Number of rarities this month	Citations / Citaciones / Com citar
Rarity distribution this month	Rarity forecast
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Month Overview	Resumen del mes
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Species index (n= 8 + 27 = 35) + 2 Only Canary Islands + 0 Gibraltar
GALLOANSERAE

Anser fabalis	Anas carolinensis	Aythya affinis
Anser brachyrhynchus	Aythya collaris	Mergellus albellus
Anas americana		Mergus merganser

NEOAVES

RARITIES ONLY FOR THE CANARY ISLANDS*

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GALLOANSERAE

Bean Goose Anser fabalis (1)
(1) Zamora One was seen at Villafáfila, Zamora, on 7.12 (David Keyte)

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus (1,2,3-4,5-12,13,14) INFLUX
(1) Álava On 4.12 there was one at Salburua, at Balsa de Arkaute (Luis Lobo). It was still there with 14 Barnacle Geese on 6.12 (Juan Carlos Andrés). See a photo below and thumbnails here.The bird remained there on 8.12 (Serafín Alarcón & Conchi Mateos).Also thumbnails here.

Photo above:© Juan Carlos Andrés 6.12.2010

(2) Cantabria . A bird was seen at Santoña, Cantabria on 12.12 (Pablo Fernández, Pedro J.Menéndez, Daniel López Velasco).There is a thumbnail here. This bird remained there on 16.12 (Alejandro García Herrera) and 19.12 (Jose Ramon Martin Zaforas, Javier Aizcorbe Garay; SEO-Asturias).Still present on 27.12 (Carlos Gutiérrez Expósito)

(3-4) Sevilla . On 14.12 there were 2 at Aználcazar, within Doñana protected area, Sevilla (Paco Chiclana,Fernando del Valle). See two thumbnails here.

(5-12) Lugo . There were 8 birds at Rinlo, Ribadeo, Lugo on 16.12 (Marcos Otero). See a photo below and 2 thumbnails here.On 18.12 these birds moved to charca de Villadún, Castropol, Asturies (Pablo Fernández) but returned to Rinlo too (Toño Salazar).See another thumbnail here. On 21.12 the 8 birds were still there (J.Miguel Alonso Pumar; Pablo Fernández). They were 4 ads and 4 1w (Pablo Fernández; L.J.Salaverri). See another photo below (P.Fernández). Seen at Villadún on 31.12 (David Álvarez Fernández, Gilberto S. Jardón, Quique Carballal).

Photo above:© Marcos Otero 16.12.2010

Photo above:© Pablo Fernández 21.12.2010

(13) Palencia . On 19.12 a bird was seen at Laguna de la Nava, Palencia (César Bermejo, Antonio Sanz, Javier Portillo)

(14) Ávila . One was seen at El Oso lagoon, Ávila, on 27.12 (Juan Carlos Marín)

American Wigeon Anas americana (1-2,3,4,5)
(1-2) Gran Canaria The two individuals seen at La Majadilla, Telde, Gran Canaria on 21.10 remained in the area on 1.12 (Miguel Avelino)

(3) Gran Canaria There was an apparent new bird at Barranco de Tirajana on 3.12 (Miguel Avelino).

(4) Gran Canaria A 4th bird in the island was present at El Matorral, Santa Lucía, on 3.12 (Miguel Avelino).

(5) Tenerife A female was found on 18-19.12 at El Fraile, Tenerife (Albert Burgas,Àlex Ollé,Marcel Gil,Marc Bertran,Pau Calero,Jorge García). See two photos below (Àlex Ollé).

Photos above:© Àlex Ollé 19.12.2010

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis (1,2-3,4,5)
(1) A Coruña . The drake found on 16.11 at embalse de As Forcadas, Valdoviño, A Coruña was still there on 6.12 (Antonio Gutiérrez; Xabier Varela). See a photo here.Also present on 11.12 (Marcos Otero) and 17.12 plus 29.12 (Ricardo Hevia).

