CANARY ISLANDS. Fuerteventura in Autumn Mon 7th Sun 13 th November Limosa Holidays Trip Report. Report compiled by tour leader: Brian Small

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1 Limosa Holidays Trip Report CANARY ISLANDS Fuerteventura in Autumn Mon 7th Sun 13 th November 2016 Trip photos (clockwise, from top left): Canary Islands Blue Tit seen especially well Betancuria We had good looks at a many Berthelot s Pipits Golden Black-bellied Sandgrouse against a deep blue sky - superb One of the highlights of the trip, the juvenile Barbary Falcon near the hotel at La Oliva It was great to see close Houbara Bustards on the stony plains Canary Islands Stonechat at Los Molinos Brian Small, Limosa Report compiled by tour leader: Brian Small 1 Limosa Holidays, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham Norfolk NR12 9EJ tel: +44 (0) / 4 info@limosaholidays.co.uk website:

2 CANARY ISLANDS Fuerteventura Tour Leader: Brian Small Our autumn adventure in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands was based throughout the week at the comfortable Oasis Casa Vieja, near La Oliva. Most days we set out in various directions to pick and choose the very best spots to find the exciting and unique species of this volcanic island. Its climate, landscape, vegetation and birdlife is by and large influenced by the proximity of North Africa: generally arid conditions present a very different flora and fauna to that of the wetter and more westerly islands in the group (such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria). We could not help but notice the many cones from ancient volcanic activity though the last eruption is said to have been between 4000 and 5000 years ago. The boulder-strewn slopes and plains reflect the uplift of the sea floor we found shells high on the hills and constant weathering of the wind, which we experienced quite strongly in some places. For us, most importantly Fuerteventura is home to a host of Macaronesian endemic species and forms plus some of the most interesting (and threatened) desert bird species. The arid, semi-desert landscape is home to the unique Canary Islands Stonechat, an attractive endemic species that is found only on the island of Fuerteventura and nowhere else. We found these in many locations, both in their favoured deep-cut barrancos, but also along lines of fencing on the plains and on dry-stone walls near the hotel. Fuerteventura is also the vital stronghold of the endangered Houbara Bustard; indeed, it is probably the best place in the world to see this rapidly disappearing species. Again we enjoyed some absolutely fantastic views of Houbaras, from our first displaying male to the amazingly close bird on our last full day we simply could not have wished for more. As special as these two species are, we also sought a range of other desert-dwelling specialists, and again we came up trumps. At Tindaya we saw roaming groups of up to 30 Cream-coloured Coursers, flickering flocks of Lesser Short-toed Larks and friendly Berthelot s Pipits; in the south we found golden Black-bellied Sandgrouse around a goat farm; both Spectacled Warbler and Trumpeter Finch were seen on our first morning. In the hills near Betancuria, we got great views of African Blue Tit, Sardinian Warblers and Barbary Falcon though the latter actually showed best right by the hotel! Add the likes of the likes of Barbary Partridge, Egyptian Vulture, Laughing Dove, Desert Grey Shrike and Cory's Shearwaters sweeping past El Cotillo and the birds certainly performed. We also saw several interesting butterflies, including the endemic Canary Islands Green-striped White, Southern Blue and Greenish Black-tip, plus Sahara Bluetail and Wandering Glider. Though anyone travelling to Fuerteventura rarely gets a huge total, those that we saw were seen really well. We could not have failed to have had a good time, and we didn t. Tour Highlights Several close encounters with superb Houbara Bustards Mobile flocks of Cream-coloured Coursers Great views of Barbary Falcon on a pylon near the hotel Sweeping groups of Cory s Shearwaters off El Cotillo Ridiculously good looks at African Blue Tits at Betancuria Very tame Northern Ravens and Desert Grey Shrikes at various viewpoints Day 1 Monday 7th November With a following wind the group arrived promptly at Fuerteventura airport we even made a quick landing ahead of a terrific rainstorm that we would experience later as we drove along very wet roads. Having collected the minibus we travelled north to our hotel at La Oliva, our base for the week. After an excellent meal and lots of enthusiastic chat about our forthcoming plans we retired for the night. For those listening out, Stone-curlews called overhead 2 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

