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Birds
2013
January February March April May June July August September October November December
* pending rarities committee decision
Soaring birds table 2013
May
11 May: Heavy fog in the morning persisting on the east side of the Rock throughout the day and only clearing over the town and harbour. Winds a light easterly breeze. Two Honey Buzzards soared over town in the middle of the afternoon.
10 May: Hazy skies with some sunny spells in the morning becoming overcast with high cloud in the afternoon. Winds light westerly breeze becoming moderate south-westerly in the afternoon. Small passage of Honey Buzzards in the morning increasing towards evening for a total of 1350 birds. Also seen were 22 Black Kites, 4 Egyptian Vultures, and 3 Short-toed Eagles.
09 May: Clear skies with some high cloud. Mainly calm with a westerly breeze picking up after midday when small groups of Honey Buzzards and Black Kites flew over the Rock. In total approximately 260 Honey Buzzards, 45 Black Kites, 3 Short-toed Eagles and an Egyptian Vulture were seen at intervals during the afternoon. A couple of Short-toed Eagles were also mobbed by the gulls and the Peregrine but managed to take off again and clear the area, but one that was picked up on the Sand Slopes on the east side of the Rock was sporting a Spanish ring.
08 May: Mainly clear skies with some high cloud in the afternoon. Winds light variable turning to light south-westerly in the late morning. Several small flocks of Honey Buzzards came in low over town and the Rock in the morning and afternoon, but there was no systematic count. Approximately 300 Honey Buzzards were seen during sporadic intervals together with 2 Black Kites, a Short-toed Eagle and a female Lanner that flew low over Windmill Hill
06 May: Clear skies with some high cloud in the afternoon. Winds light variable to light easterly. The easterly winds have been present for the past week, and consequently no raptors have crossed this side of the Strait. The resident Spotted Flycatcher came back to the Botanic Gardens and is now singing, looking for a mate and setting up territory.
02 May: Clear skies with some levanter cloud later in the afternoon. Winds moderate easterly. Birds ringed at the Observatory included 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, and single Redstart, and Willow Warbler.
01 May: Mainly clear skies with light winds becoming light to moderate easterly. A solitary Woodchat Shrike was the only migrant on Windmill Hill. Among migrants trapped at the Observatory were 3 Willow Warblers and single Robin, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Bonelli's Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and a fine male Golden Oriole.
April
30 Apr: Rain showers overnight with cloudy skies at dawn and some sunny intervals. Winds light westerly. The dominant raptor in the light winds was Honey Buzzard with 776 birds. Also seen were 7 Black Kites, 5 Marsh Harriers, 7 Booted Eagles, 2 Sparrowhawks and single Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Kestrel and Hobby. A flock of approximately 150 Flamingoes were seen from the Observatory entering the Bay.
29 Apr: Mainly cloudy skies with some sunny intervals in the afternoon. Winds fresh westerly becoming WNW, and rather cold. A trickle of raptors throughout the day for a total of 42 Honey Buzzards, 31 Black Kites, 3 Griffon Vultures, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 9 Sparrowhawks, 5 Booted Eagles, 2 Hobbies and single Marsh Harrier and Osprey. Also seen were a Grey Heron, a Little Egret and 5 Black Storks. Common Swift passage was continuous throughout the day with many flocks wheeling over the Observatory and heading north.
28 Apr: Mainly clear skies in the morning becoming progressively cloudier at midday and during the afternoon with some sporadic showers. Winds strong north-westerlies and feeling rather cold. A poor raptor day with only a few birds venturing across the Strait. A total of 3 Honey Buzzards, 70 Black Kites, 4 Short-toed Eagles, 6 Sparrowhawks, 4 Booted Eagles, and a single Montagu's Harrier were counted. Also seen were 3 Black Storks and 36 Swallows. There was also a heavy passage of Common Swifts with several thousand flying against the northerly winds.
Among birds trapped at the Observatory was the first Grasshopper Warbler of the season.
27 Apr: Mainly cloudy skies with sunny intervals. Winds strong to gale force south-westerlies. Very srong winds hampered the raptor migration but some species managed a crossing amongst which were 246 Black Kites, only 4 Honey Buzzards, 5 Egyptian Vultures, 6 Sparrowhawks, 11 Booted Eagles and a single Marsh Harrier. Also seen were 3 Black Storks.
26 Apr: Mainly clear skies with some high cloud. Winds moderate south-westerlies. After an extended period of easterlies, raptor passage resumed with the first Honey Buzzards of the season for a total of 723 birds. Also counted were 730 Black Kites, 7 Griffon Vultures, including one rescued by the Dolphin Adventure boat that was taken into care, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 22 Short-toed Eagles, 10 Marsh Harriers, 5 Montagu's Harriers, 38 Sparrowhawks, 15 Booted Eagles, 2 Ospreys, 8 Hobbies, and single Common Buzzard, Hen Harrier and the third Pallid Harrier of the season, the second female. There was also a steady passage of Common Swifts.
A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the vegetation at Windmill Hill in the morning.
25 Apr: Clear skies and a moderate easterly wind in the morning becoming light and variable and with south westerly sea breezes in the late afternoon and evening. A lone Black Kite flew in over town in the late afternoon. At the Observatory migrants ringed included an Orphean Warbler.
24 Apr: Patchy levanter cloud with very strong to gale force easterly winds in the morning, clearing in the afternoon with winds turning to ESE. The strong easterly winds in the Strait hampered migrants across the Strait and only a handful of birds were trapped and ringed. Migrant birds included 2 Nightingales, and single Bonelli's Warbler and Orphean Warbler.
23 Apr: mainly cloudy skies throughout the night and early morning, with some sunny patches later on clearing in the afternoon. Winds fresh easterlies. A good ringing day after the fall of the previous day, with a total of 33 birds trapped and ringed. Migrants included 9 Bonelli's Warblers, 5 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Melodious Warblers, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 Whitethroats, and single Turtle Dove,Wood Warbler, Red-necked Nightjar and Scops Owl. One of the Bonelli's Warblers turned out to be the first Spanish control of this species.
22 Apr: Heavy levanter cloud with low mist over the Rock. Winds light to moderate easterly winds. Another good fall of migrants first thing in the morning delighted the ringers for a total of 112 birds trapped and ringed. Among migrants caught were 53 Willow Warblers, 16 Pied Flycatchers, 12 Bonelli's Warblers, 7 Garden Warblers, 5 Melodious Warblers, 2 Subalpine Warblers, and single Reed Warbler, Turtle Dove, Wood Warbler and a Sparrowhawk. One of the Willow Warblers was a Norwegian control.
21 Apr: Heavy levanter cloud in the morning lifting in the afternoon for some sunny spells. Winds light to moderate easterly. A fall of migrants at the Observatory provided entertainment for the ringers with a good variety of species including . A fall of migrants for a total of 52 birds included 22 Willow Warblers, 12 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Bonelli's Warblers, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 Nightingales, and single Whitethroat, Orphean Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Red-necked Nightjar, Tree Pipit, Serin, and the first Ortolan Bunting and Whinchat of the season.
A flock of 22 Flamingoes were seen offshore off the east side of the Rock flying west.
Despite the unfavourable winds 9 Black Kites, 8 Swallows, and single Booted Eagle and a female Marsh Harrier were also observed.
20 Apr: Heavy levanter cloud covering the area with moderate to fresh easterly winds. Conditions were conducive to a good fall of migrants, and 82 birds were trapped and ringed. Among the species caught were 30 Willow Warblers, 21 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Blackcaps, 4 Common Redstarts, 7 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Orphean Warblers, the first 2 Reed Warblers of the season and single Nightingale, female Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Subalpine Warbler, Wood Warbler, and the first Spotted Flycatcher of the season. One of the Blackcaps was a Belgian control. Also observed were 16 Swallows and 6 House Martins heading north.
19 Apr: Very low cloud covering the Rock with overcast skies and poor visibility, clearing in the afternoon to give hazy sunshine. Winds light to moderate easterlies. Migrants trapped at the Observatory included 3 Wood Warblers, 8 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Garden Warblers, 2 Subalpine Warblers, 14 Willow Warblers, and single Bonelli's Warbler, Melodious Warbler and Nightingale. Also seen were 2 Sparrowhawks and single Black Kite and a Booted Eagle.
18 Apr: Overcast in the morning clearing just after midday with moderate easterly winds. At the Observatory 10 Pied Flycatchers were ringed as well as single Tree Pipit, Iberian Chiffchaff and Melodious Warbler.
17 Apr: Very cloudy and overcast with fresh and gusty easterly winds, clearing completely in the afternoon and winds dropping to moderate easterly. A Great Spotted Cuckoo was seen perched on the rockfall fencing above Both Worlds on the east side of the Rock.
The first Red-necked Nightjar and Wood Warbler of the season were trapped and ringed at the Observatory. Also caught were 9 Pied Flycatchers, 16 Willow Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers and a single Bonelli's Warblers among other resident birds trapped.
16 Apr: Levanter cloud over the Rock in the morning clearing soon after as winds dropped to light easterly with some cloud returning in the evening. Very hot with temperatures in the mid 20Cs.
15 Apr: Cloudy and overcast with levanter cloud for most of the day. Winds moderate to fresh easterly. A flock of 24 Black Kites flew in and soared over the Rock in the morning; an unusual sight given the unfavourable wind direction. The first Turtle Dove of the season was trapped and ringed.
An hours watch at Europa Point produced a flock of 20 Flamingoes heading into the Mediterranean, 6 Gannets heading out and an Audouin's Gull.
14 Apr: Overcast skies with levanter cloud and fresh to strong easterly winds. A second Melodious Warbler was trapped and ringed at the Observatory among other migrants caught. Also seen at the site were 9 Woodchat Shrikes, and single Orphean Warbler, Bonelli's Warbler and a fine male Golden Oriole.
13 Apr: Clear skies early in the morning with moderate easterly winds , with heavy levanter cloud developing before midday, clearing mid afternoon, but cloud and wind increasing in the evening.
12 Apr: Very light and variable winds in the morning with a light westerly developing in the afternoon and becoming light and variable in the evening. Very calm conditions in the Strait with only a trickle of raptors for a total of 37 Black Kites, 2 Ospreys, 3 Kestrels, 26 Sparrowhawks, 5 Hobbies and a male Marsh Harrier. Also seen were 6 Bee-eaters, 8 Swallows and a House Martin.
A visit to Windmill Hill revealed very few passerine migrants, with several Nightingales calling and singing from Olive scrub, and single Northern Wheatear, Subalpine Warbler, Willow Warbler, Woodchat Shrike and a Corn Bunting.
Birds trapped and ringed at the Observatory included Nightingales, Orphean, Willow and Bonelli's Warblers, Whitethroat and Pied Flycatcher.
A Jackdaw flew north over Windmill Hill.
11 Apr: Mainly clear skies with some high cloud. Winds light westerlies. A trickle of raptors with the light winds gave a total of 111 Black Kites, 6 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 61 Booted Eagles, 48 Sparrowhawks, 4 Hobbies, 2 Kestrels and single Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Marsh Harrier, and Osprey. Several flocks of Bee-eaters were heard but only 37 were seen. Also observed were single White and Black Storks, several Swallows and House Martins, and 6 Greenfinches, 17 Goldfinches and 7 Linnets heading north.
A Bonelli's Warbler was singing in the Botanic gardens and a Siskin was also observed flying north overhead.
Seventy Flamingoes found sitting on the sea 1 mile SW off Europa Point. Photo: Rocio Espada
A pink raft of birds, seen in the distance from the 'Dolphin Adventure' boat, turned out to be a flock of 70 Flamingoes sitting on the sea resting, one mile south-west off Europa Point. As the boat approached the Flamingoes took off in a westerly direction.
10 Apr: Mainly clear skies with some cloud in the afternoon. Winds light to moderate north-west to west. Raptor passage was slow but steady with 76 Black Kites, 15 Short-toed Eagles, 9 Marsh Harriers, 4 Montagu's Harriers, 68 Booted Eagles, 59 Sparrowhawks, 2 Ospreys, 7 Kestrels and single Hen Harrier and a Hobby. Also observed heading north were 4 White Storks, 71 Bee-eaters, 24 Swallows, 4 Red-rumped Swallows, 10 House Martins, and a migrant Raven flying very high over the Observatory and heading north. Another 4 Ravens were seen together and may involve birds arriving from Morocco.
9 Apr: Mainly clear skies in the morning becoming progressively cloudier with hazy cloud in the afternoon and becoming overcast in the evening. Winds light to moderate westerly becoming west to north west in the evening. Raptor migration picked up as winds increased in the afternoon. A total of 170 Black Kites, 7 Short-toed Eagles, 7 Marsh Harriers, 18 Montagu's Harriers, 101 Sparrowhawks, 57 Booted Eagles, 4 Ospreys, 13 Kestrels, 5 Hobbies, and single Hen Harrier and Lesser Kestrel were counted. Also observed was a large flock, estimated at 200+ Flamingoes that were spiralling over the entrance of the Bay, gaining height, Numerous flocks of Bee-eaters all day with several flocks low over the Botanic Gardens and the town for a total of over 450, 46 Swallows, 15 Red-rumped Swallows, and several finch flocks. The first Melodious Warbler of the season was trapped and ringed at the Observatory.
Rescued from the sea a very wet Griffon Vulture Photo: Rocio Espada
Rocio Espada from 'Dolphin Adventure' had a busy day on her hands with the rescue of a Griffon Vulture that had been mobbed into the sea by Yellow-legged Gulls. The Griffon Vulture was taken into care by the Raptor Rehabilitation Unit.
8 Apr: Clear skies with light to moderate westerly to south-westerly winds. Some migrants were ringed at the Observatory and included the first Scops Owl of the season, a Tree Pipit, Subalpine Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Bonelli's Warbler and 4 Nightingales.
First Scops Owl of the spring. Photo: Luke Phillips
A steady migration of raptors throughout the day, with a good variety of species for a total of 966 Black Kites, 10 Griffon Vultures, 40 Short-toed Eagles, 16 Marsh Harriers, 3 Montagu's Harriers, 61 Sparrowhawks, 162 Booted Eagles, 3 Hobbies, 3 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels and single Osprey, Egyptian Vulture, Buzzard and Hen Harrier. A Lesser Spotted Eagle* flew past just after midday; the sixth record for Gibraltar. Also observed were 8 Black Storks, 18 Flamingoes, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 76 Swallows, 13 Red-rumped Swallows, 9 Serins, 19 Goldfinches and19 Linnets.
Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomerina 6th record. Photo: Luke Phillips
Lesser Spotted Eagle showing distinctive light outer primary base. Photo Luke Phillips.
7 Apr: Calm conditions prevailed throughout the morning with mainly clear skies, becoming hazy with high cloud and winds increasing from the south-west in the afternoon. Some raptors crossed in the afternoon for a total of 189 Black Kites, 20 Booted Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 5 Sparrowhawks and an Osprey. Also seen were 20 Bee-eaters, 22 Swallows, 32 House Martins and 30 Serins. The first Garden Warbler of the season was trapped and ringed at the Observatory, among other migrants ringed.
6 Apr: Finally a break in the wet weather after one of the wettest starts to the spring on record. The day dawned with clear skies and plenty of sunshine, with moderate to fresh west to north west winds. Raptors took advantage in the break in the weather and crossed the Strait. A total of 202 Black Kites, 2 Griffon Vultures, 233 Booted Eagles, 23 Short-toed Eagles, 7 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 2 Ospreys, 73 Sparrowhawks, 2 Hobbies and single Buzzard, Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel were observed. The second Pallid Harrier* of the season, and the first female recorded on the Rock, was also observed heading north; 6th record. Also counted were 18 White Storks, 5 Black Storks, 20 Bee-eaters, 108 Swallows, 47 House Martins, 2 Crag Martins, a single Red-rumped Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 31 Meadow Pipits, a single Tree Pipit, 14 Greenfinches, 210 Goldfinches, 91 Linnets, 11 Serins, 4 Siskins and a single Chaffinch. Four Spanish Sparrows also flew past quite close . The first Pied Flycatcher of the season was trapped and ringed at the Observatory.
Female Pallid Harrier: 6th record and first female. Photo: Luke Phillips
Female Pallid Harrier upperside Photo: Luke Phillips
Female Pallid Harrier showing distinctive collar and four projecting primaries Photo: Luke Phillips
5 Apr: Overcast skies throughout the day with constant rain, heavy at times. Winds moderate westerlies. Raptor passage was slow, with birds struggling in the rain, but a fine male Pallid Harrier*, 5th record, was a bonus for the observers enduring the conditions. Also counted were 32 Black Kites, 24 Booted Eagles, 2 Kestrels and a single Montagu's Harrier. Four Alpine Swifts, 3 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 17 Goldfinch, 2 Yellow Wagtails, and a Hoopoe were also observed.
Adult male Pallid Harrier 5th record for Gibraltar Photo: Luke Phillips
Distinctive black wedge and four primaries projecting Photo: Luke Phillips
Male Pallid Harrier in the rain Photo: Luke Phillips
4 Apr: Cloudy skies with showery rain throughout the morning giving way to some breaks in the afternoon with some sunny intervals. Winds light westerly in the morning becoming light variable and turning to moderate south-westerly in the evening. Very little movement of raptors across the Strait with only 3 Sparrowhawks and a light phase Booted Eagle crossing. Also seen were 3 Black Storks which flew in low over town. Ten Flamingoes were seen flying into the Bay in the afternoon, but a bigger flock of 150 Flamingoes flew north along the eastern side of the Rock at midday. Two Woodchat Shrikes and a Northern Wheatear were recorded on Windmill Hill , but there was a lack of other migrants and no warblers were seen.
3 Apr: Cloudy skies with some sunny intervals, and the occasional shower from the west. Winds moderate west to north-west. Bad weather over Morocco and the surrounding hills stemmed the migration of raptors across the Strait. A trickle of birds throughout the day did manage to cross for a total of 42 Black Kites, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 86 Booted Eagles, 33 Sparrowhawks, 5 Ospreys, 4 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels and single Hobby, and Hen Harrier. A flock of 67 Black Storks also crossed together with 25 Bee-eaters, 8 Swallows, 10 Crag Martins, 7 Alpine Swifts, 3 Serins, 3 Linnets, 10 Goldfinches and single Chaffinch, Siskin and a Tawny Pipit. The two Ravens were still around.
2 Apr: Mainly clear skies with some cloudy intervals, with cloud increasing during the afternoon and evening. Winds light to moderate south-westerly becoming west to north-west in the late afternoon. The light winds meant a slow start to the raptor passage, but the southerly winds helped as they pushed many birds this side of the Strait. A flock of 17 Griffon Vultures managed to arrive low over the town earlier on and contributed to a total of 194 Black Kites, 4 Marsh Harriers, 3 Hen Harriers, 123 Booted Eagles, 142 Sparrowhawks, 4 Ospreys, the first 3 Hobbies of the season, 6 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels, and single Short-toed Eagle, Buzzard and Montagu's Harrier.
1 Apr: Mainly clear skies with some cloudy intervals during the afternoon. Winds fresh north-westerly becoming westerly in the afternoon. Windy and wet conditions at the Observatory over the last week have prevented many birds trapped and ringed, but the first Whitethroat and Orphean Warbler of the season were caught today. Raptors struggled with the northerly winds but numbers improved in the afternoon for a total of 326 Black Kites, 7 Short-toed Eagles, 10 Marsh Harriers, 7 Montagu's Harriers, 151 Booted Eagles, 113 Sparrowhawks, 2 Ospreys, 15 Kestrels, 5 Lesser Kestrels, and a single Egyptian Vulture. Also observed were 8 Black Storks, 98 Bee-eaters, 99 Meadow Pipits, 15 Swallows, 13 House Martins, 5 very late Crag Martins, and several Chaffinches, Serins, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Linnets and Siskins. A Woodchat Shrike flew high overhead with Meadow Pipits heading north. Also a pair of Ravens were seen off by the local remaining bird.
March
31 Mar: Overcast skies with rain throughout the day. Winds light variable turning to easterly and back to west in the evening. No raptors were observed from the Observatory.
