52 species of bird were seen in the Alcossebre area in August 2021. No new species were added to the list. Autumn migration has begun and there were some post breeding movements of birds. The first Willow Warbler of autumn appeared on the 20th August. The first Western Bonelli´s Warbler appeared on the 31st August. 40 Great Cormorants flew south over the sea on the 23rd August. Grey Herons three flew south on the 23rd, and 7 flew south on the 25th, both over the sea. One Purple Heron flew south over the sea on the 18th August. Glossy Ibis were the most notable passage bird this month. 18 south on the 3rd August, 4 east on the 5th August, 12 east on the 11th August and 50 east on the 23rd August. Black-headed Gulls 10 flew east on the 4th August, 8 flew south on the 21st August. One Mediterranean Gull flew south on the 4th August. One Short-toed Eagle was seen soaring over Rural Capycorp on two days. The breeding Stone Curlews were not heard or seen after the hunting season began in mid August. The hunters also had an effect on the Wood Pigeons – pre hunting a maximum of 166 counted, after hunting 33 birds. Post breeding Common Kingfishers were seen on the Torre estate pond from the 26th August. Up to 12 Bee eaters were seen locally up to the month end. The last Roller was seen on the 21st August. Single juvenile Woodchat Shrikes were seen up to the month end. One to five Golden Orioles were seen up to the month end. The local Barn Swallow population was being augmented by birds from elsewhere, up to 50 birds seen daily. Up to four Red-rumped Swallows were keeping company with the Barn Swallows. Local House Martin numbers were also increasing with up to 32 birds seen daily. Single Spotted Flycatchers were seen almost daily, but so far no migrant Pied Flycatchers. Breeding Rufous Nightingales were still alarm calling up to the 23rd August. Finch numbers were also being augmented by other birds, with to 60 Goldfinches counted. Alcossebre Weather for August 2021.
A hot, sticky month with well above average rainfall due to three thunderstorms. The first week in August was fine, sunny and hot. The exception was the 6th August when it was mainly cloudy all day. Winds were gentle throughout, either easterly or south easterly. Temperatures were 2C above the day average, but 3C below the night average. The second week in August was a mixture of sunny/cloudy spells. The only fine, sunny day was the 9th August. Winds were mainly gentle, with a moderate north east on the 8th August. Temperatures were again 2C above the day average, but still 2C below the night average. The third week in August was mainly fine, sunny and hot. The 18th of August started off overcast and dull, but cleared to fine and sunny. A thunderstorm on the 19th of August brought with it the first rain of the month. Winds were mainly light or gentle, with a moderate north easterly on the 15th August. Temperatures 3C above the day average , but still 2C below the night average. The fourth week in August had five days of hot sticky weather, breaking down on the 24th and 25th August. There was some light rain on the 24th, but a another thunderstorm with torrential rain brought us more than the months average rainfall. Winds were light and gentle. Temperatures were average for the daytime, but still 2C below the night average. The last three days of August were very poor weather wise, particularly the 30th when we had a thunderstorm during the night and then another late pm. Both were accompanied by torrential rain giving us double the average rainfall. The average day temperature was 31C (87F) – 1C above the average. The average night temperature was 19C (66F) – 3C below the average. The warmest day was 37C (98F) on the 12th August. The warmest night was 24C (75F) on the 8th August. The coldest day was 26C (78F) on the 39th August. The coldest night was 13C (55F) on the 1st August. Total rainfall was 7.7 inches (195mm) over six days. The heaviest rain fell on the 30th August with 4.3 inches. The monthly average is 2 inches.
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July 2021 was mainly sunny and hot. The day temperatures were just slightly above the average, but the night temperature was well below average.
