The first trip was in December 2004 when we flew to and from Faro airport and spent our first day in Portugal. We then stayed two nights in Hinijos, took an excellent trip with John Butler of Doñana Bird Tours (http://www.donanabirdtours.com/) and elected to return as soon as possible. A report of this particular trip is available at /trip_report.php?id=600.
This second trip was also three nights and four days. This had been arranged by ourselves to focus on Coto Doñana during the early part of breeding season when the spring flowers and species such as Bee-eater would be at their best. We flew from Stansted airport to Jerez airport by scheduled Ryanair flight. We hired a VW Transporter from Crown Cars (through http://www.carjet.com/) and four of us shared the driving. Our excellent accommodation was at the bungalows at La Aldea campsite (http://www.campinglaaldea.com/) on the outskirts of El Rocio. This was just about as close as we could get to the La Madre marsh. We visited the two accessible sides of the area at least six times. We flew home from Seville airport.
The 157 species logged on the trip are detailed in the systematic list that follows this brief introduction.
Day One - Saturday 23rd April 2005
We had not intended to have an hour’s birdwatching in the airport car park. But this delay did help us get our eyes in with examples of local birds such as Pallid Swift and White Stork. We stood by orange trees that had both sweet smelling flowers and ripening fruit. Anyway, we had planned to take a northerly route along the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. We knew that these would be farm roads but their poor condition was a surprise given the modern state of the main road network.
After a productive session at the Adventus marshes including close views of Collared Pratincole and rather more distant ones of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, we turned round and headed directly for our accommodation. On this journey we saw our first Bee-eaters and Woodchat Shrikes and bit our tongues when more and more of them were seen on the roadside fencing. At the La Madre marsh, the Madre de la Marismas del Rocio, the mother of the marshes, it is not an understatement to say we quickly marvelled at the number and range of birds.
We elected to spend as many daylight hours as possible at the marsh. The many species seen there are set out in the systematic list. The enthusiasm this gave us is shown in that text and merely has to be underlined here. There were some official organised trips that had much less time in each place and of course we too had to tear ourselves away to see what else the area had to offer in springtime.
Day Two - Sunday 24th April 2005
Half of our party took a pre dawn trip to locate nightjars. We all visited the selected area that evening as the full moon rose. There was more early morning success than in the late evening.
At the campsite a respectable list of birds was being collected. At the marsh the depth of species and, for example, the move to full breeding plumage for Ruff and Curlew Sandpiper was of special interest. We moved first to the near hides at the La Rocina reserve.. We walked as far as the mongoose trail and it was then clear that the raptors were taking wing with the improved temperatures.
We had already elected to drive down to the eastern edge of the resort of Matalascañas to scan over the dunes for raptors. In these dunes we found lizards and green hairstreaks and much else of interest including a locust type insect fully three inches or more long. If it was not a locust it was still fearsome. No raptors and so we turned for a productive sea watch and then took a boardwalk trail inside the park. Unlike for example, Kruger, the park is not open to the public and one watches from the outside over the pre-parks to the park itself, except, as far as we could see, in this one brief privileged instance. Still no raptors at the camera-point.
Back for a late sandwich for lunch at the El Acebuche centre. Another walk here out and around the various trails and into hides that were announced as for mammals – but none seen, and into hides that were announced as being for coot but that had neither coot nor water. We declined the final stork observatory trail as we could see how far it was, how hot it was getting, and although distant that the white stork nest was going to be no different to others of its type.
More marsh watching, the nightjar non-adventure and a return visit to La Choza, a Hinijos restaurant visited in December, that warranted a return visit.
Day Three - Monday 25th April 2005
More marsh watching by popular demand before we turned for a circuit of some of the better sites in the area. We had visited these first with John Butler in December. We were struck again by the dry fields and ditches and prepared ourselves for the Valverde Centre to be disappointing in the number of nesting water birds. The route involved looping south to the Valverde Centre in the northern marshes. We saw John Butler early on in the morning and he shared with us a Spanish Sparrow site and alerted us to a Black Stork flying over.
