FUERTEVENTURA IN SPRING

Friday 17 March – Friday 24 March 2017

HEATHERLEA EXTRA PACK

Price: £1545 PP

Single Supplement: £145

Deposit: £300

Leaders: Heatherlea Leader Toby

Green, joined by another from

our team with more than 7 clients.

Max Group Size: 12

Morning departure from London

Gatwick.

Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge

are FREE.

HEATHERLEA BIRDWATCHING

THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE, PH25 3EB

T: 01479 821 248 E: info@heatherlea.co.uk W: www.heatherlea.co.uk

Fuerteventura in Spring Outline Itinerary

Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands and has an arid desert-like

landscape with an impressive volcanic, mountainous interior. Known locally as Viejo Pais

Canario or 'the old country', Fuerteventura could be seen as a cheap and convenient

alternative to North Africa, and though the birdlist is shorter, bustards, sandgrouse and

coursers offer spectacular birding with a distinct feel of Morocco.

During this holiday we spend an exciting week discovering the avian life of the barrancos,

key coastal locations, and the arid desert interior. In mid-March we will enjoy searching for

the desert specialities of the island, plus other breeding birds and a variety of migrants. High

on our list is Houbara Bustard, and we may be fortunate to see an individual conducting the

impressive breeding display. Fuerteventura is a good destination for those wishing to see

endangered Houbara, they are easier here than in many other places, and by using our

vehicle as a hide, we hope for close-up views of this impressive display - the picture below

was taken on our January 2015 visit.

Beautiful Cream-coloured Courser is also present in this semi-arid landscape, and we might

see several birds running around in pairs, often standing upright to peer across the plains,

and sometimes the birds scuttle close to our vehicles, allowing good photographic

opportunities. The island's only endemic bird, Fuerteventura Chat, with only around 1,000

pairs in existence is another important species, and we hope to find these attractive

'stonechats' perching and perhaps singing at the top of thorny scrub vegetation in a few

select ravines and slopes. Other key breeding birds include Barbary Partridge, Barbary

Falcon, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Egyptian Vulture, Trumpeter Finch, Lesser Short-toed

Lark, African Blue Tit (degener), and Canaries-endemic Berthelot's Pipit. Spanish Sparrow,

Hoopoe, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Stone Curlew and Laughing Dove are among other resident

birds of interest. Introduced species include Monk Parakeet and Red-vented Bulbul.

Fuerteventura in Spring Outline Itinerary

Migration promises to be exciting, and although sheer numbers may be lower than in a Mediterranean hotspot such as Mallorca or Lesvos, the location of Fuerteventura off the north-west coast of Africa makes migration a mouth-watering prospect.

We can expect Hirundines to include Red-rumped Swallow and possibly be joined by Pallid and Plain Swift. Raptors can of course be exected anywhere on the island, and migrants might include Egyptian Vulture, Montague's Harrier and Hen Harrier.

Other migrants may include White Stork, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Wryneck, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrike, Bluethroat and more, and we will target the Barrancos in search of migrant passerines including Subalpine, Western Bonelli's and Yellow-Browed Warblers. Turtle Dove and possibly alpestris Ring Ouzel may be passing through, and surprises can be expected too. The wet areas of the island can and do turn up some very good birds with Marbled and Ring-necked Duck being recorded regularly. Waders should be found in good numbers, and we should find Black-Winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper and gatherings of Whimbrel. Squacco and Purple Herons may be present, and rarities have included Collared Pratincole, Spotted Sandpiper and White-rumped Sandpiper. Cultivated areas can hold small groups of Red-Throated Pipit and several races of Yellow Wagtail, while offshore numbers of Cory's Shearwater will be building and we should also pick up one or two Little Shearwater (baroli). Gulls might include Slender-Billed which should be attaining full breeding plumage. Our trip in January 2015 turned up Yellow-Billed Stork, a vagrant from tropical Africa, though this species has also occurred in March. A real trip of discovery at this time of year when anything can turn up!

