As the summer continues to stumble on with low temperatures and an absence of the usual clear, hot July days, Wingspanner, John and I headed up to the Cueva del Gato near Benaojan to look for (White-throated) Dipper. After checking the river Guadiaro on the edge of the village without success we walked the 2km to Cueva del Gato where we spent a wonderful hour watching Alpine Swift (100+), Crag Martin and, most impressive of all, a family of
European Water Vole Arvicola amphibius. Also here was
Olivaceous Warbler with two adults that appeared to be still in the process of constructing a nest.
With no sign of the Dipper we started our walk back, taking a few minutes for a last scan of a likely spot - lo and behold, a
Dipper duly appeared, see rubbish record shot! It was great to see this species in our local area.
On the walk back we also saw Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle and
Golden Oriole. All-in-all, well worth leaving home at 0700hrs for!
Back in Gaucin at 1830hrs, whilst scanning Sierra Crestellina, I picked up an adult
Bonelli's Eagle and, flying E-W just this side of the Strait of Gibraltar, a flock of 12
White Stork.
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| Grey Wagtail |
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| Cueva del Gato |
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| Cueva del Gato pool |
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| Crag Martin |
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| Dodgy Dipper! |
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| Section of river where the Dipper was found |
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| View across the Rio Guadiaro to the Sierra de Libar |
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