60 species were seen in the Alcossebre area in December 2017. There were first of the year records for Red-breasted Merganser, Stone Curlew ,Blue Rock Thrush, and Dunnock. Hawfinches continued to be seen almost daily, with a high count of five birds on the 23rd December. Because of the continuing mild winter some species have not been recorded. For example Southern Grey Shrike and Rock Bunting. It also continues to be a poor winter for wading species with Stone Curlew the only representative of this group of birds. Balearic Shearwaters continue to be seen in above average numbers, this month´s peak was 3000 flying east on the 31st December. A total of 296 Great Cormorants passed through this month. Single Grey Herons were seen throughout the month. More surprising was three Great Egrets flying east over the sea on the 4th December. Up to three Little Egrets were seen along the coast. Cattle Egrets are usually seen in the rural farmlands following the goat and sheep herds, but one turned up in my garden exploring the bird bath! Four birds of prey were seen this month. A female Eurasian Marsh Harrier flew east inland on the 31st December. Only a single Northern Sparrowhawk was seen this month. At least two Eurasian Buzzards were still holding winter territories. Up to four Eurasian Kestrels were also holding winter territories. As mentioned, seven Stone Curlews were seen in the rural farmlands. Five species of Gull were seen this month. Mediterranean Gulls peaked at 60 birds on the 31st December. In contrast only two Black-headed Gulls were seen. Audouin´s Gulls peaked at 64 birds, and Yellow-legged Gulls at 24 birds. Only two Lesser-black Back Gulls were noted. A regular wintering flock of 60 Sandwich Terns were seen, most often roosting on the rocky part of the shoreline. Despite hunting pressures, Wood Pigeons (max. 120 birds), and Collared Doves (max. 98 birds) were in good numbers. One or two Little Owls were still seen (or heard) daily. Single Common Kingfishers were seen either along the coast, or at Torre estate pond. Up to seven Hoopoe´s were seen, mainly in the rural farmlands. Seven resident Crested Larks were outnumbered by wintering Skylarks, which peaked at 80 birds. Last months small flock of Long-tailed Tit´s seem to have moved on, with only two birds seen this month. Wintering Common Chiffchaff numbers continue to be very low with only four birds maximum noted. In contrast Blackcap numbers are near average with up to 12 birds noted. Wintering Robin numbers were also low, with a maximum of six birds. Wintering Black Redstarts numbers were about average with 13 birds max. Wintering Common Stonechat numbers were low, max. of seven birds. As mentioned, a Blue Rock Thrush was the first this year. Seen in the top of an apartment block in Alcossebre! Resident Common Blackbirds (max.2 birds) were outnumbered by wintering Song Thrush (max. 8 birds). A single Dunnock on the 13th December was the first this year - it was sharing the sewage pond with two Robins. Single wintering Grey Wagtails were outnumbered by White Wagtails (max. 34 birds). While only a single wintering Reed Bunting was noted, up to 40 Corn Buntings were regular in the rural farmlands. Finch numbers were slowly increasing. Chaffinch (max. 62 birds), Greenfinch (max.30 birds), Goldfinch (max. 110 birds), Linnet (max. 50 birds), only one Siskin was seen, Serin (max.32 birds) and Hawfinch - the best winter yet with up to five birds seen. The only wintering finch missing was Brambling. Alcossbre weather in December 2017.
December was the sunniest and driest since 2012. The first week in December was fine and sunny through out . We had our famous ´three days wind´ from the 1st to the 3rd, with a moderate to strong at times, north easterly. Temperatures were 1C below average day but average for night. The second week in December was a complete contrast to the first week. Most days either overcast or with high thin cloud, giving hazy sunshine. We had another strong north west wind during the night of the 11th. Most days fell into the usual pattern of gentle north east wind in the morning and gentle east or south east in the afternoon. Temperatures were 1C above average day and night. The third week in December was another settled week with mainly fine and sunny weather. On the 16th and 17th there was a moderate to strong north east wind. Temperatures were 2C above the day average, and average for night. The fourth week in December had a similiar pattern to the previous week. Mainly fine and sunny. Again there was a moderate to strong north east wind, which blew through the night of the 27th,and continued throughout the day. Temperatures were average for day, 2C below the night average. The last three days in December were mainly sunny with some high thin cloud cover. Winds were either light or gentle Temperatures were 2C above the day average, and 1C above night average. Average day temperature was 16C (60F). Average night temperature was 6C (42F) Highest day temperature was 20C (68F) on the 14th, 15th and 17th. Highest night temperature was 17C (62F) on the 11th. Coldest day was on the 11C (51F) on the 2nd. Coldest nights was 2C (35F) on the 1st, 4th, 13th and 28th. Total rainfall nil! The average for December is 2.7 inches.
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