It’s the first Monday of the new month. A hot August lunchtime and we’re taking a break sat outside a bar at the top of the village, having once again dropped the car off at the garage. A nice spot for birdwatching as it happens…overlooking a stream running down into the park over the road, you can sit with a cold drink and idly watch the trees for movement. All very relaxing!
It didn’t take long before we had good views of Spotted Flycatchers, watching intently for passing insects from a favourite perch, and snatching prey suddenly in mid-air before darting back to their vantage points. The adults have got fledged young with them now, still happier to pester their hardworking parents for food rather than fend for themselves. I’ve been really pleased to see these sharp-eyed, constantly alert migrants in such numbers this summer. They have declined sharply in the UK in recent decades but I’m pleased to say they still appear to be a common sight down here in Andalucia.
Soon another small bird fluttering around the base of a tree caught our attention. Short-toed Treecreeper! Unmistakable as it spiralled up the trunk searching for food, it flitted across to another tree before disappearing in the shadows across the stream. Not always easy to see, these mouse-like birds can be easily overlooked, so I was happy to start the month with another nice “tick”. It just goes to show you’ve always got to keep your eyes open in the Alpujarras…and never go anywhere without your bins!
