MARCH
The Migration – Yes it happened! The first week saw the arrival of flocks of up to 50 Black Kites and Honey Buzzards flying over the valley on route to the plains of central Spain. Usually the migrants circle the valley for a few hours spiralling on thermals to gain height. Short Toed and Banellis Eagles also arrived in this week but remained in the area. Hoopoes also arrived and could be seen on the wooded slopes surrounding the valley. From the 21st onwards small flocks of Bee Eaters began to arrive, eventually joining together so that by the month end one large flock of around 80 birds cruised around the valley.

APRIL
Cuckoos and Nightingales: Two unmistakable sounds arrived in the first week. Cuckoos in the daytime and the clear melody of the Nightingale all night. The Short Toed Banellis and now the Booted Eagles can be seen. Frequently now their calling and aerobatic displays showing signs of pairing and courtship. The swallows and Martins seem to be increasing in numbers daily and is a battle to keep them out of the house as they inspect for prospective nest sites.

MAY
Apart from the Bea Eater colony cruising up and down the valley and the Swallows and Martins swooping over the river at dusk and dawn everything is quiet. Most birds have gone to nest.

JUNE
Swallow fledglings on the power lines assorted Finch, Shrike and Blackbird chicks everywhere. A successful hatching this year. The Nightingales stopped singing mid month. Perhaps its their turn to nest. No more melody till next year.

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Andalucia Birdwatching - Spring 2010
Saturday, 03 July 2010
MARCH The Migration – Yes it happened! The first week saw the arrival of flocks of up to 50 Black Kites and Honey Buzzards flying over the...

© 2012 - Secret Andalucia - Guadiaro Valley, near Ronda

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