Trebujena
Having seen one of the first Rufous Bushchats to arrive in April, I was keen to visit the Trebujena area again in September to find one before they left on migration. Knowing that they are most active in the early morning, I left Alcala in the dark and arrived on site not long after dawn. Having met with success there previously, I went straight to what I call the "Trebujena Triangle" and more specifically the habitat near an attractive ceramic sign depicting Bee-eaters. Checking one of the species' favourite singing posts, I almost immediately saw my target flicking around the bush. Unfortunately, I had scarcely raised my camera when it dived into cover and did not reappear. So all I got was a rather blurred record shot but I was very satisfied to see one at all. Despite searching, I failed to locate any more bushchats and I saw little else at the site other than Pied & Spotted Flycatcher and a rather more obliging Zitting Cisticola.
Having seen one of the first Rufous Bushchats to arrive in April, I was keen to visit the Trebujena area again in September to find one before they left on migration. Knowing that they are most active in the early morning, I left Alcala in the dark and arrived on site not long after dawn. Having met with success there previously, I went straight to what I call the "Trebujena Triangle" and more specifically the habitat near an attractive ceramic sign depicting Bee-eaters. Checking one of the species' favourite singing posts, I almost immediately saw my target flicking around the bush. Unfortunately, I had scarcely raised my camera when it dived into cover and did not reappear. So all I got was a rather blurred record shot but I was very satisfied to see one at all. Despite searching, I failed to locate any more bushchats and I saw little else at the site other than Pied & Spotted Flycatcher and a rather more obliging Zitting Cisticola.
Along the Guadalquivir - Educational & Marisma Reserves
As I was in the area, I decided to check the two reserves located beside the Guadalquivir between Trebujena and Algaida. The first, on the corner where the road reaches the river, is not open to the public but can easily be viewed from the road. Unfortunately, instead of being packed with wildfowl and waders as it often is in the autumn, I found that save for a small channel it was entirely dry. There wasa digger on site so, hopefully, this was due to conservation work being carried out rather than some deeper problem.
The larger second reserve, the entrance to which is c3 km along the track looked much better with good water levels although it is not yet attracting many birds (see photos)
As I was in the area, I decided to check the two reserves located beside the Guadalquivir between Trebujena and Algaida. The first, on the corner where the road reaches the river, is not open to the public but can easily be viewed from the road. Unfortunately, instead of being packed with wildfowl and waders as it often is in the autumn, I found that save for a small channel it was entirely dry. There wasa digger on site so, hopefully, this was due to conservation work being carried out rather than some deeper problem.
The larger second reserve, the entrance to which is c3 km along the track looked much better with good water levels although it is not yet attracting many birds (see photos)
Road improvements ... & closures
In spring, the old tarmac track beyond the weir at the far end of this route as it heads towards the pine woodland was very degraded and tricky to negotiate. Happily, I found that it had been entirely resurfaced (albeit by fine gravel) and no problem). Impressed by this new surface, I followed the track down southwards but discovered that it was blocked just as you reached the market garden plots of Algaida. It seems that the whole of the CA 9027 - a useful cut-off to avoid going through Sanlucar de Barrameda is currently closed (although it seems to be resurfaced). This also means the short-cut from this road to the Lagunas de Camino Colorado is not currently viable.
In spring, the old tarmac track beyond the weir at the far end of this route as it heads towards the pine woodland was very degraded and tricky to negotiate. Happily, I found that it had been entirely resurfaced (albeit by fine gravel) and no problem). Impressed by this new surface, I followed the track down southwards but discovered that it was blocked just as you reached the market garden plots of Algaida. It seems that the whole of the CA 9027 - a useful cut-off to avoid going through Sanlucar de Barrameda is currently closed (although it seems to be resurfaced). This also means the short-cut from this road to the Lagunas de Camino Colorado is not currently viable.
Lagunas de Tarelo & Camino Colorado
As expected, the water levels in both lagunas were high this autumn, perhaps too high as the absence of any muddy margins meant the only waders present were Black-winged Stilts. Both lagunas held the usual variety of ducks - White-headed Duck, Shoveler, Red-crested & Common Pochards - and grebes (Black-necked & Little).
Note though that the short cut onto the CA 9027 (thus avoiding driving through Sanlucar) is not currently possible (see above)
As expected, the water levels in both lagunas were high this autumn, perhaps too high as the absence of any muddy margins meant the only waders present were Black-winged Stilts. Both lagunas held the usual variety of ducks - White-headed Duck, Shoveler, Red-crested & Common Pochards - and grebes (Black-necked & Little).
Note though that the short cut onto the CA 9027 (thus avoiding driving through Sanlucar) is not currently possible (see above)
Embalse de Barbate
The dam of the Embalse de Barbate offers an excellent view across the reservoir and can be a good place to scan for the local Ospreys, check for swifts and pick up an assortment of terns and wildfowl. Notices announcing restricted access have come and gone over the years but the appearance of a pair of gates here (with pedestrian access to one side suggests that vehicular access may soon be restricted entirely.
The dam of the Embalse de Barbate offers an excellent view across the reservoir and can be a good place to scan for the local Ospreys, check for swifts and pick up an assortment of terns and wildfowl. Notices announcing restricted access have come and gone over the years but the appearance of a pair of gates here (with pedestrian access to one side suggests that vehicular access may soon be restricted entirely.
New gates on the road up to the dam at Embalse de Barbate
Castillo de Torrestrella (Medina Sidonia)
When time is short and I've insufficient time (or inclination) to drive along the Valcargado Track, the road up towards the prominent Castillo de Torrestrella (sometimes called Castillo de Torre Estrella) is my go-to site for seeing Spanish Imperial Eagle as it's only 20 minutes from Alcala. This autumn I nipped over to the site four times. On three occasions I saw Spanish Imperial Eagles within minutes of getting out of the car (at least two and once four birds) but on my last attempt saw none at all after 3 hours. You can guess on which occasion I was trying to help a friend leading a bird tour! Whose law?
When time is short and I've insufficient time (or inclination) to drive along the Valcargado Track, the road up towards the prominent Castillo de Torrestrella (sometimes called Castillo de Torre Estrella) is my go-to site for seeing Spanish Imperial Eagle as it's only 20 minutes from Alcala. This autumn I nipped over to the site four times. On three occasions I saw Spanish Imperial Eagles within minutes of getting out of the car (at least two and once four birds) but on my last attempt saw none at all after 3 hours. You can guess on which occasion I was trying to help a friend leading a bird tour! Whose law?
Castillo de Torrestrella - a hotspot for Spanish Imperial Eagles ... unless I'm helping a tour group!
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