Lunch at Valverde a little out of sequence but in good time to seek out two Baillon’s Crake and one female Little Crake. We had classic, for example, Short-toed eagle and classic Black-eared Wheatear. Both were to be among the twenty birds that were regarded as special highlights of the trip.
Fortunately some planted rice fields were being flooded and Gull-billed and Whiskered Terns were attracted there.
More marsh watching and a meal at the restaurant associated with the Hotel Toruno in El Rocio.
Day Four - Tuesday 26th April 2005
Final marsh watch and a walk around the sand streets of El Rocio. Second visit to La Rocina and La Rocina Stream for Squacco Heron and a wide range of warblers. We had options of course for the route to the airport. What won was the southern forest road to Villamanrique (Wood Lark etc etc), lunch at McDonald’s at Bormujos on the way into Seville and the chance of Marbled Duck at the Pinzon Marshes in the Brazo del Este back on the east side of the Guadalquivir River. Success there. And much better water and probably bird density and quality than we had seen on the Monday. Clearly, many days could be spent exploring the whole area further and discovering more locations and, without doubt, even more exciting birds.
Many thanks as usual to all concerned.
Systematic List (157 species)
Little Grebe
Recorded in most wetland areas in small numbers, at the El Rocio Marshes there were three on 23/4 and four on 24/4. Elsewhere, there were two at La Rocina on 24/4, 15 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and 20 at Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Great Crested Grebe
One was on the river North of El Rocio on 24/4.
Northern Gannet
At least 35 flew west past Matalascañas during a brief sea-watch on 24/4.
Cattle Egret
The highest count was of 230 flying over the El Rocio Marshes on the evening of 25/4. Other records included 15 in a field near Seville and 20 at the El Rocio Marshes on 23/4, two at El Rocio on 24/4, 27 at a very parched Lucio del Lobo, 15 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and 15 in flooded rice fields near the Isla Mayor on 25/4. On the 26/4, a group of 35 flew over our El Rocio campsite early morning, 20 were at La Rocina and one was at the Pinzon Marshes.
Little Egret
Numbers recorded were slightly lower than may have been expected. At the El Rocio Marshes, there were 40 on 23/4. A singleton was at El Acebuche on 24/4, whilst on the 25/4 there were 17 in the Northern Marshes, 16 on flooded rice fields near the Isla Mayor and 20 at the Cañada de Rianzuela. The 26/4 produced two at the Pinzon Marshes (SW of Los Palacios Villafranca and just south of the Brazo del Este area).
Great White Egret
Two were present at the Adventus Marshes on the 23/4 and one was present with Grey Herons in a ditch alongside the road in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Black-crowned Night Heron
First recorded on the 25/4 when there were two along the Corredor Verde, one in the Northern Marshes and one at the José Antonio Valverde Centre. On the 26/4, at least 26 South over our La Aldea bungalow and campsite at El Rocio in the early morning.
Squacco Heron
The first were a superb group of seven that showed exceptionally well by the bridge along the La Rocina stream on the 24/4, with seven birds again present on the 26/4. Elsewhere, there were eight on the pools to the north of the José Antonio Valverde Centre on the 25/4 when two also flew over the El Rocio Marshes. Two flew over our campsite at El Rocio early on the morning of 26/4, and one was at Pinzon Marshes the same day.
Purple Heron
The first involved two together at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4. On the 24/4 there were four at La Rocina, four at El Acebuche and one at El Rocio Marshes. The 25/4 produced two in the Northern Marshes, four at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and four at the El Rocio Marshes. Two flew over our campsite at El Rocio early on the morning of 26/4, and on the same day there were five at La Rocina and at least 29 at the Pinzon Marshes (including birds nesting in the reedbeds).
Grey Heron
Small numbers recorded in most wetland areas, with the maximum count by far involving 150 loafing around the pools north of the José Antonio Valverde Centre in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Black Stork
One flew high over the Dehesa de Pilas on 25/4.