3 Day 2 - Tuesday 8th November The sun rose above the hill east of the hotel around 07:30hrs and as we made the first of our prebreakfast walks the clouds were scudding across the sky on a persistent northeasterly wind the wind would stay in this direction for the whole week. About the hotel gardens were plenty of Spanish Sparrows and Collared Doves, whilst a walk out the back of the hotel produced our first White Wagtails and Desert Grey Shrikes actually called Southern Grey Shrike, but the form here koenigi is likely to be split along with the other North African forms. High on the ridge two pairs of Canary Islands Stonechats flitted about a stone wall, whilst on the windmill pairs of Kestrels and Ravens sat. Breakfast was excellent and we left the hotel, collected some extra water from a local supermercado then travelled south towards Tindaya and its rocky plains. Having pulled off the main road, we stopped almost immediately before the town of Tindaya itself, as we had seen a number of Lesser Short-toed Larks chasing about the fields. On getting out of the vehicle, we found many larks either singing high above or flitting about the bushes; alongside them were several Berthelot s Pipits - very Tawny Pipitlike in plumage and in call, and several Trumpeter Finches, some of which briefly came and sat on a close bank. We all got some cracking views of these and as we did the grating call of a Spectacled Warbler was heard and soon two males and a female chased about the bushes by the road. Adult Desert Grey Shrike on a stone wall doesn t look too taxonomically challenged Brian Small, Limosa Having navigated our way through the village and west out onto the sparsely vegetated plains, we made a couple of stops to get out the vehicle and scan the landscape. A walled garden with sculptural aloe plants produced more Desert Grey Shrikes, but on our third stop a distant moving white blob turned out to be a displaying Houbara Bustard. Watched through the telescope, it fluffed its chest feathers out against an unseen rival (or enticingly to a female - we could not tell which) before crossing the road ahead of us. As we drove a little closer it ran up the slope and hunkered down amongst the larger rocks and bushes, but by this time our eyes had been distracted by several Cream-coloured Coursers running about the open areas. Again, we soaked up these birds and in doing so found a very interesting paler bird amongst them dilution isabel is the technical term for such washed out individuals. Having had our fill though this took some time such was the spectacle - we headed back to town, stopping for a local Common Buzzard and a couple of Hoopoes feeding about a small enclosure. From Tindaya we headed south along the main road then west again out towards the coast at Los Molinos. Here the incised barranco that meanders southeast inland emerges into the sea, creating a small stony beach and one or two interesting pools along the rocky, dried-up riverbed. Having parked, we walked inland, carefully navigating the rocks and pools, checking for birds mostly Desert Grey Shrikes and tame Muscovy Ducks and dragonflies Broad Scarlets, Vagrant Emperors and the diminutive Sahara Bluetails. A couple of Little Egrets flew up river from the cliffs and a single Common Sandpiper did likewise both new for the tour. As the path became rather rough, we slowly retraced our steps and then had a picnic lunch followed by coffees at the small restaurant by the beach. 3 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

4 Following another little mooch about the pools we boarded the van and headed off along the main road, following the barranco towards the Molinos reservoir. Turing off the main road by a goat field we stopped almost immediately to watch the Spanish Sparrows, Trumpeter Finches and White Wagtails feeding amongst the livestock. However, these were eclipsed by a small party of moulting Little Ringed Plovers close to the vehicle several adults and a couple of first-winters. Checking the open areas closely for invisible Stone-curlews, Ross found our first handsome and ferruginous Ruddy Shelducks the first of many it has to be said before we continued along the ravine. Reaching the dam that holds back the water, we almost immediately found (then lost!) a male Canary Islands Stonechat. It took us a while to relocate it as it fed in bushes and on the far railings of the dam itself, accompanied by a couple of quite richly coloured Common Chiffchaffs. On the surface of the lake was the usual Coot flock, a couple of Common Moorhens, plus various ducks including Eurasian Wigeon and Teal, whilst along the steep edges were Black-winged Stilts and Common Greenshank. As we were about to leave, a fine adult Egyptian Vulture soared above the group and was very much appreciated. A Song Thrush flitted along the wall along the track on the way out, but that was still not it for the day. A roadside stop produced four Barbary Partridge and a fine male Canary Islands Stonechat and as the sun began to set we took a short drive out to El Cotillo for the end of the day. From the lighthouse at Faro de Toston it was lovely to watch the waves breaking on the black rocks, but even more so the 60+ Cory s Shearwaters that swept past the headland. It was a fine way to end a fine day. Day 3 - Wednesday 9th November Early cloud cleared mid morning, but the sun did not really warm the air too much in the brisk NE breeze. Again