Spanish Sparrow, Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote, March 2006.

Some birding highlights of a short break for myself and my wife in Lanzarote.

Temperature was higher than expected on arrival - 29C at 1715. However, most of the time the weather was a pleasant 20-25C - cooler at nights. Mostly sunny except for a few cloudy spells. The wind strength varied - there was always a light breeze and often a moderate wind.

We were based in Puerto Del Carmen at the western end of the old town. We hired a 4 door Hyundai Getz for 6 days which cost a reasonable €171. Most of the birding was short 2/3 hour journeys including the car journey to and from the town. Some tracks (e.g. at El Jable) are a little rough but the small car was adequate.

Puerto Del Carmen Harbour, Lanzarote, March 2006.

The most rewarding area was the cliff walk at the extreme western end of the town (reached via Calle Tiede). Small groups of Trumpeter Finches were always in evidence here and a family party of Hoopoes provided great entertainment. On one occasion, two Bee-eaters flashed past, migrating east. From the cliff walk, Yellow-legged Gulls were giving good flight views looking down from the cliffs.

But the most spectacular bird was Cory's Shearwater. Just after dusk, small groups would gather around the cliffs, calling and squealing constantly.

Click to hear Cory's Shearwater call recorded on the cliffs (wav file)

The Cory's were flying over the street-lit cliff walk giving spectacular night-time views! Often, they would fly a few feet over our heads - it was an amazing spectacle in the evenings.

Cory's Shearwater at night, Puerto Del Carmen Cliffs, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Trumpeter Finch, Puerto Del Carmen Cliffs, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Hoopoes, Puerto Del Carmen Cliffs, Lanzarote, March 2006. Hoopoe Family Video (mov file - 1Mb)

EL JABLE PLAINS

I travelled to this large rocky plain on two occasions, not spending much more than an hour each time. On both occasions I saw one Houbara Bustard without really trying too hard. Also much in evidence were Lesser Short-toed Larks. Occasionally a few Southern Grey Shrikes would appear on the tussocks and rocks and Berthelot's Pipts were also quite common. A few Ravens were also seen.

Houbara Bustard, El Jable Plains, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Berthelot's Pipit, El Jable Plains, Lanzarote, March 2006.

MIRADOR DE HARIA

This area of cultivated land in the hills is a good spot for Canary. Lots were in evidence around the terraces and pine trees. Also a few Spectacled Warblers and plenty of Kestrels (which are common everywhere). I would have liked to have spent more time here as it looked quite a nice area for birds and the local race of Blue Tit occurs here.

Canary, Mirador De Haria, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Mirador De Haria, Lanzarote, March 2006.

SALINAS DEL JANUBIO

It was quite hot at these saltpans when I arrived and there was very little birding activity. Around the lake were about 25 Black-winged Stilts and a few Little Ringed Plovers and Kentish Plovers. Also a few Greenshanks, Common Sandpipers and Yellow-legged Gulls. On the rough ground near the beach Trumpeter Finches could be found.

Kentish Plover, Salinas Del Janubio, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Black-winged Stilt, Salinas Del Janubio, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Trumpeter Finch, Salinas Del Janubio, Lanzarote, March 2006.

EL GOLFO

Not really a birding location but the drive from Salinas Del Janubio to El Golfo is worth it for the meandering road through impressive lava fields. At El Golfo itself good views of Yellow-legged Gulls can be had from any of the local seafront restaurants. Also a flock of 23 Avocets flew by as I was watching the gulls.

Yellow-legged Gull, El Golfo, Lanzarote, March 2006.
Yellow-legged Gull, El Golfo, Lanzarote, March 2006.