White Stork
Very numerous! The first were three around the car park at Jerez airport on 23/4. Small numbers were recorded daily at the El Rocio Marshes with maximum counts of 20 present on both the 23/4 and 24/4. A total of 15 were recorded between Seville and El Rocio on 23/4, 25 were in the El Acebuche area on 24/4, 22 were at their Villamanrique de la Condesa nesting colony on 25/4 when there were also 12 along the Corredor Verde, 20 at the Dehesa de Pilas, 50 on the pools north of the José Antonio Valverde Centre, 30 in flooded rice fields near Isla Mayor and at least 150 at the large breeding site at Dehesa de Abajo. On 26/4 two were over our campsite at El Rocio with 20 at the Pinzon Marshes.
Eurasian Spoonbill
Recorded daily at La Madre, the El Rocio Marshes, with counts of 200 on 23/4, 150 on 24/4 and 50 on both 25/4 and 26/4, nearby, a group of 40 were on the lagoons at La Rocina on both the 24/4 and 26/4. On the 25/4, there were seven in the Northern Marshes, two at the Corredor Verde, c.50 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and 30 at the Dehesa de Rianzuela. Finally, five flew over our El Rocio campsite in the early morning of 26/4 and 80 were at the Pinzon Marshes the same day.
Glossy Ibis
Small numbers frequented the El Rocio Marshes on a daily basis with 50 on 23/4, 25 on 24/4, five on 25/4 and four on 26/4. Elsewhere, there were five at La Rocina on 24/4, six in the Northern Marshes and 15 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4 and 12 at La Rocina and five at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Greater Flamingo
There were up to 1200 at the El Rocio Marshes daily between 23/4 and 26/4. Elsewhere, very few were recorded with 250 at the Cañada de Rianzuela and 100 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4.
Mute Swan
Two were at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Greylag Goose
Small numbers were present at the El Rocio Marshes with 20 on 23/4, 12 on 24/4 and one on 25/4. Elsewhere, there were three at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4 and one at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4.
Marbled Duck
A group of four at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4, virtually our last birds of the trip and recorded long after we had given up hope of seeing them!
Gadwall
Recorded daily from the El Rocio Marshes with ten on 23/4, 50 on 24/4 and 50 on 25/4; elsewhere, only very small numbers recorded at other wetlands.
Common Teal
A pair was present at the El Rocio Marshes on 23/4.
Mallard
Good numbers recorded in all areas of water, with a maximum count of 200 at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Northern Shoveler
Recorded with most frequency at the El Rocio Marshes where there was a maximum count of 20 on 24/4.
Red-crested Pochard
The first involved a pair at the El Rocio Marshes on 23/4. On the 25/4 there were four (two drakes) at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and nine (five drakes) at the Cañada de Rianzuela. Six (three drakes) were at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Common Pochard
Most regularly recorded at the El Rocio Marshes with ten on 23/4, 30 on 24/4 and 20 on 25/4. Otherwise 20 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4 and 20 at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4 were the highest counts.
Egyptian Vulture
One was seen over arable land near the Adventus Marshes on 23/4.
Black Vulture (Monk Vulture)
An extremely surprising record of two soaring high over the road near Jerez airport on 23/4
Eurasian Griffon Vulture
Two were soaring high over the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Short-toed Eagle
Three were recorded in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Black-shouldered Kite
Three were showing incredibly well as they perched atop small bushes along the Corredor Verde on the morning of 25/4.
Red Kite
Amazingly only recorded on two occasions, one over La Rocina on 24/4 and one at the Lagunas de Mancho Zurillo on 25/4.
Black Kite
Very numerous throughout the area, the tally for the four days came to a respectable 207 individuals! (Not allowing for duplications!). The most notable records were of 13 feeding around a dead carcass along the road to the Dehesa de Pilas on 25/4 and 40 at the Dehesa de Abajo the same day.
Marsh Harrier
Surprisingly scarce, up to five were seen from the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, there were two at the El Rocio Marshes on 23/4 with three the next day, and two were at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Montagu’s Harrier
A total of 17 were seen, all at the roadside. A total of nine were recorded along the road between Jerez and the Adventus Marshes on 23/4 with two near Seville the same day. On the 25/4, there were six along the road between the Isla Mayor and the Dehesa de Pilas.