a pre-breakfast walk behind the hotel produced White Wagtail and Desert Grey Shrike, but this morning we also found a very nice male Spectacled Warbler too. As we strolled back a Roseringed Parakeet started to call loudly and we eventually tracked it down just as it took off and flew off south. Pleased with this we then quickly followed it with three Laughing Doves about the walled gardens. Upon our return, as Yellow-legged Gulls came skimming across the town in the tail wind, the coffee was very welcome at breakfast as we had got a little chilly. Post breakfast we headed off a little further south this morning than yesterday, and a little higher in altitude. Rising up to the col at Morro Velosa it was clear just how windy it was, with the large statue almost vibrating in the strong wind needless to say we did not hang around here too long Dropping down in to the valley that heads to Betancuria we gained a little shelter and parking to the south of the town we managed to find a spot that was warm and almost windless. Betancuria is a very nice old town with a sense of history about it indeed the ancient capital of the Canary Islands but ornithologically is interesting for its sheltered and lush gardens and streambed that runs through the town creating shelter for several passerine species. Our first was a Robin that ticked and then sat in view in a dead scrubby patch, joined by one of our targets for the day African Blue Tit. The race on Fuerteventura is degener and is distinct genetically and plumage-wise from those in the western islands, but similar to African birds. However, where taxonomists draw their line is complicated and some go as far as having all blue tits on the Canary Islands full species: Hierro Blue Tit Cyanistes ombriosus (El Hierro), Palma Blue Tit Cyanistes palmensis (La Palma), Tenerife Blue Tit Cyanistes teneriffae (Gomera and Tenerife) and Fuerteventura Blue Tit Cyanistes degener (Fuerteventura and Lanzarote). Whilst on mainland Africa, there is Ultramarine Tit with the subspecies ultramarinus (northwest Africa) and cyrenaicae (Libya). Anyway, leaving that aside and back at Betancuria we heard then saw a number of Sardinian Warblers in the tamarisks, plus Chiffchaffs, even closer views of African Blue Tit plus a couple of elusive Blackcaps. Walking into town, we picked up a few interesting butterflies, too: Plain Tiger and a single Monarch, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, the interesting and imported Geranium Bronze, and Large White. A distant Barbary Falcon was found high above town, but it tracked off north and was lost to view. Heading further south, we walked the track along the riverbed at Vega de Rio Palmas, but apart from Epaulet Skimmer dragonflies, a couple of Buzzards and a distant Egyptian Vulture, there was little of note for our efforts. Heading to Pajara, ignoring the crowded miradors, we stopped at a lay-by to check if a Barbary Falcon nest site was occupied, but with no success apart from a pair of very friendly Ravens again noting the very odd barking call of the local birds. 4 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

5 A male Spectacled Warbler local race orbitalis - at the Mirador las Penitas Brian Small, Limosa We lunched outside of town, by a small palm grove and entertained by Greenish Black-tips, then drove to Ajuy. The valley has a very NW African feel to it, with the barranco lined by palms and the desert-like landscape and small stone buildings, but this has not been reflected in Ajuy, which was full of tourists (yuk!). So after a quick walk round town, where we found a Wandering Glider near the riverbed, we departed heading back north. En route we stopped at the Mirador las Penitas and got some cracking views of Raven, Spectacled Warbler, Berthelot s Pipit, but especially enjoyed the Barbary Ground Squirrels. At Betancuria, we again stopped and walked into the town for a coffee. A final roll of the dice at Tindaya plain and in clear afternoon light we again drove the tracks to the west of town and a good decision it proved to be. First up was a slightly closer Barbary Falcon, but looking into the light views of it were tough. The first Houbara was picked up by Julia as it flew past the van; it then joined another two birds then two more as five birds strutted about the plain close to the van. If we had got out we would have disturbed them so we watched them until they disappeared across the rock-strewn landscape. The Cream-coloured Coursers were still about too as were flocks of Lesser Short-toed Larks and Berthelot s Pipits. Day 4 - Thursday 10th November Awaking to a slightly less windy day, with warm sun all day, we took an early pre-breakfast drive to the lighthouse north of El Cotillo. No doubt the highlight were the Cory s Shearwaters that passed the headland very closely and in great light offered good looks at their key features; a couple of Turnstones fed on the rocky platform, and we also picked up four Spoonbills and several Little Egrets feeding in shore pools. After breakfast we took the road south to Puerto Rosario, past the golf course at Caleta