After a wonderful trip to Spain with a stopover in Lisbon, we are back in Vermont at the start of stick season. The leaves are gone and many of the birds but many of our favorites are around. Here are some:
The cooler temperatures remind me of what’s ahead but also makes me think of Snowy Owls and the redpolls, crossbills, and waxwings that may show up. Good birding.
On our first trip to Spain in 2018, we discovered this gem of a wetland refuge not far from our lodging in Salobreña. Nestled into an area of apartment and industrial buildings, it is a great network of ponds, shady paths, and streams that is open evenings and more on weekends. The ten or so “hides” attract birders and many serious photographers. It’s a “must visit” spot for us.
So, Charca de Suárez is on the coast, a little over an hour drive from the Malaga airport and less than that from Granada. This little spot (40 acres), which has plans for expansion, is a perfect place to spend a few hours. Check the opening times, they change during the year. We hope to visit before we leave, hoping to see Margarito, the White Stork.
In order to beat the heat of Southern Spain, we get out for walks and birding early. Twice now, we’ve made the half hour walk to the Village of La Caleta, seeing agriculture workers harvesting mangos, planting beans, herding goats.
The other morning, after having coffee and toast at a sidewalk cafe, we walked a scenic path along the ocean, passing by some local fishing boats and an angler.
The tide was receding leaving many small sardines trapped in pools. I rescued several as my good act for the day.
Later, after buying some local produce at the small fruteria, we walked up around the neighborhoods, coming across a large group of schoolchildren at recess. Activities included jumping rope, tag, tug-of-war, wrestling , and just being noisy kids. No devices in sight.
It’s a good climb back up to our casa but like in Vermont, you don’t walk very far here without some hills. We saw Sardinian Warblers and other little brown birds and the ever-present soaring Eurasion Kestrels.
After a long trip, we’ve setted into our apartment and with nice views and weather, are seeing a nice mix of birds from our terrace.
We have an artist friend here from past visits and this montage of his captures much of the flavor of Salobreña.
One of my favorites is the eurasian kestrel which we see daily. I’ve yet to get a good photo but did capture this one yesterday at long distance.
Last night, one of the large field below us was irrigated and this morning a few Mallards arrived. Then a group of Cattle Egret showed up for desayuno.
As I watched them, this large group of dark birds appeared.
Glossy Ibises, probably on their way to Africa, were foraging all day.
Our landlord left instructions to close windows when we left the apartmento because when the folks are away, guess who comes in and plays?
We’re leaving for Spain in a few days and I’m planning to blog with my new iPad, but testing things while I still have computer backup. Here area few images from the last couple of days.
A month ago, I would have been in waist-deep flood water shooting this group. They are enjoying feeding at normal river level. It makes me wonder, where did the ride the storm out?
We’ve had several Great Egrets in the area since the storm, and seeing this heron and egret, couldn’t help but wonder if they were comparing migration plans.
We took a three mile walk around town this morning — here are a few shots from our jaunt.
These are days when Vermont is great — nice air, sun, and a breeze — and some last looks at birds who’ll be heading out in the weeks ahead.
I have combined dog walks and birding for years and here are a few shots from recent outings. Here’s my companion, resting halfway through a three mile hike.
A few minutes earlier we had encountered several Northern Flickers.
Most of the woodlands birds aren’t singing now so you have to spot them. This Veery was very accommodating.
Walking along the river, I’m seeing the Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Belted Kingfishers nearly every day. Here are a Wood Duck, a Green Heron, and a Common Merganser.
It’s been a good birding summer and we look forward to fall walks — with fewer birds but also, fewer bugs.
We are fortunate to have a nice birdwatching venue behind our house, located less than a mile from the center of the city. Here are a few visitors in the last week or two:
Our path to the river is still pretty muddy since the flood but this Gray Catbird is enjoying the lawn chair which survived the disaster.
The dead trees across the river are favorite perches for crows, kingbirds, and the occasional hawk or eagle. This Osprey, while not unusual to the area, is one of the first I’ve seen out back.
Checking eBird just now, I find that I’ve submitted 950 checklists and observed 136 species at this backyard patch. Nice spot for a birder to live.
Today, walking with Ginger, I was using my iPhone to capture some images for a Spanish lesson. This garden of coneflowers (Echinacea) just down the street, caught my eye.
You might notice the butterfly – I did as it moved from plant to plant. I got my regular camera ready and as it settled, got a nice shot of it.
In spite of floods, warming, smoke from Canada, and all, moments like this give me hope. Getting outside is a good way to stay healthy, physically and mentally.
After yesterday’s encounter with the Great Egret, I vowed to carry my camera every jaunt. Here are a few shots from this morning, when mosquitos seem to outnumber birds.
One of today’s objectives was to relearn how to blog and handle photos on my iPad in preparation for traveling without the laptop. The last time was from Spain in 2021. We’re planning to head back in six weeks.
