Rio Guadiaro at Estacion Cortes - Cueva de Gato - Llanos de Libar - Montejaque Gorge We visited a variety of habitats in the mountains north/east of Gaucin with some great sightings, another ROCK THRUSH sighting added to our enjoyment.
We pitched-up at the River Guadiaro near Estacion Cotes at around 8:15am, as usual the air was alive with bird sounds and movement. We were looking specifically for migrants on passage but had to make do with stunning views of a few resident species. Blackcaps were singing along with Common Nightingale, Sardinian Warbler, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit and Cirl Bunting. After a short walk we stopped near the railway line where we had a vantage point overlooking a cork oak woodland, it was there that we had great views of a stunning male Hawfinch, what a beauty. On the way back we bumped into a couple of Golden Orioles, an equally stunning beautiful male posed well but briefly.
We continued along the river which was very high and fast flowing, we failed to see Common Kingfisher, Common Redstart, Grey Wagtail or a single Flycatcher! We did find Cetti's Warbler, White Wagtail, Rock Sparrow, Woodchat Shrike, Melodious Warbler and Common Stonechat. On the way back to the bus we stumbled upon a singing Firecrest and it too showed very well.