A birdy morning

Every six months, a bird census is held in the area. A set route is followed and the number of different species that are seen or heard is recorded.

Unfortunately, I could not make the one held in October and, despite having had a late night before due to the local fiesta, I was looking forward to doing the walk and meeting some new contacts in the birding field.

The walk starts at a popular local hotel and restaurant called Alqueria de Morayma. The usual leader, Miriam, was unavailable as she has just had a baby and so a chap was brought down from Padul which is a well-known centre for birdwatching & bird-ringing near Granada. Oddly, the leader and I were the only people in the group of about 10 who had binoculars and, with a high English component to the group, I metamorphosed in to a deputy leader and spotter!

Despite a beautiful day before, the day had dawned very misty (I left the house in cloud!) and conditions were far from perfect both from a visibility and a noise perspective due to all the chat. While far from a serious birdwatching activity, it nevertheless was a very sociable event and much time was spent looking at plants as well as birds as we walked the footpath towards the bridge at Lobras. From there we walked in improving weather up the Rambla de Albayar where, after some tricky navigation through illegally fenced land, we stopped for a break and various food items were shared out. 

As we walked out of the valley a group of 5 Booted Eagles were spotted. They were probably a family party and were given the 'bird of the day' accolade. Other good birds seen were Blue Rock Thrush, Black-eared Wheatear & Alpine Swift though there some serious common omissions but that's what happens when you just slice through a locality.

Navigating a tree trunk laid across the river, we returned to Alqueria to count up the days tally. It came to 41 which is good going apparently. I'm sure another 5 or 6 species could easier have been added with more suitably-equipped & knowledgable watchers. 

It transpired that one of the members of the group was a chap called Antonio who has recently taken on the lease for Alqueria de Morayma. A good contact to know, I , of course, offered my services should any English visitors he may have require some birdwatching assistance.

Hopefully, at the October census, some bird ringing may also take place and my services were offered and gratefully accepted for this. I really hope it happens as I'm dying to get my hands round a bird again (no euphemism intended).