Bird List | Butterfly List | Photographs | Trip Reports | Home                     fssbirding.org.uk

Tenerife

Islas Canarias

10 - 16 April 2006

Observers:

F. Simpson & A. Simpson

INTRODUCTION

This was a specialist trip to observe the endemic birds found nowhere else on the planet but Tenerife or the other Atlantic islands which comprise Macaronesia (Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde Islands). Within the Canary Islands, seven of the eight currently recognised endemic bird species are easily found on Tenerife. It's possible that the local races of Blue Tit and Chaffinch may receive the status of full species in the future. Due to the distance from the African and European continents, combined with the lack of freshwater, the species richness is low on Tenerife. I found 54 species without trying too hard and the main intention was to see the specialities well. With at least 14 Western Palearctic species (ok, ticks!) available for me here and the island races of common birds like Great Spotted Woodpecker and Robin worth a second look, it was definitely going to be an exciting Easter trip. There is plenty of birding information available in the form of trips reports and books so this short report will add nothing new. The access at some sites has changed and I have noted this accordingly. I found that a week was perhaps a little on the long side and three days would have sufficed. In retrospect, taking the boat to Fuerteventura for the second half of the week for Fuerteventura Chat (the other Canary Islands endemic) and fuerteventura Houbara Bustard would have been more efficient in the long run. Well, I guess that leaves another possibility for the future.

Normally I prefer to camp on holiday for the back-to-nature experience. However, with no camp sites on the island and wild camping illegal the cheapest and easiest option was to book a combined flight (BA) and apartment (Golf del Sur resort - not particularly attractive) on lastminute.com for around £300... it was the Easter weekend after all. Hired a car through Hertz for about £90 which turned out to be an old clio. The only thing going for it was its efficient fuel consumption and I used just three quarters of a tank of diesel. The local food is good here if you avoid the sad places proudly claiming to serve just British food or English breakfasts.

 HIGHLIGHTS

Bolle's Pigeon · Laurel Pigeon · Blue Chaffinch · Berthelot's Pipit · Plain Swift · Atlantic Canary · Canary Islands Kinglet · Canary Islands Chiffchaff ·  Little Shearwater · Tenerife Blue Tit · Barbary Partridge · Trumpeter Finch · Barbary Falcon

LITERATURE, REFERENCES & ONLINE RESOURCES

•      García del Rey, E. 2000. Where To Watch Birds in Tenerife. Turquesa Ediciones.

•      Tenerife Island Map 1:50000. AA Island Series 11.

•      Svensson, L. et al. 1999. Bird Guide. HarperCollins.

•      Tolman, T. & Lewington, R. 1997. Butterflies of Britain & Europe. Collins.

•      Arnold, N. & Ovenden, D. 2004. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain & Europe. Collins.

•      Askew, R.R. 2004. The Dragonflies of Europe. Harley Books.

•      Bramwell, D. 1997. Flora of the Canary Islands: Pocket Guide. Editorial Rueda.

ITINERARY

Day 01       09/04/06     London Gatwick > Aeropuerto Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia > Golf del Sur.
Day 02       10/04/06     Las Lajas > Boca de Teide > Los Roques > Parque Nacional de las Cañadas de Teide.
Day 03       11/04/06     Las Lajas > Cañadas de Teide > La Orotava > Palo Blanco > Minas de San José.
Day 04       12/04/06     Golf del Sur > Santiago del Teide > Erjos > Monte de Agua.
Day 05       13/04/06     Golf del Sur > Punta de Abona.
Day 06       14/04/06     Montaña Chayofita > Paraje Natural Montaña de Guaza > Guargacho > P. N. Montaña Roja.
Day 07       15/04/06     Amarillo GC > Punta del Frail > Punta de Teno > Teno Alto > Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda.
Day 08       16/04/06     El Fraile Reservoir > Guargacho > Amarillo Golf Course > Punta de Abona > Airport area.