30 Mar: Overcast skies with rain showers throughout the day. Winds mainly west to south-west. Very few raptors managed to cross the Strait in the poor weather conditions but 2 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Booted Eagles, 2 Sparrowhawks and a single Black Kite made it across. A flock of 16 Bee-eaters was also observed.
29 Mar: Mainly clear skies with a moderate to fresh westerly wind. A trickle of raptors and diurnal passerine migrants in the morning gave way to a large passage of raptors after midday when hundreds of birds crossed in a few hours as conditions across the Moroccan coastline improved with better visibility and clear skies. Booted Eagles were the dominant migratory species with a total of 713 birds. Also counted were 490 Black Kites, 34 Short-toed Eagles, 9 Marsh Harriers, 3 Montagu's Harriers, 3 Buzzards, 302 Sparrowhawks, 9 Kestrels, 4 Lesser Kestrels, 3 Ospreys and 5 Peregrines which may have included migrant birds.
28 Mar: Mainly cloudy skies in the morning with some sunny intervals in the afternoon. Winds mainly west to north-west. mainly cloudy skies with some sunny intervals in the afternoon. Winds light to moderate westerly in the afternoon. Very few raptors crossed the Strait and the constant frontal systems are probably holding up raptors across the Moroccan mountain ranges. In total only 21 Black Kites, 20 Booted Eagles, 5 Sparrowhawks and single Marsh Harrier, and Peregrine were seen heading north. Also observed was a Black Stork, 54 Bee-eaters and 4 House Martins.
27 Mar: Cloudy skies with occasional showers throughout the day. Winds moderate north-westerly. Raptor passage was limited due to the inclement weather, but a few birds made it across the Strait. The count at the Observatory was 44 Black Kites, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 3 Marsh Harriers, 8 Montagu's Harriers, 33 Booted Eagles, 36 Sparrowhawks, 4 Ospreys, and single Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel. Other species included 6 Swallow, 3 Red-rumped Swallow, 4 House Martins, 44 Bee-eaters, and 3 Alpine Swifts.
26 Mar: Overcast skies with some sunny intervals during the afternoon. Winds fresh westerly gusting in showers. Raptor passage was steady for a total of 81 Black Kites, 10 Short-toed Eagles, 9 Marsh Harriers, 2 Buzzards, 99 Sparrowhawks, 266 Booted Eagles, 5 Ospreys, 3 Kestrels and single Hen and Montagu's Harriers, Lesser Kestrel and a Merlin.
25 Mar: Mainly cloudy skies with some sunny intervals in the afternoon. Winds moderate north-westerly. There was a steady passage of raptors during the day with Booted Eagles the main migrant species. Totals for the day were 99 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 41 Short-toed Eagles, 7 Marsh Harriers, 4 Montagu's Harriers, 88 Sparrowhawks, 280 Booted Eagles, 3 Buzzards, 4 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels and a single dark phase Eleonora's Falcon. Other birds included a flock of 5 Grey Herons, 20 Bee-eaters, 3 Meadow Pipits, 26 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 4 Serins, 42 Goldfinches, 6 Linnets, and a single Yellow Wagtail.
24 Mar: Cloudy skies with light showers in the morning breaking up to reveal some sunny spells throughout the afternoon. Winds moderate to fresh west to north-westerlies. Raptor passage picked up after midday with a variety of species crossing for a total of 482 Black Kites, 48 Griffon Vultures, 24 Short-toed Eagles, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 28 Booted Eagles, 46 Sparrowhawks, 2 Ospreys, 3 Kestrels and single Egyptian Vulture, Common Buzzard, female Merlin, Eleonora's Falcon, and Lesser Kestrel. Also counted were 146 White Storks, 16 Black Storks, a flock of 6 Cormorants, and single Tree Pipit, Bee-eater and Short-toed Lark. Two Woodchat Shrikes and a Hoopoe were observed on Windmill Hill, and a Nightingale was sheltering in a fig tree by the Air Terminal.
23 Mar: Very cloudy and overcast throughout the day with moderate to fresh westerly winds. Rain showers throughout most of the afternoon. Most migratory movement was curtailed due to the bad weather, but a few birds managed to cross and included 2 Black Kites, 3 Griffon Vultures, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 4 Sparrowhawks, 1 Osprey, 8 Swallows, 8 Red-rumped Swallows and 5 Greenfinches.
22 Mar: Light variable in the morning with some cloud and sunny spells, becoming light westerly later. The first flock of Bee-eaters of the season, 13 birds, flew north over the Observatory. Also seen were small numbers of raptors totalling 4 Black Kites, 14 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hen Harriers, 19 Sparrowhawks, and single Montagu's Harrier, Osprey and Peregrine. A Black Stork, several Chaffinches, Goldfinches and Linnets also flew north. The first Nightingale of the season was trapped and ringed.
21 Mar: Clear skies in the morning with levanter cloud developing soon after. Winds light to moderate easterly. A Hoopoe was present in the Botanic Gardens. Three Turnstones were observed on the rocks at Europa foreshore. Over one hundred Pallid Swifts were flying over town in the evening as the settled to roost in the buildings.
20 Mar: Mainly clear skies with moderate westerly winds. A steady passage of raptors throughout the day with a total of 1064 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 115 Short-toed Eagles bringing the total for the season of this species to over 2000, 28 Marsh Harriers, 10 Montagu's Harriers, 94 Booted Eagles, 121 Sparrowhawks, 6 Ospreys, and single Hen Harrier male, Common Buzzard and Peregrine. Also seen were 16 White Storks, 8 Black Storks, 2 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 8 Pallid Swifts, 29 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinches, 24 Serins, 5 Goldfinches, 23 Linnets and a single Siskin.
Two Ravens were seen chasing each other along the cliffs below the Apes Den. The sighting of one new bird the previous day augers well and we hope they pair up and breed.
19 Mar: Cloudy with sunny spells in the morning with light to moderate westerly winds becoming fresh in the late morning and early afternoon with sunny spells until a weather front approached from the west bring rain and overcast skies. Raptor passage started early in the morning with a steady movement of raptors north, then after midday hundreds of Black Kites approached low over the sea and spiralled in flocks over the South Mole and harbour area until the rains ceased all passage. A total of 4149 Black Kites, with 2500 crossing in 40 minutes was quite a sight. Also seen were 6 Egyptian Vultures, 2 Griffon Vultures, 38 Short-toed Eagles, 7 Marsh Harriers, 3 Montagu's Harriers, 4 Ospreys, 6 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels, and single Merlin and Eleonora's Falcon. Also seen were 42 Black Storks, 12 Swallows, 6 Red-rumped Swallows, 3 House Martins, 4 Pallid Swifts and a Raven which is a new arrival as it has two good legs.
18 Mar: Clear skies with light southerly winds becoming moderate south-westerlies in the afternoon. A steady trickle of raptors across the Strait throughout the day with a total counted of 98 Black Kites, 4 Egyptian Vultures, 95 Short-toed Eagles, 20 Marsh Harriers, 31 Booted Eagles, 48 Sparrowhawks, 10 Ospreys, 2 Lesser Kestrels and single Montagu's Harrier and Eleonora's Falcon; both the first of the season. Six possibly migrant Peregrines were also seen as well as 2 White Storks, 18 Black Storks, 3 Swallows, 5 Red-rumped Swallows, and 10 Alpine Swifts.
Two Hoopoes were observed at the Botanic Gardens and another two were at Windmill Hill close to the entrance together with a male Subalpine Warbler.
17 Mar: Cloudy conditions with levanter winds becoming light and variable in the afternoon and turning to westerly with showers approaching from the Strait. The male Common Redstart seen the previous day at the Observatory was trapped and ringed. Also ringed were 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Iberian Chiffchaffs, and single Woodchat Shrike and the first Bonelli's Warbler of the season. Three Hoopoes were seen flying in the area.
There was a lot of activity at Windmill Hill as the wind dropped in the afternoon. The first Northern Wheatears of the season, three male birds, were feeding on the upper open area. Also present there were 12 Black Redstarts, 14 Stonechats, 4 Meadow Pipits, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, 2 Dartford Warblers, 6 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Subalpine Warblers, 6 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Hoopoes, 3 Woodchat Shrikes, 65 Spotless Starlings, 2 Chaffinches, 4 Serins, 17 Goldfinches, 7 Linnets, and single Song Thrush, Common Starling, Rock Bunting and Corn Bunting.
16 Mar: Light rain showers overnight with cloudy levanter conditions over the Rock. Winds moderate easterlies. A Hoopoe and an Iberian Chiffchaff were observed in the Botanic Gardens amongst other wintering birds.
At Europa Point there was a good passage of Gannets in the morning with between 200-300 birds heading out of the Mediterranean. Several Mediterranean Gulls were feeding with Black-headed Gulls below the point, and a couple of Great Skuas were observed offshore. Migrant birds were sheltering in the lee of the Europa foreshore with 8 Chiffchaffs, 5 Black Redstart, 2 Meadow Pipits and a Subalpine Warbler present.
At the Observatory a male Common Redstart was seen by the pond, a Tree Pipit flew north overhead, and the first Willow Warbler of the season was trapped and ringed. A visit to Windmill Hill proved fruitful with 2 Subalpine Warblers and single Dartford Warbler and Woodchat Shrike along with other wintering birds on the move that included 5 Black Redstarts, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, 3 Stonechats and a Song Thrush .
At least 8 Hoopoes were in the Governor's Lookout area of the Nature Reserve in the morning.
15 Mar: Mainly clear skies with some high cloud. Winds light variable becoming light to moderate easterly. At least 5 Hoopoes were seen along Signal Station road on the Nature Reserve. Also several sightings of a pair of Barbary Partridges along the same road. Five Red-rumped Swallows flew north at the Observatory.
14 Mar: Cloudy with sunny intervals. Winds light to moderate westerlies. A total of 31 Black Kites, 61 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 3 Booted Eagles, 31 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels, 4 White Storks, 3 Pallid Swifts, 102 Swallows, 8 Red-rumped Swallows, 6 House Martins, 7 Meadow Pipits, 60 Chaffinches, 7 Serins and 5 Linnets were counted heading north.
13 Mar: A slight improvement in the weather allowed some raptors to cross in between showers and strong westerly winds. A total of 326 Black Kites, 270 Short-toed Eagles, 9 Booted Eagles, 11 Sparrowhawks, 5 Kestrels, 6 Lesser Kestrels and a single Marsh Harrier were counted. Also seen were 2 White Storks, 44 Alpine Swifts including a flock of 40, 2 Swallows, 10 Meadow Pipits, 11 Chaffinches, 3 Serins and a single White Wagtail.
A Hoopoe was seen feeding on the recently laid green roof of the Engineer road carpark.
12 Mar: Gales and rain all day.
11 Mar: Fresh westerlies but some showers. A total of 281 Black Kites, 396 Short-Toed Eagles, 1 Griffon Vulture, 17 light and 2 dark phase Booted Eagles, 14 Sparrowhawks, 1 Lesser Kestrel, 2 Common Kestrels, 5 Barn Swallows, 4 House Martins, 5 Sand Martins, 1 Red-rumped Swallow, 12 Meadow Pipits, 3 Pallid Swift, 104 Chaffinches, 5 Serins, 10 Black Storks and 77 White Storks.
10 Mar: An improvement in the weather allowed raptors to cross for a total of 1570 Black Kites, 454 Short-Toed Eagles, 10 male and 1 female Marsh Harriers, 7 light and 1 dark phase Booted Eagles, 14 Egyptian Vultures, 13 Sparrowhawks, 8 Kestrels, 1 Lesser Kestrel, 441 White Storks, 41 Black Storks, 1 Meadow Pipit, 25 Barn Swallows and 1 Sand Martin.
4 Hoopoes at Jews Gate.
9 Mar: A trickle of raptors managed to cross in between rain showers and the strong westerly winds.A total of 130 Black Kite, 2 Short-Toed Eagle, 4 Sparrowhawk, 25 Black Stork (1flock), 6 Barn Swallows, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch and 100 Greenfinch (1flock), were counted.
1 Hoopoe at Queen's Road.
8 Mar: A break in the weather allowed raptors to cross the Strait. A total of 602 Short-Toed Eagles, 537 Black Kites, 7 adult Egyptian Vultures, 1 Griffon Vulture, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 dark and 4 light phase Booted Eagles, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Lesser Kestrels, 1 Kestrel, 206 White Storks, 13 Black Storks, 28 Barn Swallows, 3 Red-rumped Swallows, 59 House Martins, 23 Pallid Swifts 2 Serins and 3 Goldfinchs.
At the Observatory a Hoopoe was ringed as was the first male Subalpine Warbler of the spring migration.
5-7 Mar: Strong westerly gales and torrential rain throughout the last three days has stopped all migration.
3 Mar: There were 6 Great Cormorants at the Western end of the runway by the windsock, sheltering from the strong Easterly wind. They were later observed fishing in the Marina basin. One of them displaying the distinct white patches on the sides of breeding plumage. There was also a group of about 10 Black-headed Gulls also in the area.
At about 1500hrs a flock of about 56 Black Kites appeared from the low cloud base just above the town area by Gardiner's Road. After soaring for a while, they gained height and headed over the Rock towards North.
Total of raptors for the day were 150 Black Kites and a single Marsh Harrier. Also seen heading north were 11 Swallows, 20 House Martins and 23 Sand Martins,
02 Mar: A Hoopoe was seen around the Observatory and a a Goldcrest was trapped and ringed.
01 Mar: Mainly clear skies with some cloud in the afternoon. Winds light north westerly becoming light westerly in the evening. A trickle of raptors and some hirundines in the late morning and early afternoon produced a total of 573 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 23 Short-toed Eagles, 2 female Marsh Harriers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 30 Swallows, 10 Red-rumped Swallows, 161 House Martins, 2 Meadow Pipits, 6 Serins, 2 Goldfinches and a single Pallid Swift.
February
28 Feb: Light to moderate west to south westerly winds becoming fresh in the afternoon. raptor passage picked up after midday and continued throughout the afternoon. A total of 3566 Black Kites, 14 Short-toed Eagles, 5 Marsh Harriers, 4 Lesser Kestrels and single male Hen Harrier, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were counted. Also heading north were 25 White Storks, 7 Black Storks, 15 Swallows, 4 Red-rumped Swallows, 63 House Martins, 2 Meadow Pipits, 9 Greenfinches and 2 Serins.
25 Feb: Clear skies with light variable winds becoming light easterly. Only 5 Red-rumped Swallows and a single Swallow were recorded from the Observatory. Among birds trapped and ringed was a Wryneck that had been ringed the previous February and had been controlled in October as well. A Hoopoe was present around Jews' Gate.
24 Feb: Mainly clear skies with north to north westerly winds. passage was slow in the morning but picked up in the afternoon when the wind veered to westerly. The raptor total consisted of 415 Black Kites, 27Short-toed Eagles, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Lesser Kestrels, and a possible migrant Peregrine were counted. Also seen were 8 Black Storks, 14 Swallows, 7 Red-rumped Swallows, 44 House Martins, 5 Serins, 5 Meadow Pipits and 4 Greenfinches.
23 Feb: Mainly cloudy during the morning with some sunny spells during the afternoon. Winds fresh north-westerly becoming moderate north westerly in the afternoon. There was a steady movement of raptors and storks crossing the Strait, with many scattered across the sea. Several flocks of White Storks were a long way off soaring in mid Strait and arriving over the Spanish hills on the other side of the Bay, but some flocks made it into the bay and strayed over the Rock. A total of 164 White Storks and 47 Black Storks were counted throughout the day. Also seen were 1096 Black Kites, 12 Egyptian Vultures, 6 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Kestrels, and a single male Lesser Kestrel. Passerine migrants struggled in the strong head winds and only 20 House Martins, 8 Swallows, 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 2 Serins and 6 Greenfinches were counted.
22 Feb: Cloudy with overcast skies clearing during the morning, winds mainly westerly to north-westerly. A total of 121 Black Kites were counted at the Observatory. Also seen were 6 White Storks and a single Swallow. At Europa Point 2 Yellow Wagtails flew in from the sea, and a Hoopoe was seen at the Lathbury area.
21 Feb: Cloudy with overcast skies and heavy rain . Only 4 Black Kites were seen from the Observatory due to the adverse weather. The second Dartford Warbler of the season was trapped and ringed.
20 Feb: Clear skies with light westerly winds, becoming moderate north-westerly in the afternoon. There was a steady trickle of raptors over the Rock in the morning and this continued throughout the afternoon for a total of 178 Black Kites, 4 Egyptian Vultures, and single Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, and a male Marsh Harrier. A Long-legged Buzzard* was also observed and 40 White Storks and 2 Grey Herons flew up the bay. Few hirundines due to the northerlies but 29 House Martins were counted. Also seen were 16 Serins and 4 Meadow Pipit..
19 Feb: Cloud overcast skies with drizzle early in the morning. Winds were mainly easterly with an element of south-easterlies blowing across the Strait. In the afternoon torrential rain and thunderstorms affected the Rock. A flock of approximately 100 Cory's Shearwaters were seen from the Observatory early in the morning, as they approached Europa Point, blown close to the shore by the south-easterly winds.
18 Feb: Clear skies with light westerly winds in the morning becoming light and variable and turning to easterly after midday, with some levanter cloud. In the morning several flocks of Black Kites totalling 220 birds flew across the Bay. A visit to Windmill Hill produced 10 Meadow Pipits, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Stonechats and 2 Dartford Warblers.
17 Feb: Cloudy skies with some drizzle early in the morning. Winds light westerly turning to light north-westerlies. A Dartford Warbler and another Hoopoe were among birds ringed at the observatory. A single Black Kite, 26 House Martins, 8 Serins and a migrant Kestrel flew north The first Pallid Swift of the season was seen heading north early in the morning from the north end of the town, and a Kingfisher was observed at the western end of the runway by the harbour.
At Europa Point 150 Black-headed Gulls were still present, with several Gannets heading out of the Mediterranean on their way back to their breeding grounds. Also seen were 4 Balearic Shearwaters, 4 Great Skuas and a single adult Mediterranean Gull. A quick visit down to the Europa foreshore produced a Hoopoe, 2 Black Redstarts, 3 Chiffchaffs, and a lone Turnstone on the rocky shoreline; a remnant of the wintering flock.
16 Feb: Clear skies with a light variable wind turning to moderate south-westerly in the afternoon. At the Observatory the first Hoopoe of the year was trapped and ringed.
15 Feb: Clear skies with light easterly to light variable winds. The ringing effort commenced at the beginning of the month and has had good numbers of birds trapped and ringed on a daily basis. Some days the northerly winds have been blustery at the nets but the catching rate has been maintained and has resulted in good numbers of birds ringed. Today over 70 birds were trapped including several Crag Martins, a House Martin, the first Iberian Chiffchaff of the season, usual Blackcaps, Robins and Sardinian Warblers, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, a Sparrowhawk and a fine young male Rock Bunting.
14 Feb: Mainly clear skies with light to moderate westerly winds becoming light and variable. Several hirundines were observed from the Observatory and included 6 House Martins, 12 Swallows and the first 2 Red-rumped Swallows. At least 4 Cormorants were at the western end of the runway, together with several Black-headed Gulls and a Little Egret.
13 Feb: Clear skies with mainly north-westerly winds turning to west. At least 4 Black Kites, 22 House Martins and a single White Stork were seen over the Rock heading north.
12 Feb: A cloudy start to the morning with some showers overnight, but it soon cleared to reveal a mainly clear sky with moderate north-westerly winds. A Great Spotted Cuckoo was seen perched atop a tall palm tree in the Dell of the Botanic Gardens. The Cattle Egret was seen on the east side reclamation together with 3 Cormorants. A single Black Kite was seen over the Rock heading north.
11 Feb: Cloudy with overcast skies. Winds fresh to strong north-westerly. Only 10 Black Kites were recorded from the Observatory, but there was a good passage of House Martins with 157 birds counted, and included 11 Swallows. An afternoon watch at Europa Point produced a record 550 Black-headed Gulls feeding below the Point and resting on the cliffs. This is by far the largest recorded concentration of the species for over a decade. Also seen were 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Sandwich Terns and 4 Great Skuas.
