Rufous Bushchats are notorious for two things, arriving late in the year and having more names than Grant Shapps.* If you read the text books, what's now formally known as Rufous-tailed Bush Robin only arrives in Spain in mid-May (or even later in early June). Whilst broadly true, that doesn't mean it's pointless to look any earlier. This year I looked on 30th April and my optimism was rewarded by finding one (at 'd' on my map) and a few days later I located a second one singing from its favoured pomegranite tree (at 'b'). I've also had them here in the second week of September.
Rufous Bushchat singing from a pomegranite tree, Trebujena (Photo: R Hill)
I couldn't resist photographing these poppies although the RBC I heard in April was behind me! Bushchats can be found anywhere in the vineyards to the north and west of Trebujena and a few can be seen in the vineyards to the south towards Jerez de la Frontera. Don't let their status here fool you, this is a bird in big trouble which has been declining for years (so act accordingly and don't use playback). I habitually look for them by arriving early via 'a' and slowly driving around to 'b', 'c; and 'd' with the option turning along the road by the cemetery ('f') to repeat the process if unsuccessful on the first circuit (I never have been!). Alternatively, you can take the narrow but well surfaced road (e) over the brow of the hill which passes through more suitable habitat and offers a great view across the Gudalquivir towards the Coto Donana. Others have seen them along the road and tracks at 'g' (and the habitat also looks suitable at 'h'). If you're in any doubt that either you're in the right place or that the locals take pride in their birdlife, just look out for the helpful ceramic signs!
One on the many signs depicting local birdlife - not that I've seen RBC at this precise spot!
As I've noted previously, many of the locals in Trebujena know the species well and are proud that they host one of the largest populations in Spain. They'll even go out of their way to help you find one! Such a benign and positive attitude towards conservation is fantastic so please reciprocate by behaving sensibly.
* for non-Brits reading this Grant Shapps is a British politician infamous for using several pseudonyms - .Michael Green, Corinne Stockheath and Sebastian Fox - in his business dealings. In addition to the names used above the species has also been called 'Rufous Warbler' and several variations on the bush chat/robin/rufous tail' theme.
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