THE DIARY

Day 1

Sunday 09 April 2006
London > Tenerife, Canary Islands

London Gatwick > Aeropuerto Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia > Golf del Sur

No birding today. The 1650 BA flight was delayed for four hours. Arrived at the hotel (Green Park, a few kms west of the airport) in Tenerife at 0200h on the Monday morning.

Day 2

Monday 10 April 2006
Golf del Sur > Granadilla > Vilaflor > Las Lajas > Boca de Teide > Los Roques > Parque Nacional de las Cañadas de Teide
Warm and partly cloudy, cool above 2000 metres with some wind

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Leaving the lobby of the hotel this morning I heard a Canary Islands Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis) singing from the parkland area outside. Also a Hoopoe flew over and Blackcap, Blackbird and Spanish Sparrow all singing.

GOLF DEL SUR > VILAFLOR
We left the coastal area for the long ascent (drive) up through farmed slopes and villages, through the pine forest zone and above the tree line to the Mount Teide National Park area in the centre of the island. Around 50+ Swifts over the hillside south of Vilaflor - viewed from the car and most not specifically identified as Plain Swift or Pallid Swift. A few were Plain Swift (Apus unicolor). Also Kestrel and Feral Rock Dove.

"THE LEAKING PIPE" SITE
The pipe described in Eduardo García's book is leaking no more! Still we had our first encounters with some of the hoped for endemic species at this site. Looking around the ravine, the first Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria) was showing and at least four Canary Islands Chiffchaff were flitting around the Canary Pine woodland. Within a few minutes the stunning blue Teide finch appeared... a male Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea) flew past. Later at least two pairs were in view. A Canary Blue (Cydyrius webbianus - endemic butterfly) was sunning itself on a few flowers next to the roadside. Tenerife Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus teneriffae) (2) and Canary Islands Kinglet (Regulus teneriffae) also showed well. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling nearby... the "cheeck" call similar to birds in the British Isles, but the Tenerife Blue Tits were fairly vocally distinct. Feral Rock Dove over the pine forest. Note that it can be difficult to stop here but most users of the road are fairly accommodating and are probably used to tourists driving slowly or stopping to see the view over the sea towards La Gomera.

LAS LAJAS
This picnic area in an open area of Canary Pine forest was quiet when we arrived and remained so... probably because it was a Monday morning. All the species present at the previous site were observed here, only with better views. Blue Chaffinch, Tenerife Blue Tit, Canary and the canariensis race of Great Spotted Woodpecker were common and best views were obtained when each of them came to drink at a tap on a rock pillar, leaking a few drops per minute. The much smaller Canary appeared to be dominant over the larger Blue Chaffinch, which incidentally looks slightly bigger and bulkier than the Common Chaffinch (not present at this site). Canaries often chased off a drinking Blue Chaffinch. Only a few female Blue Chaffinches were found. The finches were soon attracted to some sunflower seeds that we sprinkled on a picnic table - got to be healthier that white bread! Brown Argus (Aricia agestis cramera) noted.

Tenerife Lizards (Gallotia galloti) were found at a high density and some were fairly approachable. Sometimes up to six were in view and just as we were discussing if they had any natural predators on the island, a Kestrel swooped down into a nearby clearing and briefly alighted on the ground before flying off. Later we observed a Kestrel flying overhead with a lizard in its grip! Several Canary Blue butterflies nectaring on a compositae flower. Also a pair of Turtle Doves and several Feral Rock Doves.

 Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea) · Canary Islands Kinglet (Regulus teneriffae) · Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria)

STOP ON ROAD TF-21 ABOVE THE TREE LINE AT GPS reading: 28º 12' 26 N   016º 40' 52 W
A drone fly species was common around the wall flowers and was seen at several sites along the road through the national park. Very quiet with little birdlife. Kestrels nesting on a rock pinnacle. Raven heard calling. More Tenerife Lizards.