Fuerteventura in Spring Outline Itinerary

This is a relaxed holiday, which may feature a couple of optional early morning starts to the hot plains to see birds before the heat haze makes viewing more difficult. Mealtimes are a pleasure in our comfortable hotel, so we will usually take a leisurely breakfast followed by a full day in the field. Birding is easy, and mostly close to our transport, though some optional short walks will be available. If you want relaxed birding, warm days and the chance to see some exceptional European birds at close range, this holiday, timed to coincide with early migration, is probably right for you!

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday. Full details from our office! Day 1 Friday 17 March After relaxing in our airport lounge, we fly Gatwick to Fuerteventura and transfer by minibus to our excellent hotel, just 40 minutes away. Located in a peaceful small town in the interior, our hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms, with large private bathrooms and a swimming pool. Food is excellent, with a wide choice of local cuisine at both breakfast and dinner; we know from experience that Heatherlea clients will love it here! After settling in we head out to a local plain to look for Houbara Bustard in an area designated as a reserve for these splendid birds. Overnights near Puerto del Rosario in a family run hotel with a real flavour of the island.

Fuerteventura in Spring Outline Itinerary

Day 2 Saturday 18 March Today we will be investigating fresh water pools and scrapes around Los Molinos Dam, which can turn up some good vagrants. White-rumped Sandpiper and Ring-necked Duck have over wintered here in the past, but our main focus will be on the more likely species including Ruddy Shelduck and Black-winged Stilt. This is a good area for stunning Cream-coloured Courser and possibly Black-bellied Sandgrouse, coming to drink at the reservoir. We will also keep an eye open for elusive Barbary Partridge and endangered and declining Egyptian Vulture. Depending on progress with these birds we may spend the remainder of the day here, or further north looking for migrants. This is also a good area for Stone Curlew.

Day 3 Sunday 19 March We head south to the Peninsula Del Jandia today, with seabirds and waders on our mind. The coast here can see good numbers of Cory's Shearwater and Yellow-legged Gull (possibly of the form atlantis) and the coastal areas can hold good numbers of passage waders notably Kentish Plover. These are good areas for Lesser Short-toed Lark and endemic Fuerteventura Chat, and Barbary Falcon can occur anywhere along the peninsular.

Fuerteventura in Spring Outline Itinerary

Day 4 Monday 20 March Today we head into the spectacular mountain interior of the island with many of the species already mentioned to be found, but our primary targets will include the local race of Blue Tit (degener), the 'North African' subspecies with a white wingbar, a stunning, distinctive looking bird which can be found in the trees and bushes at Betancuria. Later we descend the spectacular mountain roads to spend the afternoon at Barranco del la Torre where we seek Trumpeter Finch, Spectacled and Sardinian Warbler, Berthelot's Pipit and another chance for Fuereteventura Chat. We also visit Salinas del Carmen for waders and egrets, a pleasant change of habitat.

Day 5 Tuesday 21 March We can't leave without a short walk through the impressive desert habitat at El Jable Dunas National Park with its Sahara-sized sand dunes! Although birds here are limited we should get close views of Berthelot's Pipit in any areas of scrub. We will then head to the north of the island looking for Southern Grey Shrike, Hoopoe, Lesser Short-toed Lark and flocks of Trumpeter Finch while keeping a look out for Pallid Swift to test our identification skills as we try to pick out a Plain Swift.

Days 6 and 7 Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 March During these later days we revisit some of the sites we have been to earlier, trying to "clean up" any gaps in our list and to find newly arrived rarities. We will probably spend most of one day in the far south at the Peninsular Del Jandia, where migrants including raptors may gather in favourable wind conditions before attepting their northerly flight to the Iberian peninsula. We will probably also return to the sheltered trees of the barrancos, and the fresh waters of Los Molinos, which can both provide a regular turnover of migrant birds.

Day 8 Friday 24 March Some early birding if time allows before we return to the airport and our flights to the UK.

