BIRDING IN BERCHULES – message from guests in Jan.2011

We have just spent three gloriously sunny weeks in and around Berchules. The birding was, as usual, spectacular. Once again we went up the valley behind the hotel and soon spotted a pair of Golden Eagles. Then, from its usual area on the slopes, up came the local Bonelli’s Eagle to remind them that this area was occupied.

There were more Sparrowhawks about this year and twice we watched a Goshawk cross the valley. Each day, as the sun warmed the ground, up from roosts in the valley came the sparrows, Finches (Chaffinch, Brambling, Linnet, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Siskin and Serin), Buntings (Cirl, Corn and Rock), Warblers (Sardinian and Blackcap), along with the Great Grey Shrike, Spotless Starling, Chough, Chiffchaff, Mistle thrush, Black Redstart and both White and Grey Wagtails. Crested and Thekla Larks continued to challenge us with identification and Green Woodpeckers provide a happy background sound. All that as ‘an extra’ as we walked along the acequias and tracks below the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.

At the Ragua Pass we searched in vain for the Citril Finch but were rewarded by good sightings of Ring Ouzels and Common Crossbills and an excellent walk on the high slopes along great paths through the snow. On the coast we saw White-headed Ducks (but missed the Marbled Duck this time), Gulls (Slender-billed, Yellow-legged, Audouin’s) alongside Marsh Harriers, Flamingos, Shovelers, Shellduck and the usual suspects. A wonderful walk along the cliffs gave us a magnificent sighting of a flock of Trumpeter Finch. We counted about 40 and I got some fine photos. Having only seen them once before (about 7 years ago) this was quite amazing. It is the only area in Europe where you might see them.

Fine hospitality and good food at the hotel welcome you back to Berchules and TV reminds us what the weather’s like in England. Why would we not love to be here !!