Booted Eagle
The first involved a pale morph along the road to Seville on 23/4. A further 52 were then recorded in the Doñana with the majority recorded in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Common Buzzard
The first were two between Seville and Pilas on 23/4. Four were near Villamanrique de la Condesa, two were at the El Rocio Marshes, one was at El Acebuche and one was at Matalascañas on 24/4. A total of 15 were seen on the Northern Marshes circuit on 25/4 and one was near Seville on 26/4.
Common Kestrel
Recorded in small numbers throughout the area, the first being two at Jerez Airport on 23/4.
Lesser Kestrel
A male flew over Jerez Airport on 23/4, and one-two individuals were seen along the roadside nearby.
Red-legged Partridge
Two were seen en route to the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, one was calling at El Acebuche on 24/4, three were along the road between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 25/4 and two were along the Corredor Verde, also on 25/4.
Purple Gallinule
Despite the lack of water recorded in very good numbers. The first was at the El Rocio Marshes on 23/4, with two on 24/4, when there were also two at La Rocina and two at El Acebuche. On the 25/4, there were 68 in the Northern Marshes and c.25 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre. The 26/4 produced two at La Rocina and at least 200 at the Pinzon Marshes.
Red-knobbed Coot
Two, both white neck-collared individuals, were seen amongst a small herd of Common Coots from the bridge at the El Rocio marshes on the evening of 24/4.
Common Coot
Very common throughout all wetland areas, the highest counts coming from El Rocio where at least 1500 were present daily between 23/4 and 26/4.
Moorhen
Very numerous in all wetland areas.
Little Crake
An adult female showed well, albeit briefly, in the reedbed by the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4.
Baillon’s Crake
Two, both adult males, showed superbly well in the reedbed by the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4. Additionally, a possible Baillon’s Crake was heard calling at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Black-winged Stilt
Recorded in very good numbers, at the El Rocio Marshes there were daily totals of 500+ on 23/4, 810 on 24/4, 600+ on 25/4 and 26/4. Elsewhere there was one at Adventus Marshes and 15 in a roadside ditch near Seville on 23/4 and three at La Rocina and two at El Acebuche on 24/4. There were 10+ at the José Antonio Valverde Centre, 30+ in roadside rice fields near Isla Mayor and 400+ at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4, and 100+ at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Avocet
Recorded daily at the El Rocio Marshes with totals of 50+ on 23/3, 60+ on 24/4, 100+ on 25/4 and 50+ on 26/4. Elsewhere, there were 56 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and 100+ at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Collared Pratincole
Very impressive numbers were present throughout the area; recorded daily at the El Rocio Marshes with 300+ on 23/4, 650+ on 24/4 and 100+ on both 25/4 and 26/4. Elsewhere, there were 110+ at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, 100+ in the Northern Marshes on 25/4 and 20+ at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4. In addition, birds were heard calling in the early morning darkness over our campsite at El Rocio on both 25/4 and 26/4.
Little Ringed Plover
Amazingly scarce with only two records on the 24/4, singles at El Acebuche and El Rocio Marshes.
Common Ringed Plover
Good numbers were present daily at the El Rocio Marshes with 100 on 23/5, 200 on 24/4, 60 on 25/4 and 50 on 26/4. Also recorded from the Adventus Marshes with one on 23/4, the Cañada de Rianzuela where there were 15 on 25/4 and at Pinzon Marshes with two on 26/4.
Kentish Plover
A pair was at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, a female was at El Acebuche on 24/4 when there were three females also at the El Rocio Marshes and a male was near the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4.
Little Stint
Small numbers were present daily at the El Rocio Marshes with five on 23/4, 25 on 24/4, 18 on 25/4 and two on 26/4. Elsewhere there were 10+ with the wader flock at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Temminck’s Stint
A group of five individuals were present at the El Rocio Marshes on the evening of 23/4, with three still present the next morning and increasing to ten later that evening.
