The final visit of the day was back at the Algaida pines, where we once again failed to locate any Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus). Stationing ourselves at a likely spot just before sunset we had no idea of the spectacle we were to be treated to.
There was still plenty of light when the first snatches of song started up. The rythmic, mechanical sounds of Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis) were soon echoing across the heath and it wasn't long before birds started to appear briefly. Occasionally two would tussle briefly and as darkness fell birds could still be seen by torchlight. Then one appeared to be singing very close by and it took a while before we realised it was above our heads singing from near the top of the observation tower. The eye shone back at us in the torchlight before it flew down to the ground.
We can thoroughly recommend the Asador Picantito on the road through Algaida for a late night snack on the way home.
Click for larger pic
Nikon CP995
Next - Storks at El Portal
Blog Archive
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2005
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May
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- Ardnamurchan Sunset
- The Achosnich Woodland Walk
- Coldstream and Sanna
- Second night's moths
- Coldstream and Ockle
- First night's moths
- Of Whinchats and Woolly Bears
- Spotted in the rain
- Spain, Chronoillogically
- Puerto de las Palomas
- Grazalema Mirador
- Las Covezuelas
- Villaluengo Pass
- Flowery Places
- Run to the hills
- Ojen Valley
- Seeking Sanctuary
- Sotogrande
- Laguna da Medina
- Storks at El Portal
- Nightjar sunset
- Hidden Pools of Sanlucar
- Road to nowhere
- Algaida and the northern salinas
- What a Bonanza
- The Alijar Hacienda
- Arriving in Southern Spain
- Garden Moths
- Moths at Stibbington
- The Island, Elton
- Pond Life
- Helophilus pendulus
- Cuckoo's Hollow
- Woodston Ponds LNR
- Returning to the scene of the crime
- Take a tip from me
- Grey Day
- Breezy Mothing
- Garden Tick
- Bank holiday bugs
- Good moth night
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May
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