des Fustes to the Salinas Carmen. The salt museum here is interesting and can attract waders and terns at times. Parking up above the pans, we then walked down along the shore, picking up Redshanks, then good views of Yellow-legged Gulls and Dunlin on the pans themselves. On the rocks we found at least 15 Ringed Plovers with two Kentish Plovers and several more Dunlin amongst them; two Whimbrels and four Sandwich Terns also sat on the basalt, but the sea offshore was devoid of anything at all! Having completed a circuit of the pans, we headed back to a service station to use the facilities, and a check of the golf courses in the hope of Plain Swifts, but all we found about the fairways was a single Whimbrel. A decision made, we drove to the agricultural lands south of Tuineje, where there are often patches of water used for irrigation but which also attract waders and wildfowl. Several stops for Egyptian Vulture then Ruddy Shelduck, before having a good look at two pools, where Black-winged Stilt, Spoonbill and many Spectacled Warblers were found. Butterflies here included Clouded Yellow, Lang s Short-tailed Blue and (recently split) Southern Blues the females notable for just how blue their upperwings were and the band of orange on the undersides was almost argus-like. 5 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

6 Lunch was taken in Tuineje itself, but not before two heart-stopping moments. The first was the finding of many Black-bellied Sandgrouse in and about a large goat pen those in flight glowed orange against the deep blue sky; the second was when the leader realised that his pouch with his passport in was missing! A quick call to the hotel and relax he had left it in his room Lunch was enjoyed after this, with the mutton stew or empanadillas (plus glass of wine for some) much appreciated. On our return we made the short detour out to Los Molinos reservoir for another check, which again in good light proved a success. The afternoon sun was behind us and we managed to find Greenshanks and Green Sandpipers about the shores plus Pintail, Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon on the lake. On the stream below the dam at least 15 Little Ringed Plovers fed. Again the slopes and walls held Trumpeter Finches and we enjoyed good views of Canary Islands Stonechats. Another fruitless search for Stonecurlew (this was going to be a problem, we could tell) then we headed back to La Oliva. Day 5 - Friday 11th November Our pre-breakfast walk this morning took us to the old La Oliva agricultural fields, but truth be told it was quiet apart from more good looks at Desert Grey Shrike and a Song Thrush sat on a wall for scope views. However, the paucity of birds was forgotten about as we approached the hotel, when a falcon was seen on a pylon near the hotel and was identified as a juvenile Barbary Falcon. We all got some great views through the telescope as it sat, preened (and did other unmentionable things) and generally showed off for us. With the hotel just across the road and the coffee calling the group of admirers dwindled until the leader was left talking to himself. It was too good an opportunity to be missed, so he rushed back to the hotel got his camera then virtually ran up the adjacent hill for eye-toeye views of this superb bird in the pink glow of morning light. Quite superb! Retracing our steps from two days previous we returned to Betancuria this morning, but spent longer at the Mirador de Morro Velosa in the hope for finches and perhaps Ring Ousel. A flock of Linnets was found at the restaurant at the top and a Canary came in briefly, but was only seen well by the leader, as did African Blue Tit. It was breezy atop the hill, so we had a nice coffee as more Egyptian Vultures soared over distant hills and local Buzzards glided below us, before dropping down into the town. As the weather was so nice Betancuria was busier today, so we parked up then walked north into the quieter valley in the north. Good numbers of Painted Ladies, Spanish Sparrows and Sardinian Warblers were the prelude to a really lovely moment as two African Blue Tits fed at very close range in a patch of aloe and scrub; the photographers were very pleased with the 20 minutes or so we simply stood and soaked up these handsome birds so different to those at home! Feeding on the flowers nearby was the endemic Canary Islands Blue-banded Bee Amegilla canifrons. For another quick check in the hope of Canaries we again visited the miradors at Risco de las Penas and las Penitas, but aside from yet more fine views of the Barbary Ground Squirrels, Berthelot s Pipits, Spectacled Warblers, Ravens and Desert Grey Shrikes we left canary-less. It was time for a change, so with John having asked about Majanicho we took the road back to La Oliva then north to this small coastal town I call it a town but in fact it is really a collection of shacks on the coast, though the new resort inland looked less characterful. Stopping by the beach we had at least an hour taking in the waders that fed about the bay. A Spoonbill in the pools was accompanied by Whimbrel, Dunlin