Bird Guide: January 2012

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Ospreys - Linking Communities Worldwide!

Osprey Migration Foundation

Ospreys are one of the most charismatic and cosmopolitan of all bird species. The species’ global distribution and migratory habits lend it to collaborative projects. As Yossi Leshem has demonstrated through his work in the Middle East, migrating birds like Ospreys cross national, cultural and religious boundaries and have great potential to link communities separated by hundreds if not thousands of miles. We believe Ospreys provide us with a truly unique opportunity to engage and link communities across the world.

For further information please contact us HERE

Osprey Migration

Most northern European Ospreys winter in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent advances in satellite tracking have enhanced our understanding of their migration greatly. GPS transmitters give hourly fixes for tracked birds, providing data on location, altitude, speed and orientation. This has allowed researchers to follow the journey of migratory Ospreys in unprecedented detail.

The work has shown that Ospreys from Western Europe – UK, Germany, France and Sweden – follow a westerly migration route taking them into Spain and across the Mediterranean into Morocco. They then skirt around the Atlas Mountains before crossing the western part of the Sahara. Satellite tracked birds have then wintered at various points along the West Africa coast - from Mauritania south to Guinea. The map below shows a typical migration from England to Senegal.

Birds nesting further east – in Finland and Estonia for example – use a more easterly route. They fly south through Eastern Europe and into the Middle East. From there they head into North Africa across the eastern part of the Sahara before wintering in countries such as Sudan and Cameroon. Others continue further south, with one Finnish-tracked bird wintering on the southern coast of South Africa – a record-breaking migration of 12,500 kilometres.

Linking Schools and Communities

The Osprey Migration Foundation (OMF) has been set-up in order to link schools along Osprey migration flyways. Using satellite-tracked birds as a guide, the OMF has already initiated links between primary schools in England and The Gambia. Children at the schools have exchanged letters and videos diaries. With Ospreys as the common link, this provides them with a unique way to learn about other cultures, religions and languages. It will also greatly enhance their knowledge of bird migration.

The OMF now plan to expand the project to include schools along other major flyways. In Europe this will include both the western and eastern flyways as follows:

Western flyway

Sweden-Scotland-England-France- Spain-Morocco-Senegal-Gambia

Eastern Flyway

Finland-Eastern Europe-Israel-Egypt- Cameroon

Along each flyway we plan to link each school with two others, thereby creating groups of three. The three schools will be from different cultural backgrounds. A link on the western flyway could include various combinations, for example:

Sweden-England-Gambia

Scotland-Spain-Gambia

France-Morocco-Senegal

The link lends itself to children of all ages. The initial links between English and Gambian schools involve seven/eight year olds and thirteen/fourteen year olds.

Schools close to key Osprey breeding/migration sites will be approached by associate partners of OMF who will then visit the school in order to talk about the project and initiate the links.

The OMF will develop educational packs for each school involved in the link. This will provide teachers with sufficient background information on Osprey migration to introduce the concept to the children. It will also include lesson plans and suggested web links to further each school’s migration studies.

Although education packs will be provided for all schools participating in the project, the OMF will provide additional support for education in developing countries where facilities are limited. The Foundation is already providing educational opportunities for children in several Gambian schools through the provision of optics, books and computer equipment. This work is being co-ordinated in The Gambia by Junkung Jadama a local bird guide who is visiting schools to give talks and lead fieldtrips. This model could be repeated in other areas where education facilities are poor. Schools from more affluent areas may wish to hold fund raising events to assist with this education work.

As more schools join the project we hope to organise an international meeting for all of the children involved. The meeting would be held at a well-known migration watch point in the spring or autumn when large numbers of migrant birds, including Ospreys, will be passing through in spectacular numbers. The meeting would enable the children to experience migration at first hand, and at the same time, provide a unique opportunity to bring children and their teachers from many cultural backgrounds together.

Tim Mackrill & Tim Appleton, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

Dr Yossi Leshem, Tel Aviv University

Peter Jones, Andalucia Bird Society

Tracking an individual Osprey's migration:

No. 09 (with AW) tracked through Spain and crossing to Morocco 09.09.2011

Arriving to feed off the Moroccan Atlantic Coast on 10.09.2011

Our bird heads inland to roost and then makes its way south near Agadir to roost again 11.09.2011

For further information or to get involved contact us HERE

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Botswana Trip Report Part 3 - Species Listing

WORLDWIDE BIRDING TOURS: Botswana 2011

October 14th to 26th 2011

Species Listings for Birds and Mammals

Tour Leader: Peter Jones

Tour Guide: Kurt McKenzie

Author: Peter Jones

For day to day accounts of our great safari tour, please read the previous 2 blogs i.e. Part One and Two.

The tour trip report is posted in three parts, the first deals with our excursions in and around Maun and the Kalahari Desert, the second our excursions to Khwai, Savuti, Chobi and Victoria Falls, this the third and final part covers bird and mammal species seen.

Bush Fire in the Kalahari

This blog is a supplementary part to the previous day by day tour descriptions and gives a complete list of both Bird and Mammal species seen by the tour group. If you are not a lover of lists there are some great photographs included...

African Darter

STRUTHIONIFORMES: Struthionidae

Common Ostrich Struthio camelus

GALLIFORMES: Numididae

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena

Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus

Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii

Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata

Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor

White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis

Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus

Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha

Garganey Anas querquedula

Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota

Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma

PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

Open-billed Stork

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis

African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus

Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhy. senegalensis

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus

PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae

African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

African Spoonbill Platalea alba

PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Striated Heron Butorides striata

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Great Egret Ardea alba

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia

Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca

Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

PELECANIFORMES: Scopidae

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus

SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae

Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus

SULIFORMES: Anhingidae

African Darter Anhinga rufa

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Sagittariidae

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius

Bateleur

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus

Black Kite Milvus migrans

Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius

African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus

White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus

Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus

Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis

Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus

Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus

African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus

Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates

Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus

Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar

Shikra Accipiter badius

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus

Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis

African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster

Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

Ayres's Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus

Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis

Tawny Eagle

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae

Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides

Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus

OTIDIFORMES: Otididae

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori

Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista

Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

African Crake Crex egregia

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra

African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

GRUIFORMES: Gruidae

Wattled Crane Grus carunculata

CHARADRIIFORMES: Turnicidae

Common Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae

Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus

Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris

Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus

Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae

Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus

Spotted Thick-knee

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Little Stint Calidris minuta

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

Grey-hooded Gull Chroicoceph. cirrocephalus

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

PTEROCLIDIFORMES: Pteroclididae

Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus

Burchell's Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

Common Pigeon Columba livia

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea

European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola

Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis

African Green Pigeon Treron calvus

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae

Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis

Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri

African Fish Eagle

MUSOPHAGIFORMES: Musophagidae

Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

Senegal

Coucal Centropus senegalensis

Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae

Western Barn Owl Tyto alba

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus

Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus

Common Swift Apus apus

African Black Swift Apus barbatus

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer

COLIIFORMES: Coliidae

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae

Purple Roller Coracias naevius

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus

Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides

BUCEROTIFORMES: Upupidae

African Hoopoe Upupa africana

BUCEROTIFORMES: Phoeniculidae

Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus

Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

Lilac-breasted Roller

BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae

Bradfield's Hornbill Tockus bradfieldi

African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus

Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas

BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucorvidae

Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri

PICIFORMES: Lybiidae

Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas

Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus

Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii

PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae

Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator

PICIFORMES: Picidae

Bennett's Woodpecker Campethera bennettii

Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens

Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus

PASSERIFORMES: Platysteiridae

Chinspot Batis Batis molitor

PASSERIFORMES: Prionopidae

White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus

PASSERIFORMES: Malaconotidae

Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis

Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus

Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla

Ethiopian Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus

Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus

Swamp Boubou Laniarius bicolor

Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus

Brubru Nilaus afer

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus

Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus

Three-banded Plover

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae

Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae

African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

Cape Crow Corvus capensis

Pied Crow Corvus albus

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae

Southern Black Tit Parus niger

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae

Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana

Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata

Fawn-colored Lark Calendulauda africanoides

Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis

Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae

African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus

Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae

Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii

Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata

Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula

Common House Martin Delichon urbicum

Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata

PASSERIFORMES: Macrosphenidae

Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens

PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae

Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum

PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae

Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae

Chirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens

Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens

Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis

Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla

Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava

Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans

Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolatus

Green-capped Eremomela Eremomela scotops

Greater Blue-eared Starling

PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae

Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii

Hartlaub's Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii

Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae

Chestnut-vented Warbler Sylvia subcaerulea

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea

Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus

Meves's Starling Lamprotornis mevesii

Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis

Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio

PASSERIFORMES: Buphagidae

Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

Groundscraper Thrush Psophocichla litsitsirupa

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini

Bearded Scrub Robin Erythropygia quadrivirgata

White-browed Scrub Robin Erythropygia leucophrys

Kalahari Scrub Robin Erythropygia paena

Arnot’s Chat Pentholaea arnotti

Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata

Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris

Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora

Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina

Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris

Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis

Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis

Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus

White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali

Great Sparrow Passer motitensis

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus

PASSERIFORMES: Ploceidae

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger

Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons

Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus

Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus

Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus

Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps

Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea

Southern Brown-throated Weaver

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae

Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba

Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala

Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis

Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus

Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae

Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp

African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus

Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis

Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae

Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis

Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica

Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris

PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi

Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris

And now for the mammals...

Oryx. Showing that it's not always a bed of roses for the winner in a battle of 2 bulls! The bull shown in the top section of the photograph is now carrying the horn of it's rival in the side of his neck, whilst the losing bull takes a rest with his one remaining horn.

Mammal List

Burchell's Zebra

Antelope Roan

Antelope Sable

Baboon Chacma

Badger Honey

Buffalo

Bushbuck

Duiker Common

Elephant African

Fox Bat-eared

Fox Silver

Genet Small-spotted

Giraffe

Hippopotamus

Hyaena Spotted

Impala

Jackal Black-backed

Jackal Side-striped

Kudu

Leopard

Lion

Mongoose Banded

Mongoose Dwarf

Sable

Mongoose Slender

Mongoose Yellow

Monkey Vervet

Oryx

Peter's Epauletted Bat

Porcupine

Red Lechwe

Sitatunga

Springbok

Squirrel Tree

Steenbok

Tsessebe

Warthog

Waterbuck

Wildebeest Blue

Zebra Burchell's

For full tour description and itinerary see Here

Photographs: Jimmy (Drongo) Turner and Spanish Nature

The Crew and a rather aloof tour leader doing his Livingston impression! A big thank you to Kurt McKenzie for his great company and superb guiding, also Annelies and the crew for making everything work, both your friendships are very much appreciated.

2012 Tour Date for the next Botswana Safari - 29th October to 11th November details HERE

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT PETER

Author Guy Hunter Watts wrote: Peter is a nature guide leading groups throughout Spain and leads tours to such far flung destinations as Morocco, China, India, Costa Rica and other exotic places worldwide! The author cannot speak too highly of Peter's birding and wildlife excursions. A natural communicator, Peter has that rare ability of conveying specialist knowledge in a way that's accessible to one and all. A day in his company will offer a unique insight in to birds and other wildlife......

Tour Operator and wildlife guide Uday Patel wrote:
Peter strikes rapport with astounding ease and his birding skills are amazing. He is the tour leader for Spanish Nature a wildlife touring company and other tour companies. He is most widely travelled on ornithological quests.
I had the pleasure of birding along with him as tour leader from DMC Indiafootprints. We had an exhaustive bird watching tour from November 15th to 4th December. Tour highlights were - Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur, Nainital - Sat Tal, Chambal River Sanctuary, Kanha National Park and Pench Tiger Reserve.
As a tour leader and birding guide, accompanying Peter was a learning experience. His professional skills go beyond spotting and identifying the avian species, being more analytical he could enlighten us a lot on morphology and flight patterns of raptors and birds with uniform characteristics like warblers, pipits and larks.
The best evenings on tour I spent with him were by the fireside....beer, bites and his ever accompanying wit. He is a very generous man, helping local people wherever he goes....

Nature and Walking FH Tours wrote: We've just received emails from all of our clients about the tour. They all agree on one thing, that it was a privilege having you as their guide Peter! Many many thanks for making this such an enjoyable tour for all concerned....

BS African Safaris wrote: As you know we act for many nature travel companies here in east and southern Africa, but we have to say that your tours Peter are the greatest fun and you seem able to lead these tours with such ease! Not just popular with clients but also with our staff, thanks Peter from all the crew.

Los Castanos Hotel wrote: There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about with Peter Jones. A day in the company of this (in)famous research biologist is entertaining and informative. If you are just a dabbler with birds, you will learn a lot. If you are a card-carrying twitcher, he can still teach you something. No interest at all? You are guaranteed a fantastic day full of laughter and fun, fascinating insights into Andalucian culture, flora, fauna, geology, and, there’s always Good Food. He knows all the best restaurants, their owners and their best dishes. All this hype may lead you to suspect I am somehow in his pay but no, I am just an ardent fan and very grateful to him for giving so much joy to so many of my guests at Los Castanos.

Headwater Holidays wrote: Thanks Peter for hosting such great birding weeks, the feedback is excellent in every way. Thanks for all your help with Headwater clients.

Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) wrote: Just a short note, but a big thank you for all your expert help with our tours to Andalucia. Not only did all our clients, without exception, sing your praises, they were more than impressed with your easy going and helpful nature. Thank you Peter, oh and they also loved your entertaining lectures!

Birding Cadiz Province wrote: Peter Jones, one half of Spanish Nature, knows more about the Grazalema & Ronda area than it's reasonable to expect and his knowledge of plants, insects, etc is also enviably wide. A scientist, talented musician and artist Peter is just the sort of Renaissance man one wants to hate, but, unfortunately, he ruins all my attempts to dislike him by also being a humorous, kind and friendly all-round good guy. His company runs some great tours - including day trips - to Serrania de Ronda (Peter's beat), Almeria, Jaen, Huelva, Coto, etc. Peter also writes an informative and interesting blog as you no doubt know reading this here, is there no end to his talents? It seems not!!

What Fellow Birders say about Peter:

M,A&L wrote "One of the best decisions we made in Spain was to book a day birding with Peter Jones of Spanish Nature. Our focus was raptors. Highlights included excellent views of Short-toed, Booted and Bonelli's eagles, Peregrine falcons, Kestrels, and Lesser Kestrels, and Griffon Vultures. Along the way we picked up many more passerine and shore birds. Peter's excellent teaching helped us later when birding on our own in Monfrague and Doñana. As nature nuts we enjoyed Peter's deep interest/knowledge in the natural history of the Serranía de Ronda --especially the rare orchid and Pinsapo Spanish Fir stops. The pace was just right with cafe/lunch stops at delicious and scenic locales. Peter is great company. Couldn't ask for more. We're looking forward to our next visit when we'll get serious about passerines. Thanks Peter!"

C&L USA wrote "Thank you for the wonderful birding experience. We were so fortunate to have you as our guide on the terrific tour of Andalucia"

B&J UK wrote "We had a great time and Peter made sure the whole trip was relaxed and interesting as promised! The birds were good as was every other detail, Peter did a great job"

R&A USA wrote "Andi and I want to thank you again for a great day we shared in your beautiful back yard!"

P,A.J&P UK wrote "Your wealth of knowledge & expertise and the fantastic manner and enthusiasm in which you shared that knowledge, made our holiday a 'holiday of a lifetime', thanks"

E&G Canada wrote "Thank you for a very good day on Friday, both Graham and I feel that we learnt a lot and we will be able to use that knowledge on future trips"

M&J UK wrote "Thank you very much for the excellent holiday. We enjoyed ourselves enormously and felt you did an excellent job. I suspect you should get a few enquiries from friends"

H UK wrote "Just wanted to thank you again for the great birding week. Enjoyed your expertise and company"

D&A Germany wrote "Hope you are well, I must say that we really enjoyed your tour of the Ronda area and we are back in October looking to repeat the experience if possible?"

J&B UK wrote "Travelling in Morocco was great fun. Peter as ever was a natural host and a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. The birds were tremendous, and a commentary on the scenery and life in Morocco an added extra! The travelling was comfortable, manageable and the hotels were comfortable and varied. At no time did we feel rushed or pressured. I would thoroughly recommend it."

J Canada wrote "I really enjoyed the trip to India! I thought the group was great and I enjoyed spending time with them. Thanks Peter, I am so glad that I did the trip. It was good to spend some time with you, you make it easy."

A&R USA wrote "We recently had the good fortune of touring the Ronda countryside with Peter as our guide. Peter made it happen for us. He provided learned insights on all fronts. We have been on various other guided outings, none of which were as comfortable and as enriching as Peter's. Peter is truly a great resource and great company as well."

M&M Ireland wrote "Michael and I visited Ronda for the first time and although not on a "birding" holiday, we were very fortunate to come across the Spanish Nature website before we left and planned a day's birding with Peter. His knowledge of the birds and where we were likely to find them was excellent. Although it rained heavily on us, it did not dampen our spirits and the birds we saw. I certainly recommend him and his company to anyone who wishes to see and hear the birds in and around the Ronda region"

C&L UK wrote "We had our third day tour with Peter in three years. The first was fantastic and the rest have got better and better. As enthusiastic, but not very good birdwatchers, we find them inspirational. At the end of each day, having been overwhelmed by Peter’s ability to locate birds, his knowledge and the ability to put this across in an approachable friendly way, we come back with renewed energy – we think we’re getting a bit better! So whatever your level of knowledge, we would highly recommend a birding trip with Peter – we’re looking forward to our next one"

M&J USA wrote "We really appreciated both your expertise and your kindness during our visit; particularly, your ability to connect with the kids. "Happy kids make happy parents" isn't always true, but it was true that day. We left that day thinking we'd not just met a fantastic bird guide, but perhaps made a friend"

Los Castanos wrote "Peter, thank you so very much yet again for the wonderful day you gave my guests. They sang your praises for hours and hours while all my other guests grew green with envy. Their day with you contributed so much to their holiday at Los Castanos and appreciation of the Serrania de Ronda. You are VERY good! Thank you."

J of Spain wrote "I thoroughly enjoyed the tour with you to Botswana, all aspects of the tour were first class. I was delighted to share my holiday with you and Worldwide Birding Tours and I very much hope to join you again in the not too distant future. I thought the excellence of your Leadership Peter was a classic example and sets a standard few Tour Leaders could aspire to."

LG of UK wrote "So now I am planning my downloading of the pictorial adventure of my current lifetime thanks to you Peter my birding mentor. Thanks for your company I don’t need to tell you in too many words how much fun it all was and how much I enjoyed our repartee and the rest of the crew. I believe this is the start of many trips for us so maybe a few laughs ahead could be on the schedule!"

J&L Andorra wrote "Had a fabulous time with you all in Botswana and like your photos.. pretty good for an "amateur". Thanks for the many laughs and birding education. Best holiday we have ever had, Peter, didn't want to come back to Europe........know what I mean?"

S&M Germany wrote "Thanks again for such an amazing day we had together Thursday last week seeing the Roller, Black-bellied Sandgrouse etc. We will see you again!!"

K&M UK wrote "Just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for a great day’s birding last week. The day we spent with you was enjoyable on so many levels. The birding was excellent – you showed us some brilliant birds and informed us without being boring; the anecdotes were great; the talk about shared interests added to the pleasure and above all it was a fun day out. For us the length of the day and the timing and quality of the lunch also added to our enjoyment. So many thanks for providing one of the highlights of our short trip."

D&A UK wrote "Peter Morocco was a fantastic holiday – we enjoyed it greatly. The variety of birds seen was brilliant and being with you getting to know Morocco was a real eye-opener. I am looking forward to trying some of the recipes in the Moroccan cookery book I bought on the way back! We particularly appreciated the variety of habitats visited which gave us a real taster of Morocco as well as providing a good variety of birds. Seeing some of our north European birds on migration was impressive – quite moving really."

GC Holland wrote "I want to thank you once more for showing me around last week and finding so many birds. I had a great time and thanks to your knowledge saw much more then I would have seen by myself. Thanks for the great day."

C&DB USA wrote "What a trip to Costa Rica!!!!! Great birding, good food, wonderful friends, thanks Peter. The birding was more than I ever dreamed plus all the mammals and the flora."

N&CW UK wrote "Many thanks Peter for an exceptional holiday to Costa Rica...we had a fantastic time!"

B&P UK wrote "Morocco -Photos fine, birds excellent, the birding was good and you managed to find some nice hotels and pools for the ladies to indulge their requirements. Thank you for your patience and for showing me some fascinating birds, I would love to catch up on your current native patch at some stage."

B&B USA wrote "Thank you for a great trip to Morocco. We really enjoyed ourselves. We especially appreciated the balance between birds and non-birds - thus contributing to world peace.We will, of course, recommend you to our friends, but please don't hesitate to ask, if there is anything else than we can do for you. Until we can see a few birds together here in California..."

R&C UK wrote "Just a line to thank you for making our week in Andalucia so enjoyable. Clive seems to have had just as good a time as me, which was really entirely down to you. Thank you!"

P&J UK wrote "Thanks so much for guiding the trip last week, for your expertise, and for making it such an enjoyable holiday. Jem and I both had one of the best holidays we've ever had. Thanks again and I hope we'll be able to go birding again in the future."

C of UK wrote "I'm sure the memsahib will be writing to you to express her/our thanks for the week. However, as a non birder I would like to say how much I enjoyed it and, mainly through your efforts, always felt part of the group. Thank you, it was fun."

Bill of UK wrote "Thank you for a great trip Peter. I was more interested in the spectacle of the migration than ticking birds but I got both. The flocks of storks - black and white was just amazing and the then the shear number of raptor was wonderful. Next year in Morocco and or Norway!"

Jonathan of UK wrote "I thoroughly enjoyed our recent day out from Los Castanos. Hope we meet again; I would definitely intend to make another stay at the hotel, possibly with my wife and in autumn rather than spring."

D,K&A UK wrote "Rechecked and it was 12 raptor spp today! Lesser kestrel, Kestrel, Griffon vulture, Booted eagle, Golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle, Short-toed eagle, Sparrowhawk, Honey buzzard, Long-legged buzzard, Common buzzard, Black kite. Thanks for such a great day's birding."

P&P UK wrote "Just to let you know we are back in England where it is sleeting and freezing cold! We had a fabulous time in Gibraltar & southern Spain thanks to your tutelage! So thanks again for everything."

W&C USA wrote "Thanks for those great photo's and a wonderful birding experience. We got to see some great birds and a good look at Morocco. If you ever get to Cape May, please look me up. I'd love to show you around Cape May. Stay well and Good Birding!"

H&C UK wrote "We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed birdwatching with you last week, despite the exceptional weather! You took care of us so well, collecting us from the airport and driving us round to all the bird hotspots, thanks so much. Also for taking us to tapas restaurants for lunch - we enjoyed trying different tasty dishes (we really must learn Spanish!). Thank you too for bringing us some of your kaki fruit for breakfast. We learned a great deal from you as you shared your immense knowledge of birds, their behaviour and migration. We also loved your sense of humour and listening to your anecdotes, as the rain lashed onto the car windows! We will definitely have to return to the Ronda area perhaps in spring, or during the autumn migration - I would love to see the hillsides alight with flowers. We shall not forget the sight of about 50 Griffon vultures soaring on the thermals - wonderful. May you not have to use your plastic poncho for some time to come!"

L&K UK wrote "Thanks for such a great day on Tuesday, Louise and I had a great time, good birds, nice company and great lunch. Hope to see you again sometime."

A,C,K&C Canada wrote "Hello Peter, My family and I are back from Spain. The highlight for me was, by far, our birdwatching trip around Ronda. Anyway, just to say thanks again for the wonderful day. You have an ally in Ottawa."

D&M UK wrote "Just to say to you we both really enjoyed our day with you, John and Heather. Seeing the Bonelli’s on the nest was the icing on a great cake! What a fantastic place to live, I know you fully appreciate how fortunate you are living in Ronda. I have had a quick look at the Costa Rica page and for me it would be fantastic, I could think of nothing better than doing this every day!"

J&L Andorra wrote "Thanks for a wonderful day, Peter. It was another page in our continuing ties with you and Laurence and not forgetting Spanish-Nature. Gerald looked keen and maybe might be persuaded to join a tour? We´ll stay in touch of course and hope we meet up again sooner rather than later."

K&M UK wrote "Thank you for such a great day out last week. Martin and I really enjoyed ourselves. We found it really helpful. The next day on the way back from El Torcal we even managed to track down some bee eaters and their nests all on our own. Thanks again Peter!"