Fuerteventura in Spring More Holiday Information

More Holiday Information:

Accommodation: is in a very comfortable hotel with all rooms en suite. Our groups love this hotel! Food: Typical Spanish food to a very good standard, and with a wide choice. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome. Walking: The holiday is not strenuous. Walking can be described as generally very easy, on roads, paths and tracks. Most birding is done close to our vehicle, and even on the longest walks we are never far from the minibuses, should anyone wish to go back. Weather: Typically, temperatures will range from 18 -25ºC in the “heat” of the day. Sunshine should be plentiful, but wind, clouds, and rain are possible. Cold weather is unlikely but possible. Fuerteventura can frequently be windy. Insects: biting insects are not expected, though there are a few mosquitos at this season. Group size: is restricted to 12 clients maximum. Flights: are by scheduled airline, from London Gatwick. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Your Leader: Toby Green: - A very popular guide who has extensively explored Fuerteventura, Toby is very much looking forward to this exciting trip. Toby will be joined by another from the Heatherlea team with more than 7 clients.

Fuerteventura in Spring More Holiday Information

What's included in your holiday price:

* Return scheduled flight from London Gatwick – El Matorral Airport, Feurteventura, airport taxes, baggage and hand luggage up to airline included limit. * Airport transfers, ground transportation, accommodation and meals as specified. * The services of Heatherlea leaders. * The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge subject to terms and conditions.

What's not included in your holiday price:

* Travel to and from departure airport before and after holiday, in-flight meal, baggage above airline included limit. * Incidental tips, expenses of a personal nature including drinks and personal insurance.

Fuerteventura

WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA?

Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great birding and

wildlife, led by capable Leaders who really look after you. Every holiday is

run the 'Heatherlea Way', and we hope our Overseas Adventures remind

you of the quality and care so many of you enjoy in Scotland. That

means rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality

accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are

visiting. Heatherlea always seek to include the personal touches that make all the difference.

Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive approach is ideal for

those who want to relax whilst experiencing the best wildlife watching, and wherever possible

we organise early or late activity on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks when in very

hot places and regular comfort breaks on every holiday whenever possible. All itineraries are

planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities, and you won’t miss out on memorable

wildlife, whilst enjoying relaxed, informal days that are great fun.

The really important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our valued customer.

Heatherlea invest in many things to offer you the best possible service;

* We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for 25 seasons, and have a highly

experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside

normal office hours.

* Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis on

personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.

* Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance

Departure Taxes and tips to hotels.

* All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Under ‘Flight-Plus’

legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator to hold an ATOL licence for the supply of

any overseas holiday where a flight is involved, if that holiday includes either overseas

accommodation and/or car hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to book flights as

part of a package without an ATOL licence. Heatherlea also hold full Tour Operator Insurance for

your added protection.

* Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider. Our ‘Back Office’ team can organise all

your pre-flight and other travel needs. Our specialists will help you book the right services, at the

best price. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is extended further.

We don’t charge extra for this service.

* Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland, and registered to pay VAT (applies to

all holidays within the European Union).

HEATHERLEA PRE-FLIGHT SERVICE

WITH HEATHERLEA, YOU'RE A VIP! ENJOY A PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT HOTEL and LOUNGE - FREE!

For Heatherlea overseas holidays which include flights as part of your package price, we include a complimentary airport hotel and lounge. To benefit, book your next

overseas wildlife holiday with Heatherlea, the wildlife operator who gives you more!

Many of us enjoy birding and wildlife holidays overseas, but the organisation of pre-flight details can be time-consuming and frustrating. The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service offers everything you need, so let us take the strain! Our friendly, knowledgeable team will advise, so please call Emma, Amanda, Monika, Kevin or Phil. PRE-FLIGHT HOTEL Heatherlea select your complimentary hotel from our approved shortlist. All offer a good standard of accommodation, with evening meals usually available, and readily available car parking and transfers to the terminal. Arrangements are confirmed in your Final Information Pack, issued prior to departure. If travelling with you, your Heatherlea Guide will probably be staying in the same hotel, and may be able to join you for an informal chat the night before travel. If you don't need an airport hotel before you fly, please contact us before your balance due date, and a credit* will be made from the holiday balance payable. On some holidays, where we fly late in the afternoon or evening, you can elect to have your complimentary hotel stay on the return leg of your holiday. If you wish to stay at a specific airport hotel, please inform us before your balance due date, and a credit* will be deducted from your final balance payment. You will at this point be responsible for making your own booking of and payment for all hotel services.

PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT LOUNGE We want you to start your holiday early, and unwind before you fly. A busy airport terminal is hardly the ideal place to relax! By the time you've bought food, drinks, newspapers and a magazine to pass the time, terminals can prove expensive too. Why not prefer the comfort and choice of an airport lounge? You can relax and spread out for up to three hours before your flight.

Heatherlea Group relaxing before our 'Lynx and Birding' holiday in Spain, January 2014

Most of our lounges offer unlimited free drinks and snacks, complimentary magazines and newspapers, WIFI, TV and comfortable seating amid quiet surroundings. Lounges offer a secluded getaway, and save you money compared to prices outside in the terminal. Your Heatherlea guide may be there for a chat after everyone has checked-in, and you can get to know your fellow travellers or just sink into a comfortable armchair – the choice and comfort are yours!

We will confirm arrangements for your airport lounge, and include any necessary admission tickets, in your FINAL INFORMATION PACK. If our point of departure does not offer airport lounge services, all participants will be credited with an appropriate amount from the holiday balance payable. If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only concern is you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight!

Kevin says; 'I checked out the lounge facilities at Gatwick, where I could get a drink, snacks, hot food and internet access. The Lounge was spacious and comfortable, with a choice of seating areas and things to do including TV, newspapers, a cinema and a separate area for children, which kept them away from the quiet areas. There were even beauty salon treatments available for an extra charge, ideal if you want to prepare for a long flight with a massage, manicure or facial. All the staff were friendly and very well trained, the bathroom facilities were excellent, I felt relaxed and enjoyed my visit very much. I immediately decided that Heatherlea would add this service to our holidays!' If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only concern is you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight! ADDITIONAL SERVICES Should you wish anything else as part of your Heatherlea Pre-flight Service, we will be very pleased to help you. It is important to remember that extra services (eg car parking) become more expensive as your departure date approaches, so we strongly suggest you contact us before your final balance payment is due should you require us to organise any additional service. AIRPORT PARKING Driving to the airport? Book secure car parking with us to save time and money; we offer trusted and good value airport parking services. Staying the night before? If you are staying overnight pre-flight, parking can be arranged either at your hotel or at a nearby long-stay car park, we will be pleased to discuss the options with you. Have a leisurely journey to the hotel and enjoy a good night's sleep, in the knowledge that your vehicle is secure. Driving to the airport on the day of your flight? If driving to the airport on the day of departure, we can arrange a secure car park close to the airport, with transfers to and from the terminal. Your car will be safe while you relax on holiday. For extra convenience, you might consider one of these options; Valet parking: Drive to a dedicated arrivals/departures area. When you arrive, your car will be parked for you, while you transfer to the airport. When you return to the car park, your vehicle will be waiting. Meet and greet parking: No need to park your car! Simply drive to the terminal, meet your driver, and he/she will park it for you. On your return, make a call when you are ready to leave, and your car will be waiting outside the terminal, so you can be on your way quickly.

