PICNIC BY THE RIVER
WEATHER: another scorching hot day, but a much welcomed breeze down at the river kept us relatively cool. 37C
Dawn and I escaped from the searing heat of the village and sat by the river for most of the day under our favourite tree, The heat didn't seem to effect the bird activity much, we saw plenty of movement and lots of species.
our view from where we sit under the tree. Most activity takes places ner the large rock on the far side of the river
The local Kingfisher family were very active throughout our stay and the number of Goldfinches coming to drink was in excess of fifty. Many Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and Greenfinches joined Blackbirds, Robins, both Grey and White Wagtails and House Sparrows enjoyed bathing too.
unusual sightings also dropped in or worked their way through the bushes on the opposite bank. Dawn picked out an Olivaceous Warbler which would not keep still enough for a picture, we also saw Cetti's Warbler, Bonelli's Warbler, Chiffchaff sp, and about a dozen Blackcaps (all of which had brown caps - some showing black flecks in the crown as they change into adult male plumage).
Hawfinch - not looking as good as a spring bird
One single Hawfinch dropped down to drink, a pair of Little Ringed Plovers dashed up and down the river but we still haven't seen a Common or Green Sandpiper yet.
Little Ringed Plover
For nearly all of the afternoon a Booted Eagle chcik called from the eucalyptus trees on the other side of the river, this monotonous wader-like call drove us to distraction. There was no sign of a parent bird all afternoon, nor any other raptors come to think of it.
There are 3 Blackcaps in this picture - can you find them?
The tree above us always holds plenty of birds, today we saw Short-toed Treecreeper, Firecrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff sp, Bonelli's Warbler and a party of Blue Tits.
We left just beforte 6pm it was still very hot the car's thermometer indicated 32C all the way home.