P,A,J&P UK wrote "Well we have been back at work for 2 days now and guess where we would rather be! It was this time last week we went seeking Spanish Sparrows etc on the steppe in that amazing heat. What a day and what birds we saw. From the whole trip we got 34 lifers - going to have to return to get that oriole! Many thanks once again Peter for your expertise and patience with showing us all the wildlife and the scenery and local bars etc! You once again made the holiday special and memorable for us all. The car sticker has now taken pride of place and reminds us of a special place and person. We will stay in touch as we are returning in 2015!"

Maite Borràs y famalia Spain wrote "We would like to thank you once more for the nice experience you offered us, we felt really privileged. If you come to Barcelona do not hesitate to contact us, we would like to introduce you our garden friends and the neighbors in Collserola Parc. Kind regards from all of us!"

P&R UK wrote "We hope you had a fruitful and photogenic time in Morocco. We got back easily and are just emailing to thank you again for the excellent guiding you gave us over the two days. Without your help, our list of sights would have been severely reduced."

H,S&G UK wrote "Thank you so much for a lovely day out last week. It really was a good day - I think the Bonelli's nest was the star of the show! The rest of our week went well and we had good sightings of golden orioles and bee-eaters. Simon, Gina and I send our best wishes and hope to see you again one day."

B&P Denmark wrote "Birgitte and I are now back in Denmark - 8 degrees and rainy, it will take a couple of days to adjust! It was really a fantastic day and we will certainly come back! Great that we had the black shouldered kite as an unexpected add on, and the whiteheaded duck which I never saw before!! Peter, thanks again for a great and memorable guidance in the most beautiful landscape."

P&BM UK wrote "We thoroughly enjoyed our day last Tuesday and were very impressed with your knowledge of your local patch. We would be interested in joining you again in the Spring, do you have any availability for 4 or 5 days early May?"

NC UK wrote "Thanks for taking care of us all on the recent birding trip. I enjoyed the trip, the company and your expert knowledge of the birds and the sites to visit. I shall keep an eye open for other trips being planned."

J,A&R UK wrote "Rather belatedly very many thanks for the 2 trips we did with you this year. Very enjoyable as always, and we will catch up with the Bustards another time! We did see Bonelli's Eagle over the apartment in Serrato later in the week before we came home, as well as very close views of Short-Toed Eagle. I did manage to get the scope on the male Golden Oriole + young for Alison and Ruth to see, when it was showing well in a tree near to the apartment for a change rather than hiding in Poplars! Best wishes for the future, and I am sure we will be in touch."

B&T USA wrote "Our trip has been great and you are now a very special part of it. thanks again for a super fun day AND for sending the great pictures!! Hope we can pull together Morroco."

P&H Spain wrote "This is a rather belated e-mail to say thank you so much for acting as an 'expert guide' last Saturday. It was a real pleasure to spend time with someone who really knows the local birds inside out; it was great fun and I know that I had the best seat in the house for learning and catching up with some new species. Thank you again for a great time."

T&H USA wrote "Thank you, Peter, for a wonderful day! We left Tom´s hat in your vehicle, but this is to say please don´t worry about getting it back to us, our small gift to you. We´ll find another on our travels! That was such a good lunch too!"

G&L Spain wrote "Just to say a big Thank You once again for a fabulous trip. It’s always such a treat to be with you on this type of safari and we particularly enjoyed the last few days with pastures new."

M&E USA wrote "It was a great pleasure to have your company and experience as we had such an interesting view of Morocco. I wish I were a better birder, because I know I missed so much. Your ability to see the birds, but more than that, to place them in 4-dimensional context is such a joy to behold. Thanks so much for all of that."

P,J & I Denmark wrote "We all arrived in Copenhagen yesterday on schedule after a great time in the Ronda area, all of us really thought you showed us the best we could have possibly hoped for - and will have unforgettable memories from the three days. I shot more than 1000 pictures!"

N & E UK wrote "Now we are back in the UK I just wanted to send an e-mail thanking you for all your time & care in giving us two such wonderful & successful days birding. So very many species, quite an achievement and so, many thanks"

Pages

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Ospreys - Linking Communities Worldwide!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Botswana Trip Report Part 3 - Species Listing