TENERIFE & FUERTEVENTURA FEBRUARY 2002
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TENERIFE & FUERTEVENTURA
FEBRUARY 2002
Report of a birding trip to two of the Canary Islands by
Rob and Evelien Goldbach
Hollandseweg 159
6705 BC Wageningen
E-mail: Rob.Goldbach@wur.nl
ITINERARY
15-02 Flight Amsterdam – Tenerife. Arrival at Aeropuerto Tenerife Sur (Reina Sofia) at 17.40 h,
transfer to our appartment at Marino Tenerife, at Las Galletas.
16-02 Tenerife: Visit to Vilaflor and to Las Lajas. Return to Las Galletas via Alcala. Late
afternoon/evening walk to Punta de la Rasca (phare) and Roquita del Fraile.
17-02 Tenerife: Visit to the Anaga peninsula in the northeast; return to Las Galletas with a stop at
Poris de Abona for seabird watching.
18-02 Tenerife: Morning visit to Golf du Sur and Guargacho dams, afternoon to Erjos ponds and
Buenavista in the northwest. Visit to Masca.
19-02 Fuerteventura: after an early morning flight (07.30 –08.10 am) visit to the Barranco de Rio
Cabras, Las Penitas and Betancuria, then to Los Molinos and in the evening to La Oliva.
Stay at El Cotillo.
20-02 Fuerteventura: Coastal plains south of El Cotillo, then to Las Salinas and next Barranco de
la Torre. Late afternoon area of Costa Calma; stay near Costa Calma.
21-02 Fuerteventura: Early morning walk through the sandy plains north of Costa Calma, short
visit to Morre Jable, then to La Pared, and via Betancuria to los Molinos, for a second visit.
Evening: return flight (20.15 –20.55 h) to Tenerife, and drive to Las Galletas.
22-02 Tenerife: Whale watch tour (12.45 – 17.35 h) from Los Cristianos along the western coast
of Tenerife, north to Los Gigantos.
23-02 Tenerife: Visit to the Canarian pine forests near Vilaflor and Las Lajas, next to Parque
Nacional de las Canadas del Teide; afternoon walk to Punta de la Rasca and Roquita del
Fraile.
24-02 Tenerife: Visit to Anaga peninsula, then via the pine tree forests between Las Rosas and El
Portillo, to the northern coast of the island till Garanchico.
25-02 Return flight (09.30 – 14.50 h) Tenerife - Amsterdam.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Why the Canary Islands?
Although the Canary Islands are usually associated with noisy mass tourism and leasure, for birders a (short)
visit to these islands is a must, even more so as a carefully organized itinerary will give you good birds in
beautiful landscapes while undesired exposure to the crowds can meantime be easily avoided. The Canary
Islands, together with the Azores, Madeira, and the Cape Verdes, are included in Macaronesia, a group of
islands in the western Atlantics sharing some endemic (sub)species while also botanically and zoologically
these islands show affinities. In addition to some local seabird species, the Canary Islands proper contain at
least 11 species (according to the Dutch Taxonomy Committee) endemic for this island group or for
Macaronesia, i.e. Bolle’s Pigeon, Laurel (or White-tailed) Pigeon, Plain Swift, Berthelot’s Pipit, Tenerife
Robin (a recent split), Fuerteventura Chat, Tenerife Goldcrest, Canarian Chiffchaff, Tenerife Blue Tit, Blue
Chaffinch, and of course (Island) Canary. The local race of Chaffinch, F. (coelebs) tintillon, may become the
twelfth species (Canarian Chaffinch). For our visit to the Canaries we chosed the combination of Tenerife
(holding most of the endemics) and Fuerteventura (holding Fuerteventura Chat and a good number of desertspecies including Houbara Bustard). By taking an early morning flight to Fuerteventura and a late evening
return flight we could spend almost 3 full days on Fuerteventura, leaving 6 days to spend on Tenerife.
Tenerife belongs ecologically to the “Western” islands. It is the largest of all Canary Islands (2,057 km2)
containing the highest mountain, the Teide vulcano of 3718 meter. As a result Tenerife has a good variety of
habitats, and the inland parts are far away from the tourist strips in the southwest. The island still contains
some vast areas of the endemic laurel trees, as well as zones of tree heather and of the equally endemic
Canarian pine tree. The northern parts of the islands, including Anaga peninsula, are significantly more
humid than the southern parts, mainly due to the predominant northeastern passat winds. We found all
endemics within 24 h after arrival.
Fuerteventura belongs to the “Eastern” islands, located 100 km from the coast of southern Morocco, and
which are relatively lower, with mountains which do not exceed 800 meters, and with a more arid character.
Fuerteventura holds a true island endemic, the Fuerteventura Chat, which almost exclusively occurs in
baranco’s. Its total (world) population has been estimated at approx. 600 pairs. Next to this high priority bird
a number of typical desert birds, which are relatively easy to find here, make a visit very worthwhile, and
these include the Houbara Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew (of the local race), Cream-
coloured Courser, Trumpeter Finch, and Lesser Short-toed Lark. We found them all.
Weather
The climate is mild and frostfree in winter. As the islands are situated amidst the cool ocean waters
temperatures are never (too) high. During the first 3 days of our stay it was partly overcast most of the day,
and sometimes a strong NE wind blew across Tenerife, resulting in temperatures between 20 and 22 degrees.
At Fuerteventura we enjoyed bright and almost cloudless weather most of the time, temperatures varying
between 22 and 25 degrees. Back on Tenerife, during the final 3 days, similar nice weather was enjoyed. In
total we spend only 10 minutes at a beach (scoping gulls), and only once we were provoked for a brief swim.
Currency and general price level
One month earlier the Euro (€) was introduced within the EU, including the Canary Islands, making things
very easy for us. Cash money, if needed, could be obtained from automatic teller machines, but credit cards
are widely accepted as well. Food was cheap, both in restaurants and in supermarkets. Petrol prices were
approx. € 0.52 per liter, which is extremely cheap compared to the Netherlands.
Places to stay
We booked an 11 days trip including flights and appartment in Las Galletas for € 620.- per person. We
preferred an appartment as to be able to make our own food. On Fuerteventura we met some difficulties to
find places to stay as most hotels do not handle the odd passant but are used to host prebooked cohorts of
tourists. We found reasonably priced appartments at both El Cotillo (Maravilla bungalows, € 43 for a double
room) and 12 km south of Costa Calma (Appartment Hotel Caleta del Sol; € 41 for a double room).
Car Rent
At Tenerife we rented a Seat Marbella (a Fiat Panda clone) at a small car rental office (“Mar y Flor”) at Las
Galletas, for the amazing low rate of €118.- for 10 days, including all taxes and insurances. We considered
this price that low that we left the car unused for a couple of days at Aeropuerto Los Rodeos during our trip
to Fuerteventura. Upon arrival on Fuerteventura we rented a bigger car (Opel Astra Caravan, only one
available) at CIGAR for € 90.15 for 3 days.
Inter island connections
Given the time of the year there was no reason for us to invest much time in seabird watching by taking any
slow ferry boat between Tenerife and one of the other islands (La Gomera being the nearest by). While
nowadays fast jet boats run between various islands, at the time we visited Tenerife this type of boat
connecting Tenerife and Fuerteventura (3 h 10 min, € 63 per person one way) was out of scheme. This made
it even more easy to decide to go by plane. Binter (daughter company of Iberia Airlines) maintains daily
flight connections between most of the islands. For our journey to Fuerteventura we bought round trip tickets
Tenerife – Fuerteventura for € 137.- per person, the flight time being only 40 minutes. N.B. almost all
interisland flights leave from the northern airport (Aeropuerto Los Rodeos).