REGIONAL DEPARTURES/CONNECTIONS Prefer to fly from your local airport? Some of our holidays depart from regional airports, and on others you can often join the rest of the holiday group in your destination country rather than in London. We are happy to arrange regional departures for any of our holidays, and will tailor flight options to your requirements. FLIGHT UPGRADES Fancy some extra legroom or a reclining seat? On a long flight you might like a lie-flat bed, or perhaps personal service including complimentary drinks and meals. Seat and special meal requests are all part of our service. Heatherlea can offer great deals for Premium Economy and Business Class passengers with many airlines, all bookable instantly over the phone. TAILOR MADE EXTENSIONS Many of you plan other activity before or after your wildlife holiday, so why not let us arrange travel services for you? It’s quicker and easier than doing it yourself, and you will benefit from ATOL protection too. Heatherlea can arrange extensions to all our overseas tours, including flights, hotels and transfers - let us know your requirements and we will do the rest! QUALITY ASSURANCE – WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA? Heatherlea have been organising holidays for over 24 years, and we have a highly experienced and capable team. All elements of our package holidays are sold under our ATOL licence (ATOL 6113), and our business partners include British Airways, Delta Airlines, Premier Inn and Hilton Hotels. Our specialist knowledge will help you get exactly the right services, at the best price. We offer all your airport needs with just one call, so to save time and money choose Heatherlea, your complete wildlife holiday provider.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS! The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service is designed to match your holiday needs as comprehensively as possible. We want everything to be smooth and easy for you, and all arrangements are made well in advance to give you maximum flexibility. This is a very personal service which breaks into several clear steps to make things as simple as possible. STEP ONE When you decide to book your holiday, call us to pay the appropriate deposit. We will then double check availability of all services, and make reservations on your behalf. We then issue holiday documentation, which includes; * a BOOKING LETTER - tell you when we will issue your Final Information pack. * your HOLIDAY CONFIRMATION and INVOICE. This will confirm; - the total price of your holiday - the amount of deposit paid - the balance payable and due date - detail of any extra services you might have booked * An ATOL CERTIFICATE relating to your holiday booking. * An OVERSEAS BOOKING FORM so you can; - provide essential personal details and passport information. - reserve your airport pre-flight hotel, decline this service (and receive a reduction in the balance due), or defer this decision until later. - identify any additional services (such as car parking, seat upgrades) which you might wish for us to organise. You may defer this decision till later, though the earlier you order these services, the cheaper they are likely to be.

* Comprehensive ‘TRIP NOTES’ containing a great deal of information including what to pack, and accommodation details. * An ‘EXTRA PACK’ containing a full itinerary, recent Trip Report and Bird/Wildlife Checklist for your holiday. * A copy of our Terms and Conditions, both for holidays and for Pre-flight Services. Within seven days of paying your deposit, you will be very well informed, and Heatherlea will be working hard to make arrangements to suit your personal requirements. We have extensive contacts at airports, with hotels and airlines, and work hard to give you the best available options. STEP TWO While you are looking forward to your holiday, we will be busy organizing flights and other services on your behalf. About 14 weeks before your holiday begins, we will contact you by email or telephone. This will be your final opportunity to confirm whether you want the pre-flight hotel, and to ask Heatherlea to book car parking, seat upgrades or anything else you might wish. Should your final balance payment be different from the original amount, we will re-invoice you for payment on the original due date, which will be approx. 12 weeks before your holiday. STEP THREE After your balance payment has been made, you will be issued with a FINAL INFORMATION PACK which will give you everything else you need. This will normally be issued four weeks before the holiday. This pack will contain; * Final Notes. * printed bird checklist for use on the holiday. * your field guide (on those holidays where included). * pre-flight hotel/lounge vouchers NO ADMIN FEES – THIS IS A FREE SERVICE FROM HEATHERLEA! Book your holiday NOW ! .............. All flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on this Certificate. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. * A credit of £40 is available per holiday room booked. This means that two passengers sharing a room on the holiday will be credited with a total of £40. Each passenger in a single room will be credited with £40. This reflects the booking system at major airports, where charges are made per room, not per occupant. NB This FREE airport hotel offer does not include breakfast, dinner or other hotel services, nor does it include transfers between your hotel and the airport or car parking. Offer does not apply where flights are not part of the holiday, or where we offer a price for voyage only. Please remember that you are responsible for your arrival at the airport in good time, and you should check transfer arrangements from the hotel on arrival. DISCLAIMER Please note that while airport hotel and lounge services are booked for you in good faith, Heatherlea can make no guarantee of any services beyond our control. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, Heatherlea will offer credit subject to the

conditions above, but will not be liable for any other refund or compensation. If you have dietary, access or other needs relating to these services, or have any other concern, we recommend you make arrangements in person.

