Spanish trip

FUDGEY · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:49 PM

Just returned from my trip to Spain. Seen a good new few birds, griffon vultures, black kites, White stork, bee eaters and the highlight was a hoopoe. Also seen two birds I couldn't identify, I was in a remote part in central Spain and at a guess I would say it was a sand grouse, is this possible? The other was like a male sparrowhawk. It was hunting low and fast and I only got a quick glimpse. The only reason I don't think it was a SH is because of the colouration. It had the slate coloured back, but more vivid than British SHs and it was more of a pure White on it's underside. It might well have been a SH but it was def different to ours. Any thought folks?

Picidae · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

. The only reason I don't think it was a SH is because of the colouration. It had the slate coloured back, but more vivid than British SHs and it was more of a pure White on it's underside. It might well have been a SH but it was def different to ours. Any thought folks?

If it looked like a Sprawk but just more vivid, I'd put that down to the light. In continental Europe, especially in the summer, birds that you're used to seeing in the UK always look brighter and more colourful.

Black Bellied Sandgrouse is quite possible (but without any kind of description who's to say that's what you saw!!?)

FUDGEY · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 10:36 PM

Thanks mate, it was the "snow" White that threw me, just didn't know if sparrowhawks were native to Spain.

FUDGEY · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 10:39 PM

Just noticed your sandgrouse comment. If they inhabit Spain that's what it was. Thanks again

Doggle Avaddit · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Just returned from my trip to Spain. Seen a good new few birds, griffon vultures, black kites, White stork, bee eaters and the highlight was a hoopoe. Also seen two birds I couldn't identify, I was in a remote part in central Spain and at a guess I would say it was a sand grouse, is this possible? The other was like a male sparrowhawk. It was hunting low and fast and I only got a quick glimpse. The only reason I don't think it was a SH is because of the colouration. It had the slate coloured back, but more vivid than British SHs and it was more of a pure White on it's underside. It might well have been a SH but it was def different to ours. Any thought folks?

Hi Fudgey,

we saw quite a lot of Sparrowhawks in southern Spain. They do seem to be lighter coloured then the UK versions. Here's a couple of not very good photos.

Doggle Avaddit · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:15 PM

Oh, and here's one of a slatey coloured back:

Picidae · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:28 PM

These are all Kestrels Doggle Avaddit, not Sparrowhawk. The second pic looks like a Lesser Kestrel.

Doggle Avaddit · #8 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:42 PM

Doh!

Must admit I never looked closely enough.

I thought they were Sparrowhawks because of their behaviour. They flew very very fast, unlike any UK Kestrels I've ever seen. They also mostly appeared in pairs, and made really loud Ki Ki Ki Ki noises.

Could be though that we were seeing Sparrowhawks but on this occasion I shot photos of Kestrels. Shall have to trawl properly through my photos now .....