Curlew Sandpiper
One of the highlights of the trip was the large number of near summer-plumaged Curlew Sands present at the El Rocio Marshes. A total of 200 present on the evening of 23/4 was eclipsed by a staggering flock of 800 present on the morning of 24/4. Many of these individuals were noted moving off the marshes to the south during the early morning, and there were ‘only’ 350 present there that evening. On the 25/4 there were 300 at El Rocio in the morning and 200 in the evening, with at least 100 still present on 26/4. Elsewhere, at least 200 were at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4 and one was at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Dunlin
Recorded primarily from the El Rocio Marshes with 350 on 23/4, 300 on 24/4 and 250 on 25/4; elsewhere, a flock of 300 were at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Ruff
Excellent numbers at the El Rocio Marshes, including a superb number of near breeding plumaged males. There were 200 on 23/4, 200 on 24/4, 150 on 25/4 and 50 on 26/4.
Common Snipe
Recorded only from the El Rocio Marshes, with two on 23/4 and one on 24/4.
Long-billed Dowitcher
A stonking summer plumaged adult was present, feeding with Snipe, at the El Rocio Marshes on the evenings of 24/4 and 25/4.
Whimbrel
A group of 35 were present at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4 with one at the El Rocio Marshes early on the morning of 24/4 and ten in flight over fields near the Isla Mayor rice-fields on 25/4.
Black-tailed Godwit
Large numbers were present daily on the El Rocio Marshes. Peak counts were of 400 on 23/4, 500 on 24/4 and 460 on 25/4.
Redshank
The first ones recorded were 15 at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4. Good numbers at the El Rocio Marshes included 100+ on 23/4 and 50+ on 24/4, and there were 30 at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Spotted Redshank
Recorded only from the El Rocio Marshes with two on both 23/4 and 25/4, and at least 12 (including nine full breeding plumaged individuals) on 24/4.
Common Greenshank
A single bird was at the El Rocio Marshes on the 23/4 and 24/4. Elsewhere, two were in the Northern Marshes and three were at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4, with one by the bridge on the El Rocio to Villamanrique road at Choza el Cortijita on 26/4.
Wood Sandpiper
Impressive numbers were seen daily at the El Rocio Marshes, with nine on 23/4, 15 on 24/4 and eight on 25/4. Elsewhere there were three at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Green Sandpiper
One at the bridge at El Rocio on 23/4 and one in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Common Sandpiper
The first was at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, and subsequently birds were recorded daily from the El Rocio Marshes with four on 23/4, nine on 24/4, six on 25/4 and three on 26/4. Elsewhere there were three at La Rocina on 24/4, two near the José Antonio Valverde Centre and seven at Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4 and two near the road bridge between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa and one at Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Turnstone
Two were at the El Rocio Marshes on 23/4.
Great Skua
Three were recorded flying west during a brief sea-watch off Matalascañas on 24/4.
Mediterranean Gull
Two adults were on the River Guadalquivir near the Adventus Marshes on the afternoon of 23/4.
Black-headed Gull
The only ones recorded during the entire trip were c.10 at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4.
Yellow-legged Gull
Small numbers recorded through wetland areas in the Doñana, with a maximum count of 100+ off Matalascañas on 24/4.
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Two were at El Rocio Marshes on 23/4 and c.10 were loafing on the sea close to the beach at Matalascañas on 24/4.
Gull-billed Tern
Small numbers present in most wetland habitats, at the El Rocio Marshes there were 30+ on 23/4, 40+ on 24/4, 50+ on 25/4 and 25+ on 26/4. Elsewhere, there were five at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, 35+ over fields near Villamanrique de la Condesa, 50+ in flooded rice fields near the Isla Mayor and 100+ at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4.
Sandwich Tern
Recorded only on 24/4, when c.150 were off Matalascañas.
Common Tern
As with the above species, only recorded from Matalascañas with ten offshore on 24/4.
Little Tern
Two parties, totalling 72 individuals, flew west past Matalascañas during a brief sea-watch on the afternoon of 24/4.
Black Tern
Surprisingly scarce, a group of nine (all summer-plumaged adults) were lingering as they fed over the sea at Matalascañas on 24/4 and two (again summer-plumaged adults) were at the Pintos Marshes, feeding with Whiskered Terns, on 26/4.
