Alhama de Granada-In search of the Dippers

8th April 2009

We went to the small river running through the gorge at Alhama de Granada today in search of the elusive dipper. Sadly we only got a glimpse of him for about 2 seconds as he flew down stream. We sat patiently with cameras on tripods, camoflauged by the bushes and artificial netting we bought, but he just never came near the rocks and water we had seen him on previous occasions. All was not wasted as a lovely Grey Wagtail came within range and I was rewarded handsomely with some very detailed shots of this colourful bird.

We were suprised by just how many Wrens must be nesting in this location, all the while their song could be heard. Also heard but not seen was a cuckoo, a sound that Spring has definitely arrived. Also we heard the sound of a woodpecker, later identified as the Great Spotted Woodpecker flying through the wooded areas.
We had a pleasant morning counting a total of 26 birds before enjoying a pollo a la brasa at El Ventoro with a nice glass of Rioja. Life is good.


Birdlist: Coot, Chaffinch, Chough, Blackbird, Pochard, Kestrel, Magpie, Wren, Blackcap, Dipper, Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Goldfinch, Robin, Jay, Grey wagtail, Nightengale, Great spotted woodpecker, Serin, Little Grebe, Crag martin, House martin, House sparrow, Spotless starling, white wagtail.