HEATHERLEA TRIP REPORT

FUERTEVENTURA

18th- 25th MARCH 2016

Heatherlea Guides - Toby Green & Dave Pullan

Trip report and photos Toby Green

Heatherlea (Scotland) Ltd The Mountview Hotel, Nethy Bridge

Inverness-shire PH25 3EB Tel: 01479 821248

Email: info@heatherlea.co.uk www.heatherlea.co.uk

Day 1 - Friday 18th March

We arrived in Fuerteventura after a very pleasant flight and settled into the hotel before heading out

to the nearby Lomo Gregario. We were soon watching our first Berthalot’s Pipits along the lower

track, several Hoopoe were also along-side the track and in the field. We made our way up on to the

ridge and were rewarded with stunning views of an adult Egyptian Vulture overhead making the

Buzzards look very insignificant! Two Black-Bellied Sand Grouse gave us amazing views out in the

open before flying off. Further along the ridge we had our first Cream Coloured Coursers but they

were very distant so we continued on and were soon watching two Coursers very close to the track,

a very striking wader of the dry deserts. Returning along the ridge we had our first good views of

Southern Grey Shrike. With our early start and time ticking away from us we decided to head back to

the hotel for a bit of down time before dinner and a well-earned sleep.

Day 2 - Saturday 19th March

This morning, feeling much better after a good night’s sleep, we headed off to Los Molinos. Before

we had even reached the turn off, we were treated to very close views of a male Houbara Bustard

which eventually walked across the road in front of the vans. We stopped at the small goat farm

which gave us good views of up to six Hoopoe and several Trumpeter Finch, along with a very brief

view of a Laughing Dove. Further up the barranco we had great views of an adult Egyptian Vulture

overhead and a very brief Fuerteventura Chat. At the reservoir we had good numbers of Ruddy

Shelduck and Coot with young, and on the shore line several Black-Winged Stilt fed. Further up the

shore we had two Greenshank and Common Sandpiper. A number of groups of Black-bellied Sand

Grouse were flying around the head of the reservoir and up at the top end, we had three Little Egret

and a Grey heron. Back down at the dam a single Little Ringed Plover was on the mud and above us a

Raven and three Kestrel flew around the crags. We headed down to Puertito Los Molinos where we

were soon watching close Cory’s Shearwaters cruising past the bay and a single Sandwich Tern. A

male Spectacled Warbler showed in the barranco giving song flight. We headed back inland to the

fields around La Oliva where we had a real Hoopoe fest with many birds seen well. A Southern Grey

Shrike fed young in a bush by the track affording very good views. At least four Corn Bunting showed

well singing from prominent points in the fields and we watched one feeding using the bill to

manipulate the seed from the chaff. We also had good views of Trumpeter Finch, Berthalot’s Pipit

and Lesser-Short Toed Lark, and a brief Spectacled Warbler. We headed back to the hotel ready for a

relaxing evening.

Day 3 - Sunday 20th March

Today we headed up into the beautiful Betancuria Mountains where we stopped at the view point

and had our first views of African Blue Tit showing well, several Raven and a pair of Berthalot’s Pipit.