Whiskered Tern
The most frequently recorded tern with small numbers seen in most wetland habitats. At the El Rocio Marshes, there were two on 23/4, 10+ on 24/4 and 10+ on 25/4. On the 25/4, there were 65 in the Northern Marshes, c.150 at the José Antonio Valverde Centre and c.100 at the Cañada de Rianzuela. Finally, there were 60+ at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
Four flew over the El Rocio Marshes on the evening of 24/4. In addition, a group of c.30 sandgrouse in fields near the Adventus Marshes on 23/4 were almost certainly this species.
Feral Rock Dove
Common in all urban areas.
Woodpigeon
Small numbers recorded throughout the trip, but never in any large numbers! The maximum count was of eight near Seville on 23/4.
Collared Dove
Small numbers recorded in most urban areas.
Eurasian Turtle Dove
Recorded in very small numbers, there was one at El Rocio on 23/4, one between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 24/4, four in the Northern Marshes and one at Canon de Rianzuela on 25/4.
Common Cuckoo
Three were present along the road between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 24/4, on the same date a pair was seen displaying at La Rocina. One was between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa and one was at the Corredor Verde on 25/4. On 26/4, there were three at La Rocina and two between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa.
Barn Owl
One was heard calling on two occasions at our campsite in El Rocio early on the morning of 26/4.
Tawny Owl
One was calling in the early morning at our campsite in El Rocio on 24/4 and 26/4. Three were heard calling prior to dawn between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 24/4.
Eurasian Nightjar
One was calling at our El Rocio campsite and one was calling between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa, both during our early morning attempt to find Red-necked Nightjar on 24/4.
Red-necked Nightjar
By far the most frustrating episode of the trip! An early morning drive on the 24/4 produced five males calling in the stone pinewoods between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa. A return visit in the evening produced a brief calling bird, but again no sightings. To rub salt into the wound, a single male was calling very close to our campsite at El Rocio on 24/4 and two were calling at 05:00 on the 26/4, but again were not seen!
Common Swift
Small numbers recorded every day, but not in the same numbers as Pallid Swift. The maximum count was of c.50 over Jerez Airport on 23/4.
Pallid Swift
Good numbers recorded every day, with a maximum of 200 at Jerez Airport on 23/4.
European Bee-eater
Recorded in very impressive numbers on all dates, with c.520 birds recorded during the four days that we were in southern Spain. The highest counts were on 25/4 when there were groups of up to 200 at the Dehesa de Pilas and 150 at the Dehesa de Abajo.
Hoopoe
Recorded in small numbers throughout the trip. One was in the field in front of our bungalows in the early morning of 24/4. Six were between Villamanrique de la Condesa and El Rocio on 24/4 when four were at the El Rocio Marshes, one was at La Rocina, one was near Matalascañas and one was at El Acebuche. On the 25/4, there was one at the El Rocio Marshes, three along the road between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa, one at Lagunas de Mancho Zurillo and three at the Dehesa de Abajo. The 26/4 started with five around our campsite at El Rocio and ended with one near Villamanrique de la Condesa and two on the grass at Seville airport.
Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker
One was calling near Jerez Airport on 23/4 and three were calling at El Acebuche on 24/4.
Calandra Lark
Several seen in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Crested Lark
Large numbers recorded throughout the trip, in virtually all areas visited.
Woodlark
On the morning of 24/4 there were six singing before dawn between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa. The same area produced seven (at a more reasonable hour!) around midday on the 26/4.
Eurasian Skylark
Several seen along the roadside in the Northern Marshes on the 25/4.
Short-toed Lark
The first were two along the Corredor Verde on 25/4, and were followed the same day by a singing male at Dehesa de Pilas and 16 along the roadside in the Northern Marshes.
Lesser Short-toed Lark
At least five were identified along the roadside tracks in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Sand Martin
Small numbers recorded throughout the trip, but probably the scarcest of the four hirundines overall. The maximum count was of c.10 roosting in reeds at El Rocio Marshes on 25/4.
Barn Swallow
Good numbers present throughout the area and seen at most sites visited.