Literature
We used the following sources:
- Collins Bird Guide, by Lars Svensson et al., Harper Collins, London ,1999;
- A Birdwatchers’ Guide to the Canary Islands, by Tony Clarke and David Collins;
- Trip Report Canary Islands, by Remco Hofland and Teus Luijendijk (April 1998);
- Trip Report Canary Islands, by Frank Dorel and Mervyn Roos (November 19998);
- Canarische Eilanden, augustus 1992, Ornithologisch verslag van A. Bogaerts, D. Colin, K. de Rouck and
J. Tafforeau (In Dutch, or better Flamish; contains useful maps).Acknowledgements Co van der Wardt, Remco Hofland, Roland van der Vliet, Frank Dorel, Hans Janse, Harry Lehto and Tony Clarke are acknowledged for providing very useful information. DAY BY DAY ACCOUNT (For details on the sites mentioned and directions see The Birdwatchers’ Guide to the Canary Islands) February 15: This was the late afternoon arrival day. After a 4 hour 20 minutes flight from Amsterdam we arrived at 17.40 and were transferred by taxi to our appartment at Las Galletas, 14 km away from the airport. At the airport we saw the first Spanish Sparrows, which turned out to be a very common and widespread bird. Also a few Barbary Doves (an intriguing cage bird taxon, genetic origin not fully disclosed) were seen as well as good numbers of Collared Doves. Furthermore, between the airport and Las Galletas we saw the first Plain Swifts (8 ex in total) as well as a Kestrel. Check in at hotel Marino Tenerife, Las Galletas, where dozens of Spanish Sparrows spent the night in one of the trees. This latter species turned out to be the only sparrow species on the Canaries, House Sparrows being completely absent. February 16: At about 9 am we walked away from the hotel to find a car rental, and this produced the first (singing) Canarian Chiffchaffs and some Blackbirds of the local race. After having obtained a car we drove to Las Lajas, beyond Vilaflor, and situated in the Canarian Pine Tree zone. On route several small flocks of Plain Swifts were seen. A short stop at the big pine tree, 2 km from Vilaflor on the road to Boca de Tauce, the first good blend of Canary Island birds was seen: Tenerife Blue Tits, Blue Chaffinches, Canarian Chiffchaffs, and (Island) Canaries. At Las Lajas, a vast picnic site in the pine forest, approx. 12 km north of Vilaflor, the first Berthelot’s Pipits were seen, as well as good numbers of Blue Chaffinches (5 males, 5 females). This area also contained a considerable number of the island subspecies (canariensis) of Great Spotted Woodpecker, as well as Canaries and Tenerife Blue Tits. On the way down to El Portillo del Rastrojo 4 more Blue Chaffinches were seen. At many sites Rock Doves were seen, most of which were probably not of wild origin, but some flocks contained rather similarly coloured birds and seem to be real ones. Late afternoon (16.00 –19.30 h) a walk to the phare at Punta de la Rasca, 5 km west of Las Galletas, produced Hoopoes (2), Southern Grey Shrikes (at least 6, one juvenile), and Pallid Swifts (2). The fresh water reservoir, generally referred to as Roquito del Fraile, contained a number of good birds including Spoonbill (1), Little Egret (1), Grey-lag Goose (3, a rarity!), Shoveler (2), Pochard (2), Moorhen (1), Coot (60), Greenshank (3) and Ringed Plover (1). At sea Cory’s Shearwater (4) and an adult Kittiwake were the only birds of interest. February 17: We headed north, quite early in the morning for a dual aim: to obtain flight tickets to Fuerteventura at the Aeropuerto Los Rodeos, and next to visit the laurel forests on Anaga peninsula. Leaving Las Galletas at 7.50 am, we arrived at the northern airport at 08.15, got the tickets and drove next to the forests around Las Mercedes and the Mirador Pico del Ingles. Although (thanks to?) there were low clouds birds were rather active in the forests west of Las Mercedes. In total 6 Tenerife Robins were seen and/or heard, at least 12 Tenerife Blue Tits, 2 Tenerife Goldcrests, and 5 Chaffinches of the race tintillon, a possible future split (Canarian Chaffinch). At Mirador Pico del Ingles we saw at least 4 Bolle’s and 3 Laurel Pigeons! Both species could be well observed, including scope views. On the way down from Mirador Pico del Ingles to San Andres a flock of 10 Plain Swifts was seen, as well as several Sardinian Warblers and Canaries. From the beach of San Andres we saw 10 Black-headed Gulls among the many Yellow-legged Gulls of the race atlantis. On the way back to Las Galletas we made a stop at the lighthouse of Poris de Abona, but saw only few birds at sea. In the local harbour there were 2 Sandwich Terns. February 18: In the morning both the grounds of Golf du Sur and the small dams near Guargacho were screened for possible vagrants. At Golf du Sur 5 White Wagtails and a male Iberian (Yellow) Wagtail were present, but in additon to the common Berthelot’s Pipit no further Anthus species were found. Both Little Egret and
Common Sandpiper were present at the pond near the entrance of Golf du Sur, where also a Common Chiffchaff was singing. In the early afternoon we went to the Erjos ponds, which were not easy to find. Birds of interest were Moorhen (2), Tenerife Robin (1), Canarian Chiffchaffs (common, like elsewhere), Sardinian Warbler (common), the first Buzzard of the race insularum, many Canaries and a single (Canarian) Chaffinch. The flocks of Rock Doves seemed to look and behave like genuine ones. The next target was Punta de Tena (for Barbary Falcon and seawatching) but the road was closed, as always is the case when there is a strong northern wind, like today…. On the way back to Las Galletas we made a stop in pittoresque Masca, a real tourist trap. February 19 We left las Galletas at 05.00 am to reach the northern airport (Los Rodeos) at 06.05 am (much too early, but parking could have been a problem) to take the 07.30 am plane to Fuerteventura. After arrival (08.10 am) we rented a car at the CIGAR focce and before 09.00 am we saw the first Fuerteventura Chats (a pair) in the nearby Barranco de Rio Cabras. Other birds present there included Spectacled Warbler, the insularum race of Buzzard, a dozen or so Lesser Short-toed Larks and some Berthelot’s Pipits. Next we drove to the mountainous area near Betancuria. At the dam near Las Penitas we saw in total 5 Blue Tits of the local race deneger. With a wingbar and less dark crown, these birds look again very different from the race teneriffae, and are more similar to the North African race ultramarinus. Other good birds here included Turtle Doves, Raven, Goldfinches, Barbary Partridge and real Rock Doves. The next place to visit was the dam at Los Molinos, the only major fresh water reservoir on Fuerteventura. Here we saw a female Ruddy Shelduck, 30 Coots, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Greenshanks, 1 Green and 1 Common Sandpiper, and a true nearctic rarity: a winter plumage Spotted Sandpiper! Other birds of interest were Trumpeter Finches (6), Southern Grey Shrike (1), Hoopoe (1), and Lesser Short-toed Lark (5). Late afternoon we proceded to La Oliva, to try the Houbara Bustards in the plains near the farm Rosa de los Negrines. The area here was disturbed at that moment due to heavy trucks carrying rocks which frequented the tracks. We did not manage to find any bustard but were happy with a fouraging group of 7 Cream-coloured Coursers and a total number of 16 Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Other birds there included Lesser Short-toed Lark (very common), Plain Swift (10) and Raven (4). At dusk we went to El Cotillo for the night (appartemento Maravilla). February 20 The morning was spent scanning the coastal plain south of El Cotillo. We found a male Houbara Bustard, while a second one flew along. Other birds included lesser Short-toed Lark (50), Spectacled Warbler (1) and Berthelot’s Pipit (common). Next, after a coffee break in the harbour of El Castillo , we drove to Las Salinas, were we added some further wader species to the list (Grey Plover, Turnstone, Redshank), and saw Sandwich terns and Little Egret as well. We made a lunch break in the nearby Barranco de la Torre, which contained green bushes, palm trees but no water. In total we saw 5 Fuerteventura Chats here, as well as 1 fly- by Ruddy Shelduck, 1 Buzzard, 1 male Spectacled Warbler, a dozen or so Trumpeter Finches, Lesser Short- toed Larks, and a single Plain Swift. During our search for a hotel we saw Hoopoe and Southern Grey Shrike near Costa Calme. From our appartment Caleta del Sur, 12 km south of the Costa Calma tourist complex, we saw a.o. 4 Cory’s Shearwaters. February 21 It was wise to have explored the Costa Calma area the previous day as I found the sandy plain area north of Costa Calma, mentioned in the Clarke/Collins birdfind guide for its high Houbara Bustard density, despite new buildings arising at the Canada del Rio tourist complex, very easy. This area is formally protected, and partly fenced, but during the day more and more tourists, even in 4WD cars, would enter these plains. Starting at 07.10 h I walked into the plains and within 30 minutes I found a displaying male Houbara Bustard, which provided excellent scope views. During my walk I saw good numbers (30+) of Black-bellied Sandgrouse, often in pairs, 3 to 4 Barbary Partridges, 3 Stone Curlews, 4 Hoopoes, 4 Southern Grey Shrikes, many Lesser Short-toed Larks (200+) and a few Plain Swifts (5). After a short visit to the harbour of Morre Jable (Sandwich Terns) and a stop producing some Spectacled Warblers, we went to La Pared, and next, via Betancuria to Los Molinos, for a second visit. The female Rudddy Shelduck was still present, but the Spotted Sandpiper was not rediscovered. Waders present were Greenshank, Redshank, and Little Ringed Plover. Other birds seen here were a pair of Fuerteventura Chats, 8 Trumpeter Finches, 1 male Black Redstart, 1 Hoopoe, 20 Plain Swifts, many Lesser Short-toed Lark, 5 Berthelot’s Pipits, and 2 Raven. After a short visit
to Puerto de Rosario we went to the airport to return to Tenerife (flight 20.15 – 20.55). In total we drove 512 km in 3 days on Fuerteventura. February 22 Back on Tenerife we decided to take a whale watch boat trip from the harbour of los Cristianos. Several companies with a variety of boat types offer comparable itineraries. We chosed the Monte Carlo catamaran which allows underwater views as well. The fee was € 35 per person, including a good lunch and drinks. Departure was at 12.45 h, return at 17.35 h, later than scheduled (17.00 h). Basically the boat follows the western coast of Tenerife untill the steep rocks known as los Gigantos, which is the point of return. At these rocks we saw 4 Ospreys. On the way back, going more offshore, we saw approx. 20 Cory’s Shearwaters and 2 Arctic Skuas, but no Little Shearwater (which are quite rare in this time of year). Finally we met a mixed party of (approx. 20) Short-nosed Dolphins and (approx. 11) Shortfin Pilot Whales which could be seen at close range. February 23 This day we decided to revisit the higher elevation area surrounding Mount Teide, i.e. Parque Nacional de las Canadas del Teide. A longer stop at Las Lajas resulted in good views of again Tenerife Blue Tits (10), Blue Chaffinch (1 pair only, this time), Canaries (total day count 20), and Great Spotted Woodpecker (4). Two km south of Las Lajas, in the pine forest, we saw 2 singing males Tenerife Goldcrest. Higher up, near the real foot of Mount Teide, birdlife became very poor, only a few Berthelot’s Pipits were seen in an otherwise overwhelming landscape. In the afternoon we made another walk to the lighthouse at Punta de la Rasca. In total 20 Cory’s Shearwaters flew along, but this number is still not comparable to the large amounts seen here during summer. Again an adult Kittiwake passed the Punta. In the abandoned fields along the road to the lighthouse we saw a female Trumpeter Finch (nowadays rare on Tenerife) and 1 Southern Grey Shrike. In the freshwater bassin of Roquito del Fraile birdlife had partly chanced since 16-02: the Pochards had disappeared, but now a Black- necked Grebe was present, together with the Spoonbill, Grey-lag Geese, Little and Grey Herons, 2 Shovelers, and the obvious Greenshanks, Redshanks, Ringed Plovers, and Common Sandpipers. February 24 The last day on Tenerife we decided to spend by visiting the Anaga penisula again, and next to visit the northern shore of the island. The weather was much better at the Mirador Pico des Ingles than during our first visit, but the two endemic pigeons were (as a consequence?) almost absent. Only 1 single Bolle’s Pigeon was seen here in about 30 minutes. Good numbers of Tenerife Robin (15), Canarian Chiffchaff (25), 1 Buzzard and 4 Tenerife Goldcrest were seen, though, as well as up to 10 tintillon Chaffinches. New for Tenerife were the 2 Greenfinches near Las Mercedes and 1 Goldfinch. In the late morning and afternoon we visited several places along the northern shore, making first a few stops in the pine forest between Los Rosas and El Portillo. This produced 1 Buzzard, 3 more Tenerife Goldcrests, more Canarian Chiffchaffs and Tenerife Blue Tits, and a pair of Blue Chaffinches. The northern shore around Puerto Santa Cruz, Icod, and Garanchico did not reveal many birds other than the obvious species. February 25 Departure day. Due to early check in time no records worthwhile mentioning were made. The plane was in time, allowing us to be in Wageningen at 16.00 h. ANNOTATED BIRD LIST (T = Tenerife; F = Fuerteventura, I = Introduced) 01. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis On 23-02 1 ex at Roquito del Fraile (F). 02. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris borealis A rather scarce bird in this time of year: 16-02 4 ex and 23-02 20 ex along the lighthouse at Punta de la Rasca (T), 20-02 4 ex off Costa Calma (F), and 22-02 20 ex during the whale watch tour along the west coast of Tenerife (T). 03. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
On 16-02 and 23-02 1 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T), on 18-02 1 ex at Golf del Sur and 2 ex at the Guargacho dams (T), on 20-02 1 ex at Las Salinas (F), and on 24-02 1 ex at Garanchico (T). 04. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 17-02 1 ex near Las Galetas (T), 18-02 1 ex at Arguayo (T), and on 23-02 1 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T). 05. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia On both 16-02 and 23-02 1 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T). A rare vagrant here. 06. Grey-lag Goose Anser anser On both 16-02 and 23-02 3 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T). A true rarity for the Canary Islands. 07. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata On both 16-02 and 23-02 2 females at Roquito del Fraile (T). 08. Common Pochard Aythya ferina On 16-02 1 pair on Roquito del Fraile (T). 09. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea On 19-02 and 21-02 1 female on the dam at Los Molinos (F) and on 20-02 1 fly-by over the Barranco de la Torre (F). 10. Osprey Pandion haliaetus During the whale watch tour on 22-02 4 ex at the steep rocks of Los Gigantos (T). 11. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo insularum Scarce on Tenerife (18-02 1 ex at Erjos ponds; 2 ex on Anaga penisula), more common on Fuerteventura (in total 6 on 19-02; 1 on 20-02, and 2 on 21-02). 12. Eurasian (Common) Kestrel Falco tunnunculus A rather common bird, seen on all dates on both Tenerife (subspecies canariensis) and Fuerteventura (spp. dacotiae) with daily couuts up to 10 ex. 13. Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara Only seen on Fuerteventura: 1 calling bird seen at Las Penitas (19-02) and 3-4 ex on the sandy plain north of Costa Calma (21-02). 14. Houbara Bustard Chlamydotus undulata fuerteventurae Seen on two places on Fuerteventura: 20-02 2 ex on the plains 2 km south of El Cotillo, and on 21-02 1 displaying male on the sandy plains north of Costa Calma. 15. Eurasian Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus insularum On 21-02 3 ex on the sandy plains north of Costa Calma (F). 16. Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor bannermani On 19-02 7 ex on the plains NW of La Oliva (F). 17. Common Gallinule (Moorhen) Gallinula chloropus On 16-02 1 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T), on 18-02 2 ex at the Erjos ponds (T). 18. Common Coot Fulica atra On 16-02 and 23-02 approx. 60 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T), on 19-02 and 21-02 approx. 30 ex at the dam of Los Molinos(F), and on 19-02 4 heard at Las Penitas (F). 19. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres On 20-02 1 ex in the harbour of El Castillo and 2 at Las Salinas (F). 20. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago On 19-02 1 ex at the dam of Las Penitas (F). 21. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula On 16-02 and 23-02 1 resp. 4 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T). 22. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius On 19 and 21-02 1 or 2 ex at Los Molinos (F). 23. Grey (Black-bellied) Plover Pluvialis squatarola On 20-02 1 ex at Las Salinas (F). 24. Redshank Tringa totanus On 20-02 1 ex at Las Salinas (F), on 21-02 2 ex at Los Molinos (F), on 23-02 3 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T). 25. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia On 16 and 23-02 3 resp. 4 ex at Roquito del Fraile (T), on 19-02 6 ex at Los Molinos (F). 26. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos On 18-02 1 ex at Golf del Sur (T), on 19-02 1 ex at Los Molinos (F), on 20-02 1 ex at Las Salinas (F). 27. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia A good find! A winter plumage bird on 19-02 along the dam of Los Molinos (F). 28. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
At Los Molinos 1 ex on 19-02 (F). 29. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Two birds during the whale watch tour on 22-02, 8 km off Tenerife. 30.Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis atlantis A common bird at both Tenerife and Fuerteventura. 31. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus graelsii (intermedius) A few dozens of birds on 19 and 20-02 on Fuerteventura. 32. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus A group of 10 birds along the beach of San Andres (T). 33. Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Twice an adult bird seen during seabird watching at the lighthouse of Punta de la Rasca (T) on 16 and 23-02. 34. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis 2 ex on 17-02 at Poris de Abona (T), 6 ex on 20-02 at Las Salinas (F), 1 ex on 21-02 at Morre Jable (F)and 2 ex during the whale watch tour off Los Cristianos (T). 35. Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis At least 16 ex in the late afternoon/evening of 19-02 at La Oliva (F), and on 21-02 at least 25 ex on the sandy plains north of Costa Calma (F). 36. Rock Dove Columba livia Although most of the free flying doves seem to feral, on both Tenerife and Fuerteventura flocks of apparently genuine wild birds were seen in most days 37. Bolle’s Laurel Pigeon Columba bollii On 17-02 at least 4 birds were seen from the outlook Mirador Pico del Ingles, on the Anaga peninsula (T), of which 2 perched birds were well seen by scope. 38. Laurel Pigeon Columba junoniae Also this species was seen from Mirador Pico del Ingles (T) on 17-02,. At least 3 birds were observed, of which one perched ex very well by scope. 39. Eurasian Collared Dove (I?) Streptopelia decaocto A common bird on both islands, seen on all dates. 40. Barbary Dove (I) Streptopelia risoria On 15-02 approx. 5 birds were seen near the southern airport (T). Of course this “species”is an escape. 41. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Exclusively seen on Fuerteventura: on 19-02 3 or 4 at the dam of Las Penitas, and on 21-02 1 ex at Costa Calma. 42. Ring-necked Parakeet (I) Psitacula krameri Two birds seen at Las Galletos (T) on 16-02. 43. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus brehmorum Probably an overlooked species, but on 16-02 2 ex were well seen seen at Punta de la Rasca (T). 44. Plain Swift Apus unicolor Apparently wintering in rather good numbers. Seen on almost all dates, but more scarce on Fuerteventura. Most flocks flew at slightly higher altitude (500 –1000 m). 45. Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens polatzeki A (very) common bird on Fuerteventura, seen on 19 to 21-02 with daily counts between 50 and 200 birds. 46. Common Hoopoe Upupa epops !6- 02 2 ex at Punta de la Rasca (T); on 19-02 1 ex calling, 5 km north of Betancuria and 1 ex at Los Molinos (F); on 21-02 4 ex south of El Cotillo (coastal plain) and 1 ex at Los Molinos (F). 47. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major canariensis On both 16-02 and 23-02 1 or 2 at Vilaflor (big pine tree site), and approx. 6 ex at Las Lajas (T). This subspecies has more red on undertail and (male) hindneck, and is more creamy white on its underparts than the nominate race. 48. Tenerife Goldcrest Regulus teneriffae On 17-02 2 ex in the laurel forest 2 km east of at Las Mercedes (T), and on 24-02 4 ex between Las Mercedes and Mirador Pico del Ingles (Anaga peninsula) and another 3 ex in the pine forest between Las Rosas and El Portillo (T). 49. African Blue Tit Parus (caeruleus) teneriffae and deneger Possibly the races on Tenerife (teneriffae) and Fuerteventura (deneger) will each receive their separate species status in the next future, as they are quite distinct. The Dutch Taxonomy Committee lumps (anno 2002) all Canarian subspecies together with the Moroccon subspecies into a single species, African Blue Tit.
On Tenerife the subspecies teneriffae is a rather common bird: 16-02: 2 ex at Vilaflor, approx. 8 ex at Las Lajas; 17-02 in total over 12 ex on Anaga peninsula (T); 18-02 7 ex at different locations in the northwest, 23-02 at least 10, of which 6 at Las Lajas; 24-02 12 ex on Anaga peninsula. On Fuerteventura the subspecies deneger is rather localised. On 19-02 we saw in total 5 ex at Las Penitas, south of Betancuria (F). 50. Blackbird Turdus merula cabrerae A local common bird on Tenerife, at lower altitudes. Seen daily. This subspecies has no easy distinct characters. 51. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros A male was seen at the dam of Los Molinos (F). 52. Canary Island Chat Saxicola dacotiae Seen on three sites on Fuerteventura: on 19-02 a pair in the Barranco de Rio Cabras (near the airport), on 20- 02 5 (2 pair and a first winter male) in the Barranco de la Torre, and on 21-02 1 pair at Los Molinos. 53. Tenerife Robin Erithacus superbus According to the German and Dutch Taxonomy Committees this taxon is a full split from the common European Robin. Indeed the bird is very distinct (eyering, deeper red and more confined breast, whiter belly) and also its calls are different. See the article by Hans-Heiner Bergmann in Dutch Birding 23 (2001) 164 – 166 for further details. We found the Tenerife Robin only in the northern parts of Tenerife: 17-02 at least 6 (4 seen) on the Anaga peninsula, especially around the Mirador del Ingles; 18-02 1 ex at the Erjos ponds; 24- 02 at least 15 ex (5 seen) spread over the Anaga peninsula (Las Mercedes, Mirador Pico del Ingles, etc). 54. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla heineken A rather common bird, at least on Tenerife, with daily counts of 2 up to 10 birds, mostly singing males. On Fuerteventura 1 male at Las Penitas (19-02) and another one at Costa Calma (21-02). Would the subspecies name be an acknowledgement to the main supplyer of cold drinks here? 55. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala On 17-02 4 ex on the south slope of the Anaga peninsula, near San Andres; on 18-02 4 ex in the NW of Tenerife (e.g. Erjos ponds), on 19-02 at least 20 birds in total on Fuerteventura (several sites); 20-02 7 ex various sites on Fuerteventura. 56. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis Sightings on both Fuerteventura and Tenerife: 19-02 1 male in the Barranco de Rio Cabras, 20-02 1 ex Barranco de la Torre, 21-02 2 ex near Morre Jable. On Tenerife seen near San Miguel (23-02, 2 ex) and at the Punta de la Rasca (23-02, 3 ex). 57. Canarian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus canariensis A common bird on Tenerife (daily counts of 2 up to 30 ex), but absent from Fuerteventura. Sound is very different from that of Common Chiffchaff. 58. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 18-02: 1 singing male on Golf du Sur (T), and on 19-02 2 males at Las Penitas (F). 59. Iberian Yellow Wagtail Motacilla (flava) iberiae 18-02: 1 male together with White Wagtails on the grounds of Golfe du Sur (T). 60. Grey Wagtail Moracilla cinerea canariensis Seen daily in small numbers on Tenerife and only few on Fuerteventura. A major part will have been of the local spp. canariensis. 61. White Wagtail Motacilla alba 18-02: 5 ex at Golfe du Sur (T). 62. Berthelot’s Pipit Anthus berthelotii berthelotii A rather common and widespread bird on both Tenerife and Fuerteventura, with daily counts between 5 and 20 ex. Both at lower locations sea level) as high up (over 2000 m on Mount Teide). 63. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis koenigi 16-02: at least 6 (1 juvenile) Punta de la Rasca (T); 17-02 1 ex along Autopiste del Sur (T); 19-02 1 ex at Los Molinos (F), 20-02 1 ex at Costa Calma (F); on 21-02 4 ex on the sandy plains north of Costa Calma; and on 23-02 2 ex at Punta de la Rasca (T). 64. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis parva On 19-02 4 ex at Las Penitas (F) and on 24-02 1 singing male on Anaga peninsula (T). 65. Canarian Chaffinch Fringilla (coelebs) tintillon The better name is probably F. canariensis. Observed on 17-02 on the Anaga peninsula (5 ex), on 18-02 1 female at the Erjos ponds (T), and on 24-02 again on the Anaga peninsula (at least 9). 66. Blue Chaffinch Fringilla teydea teydea
18-02: 2 males at the big pine tree stop near Vilaflor, 10 ex at the wellknown picnic site Las Lajas, and another 4 ex El Portillo del Rastrojo; on 23-02 1 pair at Las Lajas, and on 24-02 1 pair on a picnic site between Las Rosas and El Portillo (all on Tenerife). 67. Island Canary Serinus canaria Only seen on Tenerife: 16-02 15 ex at the big pine tree near Vilaflor and 10 ex at Las Lajas; 17-02 1 at Aeropuerto Los Rodeos and approx. 10 ex on Anaga peninsula; 18-02 at least 20 ex of which 10 at the Erjos ponds; 23-02 20 ex at a.o. Las Lajas. 68. European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 24-02: 2 ex (1 singing male) near Las Mercedes (T). 69. Trumpeter Finch Rhodopechys githaginea amantum A single sighting on Tenerife: 23-02 1 female at Punta de la Rasca; more common on Fuerteventura: 19-02 6 ex at Los Molinos; 20-02 1 pair Tefia, 10 ex at the Barranco de la Torre; 21-02 8 ex at Los Molinos. 70. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis A very common bird on both Tenerife and Fuerteventura. The only passer species on the Canaries. 71. Northern Raven Corvus corax tingitanus A single record on Tenerife (24-02 2 at La Lajas); more common on Fuerteventura: 19-02 2 ex Las Penitas, 6 ex Los Molinos and 4 ex La Oliva; 21-02 2 ex Los Molinos. 72. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris A single bird on 17-02 at the parking of Aeropuerto Los Rodeos (La Laguna, T). MAMMAL SPECIES 01. Eurasian Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Only a few records on Fuerteventura, which is more sandy and suitable for this species than Tenerife. 02. Barbary Ground Squirrel (I) Atlantoxerus getulus Seen on all days on Fuerteventura, i.e. at Las Penitas, La Pared, Barranco de la Torre. 03. Shortsnout Dolphin (“Witsnuitdolfijn”) Lagenodelphis hosei During the whale watch tour on 22-02 at least 20 ex could be observed very well, approx. 5 km off Los Cristianos. 04. Shortfin Pilot Whale (“Indische Griend”) Globiocephala macrorhynchos During the whale watch tour on 22-02 at least 11 ex could be observed very well. On 23-02 6 ex were sseen off Punta de la Rasca. 05. Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus One roadkill near San Miguel (T) on 23-02 indicated the presence of this species on the island.
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