Species - April

This list focusses on the the second and third weeks of the month which is when our 2006 visits will be taking place)

Birds of the steppe are in full breeding activity. The male Little Bustard mark their territory by throwing their heads back and making a cry which may be heard at some distance. In some parts of La Serena 3 or 4 males may be seen at once within a small area. The breeding display of the male Great Bustard is called the "rueda" - the wheel. A number of males - varying from 15 up to 70 or 80 - come together in the lecking area to display. The bird pitches his head backwards, fluffs out his neck feathers, throws his wings outwards and turns them to show the white underwing so he appears like a large white fluffed-out ball looking a great deal larger than his natural size.

Montagu's Harrier have taken up their territories and, while display activity is still under way, some females are already sitting on the nest. Lesser Kestrel are also in their breeding territories and mating activity is frequent. Groups of Black-bellied and Pintailed Sandgrouse may be seen in the steppe areas.

Larks are in full song. Calandra Lark may be seen in considerable densities on the steppe with a bird every 50 or 100 metres. Also Crested Lark are marking their territories. Terrera may be seen in the steppe areas. Stone Curlew may be heard at dusk and seen in pairs during the day.

Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Black Stork are now occupying nests on cliff sites and ledges. Black Kite are nesting in wooded areas, most commonly the dehesas.