Four thunderstorms this month combined with some torrential rain gave us an above average monthly rainfall. The first week in July was mixed throughout. Most days started with cloudy conditions clearing to mainly sunny. The first rain of the month came with a thunderstorm on the 7th July. Winds were gentle mainly east or south east. Temperatures were average for day (32C) and 2C below the night average of 22C. The second week in July was mainly fine sunny and warm. We had three days of moderate north east winds. Temperatures were again average for daytime, but 4C below the night average. The third week in July was again mainly sunny and hot. The exception was the 20th July with cloudy conditions and an evening thunderstorm with some rain. Winds were light or gentle throughout. Temperatures were 2C above the day average, but 5C below the night average. The fourth week in July was again for the most part sunny and hot. The 26th July brought overcast and dull conditions, with a thunderstorm, torrential rain and a moderate north east wind. Temperatures were 1C above the day average, and 3C below the night average. The last three days in July were mixed with cloudy spells, but also some sunny and hot spells. There was another thunderstorm with torrential rain on the 31st July. Temperatures were 2C above the day average and 1C below the night average. Average day temperature was 32C (89F). Average night temperature was 19C (66F). Highest day temperature was 36C (96F) on the 21st, 22nd,28th and 29th of July. Highest night temperature was 24C (75F) on the 31st. Total rainfall was 3.6 inches (92mm) over four days. The average rainfall for July is 1.6 inches. 51 species were seen in the Alcossebre area this July. July is usually a quiet month with birds going through the moult prior to undertaking their autumn migration. There was some post breeding movements, and some species were having second broods. A full list of birds seen with comments follows. A single Red-legged Partridge was seen in the rural farmlands on the 14th July. No sign of young. Northern Gannet and Great Cormorant were scarce this month, just two Gannets and one Cormorant seen. Two Grey Herons and four Purple Herons flew south over the sea on the 23rd July. Up to 22 Cattle Egrets were seen in the rural farmlands, but no Little Egrets. A juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron was seen at the Torre estate pond on the 3rd July – and posed well for a photo! 30 Glossy Ibis flew east over the sea on the 16th July. A Short-toed Eagle was seen on the 7th July, perched on a favourite pylon. A male Montagu´s Harrier was seen hunting over the dry river – Rio San Miquel, on the 10th and 12th July. The first of autumn Northern Sparrowhawk was seen on the 31st July. Up to 9 Common Kestrels were seen daily – a mix of adults and juveniles. The pair of Common Moorhens at the Torre estate pond only raised one young – seen on the 6th July. Stone Curlews were heard calling most days from the dry river bed – Rio San Miquel. Difficult to know how many young they raised. Four species of Gull were seen this month. Up to 11 Black-headed Gulls, up to 12 Audouin´s Gulls, up to 62 Yellow-legged Gulls, but only three Mediterranean Gulls. Sandwich Terns numbers were low - maximum of 6 birds seen daily. The resident Wood Pigeon numbers were swollen by incoming birds with up to 200 birds seen daily. One or two Turtle Doves were seen daily. Collared Dove numbers were lower than normal, with a maximum of 46 birds. Only single Little Owls were seen. The bird in the photo was killed by a dog the day after. Single Scops Owls were heard calling on the 12th and 16th July in rural farmland. No sign of young birds. Breeding Red-necked Nightjars were seen and heard up to the 27th July. Hundreds of Common and Pallid Swifts were seen feeding over the rural farmlands most days. As well as the three nesting pairs of European Bee eaters a further 20 birds flew south on the 28th July. It looks as if the two pairs of European Rollers were unsuccessful in breeding, no sightings this month – disappointing. Up to five pairs of Hoopoe were seen daily. Having a good breeding season. An adult Woodchat Shrike was seen on the 27th July, and the first juvenile was seen in a tomatoe field from the 29th to the month end. Golden Orioles were also having a good season with five pairs seen daily. The resident Common Magpie numbers were increased by fledged young with up to 28 birds seen daily. Crested Larks continue to struggle with only one or two birds seen. Barn Swallows were having an average season, increasing in numbers as young are fledged, up to 34 birds seen daily. There is only one pair of Red-rumped Swallows breeding, near the bowls club. House Martin numbers are also average, with up to 12 pairs seen daily. Great Tit numbers were well down with only two birds seen. Sardinian Warblers were having a good season, with up to 9 pairs seen daily. There only seems to be one pair of Spotted Flycatcher nesting, down on the average of 3 or 4 pairs. Common Nightingales were last heard alarm calling on the 6th July, they are very elusive when nesting.At least three pairs nesting. One or two Common Blackbirds were still singing this month – second broods. Spotless Starlings were in good numbers with adults and juveniles raiding fig and olive trees for their fruit. The first juvenile White Wagtail appeared on the 18th July. All the resident Finches had reared young and numbers were increasing daily – 15 Greenfinches, 58 Goldfinches, but only 4 Linnets, and 19 Serins. Both species of Sparrow (House and Tree) were having a good season, some with second broods. The two escaped Lovebirds were seen daily in the rural farmlands -Rose-faced Lovebird and Dutch Blue Lovebird.