Red-rumped Swallow
One of the highlights of the trip was the number of Red-rumped Swallows seen. Two were near the Adventus Marshes on 23/4 with one near Pilas and one at the bridge at the El Rocio Marshes the same day. On 24/4 there were two in the car park at La Rocina and three by the bridge at the El Rocio Marshes. The 25/4 produced five between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa, one at the Corredor Verde, five at the Dehesa de Pilas, two in the Northern Marshes, two at the Cañada de Rianzuela and one on the road between Villamanrique de la Condesa and El Rocio. The 26/4 produced two at La Rocina, three by the road bridge between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa and a final one near Seville.
House Martin
Good numbers present throughout the area and seen at most sites visited. Major mention has to be made of the huge colony in El Rocio, where c.300 birds were seen daily.
Tawny Pipit
A large pipit, almost certainly of this species, was seen alongside the roadside in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Tree Pipit
Two flew over our El Rocio campsite early on the morning of 26/4.
Meadow Pipit
Only one recorded! A singing male in the dunes at Matalascañas on 24/4.
Yellow Wagtail
Good numbers of the Iberian race were seen throughout the trip, with at least 52 recorded along the tracks in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
White Wagtail
Amazingly scarce! The only record involved two at the Cañada de Rianzuela on 25/4 and one over El Rocio on 26/4.
Wren
Again, another species recorded on very few occasions. One was singing at La Rocina on 24/4 and one was singing at the roadside between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
Dunnock
One in the dunes at Matalascañas on 24/4 was the only one of the trip.
European Robin
One was singing prior to dawn in the woods between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 24/4, and was the only record of the trip.
Nightingale
Staggering numbers were present everywhere! Five were singing at Jerez airport and three were singing at the El Rocio marshes on 23/4. Our El Rocio campsite produced five on 24/4, three on 25/4 and four on 26/4. Our pre-dawn vigil in the woods between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa produced a staggering 28 singing males on 24/4, and on the same day there were 30+ (some showing very well) singing along the trails at La Rocina. The 25/4 produced nine singing along the Corredor Verde and on 26/4, there were again 10+ at La Rocina as well as six between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa.
Black Redstart
A male was at our campsite near El Rocio on 26/4.
Common Stonechat
A stunning adult male of the race rubicola was singing in front of one of the hides at El Acebuche on 24/4.
Black-eared Wheatear
A stonking adult male, a pale-throated individual of the nominate race, gave excellent views as it perched on roadside fencing in the Northern Marshes on 25/4.
Northern Wheatear
Single individuals in the Northern Marshes and at the Dehesa de Abajo on 25/4 and near the road bridge between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
European Blackbird
Small numbers recorded throughout the area, but never common.
Song Thrush
One was singing in the woods between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 24/4.
Zitting Cisticola
Three were calling over the road near the Isla Mayor on 25/4 and there were four by the road bridge between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
Savi’s Warbler
Three were singing at the El Rocio Marshes on the evening of 23/4. The reserve at La Rocina held 4+ singing males on 24/4 and four singing males on 26/4, whilst there were five singing at the Pintos Marshes on 26/4.
Cetti’s Warbler
On the 24/4, there were five singing at La Rocina and one at the El Rocio Marshes. The 25/4 produced eight in the Northern Marshes, and one at El Rocio, whilst on 26/4 there were three at La Rocina and two between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa.
Sedge Warbler
Small numbers recorded in most reedbed/wetland habitats.
Reed Warbler
Small numbers recorded in most areas where there were reeds, although individuals of this species were often seen singing from perches in adjacent bushes.
Great Reed Warbler
Two were singing at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4, whilst one was singing each evening at the El Rocio Marshes from 23/4 to 25/4. Three were in the area around the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4 and there were six singing at the Pinzon Marshes on 26/4.
Western Olivaceous Warbler
One was seen briefly in scrub near the visitor centre at La Rocina on the morning of 26/4.
Melodious Warbler
At La Rocina there were four singing and showing relatively well on the morning of 24/4, and one gave excellent views as it sang near the Lagunas de Mancho Zurillo on 25/4.
[A hippolais warbler – either this species or Icterine – was perched on open fencing in the Northern Marshes]
Dartford Warbler
A pair was seen in the dunes at Matalascañas on 24/4 with the male carrying food.
Sardinian Warbler
Small numbers were present in most areas with a few scrubby bushes and trees!
