Bonelli's Eagles

I also managed to see several Bonelli's Eagles in Extremadura which was fantastic. I saw one out on the plains which flushed a few Pin-tailed Sandgrouse for me - which was nice(as that bloke on the Fast Show used to say) - but these bits of video were taken in Monfrague National Park. Here, I even saw them hunting in pairs just as I read in Lars Jonsson 30 years ago. Why did I wait so long to start birding abroad? It's Brilliaaaant!!

Saucedilla

Saucedilla is a town that reminded me of Seaton. It's a long way from the coast though, so why? Well, it's right next to a large wetland with five hides! All easily accessible too; drive-in birding of the best kind. All the Iberian Herons were present - Grey, Purple, Night, Squacco and Little Bittern were seen within an hour. Savi's Warblers and Great Reed Warblers sang in full view. But I was surprised to see 2 Ferruginous Ducks present in June. I wonder if they're breeding? That would be good news for the re-introduction programme although I thought that was taking place further North and East! Here's some video of them anyway...

Ferruginous Ducks

Extra!Extra! (Madura)

Griffon Vulture, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Black Redstart, Extremadura, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Black Redstart, Extremadura, May '16 (Copyright T D Wright)

Egyptian Vulture, Extremadura, May '16 (Copyright T D Wright)

Egyptian Vulture, Extremadura, May '16 (Copyright T D Wright)

Well, just when I thought my EU bird list was doing really well it suffered a huge blow with all my UK rarities no longer counting! Disaster! Seriously, though...I have enjoyed my recent trips to these fantastic EU bird havens.I visited a number of EU-funded Special Protection Areas in Extremadura and these photos are just a slice of what I saw. I'm just worried now that it may not be possible to continue this adventure in future as costs may increase and my own kitty is running low anyway. There's so much more I'd like to see there but the future looks uncertain just now. Let's all hope that things work out for the best and my fears are unfounded. Remain Birding!

Remain Birding?

Blue Rock Thrush, Extremadura, June '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Calandra Lark, Extremadura, June '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

Well, I hope you've all cast your votes today. I'm about to do so myself. I met many birders,naturalists and conservationists in Spain recently and they were very worried that the UK might leave the EU. This would be a "disaster" they told me as British conservationists and scientists contribute a lot to wildlife conservation measures e.g. the current issue in Spain where vultures and birds of prey are being poisoned by toxic carcasses. This matter will hopefully soon be resolved and our most important country for bird conservation will remain as such (please excuse pun). Whatever its faults, the EU is important to conservation.

Seaton & Colyton Stuff 14th-17th May

House Martin, Colyton WWTW, May '16 ( Copyright T D Wright )

House Martin, Colyton WWTW, May '16 (Copyright T D Wright )

Gadwall pair, Axe Estuary, May '16 (Copyright T D Wright )

There's not been too much on patch since I last posted. A couple of Ruff dropped in briefly on BHM and we've had Gadwall knocking about. All the excitement seems to be elsewhere, what with Bearded Vultures on Dartmoor these days!

As Good As A Mile

House Martin, Colyton, 15/05/2016 ( Copyright T D Wright )

I tried to photograph this Martin collecting moss from an old thatched roof but was just too late. I was also too late to see a Purple Heron that was reported from Colyford Common on Friday 13th. It's almost enough to make one superstitious, isn't it? Well, I'm assuming that whoever wrote PH on the board at the Discovery Hut was correct. I mean, I wouldn't know as I saw lots of Grey Herons whilst looking for it but the purpurea version eluded me. Still, it encouraged me to take some video with my D7100; some of which I've posted above. It's been a while since I used its video function - I almost forgot it had the capability. OK at close range...