and Ringed Plovers, while further out another Kentish Plover was found; being a male we chose to drive round to a closer viewpoint to get better looks. Above the shacks, we walked to a small viewing area and looked down onto the Kentish Plover, which was very fine, watched Common Sandpipers and more Sandwich Terns out over the sea and a final count of Whimbrel was made and reached ten. On our return to base we diverted along the western agricultural fields; they were very quiet late in the day, but just as we left a couple of Barbary Partridges we seen from the van. Day 6 - Saturday 12th November Another very breezy day dawned and we drove out to the La Oliva fields again before breakfast. Great views of Hoopoes were gained as we drove, but it was when we stopped and got out of the van that we saw most species. Many Lesser Short-toed Larks sang and flew about, Spectacled Warblers too, but the most interesting bird here was a single Corn Bunting heard then found on a wire. The Corn Bunting population on Fuerteventura is dwindling fast, with very few left, so we were lucky to see one. 6 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

7 Though we had seen Houbara Bustard and Cream-coloured Coursers really well, it seemed that we had not had our fill, so headed out to the plains again after breakfast. Taking a slightly different route we were treated to the most amazing views of a single bird that fed very close to the track we could not have got out the van and indeed did not need to! We watched for some time taking in the goldenbuff back and coverts marked with intricate wavy lines and even the grey on the neck had fine darker vermiculations you could even see the slightly darker eye colour of a female. You will never get a better view than this and in perfect light! The strange isabelline Cream-coloured Courser (amongst c. 30 normal) on Tindaya plain Brian Small, Limosa Eventually, we continued, finding three Black-bellied Sandgrouse amongst the stones and for the final time the group of Cream-coloured Coursers included the faded isabelline bird. Along the track down in the barranco we had close views of a shrike collecting nesting material then flying into a small bush by the van once again Spectacled Warblers were about. Two young Barbary Falcons had isolated a white feral pigeon and were chasing it about until it disappeared out of sight we never did find out what had happened. Finally, before lunch, we drove out to the coast, where from the high cliffs we looked out to see in the hope of a Gannet or two, but only a single Sandwich Tern came past. At Los Molinos we found a sheltered table out of the wind and ordered the local grilled fish. When it arrived it came on two huge plates, with sea bream and even an anglerfish amongst others; too much for us all and the local kitten had a fair amount of it. After lunch we again walked in the river bed, catching up again with Sahara Bluetail and Vagrant Emperor dragonflies, plus another adult Barbary Falcon ripped along the cliff edge that followed the valley inland. The reservoir was pretty much the same, though the number of ducks had increased probably just arriving for the winter and we found four Tufted Ducks and our first Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Walking along the edge of the water towards the hide, we had good views of Trumpeter Finches and more Canary Island Stonechats plus a swimming Spotted Redshank on the water. Down in the valley below the dam again we saw several Little Ringed Plovers, but today they had been joined by a Common Snipe. A Barbary Featherleg was also found above the reservoir. Our last birding in anger of the tour took place out at Faro de Toston, where the tide was out exposing large areas of wave-cut platform. Waders were about in good numbers and we counted at least 12 Kentish Plovers, 20+ Ringed Plovers, Whimbrels, Turnstones, and the last new bird of the tour, four Sanderling. Not wanting to get back too late, we arrived at the hotel with plenty of time to pack ready for our travelling the next day. The Stone-curlew called again above the hotel just as it got dark Day 7 - Sunday 13th November After breakfast we said our farewells to the very friendly and attentive hotel staff, loaded the minibus then headed off east towards the coast then south past Puerto Rosario and on to the airport. Arriving in good time, we returned the minibus and said goodbye to Julia who was to stay an extra night. 7 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