Common Whitethroat
One singing at La Rocina on 24/4 and one along the Corredor Verde on 25/4.
Blackcap
Three at La Rocina on 24/4, and one calling at the Dehesa de Abajo on 25/4.
Garden Warbler
There were four along the Corredor Verde and one in bushes at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4, and six were at La Rocina on 26/4.
Iberian Chiffchaff
Three were singing, and giving reasonable views, in bushes at the La Rocina reserve on 24/4.
Common Chiffchaff
One was singing at La Rocina on 24/4. In addition, three further chiffchaffs were at La Rocina on 24/4, but were not heard to call so were left unassigned to either form.
Willow Warbler
One was singing at La Rocina on the morning of 26/4, and two were singing in the Pinzon Marshes the same day.
Long-tailed Tit
Three of the Iberian subspecies irbii were at La Rocina on 24/4, with one again there on 26/4.
Crested Tit
There were three single individuals, one calling at La Rocina and one in the dunes at the eastern end of Matalascañas on 24/4 and one in stone pines between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
Blue Tit
Recorded in very small numbers in woodlands throughout the area.
Great Tit
Recorded in very small numbers, the majority in the stone pines at La Rocina and El Acebuche on 24/4.
Short-toed Treecreeper
The stone pines at La Rocina proved popular with this species with five on 24/4 and four on 26/4. Elsewhere, there were two at El Acebuche on 24/4 and two were in the woods between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
Golden Oriole
One was singing at Jerez Airport on 23/4 and on 24/4 there were singing males at both La Rocina and El Acebuche.
Woodchat Shrike
Excellent numbers recorded with 80 individuals logged throughout the trip. The key area was the area of fencing along the road between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa where a maximum of 12 were present on 23/4.
Southern Grey Shrike
One near El Acebuche on 24/4 and one near our campsite at El Rocio on 26/4.
Eurasian Jay
One flew over the road near El Rocio on 26/4.
Azure-winged Magpie
Recorded in small numbers, mostly in the stone pine woods between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa where there were five on 23/4, 16 on 24/4, one on 25/4 and 10+ on 26/4. Elsewhere, there were 20 at El Acebuche on 24/4, six near the Lagunas de Mancho Zurillo on 25/4.
Black-billed Magpie
Small numbers recorded on most days, but never in any number.
Western Jackdaw
A group of c.50 were at the Dehesa de Abajo on 25/4, the only ones of the trip.
Carrion Crow
A few singletons recorded during the course of the trip, but never numerous.
Common Raven
One was near Seville on 23/4. The 24/4 produced three along the road between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa. Four were in the Northern Marshes on 25/4, two flew over our El Rocio campsite and two were between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
Spotless Starling
Very numerous throughout the trip, and seen in both urban and rural areas.
House Sparrow
Very numerous throughout the trip; the only birds worthy of mentioning were two males at the Corredor Verde and a male at the José Antonio Valverde Centre on 25/4 which showed signs of being hybrids with Spanish Sparrow, resembling the so called ‘Italian Sparrow’.
Spanish Sparrow
Only recorded at Dehesa de Pilas where there were up to 300 on 25/4.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
There were up to five at La Rocina on both 24/4 and 26/4, small numbers were seen along the road between Villamanrique and El Rocio on 24/4 and 25/4, and there were c.15 near the road bridge between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa on 26/4.
Chaffinch
Small numbers recorded throughout the area, but never in any large numbers.
European Greenfinch
Small numbers recorded daily, maximum of 20 near the Lagunas de Mancho Zurillo on 25/4.
European Goldfinch
Very numerous, with good numbers seen daily at most sites visited.
Serin
Very numerous, with good numbers seen daily at most sites visited. On the morning of 26/4, nearly 1000 small finches (many of which were Serins) were noted flying east in small groups over our campsite at El Rocio, presumably from a nearby roost.
Linnet
Up to ten along the riverside track at the Adventus Marshes on 23/4 were the only ones recorded.
Corn Bunting
Extremely numerous, and seen virtually at all sites visited with especially good numbers present along the roadside fencing between El Rocio and Villamanrique de la Condesa.