BOCA DE TAUMA
Arrived in Teide National Park. Big, impressive landscapes. Took some photographs around the lava field at the base of the peaks of Teide and Viejo. Canary Islands Chiffchaff singing from some scrub on the hillside above the road.

STOP ON ROAD TF-21 AT Km-51
First look at the Macaronesian endemic Berthelot's Pipit (Anthus berthelotii) by the roadside here - a small and delicate species. Canary Islands Chiffchaff in waist-high scrub and a Sardinian Warbler in thicker scrub.

LLANO DE UCANA
Great views of a pair of feeding Berthelot's Pipits at the viewpoint across the desert plain here. These curious pipits approached within two metres of our feet before flying over the road and feeding in the stoney vegetation.

PARADOR NACIONAL DE LAS CAÑADAS

At least six Berthelot's Pipits in the garden (of local plants) immediately outside the parador. Tenerife Lizards common and an unidentified small rodent scurried between cover.

DRIVE BACK DOWN TO THE COAST

Plain Swifts common below 1000 metres. Yellow-legged Gulls (6) above Arona.

 Tenerife Lizard (Gallotia galloti) · Canary Islands Wallflower (Erysimum scoparim) · Canary Blue (Cyclyrius webbianus)

Day 3

Tuesday 11 April 2006
Golf del Sur > Las Lajas > Parque Nacional de las Cañadas de Teide > La Orotava > Palo Blanco > Minas de San José
Fine weather in the south and around the Teide massif, cloud and light rain in the north around the Puerto de la Cruz area

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Canary Islands Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing. Also Spanish Sparrow, Collared Dove and Blackbird noted.

GOLF DEL SUR > VILAFLOR (TF-563)
Turtle Dove at km-5.0, Blackbird at km-6.0.

VILAFLOR
Corn Bunting (2), Canary and a pierid species on the edge of the village.

VILAFLOR > LAS LAJAS (TF-21)
A pair of Barbary Partridges (Alectoris barbara koenigi) flew over the road in front of the car at km-65.

VIEWPOINT ABOVE EL GORDO
Canary Islands Chiffchaff and Plain Swift.

LAS LAJAS
Quick stop to see the blue finches again. Arrived earlier than yesterday and heard several Blue Chaffinches in song. More bird activity as the picnic site was completely empty. Observed several Atlantic Canaries, Tenerife Blue Tits, Turtle Dove and Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming.

LLANO DE UCANA
Berthelot's Pipit singing.

 Lava flows on Pico del Teide · El Llano de Ucana & Roques de García · Parque Nacional del Teide

MINAS DE SAN JOSÉ
Strange barren landscapes with another planet feel. No birds but some interesting plants. Continued through the national park towards Puerto de la Cruz on the north side of the island.

PALO BLANCO > LAS LLANDAS > LADERA DE TIGAIA
The road up to the pigeon sites in the laurel forest was closed for repairs. We found it quite difficult to find the access road in any case and the map in the Garcia book is upside down! Attempted other routes but all seem to lead to the road block. The weather turned bad anyway and the mist was very thick so probably not ideal conditions for finding the elusive Columbas. The verdant vegetation here was in complete contrast to the previous site on the other slope of Teide. Could have been in Cornwall. Canary Speckled Woods flitting along the lanes. Blackbirds very common. Kestrel noted.

MIRADOR DE LA PIEDRA DE LA ROSA
Border of the pine and semi-deciduous zones. Two Tenerife race Robins (Erithacus rubecula superbus) singing in the light rain here. The song was instantly recognisable as a Robins but sounded simpler with less of the normal flutey phrases. Tenerife Blue Tits and Canary Islands Chiffchaff common. Common Chaffinch singing. Several Blackbirds.

EL ROQUE, NEAR SAN MIGUEL
White Wagtail, Berthelot's Pipit, Kestrel, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon.

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Emperor Dragonfly buzzing around the car park in the warm, mid-evening glow of the sun. Grey Wagtail brood (pr+b/2) seemed out of place here considering there was no water in sight. Plain Swift (10+) overhead. Blackbird, Blackcap and Collared Dove singing.

 Tenerife Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus teneriffae) · Berthelot's Pipit (Anthus berthelotii) · Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major canariensis)

Day 4

Wednesday 12 April 2006
Golf del Sur > Santiago del Teide > Erjos > Monte de Agua
Partly cloudy, but cool and misty in the laurel forest west of Erjos in the northwest of the island.

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Blackcap, Plain Swift, Canary Islands Chiffchaff and Collared Dove noted.

AUTOPISTA DEL SUR > SANTIAGO DEL TEIDE > ERJOS
A Hoopoe bounded over the motorway near the Los Abrigos exit. Many Swifts in the Tejina area.

ERJOS > TRACK FROM VILLAGE TO THE FOREST
Open slopes with scrub and eucalyptus trees. Many Tenerife Lizards and one dry bank had at least 20, each in their own excavated hole. Indian Red Admiral (Vanessa indica) (1), Canary Speckled Wood (Pararge xiphioides) (5+), Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) (1). Canary Islands Chiffchaff common here, also a few Canaries. Linnet overhead.

 Canary Speckled Wood (Pararge xiphioides) · Houseleek (Crassulaceae) · Canary Cistus (Cistus symphytifolius)

EROS LAUREL FORESTS: MONTE DEL AGUA
The track was dry and would have been navigable in our Clio. We decided to walk the 5-6 km in and in doing so we got a good feel for the environment and plants we would have otherwise missed. The avian diversity in these forests is pretty low but the Blackbirds seem to make up for this. Blackbird density here is quite amazing and at times the combined song of many Blackbirds echoing over the slopes and valleys made for an evocative experience, particularly when the mist rolled in to create that cloud forest feel. Tenerife Blue Tit and Canary Islands Chiffchaff were abundant. Three Canary Islands Kinglet and four Tenerife Robins heard in song. The Blackbirds and Robins are very shy compared with birds in the British Isles but one Robin was observed at close range. There appeared to be more extensive grey around the borders of the red breast which itself looked duller and darker red at the edges and there appeared to be a more defined eye-ring... or maybe I was looking too much for visible differences! After about 3 km we saw the first endemic pigeons burst out of the canopy ahead of us. At the point where the first slope becomes visible we observed several pigeons flying at incredible speed over the forest above us. Two were certainly Bolle's Pigeon (Columba bollii), the others unidentified.

 Laurel Forest of Monte del Agua, Eros, Tenerife

EROS LAUREL FORESTS: LA CALABACERA > CLIFFS
We began to see the pigeons regularly in this area but all as we walked along the tracks. Birds passed overhead at speed leaving no chance of identification. The lookout point over the forest-covered slopes below produced only a single Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae) but it was distant. Soon the mist began rolling. Sparrowhawk (pr) observed briefly over the canopy below. About 1 km further on from La Calabacera and below the cliffs, at least four birds crashed out of the canopy of two large trees above a bend in the track. This locality has two taps fixed to the rocky bank on the left. A number of pigeon feathers were located on the track here indicating a possible roost site. We carried on until the track opened out again allowing more views of the laurel valleys. At one point the visibility was very low and we were startled as a pair of pigeons raced right over our heads... the rush of wind on wings clearly audible! Two pigeons here were identified as Bolle's Pigeon. Walked back to the tap site and again at least five pigeons flew out of the canopy here. I decided to conceal myself on the edge of the track and hope for them to return. After 20 minutes or so, observing the Canary Islands races of Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs tintillon) and Robin and Tenerife Blue Tit coming to the tap, two Laurel Pigeons flew into the sub-canopy above my head giving superb views for about 30 seconds. Of course my camera was still in the bag and I missed a good opportunity here. Over the next 20 minutes there was much pigeon activity as several Bolle's arrived in the canopy but they were generally shy. A couple were heard singing, sounding like an old, slow Wood Pigeon with a sore throat! The white tails of the Laurel Pigeons could be clearly seen. I managed one very poor record shot below but was really pleased with the number of birds...particularly when something spooked them and at least 15 birds left the canopy together in a small flock!! Quite a successful day with somewhere in the region of 40-50 pigeons seen - more than made up for the disappointment of yesterday. It's interesting to contrast this experience to that of the domestic Rock Dove or Feral Pigeon in most major cities where the birds are either oblivious to you or are clambering on your head and shoulders for handouts. On the way back down a group of c20 Plain Swifts were hawking over the slope below the cliffs.

 Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs tintillon) · Bolle's Pigeon (Columba bollii) · Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea canariensis)

Stopped at Restaurante Fleytas between Erjos and Santiago del Teide for some Rancho Canario (local soup) and cuttlefish.

Day 5

Thursday 13 April 2006
Golf del Sur > Punta de Abona
Rained continuously throughout the day - miserable and fairly birdless

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Waited around for the rain to cease as we intended to look for Trumpeter Finch at a local site today. After it was clear than the weather was unlikely to change we headed to Punta de Abona to seawatch from the car.

PUNTA DE ABONA
Cory's Shearwaters were passing close to the headland with the lighthouse just south of the village. Best was a Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis baroli) soon after we arrived but no more were seen. A few Feral Rock Doves around.

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Early evening and the rain continued. A couple of Spanish Sparrows and Feral Pigeon visited the balcony of our apartment.

Day 6

Friday 14 April 2006
Montaña Chayofita > Paraje Natural Montaña de Guaza > Guargacho Reservoirs > Paraje Natural Montaña Roja
Warm, blue sky with few clouds, fairly strong wind

MONTAÑA CHAYOFITA
Quick walk up this small hill overlooking Los Cristianos. Being so close to the resort town, it is a bit trashed with a lot of litter but worth a visit if you are staying nearby. Nice 'scope views of a singing Spectacled Warbler against the backdrop of a busy town. Canary Blue, Small Copper and Bath White common. Also Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Canary Islands Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Berthelot's Pipit, Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull and Plain Swift.

PARAJE NATURAL MONTAÑA DE GUAZA
Parked at the new housing development which reaches the foot of the mountain at the stoney beach. Intended to walk the 600 odd metres to the top but around half way up I saw the area which looked most likely for the Trumpeters (around Mesas de Guaza). Hundreds of Canary Blues flying on the lower slopes nectaring on compositaes hiding amongst the dominant xerophytic flora.

PARAJE NATURAL MONTAÑA DE GUAZA: MESAS DE GUAZA
Stopped at the area with the two ruined buildings on the flat Euphorbia plain. One is a derelict building, the other more like a bricked-up bunker with a cement roof which had a pool of water on top. Hoopoes (2 prs) caught my attention here and after only 10 minutes or so I heard Trumpeter Finch calls. In fact a pair headed straight towards us in bounding flight uttering their distinctive calls and shot past at a range of about five metre - the pink plumage was visible with the naked eye. Following this initial encounter we had multiple sightings as singles and pairs zipped around. Largest group was of six birds and we had reasonable if distant 'scope views. Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly here. Berthelot's Pipit feeding young.

 Bath White (Pontia daplidice) · Canary Blue (Cyclyrius webbianus) · Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis koenigi)

GUARGACHO RESERVOIRS
The reservoirs had water. Of course it had rained solid for more than 24 hours the previous day! There was some construction work happening between the basins and the road and the middle reservoir was not accessible. Several Scarlet Dragonflies (Crocothemis erythraea) active along the edges and several female Emperors (Anax imperator) oviposting. Higher reservoir: Green Sandpiper (1), Greenshank (1), Little Ringed Plover (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Little Egret (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1), an introduced Red-eared Terrapin.  Lower reservoir: Avocet (1), Little Ringed Plover (pr), Little Egret (1), Clouded Yellow (2) and several Plain Swifts overhead. A male and female Orthetrum chrysostigma dragonfly.

Headed to the nearby polatzeki Lesser Short-toed Lark site along the track from the football pitch but the way was blocked with a private property sign and AS didn't want to get caught for a lark.

PARAJE NATURAL MONTAÑA ROJA
The beaches and roads around the ugly El Medano were heaving with sun-bathers but the Red Mountain was almost free of people. No chance of checking the small lagoon here. The desert-like euphorbia vegetation produced few birds. Best find here was the Canary Islands race of Southern Grey Shrike. At least three birds were observed between the old concrete building and the base of the mountain. They spent quite a lot of time hopping around the ground chasing lizards. Also a pair of displaying Kentish Plovers on the beach-side of the track from the small car park to the mountain. Berthelot's Pipit on the hillside. AS saw a Monarch and a Red Admiral at the top.

 Cactus Spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) · Trumpeter Finch habitat, Montaña de Guaza · Purple-flowered Spurge (Euphorbia atropurpurea)

Went to Restaurante El Mirador in Los Abrigos for roasted Canarian goats cheese, Morcillas dulces (sweet blood sausage) and seafood.

Day 7

Saturday 15 April 2006
Amarillo Golf Course > Punta del Frail > Punta de Teno > Teno Alto > Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda
Very warm, blue sky to partly cloudy, virtually no wind

HOTEL GREEN PARK
Two Barn Swallows hawking over the palms, Canary Islands Chiffchaff singing and several Collared Doves.

AMARILLO GOLF CLUB
Stopped at the small reservoir near the start of the entrance road. Greenshank (1), Spectacled Warbler singing from nearby scrub, Spanish Sparrow (4+), Little Egret (1), Common Sandpiper (2), Grey Wagtail (1), Berthelot's Pipit, Yellow-legged Gull (4), Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon. The pools by the 15th opposite the club house were dry. Blackcap singing, Spanish Sparrow, Plain Swift, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon noted here. Several Red-veined Darters and an Emperor Dragonfly.

EL TANQUE > LOS SILOS
Two Canary Cleopatras (Gonepteryx cleopatra cleobule) and a Turtle Dove observed along the long, winding road down to the coast.

PUNTA DEL FRAILE
At the entrance to the Parque Natural de Teno near Buenavista there are four very large road signs in four languages stating that the road in closed and that authorised persons progess at their own risk. None of the locals or tourists take notice of this and carry on along the road with tunnels carved out of the dramatic cliffs. Strong winds and rock falls affect this road so its up to you. We found more recent rock falls on an open main road than on this road anyway. Stopped at the mirador at Punta del Fraile for nearly three hours waiting for the Barbary Falcon. After about two and a half hours I had three brief sightings of a bird overhead with a fifteen minute period. Also noted were three Common Buzzards, a Black Kite, a few Kestrels and at least one pair of Ravens. Several Yellow-legged Gulls and Feral Rock Doves flying around. Canary Islands Chiffchaff singing from the slope below. Tenerife Lizard (10+). Vagrant Emperor and American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) passed by.

 Cliffs in Teno Natural Park · Tenerife Lizard (Gallotia galloti) · Mist & Mountains in Teno Natural Park

PUNTA DE TENO
Plain Swift (2), Cory's Shearwater common offshore, Kestrel (1) and a few Yellow-legged Gulls.

TENO ALTO
This was probably the most attractive village/rural farming area we visited all week. Passed through the village to the valley with goats and terraced hillsides. Rock Sparrow (2) found after about 30 minutes searching. Quail calling, Pallid Swift (1), Corn Bunting (4+ singing mm), Linnet (2 prs), Canaries and Berthelot's Pipits common, Kestrel (f), Blackbird singing, Sardinian Warbler calling, Canary Islands Chiffchaff, Feral Rock Dove and six Plain Swift flew through. Small Whites (Artogeia rapae) abundant.

