Trumpeter Finch

 A few weeks ago

 Visiting birder Dale Kelly and I went to Montnegra and Maigmo Mountain, we searched for Trumpeter Finch at Montnegra and dipped out big time, it was blowing a gale and a very cold wind. But today was a completely different story and 3 weeks later.

Arriving about 9 o'clock we had an excellent show of Red Rumped Swallows, whizzing around our head for a little while.  Blue Rock Thrush almost immediately and pair Black Wheatear showed off,  heard and seen on the wires European Bee-eater. Red-legged Partridges scurried around.

The Jewel in the Crown

Trumpeter Finch

  One of the most sought-after Finch in Spain has returned to Montnegra. We only gave it an hour or so which included the first breakfast and a wedge of lemon drizzle. We watched from a distance at first, and after confirming they were back we moved a little closer to get a photograph, of these stunning rare and elusive little Finch with that big red bill, in pristine breeding plumage these little Finch are simply spectacular.

Trumpeter Finch

So what's different this time

I've photographed these birds extensively over the years and their leg rings, but now they are traffic lights colour-coded on their right legs. see the photos, I'm sure there are returning birds from the previous breeding seasons. At some point, I'll try and get a photo of a ring number from the silver ring.  It might answer some questions about where they go after breading.

Trumpeter Finch

Other birds seen at least 3 Woodchat Shrike, Rock Sparrow, Chough, Dartford Warbler, Rock Bunting, Nightingale, and Serin. Southern Grey Shrike, Mistle Thrush, Jay.

Woodchat Shrike Bird 1

Woodchat Shrike Bird 2

Maigmo  Mountain at the very top

Was shrouded with dark clouds creating its weather system, it was cold, blowing a gale and only 16 degrees compared to lower slopes a comfortable 22 degrees.

Wood Lark

We stopped at sites on the way up,  which would produce a few opportunities to see birds, they didn't  disappoint Crossbills, Wood Lark, all of the Tit family, and Lesser Short-toed Tree Creepers were everywhere, Swallow-tailed Butterfly were in good number today

Lesser Short-toed Tree Creeper

To be honest we didn't do justice to Maigmo Mountain just up and down as I had to get back. So I'll be heading back there soon.

Lesser Short-toed Tree Creeper

I've not mentioned every bird seen.

Have fun and a great day

Woodchat Shrike Bird 3

Cheers Bryan