I began this morning with a chance encounter, scanning cliffs for Blue Rock Thrush and Crag Martins. This superb Osprey had taken up a position on the coast, where it could look out to sea and perhaps contemplate its next fishing trip. The Osprey took off after watching it for around half an hour and as expected, headed out to sea. All morning, a blustery wind kept the small birds down and I couldn't see a repeat of yesterday's vulture day either. Even so, the magnetism of Cabranosa was taking a hold. Yesterday had been a great day, starting with sightings of Griffon Vultures on the ground, having spent the night around the nearby hills. By 10-30 a.m. Cabranosa was up and running. Another significant arrival of raptors was underway. While the 'counters' clicked away rapidly, I watched the swirling mass of vultures nearing overhead. Three Black Vultures, the most I've seen in a Griffon flock were found, along with two Black Storks, Booted and Short-toed Eagles. Following the departure of the Griffons, some of the eagles remained over Cabranosa including two Spanish Imperial Eagles. These juvenile Imperial Eagles probably won't migrate, but find a territory in Spain instead. I was correct in that no vultures moved down here today and was very surprised when one of the Spanish Imperial Eagles made a return visit, along with a few Short-toed Eagles. Viewing lasted around twenty seconds as it appeared suddenly in my position, flying straight out North again. The closure of the raptor migration is often signified by the passage of Common Buzzards, being the last species to be seen in numbers of juveniles here. The last few days have produced a few each day, five were flying together this afternoon.
Carl Mason
11/11/2019 10:30:00 pm
Great pics Nigel, thanks for the updates Comments are closed.
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