Two Siskins were drinking from the pond at the offices of the Botanic Gardens. After several reports in the late autumn of passage birds moving south, this is the first report of the species this year.
10 Feb: Light variable winds turning to light to moderate south-westerly and then to north-westerly in the late afternoon. Two Griffon Vultures, 2 Black Storks, 10 House Martins and a Swallow were recorded heading north at the Observatory. Among wintering birds trapped and ringed were 4 Crag Martins and a Serin. Seven Cormorants and 20 Black-headed Gulls were observed at the western end of the runway. At Western beach, 4 Sanderlings were seen feeding along the tideline, and 6 Turnstones were still present at Europa Foreshore.
09 Feb: Clear skies with a light easterly wind turning to light northerly in the evening. A Griffon Vulture flew south high over the Sand Slopes on the east of the Rock chased by Yellow-legged Gulls. A Rock Bunting was discovered feeding in the low vegetation on the Sand Slopes by Blackstrap Cove.
08 Feb: Mainly clear skies with fresh north-westerly winds. A single Black Kite and 4 House Martins were observed heading north at the Observatory. A single Turnstone was feeding on the beach at Little Bay. At least 6 Cormorants were resting on the rocks at the far end of the beach.
06 Feb: Clear skies with a fresh northerly wind. At least 42 Black Kites were counted throughout the day from the Obvservatory. Also see were 34 House Martins and a Swallow.
05 Feb: Clear skies. Rather cold with a light easterly wind becoming light variable by midday and turning to light westerly in the afternoon. The Little Egret was observed on one of the barges inside Gibraltar harbour. The Raven was seen heading south over the airfield. A Sparrowhawk was seen in the net rides at the Observatory, and managed to get out of the net. Three Swallows headed north over the Observatory.
Little Egret on one of the barges in the harbour Photo: Eric Shaw
03 Feb: Clear skies with some high cloud in the evening. Winds light easterly turning to southerly in the afternoon and then strong easterly in the evening. A Cattle Egret flew high over Little Bay and headed north, and a Swallow was seen from the Observatory in the morning. There were 12 Cormorants resting on rocks at Little Bay and a Shag was feeding offshore at Camp Bay.
A Northern Peregrine F. peregrinus calidus was seen landed on the wall behind the mosque at Europa Point. The light appearence, thin moustachial stripe and larger size was apparent. The bird was chased across the Bay by the local female peregrine F. peregrinus brookei.
The Raven was seen over the Alameda Botanic Gardens.
02 Feb: mainly clear skies with some high cloud. Winds light to moderate south-westerly becoming northerly in the afternoon. A Black Kite was seen at 14:25, the second of the year, and 4 Swallows and a House Martin were observed from Jews' Gate Observatory..
January
31 Jan: Another visit to Western Beach produced another wader. This time a Common Sandpiper was found on the rocks at the far end of the beach. The Raven was seen over the town area in the afternoon.
30 Jan: Clear skies with light variable to light westerly winds. Three Sanderlings were feeding along the shoreline at Western Beach in the morning.
28 Jan: The first Black Kite of the season was seen arriving on the east side of the Rock, just after midday, at Blackstrap Cove. It soared on the updraughts and headed over Middle Hill.
29 Jan: Clear skies with light easterly winds. The Little Egret was seen again at Sandy Bay. A visit to the Europa foreshore in the morning to look for the Purple Sandpiper was unsuccessful; nevertheless the tally of Turnstones had increased to eight birds.
27 Jan: Mainly clear skies with moderate westerly winds, becoming cloudy in the afternoon with winds turning to northerly.. Five House Martins were seen together with Crag Martins heading south from Jews Gate. A walk along the Queen's Road on the Upper Rock produced three Firecrests together with other wintering birds.
A short visit to Europa Point in the afternoon confirmed that numbers of Black-headed Gulls at Europa Point during this winter were much higher than in previous years, with over 220 birds present. At least 120 were resting on the cliffs below the Lighthouse. Other birds present included a Cormorant feeding inshore, 2 Gannets, 5 Balearic Shearwaters heading west, a Sandwich Tern feeding and an adult Mediterranean Gull. A single House Martin flew north followed shortly by a flock of four more.
25 Jan: The Little Egret relocated to Sandy Bay where it was seen in the morning.
24 Jan: A Little Egret was observed in the evening at Little Bay.
23 Jan: Clear skies and a moderate north-westerly wind bringing cold temperatures to Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Raven, that sustained a serious injury on the 19th January, was observed by S. Shacaluga trying to land on a lampost in La Linea but unable to do so as its foot was dangling
20 Jan: Despite the Met Office predicting a continuation of the strong winds of the previous day, the morning was relative calm, and allowed for a visit to the Europa foreshore, as part of the winter bird count. The Cirl Bunting, seen on the 7th January, was again found there.
19 Jan: Very cloudy skies with heavy rain and gale force westerly to north-westerly winds. It was a very bad night with gust reaching 45-50 knots in the town and harbour, with the Meteorological Office reporting gusts of 100 knots at the top of the Rock. The remaining Raven was found in the Botanic Gardens, in a bedraggled state, having apparently sustained a serious injury to its leg during the storm, which was almost certainly broken and hanging. It was photographed, but could not be captured and was nowhere to be found in the afternoon.
Raven with a broken leg at the Botanic Gardens Photo. A. Abrines
17 Jan: Mainly clear skies with moderate westerly winds. Wintering birds at Governor's Lookout included several Song Thrushes, Chaffinches, Robins, Blackcaps and a Firecrest.
16 Jan: Cloudy with sunny intervals. Fresh north-westerly winds. A flock of approximately 100 White Storks were observed soaring over the northern of Gibraltar in the early afternoon. later on in the day a further flock of 50 White Storks arrived across the Strait and flew north.
12 Jan: Mainly clear skies with moderate west to north-west winds. The Purple Sandpiper was again observed at Europa foreshore in the company of the Turnstone flock.
Purple Sandpiper, (top left), and Turnstones at Europa foreshore Photo: S. Warr
07 Jan: Mainly clear skies with moderate west to north-westerly winds. A search for waders at Europa foreshore was unsuccessful. Nevertheless there were 2 Stonechats, and a female Cirl Bunting.
06 jan: A Long-legged Buzzard landed on the railings at the observation point at Jews' Gate, and was mobbed by yellow-legged Gulls.
05 Jan: The Purple Sandpiper was again observed on the rocks at Europa foreshore together with 6 Turnstones that were feeding at low tide on the exposed rocky shoreline.
01 Jan: Cloudy skies earlier in the morning with some rain showers and some sunny spells after midday. Winds fresh south-westerly becoming west by midday and turning to northerly later in the afternoon. A visit to Europa Point in the afternoon produced the biggest congregation of Black-headed Gulls at Europa Point for several years now, with over 220 birds feeding below the Point. At least 4 Sandwich Terns were also present and included several Gannets fishing close inshore , a first winter Mediterranean Gull and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls that flew past and headed east. Also present were two Cormorants and a Shag.
2012
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Spring Table of soaring birds
* pending rarities committee decision
December
31 Dec: Mainly clear skies with some high cloud increasing towards the afternoon and evening. Winds easterly becoming light and variable in the afternoon and evening. The Purple Sandpiper was relocated down at the Europa foreshore in the company of several Turnstones. It was photographed with pics below and on the homepage.
30 Dec: A light to moderate south-westerly wind and sunny with some high cloud. An intense birdwatch of different sites around the Rock, revealed a number of resident and wintering birds around Gibraltar, with the Alameda Botanic Gardens and Windmill Hill providing the most variety. Interesting observations included a Firecrest at the Botanic Gardens and a Dartford Warbler at Sandy Bay.
The favourable winds may have increased the number of Black-headed Gulls present at Europa Point, with numbers close to 120 birds. Some of them were resting on the ledge below the Point, where at least 40 Black-headed Gulls were resting together with a first winter Mediterranean Gull and in a corner was the Grey Heron seen recently. A wader that was observed sleeping on the rocks on the foreshore turned out to be a first for Gibraltar. A Purple Sandpiper*; a species that was predicted to turn up on the Rock, and is regular but rare along the Atlantic coastline and only recorded as a vagrant in the Mediterranean. It had been seen on occasions at Punta Secreta across the Bay, and along the rocky shoreline along Tarifa to Cadiz, but it had never been reported from Gibraltar. A wintering flock of at least 6 Turnstones at the foreshore may have encouraged this species to associate with them and stay in the area.
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima at the Europa foreshore Photo: J. Sanchez
28 Dec: Light easterly turning to light variable in the afternoon. A visit to Windmill Hill produced a variety of wintering birds that included 15 Black Redstarts, 18 Meadow Pipits, 5 Stonechats, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, 10 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Serins, 2 Chiffchaffs, 29 Spotless Starlings and 35 Common Starlings, and single Robin, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Blue Rock Thrush and Grey Wagtail.
Several Cormorants have been using the rocks past Little Bay as a resting and roosting site for several weeks now, with numbers fluctuating from 9 to 16 bird. On occasions they are joined by one or two Shags.
26 Dec: Clear skies and a fresh northerly wind. A Grey Heron was spotted heading south along Catalan Bay in the morning. It was relocated in the afternoon when it was observed sitting on rocks just offshore from Europa Point, from where it was chased by Yellow-legged Gulls.
Grey Heron at Europa Point. Photo Gerard Kelleher
25 Dec: A very Happy Christmas to everyone. it started off with heavy rains, thunder and lightning, and a strong westerly winds at 7 am but by mid morning the skies were clearing and there were sunny periods. The winds turned to a fresh north-westerly and this encouraged a flock of 34 White Storks that arrived very low over town at 13:30hrs. They quickly gained height over the northern end of the Rock and flew north.
11 Dec: Clear skies with moderate north-westerly winds in the morning become light westerly in the afternoon. Shortly before noon, most of the Yellow-legged Gulls from the Rock flew out squawking. The culprit was a Black Vulture that had flown close to the resting site at Rock Gun, and put up all the gulls. They promptly proceeded to mob the vulture which, after soaring over the Rock, flew back towards Spain.
Black Vulture over Rock Gun. Photos: C. Finlayson
10 Dec: Cloudy skies with some sunny spells. Light to moderate south westerly winds. Following a wet start to the autumn, the Botanic Gardens recovered from the drought conditions that affected the flora there during the past year. Wintering birds have been attracted to the site, with good numbers of Chaffinches, seen everywhere, and specially in the area of the Lion's Pond. Siskins are heard overhead on a daily basis, and Robins have set up wintering territories, with several Song Thrushes taking advantage of the fruiting olive trees in the garden. After an absence of several weeks, the first Chiffchaffs were finally seen at the site, with 5 birds, including one attracted to the nectar of the red flowering spikes of the Tree Aloe, which are already in flower.
Two Ravens were seen flying together over the Cable car top station in the evening.
09 Dec: Cloudy skies, including the pall of the levanter cloud over the Rock. Winds moderate easterly. In the evening a few White Wagtails were noticed on the roof of the air terminal. As it got progressively darker numbers increased, and there were soon over 20 birds lining the edge of the roof. Just before dark many descended into a small fig tree, a Ficus, at the far right of the entrance, and settled into the foliage. Further flocks of more White Wagtail, some of up to eight birds, arrived and flew into the tree, and just before dark the remainder of the wagtails on the roof entered the foliage of the tree and settled down to roost. The count of birds was an estimated 50-70 birds.
In the late 80s and early 90s, a large traditional roost of White Wagtails was located in the northern palm trees of the Boulevard by the war memorial. Here the birds would gather on the rooftop of Capurro's garage before settling into the palm tree. Counts at this site were in excess of 120 birds, and sometimes included Grey Wagtail as well.
So its nice to have discovered a new roost of this wintering bird, with some remaining to breed in the area as can be seen from past GONHS records.
04 Dec: A Sparrowhawk has been observed hunting around the Upper Rock, and has been seen for the last few days.
November
28 Nov: Clear skies with a fresh north-westerly wind. At about 11:00hrs in the morning a prospecting flock of over 130 Griffon Vultures and a Black Vulture flew in from Spain and over the Rock, where they gained some height. Most flew across the Bay towards Punta Carnero, but the Black Vulture and a few Griffons headed back north. The Common Buzzard was again seen over Middle Hill.
A flock of 7 Turnstones were observed and photographed resting on the coastal rocky shore line at Europa Point.
Photo: J. Sanchez
A flock of seven Ruddy Turnstones at Europa foreshore. Photo: J. Sanchez
27 Nov: Clear skies with moderate to fresh north-westerly winds. temperatures have dropped dramatically from a warm 20C to around 13C. A Common Buzzard, presumably the same bird that turned up last week, was again reported over Middle Hill.
26 Nov: Light easterly becoming light variable with clear skies and calm conditions in the bay and Strait. Clear skies with plenty of sunshine becoming cloudy in the evening. Plenty of Robins have now found wintering territories in the Botanic Gardens. At least 20 Chaffinches, 3 Song Thrushes,10 Blackcaps and a Siskin were also seen at this site.
A flock of at least 300 Starling sp. , which might have involved both Common and Spotless Starlings, were seen flying around Ragged Staff gates and then heading north. There have been reports of a large roost of Starling sp. in a pine tree in one of the gardens opposite Rosia Plaza.
25 Nov: Very cloudy with heavy levanter conditions. Winds moderate to fresh easterly. A flock of 4 Turnstones were observed on the rocks at the Europa foreshore.
20 Nov: Clear skies with some cloud heading in from the west. Winds moderate westerly. The Common Buzzard was again seen over the Rock this morning.
19 Nov: Clear skies with light variable to light westerly winds, becoming moderate south-west. A Common Buzzard was seen overflying Windmill Hill in the early afternoon. A visit to this site produced 50 Goldfinches, 8 Serin, 8 Siskin, 3 Black Redstarts, 2 Stonechats, 7 Meadow Pipits, and single Zitting Cisticolas and a Skylark. Several flocks of Goldfinches and small flocks of Siskin were heard overhead heading south.
18 Nov: Cloudy with light variable winds. Calm conditions in the bay and Strait. Eight Sandwich Terns were feeding offshore at Camp Bay and 12 Cormorants were on the rocks at Little Bay.
Only 12 Black-headed Gulls remained at Europa Point, and several gannets were feeding offshore. Several small flocks of Balearic Shearwaters were heading west out of the Mediterranean.
17 Nov: Cloudy with showers in the morning with west to north west winds, clearing slightly in the afternoon. At Europa Point there were 20 Black-headed Gulls feeding below the point with some 10 Gannets offshore.
A total of 14 Cormorants were preening and drying their wings on the rocks at Little Bay.
16 Nov: Heavy levanter cloud with moderate easterly winds. Some brighter spells in the Bay and Strait in the afternoon. A light phase Booted Eagle was observed soaring over the Botanic Gardens in the morning.
15 Nov: Cloudy with heavy levanter cloud and fresh easterly winds. Over 50 birds were trapped at the Observatory and included only the second Little Bunting for Gibraltar; the first was also trapped and ringed at the Observatory last September. The bird, a first-year euring 3, was caught at the pond nets by Derek Gruar and Bettina Manner, on the last day of the ringing session this autumn.
Juvenile Little Bunting ringed at the Observatory. Photo: K. Bensusan
An Osprey was observed landed on the runway for about 20 minutes, but was soon scared off by the airport authorities.
14 Nov: Clear skies with light westerly winds becoming light variable, and turning to a moderate easterly in the afternoon with a levanter cloud.
13 Nov: Clear skies with light to moderate north-westerly winds. A pair of Black Storks were seen soaring over town in the morning, and a Common Buzzard flew over the Rock and then returned across town and headed north.
A Common Sandpiper was feeding along the rocks at Westview Promenade and a Cormorant flew over the same site.
12 Nov: Clear skies with moderate northerly winds becoming light easterly in the afternoon. A total of 37 new birds were trapped and ringed at the Observatory and included 12 Black Redstarts, 11 Robins, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Chaffinches and a Greenfinch. A Mistle Thrush was seen close to the Observatory in the netting area.
11 Nov: Mainly clear skies with fresh to strong northerly winds. The weather conditions prevented a larger catch of birds but a total of 29 new birds was a good total, and included 9 Black Redstarts, 8 Robins, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Chaffinches and single Song Thrush and Greenfinch.
A Dartford Warbler was present on the Upper Rock in scrub habitat.
Dartford Warbler peering out from Lentisc and Genista bushes. Photo. Jonathan Perera
10 Nov: Some rain showers in the morning clearing in the afternoon to give sunny spells. Winds moderate westerly. A total of 43 new birds were ringed at the Observatory and included 22 Black Redstarts, 10 Robins, 5 Blackcaps, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Chiffchaffs and a single Chaffinch.
09 Nov: Showers with cloudy skies and variable winds turning to westerly. A total of 62 birds were ringed at the Observatory and included 35 Black Redstarts, 11 Robins, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Greenfinches, and single Blackbird, Greenfinch and another late Common Redstart.
A visit to the Europa foreshore produced several migrant and wintering birds in the coastal vegetation that included 12 Black Redstarts, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Stonechats and single Robin and Blackcap. Offshore there were 5 Gannets, 6 Cormorants, 7 Black-headed Gulls feeding with 10 Sandwich Terns and 3 very late Black Terns.
08 Nov: Very cloudy with overcast skies and a levanter cloud over the Rock. Winds strong easterlies. A fall of migrants had occurred overnight and there were hundreds of Black Redstarts around the Observatory. With only four nets, a total of 156 birds were trapped among which 115 were Black Redstarts, 12 Blackcaps, 17 Robins, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Sardinian Warblers, and single Stonechat, Greenfinch and Chaffinch.
A flock of 50 Cory's Shearwaters were seen from the Observatory as they flew into the shelter of Camp Bay.
07 Nov: Heavy rains continued throughout the day with strong easterly winds. Only the pond nets could be opened which caught 19 new birds and included 15 Black Redstarts, 3 Blackcaps and a Robin.
A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the low vegetation on Windmill Hill in the evening.
06 Nov: Heavy and torrential rain throughout most of the day. Winds easterly. Some birds were trapped in between breaks in the weather and included 8 Blackcaps, 2 Black Redstarts, 2 Song Thrushes, and single Sardinian Warbler and Chaffinch but an unexpected catch of two very late trans-Saharan migrants was welcome; these were a Common Redstart and a Willow Warbler.
05 Nov: Overcast skies with light to moderate easterly winds. Some showers during the day. Gannets were feeding offshore at Eastern beach, and a juvenile Flamingo was observed flying south along the coast, but turned back and headed north.
Juvenile Flamingo at Eastern beach Photo: Tommy Finlayson
Conditions were better at the Observatory and a total of 68 birds were trapped and ringed. These included 25 Blackcaps, 20 Black Redstarts, 12 Robins, 4 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs, and single Greenfinch, Goldfinch and a Goldcrest; a rare bird in Gibraltar, and only the eighth recent record..
04 Nov: Overcast skies and heavy rain and fresh to strong westerly winds. In the afternoon, a flock of approximately 150 White Storks which had been blown to the east of the Strait, managed to head towards Europa Point, with three individuals making a landfall on the Europa cricket pitch. The rest continued north gathering height over the cliffs at Windmill Hil, and headed out towards the Bayl.
Part of the flock of150 White Storks over Europa Point Photo: John Sanchez
Two of the three White Storks on the Europa cricket grounds Photo: J. Sanchez
Ringing was managed between breaks in the weather but the strong winds prevented most nets being opened. A total of 23 birds were ringed with 10 Blackcaps, 9 Robins, 2 Black Redstarts, and single Song Thrush and Sardinian Warbler.
03 Nov: Overcast with heavy rain showers approaching from the west with a strong south-westerly wind increasing in the afternoon. A flock of 4 Grey-lag Geese arrived from the north and flew over Westside heading south.