This was the wettest june since 2015, with some hot weather thrown in.The first week in June was poor weather wise, with more cloud than sunshine. We had four days with rain, albeit only one of the days with heavy rain – the 2nd June. Winds were mainly gentle easterly.
Temperatures were 2C below the day average and 4C below the night average. The second week in June was mainly dry and hot. Winds were light or gentle, east or south east. Temperatures were 3C above the day average and 2C below the night average of 19C. The third week in June brought us three days with rain – the heaviest rain was on the 17th June when we had 2.5 inches. The average rainfall for June is 1.8! We had only two days of fine sunny weather, the rest were a mixed. Winds were mainly gentle, except foe the 17th when we had a moderate easterly wind all day. Temperatures were 2C above the day average and average for night. The fourth week in June was mainly sunny and hot, with the exception of the 23rd with a thunderstorm and some rain. Winds were mainly gentle, with moderate winds on the 22nd and 23rd June. Temperatures were 2C above the day average, but 3C below the night average. The last two days of June were mainly sunny, with some light overnight rain on the 30th June. There was a moderate easterly wind on the afternoon of the 29th. Temperatures were 4C above the day average and average for night time. Average day temperature was 29C (84F). Average night temperature was 17C (62F). Highest day temperature was 34C (93F) on the 12th, 28th and 29th June. Highest night temperature was 22C (72F) on the 17th June. Coldest day temperature was 22C (72F) on the 1st June. Coldest night temperature was 15C (59F) on the 2nd, 7th and 11th June. Total rainfall was 4.6 inches (117mm) over nine days. The average rainfall for June is 1.8. The wettest June since 2015. June, time to see how the local breeding birds are doing. Over the years 45 species of bird have bred, but every year is different and this year is no exception. For the first time there have been no Great Spotted Cuckoos seen. Other species that have not been bred this year include Mallard, Little Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, Scops Owl, Red-rumped Swallow, Melodious Warbler, Reed Warbler, Black-eared Wheatear, Cirl Bunting and Corn Bunting. On the positive side 34 species are nesting or holding a territory. One pair of Red-legged Partridge holding territory in the rural farmland. Two pairs of Ring-necked Pheasant nested and young seen. Again in the rural farmland. A very recent addition to the breeding list. One pair of Short-toed Eagles holding territory on the edge of the rural farmland. Four pairs of Eurasian Kestrel nesting. One pair have been seen feeding two juveniles. A pair of Common Moorhen are nesting at the Torre estate pond. A pair of Stone Curlew are holding territory in the dry Rio San Miquel.Like the Pheasant a recent addition to the breeding list. Common Wood Pigeon have had a good breeding season with at least 14 pairs nesting. In contrast only pair of Turtle Doves have been seen holding territory. A good number of Collared Doves nesting, with at least 21 pairs. Three pairs of Little Owl are nesting, average numbers for here. Two pairs of Red-necked Nightjars holding territory in the rural farmland. Two pairs of European Bee eater are nesting in the banks of the dry Rio San Miquel. Eurasian Roller has only nested once before, but one pair are holding territory, very good news. Eurasian Hoopoes are in good number this year with eight pairs nesting. They are hole nesters and as well as nesting in holes in trees, some nest in holes in walls. One pair of Woodchat Shrikes are holding territory near the La Palmera housing estate. At least five pairs of Golden Oriole are holding territory, mainly in the rural farmland, although ther are a few pairs nesting in the urban parts of Alcossebre. Common Magpies are having a good breeding season with at least 10 pairs nesting. Crested Larks continue to decline in numbers and this year only one or two pairs are nesting, compared to previous years, when over 10 pairs nested. I think the main reason is the change in farming practice. Crested Larks like to feed in artichoke fields, but the local farmers have changed from growing artichokes to planting almonds – less labour intensive. Barn Swallows show a small decline in nesting numbers. 