TENO ALTO > EL PALMAR
Several Canary Speckled Woods and an Indian Red Admiral noted. A few Plain Swifts hawking low over the road.

MIRADOR DE LA CRUZ DE HILDA
Plain Swift (30+), Berthelot's Pipit and a singing Blackbird.

SANTIAGO DE TEIDE > GOLF DEL SUR
Plain Swifts common along the motorway, at least 100 seen. Also Kestrel, Turtle Dove and Collared Dove noted. Stopped at Restaurant Casa Sira for some Conejo en Salmorejo (rabbit in a local marinade). Grey Wagtail in the car park outside.

 Goat at Teno Alto · Mist over Teno Alto · Rock Sparrow habitat at Teno Alto

Day 8

Sunday 16 April 2006
Golf del Sur > El Fraile Reservoir > Guargacho > Amarillo Golf Course > Punta de Abona > Airport area
Cloudy but very warm and fairly strond wind

HOTEL GREEN PARK, GOLF DEL SUR
Canary Islands Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing.

EL FRAILE RESERVOIR
This site appears to be off limits now. We were stopped and turned away by the Guardia Civil but he did mention something about coming back tomorrow, ringing the bell and asking for somebody so maybe there is still access with special permission.

GUARGACHO
Lower reservoir opposite the concrete factory. Little Egret, Canary Islands Chiffchaff singing, Blackcap and Blackbird singing Little Ringed Plover (2), Plain Swift (20+), Clouded Yellow, Bath White, Canary Blue, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, Sardinian Warbler, Berthelot's Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Several Orthetrum chrysostigma dragonflies.

Upper reservoir opposite the small church. Little Ringed Plover (2), Little Egret (1), Grey Wagtail and several Spanish Sparrows nesting in a nearby building.

AMARILLO GOLF COURSE
Reservoir at start of the entrance road. Barn Swallow over (only the third for the trip), Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, Grey Wagtail, Spanish Sparrow and Collared Dove.

Artificial rock-lined pool at the 15th opposite the club house. Scarlet Dragonfly (5+); some in tandem and some oviposting on the edge of the floating litter. The nearby LST Lark site has been trashed with a new road and piles of rubble - just a tiny fragment of suitable looking habitat left.

PUNTA DE ABONA
Many Cory's Shearwater flying north, some just 100 metres offshore. Berthelot's Pipit, Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull and Feral Rock Dove noted. Nearby at the abandoned town with derelict buildings: a Tenerife Gecko (Tarentola delalandii) briefly observed and several Tenerife Lizards. More Berthelot's Pipits.

 Abona area · Canarian Bean-Caper (Zygophyllum fontanesii) on the rocks  · Faro de Abona

AREA NORTH OF THE AIRPORT AROUND THE CHICKEN AND OSTRICH FARMS
Tiny reservoirs and chicken farm. Moorhen (pr+b/2), Cattle Egret (1), Berthelot's Pipit, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon.

AIRPORT CAR PARK
Dropping off the hire car and the last birds of the trip were Canary Islands Chiffchaff, Spanish Sparrow, Kestrel and Blackbird.

TENERIFE > LONDON GATWICK
Arrived back around 0300h. It actually took less time to fly from the Canaries to London than it did on public transport from Gatwick to North London (and they expect to run the Olympics in London??? Better off by bike, indeed). A nocturnal Robin singing at Gatwick airport with a Great Tit singing at dawn.

SPECIES LIST - TENERIFE - 09-16 Apr 2006

BUTTERFLY LIST - TENERIFE - 09-16 Apr 2006

DRAGONFLY LIST - TENERIFE 09-16 Apr 2006

All photographs © 2006  F. S. Simpson

Fraser's Birding Website · fssbirding.org.uk

 Top of Page | Back to Trip Reports | Home