The bad weather prevented most of the ringing operation, but a few birds were trapped between breaks in the weather. These included 13 Robins, 8 Blackcaps, 5 Black Redstarts, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Sardinian Warblers, and single Greenfinch and Chaffinch. A Brambling was seen and heard flying overhead.
02 Nov: Cloudy with fresh south-westerly winds and some rain showers. Only 11 new birds were ringed at the Observatory with 4 Blackcaps, 6 Black Redstarts and a Robin.
01 Nov: Overcast with low cloud and light variable winds and a steady drizzle in the early morning, clearing by midday with some bright sunny spells in the afternoon when winds picked up from the north-west. Finch passage over the Rock was steady with many flocks of Goldfinches, and Serins heading north over the Rock. Some Siskins were also heard. Finches were also attempting to cross at Europa Point where a flock of over 90 individuals had accumulated as more arrived on the scene, and were accompanied by several smaller flocks of Serins, Siskins and Greenfinches. A few Crag Martin, and single Swallow also headed south.
A Sanderling was observed in Rosia Bay.
An interesting find was a Calandra Lark that was reported by A. Fortuna at the foreshore. A very localised bird in the area close to Tarifa by El Santuario and La Janda but uncommon elsewhere and especially in Gibraltar, where the last one was recorded 35 years ago.
Offshore there were 35 Black-headed Gulls feeding below the Point, together with several Sandwich Terns and a few Gannets.
October
31 Oct: Light easterly early in the morning becoming light variable to light westerly by midday. Levanter cloud dissipating early but westerly cloud moving in with some sunny spells. Just after midday a flock of 82 Griffon Vultures flew in over the Rock and then headed back west over the Bay.
30 Oct: Heavy levanter cloud with moderate to fresh easterly winds. Rain starting early in the morning and continuing throughout the day. Not much activity due to the inclement weather but there was a significant number of arrivals of wintering birds in the Botanic Gardens with many Blackcaps and Robins calling. A Grey Wagtaill was also heard overhead.
29 Oct: Cloudy skies with levanter cloud and a fresh north-east wind blowing and feeling rather cold. It was very windy in the town and harbour areas and the Botanic Gardens where there were many Blackcaps and Robins were very vocal, calling from the dense maquis. Several Song Thrushes were also seen and heard.
By contrast it was very calm at the Observatory with a significant number of birds in the vicinity with many Black Redstarts, Blackcaps, Greenfinches and Robins coming to drink at the pond. At one time there were twelve birds there. In the upper net rides, many Black Redstarts and Song Thrushes were about with Greenfinches calling from the adjacent bushes. Unfortunately the ringing station is not manned this week, although severe weather is forecast for the next few days.
28 Oct: Light northerly winds with clear skies early in the morning soon turned to a fresh north-easterly with high cloud from the east and the levanter cloud developing over the Rock. At least 9 Griffon Vultures flew in along the east coast towards the north face of the Rock, with most returning north. One tired individual landed by the Cross of Sacrifice and was picked up by the Raptor Rehabilitation Team.
At least 50 Crag Martins were feeding along the cliffs at Parsons Lodge and Camp Bay, where there were some Black Redstarts feeding on the red berries of Lentisc bushes.
At Europa Point some 12 Black-headed Gulls were feeding below the point with an adult Mediterranean Gull. Offshore the northerly winds were blowing Gannets away from land, whilst a lone Cormorant flew east.
There were 6 Cormorants on the rocks off Little Bay.
27 Oct: Mainly clear skies with some cloud developing throughout the day, with moderate northerly winds. Several small flocks of Griffon Vultures numbering in total 45 birds, flew towards the Rock in the morning and after gaining height most crossed the Bay back into Spain with others heading back north. Also seen were two Short-toed Eagles which may have headed south.
There was a constant passage of finches throughout the morning, with many heading over the ridge of the Rock and many flocks moving south over town. The main species involved were Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Serins. One flock of Linnets and two Siskins were also seen. Also heading south were numerous flocks of Crag Martins and a single Swallow.
The ringing team managed a quick morning session before leaving, and caught 24 birds, with 9 Blackcaps, 7 Black Redstarts, 3 Robins, 3 Song Thrushes, and single Chaffinch and the first Dunnock of the season.
Nine Cormorants were counted resting on the rocks off Little Bay.
26 Oct: Mainly cloudy with fresh west to south-westerly winds. Rather windy at the Observatory, nevertheless 45 new birds were ringed, with 12 Blackcaps, 10 Black Redstarts, 8 Robins, 8 Chaffinches, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Linnets and a single Goldfinch, and two very late trans-Saharan migrants, a Garden Warbler and a Nightingale.
25 Oct: A very unsettled day with moderate easterly winds and rain throughout most of the day. At the Observatory a total of 104 new birds were ringed between breaks in the weather. The main species were Blackcaps and Black Redstarts with 51 and 30 birds respectively. Also trapped were 11 Robins, 4 Song Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Greenfinches and 2 Sardinian Warblers and single Garden Warbler and a Reed Warbler.
24 Oct: The easterly winds picked up during the night with some rain during the early morning. This must have contributed to a large fall of migrants and luckily for the ringers at the Observatory, the rain stopped and ringing resumed for most of the day with a spectacular catch of 262 new birds ringed and 2 foreign controls, a French and German Blackcaps. The three main species caught were Blackcaps, Black Redstarts and Robins with 109, 51 and 50 birds ringed respectively. There were also good numbers of Song Thrushes about with 24 trapped, and catches included 7 Greenfinches, 6 Sardinian Warblers, 6 Chaffinches, 4 Chiffchaffs 2 Common Redstarts, and single Goldfinch, Dartford Warbler and another Bluethroat.
The weather also grounded a flock of 10 Stone Curlews on Windmill Hill.
23 Oct: Light to moderate easterly with some high cloud and the levanter cloud developing in the afternoon. The calm conditions at the Observatory were optimal for bird ringing and catches improved with 158 new birds ringed throughout the day. These included 46 Blackcaps with one foreign control from Belgium, 49 Robins,the first big arrival of Black Redstarts with 32 birds, 8 Chiffchaffs, 7 Chaffinches, 4 Greenfinches, 2 Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Bluethroats, 2 Sardinian Warblers, and single Common Redstart, Linnet, Serin, and Blue Tit.
Visual migration was significant with many flocks of finches and several flocks of Meadow Pipits heading south.
22 Oct: Mainly clear skies with light to moderate westerly wind, becoming light and variable. The group got started in the early morning until just after midday and caught a total of 53 birds with 31 Blackcaps, 9 Robins, 3 Black Redstarts, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Greenfinches and single Sardinian Warbler, Song Thrush, a late Garden Warbler and a Meadow Pipit in atypical habitat.
21 Oct: Clear skies with some high cloud and moderate westerly winds. A team from the Shrewsbury Ringing Group arrived in Gibraltar today for a week, and although the weather forecast is not too promising for midweek we hope they enjoy their stay. Some ringing took place in the morning before the hand over to the new team, and a total of 19 new birds were ringed which included 9 Blackcaps, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs, and single Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Common Redstart, Robin, Wren and Greenfinch.
20 Oct: Cloudy with fresh westerly winds. Rather windy at the Observatory and therefore catches were poor. Only 13 new birds were trapped with 7 Blackcaps, 2 Robins, 2 Chiffchaffs, and single Blue Tit and a Blackbird.
19 Oct: Very cloudy with rain throughout most of the day. Winds light variable becoming moderate westerly. Only 5 birds were trapped at the pond net; 3 Blackcaps and single Common Redstart and Chiffchaff.
18 Oct: Heavy levanter cloud with moderate easterly winds. A good day at the Observatory with 145 new birds ringed including 2 foreign controls; a British and Belgian Blackcaps. The most common species was again Blackcap with 114 birds trapped. Other birds included 12 Robins, 4 Sardinian Warblers, 7 Greenfinches, 3 Song Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs, and single Chaffinch, Firecrest and a Common Nightjar.
17 Oct: Moderate easterly winds with some levanter cloud over the Rock. Ringers were busy with 70 birds mainly caught during the early morning. Among the species trapped were 32 Blackcaps, 19 Robins, 7 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Black Redstarts, 2 Greenfinches and single Pied Flycatcher, Stonechat, Common Redstart, Garden Warbler and Song Thrush.
The Tawny Owl that was looking rather poorly in the Botanic Gardens a few days ago was found dead; presumably the result of rodenticide.
16 Oct: Cloudy skies with light to moderate easterly winds. A total of 103 new birds were ringed with a significant arrival of wintering Blackcaps and Robins with 51 and 31 of each respectively and included a foreign control, a German Robin. Among other birds caught were 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Song Thrushes, 3 Sardinian Warbler, 2 Black Redstarts, 2 Greenfinches and single Garden Warbler, Stonechat and Crag Martin.
15 Oct: Mainly clear skies with some high cloud. Winds moderate to fresh westerly. The winds were quite strong at the Observatory and prevented the use of the top net rides. Only nine new birds were ringed and included 3 Blackcaps, 2 Greenfinches, and single Robin, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff and a late Whinchat.
In the late afternoon a female Marsh Harrier was seen flying over the Rock in a northerly direction.
The Tawny Owl was seen again at the Lions Pond at the Botanic Gardens.
At Europa Point, 7 Turnstones were feeding among the rocks at the Foreshore. A Whinchat was present there and 2 Audouin's Gulls flew west.
14 Oct: Clear skies with fresh northerly winds. A total of 37 new birds were trapped at the Observatory with Blackcaps the most common species with 24 birds, followed by 7 Greenfinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, and single Scops Owl, Sardinian Warbler, Robin and a late Reed Warbler.
Two Booted Eagles flew over the Rock but later returned north.
A Cormorant was seen in the vicinity of the marina at Ocean Village, the first of the season at this site.
13 Oct: Clear skies with light to moderate north-westerly winds. Light winds improved catches though by mid morning the winds had freshened and the top nets were unusable. The first Black Redstarts of the season were trapped with 2 birds caught, and the total included 24 Blackcaps, 3 Robins, and single Sardinian Warbler and Chaffinch. Several Sparrowhawks were hunting around the Observatory, but avoided the nets.
At Europa Point Cory's Shearwaters were again present in moderate numbers with at least over 100 birds present. Gannets were also fishing offshore and 2 Black-headed Gulls stopped briefly at the Europa outfall.
A Sparrowhawk was seen in the late afternoon over the Rock.
A Tawny Owl was seen on the fountain of the Dell at the Botanic Gardens and allowed very close approac, which led us to believe that it was a sick bird.
12 Oct: Clear skies with moderate west to north westerly winds. Windy and sunny in the netting site preventing birds being trapped. A total of 19 birds for the morning with 7 Blackcaps, 5 Robins, 2 Greenfinches and single Sardinian Warbler, Common Redstart and a nice Wryneck.
In the afternoon, a juvenile Imperial Eagle flew low over Windmill Hill and headed north, and an Eleonora's Falcon was observed over the Observatory in the evening as it flew in from the east side of the Rock and continued north.
Juvenile Imperial Eagle (taken with a mobile phone) Photo: Matthew Holgado
11 Oct: Mainly cloudy with sunny periods throughout the day. Winds moderate west to north west. Another Common Nightjar was caught today, but the northerlies influenced the catching rate and only a total of 28 birds were ringed. Amongst other species were 10 Blackcaps, 4 Robins, 2 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Greenfinches, and single Chiffchaff, Blue Tit and Garden Warbler.
Two Booted Eagles were over the Observatory mid morning, and a Pied Flycatcher was seen in the Botanic Gardens.
10 Oct: Fog earlier in the morning dissipating as a light westerly breeze developed, freshening in the afternoon. Mainly sunny with some high cloud.
The first Song Thrush of the season was trapped and ringed this morning. Common Nightjar passage is still active and another was caught today, the seventh this autumn. Trans-Saharan migrants are now tailing off, but some are still going through with 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Common Redstarts and 2 Garden Warblers ringed. Arrival of wintering birds made up most of the total with 41 Blackcaps, 14 Robins 4 Sardinian Warblers and 3 Chiffchaffs.
09 Oct: Light variable winds becoming light westerly in the late morning but turning light easterly again in the afternoon with fog creeping over the town and harbour in the evening. A juvenile male Common Redstart was seen at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens.
Ringers were again kept busy with 76 new birds trapped. Blackcaps were again the most numerous species with 50 birds followed by 11 Robins, 4 Greenfinches, 4 Sardinian Warblers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Willow Warblers and single Garden Warbler and Common Redstart.
08 Oct: Light variable to light easterly winds continue with fog banks off the eastern side of the Rock. A solitary Booted Eagle has been hunting over the south district gardens for the last week and was seen inspecting the Botanic Gardens in the afternoon.
Another good morning at the Observatory with 125 new birds ringed, of which 96 were Blackcaps. Other birds included 9 Robins, 7 Sardinian Warblers, 4 Common Redstarts, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers and single Common Nightjar and Red-necked Nightjar.
07 Oct: Light easterly winds with some cloud in the morning clearing by midday. At least 14 Booted Eagles were counted from the Observatory at the southern end of the Rock.
Over 100 birds were trapped and ringed at the Observatory and included 77 Blackcaps, 14 Robins, 6 Sardinian Warblers, 6 Common Redstarts, 3 Garden Warblers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Greenfinches, and single Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Stonechat.
06 Oct: Eurobirdwatch day was celebrated at the Botanic Gardens with a ringing demonstration, raptor display by the Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, and birdwatching walks around the gardens. A quiet start to the morning with levanter cloud developing late, and light easterly winds. Families soon begun to arrive and to the delight of several children, were shown Blackcaps, Blackbirds and a Garden Warbler in the hand. Captive raptors on display included, a Red-tailed Hawk, Bonelli's, Short-toed and Booted Eagles, and Peregrine and Saker Falcons. The local Peregrine was watched by visitors as it stooped into a flock of Spotless Starlings but was unsuccessful.
Eurobirdwatch resumed at Europa Point in the afternoon where a crowd of observers and visitors were able to enjoy close views of an adult and juvenile Gannets diving on the Grey Mullet shoals, and flocks of Balearic Shearwaters and Corys Shearwaters heading west to join a feeding frenzy a mile and ahalf offshore. There, Common Dolphins were seen feeding on the fish shoals with Gannets diving into them as well. A Pomarine Skua flew east and 2 Great Skuas flew west, and several small flocks of Sandwich Terns were also seen offshore. Overhead the first Crag Martins of the season, a flock of 15 birds attempted to cross the Strait, but returned north.
At the Observatory 76 new Blackcaps were ringed. Other species included 4 Sardinian Warblers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 Blackbirds, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Robins and single Common Nightjar, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff.
05 Oct: A foggy start to the morning with fog creeping in from the east and levanter cloud hanging over the Rock until after midday when the skies cleared. Sparrowhawks were heading south over the ridge of the Rock and crossing the Strait, and at least 15 Booted Eagles were observed over the southern end of the Rock.
Another Blackcap day at the Observatory with 42 birds ringed. Also trapped were 7 Robins, 3 Common Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Blue Tits, 2 Sardinian Warblers, and single Common Nightjar, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher and Firecrest.
04 Oct: Another day of easterlies with cloud in the morning clearing after midday. A flock of several Booted Eagles and a few Short-toed Eagles flew over the Rock as the cloud cleared, but then returned north.
Ringers at the Observatory processed a total of 71 new birds , with Blackcaps the most common species with 43 birds, and included a Spanish control. Also trapped were 7 Robins, 6 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Scops Owls, 2 Whitethroats, and single Willow Warbler, Firecrest, Garden Warbler, Greenfinch and Great Tit.
A flock of 18 Flamingoes were observed from the Observatory as they flew north into the Bay of Gibraltar.
03 Oct: Light easterlies continuing with heavy levanter cloud throughout the morning breaking up to reveal a hot and sunny afternoon. The mornings tally at the Observatory was 98 birds with Blackcaps featuring as the main arrival with 67 birds. Seven Robins and 5 Sardinian Warblers, 3 Greenfinches and 2 Blue Tits, together with single Garden Warbler, Common Nightjar, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Serin, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler made up the rest of the total. One of the Blackcaps was a Belgian control.
Just before midday several Booted Eagles flew in over the Rock but returned northwards soon after.
02 Oct: Light easterly winds with heavy levanter cloud in the morning clearing at around midday. The Observatory was again very busy this morning with plenty of birds to ring. Two Common Nightjars, a Red-necked Nightjar and a Scops Owl were the first birds caught in the early hours of the morning, and as birds began to move the totals of other species soon built up. Trans-Saharan migrants included 5 Garden Warblers,6 Willow Warblers, 2 Nightingales and single Common Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Reed Warbler. A Dartford Warbler was an early individual, and resident and arrival of wintering birds accounted for most of the total with 42 Blackcaps, 5 Robins, 2 Blue Tits 2 Blackbirds 6 Sardinian Warblers and 4 Greenfinches. One of the Blue Tits turned out to be a Spanish control.
At midday several Booted Eagles flew low over town and gathered height over the Rock before returning north.
01 Oct: Just after midnight the winds turned to easterly, and the morning dawned with the heavy pall of the levanter cloud over the Rock. Ringers which had arrived at the Observatory for a few weeks were greeted by a good fall of migrants, with over 50 birds in the first round, with the total reaching over 80 by midday. Species trapped and ringed included 5 Reed Warblers, 11 Willow Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 9 Garden Warblers, 4 Common Redstarts, 11 Robins, 40 Blackcaps and 12 Sardinian Warblers, 3 Pied Flycatcher, and single Sparrowhawk, Bonelli's Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Stonechat and Sparrowhawk. A Hoopoe was sighted around the Observatory and an Iberian Chiffchaff was heard in the undergrowth. Overhead single Sparrowhawk and a Honey Buzzard flew south.
A visit to Windmill Hill produced several migrants and arrival of wintering birds and included 5 Northern Wheatears, 25 Stonechats, 4 Whinchats, 9 Willow Warblers, 4 Redstarts, 2 Zitting Cisticolas and a single Subalpine Warbler.
September
30 Sept: Mainly clear skies with some cloud from the west. A visit to the North Front Cemetery only produced one migrant, but a nice one at that, a Bluethroat.
There was a feeding frenzy of Dolphins off Europa Point, with over 100 Cory's Shearwaters and several Gannets in attendance. Also seen were 27 Sandwich Terns heading west and a Cormorant flew south.
29 Sept: Mainly overcast skies with light westerly winds. Windmill Hill had another turnover of migrants with 4 Northern Wheatears, 2 Nightingales, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Willow Warblers, and single male Redstart, juvenile Woodchat Shrike, Zitting Cisticola, Whitethroat and Bluethroat. Sardinian Warblers and Blackbirds were very numerous and at least 7 Blue Rock Thrushes were present. A covey of 4 Barbary Partridges was encouraging after the decline of the species at this site.
28 Sept: The last rain showers fell during the morning, with cloudy skies and moderate westerly winds throughout the day. A visit to Windmill Hill produced several species that had been grounded by the weather. These included 2 Stonechats, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Woodchat Shrikes, 2 Corn Buntings, and single Whitethroat, Nightingale, Zitting Cisticola, Whinchat, Spectacled Warbler and a vagrant Lesser Whitethroat*. Thirty Sardinian Warblers, 11 Blackbirds and 4 Blue Rock Thrushes were indicative of some migratory movement or dispersal, and resident birds also included 17 House Sparrows and 37 Spotless Starlings. A Marsh Harrier also flew south overhead.
26-27 Sept: Finally the weather broke and we had a westerly frontal system with torrential rain for most of the two days with several thunder storms added to it. Not much birding during this period though.
25 Sept: Mainly clear skies with moderate westerly winds. A walk around Mediterranean Steps produced a Northern Wheatear. Overhead a flock of 8 Black Storks and 23 Honey Buzzard were seen. Three Pied Flycatchers were present in the Botanic Gardens.
23 Sept: Light easterly turning to light to moderate westerly in the afternoon. By mid morning the Booted Eagles were back with at least 150 birds arriving to the south of the Rock. Also seen were 3 Short-toed Eagles, several Sparrowhawks and a Marsh Harrier.
In the late afternoon a feeding frenzy off Europa Point consisted of several pods of Common Dolphins together with at least 200 Cory's Shearwaters and 50 Balearic Shearwaters. Also present were several Gannets diving on the flying fish, and offshore Sandwich Terns were heading west..
Trans-Saharan migrants ringed at the Observatory in the morning included 7 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Common Redstarts and 2 Garden Warblers.
22 Sept: A calm start to the morning with light westerly winds bringing in fog from the Strait that cleared mid morning. Booted Eagles in several flocks flew in over the town and harbour and soared over the Rock, providing an incredible spectacle, with over 500 birds present. With them were several Short-toed Eagles, 12 Honey Buzzards, 3 Egyptian Vultures, 9 Black Kites, several Sparrowhawks and a lone Osprey that flew low over Watergardens. Most birds again flew back north, as the poor visibility across the Strait prevented a crossing. Most migrants had departed from Windmill Hill, but 3 Northern Wheatears, and a new Melodious Warbler and Chiffchaff were present, among resident birds..
21 Sept: Fresh easterlies and levanter cloud in the morning, clearing mid afternoon. As the cloud cleared and winds eased, Booted Eagles started to head in towards the Rock. There were several flocks numbering at least 260 Booted Eagles soaring over different parts of the Upper Rock. One flock of 65 Black Kites and a single Red Kite headed south over the Rock, with several more Black Kites later on. Three Egyptian Vultures and 3 Marsh Harriers and several Sparrowhawks were also seen within the flocks.
Windmill Hill and most areas of the Upper Rock are looking very parched, with very little rain in the past 18 months, and one of the driest winters on record, the vegetation is suffering. Birds at Windmill Hill were finding it hard to get invertebrates, but there were several migrants at the site. Among the trans-Saharan species were 2 Northern Wheatears, 4 Whinchats, 4 Common Redstarts, 4 Pied Flycatchers, and single Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail and Turtle Dove. A flock of about 15 Swallows were feeding along the edge of the cliff in the company of a lone Sand Martin. Also present were 15 Sardinian Warblers, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, 3 Blue Rock Thrushes, and several Blackbirds.
20 Sept: The levanter conditions returned early this morning, with fresh easterly winds and cloud that covered the Rock and Strait. Overhead a Short-toed Lark was heard and Yellow Wagtails flew around the Observatory before returning to the open ground at Windmill Hill.
The ringing effort produced 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 Garden Warblers and a single Subalpine Warbler.
19 Sept: Very cloudy conditions early in the morning with cloud breaking up mid morning and providing sunny intervals. Winds fresh westerly and cooler than of late. There was some raptor passage throughout the day although numbers were low, but a total of 248 Honey Buzzards, 4 Marsh Harriers, and 8 Sparrowhawks were counted at intervals throughout the morning and afternoon. Two Ravens were also seen; the remaining resident and a new arrival. The birds were seen to display to each other, tumbling and performing acrobatic displays.
18 Sept: Light variable winds becoming light westerly in the late morning and afternoon. Mainly clear skies with some high cloud. A trickle of passerine migrants were trapped at the Observatory and included 7 Pied Flycatchers, and single Subalpine Warbler, Garden Warbler, Iberian Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
17 Sept: Predominantly southerly winds throughout the day with clear skies. At least 8 Pied Flycatchers were present in the Botanic Gardens. At Jews' Gate Observatory, a Tree Pipit flew overhead, but trapping was slow with only 3 Pied Flycatchers and 3 Garden Warblers caught, among other resident birds.
16 Sept: Light winds becoming light to moderate westerly in the Strait. A boat trip, organised by the Gibraltar Museum, into the Bay and the Straits area off Europa Point was very successful. There were several rafts of Cory's Shearwaters offshore numbering several hundred birds, specially in the proximity of pods of Common and Striped Dolphins. Balearic Shearwaters were also present but only a few were seen. At least 40 Gannets were seen with several immatures present, one adult and the first juveniles arriving in the area. A Mediterranean Gull and an Audouin's Gull were seen close to Europa Point, and another first-year bird of the latter species was observed offshore. Several small flocks of terns flew past with Common, Black and Sandwich Terns present. A Pomarine Skua chased one of the terns, and single Arctic and Great Skua were also recorded. Single Honey Buzzards were seen in mid Strait and along the east side of the Rock, and a male a female Marsh Harrier were observed as they arrived over the ridge at the Cable Car Station.
Clear skies were not productive for passerines with only 8 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, and single Nightingale, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler trapped and ringed, together with other resident birds.
A two hour watch from land at Europa Point produced 10 Audouin's Gulls, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Sandwich Terns, 3 Gannets and a single Cormorant. Cory's Shearwaters were very active offshore chasing flying fish.
15 Sept: The levanter cloud remained over the Rock in the early hours of the morning, and a search of the Upper Rock roads produced 2 Red-necked Nightjars resting in the middle of the road. The easterly conditions were beneficial to the start of the ringing effort with many birds trapped and ringed and included several trans-Saharan migrants with 6 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Nightingales, 4Garden Warblers, 4 Willow Warbler and single Iberian Chiffchaff and Northern Wheatear.
The first Cormorant of the season was at Camp Bay.
14 Sept: Heavy levanter cloud with fresh easterly winds. In the afternoon several Booted and Short-toed Eagles flew in over the Rock but soon returned north. One Booted Eagle has remained on the Rock for the last few days and has been seen hunting and roosting in the Mount Gardens.
12 Sept: Light variable winds for the last two days with light easterly over the Rock, and south-westerly sea breezes in the Strait. At least 7 Pied Flycatchers and single Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler and Common Redstart in the Botanic Gardens.
10 Sept: The morning started with light westerly winds, but the strength soon picked up and so did the raptors. Passage of Honey Buzzards was concentrated to the east of the Rock with flocks soaring on thermals produced on the deck of ships at the anchorage. Many then headed towards the Rock, with others having picked up a considerable height and difficult to locate. A Griffon Vulture soared for an hour off the east side cliffs before heading towards the observer and landing on top of the Cable Car Station. A count was made mid morning and resumed in the late afternoon, and many birds were missed. Overall a good total of 1070 Honey Buzzards, 147 Black Kites, 3 Egyptian Vultures, 15 Marsh Harriers, 9 Montagu's Harriers, 11 Booted Eagles, 26 Sparrowhawks, 6 Lesser Kestrels, 4 Common Kestrels and single Short-toed Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Osprey and Eleonora's Falcon made for an interesting and entertaining day.
Another visit to Windmill Hill produced several migrants and included 2 Northern Wheatears, 3 Black-eared Wheatears, 5 Whinchats, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, and single Woodchat Shrike and Ortolan Bunting.
Around Jews' Gate there were at least 8 Nightingales uttering their alarm call. Also heard was a Tree Pipit and three Tawny Pipits overhead. A Robin was heard calling from a bush and several Pied Flycatchers were flushed from the side of the road.
9 Sept: Finally winds returned to westerlies, but they remained very light and only a few raptors ventured over the Rock. A watch during the morning produced several Honey Buzzards and Black Kites, a few Marsh and Montagu's Harriers, 2 Egyptian Vultures and a trickle of Sparrowhawks.
The south-westerlies had moved the large flocks of Cory's Shearwaters that were present the previous day, but at least 120 Cory's Shearwaters were still present offshore. Fifteen Balearic Shearwaters were also feeding there. Twenty-one Audouin's Gulls flew west with 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls east. A flock of Avocets flew out of the Mediterranean, and several Gannets were in the area.
8 Sept: Cloudy levanter conditions soon dissipated as the winds became lighter and the sun burnt through the clouds. By mid morning the skies were literally filled with soaring raptors. Hundreds of Booted Eagles were soaring over the town and approaching the northern cliffs, with many disappearing into the cloud and some returning north, as more arrived over the Rock. A flock of over 250 Bee-eaters headed into the cloud above Governor's Lookout; the fluty calls resounding in the skies. A magnificent spectacle as several flocks of 50-80 Booted Eagles, soared over the town in the company of Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Black Kites and Sparrowhawks. It was impossible to count as there were so many birds in the air but an estimate of at least 800 Booted Eagles may be low. As the cloud disappeared many Booted Eagles attempted a crossing of the Strait as birds headed over Windmill Hill and Europa Point and out to sea.
Several grounded passerine migrants were at Windmill Hill and included 5 Northern Wheatears, 3 Black-eared Wheatears, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, and single Spectacled Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Woodchat Shrike.
Off Europa Point there were several thousand Cory's Shearwaters feeding together with a few Balearic Shearwaters. Dolphin feeding frenzies attracted flocks of Corys that would chase the flying fish disturbed. Several Gannets, including the first four juvenile birds of the year were present around the fish shoals. Several Lesser-Black-backed Gulls headed into the Mediterranean, and 3 Sandwich Terns and 2 Common Terns flew west. Also seen was a dark phase Arctic Skua, and single Black-headed Gull and Audouin's Gull.
7 Sept: Heavy levanter cloud continued to shroud the Rock with winds fresh easterly becoming moderate in the late afternoon. Quite late in the afternoon several hundred Booted Eagles flew in across the Bay and flew low over the harbour and town before returning north again. With them were several Short-toed Eagles, Egyptian Vultures and Black Kites. All the birds have been held up by the poor weather conditions and fly into the winds, ending up over Gibraltar before returning north again.
An Oystercatcher was on the rocky shoreline at Governor's Beach.
5 Sept: The cloudy levanter conditions continue with strong easterlies in the Strait holding up raptor migration. In the Botanic Gardens several passerine migrants included 2 Spotted Flycatchers, several Iberian Chiffchaffs, and single Willow and Bonelli's Warbler.
4 Sept: The easterly winds and cloud increased overnight and must have resulted in an increase of migrants in the Botanic Gardens with at least 6 Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher 9 Iberian Chiffchaffs and single Willow Warbler and a male Golden Oriole that flew out of the fig tree at the Lion's Pond.
3 Sept: Strong easterly winds over the last few days with heavy levanter cloud eased off this morning with moderate easterlies and cloud only over the town and harbour. Several passerine migrants were observed in the Botanic Gardens in the morning and included a female Redstart, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Willow Warblers and 7 Iberian Chiffchaffs.
August
30 Aug: Strong westerly winds displaced most of the raptor passage several kilometres to the east side of the Rock where you could see Honey Buzzard flocks soaring on thermals created by ships at the anchorage. Many drifted towards the Rock but most continued south, well away from land and a large percentage must have been missed. In the evening passage resumed to some extent over the Rock where raptors were still passing at 20:00hrs. The total was 3517 Honey Buzzards, 73 Black Kites, 1 Red Kite, 9 Egyptian Vultures, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 6 Marsh Harriers, 18 Montagu's Harriers, 7 Sparrowhawks, 3 Booted Eagles, 1 Osprey, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Kestrel, 8 Kestrel sp and an Eleonora's Falcon.
At Europa Point a Little Egret flew west and 5 Audouin's Gulls, mainly juvenile birds, and a Black-headed Gull headed out of the Mediterranean.
At the Botanic Gardens the Iberian Chiffchaffs and Pied Flycatchers were still present, and a Hoopoe was seen at Governor's Lookout.
29 Aug: The westerly winds picked up during the afternoon, and raptor passage drifted over the Rock until the evening. Approximately 1500 Honey Buzzards, 200 Black Kites, 8 Montagu's Harriers and single Booted Eagle and Marsh Harrier were observed during this period. Offshore several juvenile Audouin's Gulls and a Gannet were seen at Europa Point.
At least seven Iberian Chiffchaffs and three Pied Flycatchers were observed in the Botanic Gardens.
28 Aug: Two Iberian Chiffchaffs were seen at the Botanic Gardens.
26 Aug: Winds were very light in the morning, and raptors did not pass overhead until midday when a total of 657 Honey Buzzards, 49 Black Kites, 4 Short-toed Eagles, 5 Montagu's Harriers, 7 Booted Eagles and 5 Kestrel sp were counted until 17:00hrs.
A count of seabirds at Europa Point included several hundred Cory's Shearwaters entering the Strait to feed, 15 Balearic Shearwaters, 2 second year Gannets, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 35 Audouin's Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and single Mediterranean Gull and Sandwich Tern.
At Europa Point two Montagu's Harriers flew past low over the sea and an Osprey arrived from the east and flew over Windmill Hill.
25 Aug: A return to westerly winds concentrated some raptor passage to the Gibraltar side of the Strait. A full days watch saw a total of 2011 Honey Buzzards, 170 Black Kites, 23 Montagu's Harriers, 6 Booted Eagles, 13 Kestrel sp, 2 Eleonora's Falcons and single Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel. A juvenile Lanner also headed south over the ridge of the Rock.
Three Grey Herons flew past Europa Point, and several Audouin's Gull headed west.
24 Aug: Light variable to light westerly in the afternoon. Clear skies. A visit to Europa Point produced several flocks of Cory's Shearwaters feeding on flying fish disturbed by Common Dolphins. At least 40 Balearic Shearwaters were also present. Also seen were a second year Gannet, 7 Audouin's Gulls and a Caspian Tern.
Another Robin was observed on the Sand Slopes behind Both Worlds on the east side of the Rock.
22 Aug: Clear skies and light variable but mainly light easterly winds. Fog off the east side and the far side of the Bay. An Iberian Chiffchaff and a Spotted Flycatcher were observed in the Botanic Gardens.
21 Aug: Very low cloud and fog over the Rock, town and harbour clearing in the early afternoon. Winds light easterly. As soon as the cloud cleared at least 100 Booted Eagles flew in towards the Rock, followed by a flock of 8 Short-toed Eagles. A Robin was seen in the Botanic Garden, possibly the same bird reported there two days ago.
In the calm conditions, a flock of 30 Cory's Shearwaters were feeding on small Mackerel fry in the Bay. With them were 2 Balearic Shearwaters, 12 Mediterranean Gulls and single Common and Sandwich Tern.
Offshore, on the east side of the Rock, several hundred Cory's Shearwaters were flying around with several rafts of settled birds and many moving north. Balearic Shearwaters were also present with at least 80 birds heading north in a thirty minute period. In the evening hundreds of Cory's Shearwaters flew into the flat calm waters of the Straits with many attending feeding pods of Dolphins. With them were at least 150 Balearic Shearwaters, two second year Gannets and a Pomarine Skua.
Single Iberian Chiffchaffs were in the Botanic gardens and South District gardens together with a Melodious Warbler.
20 Aug: Very cloudy with heavy levanter cloud and fog patches off the eastern side, clearing mid afternoon. When the cloud cleared a flock of approximately 80 Booted Eagles and a Short-toed Eagle flew in over the Rock from across the Bay.
There were 2 Common Sandpipers on the rocky shoreline at Governor's beach.
18 Aug: Levanter cloud during the early morning clearing with light easterly winds. A visit to Windmill Hill produced 5 Zitting Cisticolas, 2 Melodious Warblers, and single Swallow, Hoopoe and juvenile Woodchat Shrike amongst other resident birds. The Lanner was still present there.
At Europa Point observers witnessed a good passage of seabirds with 28 Audouin's Gulls, 2 second-year Mediterranean Gulls, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Gannet and many feeing Cory's Shearwaters and 2 Balearic Shearwaters in just under an hour.
17 Aug: Light easterly winds with some fog on the east side of the Rock. A sub-adult Lanner was seen flying around the cliffs at Windmill Hill.
16 Aug: Light variable winds throughout the day. The Whimbrel was on the rocks at Camp Bay feeding on crabs. It was later seen resting on rocks on the Europa foreshore, where it remained throughout the afternoon. Several pods of Common and Striped Dolphins off Europa Point attracted Cory's Shearwaters where some chased flying fish disturbed by the dolphins. In the afternoon several rafts of Cory's Shearwaters were observed offshore numbering over 100 birds. One Balearic Shearwater and two Audouin's Gulls flew west.
15 Aug: Light westerly becoming light variable to light easterly winds. A few Black Kites were seen in the morning numbering 50 birds. Conditions offshore at Europa Point were very calm and only 13 Audouin's Gulls and 2 Oystercatchers flying west.
14 Aug: Moderate to light west to south west winds, and clear skies. A trickle of raptors throughout the morning numbering a total of 450 Black Kites, 20 Montagu's Harriers, 3 Honey Buzzards and in the evening a Short-toed Eagle that came in off the sea at Europa Point and an Eleonora's Falcon that flew south overhead. Here a total of 12 Audouin's Gulls with 6 juvenile birds flew west. Also seen were 4 Shags and single Oystercatcher and Whimbrel flying east.
13 Aug: Light to moderate westerly winds with some high cloud. A steady passage of Black Kites in the morning gave way to a trickle in the afternoon, which eventually stopped altogether. In total there were 2510 Black Kites, 3 Honey Buzzards, 1 Short-toed Eagle, 14 Montagu's Harriers, and 5 Kestrel sp. Also seen were approximately 500 Common Swifts, 20 Swallows and10 Bee-eaters.
At Europa Point a three hour watch produced 50 Audouin's Gull, including 16 juveniles, a Mediterranean Gull and a Little Egret flying west and bearing a metal ring.
12 Aug: Light westerly becoming north-westerly in the late afternoon. In the evening a late rush of raptors included 652 Black Kites and single Short-toed Eagle and the first Honey Buzzard of the season.
11Aug: Light variable becoming light to moderate south-westerly. Only raptors seen were single Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle and Montagu's Harrier. A visit to Windmill Hill produced several early palearctic migrants amongst resident birds and included a Bonelli's Warbler, 2 Melodious Warblers, 3 Zitting Cisticolas, 2 immature Woodchat Shrikes and a Southern Grey Shrike.
10 Aug: Moderate becoming light easterly in the late afternoon. Very calm conditions off Europa Point with approximately 50 Cory's Shearwaters feeding offshore. A pair of Pomarine Skuas gave chase to a Cory's Shearwater for several minutes before the bird dropped its food. A juvenile Audouin's Gull was resting on rocks on the foreshore together with a Whimbrel. The gull had a metal and a colour ring. Also seen flying past the point were 4 Audouin 's Gulls and a Sandwich Tern.
09 Aug: Fresh easterly winds with heavy levanter cloud with some sunny spells in the afternoon. As winds decreased and the sun came out, a flock of 15 raptors, mainly Booted Eagles with a few Black Kites flew low over town.
06 Aug: A moderate south-westerly with some high cloud throughout the day. Surprisingly no raptors flew over the Rock, as easterly winds were predicted for the following day. At Europa Point, another Oystercatcher and 18 Audouin's Gulls flew west out of the Mediterranean.
05 Aug: Moderate south-westerlies in the Strait , but fairly calm inland picking up after midday and turning west to north west. A couple of Black Kites flew over the Rock early in the morning, but no others were noted until winds changed to north-west after which 7850 Black Kites were counted in a three hour period in the late afternoon. Also seen were a juvenile Montagu's Harrier, a Short-toed Eagle and 2 Lesser Kestrels. Several Black Kites and an adult male Montagu's Harrier were also seen low over Europa Point, together with 17 Audouin's Gulls.
04 Aug: Light variable winds in the morning becoming light easterly with fog patches, becoming light and variable and freshening to westerlies in the late afternoon. A Little Egret flew north over town in the morning. As westerlies picked up in the evening, Black Kites flew in low over town and within an hour 1450 birds had soared over the Rock and headed across the Strait. In the afternoon a steady passage of Audouin's Gulls numbering 55 birds which included three juveniles flew past Europa Point. An Oystercatcher was also observed.
03 Aug: Light westerly winds with clear skies, becoming light variable. Several Black Kites numbering approximately 135 birds flew over town and headed south, with stragglers returning back north, as winds became light.
02 Aug: Light westerly with hazy sunshine and onshore south-westerly sea-breezes. An Iberian Chiffchaff was heard in the Botanic Gardens. At Europa Point two Gull-billed Terns flew west. A first-summer Gannet and some Cory's Shearwaters were heading into the Strait, and 16 adult and a juvenile Audouin's Gull flew overhead and continued out of the Mediterranean.
Audouin's Gulls at Europa Point C. Perez/GONHS
01 Aug: Light variable to light westerly winds with clear skies. Early this morning a Bonelli's Warbler and a Serin were heard and seen in the Botanic Gardens. A Little Egret was flushed from the rocky shoreline at Governor's beach and flew north, and at least 20 Black Kites flew over the town during mid morning as winds freshened. A visit to Europa Point in the evening produced 2 adult Audouin's Gulls and a second-year Mediterranean Gull and 2 Oystercatchers heading west, and 2 Common Sandpipers flushed from the rocky foreshore. Two Shags and a Cormorant flew past heading east.
Adult Mediterranean Gull with very worn plumage C. Perez/GONHS
July
31 Jul: Levanter cloud with moderate to light easterly winds. The first Iberian Chiffchaff of the season was seen at the Botanic Gardens. Very foggy off Europa Point, with a few Cory's Shearwaters feeding offshore, a juvenile Audouin's Gull heading out of the Strait, and a Whimbrel feeding on the rocky foreshore at low tide.
30 Jul: Heavy levanter cloud with fresh easterly winds clearing slightly in the afternoon to give sunny spells. A Spotted Flycatcher was observed in the Botanic Gardens, and may be one of the remaining young birds that hatched in the gardens.
28 Jul: Moderate to light westerly winds with clear skies. Some small groups of Black Kites crossed over the ridge of the Rock and flew south, but by midday most were returning north as winds became lighter. A total of 90 birds were counted.
27 Jul: Very cloudy overcast skies first thing in the morning with fresh westerly winds, clearing by midday to reveal a warm sunny afternoon with moderate west to north-westerly winds. A Great Spotted Cuckoo was observed on the North Mole shortly after midday. A dark phase Booted Eagle was seen soaring over town in the early afternoon. By mid afternoon the first Black Kites of the season were seen heading south, with a steady passage numbering over 700 birds. Flocks of hundreds of Common Swifts were also seen accompanying the Kites. In the evening an adult Woodchat Shrike was observed on Windmill Hill.
26 Jul: Clear skies with moderate westerly winds. The first juvenile Audouin's Gulls, two birds, were seen flying west off Europa Point. Also recorded were two Balearic Shearwaters, an adult Audouin's Gull and an Oystercatcher.
25 Jul: A curious day weather-wise, which started with mainly clear skies and light to moderate easterly winds and became overcast in the late afternoon with a thunderstorm developing giving some drizzle, culminating with a very welcome heavy downpour over town, before clearing again. Early in the morning, a Hoopoe flew out of the gardens at Western beach and crossed the runway.
An abandoned nest of a Barbary Partridge containing 13 eggs was discovered in undergrowth on the Upper Rock. A pair with three well developed young were seen three days ago at Middle Hill, and another two chicks were seen on Queen's Road.
21 Jul: A moderate south-westerly seabreeze was blowing at Europa Point, with north westerlies blowing at the northern end of the Rock. Not many seabirds were seen until late afternoon when flocks of small gulls flew west out of the Straits and included a total of 23 Black-headed Gulls with many adults still sporting their brown hoods, and several juvenile birds as well, and 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls and an adult also heading west. Also seen were single adult Audouin's Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull.
18 Jul: Strong levanter winds continue, with cloud developing over the Rock. Up to seven Alpine Swifts were seen feeding over Windmill Hill. They consist of the colony that inhabits the holes in the cliffs above Governor's beach. Another six have been seen at the North Face colony.
17 Jul: Levanter cloud over the Rock in the morning becoming completely overcast in the afternoon. Winds have been strong to gale force in the Straits area since Sunday. The Spotted Flycatchers have now left the Botanic Gardens, and have probably migrated to Africa. They arrive in late April and May and depart as soon as they finish breeding and fledging young. Another species to do likewise is the Melodious Warbler, and one, a migrant was seen in the Botanic Gardens in the afternoon feeding on insects attracted to the flowering bottle-brush tree. A Whimbrel was observed on the South Mole in the evening.
14 Jul: Clear skies with moderate to strong westerly winds. A very late Honey Buzzard was seen arriving across the Straits and continued north. At 20:30hrs a Black Kite was seen over town; probably the first to arrive in the Straits area preparing to fly south. Over a three hour period, 18 Audouin's Gulls, 14 Balearic Shearwaters, one second-year Gannet and a Black-headed Gull were seen from Europa Point.
12 Jul: Only 2 Mediterranean Gulls and two Audouin's Gulls were observed at Europa Point as inland winds pushed birds out to sea. The two adult families of Spotted Flycatchers were very busy feeding the young birds that were actively calling and begging for food.
11 Jul: Clear skies and moderate west to north west winds. The northerlies hampered the observation of seabirds from Europa Point, with only one Audouin's Gulls seen in the late afternoon.
08 Jul: After the previous day with levanter conditions, the winds turned to westerly producing another spate of sightings of late migrant raptors. Two Black Kites and two Honey Buzzards were observed on the Upper Rock, heading into Spain, and a Short-toed Eagle was also seen.
06 Jul: Clear skies with a fresh to moderate westerly wind, becoming light in the evening. Three Short-toed Eagle arrived over the Rock, two in the morning and one in the afternoon, which was chased north by angry protective breeding Yellow-legged Gulls.
Another hour at Europa Point produced 34 Audouin's Gulls, some bearing colour rings which could just about be read on close-up photos taken by the observers. Also seen were 14 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 adult Black-headed Gull, 3 Cory's Shearwater, 18 Balearic Shearwaters and 4 first-summer Gannets.
05 Jul: Clear skies with moderate to fresh west to south westerly winds. Late Honey Buzzards continue to head north with one early in the morning and another seen in mid afternoon. The two Common Waxbills are still present at the Convent Gardens, where they spend much time feeding on the grass seeds on the lawn.
A late afternoon visit to Europa Point produced three first summer Northern Gannets heading out of the Mediterranean, a single Cory's Shearwater. three Balearic Shearwater, two adult Mediterranean Gulls, and several Audouin's Gulls.
04 Jul: The White Wagtail was seen again in the area of Marina Bay. Two Black Kites flew north over the Rock.
04 Jul: Audouin's Gulls continue to move out of the Straits, with 52 birds counted in an hour. Also seen were 8 Mediterranean Gulls.
02 Jul: Gibraltar's pair of Ravens had not been seen together for some weeks now, when we got news that one of them had been found dead entangled in the mesh of the cliff stabilisation works at Glen Rocky. This goes to show how mesh and netting can be a serious hazard to birds.
01 Jul: Clear skies with south-westerly winds. A good day at Europa Point with over 64 Audouin's Gulls, 12 Mediterranean Gulls and a flock of 7 Gull-billed Terns heading west out of the Straits.
June
30 Jun: A White Wagtail was seen in the vicinity of Ocean Village. The species has been sighted in the area in recent years and a nesting pair has been confirmed before.
Spotted Flycatcher at the Botanic Gardens Photo: Harry Vangils
29 Jun: A commotion close to one of the Spotted Flycatcher nests, where the adults were extremely agitated, was caused by a Kestrel that unfortunately had taken a bird that was probably the nestling. In the early afternoon, a Short-toed Eagle flew north.
28 Jun: A flock of four Gull-billed Terns flew west past Europa Point. This species tends to migrate immediately after breeding and soon returns to its wintering grounds in Africa.
18 Jun: The first southerly migration was indicated by the observation of a single Hoopoe close to the top of the Rock by Douglas Path.
16 Jun: A pair of Common Waxbills was found drinking at a fountain of the Governor's residence in the Convent Garden. Fortunately the Governor's wife was at hand and took a couple of good record photos. This is the third record of the species, a single bird that was first recorded at Europa Point on the 24th July 1990 and another seen flying over the harbour on the 16th August 2008 and then relocated at the Botanic Gardens where it spent several days.
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Photo: Lady Johns
15 Jun: The presence of breeding Spotted Flycatchers at the Botanic Gardens for the fourth year in a row was confirmed again this morning with the discovery of two pairs feeding young at the northern end of the gardens. The two pairs, less than 100 metres from each other, have built nests in a Bouganvillea, and in a Dragon Tree. The number of young, still calling from the nests , have still to be confirmed.
10 Jun: A further 35 Audouin's Gulls were counted in an hour period at Europa Point, together with an adult and a second-year Gannet.
09 Jun: Europa Point is a good venue to enjoy the passage of seabirds and cool off and catch up with bird gossip. Offshore several first-summer Gannets and a second summer were seen heading out of the Straits. Also on active passage were 54 Audouin's Gulls passing close to the point in the south-westerly winds.
07 Jun: A moderate westerly wind helped a flock of 8 Honey Buzzards cross the Straits early in the morning. Mid morning 2 Black Kites also crossed.
04 Jun: Clear skies with moderate west to south-westerly winds. Several late passerine migrants were seen on the east side sand slopes in the morning. Among these were 5 Melodious Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, and single Woodchat Shrike and a Corn Bunting. Also heard at the site was a Zitting Cisticola.
03 Jun: Several raptors headed north with many blown to the east of the Rock by the strong south-westerly winds. Among them were over 100 Honey Buzzards, 22 Black Kites, 30 Griffon Vultures, 6 Short-toed Eagles and 11 Booted Eagles.
May
31 May: A Common Chiffchaff was heard singing in the Botanic Gardens.
25 May: A full raptor watch during the day provided an insight into late migration of raptors across the Straits. A total of 112 Honey Buzzards, 128 Black Kites, 2 Griffon Vultures, 3 Egyptian Vultures, 7 Short-toed Eagles, 3 female Marsh Harriers and 37 Booted Eagles.
21 May: As winds change to westerlies, over 200 Griffon Vultures flew north over the Rock.
17 May: Cloudy skies with moderate levanter winds. An injured Red-necked Nightjar was picked up in the Port area. It was ringed and released the following day.
16 May: A calm start to the day followed by a strong easterly wind with levanter cloud plummeting down into the town. A number of migrants were seen at Parsons Lodge, and included several Willow Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, an Orphean Warbler and a Whitethroat. A Melodious Warbler was seen at Europa Point.
15 May: The easterly winds have continued throughout the week , generally light with some days of variable winds. Skies mainly clear but temperatures have soared in the last few days as a heatwave has affected much of Iberia raising temperatures above the 30C. This morning along the east side coastline, several Melodious Warblers were singing and chasing each other from Tamarix bushes. There were also two Spotted Flycatchers there, and one in the Botanic Gardens.
09 May: Clear skies with light to moderate easterly winds. Just another single Short-toed Eagle was seen. A Golden Oriole was seen in the Mulberry Tree by Watergardens, where the Mockingbird had been seen in spring.
08 May: Light variable winds becoming light easterly. Clear skies. Only a single Short-toed Eagle was seen. A Spotted Flycatcher was back in the corner of the Botanic Gardens where they have bred for the last two years.
07 May: Clear skies with light westerly winds. A trickle of Honey Buzzard flew north, for a total of 201 birds, mainly up the Bay. Other raptors were scarce with only 5 Black Kites, and single Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Sparrowhawk and an Osprey.
06 May: Mainly cloudy first thing in the morning clearing by midday with light westerly winds. Some raptors crossed as soon as the sun was up with 87 Honey Buzzards, 103 Black Kites, 20 Griffon Vultures in three flocks, 23 Short-toed Eagles mainly seen to the east of the Rock, 28 Booted Eagles, 5 Sparrowhawks, and single Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and a migrant Peregrine.
05 May: Cloudy skies with rain showers throughout the day, clearing slightly in the evening. Winds fresh westerly. The bad weather conditions held up raptor migration with only a few birds venturing a crossing. In all a total of 3 Honey Buzzards, 7 Black Kites, 2 Sparrowhawks and 2 Booted Eagles were counted.
04 May: Clear skies with light westerly winds. Very few raptors were seen with most crossing up the Bay. A total of 12 Honey Buzzards, 60 Black Kites, 2 Marsh Harriers, 23 Booted Eagles, 3 Sparrowhawks and single Egyptian Vulture, Osprey and Kestrel were seen from the Observatory. A small flock of 13 Black Storkswas seen in the distance as well.
03 May: Winds freshened to a light to moderate westerly during the day, with some north-west at the head of the Bay. Mainly clear skies with some cloudy developing in the late afternoon and evening with some drizzle. A total of 610 Honey Buzzards, 125 Black Kites, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 12 Booted Eagles, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Kestrels and a single migrant Peregrine. Several flocks of Bee-eaters and 2 Swallows and 2 Red-rumped Swallows were also seen from the Observatory.
02 May: Light to variable winds becoming light easterly at midday then becoming variable again in the evening. Only 16 Honey Buzzards, and a single Black Kite were seen all day as the weather conditions favoured a crossing further west along the Straits.
01 May: Mainly clear skies with some cloud from the west. winds light to moderate westerly. The light winds did not affect the passage of Honey Buzzards, but other species were scarce. A total of 1321 Honey Buzzards, 26 Black Kites, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Booted Eagles, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Hobbies and a single Montagu's Harrier were counted from the Observatory. Several flocks of Bee-eaters and a few hirundines also crossed the Straits.
A visit to the North Front Cemetery produced 5 Woodchat Shrikes and a female Subalpine Warbler. Off Europa Point several flocks of Gannets numbering 27 birds were seen in the space of half an hour. Also seen were a Pomarine Skua heading west and a Whimbrel on the rocks at the foreshore.
April
30 Apr: Cloudy skies in the morning clearing to give sunny spells throughout the afternoon. Winds light to moderate westerly becoming north-westerly. Honey Buzzards dominated the passage with 414 birds counted. Also seen were 97 Black Kites, 3 Griffon Vultures, 3 Egyptian Vultures, 34 Booted Eagles, 8 Sparrowhawks, 3 Ospreys, and single Hobby and Kestrel. A flock of 12 Flamingoes were seen heading into the bay, with another larger flock of close to 100 observed on the east side heading along the Spanish coast at Alcaidesa. Thirty Cormorants headed north over the bay, and a flock of 4 Grey Herons were also seen over the Bay in the afternoon.
A Spotted Flycatcher was seen in the Botanic Gardens.
29 Apr: Mainly cloudy skies with showers and some sunny spells from the west. Winds fresh westerly becoming strong in the evening. Raptors crossed in between the showers as the weather cleared up in the late afternoon and evening. A total of 373 Honey Buzzards, 20 Black Kites, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Booted Eagles, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Ospreys, and a single Short-toed Eagle were counted throughout the day.
28 Apr: Overcast with heavy rain throughout most of the day. A few raptors managed to cross in between showers. A total of 14 Black Kites, and a single Booted Eagle were observed.
27 Apr: Clear skies, becoming cloudy with light to moderate westerly winds. The weather was set to change with cloud over Morocco and a warm front approaching. Light winds in the morning picked up in mid afternoon, enabling a steady stream of raptors in the evening. The total of raptors for the day was 120 Honey Buzzards, 325 Black Kites, 3 Griffon Vultures, 3 Egyptian Vultures, 10 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 83 Booted Eagles, 15 Sparrowhawks, 3 Ospreys and 2 Kestrels. Also seen were 12 Black Storks.
26 Apr: A good day for raptor passage with a large total of Black Kites with 1168 birds. Also seen were 96 Honey Buzzards, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 11 Short-toed Eagles, 7 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 46 Booted Eagles, 15 Sparrowhawks, 2 Hobbies and single Osprey and a female Merlin. Several flocks of Common Swifts, Swallows and House Martins were also observed.
A Cormorant is still present at the end of the runway.
25 Apr: Clear skies with west to north west winds. A steady flow of raptors today for a total of 143 Honey Buzzards, 808 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 22 Griffon Vultures, 14 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Montagu's Harriers, 57 Booted Eagles, 7 Sparrowhawks, 4 Kestrels and 7 Hobbies. Also heading north were 8 Black Storks, a single White Stork and several flocks of Bee-eaters, Swallows, House Martins and 2 Red-rumped Swallows.
Northerly winds and clear skies continue to hamper the ringing effort. Nevertheless the first Melodious Warblers of the season were trapped and ringed, with two birds. Also first of the season was a Red-necked Nightjar, and a Pied Flycatcher.
24 Apr: Mainly clear skies with west to south-westerly winds, providing soaring raptors with ideal conditions. Numbers of Honey Buzzards continued to increase with 93 birds for the day. This also included 621 Black Kites, 11 Egyptian Vultures, several flocks of Griffon Vultures totalling 112 birds, 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Montagu's Harriers, 70 Booted Eagles, 8 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 3 Hobbies. Also heading north were 28 White Storks and 18 Black Storks. Some flocks of Bee-eaters and a few Swallows and House Martins were also observed past the Observatory.
A Short-toed Eagle that had been taken into care at the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, was ringed and released and also fitted with wing-tags H1.
23 Apr: Clear skies with fresh north-west to west winds. As winds veered to more westerly and picked up from the south-west in the afternoon, large soaring raptors ventured for a crossing. Amongst these were several vultures, with a total of 16 Griffon Vultures and 5 Egyptian Vultures, 40 Short-toed Eagles, 254 Black Kites, 6 Honey Buzzards, 75 Booted Eagles, 10 Sparrowhawks, 7 Kestrels, 6 Hobbies, and single Montagu's Harrier and Lesser Kestrel. Also seen were 11 Black Storks.
22 Apr: Clear skies with some high cloud. Winds light west to moderate north-west. Twenty Stork sp. flew far over the Bay. Another 12 Black Storks were also seen. Raptors included 128 Black Kites, 5 Egyptian Vultures, 9 Griffon Vultures, 39 Short-toed Eagles, 55 Booted Eagles, 5 Sparrowhawks, 5 Hobbies, 5 Kestrels, and single Marsh and Montagu's Harriers. Several flocks of Common Swifts flew north for a total of 362 birds. Also seen were several flocks of Swallows, House Martins, 2 Sand Martins and Goldfinches, Greenfinches and 4 Serins.
21 Apr: Moderate to fresh north-westerly winds with clear skies. The increase in winds helped migrants across the Strait, with Common Swift flocks dominating the day with over 5500 counted. Several flocks of Bee-eaters numbering 214 and 103 Swallows were also observed. Raptors still struggled against the northerlies, with 111 Black Kites, 8 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 13 Booted Eagles, 16 Sparrowhawks, 8 Hobbies, 5 Kestrels and single Osprey, Honey Buzzard and a dark phase Eleonora's Falcon. A Black Stork also flew north.
The first Pied Flycatcher of the season was trapped and ringed, and a Wheatear was seen outside the Observatory.
20 Apr: Birds continued to struggle with a headwind, and clear skies reduced the chance of passerines being grounded. Very few raptors were counted, and these mainly flew over in the afternoon for a total of 11 Black Kites, 4 Short-toed Eagles, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 21 Sparrowhawks, 17 Booted Eagles 8 Hobbies and 2 Kestrels. Eight White Storks and 13 Black Storks were also seen as were several flocks of Swallows, House Martins, Bee-eaters and Common Swifts.
19 Apr: The northerly air-flow down through the Iberian Peninsula for the last few weeks has been due to the jet-stream that has conditioned the passage of birds across the Straits with low numbers of passerine migrants being trapped at the Observatory, and low numbers of raptors been recorded. Most morning counts are low until winds pick up by midday and then some raptors are displaced towards the Rock. That was the case today with only 31 Black Kites, 47 Booted Eagles, 16 Sparrowhawks, 9 Kestrels, 4 Montagu's Harriers and single Short-toed Eagle, Marsh Harrier and a White Stork. But it was a good day for Hobbies, with 30 birds counted at the Observatory. Several Swallows and House Martins and a few flocks of Bee-eaters flew north, together with flocks of Common Swifts for a total of 450 birds.
A Cormorant has remained behind on the rocks by the airfield runway at Western Beach.
A Golden Oriole flew north below the Observatory and a recently dead one was found near Europa Point..
18 Apr: Cloudy skies with rain showers becoming brighter in the afternoon. Winds moderate westerly to north-westerly. Few raptors ventured out under the inclement weather conditions. nevertheless several were observed and totalled 21 Black Kites, 10 Short-toed Eagles, 5 Montagu's Harriers, 5 Booted Eagles, 12 Sparrowhawks, 7 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels, and 9 Hobbies. There was a significant passage of Common Swifts in the morning with several flocks observed heading north over the Observatory for a total of 360 birds. Several flocks of hirundines and some finches also managed to cross.
17 Apr: Light to moderate westerly winds with clear skies. Conditions had improved and this was evident by an increase in raptors crossing the Straits. The first Honey Buzzards of the season were observed with 2 for the day. Also seen were 254 Black Kites, 4 Egyptian Vultures, 11 Short-toed Eagles, 6 Marsh Harriers, 4 Montagu's Harriers, 49 Booted Eagles, 34 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels and 8 Hobbies. Several grounded migrants were seen including a Wheatear and a Woodchat Shrike near the Cable Car top station and another two singles of the same species, a Woodchat Shrike and another Wheatear at the Victoria Sports grounds.
16 Apr: Weather improved slightly but remained unsettled over the mountains in Morocco and the surrounding Spanish hills. The winds were mainly west-north westerly. Another poor day for raptors with only a few venturing a crossing of the Straits. In total 73 Black Kites, and 21 Sparrowhawks were the most numerous species, with 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Montagu's Harriers, 2 Booted Eagles, and a single Egyptian Vulture also seen. Falcons were noticeable with 8 Hobbies, 3 Kestrels and a dark phase Eleonora's Falcon.
15 Apr: Fresh westerly winds continued with some north-westerly in the afternoon accompanied by cloudy skies and some drizzle. Again a small trickle of raptors through with a total of 80 Black Kites, 7 Booted Eagles 3 Kestrels, and single Montagu's Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Hobby. Six Black Storks and a few Swallows and finches managed a crossing.
14 Apr: A very blustery day with strong to gale force westerly gusts in the Straits and harbour. Not many raptors crossed the Straits and those that did were blown to the east of the Rock. In total 49 Black Kites, 9 Booted Eagles, and single Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Hobby made it over the Rock. A few Swallows and Bee-eaters also managed to cross.
13 Apr: Mainly clear skies with north-west winds. a total of 39 Black Kites, 10 Griffon Vultures, 2 Marsh Harriers, 52 Booted Eagles, 12 Sparrowhawks, and a single Short-toed Eagle were counted from the Observatory.
12 Apr: Mainly clear skies with light south-westerly winds in the Straits that provided a following wind to Griffon Vultures, 10 of which succeeded to cross. Few raptors were seen for a total of 39 Black Kites, 52 Booted Eagles, 2 Marsh Harriers, and single Short-toed Eagle. A few flocks of Swallows, House Martins and Bee-eaters were also observed.
11 Apr: Mainly clear skies with some cloud, and northwest winds, which provided ideal conditions for Storks. A total of 295 White Storks and 4 Black Storks were observed. Raptors struggled with a head-on wind and only 157 Black Kites, 3 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 4 Montagu's Harriers, 45 Booted Eagles, 25 Sparrowhawks 2 Hobbies, and a single Osprey were counted. Bee-eaters,Swallow and House Martin flocks were the main passerine species with 313, 385 and 113 in total. A few Red-rumped Swallows and several small flocks of Goldfinches and Greenfinches also crossed the Straits together with a single Tree Pipit.
A visit to the Mount Gardens found that the Yellow-browed Warbler was still around calling, but had moved location to the south of the gardens close to the Algerian Oak.
10 Apr: A return to westerly winds provided some raptor passage. A total of 843 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 22 Montagu's Harriers, 21 Sparrowhawks, 107 Booted Eagles, 2 Ospreys 5 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels and 3 Hobbies was excellent. A Lesser Spotted Eagle also flew low over the Observatory, and a larger Aquila was seen when checking the netting site and was unfortunately not identified. Also heading north were 102 White Storks, 41 Black Storks, several flocks of Bee-eaters numbering 158 birds, a good passage of Swallows, with 683 counted from the Observatory, and several Red-rumped Swallows and House Martins.
9 Apr: Easterly winds with clear skies. Few migrants were ringed at the Observatory with the fine weather conditions; nevertheless 3 Bonelli's Warblers, 2 Gardens Warblers, and single Nightingale, Orphean Warbler and an Iberian Chiffchaff were ringed. The Tropical Mockingbird was again in the same tree singing away. A Grey Heron came in from the north over the harbour and landed at the island. There was a Cormorant by the Windsock at the western end of the runway.
8 Apr: Light easterly winds with clear skies. A few hirundine flocks flew north as well as some Bee-eaters. The only raptor seen were 3 Sparrowhawks. A visit to Windmill Hill produced 3 Spectacled Warblers, 2 Subalpine Warblers, 2 Nightingales, 6 Wheatears, 1 Black-eared Wheatear, a late Skylark, 2 Short-toed Larks, and single Redstart, Robin and Zitting Cisticola. There were another 2 Wheatears on the rocky shoreline of the Foreshore. A late Cormorant was seen on the reclamation by Catalan Bay, and3 Black-headed Gulls were observed below Europa Point.
7 Apr: Light westerly winds with mainly clear skies. Very few raptors passed over Gibraltar, with only 5 Black Kites, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Montagu's Harrier, 28 Sparrowhawk, 19 Booted Eagles, 8 Kestrels and single Osprey, Short-toed Eagle and an Eleonora's Falcon. The first Common Swifts headed north, and the first Garden Warbler of the season was trapped at The Observatory. A Woodchat Shrike was in the Europort gardens, and a Nightingale was singing in an Olive Tree in one of the planters outside O'Riley's at Ocean Village. The Tropical Mockingbird was singing in the Mulberry Tree opposite Watergardens.
6 Apr: A Black-eared Wheatear was trapped and ringed at the Observatory. An Aquila sp was seen in the late afternoon heading north over Windmill Hill.
5 Apr: Light westerly to south-westerly winds. Cloudy with sunny spells. A few raptors came through and included 10 Black Kites, 2 Griffon Vultures, 3 Marsh Harriers, 9 Montagu's Harriers, 28 Sparrowhawks, 9 Booted Eagles, 10 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels, and single Hobby and Merlin. Also through were a single Black Stork several flocks of hirundines, Bee-eaters and finches.
4 Apr: Cloudy with some sunny spells. Winds fresh west to north-west. A good day for soaring bird passage specially harriers, with many birds taking advantage of the improvement in the weather to cross the Straits. In total there were 303 White Storks, 3 Black Storks, 78 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 10 Short-toed Eagles, 21 Marsh Harriers, 65 Montagu's Harriers, 134 Booted Eagles, 111 Sparrowhawks, 11 Kestrels, 2 Hobbies, and single Buzzard and Osprey. Also moving north were several flocks of Bee-eaters, some only heard as they flew high overhead, but 145 were counted. With them were 6 Meadow Pipits, 36 Swallows, 27 House Martins, 11 Red-rumped Swallows and several flocks of Serins, Goldfinches and Greenfinches.
3 Apr: Very cloudy with rain showers throughout most of the day. The occasional break in the weather provided some respite for raptors to cross albeit in small numbers. A total of 66 Black Kites, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 14 Marsh Harriers, 15 Montagu's Harriers, 59 Booted Eagles, 60 Sparrowhawks, 2 Buzzards, 2 Ospreys, 9 Kestrels and a Hobby flew north. Also seen were a single Black Stork, a flock of 180 White Storks, 114 Bee-eaters, 4 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 6 Red-rumped Swallows, 2 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinches, 258 Goldfinches, and 34 Serins. Three Ravens were seen together.
2 Apr: Mainly cloudy skies with some sunny spells and the occasional shower. Winds light westerly to south-westerly. A few raptors ventured north across the Straits, but most were probably held up by the bad weather in the area. A total of 109 Black Kites, 1 Griffon Vulture, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 49 Booted Eagles, 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 1 Osprey 30 Sparrowhawks, 4 Kestrels and a migrant Peregrine were counted. Also seen were 19 Swallows, 5 Red-rumped Swallows, 6 House Martins, and 3 Serins.
1 Apr: Light to moderate westerly winds. Cloudy with sunny spells. Few raptors seen due to the light winds; nevertheless a total of 499 Black Kites, 3 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 female Hen Harrier, 14 Booted Eagles, 1 Osprey, 51 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and single Peregrine and Merlin were counted. Also heading north were 100 Swallows, 19 Red-rumped Swallows, 1 House Martin, 5 Pallid Swift, 190 Bee-eaters, 16 Serins, 8 Goldfinches and 4 House Sparrows.
March
31 Mar: Very overcast skies with some rain showers in the vicinity. Winds light easterly becoming light variable to light westerly in the afternoon. During a break in the weather of two hours, raptors which had been held up for over a week decided to cross, and over 1046 Black Kites, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 5 Short-toed Eagles, 17 Booted Eagles, 9 Marsh Harriers, 17 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and a single male Montagu's Harrier were counted at the Observatory. later the weather closed in again and only a few birds came across. Overhead, 68 Swallows, 19 Red-rumped Swallows, 100 Bee-eaters, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 53 Greenfinches, 11 Linnets, 31 Goldfinches and a Serin flew north.
Most passerines had left with overnight breaks in the weather, and only a few were trapped and ringed. Among these were 5 Robins, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Bonelli's Warblers, 2 Iberian Chiffchaffs, and a Sardinian Warbler. But two birds made up for the loss in numbers, a fine male Sparrowhawk and a female Bee-eater.
30 Mar: Overcast skies with low levanter cloud. Winds becoming lighter overnight and lessening throughout the day. Some raptors took the plunge and crossed the Straits this morning, with several Black Kites arriving at Europa Point together with some Sparrowhawks. Finch flocks were in evidence with Serins and Greenfinches also braving the conditions. A flock of 10 Bee-eaters also arrived low over the Observatory and flew low over the nets before moving north. Phylloscopus warblers were the main species caught at the Observatory. The total number of birds ringed was 65 and also included 10 Robins, 6 Blackcaps, 15 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaffs, 8 Bonelli's Warblers, 3 Iberian Chiffchaffs, 4 Subalpine Warbler, 2 Nightingales, single Greenfinch and Serin and the first female Common Redstart. The Bluethroat was retrapped again.
The total raptor count was 73 Black Kites, 4 adult Egyptian Vultures, 10 Marsh Harriers, 1 Booted Eagle, 7 Sparrowhawks, and a Kestrel. Also seen from the Observatory were 15 Black Storks, 15 Swallows, 6 Red-rumped Swallows, 109 Bee-eaters, 24 Serins, 15 Greenfinches, and single Goldfinch, Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.
An evening visit to Windmill Hill produced a different turnaround of migrants from the previous day, and included 4 Hoopoes, 2 Tree Pipits, 3 Stonechats, 6 Common Redstarts, 5 Black Redstarts, 5 Nightingales, 2 Blue Rock Thrushes, 4 Subalpine Warblers, 2 Spectacled Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 20 Northern Wheatears, 25 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Robins, 3 Corn Buntings and a single Woodchat Shrike.
29 Mar: The winds continue to blow strong easterly, and the levanter cloud thickened during the morning with upper cloud moving in from the west providing a slight drizzle during the afternoon. In the Botanic Gardens a Hoopoe was present, together with several phylloscopus warblers, and a Black Redstart. At the Observatory 10 Swallows flew north, with one of them trapped and ringed. Also caught were 2 Robins, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Common Redstarts, 14 Willow Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs, 7 Bonelli's Warblers, 3 Nightingales, and single Orphean Warbler, House Sparrow and Subalpine Warbler.
A visit to Windmill Hill produced a good list of grounded migrants and resident birds that included 2 Barbary Partridges, Bee-eaters heard overhead, 4 Blackbirds, 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Common Redstarts, 4 Black Redstarts, 2 Robins, 1 Nightingale, 10 Sardinian Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 5 Spectacled Warblers, 5 Subalpine Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Corn Buntings and 30 Spotless Starlings.
28 Mar: Skies were clear first thing in the morning, but the levanter cloud soon developed over the Rock. Winds continued to blow from the east with some strong gusts in the Straits. Ringing continued at the Observatory with 4 Redstarts, 11Chiffchaffs, 18 Willow Warblers, 3 Bonelli's Warblers, 2 Iberian Chiffchaffs, 6 Robins, 3 Nightingale, 1 Hoopoe, 2 Greenfinch ,the first Orphean Warbler of the spring and included a very smart white-spotted Bluethroat. Only the third trapped in the spring with two others caught previously in the autumn. Overhead single Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow and Pallid Swift were seen heading north.
Migrants were also seen in the Botanic Gardens with a Bee-eater perched atop a tree, a Woodchat Shrike in the woodland area, a Hoopoe by the clump of bluebells, and several Willow Warblers catching insects on the fennels.
27 Mar: Winds continue strong easterly with levanter cloud over the town and harbour. Mainly clear in the Straits area. A single Black Kite made it across together with 5 Swallows, 2 House Martins and 2 Goldfinches.
There must be a lot of birds held up by the inclement weather on the Moroccan coast and hills, which will cross as soon as the winds subside. A total of 41 birds were ringed and included 7 Robins, 3 Blackcap, 1 Black Redstart, 7 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Bonelli's Warbler, 2 Blackbird, 3 Subalpine Warbler, 2 Nightingale and a single Iberian Chiffchaff. A Woodchat Shrike was seen at Middle Hill on the Upper Rock.
26 Mar: Strong easterly winds continuing with gale force gusts in the Straits. The morning was very cloudy but around midday skies cleared away from the Rock, but the forecast is grim with more cloud and a chance of a shower overnight. Good conditions continue for the ringers, although numbers of birds had dropped somewhat today. Nevertheless there were plenty of phylloscopus warblers about, including many in the town around the landscaped areas of the Watergardens and the Varyl Begg Estate where several Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were seen. Two raptors managed to cross the Straits, an Osprey and a female Marsh Harrier.
A total of 55 birds were ringed at the Observatory including 13 Robins, 13 Willow Warblers, 17 Chiffchaffs, 2 Iberian Chiffchaffs, 3 Bonelli's Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, and single Subalpine Warbler, Nightingale, Blue Tit and Woodchat Shrike.
At the entrance to the Botanic Gardens there was a male and a female Black Redstart together with two Common Redstarts, and several Willow/Chiffchaffs about. Two Hoopoes took off around the Eliotts Column and 2 Nightingales were heard calling near the Dell.
Another 8 Audouin's Gulls were at the Europa Point cricket pitch, and four Cormorants were sheltering in the lee of the rocks at Little Bay..
The Tropical Mockingbird was seen again on the Mulberry Tree by the garages, opposite St. Paul's Church. It had been reported on Wednesday last.
A visit to Windmill Hill in the late afternoon proved frustrating, as the winds were really strong and did not allow the birds to be seen properly. A quick dive from one bush to the next and they were gone. Open ground birds were more amenable with 10 Meadow Pipits and 2 Black Redstarts crouching in a hollow, and a fine male Black-eared Wheatear sheltering behind a rock. A couple of Willow Warblers dived for cover as did a Subalpine Warbler, and a Hoopoe and a Woodchat Shrike were flushed and disappeared in a gust of wind. Only one bird, a lone Corn Bunting, landed on a fennel, only to be buffeted by the strong winds. Also seen were 2 Barbary Partridges and 50 Spotless Starlings.
A Northern Wheatear was seen at Europa Point.
25 Mar: Overcast with heavy levanter cloud. Winds gale force easterly. Another good day for the ringers at the Observatory with ideal fall conditions which brought down plenty of migrants and provided a good total for the day. Ninety birds were ringed among which were 18 Willow Warblers, 18 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 19 Robins, 7 Subalpine Warblers, 8 Bonelli's Warblers, 4 Nightingales, 7 Blackcaps, 4 Sardinian Warblers, and single Song Thrush, Woodchat Shrike, Redstart, and Iberian Chiffchaff.
At the Europa Point cricket field there was a large flock of Yellow-legged Gulls and included 15 Audouin's Gulls, two of which sporting colour rings which showed the code well in the photo. They probably have been ringed at the Ebro Delta, but we will provide you with details once they are received.
Adult Audouin's Gull sporting ring AW9P Stephen Warr/GONHS
Audouin's Gulls with Yellow-legged Gulls. One with ring AV0L Stephen Warr/GONHS
24 Mar: Winds continued to gust to gale force over Gibraltar, and a heavy levanter was accompanied by upper cloud which provided several rain showers during the day. Another good day at the Observatory with another fall of migrants that included the first Scops Owl of the season, also trapped and ringed was the female Ring Ouzel that had been seen the previous day, 2 Woodchat Shrikes, 9 Robins, 2 Blue Rock Thrushes, 4 Song Thrushes, 4 Black Redstarts, 14 Blackcaps, 2 Subalpine Warblers, 29 Willow Warblers, including a British control,14 Chiffchaffs, 3 Iberian Chiffchaffs, 4 Bonelli's Warblers, and single Sardinian Warbler, Whitethroat, Northern Wheatear, Redstart, Chaffinch and Blackbird. The Grey Heron was still at the Catalan Bay reclamation close to a flock of Yellow-legged Gulls. A Hoopoe was also seen on the Inglis Way path and was mobbed by a pair of Blackbirds that was nesting close by.
23 Mar: Finally the anticyclonic weather we have had since the autumn, seems to have departed. The morning broke with characteristic levanter conditions, with heavy cloud over much of the Rock and harbour and covering the Straits area. Winds were gusting to gale force down the Straits. This produced fall conditions, and soon after daybreak, migrants were being caught in the Observatory nets. A good day with 108 birds ringed, and included the first 4 Common Redstarts, with three males and a female, a Black Redstart, 51 Willow Warblers, 3 Iberian Chiffchaffs, 7 Bonelli's Warblers a Subalpine Warbler, a fine male Spectacled Warbler, a Whitethroat, and several Chiffchaffs, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Song Thrushes, 10 Robins, 2 Serins, a Greenfinch, a Chaffinch, and Sardinian Warblers to add to the tally. A Hoopoe,several phylloscopus warblers and a Ring Ouzel were flying up from Windmill Hill looking for shelter in the lee of the Rock. A Grey Heron was on the rocks at Catalan Bay. Conditions will be similar for the next few days, so we will keep you updated with the results at the Observatory.
22 Mar: Levanter cloud over the Rock in the morning, as winds picked up from the east overnight. A Hoopoe had been grounded and was in the Botanic Gardens in the morning. In the afternoon, there were over 150 Yellow-legged Gulls resting at the Europa cricket pitch. With them were 3 adult Audouin's Gulls. the Booted Eagle was still around on the Upper Rock, and the Yellow-browed Warbler is still in the same tree at the Mount Gardens, and has been there since it was first seen on the 10th January.
21 Mar: Mainly clear skies with some patchy cloud in the afternoon from the north. Winds light easterly to variable, returning to easterly. The first Bonelli's Warbler of the season was trapped and ringed at the Observatory, together with 4 Willow Warblers. The wintering light phase Booted Eagle was observed soaring over the Rock in the afternoon. The Kingfisher was again present in the Theatre pond of the Botanic Gardens.
The Tropical Mockingbird was reported from the same site opposite St. Paul's Church.
20 Mar: Clear skies with light easterly winds. Two Sparrowhawks were observed heading north from Jews' Gate. The catch at the Observatory improved somewhat, with over 20 birds ringed. Among these were 5 Robins, and several Blackcaps, all of which were obviously departing their wintering grounds. Most Black Redstarts around the Observatory have already left, as have the wintering Crag Martinsthat would be regularly seen in the early mornings departing north to feed and returning back to roost at night. A Nightingale was heard calling around the Observatory, and 2 Hoopoes were seen at the top station of the Cable Car.
19 Mar: The winds fell to a light variable backing to a light easterly in the morning, and clear skies once again prevailed. Earlier in the morning 3 Sparrowhawks were seen flying north, with 4 Swallows and a single Pallid Swift. Ringing was poor, but a retrapped Wryneck, that had been ringed at the Observatory on the 28 September, made up for a slack day.
A flock of 9 Grey Heron were observed to the east of Europa Point.
18 Mar: Clear skies with light to moderate westerly winds becoming north-westerly in the afternoon. Still not ideal conditions but certainly an improvement over the past few days. There was a good count from the Observatory with 2 Stork sp which were seen way in the distance, 950 Black Kites, 42 Short-toed Eagles,23 Marsh Harriers, 2 Montagu's Harriers, 17 Booted Eagles, 47 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels, 1 Lesser Kestrel, 32 Swallows, 1 Red-rumped Swallow, 6 House Martins, 19 Pallid Swifts, and 2 Alpine Swifts. Another Subalpine Warbler was trapped and ringed.
17 Mar: Clear skies with light variable winds throughout the day with some northerly at the head of the Bay. raptors mainly passed over in the afternoon as winds increased from the south. A total of 9 Marsh Harriers, 9 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, and single Short-toed Eagles, Osprey, Booted Eagle and Buzzard flew north over Jews' Gate. Also seen were the first 2 Bee-eaters of the season, 20 Swallows, 5 Red-rumped Swallows, 18 House Martins, 4 Sand Martins, 12 Serins and 2 Meadow Pipits.
Two Alpine Choughs were observed heading north over Windmill Hill. In Iberia the species, is normally found at high altitude close to the snowline in high mountain areas of central and northern Spain. There are also populations in Morocco in the high mountainous areas of the Middle and High Atlas, but surprisingly there is a population that can be found close to the Straits area in the Rif mountains behind Tetouan, at no more than 500m. Prospecting individuals from this population occasionally wander across the Straits and are seen in spring at Gibraltar. Most records have been in late April and early May, with one record in late September, with flocks numbering as many as 18 birds.
16 Mar: Light variable winds with a southerly breeze blew in some raptor, mainly during the afternoon as the sea-breeze picked up. A total of 18 Black Kites, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Ospreys, 4 Booted Eagles, 25 Marsh Harriers, 1 male Hen Harrier, 13 Sparrowhawks, 6 Kestrels, 2 Lesser Kestrels and single Peregrine, a possible migrant, and a Merlin flew north over the Observatory. Also seen were 30 Cranes flying north up the bay, 14 Swallows, 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 8 House Martins, and 25 Serins.
15 Mar: Clear skies with some high cloud later in the day. Winds light easterly. At the Observatory the first Willow Warbler of the year was trapped and ringed. Also caught were a fine male Stonechat and an Iberian Chiffchaff.
14 Mar: The easterlies continue with slight cloud in the morning quickly clearing to a blue sky in the afternoon. The first Woodchat Shrike of the season was seen briefly flying in the area of the old Lathbury Barracks. A single Sparrowhawk flew in across the Strait and a fine male Subalpine Warbler was the first of the species ringed this year.
12 Mar: The winds have been a moderate easterly with mainly clear skies for the last few days. This means that there has been no raptor passage and the passerine migrants have gone through mainly undetected with the clear night sky. The ringing effort has therefore produced few birds, with mainly local retraps and some local birds ringed, and included a new Blue Rock Thrush on monday. Lets hope that the weather system that is producing settled weather over much of Western Europe shifts soon and may bring the much awaited rain fronts our way. If this does not happen soon, we will be experiencing extreme drought conditions, and the vegetation will soon dry out, as it is already showing signs of stress and browning.
09 Mar: Just the one Black Kite today, at the wrong end of the Straits for migration, but made it all the same.
08 Mar: After the previous day with light easterly, clear skies and nothing to report, the winds turned to a light westerly again bringing with it a trickle of raptors. Birds seen from the Observatory included a White Stork, 37 Black Kites, 23 Short-toed Eagles, a light phase Booted Eagle, a Kestrel, 7 Swallows and 4 House Martins. Among birds trapped and ringed at the Observatory were a male Stonechat, a Hoopoe and an Iberian Chiffchaff.
06 Mar: Light westerly becoming moderate during the afternoon. Mainly clear skies becoming hazy with a lot of high cirrus cloud during the afternoon. A good raptor day with a total of 142 Black Kites, 407 Short-toed Eagles, 4 Egyptian Vultures, 3 Marsh Harriers, 12 Sparrowhawks, 3 Booted Eagles 2 Kestrels, 3 Lesser Kestrels, and the star bird of the day; a Black Vulture that arrived low over Windmill Hill and passed low over the heads of the observers at the Observatory providing them with stupendous views.
The Black Vulture Gilbert Gonzalez/GONHS
Also seen were 9 White Storks, 22 Black Storks, 23 Swallows, 5 House Martins, and the first Sand Martins of the season with 5 birds. Single Chaffinch and Serin headed north, and an Iberian Chiffchaff was trapped and ringed at the Observatory.
05 Mar: The westerly winds continued today providing good conditions for raptor passage. A total of 665 Black Kites, 138 Short-toed Eagles, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Booted Eagles, 2 Sparrowhawks and 2 Kestrels were counted throughout the day. Two Peregrines could have been migrants as they headed northwards. Also seen were 34 Black Storks, 11 Swallows, 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 3 Pallid Swifts, 3 Serins and 4 Goldfinches.
04 Mar: Clear skies with light to moderate south-west winds turning to north-west at midday. The winds helped a little but most birds headed in over the Bay with only a few overhead. in all there were 98 Black Kites, 252 Short-toed Eagles, with many more seen across the Bay and heading into Spain, 4 Egyptian Vulture, 4 Marsh Harriers, 7 Sparrowhawks, 2 Lesser Kestrels, 3 Common Kestrels, and a migrant Peregrine. Other birds heading north were 15 Swallows, 34 House Martins and single Pallid Swift and Serin.
Among birds trapped at the Observatory was a controlled French Blackcap.
03 Mar: The morning dawned with mainly clear skies and a moderate westerly wind which became light for the rest of the day. Very warm temperatures approximately 20C. A search for the Tropical Mockingbird was again successful, with the bird seen again at the same site. The owners of the garden nursery Gibralflora, told us that the bird had been seen there most days. It was observed breaking open a date from the palm tree nearby. A search for the Yellow-browed Warbler at the Mount gardens was also successful with the warbler seen in the same tree and apparently holding territory as it would chase away any Chiffchaffs that would venture close by.
Raptor passage was slow with the light winds not helping much. A trickle of raptors produced 30 Black Kites, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels and a single Marsh Harrier. Also seen were 11 House Martins, 45 Swallow, 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 2 Pallid Swifts, 2 Chaffinches, 29 Serins, 1 Greenfinch and 6 Goldfinches.
A Jackdaw was observed at Windmill Hill, and was seen heading north.
The first Pallid Swifts of the season are around town. This one with a food-ball in its mouth.
02 Mar: Cloudy skies with some showers from the west. Winds moderate westerly. Some raptors ventured across the Straits but most were reluctant to migrate under the prevailing weather conditions. Nevertheless 2 Black Kites, 3 Sparrowhawks and single Marsh Harrier and Kestrel headed north. Eight House Martins, 2 Serins and a Swallow were also observed together with the first two Pallid Swifts of the season.
01 Mar: Clear skies and a light variable westerly wind becoming cloudy in the late afternoon. The adult Lanner was seen again in the vicinity of the ammunition jetty on the east side of the Rock. Apparently is is settling on the cliff face close to the entrance of Dudley Ward tunnel. Two Hoopoes were seen on the roadway of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
February
29 Feb: Moderate easterly turning light in the late afternoon. Mainly clear skies with some high cloud from the west. The first two Iberian Chiffchaffs were trapped and ringed at the Observatory. Bright individuals they were, but their call clinched their identity. Elsewhere the there was a Hoopoe on the Upper Rock roads in the morning.
28 Feb: Light to moderate easterly winds and light levanter cloud was the order of the day. The ringing operation at Jews' Gate Observatory has slowed down with few migrants on the move. Nevertheless a nice male Dartford Warbler graced the ringers there in the morning.
27 Feb: Winds were not as strong as the previous afternoon, but was still moderate in intensity, becoming light, bringing several raptors, many of which flew up the Bay. In total a count from 09:30-16:50 produced 4 Black Kites, 39 Short-toed Eagles with approximately 100 up the Bay, 2 Egyptian Vultures, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Kestrels and a male Lesser Kestrel. Also seen were 5 Serins, 5 Swallows and a single Red-rumped Swallow. The adult Lanner was seen again in the vicinity of Windmill Hill.
26 Feb: The day dawned with clear skies and a light variable wind that slowly picked up from the south-west, providing ideal conditions for raptor passage at midday. From then on birds continuously arrived over Europa Point gaining height over Windmill Hill and passing close to the Observatory were many GONHS members were diligently recording the passage. In total there were 56 White Storks, 32 Black Storks, 440 Black Kites, 139 Short-toed Eagles, 1 male Marsh Harrier, a male and a female Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks and a male Lesser Kestrel. Also seen heading north were 4 Swallows, 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 8 House Martins and 2 Serins. A Hoopoe was seen on Windmill Hill.
A visit this morning finally provided good photographic opportunities with the bird showing well and feeding on ivy berries and dates from the palm tree.
Typical pose with cocked tail and drooping wings
Showing undertail pattern and wing-bars but lacking white wing panel of Northern Mockingbird.
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus Showing undertail pattern. Charles Perez/ GONHS ©
25 Feb: Light variable winds becoming light westerly in the afternoon. Clear skies and warm. A new Stonechat was ringed at the Observatory among other wintering birds. The winds were too light for raptor passage and only one female Marsh Harrier was seen heading north. Also observed there were 2 Swallows and a Hoopoe. An adult Lanner was seen from Windmill Hill this afternoon.
This morning, several of us were back to see the bird. We confirmed the lack of white wing patches and concluded that this must be a Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus;the first for the western Palearctic! Armed with cameras, the bird was not showing well, preferring to stay in the dense foliage of a Palm tree. Eventually that afternoon it perched back on the Mulberry Tree and afforded photo opportunities, although it was shaded by a tree trunk and the sun was setting.
24 Feb: Moderate easterly becoming light in the afternoon and evening. Clear skies. Ringing at Jews' Gate Observatory has been rather quiet, except for several retraps and a few new birds. Today though, a Blackcap was controlled with a Danish ring.
Reports of a strange bird in the area of the Transport Department's garages in the Varyl Begg area, prompted GONHS members to investigate. A visit in the morning was fruitless but in the afternoon one of our members saw the bird perched on bare branches of a Mulberry Tree. He identified it as a Mockingbird, and others turned up to see the bird. The overall conclusion was that this was a Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos that had probably been ship-assisted across the Atlantic and had arrived in Gibraltar. Hence the close proximity of the bird to the North Mole and harbour area.
Looking at field guides later that evening we were struck that no one had seen the conspicuous white patches on the wing; a characteristic of Northern Mockingbird, and suspicions grew, that it may well be a Tropical Mockingbird, Mimus gilvus.
23 Feb: The light easterly freshened in the early morning, gusting in the town and harbour. Cloudy levanter covered the town and harbour most of the morning and early afternoon. A Grey Heron was seen on the reclamation area by Eastern beach. It flew and was chased by gulls.
22 Feb: The Yellow-browed Warbler was again seen and heard in the ficus tree of the Mount gardens, and has probably wintered there.
21 Feb: Quite cold with light to moderate easterly winds. Some levanter cloud developing over the Rock. A Swallow, and the first House Martin of the season were seen from the observatory at Jews Gate. A Hoopoe and a pair of Barbary Partridges were observed on Windmill Hill. The Cattle Egret, thats been hanging around the coastal areas of Gibraltar, was spotted at Little Bay.
20 Feb: Light easterly winds with some high cloud. A Hoopoe was seen flying over the sea and making landfall at the foreshore below Europa Point.
19 Feb: A bright and sunny day after the previous cloudy conditions with fresh levanter and easterly winds of the previous day. There were 6 Cormorants on rocks at Little Bay, with another heading west off Europa Point. At least 65 Black-headed Gulls were feeding below the Point, some already sporting brown hoods, and included a fine adult Mediterranean Gull with a black hood. A few Gannets were seen offshore.
Two Hoopoes were observed at Windmill Hill..
18 Feb: A Hoopoe was seen on Windmill Hill. Cormorants are now a regular sight overflying the runway at the northern end of the Rock. There was one heading east in the morning and two heading west in the evening.
16 Feb: The Yellow-browed Warbler was again seen in the Ficus tree of the Mount Gardens. The Firecrest was also observed there.
15 Feb: Two Swallows were observed heading north past Jews Gate Observatory.
14 Feb: Light variable winds turning to north-westerly in the afternoon. Very cold first thing in the morning but the sun soon warmed up the day. A clear and cloudless sky. A visit to the Mount Gardens proved fruitful. Two weeks previously, one of our observers, had mentioned a strange call coming from the large fig tree in the gardens. This morning, on an unrelated visit, we heard the bird, and since it sounded unfamiliar, located it in the fig tree. It turned out to be a Phylloscopus warbler with a well marked supercilium. We returned to our offices and compared the call to Asiatic phylloscopus warblers on the web, and matched the call to Yellow-browed Warbler. Grabbing our binoculars we returned to the Mount Gardens where we again located the bird and after some time confirmed its identification. It seems to have a preference to feeding on insects in this exotic fig tree. It remained high in the canopy, flying lower on a few occasions where the wing-bars were seen well. It also gave chase to a Firecrest that happened to be prospecting crevices in the bark. It called frequently and it was this that gave its presence away.
The Cattle Egret that was seen a few days ago was again seen flying north over the southern end of town.
12 Feb: Light variable winds becoming light south-westerly and turning to north-westerly in the evening. There were 9 Cormorants sitting on rocks at Little Bay. At Europa Point there were 20 Black-headed Gulls feeding below the Point. One first-year Mediterranean Gull was also present with another 8 first-year singles and an adult flying east. Several Gannets were moving out of the Mediterranean in the afternoon. A total of 7 Swallows flew north during the day.
In the late evening the Eagle Owl was seen along the crest of the Rock carrying a rabbit in its talons.
11 Feb: Cold with north-westerly winds freshning in the afternoon. Some cloud from the west. A total of 8 Swallows were counted at the Jews gate Observatory.
10 Feb: The day continued with a light westerly wind with clear skies, but rather cold. At 11:45 a Griffon Vulture was observed flying along the western cliffs of the Rock chased by Yellow-legged Gulls. The vulture may have arrived from across the Bay or come in across the Straits.
08 Feb: Another fine day with moderate westerly winds and clear skies. Two Swallows were observed migrating north from the Observatory at Jews Gate.
07 Feb: A fine day with clear skies and a warm afternoon. Winds north westerly but offshore there was a south-westerly blowing up the Straits. A flock of 5 White Storks headed north up the Bay in the early afternoon. This was followed by 3 Black Storks that flew in high over the Rock and headed north. Also seen were 37 Black Kites and a Swallow. A Cattle Egret was seen at Catalan Bay.
06 Feb: Another cold morning with northerly winds that changed to west and then south-westerly in the early afternoon, becoming warm. As soon as winds changed to south-westerly Swallows begun arriving and in half an hour 12 birds in four flocks were observed heading north.
05 Feb: Cold conditions continue with a brisk northerly wind blowing. A Common Sandpiper was observed on the rocks at the northern end of Westview Promenade.
04 Feb: A cold northerly wind with clear skies dominated. A Little Egret was observed balancing on the fenders at the Extension jetty of the North Mole. At Europa Point 45 Black-headed Gulls were feeding below the point; the biggest flock this year. Several Gannets were also feeding offshore with some heading out of the Straits.
03 Feb: A very cold morning with temperatures in the region of 5C, but sunny conditions prevailed raising the temperature somewhat during the middle of the day. A Short-eared Owl was observed close to Douglas path.
02 Feb: Moderate westerly winds with some cloud and a slight drizzle early in the morning as a front passed through the Straits, breaking up to reveal sunny spells and a drop in temperature as winds settled to a fresh north-westerly. Seven Black Kites were observed heading north in the early afternoon, with another 2 in the evening.
An Alpine Accentor was observed at the top of the Rock at O'Hara's Battery in the afternoon.
01 Feb: The day dawned with a light to moderate westerly wind with clear skies and some high cloud. Very sunny throughout most of the day, but meteorologists have warned of an impending cold snap tomorrow. Just after midday a Griffon Vulture flew in from across the Bay in the company of several Yellow-legged Gulls. In the afternoon a Lesser Kestrel arrived from across the Straits and headed north.
In the afternoon a Hoopoe was seen on Windmill Hill; the first of the season.
In the evening two members went in search of the Eagle Owl . At around 19:30 the owl was spotted flying around the cliffs from the north face to the east side cliffs.
January
31 Jan: Weather conditions improved and returned to the calm variable anticyclonic weather of the past few months. A Kingfisher was observed at the Wildlife park of the Botanic Gardens. Many wintering birds are taking advantage of the fine weather conditions and are very active, with Chiffchaffs calling and feeding on the nectar of the Aloes at the Botanic Gardens. Many Chaffinches and Black Redstarts are also present there.
There were 3 Whimbrels and a Shag on the rocks at Little Bay.
29 Jan: After a cold and wet day yesterday, with some snow in the surrounding Sierra de las Nieves, an Alpine Accentor was observed feeding along the cliffs at the top station of the Cable Car. Colder conditions this week may have encouraged the species to lower altitudes. Nine Cormorants were resting on the rocks at Little Bay. The wintering light phase Booted Eagle is still about and was seen over the southern end of the Rock.
Gannets are now migrating out of the Mediterranean with several flocks seen during a brief spell at Europa Point. Several Black-headed Gulls were feeding close inshore, with a couple of Cormorants that were harrassing the shoals of Grey Mullet.
22 Jan: A juvenile Shag spent several hours sunning itself on the rocks on the shore at Europort before flying off.
19 Jan: In the morning an exhausted Storm Petrel was discovered on the deck of a ship in the harbour area, and taken into care. The bird looked fine but died a few days later.
18 Jan: After a few days with some heavy rain showers the weather cleared a bit but temperatures had dropped substantially and an influx of Chiffchaffs arrived on the Rock with many birds seen in the Botanic Gardens feeding on the nectar of flowering Aloes.
Five Razorbills flew east past Europa Point.
14 Jan: A female Marsh Harrier was observed flying over the Rock at 13:15 in the afternoon. It is not known whether the bird was a new arrival from across the Straits or a wandering individual from Spain.
9 Jan: Thirty-nine birds were trapped at the Observatory during an overcast day with strong easterly winds. Of these 27 birds were new, with 10 Robins, 8 Blackcaps, 5 Black Redstarts, 3 Greenfinches and a Sardinian Warbler.
5 Jan: Mainly clear skies with light easterly winds. At the Observatory 20 new birds were ringed among which were 8 Blackcaps, 3 Black Redstarts, 4 Robins, 2 Sardinian Warblers, 2 Greenfinches and a Blackbird. Six retrap Robins, and 4 retrap Blackcaps were also caught at the site. The Tawny Owl was heard calling throughout the night.
4 Jan: Another clear day with sunny conditions and light variable winds turning to light easterly. Ringing operations resumed at the Observatory and among the new birds trapped were a Meadow Pipit and a Kingfisher. Both these birds were in caught on the slopes of the Rock in the Mediterranean scrub habitat; an unusual habitat for the pipit that frequents open ground or the Kingfisher that is normally found in fresh water courses, although some frequent the coastline in the autumn. Other new birds included 6 Blackcaps, and single Song Thrush, Robin, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Chaffinch.
1 Jan: Happy New Year to all. Clear skies with moderate northerly winds. The first three Black Kites of the season, the earliest to cross the Straits, were seen heading north. The dark phase Booted Eagle was still around the southern end of Gibraltar. In the evening a flock of approximately 2000 Common Starlings arrived at the South District forming their characteristic aerial displays before descending into the trees to roost. A Tawny Owl was heard calling throughout the night around the Observatory at Jews' Gate.
Common Starlings coming to roost at the South District. Eric Shaw/GONHS
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