11 pairs nesting.Quite a few pairs have young already and some are nesting for the second time. House Martin numbers have increased this year, for example 10 pairs nesting at the Capycorp apartments compared to 5 pairs last year. The only Tit species that nests here is the Great Tit, but numbers are low with only two pairs nesting. Another nesting species in decline is the Zitting Cisticola, in former years up to 10 pairs nested, but this year only one pair are holding territory. It´s a similar story to the Crested Lark, a change in farming practice. Grasslands are the favourite habitat for the Cisticolas, but the farmers are ploughing the grasslands to plant Almond trees. A good number of Sardinian Warblers are nesting this year 25 pairs. They nest in a variety of habitats, from gardens to coastal scrubland. There are only one pair of Spotted Flycatchers holding territory this year. Normally there are three or four pairs. Two or three White Wagtails are holding territory, average numbers. Again like the Hoopoes they are hole nesters and have been seen nesting in various buildings, even in the centre of Alcossebre. Greenfinch numbers are average with 12 pairs nesting, some for a second time. Their favourite nesting tree is the cypress. Which provides good cover. Goldfinches are having a good breeding season with at least 15 pairs seen. Linnets are the least common breeding finch, and in some years don´t breed. This year one pair are holding territory in the rural farmland. Serins are the commonest breeding finch. This year at least 22 pairs are nesting. Good numbers. Spotless Starlings are also having a good nesting season with noisy young heard pestering adult birds from the middle of May. House Sparrows are still very common here and having a good breeding season with at least 120 pairs nesting.
Tree Sparrows are also still common with at least 40 pairs nesting. Both species of Sparrow are adaptable in their choice of nesting places. I think the oddest place I have seen House Sparrows nest is inside the moving car wash machine at the Centro garage! 66 species were seen in the Alcossebre area in May 2021. There was a first time record for Alcossebre of a Dutch Blue Lovebird an obvious escape. There were first spring records for Short-toed Eagle, Black-winged Stilt and Whinchat. A list of the species seen with comments follows. Only one Red-legged Partridge was seen this month. Two pairs of Ring -necked Pheasant are holding territory in the rural farmland. A single Greater Flamingo was seen flying south over the sea, on the 7th May. Northern Gannet were scarce this month, one bird seen on the 6th May. Likewise, only three Great Cormorants were seen on the 29th May. A single Grey Heron flew south on the 26th May. Single Little Egrets were seen through out the month, either at Capycorp beach/lagoon or the Torre estate pond. Up to 14 Cattle Egrets were seen in the rural farmland. Single Black-crowned Night Herons were seen at the Torre estate pond on the 1st and 6th of May, the first this spring. Five Glossy Ibis flew east over the sea on the 8th May. The second Osprey of spring was seen on the 9th May. The first Short-toed Eagle of spring was seen on the 9th May. Six Marsh Harriers were seen this month, two on passage and four hunting over the rural farmlands. A male Montagu´s Harrier was seen hunting over the dry river – Rio San Miquel on the 21st May. Resident Common Kestrels were in nesting mode, females on nests and males waiting nearby, three pairs, slightly down on average. The last of the wintering Common Moorhens had left Torre estate pond by the 7th May, leaving one pair to breed. Single Stone Curlews have been heard calling, indicating that they are holding territory and nesting. Three Black-winged Stilts at Capycorp beach on the 3rd of May were the first this spring. The only sighting of Common Sandpiper this month was one bird at Capycorp lagoon on the 17th May. There was also only one sighting of Mediterranean Gull this month on the 5th May. A total of 50 Audouin´s Gulls were seen this month along the coast. The commonest Gull was the Yellow-legged Gull with a total of 123 birds counted. Two Little Terns flew east over the sea on the 24th May. Sandwich Terns were seen daily, a total of 72 birds counted. Common Wood Pigeons were in nesting mode with at least 18 pairs nesting. Up to nine Turtle Doves were seen this month, it remains to be seen how many stay to breed. Collared Dove numbers were good with at least 34 pairs nesting. One or two Little Owls were holding territory. At least two pairs of Red-necked Nightjar were holding territory and calling loudly at dusk. Hundreds of Common and Pallid Swifts were seen daily. It doesn´t look like Bee eaters are nesting locally this year, the last passage bird was seen on the 10th May. On the other hand it looks like there might be two pairs of Roller nesting. A species that doesn´t breed every year here. Hoopoe numbers are lower than usual with only three pairs holding territory. Woodchat Shrike is another species that doesn´t breed every year, the last passage birds were seen on the 15th May. Golden Orioles are in good numbers with up to 7 birds seen daily. At least 12 pairs of Common Magpie are holding territory. Crested Lark numbers are low with a maximum of five birds seen daily. The last passage Barn Swallows were seen on the 10th of May leaving nine pairs nesting. Red-rumped Swallows are not breeding this year, the last passage birds were seen on the 5th May. Common House Martins were in good numbers with 10 pairs nesting at the Capycorp apatments. Up to four pairs of Great Tit were holding territory, the only breeding species. The last passage Willow Warblers were seen on the 3rd May. Two Wood Warblers were seen on passage on the 4th May. Most years Melodious Warblers breed in small numbers i.e in 2009 seven pairs were nesting, but this year there was only one bird seen on the 9th May. Resident Zitting Cisticola´s were also in poor numbers, with only two birds noted this month. Sardinian Warblers numbers are much better, with at least 8 pairs holding territory. The last passage Spotted Flycatchers were seen on the 1st May. Thereafter one or two birds were holding territory. The last passage Pied Flycatchers were seen on the 12th May. Up to five pairs of Rufous Nightingales were holding territory, average numbers. The last passage Common Redstart was seen on the 5th May. The first and only spring record of Whinchat was seen on the 7th May. Only on or two pairs of Common Blackbird were holding territory – poor numbers. Blue-headed Wagtail passage numbers have been very low – only a single bird seen on the 22nd May. Resident White Wagtail numbers are also low – only one pair seen. A single Corn Bunting was seen on the 25th was the only record this month. Resident Greenfinch numbers were average with 8 pairs holding territory. Resident Goldfinch numbers were better with 12 pairs holding territory. There was only one record of Linnet this month, four birds seen on the 10th May – a sporadic breeding bird here. Resident Serin numbers were good with at least 15 pairs holding territory. May Weather 2021.
A drier than average May with plenty of sunshine. The first week in May started off with two days of overcast and dull conditions and some light rain. The rest of the week had mainly fine and sunny days. Winds were mainly light or gentle, with moderate winds on the 2nd and 3rd of May. Temperatures were 2C below the day average and 2C below the night average. The second week in May like the first week, started off with two days of overcast and dull conditions and some light rain. The rest of the week was more normal weather for May, mainly fine sunny and dry. There was a blip on the 12th May with some light rain, but it quickly cleared. On four days we had light/gentle winds, mainly east or south east. On three days we had moderate winds – from the north east. Temperatures were 2C above the day average and 1C below the night average. The third week in May saw settled weather, sunny, dry and warm. The first four days had gentle winds, and the last three days moderate winds. Temperatures 2C above the day average and average for night (15C). We had the hottest day of the year so far on the 16th May – 32C (89F). The fourth week in May was mixed, most days cloudy with sunny spells. The 23rd May was the wettest of the month with rain most of the day. Winds were mainly light or gentle, with the exception of the 22nd May when there was a moderate easterly wind all day. Temperatures were 1C above the day average of 24C, and 1C below the night average of 15C. The last three days in May started off fine, sunny and hot. Then we had two days with high thin cloud cover after overnight rain. Winds were light or gentle. Temperatures were 3C above the day average, and 1C below the night average. The average day temperature was 25C (77F). 1C above the average. The average night temperature was 14C (57F). 1C below the average. The highest day temperature was 32C (89F) on the 16th May. The highest night temperature was 18C (64F) on the 17th and 19th May. Total rainfall was 1.8 inches (45mm). Over nine days. Average rainfall for May is 2.9 inches. 80 species were seen in the Alcossebre area in April. A female Western Orphean Warbler seen on the 19th of April was a first record for Alcossebre. There were first of the year records for Peregrine Falcon, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel. There were first spring records for Great Egret, Osprey, Montagu´s Harrier, Little Tern, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, Turtle Dove, Scops Owl, Red-necked Nightjar, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Bee-eater, European Roller, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Sand Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Western Bonelli´s Warbler, Wood Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Greater Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Red-necked Nightjar, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Western Yellow Wagtail and Ortolan Bunting. A list of species seen with comments follows. Mallard. A pair frequented the Torre estate pond from the 1st to the 15th April – just as I expected them to nest they disappeared! Red-Legged Partridge. One or two birds were seen in the rural farmlands through out the month. Ring-necked Pheasant. At least two pairs were holding territory in the rural farmlands. Heard calling daily. Northern Gannet. One or two birds were seen offshore through out the month. Great Cormorant. Apart from regular birds on the Moors Rock, a total of 101 birds passed through. Grey Heron. A total of 19 birds passed through this month, with 8 birds flying along the coast 2nd April. Purple Heron. One bird flew south along the coast on the 16th April. Great White Egret. The first of spring were seen on the 14th April, two birds flying east. 6 birds flew east over the sea on the 19th April. Little Egret. Apart from regular birds at Capycorp lagoon and Torre estate pond, a few birds flew east along the coast. Cattle Egret. They were quite scarce in their favoured rural farmlands, with only one to three birds seen. Black-crowned Night Heron. Up to three birds frequented Torre estate pond from the 21st to the month end. Glossy Ibis. One of the commonest passage birds this month with a total of 148 birds flying east. The biggest flock was 42 birds on the 29th April. Osprey. The first of spring was seen hovering above the Capycorp lagoon on the 3rd April, then it flew east along the coast. Marsh Harrier. A total of 11 birds passed through this month, including three birds on the 11th April. Montagu´s Harrier. The first of spring was seen on the 14th April – a male flying along the dry river, Rio San Miquel. Common Kestrel. Up to four pairs were holding territory. Peregrine Falcon. A bird perched on a pylon in Rural Capycorp on 11th April was the first seen this year. Common Moorhen. There were still up to 14 birds at Torre estate pond. Normally by now a dominant pair drive off the rest and start nesting. Stone Curlew. There was a late record of one bird in the rural farmland on the 13th April. Little Ringed Plover. One in the rural farmland on 13th April was the first this spring. Common Sandpiper. One bird at the Capycorp lagoon on the 17th April was the first this year. Whimbrel. Like wise, two birds seen at Capycorp lagoon was the first this year. Black-headed Gulls. Very scarce this month, only one bird seen flying east on the 13th April. Audouin´s Gulls. Seen daily along the coast – maximum 12 birds. Yellow-legged Gulls. The commonest gull here with up to 27 birds seen daily. Little Tern. Two birds flying east along the coast on the 25th April, were the first this spring. Caspian Tern. Three birds flying east along the coast on the 1st April, were the first this spring. Whiskered Tern. Two birds flying east inland on the 16th April were the first this spring. Sandwich Tern. The commonest tern here, seen all year round. The last big winter flock was seen on the 2nd April – 140 birds. Thereafter up to 20 birds seen daily. Common Wood Pigeon. With the winter birds gone . The resident birds were nesting – maximum 16 pairs. Turtle Dove. The first bird of spring was seen on the 19th April. Thereafter numbers built up to 10 birds. How many will remain to breed? Collared Dove. Like the Wood Pigeon, winter birds had gone, but there was still good numbers remaining to nest – maximum of 68 birds. Little Owl. One or two pairs are busy nesting. Scops Owl. The first calling bird of spring was heard on the 28th April. Red-necked Nightjar. The first bird of spring was calling loudly in my garden at 06.30 on the 28th April! Common Swift and Pallid Swift. Both species were seen for the first time this spring on the 14th April. European Bee eater. The first birds of spring arrived on the 13th April. Numbers built up to 26 birds by the month end. European Roller. The first of spring was seen on the 25th April. Hoopoe. Up to seven pairs were holding territory. Woodchat Shrike. The first of spring was seen on the 2nd April. Thereafter, numbers built up to four birds. Golden Oriole. The first of spring was seen on the 20th April. Numbers increased to three birds by the month end. Eurasian Magpie. Resident birds were nesting with a minimum of 12 pairs. Crested Lark. In former years this species was much more common. This year there are only four pairs. The main reason is a big change in farming practice, there are now hardly any artichoke fields – a favorite nest place for Crested larks – instead there are much more almond groves. Sand Martin. The first of spring was seen on the 1st April. Never a common passage bird here – maximum of 6 birds. Barn Swallow. While local birds are nesting there are still good numbers passing through. Red-rumped Swallow. The first this spring was seen on the 11th April. Thereafter up to four birds seen daily. House Martin. Like the Barn Swallow local birds are nesting and there are still birds passing through. Great Tit. Up to five pairs holding territory and nesting. 10 species of Warbler seen this month – impressive. Willow Warbler. Up to four passage birds seen daily. Western Bonelli´s Warbler. The first of spring seen on the 27th April. Wood Warbler. The first of spring seen on the 16th April, and another on the 27th April, both birds heard singing. Melodious Warbler. The first of spring was seen on the 29th April. Zitting Cisticola. Resident Zitting Cisticolas are in very low numbers, only one or two birds noted. Blackcap. The last wintering Blackcaps were seen on the 17th April. Greater Whitethroat. The first of spring seen on the 18th April. Western Orphean Warbler. A female seen well on the 19th April was the first record for Alcossebre. Subalpine Warbler. Three single passage birds seen this month. Sardinian Warblers. Resident Sardinian Warblers were in good numbers, with at least 14 pairs holding territory. Spotted Flycatcher. The first of spring was seen 27th April. Pied Flycatcher. The first of spring was seen on the 14th April. Thereafter one to three birds daily. Robin. The last wintering Robin was seen on the 2nd April. Rufous Nightingale. The first of spring was seen on the 4th April. By the month end there were up to 8 birds singing. Common Redstart. One to two birds continue to pass through. Northern Wheatear. The first of spring was seen on the 2nd April. Thereafter one to three birds seen. Black-eared Wheatear. A male seen on the 2nd April was the first this spring, another male was seen on the 28th April. Blue-headed Wagtail. The first of spring was seen on the 27th April – only a single bird, disappointing numbers. White Wagtail. Winter birds have gone, leaving only one or two resident birds. Meadow Pipit. The last wintering birds were seen on the 11th April. Ortolan Bunting. The first of spring was seen on the 23rd April. Common Chaffinch. The last wintering Common Chaffinch was seen on the 1st April. European Greenfinch. Resident Greenfinches were nesting, with up to 10 pairs. European Goldfinch. Resident Goldfinch were nesting, with up to 18 pairs. European Serin. The commonest nesting finch, with up to 30 pairs.
Alcossebre Weather for April 2021. An unsettled month with double the average rainfall. The first week in April had plenty of sunshine. There were overcast and dull conditions the 4th and the 7th. Winds were mainly light or gentle, in two days we had moderate winds. Temperatures were average for day (21C), but 3C below the night average of (11C). The second week in April was very poor with very little sunshine. Most days were overcast and dull, we had five days with rain, albeit not torrential rain. Apart from a moderate to strong wind north east on the 12th April, the other days had light or gentle winds. Temperatures were 4C below the average day, and 3C below the average night. The third week in April had only two days with fine and sunny conditions – the 17th and 18th. The other days were a mixture of sunny/cloudy spells. The 15th of April was overcast and dull with some light rain, and there was some overnight rain on the 21st.The first four days had gentle winds, but the last three days had moderate winds. Temperatures were 1C below the day average, but still 3C below the night average. The Fourth week in April was very poor with six days of overcast conditions and rain. Winds were light or gentle. Temperatures were 2C below the day average and average for night. The last two days in April were settled, sunny and warm. The day temperature was 5C above the average. Average day temperature was 20C (68F). Average night temperature was 9C (48F). Highest day temperature was 26C (78F) on the 29th and 30th April. Highest night temperature was 14C (57F) on the 26th, 28th and 30th April. Coldest day temperature was 14C (57F) on the 9th, 10th and 22nd April. Coldest night temperature was 5C (41F) on the 17th April. Total rainfall was 6.5 inches (165mm) over 13 days. April average is 3.3 inches! 65 species were seen in the Alcossebre area in March 2021. This is 12 species less than last year at this time. A number of summer birds/spring migrants have not made an appearance yet i.e. Great Spotted Cuckoo, Woodchat Shrike and Northern Wheatear for example. There were first of the year records for Red-breasted Merganser, Purple Heron and Glossy Ibis. There were first of the spring records for Black-crowned Night Heron, Pallid Swift, Alpine Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Subalpine Warbler and Common Redstart. Red-legged Partridge were very scarce this month, only one bird seen on the 12th March. |
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