Sunday, April 29, 2007

Iberian Chiffchaff


One of the splits more controverted on species in the Iberian peninsula is the one that took on the Phylloscopus collybita, split accepted by the rarities committees and that in Spain, have taken to ornithologists to take extra precautions to separate the new species, the Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and the Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus), denominated firstly like P. brehmii.
Still the discussions on the different identifications continue in diverse ornithological sites, forums etc...
In the field, in a typical observation, these two species are practically indistinguishable, although there are authors who indicate subtle differences in the color of the plumage.
Nevertheless, when we listened to it’s different songs we can determine as of both we are listening, that yes, whenever they emit his normal songs, since mixed songs can be listened, that can mistake.
The song of the Iberian Chiffchaff is a song faster, and normally shorter than the Common Chiffchaff , and that it finalizes with a very characteristic trill.
Look here!
The song of the Common Chiffchaff is slower and longer in the time, giving the sensation of which is sadder.
In several zones of the north of Spain it is easy to listen several of these mixed songs.
The origin of these songs, is difficult to attribute to the species exactly, some ornithologists, attribute these songs to imitations of Common Chiffchaff , others say that they are imitations of Iberian Chiffchaff , and many we decided on the sensation and the intuition to attribute to certain songs to a species or another one.
In order to clarify many of these doubts, the Iberian Ringning Group – Grupo Ibérico de Anillamiento. GIA - , it has prepared the first congress on the Iberian Chiffchaff , that will be celebrated in Riello (León), from 11th to 13th of May and that has great specialists of this species, Lars Svensson, José Luis Copete, Gozalo Elias, Alejandro Onrubia, Alfonso Balmori, …aspects on morphology, songs, distribution etc…. will treat.
Let us hope that the conclusions contribute means to us to differentiate these difficult species.
You have more information HERE (PDF file)

Friday, April 27, 2007

Lagoons


Great number of migratory birds has arrived, in a stroll by the lagoons of Gayangos it is possible to see and to listen many of these birds.
The lagoons of Gayangos conform one of the few wetlands of the province of Burgos.
They are composed by three main lagoons and other than is stationary because it is dried at times of summer.
In these lagoons it is possible to find great number of species of birds, being the most showy aquatic birds, Ducks, Grebes, Rails…and those that live related to the wetland plants, Cetti’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler….

Garganey

Several of the birds that live in the wetlands plants are difficult to detect if it is not by means of the voice.
In the environs of the lagoons it is possible to see other many species of birds, Buntings, Stonechats, Finches, Kites, Storks

Corn Bunting

Whinchat
Now, with the new observatory, it is possible to take refuge the days of bad weather.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

New Records in the Yearbook.

You don’t let see the great amount of new records in:
http://www.avesdeburgos.com/anuario.htm

Black Stork, Garganey, Waders, Warblers....and more.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

SACRE. Course


This weekend has been developed the course on the program of breeding common birds of Spain, SACRE, to carry out in the beautiful valley of Valdivielso.
The birder José Luis Lobo made the introduction to the course, along with the explanation of the program developed by SEO/BirdLife to study and to recognize the different songs from birds.
Next a stroll by the valley of Valdivielso was made, guided by the birders Josu Olavarria and Carlos Palma.
The course was very concurred, something that is really very positive.
Many species were not seen, although yes the first Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus and the first Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus of the season.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Birds in Wetlands. Censuses

The census of aquatic birds that has initiated the SEO/BirdLife, does not cover all the species that are related to the wetlands, only certain species have to be registered.
The census is had to make in three times, in the second two weeks of March, April and May.
In first census, it has been made with conditions in which meteorology to play a important part.
Days back, the snow, it was making, so the level of waters of the lagoons and the rivers has grown enormously, this has made difficult to walk round these wetlands of suitably form.
Even so, the results, by this time, still early are not of all bad.
Although of the Paseriformes no has been detected, if several Ducks, and like more observed the Common Coot.
In many zones of the field still it has up to 20 cm of snow, so it seems total winter, as excellent observation but were the one of a pair of Fieldfare.

List of the species, (not exclusively records to the census).

Common Pochard Aythya ferina
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Common Coot Fulica atra
Great Tit Parus major
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
netting, good moment to observe these birds, since now it is crossing towards the north of Europe.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Hedge Accentor Prunella modularis
Robin Erithacus rubecula
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
Fieldfire Turdus pilaris