Down in the village we had more close views of the Blue Tit and several Sardinian Warbler along

with a couple of Chiffchaff, but the real stars here were the Yellow-Browed Warblers, which showed

very well feeding on the wires by the small pool behind the carpark. We also spotted Hoopoe,

Southern Grey Shrike, Kestrel and Raven. We left Betancuria behind and dropped back down to the

plains and headed for Los Aleros where the pools proved to be very good, with close views of Black-

Winged Stilt, Coot, Moorhen and Little-Ringed Plover. Two Turtle Doves showed very well calling

from the Palm trees giving us all a good chance to get great scope views. We also found a family

party of Fuerteventura Chat which posed very well for us on any available perch! A Monarch

Butterfly showed and we also had good views of Scarlet Darter and Emperor Dragonfly. We headed

down to Salinas de Carmen where five Gannet passed along with an almost constant stream of

Cory’s Shearwater. On the rock spit, a group of Ringed Plover contained a single Dunlin and a good

number of Sandwich Tern roosting. We started heading back north but stopped for a gathering of

Swifts over El Matorral, they all proved to be Pallid Swift except for at least four birds which we

identified as Plain Swift by their more uniform colour and the indistinct throat patch, also by the

smaller size and jagging flight. As we watched the Swifts, we picked out at least two Red-rumped

Swallows. Very pleased with this we headed back to the hotel for another great meal.

Day 4 - Monday 21st March

Today we were concentrating our efforts in the north of the island. As the wind was fairly strong

from the west we set off for Faro de Toston. We had a very large passage of Cory’s Shearwater and

Gannet and also a single distant Great Skua. On the rocky foreshore, good numbers of Ringed Plover

also held Dunlin, a single Sanderling and Turnstone. But all of this was over-shadowed by the

appearance of a stunning Barbary Falcon, which flew in then landed on the light house and preened

for at least 10 minutes giving us all amazing views! Very happy with this, we headed along to the

shore at Corralejo where we added Whimbrel, Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit - with one bird

moulting into summer plumage. Good numbers of Ringed Plover and Sanderling were also present

here. We drove down past the Dunas National Park and then over the track from El Jablito to

Villaverde, where we had very close views of Lesser-Short Toed Lark. We finished the day on Tidaya

Plain where we managed to see three Houbara Bustard with one bird displaying, although quite

distantly. We also saw Cream Coloured Courser and Black-Bellied Sand Grouse before heading back

to base.

Day 5 - Tuesday 22nd March

Our destination today was the Jandia peninsular where our first birding stop was at Gomones where

the lagoon held four Spoonbills, a good number of Little Egret and a large number of Sandwich Terns

which were roosting on the sand bars. We spotted a good number of Kentish Plover and a handful of

Sanderling. Our next stop was at Costa Calma where the extensive cover gave us at least ten

Blackcap and several Goldfinch; a single Red-Vented Bulbul was also present here. We headed back

to the north and stopped in at Los Alaros again where we had a cracking Night Heron flying around

the pools and our second Barbary Falcon of the trip harassing the local feral Pigeons. Two Swallows

hawked over the pools. A brief stop at El Matoral again gave us Red-Rumped Swallow along with

Plain Swift. We finished the day at the La Oliva farm land but although we had good views of many

species we didn’t add anything new to the trip list.

Day 6 - Wednesday 23rd March

We started the day with a trip to Lomo Gregario where we had our best views of Egyptian Vulture,

with two birds showing well on the ground obviously attracted by some carrion as they were joined

by Raven, Buzzard and a number of Yellow-legged Gulls. Up on the ridge we again had several good

views of Cream Coloured Courser and some close Sand Grouse, with at least ten birds being seen.

Just as we were about to turn around, George spotted a Houbara Bustard which gave us very good

views. With increasingly strong winds and a darkening sky we headed to Puertito Los Molinos where

we had good views of Cory’s Shearwater blown closer by the strong westerly and also a couple of

Great Skuas and a single Kittiwake. The dam at Los Molinos was un-birdable now with the wind

really picking up so we headed out to the goat farm and were soon enjoying good views of Laughing

Dove with two adults and a juvenile bird in the palms. We stopped at the desert football pitch as

Dave had heard a Stone Curlew calling and it was not long before we were enjoying scope views of a

single bird in the small enclosure. With the wind now bringing in some heavy rain storms we decided

to head for the hotel and another fantastic meal.