8 [As an aside, despite all our fruitless searching for Plain Swift, Julia saw around her hotel near the airport ] Thanks to all for their great company and birding skills. I hope you all enjoyed the amazing views of Houbara Bustards, Cream-coloured Coursers, Barbary Falcons and Canary Islands Stonechat as much as I did! Systematic List of Species Recorded (n=64) A white-crowned male Houbara Bustard picking at vegetation near Tindaya Brian Small, Limosa Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Very common seen most days Eurasian Wigeon Anas Penelope Up to three seen on two visits to Los Molinos reservoir Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata A pair was noted on two dates at Los Molinos Northern Pintal Anas acuta Again a pair was seen at Los Molinos on two dates Eurasian Teal Anas crecca Two young males at Los Molinos on three dates Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Four were seen at Los Molinos Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara koenigi Great views of a flock of four birds near Tindaya 8/11, and two at La Oliva 11/11 Cory s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Great views of over 60 birds off Faro de Toston 8/11, then over 40 at close range on 10/11 and one on 12/11 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia We saw a total of eight at four sites on 10/11 four at El Cotillo, then singles at Majanicho on 11/11 and at Los Molinos, 12/11 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Only noted on two dates, with several noted on 8/11 and one at Salinas Carmen, 10/11 Little Egret Egretta garzeta Seen on four dates with a maximum of six at Los Molinos beach, 8/11 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo A single immature at Los Molinos reservoir on two dates Egyptian Vulture Neophron percuopterus majorensis A maximum of four on any one day, with our first at Los Molinos dam, 8/11 8 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

9 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo insularum Noted on five dates with our first at Tindaya, 8/11 Houbara Bustard Chlamyditis undulata fuerteventurae Our views of this species can only be summed up as unparalleled. From the single in display at Tindaya plains on 8/11, then the six the next day at the same site, to the four on 12/11, which included the best views I have ever had! Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Recorded on three dates at Los Molinos and on pools south of Tuineje Eurasian Coot Fulicra atra Many on Los Molinos reservoir probably totalling c. 120 birds Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus insularum Heard only at the hotel Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Six seen at Los Molinos reservoir on three dates, but also at Salinas Carmen and Tuineje, 10/11 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Way down in the streambed, we found one below Los Molinos dam, 12/11 Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Noted on three dates: Salinas Carmen, 15+ on 10/11; up to ten at Majanicho, 11/11; 20+ at El Cotillo, 12/11 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius We had cracking views of several moulting birds in the goat field at Las Parcelas, 8/11 and up to 15 along the stream below the dam at Los Molinos on 10/11 and 12/11 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Two at Salinas Carmen, 10/11 but these were eclipsed by the male at Majanicho on 11/11 and 12+ at El Cotillo, 121/11 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Seen on coasts on three dates, with a max. of ten at Majanicho, 11/11 Common Redshank Tringa totanus A single at Los Molinos reservoir, 8/11, then six at Salinas Carmen, 10/11 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Just the one swimming on the reservoir at Los Molinos, 12/11 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Seen on three dates. Up to two at Los Molinos and one at Majanicho, 11/11 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Two mobile birds at Los Molinos on 10/11 Common Sandpiper Acticus hypoleucos Noted on four dates, four at Los Molinos and at Salinas Carmen, Majanicho and Faro de Toston Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Up to three at El Cotillo on two dates 9 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

10 Sanderling Calidris alba Four at Faro de Toston, 12/11 Dunlin Calidris alpina Usually scarce on Fuerteventura and we saw three on two dates, at Salinas Carmen on 10/11 and then at Majanicho the next day Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor As with Houbara, we simply could never have hoped to get the stunning views we did I have spent ages driving across Tindaya plains in the past without a sniff! I would estimate at least 20 seen on 8/11 and up to 30 on 12/11 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michaellis atlantis Common. Local birds are treated as atlantis (Atlantic Yellow-legged Gull), but perhaps are actually intermediate between nominate and true atlantis on the Cape Verde Islands. Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus Probably only just arriving as we only saw five on 12/11 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis A few birds seen fishing on the coast at Salinas Carmen, 10/11 four, also four at Majanicho the next day, then one past the cliffs west of Tindaya, 12/11 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis We found a male on Tindaya plains, 9/11, but then had splendid views south of Tuineje around a goat pen, where we had a flock of 40+ initially then many in the pens about the goats. Great views notably as they flew overhead. Three at Tindaya, 12/11 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia Seen daily, with non-feral birds about the west coast Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common and noted each day Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Good views of three at La Oliva, 9/11 and two at Vega del Rio Palmas the same day Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Seen on five dates with good views at Tindaya Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus dacotiae Fairly common and noted on six dates the richly coloured form dacotiae exists on the eastern Canary Islands Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides Taxonomically challenged and currently treated as a species by IOC, but most others treat it as a subspecies of Peregrine Falcon. After one high above Betancuria and another at Tindaya, 9/11, followed by superb views at la Oliva on 11/11. Finally three seen on 12/11 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri One at La Oliva - 9/11 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis koenigi We called this Desert Grey Shrike but it is currently treated as the same species as that in Iberia even though genetically it is totally different... Very nice views at various localities on six dates Northern Raven Corvus corax canariensis Common and we especially liked hearing the odd barking call as we travelled about. Sometimes treated as tingitanus with North African Ravens, but here they are browner (?) leading IOC to treat them as separate subspecies canariensis African Blue Tit Parus teneriffae degener Present in towns and villages in the hills and we had excellent views at Betancuria Lesser Short-toed Lark Alaudala rufescens polatzeki Fairly common seen most days with some large flocks, notably on Tindaya Plains, with 300+ recorded on 9/11 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Up to three seen at various spots notably following Canary Islands Stonechats at Los Molinos and at Betancuria. Interestingly quite bright, but singing like normal Chiffchaffs Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Only seen at Betancuria on 9/11 and 11/11 Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis Fairly common. As well as being present near the hotel and La Oliva, we saw our first at Tindaya, 8/11, but the best views were gained at the miradors near Pajara. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephla Seen on two days at Betancuria 10 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

11 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Recorded on four dates, the first at Los Molinos, 8/11, two at Betancuria, and one at La Oliva, 11/11 European Robin Erithacus rubecula A few seen at Betancuria Canary Islands Stonechat Saxicola dacotiae Seen most days about the island and in a variety of locations. First seen near the hotel on 8/11, but our best and most-prolonged views were had at Los Molinos dam Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Common and seen daily Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Seen and heard on two dates over the hotel White Wagtail Motacilla alba Noted on three dates, with good views at the Las Parcelas goat pen Berthelot's Pipit Anthus berthelotii Common, watched also feeding with other species and seen really well Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus amantum Widespread and sen on four dates, notably near Tindaya and Los Molinos Linnet Linaria cannabina harterti A good flock was found at Mirador Morro Velosa on 11/11 and a few the next day European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Up to six noted at Betancuria on two dates Atlantic Canary Serinus canaria One came into the Linnet flock at Morro Velosa on 11/11, but was lost as they dispersed down the slope Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Just the one seen at La Oliva, 12/11 Butterflies Large Whte Pieris brassicae Small White Artogeia rapae Fuerteventura Green-striped White Euchloe hesperidum Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Greenish Black Tip Elphinstonia charlonia Lang s Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous Southern Blue Polyommatus celina Geranium Bronze Cacyreus marshalli Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Monarch Danaus plexippus Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Dragonflies Sahara Bluetail Ischnura saharensis Barbary Featherleg Platycnemis subdilitata Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger Blue Emperor Anax imperator Broad Scarlet Crocothemis erythraea Epaulet Skimmer Orthetrum chrysostigma Long Skimmer Orthetrum trinacria Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens 11 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

12 Mammals Algerian Hedgehog Atelerix algirus (Road-kill) Barbary Ground Squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus Amphibians & Reptiles Atlantic Lizard Gallotia atlantica East Canary Islands Skink Chalcides simonyi Canary Islands Blue-banded Bee Amegilla canifrons The group looking searchingly out to see for Gannets just west of Tindaya Brian Small, Limosa 12 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk