October 2023 was one of the sunniest and driest on record, winds were mainly gentle with moderate winds on seven days.
Average day temperature was 25C 77F. Average night temperature was 14C 57F. Highest day temperature was 32C 89F on the 13th of October. Highest night temperature was 18C 64F on six nights. Coldest day temperature was 19C 66F on the 31st of October. Coldest night temperature was 11C 51F on the 30th of October. Total rainfall was 0´1 inch, the average rainfall for October is 2.2 inches. August continued like July with above average temperatures, fine sunny days being the norm.
There was only one day with rain, on the 25th of August with 0.5 inches. Winds were light/ gentle with a moderate wind on five days. Average day temperature was 32C (89F). Average night temperature was 20C (68F). Highest day temperature was 38C (100F) on the 10th of August. Highest night temperature was 24C (75F) on the 11th & 23trd of August. Coldest day temperature was 25C (77F) on the 26th August. Coldest night temperature was 16C (60F) on the 30th & 31st of August. Total rainfall 0-5 inches (12mm) over one day. This was the poorest spring for numbers and variety of species. I´ve seen 21 species less than this time last year. Still to see Great Spotted Cuckoo, Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher for example. Only 43 species seen this month. There were first spring records for Ospey, Turtle Doves, Scops Owl, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, European Bee eater, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Pied Flycatcher and Rufous Nightingale. A full list of species plus comments follows. Ring-necked Pheasants are one of the few species that are increasing in numbers, with seven pairs holding territory. Apart from one or two birds roosting on the Moors rock and Capycorp beach Great Cormorants passed though in good numbers. A Grey Heron at Capycorp beach on the 15th of April was the only record this month. Single Little Egrets were seen at Capycorp beach or the Torre estate pond through out the month. Only a single Cattle Egret was seen in the rural farmlands on the 18th of April. The first Osprey of spring flew east along the coast on the 4th of April. A female Marsh Harrier flew east inland on the 4th of April. One or two Common Kestrels were seen through out the month. There were still up to six Common Moorhens at the Torre estate pond – no sign of nesting yet. No wading species were seen this month – unusual. Up to 11 Audouin´s Gulls and one or two Yellow-legged Gulls were seen daily along the coast, or roosting at Capycorp beach. No Black-headed or Meditteranean Gulls were seen this month – again unusual. Only two Sandwich Terns were seen, on the 10th of April. Up to 12 pairs of Common Woodpigeon were nesting. The first Turtle Dove of spring was seen on the 22nd of April. Up to 25 pairs of Collared Doves were nesting. Two pairs of Little Owl were holding territory. The first Scops Owl of spring was heard calling on the 28th of April. The Common Swifts of spring were seen on the 15th of April when 52 birds passed through. Two Pallid Swifts flying east on the 4th of April were the first this spring. The first European Bee eaters of spring were seen on the 12th of April. Up to four pairs of Eurasian Hoopoes were holding territory. The first Woodchat Shrike of spring was seen on the 12th of April. A Golden Oriole on the 30th of April was the first this spring. Up to 16 pairs of Eurasian Magpies were holding territory. Resident Crested Larks have all but disappeared as a breeding species with only a single bird seen. Up to 11 pairs of Barn Swallow were holding territory. The first Red-rumped Swallows of spring were seen on the 22nd of April, and a pair were mud gathering for their nest on the 30th of April. The first House Martins of spring were seen on the 2nd of April. The nesting birds at the Capycorp apartments were a month late in arriving this spring. Three or four pairs of Great Tits were in nesting mode. This was the poorest spring for passage Warblers – not even a single Willow Warbler seen. Resident Sardinan Warblers were in nesting mode with 12 pairs noted. The first Pied Flycatcher of spring was seen on the 18th of April. A Rufous Nightingale on the 12th of April was the first this spring, by the month end three pairs were holding territory. One to three Northern Wheatears were seen through out the month. At least two pairs of Eurasian Blackbirds were nesting. One pair in the Tropicana camp site. Up to nine pairs of Spotless Starling were holding territory. One or two White Wagtails were seen through out the month, no sing of nesting yet. Normally up to 15 pairs of European Greenfinch nest, but this year only 10 pairs noted. European Goldfinch numbers were lower with six pairs holding territory.
About seven pairs of Serin were nesting. March 2023 Bird Report for Alcossbre. 46 species were seen in the Alcossebre area in March 2023. It was a quiet month for birds as the winter birds departed and most of the summer birds still to arrive. For the first time since I´ve done the study (22 years) I did not see a House Martin in March. There were first of spring records for Great White Egrets, Black-winged Stilts, Northern Wheatear and Subalpine Warbler. A full list of birds with comments follows. Ring-necked Pheasant. At least five pairs were holding territory in the rural farmlands. One or two Great Cormorants were seen roosting along the coast and at Capycorp lagoon. In addition , up to 32 birds were seen in passage along the coast. Two Great White Egrets flew east along the coast on the 18th and again on the 24th of March. The first this spring. One or two Little Egrets were seen at Capycorp lagoon or the Torre estate pond. Up to 14 Cattle Egrets were seen in the rural farmlands throughout the month. A total of 144 Glossy Ibis were seen flying along the coast, including a flock of 80 birds on the 31st of March. One Marsh Harrier flew east inland on the 18th of March. The last of the wintering Common Buzzards was seen on the 16th of March. A passage bird flew east along the coast on the 28th of March. Up to three pairs of Common Kestrel were holding territory. Average numbers. Six Black-winged Stilts were seen at the coast on the 30th of March. A first spring record. Black-headed Gulls and Mediterranean Gulls were very scrace this month, only one of each seen. Up to eight Audouin´s Gulls were seen daily, along the coast and at the Capycorp lagoon. Yellow-legged Gulls were also seen daily, five birds maximum. Up to 28 Sandwich Terns were seen daily, along the coast or at Capycorp lagoon. Common Woodpigeons were in nesting mode with a number of birds display flighting. There were still small numbers of wintering birds. Collared Doves were also in nesting mode with up to 68 birds seen daily. Very good numbers. One or two Little Owls were heard or seen daily – low numbers. Hoopoes were doing well with up to eight pairs seen. Common Magpie were also in good numbers, up to 28 birds seen daily. Resident Crested Lark numbers were very low, only two birds seen twice. Cause for concern. As well as passage Barn Swallows numbers increasing throughout the month, local birds had reached 11 pairs. As said earlier this is the first march I have not seen House Martins. They are usually nesting by now? One or two pairs of Great Tit were in nesting mode. Up to three wintering Common Chiffchaff were seen up to the month end. Resident Zitting Cisticola´s numbers also give cause for concern, only a single bird seen. In contrast wintering Blackcap numbers were good, with up to eight birds seen daily. A fine male Subalpine Warbler seen on the 24th of March was the first this spring. Resident Sardinian Warblers were starting to nest, with at least five pairs seen daily. The last of the wintering Robins were seen on the 20th of March. The last of the wintering Black Redstarts were seen on the 24th of March. A female Northern Wheatear seen at the coastal scrub, on the 30th of March was the first this spring. Numbers of resident Common Blackbirds were low, with one or two birds seen. The last of the wintering Song Thrushes were seen on the 19th of March. Up to 50 wintering Common Starlings were still here up to the month end. At least 18 pairs of Spotless Starlings were nesting – good numbers. Up to four resident White Wagtails were seen throughout the month. The last of the wintering Grey Wagtails had gone by the 16th of March. Up to seven Meadow Pipits were still wintering up to the month end. The last of the wintering Common Chaffinches were seen on the 21st of March. Resident Greenfinches were in nesting mode with up to six pairs seen. There were still up to 45 Goldfinches wintering, while the local birds were preparing to nest. Up to 50 Linnets were still wintering up to the month end. Resident Serins were in average numbers with up to 10 pairs seen daily. March 2023 Weather for Alcossebre.
The driest and warmest March in over 30 years! The first week in March was settled with fine sunny weather. There was a moderate north east wind on the 2nd of March. The daytime temperature was average at 18C. The nighttime temperature was 3C below the average of 9C. The second week in March gave us the first rain of the month, a light shower on the morning of the 9th of March. The rest of the week was mainly fine and sunny. Four days had some high thin scattered cloud. There were two days with moderate winds. Temperatures increased. Day temperature was 6C above the average, and night temperature was 3C above the average. The third week in March was mixed. There were two fine sunny days the other five days started off with overcast and dull conditions clearing to sunny/cloudy spells. There was a light shower of rain on the afternoon of the 18th of March. Winds were light and gentle throughout. Temperatures were 4C above the day average and 2C above the night average. The fourth week in March was dry and settled. A few mornings started off overcast and dull, but cleared to mainly sunny. Winds were mainly light and gentle, with the exception of 27th of March when we had a moderate easterly wind. Temperatures were 6C above the day average and 3C above the night average. The last three days of March started off with overcast and dull conditions, but soon cleared to mainly sunny. Winds were light or gentle. Temperatures were above the day average and 4C above the night average. Average day temperature was 22C (72F). Average night temperature was 10C (50F). Highest day temperature was 28C (32F) on the 12th and 26th of March. Highest night temperature was 14C (57F) on the 9th, 11th, 27th and 31st of March. Coldest day was 14C (57F) on the 1st of March. Coldest night was 4C (39F) on the 1st and 2nd of March. Total rainfall was trace. Average rainfall for March is 4.2 inches! A sunny month with below average rainfall and cold nights. Some days with moderate to strong winds.
The first week in February started off with five fine sunny days, albeit a bit cold. The last two days were dull and overcast with some light rain. Winds were light or gentle. Temperatures were 1C below the day average of 15C, and 3C below the night average of 7C. The second week in February started with two days of overcast and dull condiions with rain, heavy at times. The next five days were mainly fine and sunny, with cold nights. Winds were moderate north east in the first two days, and gentle east or south east the rest of the week. Temperatures were 1C below the day average and 3C below the night average. The third week in February was settled with fine sunny days and cooler nights. Winds were gentle east or south east. Temperatures were 2C above the day average of 15C, and 2C below the night average of 7C. The fourth week in February was mainly fine and sunny, but cold. There was some light rain on the afternoon of the 23rd. A moderate to strong north east wind blew for the last three days. The day temperature was average at 15C and the night temperature was 2C below the average. Average day temperature was 15C (59F). Average night temperature was 4C (39F). Warmest days were 20C (68F) on the 5th, 18th and 20th. Warmest nights were 10C (50F) on the 4th and 23rd. Coldest day was 9C (48F) on the 8th of February. Coldest night was 2C (35F) on 10th and 11th February. Total rainfall was 1.6 inches (41mm) over five days. Average rainfall for February is 2.8 inches. Alcossebre Weather for January 2023.
What a start to the new year. We had the driest January since 2016. We had the sunniest January on record with 25 days of sunshine. We also had one of the windiest Januarys on record with 24 days of moderate to strong north easterly winds. The first week in January was dry and sunny throughout, with light or gentle winds. Temperatures were average for daytime (15C) and 1C below the night average of 7C. The second week in January started off with some light overnight rain on the 8th. The rest of the week was dry and sunny. There was a moderate easterly wind on the 8th and 11th of January. Temperatures were 2C above the day average and average for the night (7C). The third week in January was dominated by moderate to strong north east winds with sunshine through out. The winds kept the temperatures down. Average day temperature was 1C above the day average and the average night temperature was average at 7C. The fourth week in January was the coldest week of the month. The continuing moderate to strong north east wind bringing the temperature down. Plenty of fine sunny days – six. Average day temperature was 1C below the average of 15C. Average night temperature was 2C below the night average of 7C. The last three days of January were mainly fine and sunny but cold. Winds were gentle north easterly. Temperatures dropped to 2C below the day average 15C, and 4C below the night average of 7C. Average day temperature was 15C. Average night temperature was 5C. Warmest day was 19C on the 11th of January. Warmest night was 13C on the 17th of Janauray. Coldest day was 9C on the 29th of January. Coldest night was 2C on the 31st of January. Total rainfall for the month was trace. The average rainfall for January is 3.5 inches. 56 species were seen in the Alcossebre area in December 2022. There were first winter records for Europaen Golden Plover, Skylark, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting and Brambling. I had the company of James Tomlinson on the 30th of December when we saw 40 species. One or two Ring-necked Pheasants were seen or heard in the Rural farmland through out the month. Balearic Shearwaters were scarce this month, one bird seen on the 1st and 30 birds flying south on the 30th of December. There were only two Northern Gannets seen this month, on the 1st and 8th of December. Great Cormorants were seen daily, some drying out their feathers at Capycorp lagoon – see photo. A total of 198 birds were counted on passage this month. One or two Grey Herons were seen through out the month at Capycorp lagoon and the Torre estate pond. One to three Little Egrets were seen daily either at Capycorp lagoon or Torre estate pond. One to three Cattle Egrets were seen in the Rural farmland through out the month. 12 Glossy Ibis flew south along the coast on the 19th of December. Single Eurasian Sparrowhawks were seen on the 26th and 29th of December. Two Common Buzzards were wintering, average numbers for here. Up to four resident Common Kestrels were seen daily. Six Common Moorhens were wintering at Torre estate pond. Only one species of wader was seen this month. Six European Golden Plover were seen on the 6th of December at Capycorp lagoon, and had increased to 11 birds on the 9th December. Three species of Gull seen this month. Up to 180 Mediterranean Gulls were seen daily. Audouin´s Gulls (max 3 birds) and Yellow-legged Gulls (max 7 birds) were in much lower numbers. Up to eight Sandwich Terns were seen daily, lower than average numbers. Resident Common Wood Pigeon numbers were increased by winter birds – max of 141 birds counted. Likewise resident Collared Dove had increased to 90 birds. Resident Little Owls numbers were very low, only four single birds seen. One or two Common Kingfishers were seen through out the month at Capycorp lagoon and the Torre estate pond. Up to four resident Eurasian Hoopoes were seen daily. Eurasian Magpies were in good numbers, up to 23 birds seen daily. Three species of Lark were seen this month. Up to three Crested Larks, 12 wintering Skylarks and 5 wintering Woodlarks. Up to 10 wintering Crag Martins were seen daily. One to three resident Great Tits were seen daily. A Cetti´s Warbler heard calling at the Torre estate on the 30th of December was the only record this month – very scarce this winter. Wintering Common Chiffchaff numbers had increased to 20 birds by the month end. Resident Zitting Cisticolas numbers were very low, only a single bird seen on the 14th of December. In contrast, wintering Blackcap numbers increased to 33 birds by the month end. Resident Sardinian Warbler numbers were good with up to 17 birds seen daily. Wintering European Robin numbers were low with a max of 8 birds noted. Wintering Black Redstart numbers were average – max. 15 birds, females outnumbering male birds by 10 to one. Wintering Stonechat numbers were good, up to 14 birds noted. The female Blue Rock Thrush was still wintering on a local stone tower. Resident Eurasian Blackbird numbers were very low, only three single birds noted. Wintering Song Thrush numbers were better with up to 10 birds seen daily. Wintering Common Starlings outnumbered resident Spotless Starlings by about a 100 to one. One or two wintering Grey Wagtails were seen at Capycorp lagoon and Torre estate pond. I had a few sightings in my garden. Resident White Wagtail numbers were increased by winter birds – max 12 birds. Wintering Meadow Pipits numbers had increased to 26 birds by the month end. The first of winter Cirl Bunting was seen on the 12th of December. The first of winter Corn Bunting was seen on the 14th of December. Wintering Reed Bunting numbers were very low, only single birds seen. In contrast wintering Chaffinch numbers had increased to 120 birds by the month end. Six Bramblings seen with Chaffinches on the 30th of December were the first seen here since 2013! Resident Goldfinch numbers had increased to 70 birds by the month end. Wintering Linnet numbers were impressive with up to 85 birds counted. Resident European Serin numbers were much lower, 20 or so seen daily. December Weather 2022 for Alcossebre.
A pleasant month with many sunny days and very little rain. The first week in December started off with some fine sunny weather but the next six days saw more cloud than sunshine. There were two days with some light overnight rain. There was a moderate north east wind on the 1st of November. The rest of the week had light or gentle winds. Temperatures were average by day - 16C and 2C higher by night – 9C. The second week in December was poor weather wise with more cloud than sunshine. We had three days with rain. Winds were light or gentle. And we had two days without any wind, unusual here. Temperatures were 2C below the day average and 2C above the night average. The third week in December was dry and bright with plenty of sunshine. Winds were light or gentle throughout. Temperatures were average for daytime (16C) and 1C above the night average of 7C. Two days got to 20C (68F). The fourth week in December gave us fine and sunny weather all week. Winds light and gentle, mainly in the afternoon. Temperatures were 2C above the day average, and 1C above the night average. The last three days of December gave us two sunny days and one mixed with light rain showers. Winds were light or gentle. Temperatures were 1C above the day average and average for night time. Average day temperature was 16C (60F). Average night temperature was 8C (46F). Warmest day was 20C (68F) on the 21st and 24th. Warmest nights was 11C (51F) on the 1st, 6th, 7th and 13th. Coldest day was 10C (50F) on the 11th. Coldest night was 6C (42F) on the 29th. Total rainfall was 1.4 inches (36mm) over six days. Average rainfall for December is 2.4 inches. The first week in November saw some fine sunny weather with above average temperatures. There were two days with a moderate north east wind. No rain.
Temperatures were 4C above the day average and 2C above the night average. The second week in November was mixed with four days of fine and sunny weather, and three days with overcast conditions and some rain. There was a thunderstorm with torrential rain on the 11th of November. There was two days with a moderate easterly wind, and an usual day on the 14th of November – no wind all day! Temperatures were 2C above the day average and 1C above the night average. The third week in November was poor with only two days of fine sunny weather. The rest were cloudy with another three days with rain. There was a moderate to strong north east wind on the 19th of November. Temperatures dropped to average 19C by day and 12C by night. The fourth week in November was mixed throughout with sunny/cloudy spells. There was some overnight rain on the 28th of November. Winds were mainly light or gentle, with the exception of the 28th of November when there was a moderate to strong north east wind all day. Temperatures dropped again, average by day 19C, but 2C below the night average. The last two days of November were sunny with high thin cloud cover. We had a strong north east wind during the night of the 29th of November. Temperatures were 2C below the day and night average. Average day temperature was 19C (66F). Average night temperature was 9C (48F). Highest day temperature was 26C (78F) on the 1st of November. Highest night temperature was 18C (64F) on the 2nd of November. Coldest day temperature was 14C (57F) on the 30th of November. Coldest night was 7C (44F) on the 27th of November. Total rainfall was 4.8 inches (122mm) over seven days. Average rainfall for November is 6.6 inches. |
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