Day 7 - Thursday 24th March

Our last day birding the island saw us heading down to the central plains at Antigua and Los Alaros.

The plains were fairly quiet but new arrivals at the Los Alaros pools included several Swallows, Sand

and House Martins, also Plain and Pallid Swift. The Night Heron was still present and we were able to

scope the bird roosting in the Tamarisk trees. The pools had Black Winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper

and Little Ringed Plover. We spent some time watching the Fuerteventura Chat family again as they

were showing so well and every one enjoyed good views of a male and female Spectacled Warbler.

We drove down to Salinas de Carmen where again Cory’s Shearwater were passing in numbers and

also Gannet numbers seemed higher, the rocky spit also had Sandwich terns roosting again. A walk

in Barranco del Torres turned up several calling Sardinian and Spectacled Warblers and another

family party of Fuerteventura Chat. With time racing on we finished the day and the trip with a drive

up through the stunning Vallebron valley and back to La Oliva where we enjoyed our last evening

with a lovely meal and a drink or two.

Day 8 - Friday 25th March

We departed La Oliva and headed to the airport after a stunning week on Fuerteventura.

With the recent rains some of the desert areas were carpeted in flowers, some of the more

interesting endemics that were seen were, Asphodel aestivus, Nauplivis sericeus - the Yellow Daisy

like flower that was in profusion in several places, Euphorbia regis and Rumex lunaria the

dock/sorrel.

GUEST HIGHLIGHTS

Laurence Yellow Browed Warbler and stunning views of Barbary Falcon

Hugh Yellow Browed Warbler, Houbara Bustard and Fuerteventura Chat

Stephen Cream Coloured Courser, Bustard views and the hotel staff

Sandra Egyptian Vulture, Barbary Falcon and Betancuria

Barbara Displaying Bustard and the Egyptian Vultures

Wendy Stone Curlew and the great company

Jo The great views of everything especially Egyptian Vulture

Margaret The number of Bustard seen and the displaying bird, Spectacled Warbler and Stone

Curlew

George The Bustards, male Fuerteventura Chat, wild flowers and the hotel

Alan The views of Bustard and Yellow Browed Warbler

Dave Barbary Falcon and the Houbara Bustards

Toby Barbary Falcon views and the number and views of Cory’s Shearwater.

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST FUERTEVENTURA 18 - 25 MARCH 2016

# Species Scientific Name

1 Gannet Morus bassanus X

2 Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax X

3 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea X

4 Little Egret Egretta garzetta X

5 Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia X

6 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea X

7 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus X

8 Buzzard Buteo buteo X

9 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus X

10 Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides X

11 Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara X

12 Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea borealis X

13 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus X

14 Coot Fulica atra X

15 Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata X

16 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus X

17 Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus X

18 Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor X

19 Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula X

20 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius X

21 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus X

22 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola X

23 Sanderling Calidris alba X

24 Dunlin Calidris alpina X

25 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica X

26 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus X

27 Greenshank Tringa nebularia X

28 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos X

29 Turnstone Arenaria interpres X

30 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis X

31 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus graellsi X

32 Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla X

33 Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis X

34 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis X

35 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia X

36 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur X

37 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis X

38 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto X

39 Plain Swift Apus unicolor X

40 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus X

41 Hoopoe Upupa epops X

42 Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens X

43 Sand Martin Riparia riparia X

44 House Martin Delichon urbicum X

45 Swallow Hirundo rustica X

46 Red-Rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica X

47 Berthelots Pipit Anthus berthelotii X

48 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita X

49 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla X

50 Blue Tit (Degener) Parus caeruleus X

51 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala X

52 Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata X

# Species Scientific Name

53 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus X

54 Canary Islands Chat Saxicola dacotiae X

55 Southern Great Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis X

56 Raven Corvus corax X

57 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis X

58 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis X

59 Linnet Carduelis cannabina X

60 Trumpeter Finch Rhodopechys githaginea X

61 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra X

Mammals

1 Barbary Ground Squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus X