As the last few weeks of summer unfold I’ve been working below the village for over a month now, and it’s time to take a look back at birdwatching in August down here in the valley below Lanjaron.
House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings provide the background chatter as always, with Serin, Goldfinch, Spotted Flycatchers and the odd Sardinian Warbler welcome additions to most days.
Flocks of House Martins continue to swoop and soar overhead, with the occasional Red-rumped Swallow adding interest. As the month has progressed a flock of Alpine Swifts has gathered over the crags of the ridge opposite the house…I can hear their calls from above the cliff well into the evening, and they have given good views as they join the hirundines over the house during the day.
A pale-form Booted Eagle has been a regular visitor these past few weeks, striking black and white plumage unmistakable as it has hunted along the cliff-face and over the valley. The family of Lesser Kestrels, so vocal just a couple of weeks ago, protested loudly at the eagle’s intrusions into their airspace but the cliff-face has been quieter recently. I wonder if they’ve already moved off prior to migration.
Golden Orioles continue to screech and call loudly from the trees around the house, flashes of black and yellow every now and then a sure sign they have yet to leave for Africa. After hearing Bee Eaters close by flocks of up to forty birds are starting to pass regularly over the house…there’s a real sense of expectancy now, as they continue gathering for the big push south. These beautiful summer visitors are so familiar now I’m really not quite sure what I’m going to do once they’ve gone…hopefully the birdwatching will be as interesting in autumn!…
