrancos near human settlements with palmtrees.
54. Common Linnet (Carduelis cannabina harterti) – Kneu
At least 2 birds at Las Peñitas and a few at Catalina Garcia reservoir on the 29th.
55. Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githagineus amantum) – Woestijnvink
Widespread and locally common, biggest flock consisted of at least 40 birds north of El Cotillo. Also seen in Barranco de la Torre (10), Los Molinos reservoir (5), the La Oliva site (25), El Cotillo plains (2), Barranco de Esquinzo, but probably at more sites seen.
In total 77 bird species were seen during the trip.