(2-3) A Coruña . The drake found on 27.11 at Sabon, Arteixo, A Coruña was still there on 6.12 (Xabier Varela). See a thumbnail here. But on 11.12 there were 2 birds, probably different from bird (1) (Alberto Somoza).The two birds were there on 15.12 and were photographed altogether (Xabier Varela), see a thumbnail in the right column. These birds remained there on 23 and 26.12 (Xabi Varela). See a photo below (X.Varela)

Photo above:© Xabier Varela 26.12.2010

(4) Lugo . There was a drake at Cospeito lagoon, Lugo, on 26.12 (David Calleja)

(5) Asturies . A drake was found at ria de la Villa, Villaviciosa, Asturies on 30.12 (Adolfo Villaverde)

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris (1,2,3,4-5)
(1) Lleida . The drake found at Pantà Gran d'Alcarràs, Lleida, on 3.11 remained in the area on 8.12 (Guillermo Mayor, Julio Merayo, Jana Marco).On 27.12 there was one at Pantà Gran d'Alcarràs, Lleida (Gerard Dalmau)

(2) A Coruña . The female found on 30.11 at Ría de Ortigueira, A Coruña remained there on 11.12 (J.Miguel Alonso Pumar, Ricardo Hevia) and 24.12 (Ricardo Hevia)

(3) Lugo. There was a 1w bird at Riocaldo lagoons, Begonte, Lugo on 13.12 (Toño Salazar). See a photo below (T.Salazar). Still there on 18.12 (Ricardo Hevia) and 27.12 (José Guerra, Marc Gàlvez) to 31.12 (Quique Carballal)

Photo above:© Toño Salazar 13.12.2010

(4-5) A Coruña . There were 2 females at As Forcadas reservoir, Valdoviño, A Coruña on 29.12 (Ricardo Hevia). See a photo below.

Photo above:© Ricardo Hevia 29.12.2010

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (1)
(1) A Coruña . The 1st individual of the autumn/winter so far was a drake found at As Forcadas reservoir, Valdoviño, A Coruña on 11.12 (Ricardo Hevia; Marcos Otero). See a thumbnail here (M.Otero)

Smew Mergellus albellus (1)
(1) Zaragoza . There was a 1w/f at Laguna de Guialguerrero, Cubel, Zaragoza on 16.12 (Javier Sanz y Jose Luis Rivas). Still there on 18.12 (Javier Train). See a photo below and a thumbnail here. Still there on 22.12 (Ricardo Rodríguez, José Ardaiz)

Photo above:© Javier Train 18.12.2010

Goosander Mergus merganser (1-2,3,4-10,11,12-13,14,15,16,17-18,19,20,21,22,23-24) INFLUX
(1-2) Asturies . There were 2 at Lliberdón river mouth, Colunga, Asturies (Jon Hidalgo; Xuan Cortés; Daniel López Velasco). See a photo below and two more in the rarebirdspain group page here and here (D.L.Velasco).

Photo above:© Daniel López Velasco 6.12.2010

(3) Girona . While trying to locate the Red-footed Booby, a 1w/female was seen in flight at L'Estartit harbour, Girona, on 10.12 (Pablo Fernández, Pedro J.Menéndez, Daniel López Velasco). There is a thumbnail here.

(4-10) Lugo-Asturies . On 14.12, seven were found at La Linera, Ria del Eo, Lugo/Asturies (Luis José Salaverri). Later seen and photographed, see below (Pablo Fernández). On 21.12 these seven moved to ria del Eo, Lugo, where photographed and videotaped (Luis José Salaverri). See photo and video below. Seen again on 31.12 (David Álvarez Fernández, Gilberto S. Jardón, Quique Carballal)

Photos above:© Pablo Fernández 14.12.2010

Photo & video above:© Luis José Salaverri 21.12.2010

(11) Valladolid . On 11.12, a female/1w bird was seen at Laguna de Támariz de Campos, Valladolid (Juan Matute, Nazario Bocos ,J.A. Garcia Alfonso, Jesús Colás)

(12-13) Navarra . On 15.12, two 1w/females were seen at Balsa de Zapata, Bárdenas Reales, Navarra (Jose Maria Samanes; José Ardaiz, Ricardo Rodríguez).See a photo below (José Ardaiz). These birds moved on 19.12 to embalse de Malvecino, Pinsoro, Zaragoza (Javier Capalvo) where they remained on 27-28.12 (Javier Train)

Photo above:© José Ardaiz 15.12.2010

(14) Girona . On 18.12 a bird was found at La Massona lagoon, PN Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, Girona (Daniel Valverde). See a photo and a post on the birding morning here. Perhaps this same bird was seen on 27.12 (Joan Ventura) and 28.12 at the bay off La Rubina (À.Ollé, M.Bertran, P.Calero; G.de Jesús, J.Ventura, E.Hernandez). Still there on 30.12 morning (Josep Tantull, Roser Solé, see a photo below)

Photo above:© Josep Tantull & Roser Solé 30.12.2010

(15) Palencia . On 19.12 a 1w/female was seen at Laguna de la Nava, Palencia (César Bermejo, Antonio Sanz, Javier Portillo)

(16) Barcelona . On 23.12 a bird was seen at La Vidala, El Remolar lagoon, Llobregat Delta (Consorci Delta del Llobregat). The bird left the area to the S and it was not relocated on 24.12 (many observers).

(17-18) Girona . On 25.12 two birds were seen at Basses d'en Coll, PN Montgrí, Medes and Baix Ter, Girona (Albert Burgas, Daniel Burgas / www.frontera.cat)

(19) Cantabria. From 12-14.12 one individual was seen at San Vicente de la Barquera, PN Oyambre, Cantabria (Aitor Rincon). See a video below (Aitor Rincón)

Video above:© Aitor Rincón 14.12.2010

(20) Toledo. On 26.12 there was one female-type bird at Castrejón reservoir, Toledo (Manu Santa-Cruz)

(21) Lleida. On 27.12 there was one at Pantà Gran d'Alcarràs, Lleida (Gerard Dalmau,Miguel Angel Fuentes, Alba Casals )

(22) Zaragoza. On 27.12 there was an additional Merganser (see birds 12-13) at Malvecino reservoir, Pinsoro, Zaragoza (Javier Train)

(23-24) Zaragoza. On 28.12 there were 5 Mergansers (see birds 12-13 and 22) at Malvecino reservoir, Pinsoro, Zaragoza (Javier Train)

NEOAVES

Swinhoe's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis (1-3) 4TH RECORD FOR SPAIN
(1-3) Lanzarote Unprecedented record of 3 birds in the WP. Under severe SW winds, 3 birds were observed between 150-400 meters distance from the coast of Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands on 18.12 (F.Javier García Vargas). No photos could be taken but a description is available in Spanish in the Rarebirdspain yahoogroup message communicating the sighting.

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaeton aethereus (1)
(1) Fuertventura There was a 1w at Playa del Pozo Negro, Fuerteventura, on 20.12 (Gabriel de Jesús, Anna Mallol)

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (1)
(1) Lugo. The bird seen regularly at Riocaldo lagoons, Begonte, Lugo was relocated in the same place now in winter plumage on 10.12 (Fernando Pereiras). See his blog here. Still there on 13.12 (Toño Salazar).Still there on 18.12 (Ricardo Hevia) and on 27.12 (Marc Gàlvez, José Guerra) to 31.12 (Quique Carballal)

Red-footed Booby Sula sula (1) 2ND FOR EUROPE
(1) Girona. A bird was seen and photographed off Cap de Creus, Girona on 3.12 (Rafael Larrodé) then moved to l'Estartit, Girona on 4.12 (Sílvia Guix) where it remained at least until 6.12 and was seen by over 40 people.See a special identification and photopage here and a photo below (R.Gutiérrez) with two more from Àlex Ollé too. Still there on 7.12 (A. Powell, Q.Carballal, T.Alonso, A.Lorente, S.Guix, R.Gutiérrez. C.Garcia et al) and 8.12 (many observers) to 9.12 by mid morning (A.Lorente) but not later despite much search. Reappeared at L'Estartit with 3 hooks in its stomach on 15.12 and brought to recovery center immediately. Surgery on 17.12. On recovery on 18.12 (Generalitat de Catalunya). See another page from this website on the epilogue of this bird occurrence in L'Estartit here. Still on recovery (but fine) on 20.12 (Generalitat de Catalunya) and 22.12 (R.Gutiérrez, E.Guinart), when videotaped at the recovery centre (see below, Ricard Gutiérrez).Unfortunately the bird died when it seemed to do well on 23.12 (Generalitat de Catalunya)

Photo above:© Ricard Gutiérrez 6.12.2010

Photos above:© Àlex Ollé 6.12.2010

Video above:© Ricard Gutiérrez 22.12.2010

Presumed Hybrid Western Reef x Little Egret Egretta gularis x garzetta (1,2)
(1) Tarragona. The Tancada hybrid was seen again on 6.12 but not at the Tancada lagoon or ricefields but quite far at Ranxo Gran ricefields area, Delta de l'Ebre, Tarragona (Cristian Jensen). The bird was seen again back at Tancada saltpans on 14.12 (Ricard Gutiérrez) and again on 29.12 (Àlex Estellé)

(2) Huelva. On 21.12 one was seen at Isla Cristina, Huelva (Dieter Wendt)

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus (1,2)
(1) Cádiz The bird seen on 13.11 at Los Barrios, Cádiz and believed to be the same individual seen last two years was seen again on 5.12 (Javier Elorriaga).See a photo collage (J.Elorriaga)

Photo above:© Javier Elorriaga 5.12.2010

(2) Cádiz There was a bird over El Puerto de Santa María. Cádiz on 14.12 (Rafael García Costales). There is a comment on this observation in Rafa's blog here.

Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus (1) SIXTH RECORD FOR SPAIN
(1) Tarragona A bird was seen in the same seawatch of the Bonaparte's Gull (!) offshore Tarragona city with the vessel of GEPEC on 18.12 morning, when photographed in bad conditions and seen by many observers (Guillermo Rodríguez, Albert Cama Torrell, Manolo García Tarrasón, Sylvia Ortega, Joan Ferrer Obiol, Toni Alonso Jardí, Dani Roca et al). See thumbnails here (Albert Cama).

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga (1,2,3,4,5)
(1) Alicante The subadult 3w Greater Spotted Eagle, named 'Not Tõnn', was seen at El Hondo Nature Reserve on 6.12 (Graham Critchell) and 7.12 and 14,12 (Graham Critchell). Seen again on 21.12 (Ashley Powell) and 27.12 (Graham Critchell; Laurent Majorel y Juan Pérez-Contreras) to 28.12 (Ashley Powell). See a collection of photos in Ahsley's blog here.

(2) Alicante The subadult 3w Greater Spotted Eagle Tõnn was at El Hondo NR on 2.12 (Vittorio Pedrocchi). See a photo below and a thumbnail with the antenna here.Seen again on 7.12 and 14.12 (Graham Critchell). Seen again on 21.12 (Ashley Powell)and 22 & 30.12 (Graham Critchell), when photographed again (see a thumbnail here, G.Critchell). See also a collection of photos in Ahsley's blog here.

Photo above:© Vittorio Pedrocchi 2.12.2010

(3) Huelva There was a bird at Hato Blanco, Hinojos, Doñana, Huelva on 11.2 (José A.Sencianes)

(4) Alicante The adult Greater Spotted Eagle at El Hondo Nature Reserve was seen again on 15 and 17.12 (Graham Critchell).. Seen again on 21.12 (Ashley Powell).Seen again on 21,24,27& 29.12 (G.Critchell). Also on 26.12 (A.Powell).See also a collection of photos in Ahsley's blog here.

(5) Alicante One juvenile Greater Spotted Eagle (with this four clanga the same day) was seen at El Hondo Nature Reserve on 21.12 (Ashley Powell).See a thumbnail here. Seen again on 29 & 31.12 (G.Critchell)

STRIPED CRAKE Porzana marginalis (1) FIRST FOR SPAIN, 4th FOR EUROPE & 5th for WP

(1) Sevilla A bird, a female according to literature, was found in the middle of downtown Las Navas de la Concepción, Sierra Norte, 436 meters above the sea, Sevilla on 12.12.2010 (Antonio Garcia Marquez). It was released the following 13.12 day nearby (Antonio Garcia Marquez). The bird went unidentified until the author contacted Jesus Fdez-Mejias & Alberto Plata on 20.12 who identified the bird. See a photo below (Antonio García Marquez) and another, with the story in Spanish,in the Alberto Plata's blog here. Marcel Haas and Pierre-André Crochet supply four previous records in the WP:

• Algeria (1) 1 January 1867, Biskra, juvenile, collected (specimen location unknown) [Isenmann & Moali 2000]
• Italy (1) 1 4 January 1997, Livorno, Toscana, adult female, taken into care, died 5 January (INFS: 8776) [Brichetti et al 1997; De Faveri et al 1998]
• Malta (2) 1 29 March 1981, Bahar ic-Caghaq, collected (NMNH: NMNH-Orn.1554) [Borg in press; Raymond Galea in litt] 2 April 2004, Siggiewi, collected (private collection) [Raymond Galea in litt] .

A similar case of vagrancy pattern could be that of the African Corncrake in the Canary islands some time ago here and here.

Photos above:© Antonio García Márquez 12.12.2010

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (1)
(1) Lanzarote The bird found at Saladar de la Santa, Tinajo, Lanzarote in October 2010 was still there on 14.12 (F.J.García Vargas).

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (1)
(1) Albacete The bird found at Pétrola lagoon, Albacete on 7.10 remained in the area until 6.12 (Frederic Sánchez Juanpere, Antonio Paredes, Antonio Manglano, Javi Pérez, Luis Juan González, Rafa Torralba) and 8.12 (Germán Martín; Rafa Torralba), see a photo below and a thumbnail here. Apparently this was the last date of the bird there (Rafa Torralba). The bird was relocated at the same lagoon (from where it has dissappeared) on 22.12 (Rafa Torralba)

Photo above:© Germán Martín. 8.12.2010

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (1)
(1) Huelva A bird was found on 23.12 at Calatilla area, Paraje Natural Marismas del Odiel, Huelva (Rafa Romero). See a photo below and two thumbnails here.

Photo above:© Rafa Romero. 23.12.2010

Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia (1)
(1) Tarragona An adult, perhaps the returning bird from last winter, was found at Tarragona harbour on 16.12 (Albert Cama). Interestingly, the same bird attended a seawatch offshore with the vessel of GEPEC on 18.12 morning, when photographed and seen by many observers (Albert Cama Torrell, Matxalen Pauly, Guillermo Rodríguez, Manolo García Tarrasón, Sylvia Ortega, Joan Ferrer Obiol, Daniel Roca, Toni Alonso, Raül Aymí, Xavier Martínez, Roger Sanmartí... et al. GEPEC). See a photo below (Albert Cama) and more in his Gulls in Catalonia blog here. On 23.12 it was seen again at the harbour (Ferran López)

Photo above:© Albert Cama. 18.12.2010

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans (1,2,3,4)
(1) A Coruña There was one 1w at Esmelle beach, El Ferrol, A Coruña, on 14.12 (Francisco Girón).

(2) A Coruña There was one 1w at Baldaio, Carballo, A Coruña on 16.12 (Xabier Varela). See two photos below and two thumbnails here.

Photos above:© Xabier Varela. 16.12.2010

(3) A Coruña A 3rd winter was found at Meiràs beach, Valdoviño, A Coruña on 17.12 (Antonio Gutiérrez). See a thumbnail here.

(4) Asturies The overwintering individual was seen and photographed again on 30.12 (César A. Lao). See a photo below.

Photos above:© César A.Laó 30.12.2010

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides (1)
(1) A Coruña. On 3.12 there was a 1w at La Concha beach, Cariño (Ricardo Hevia). See a photo below

Photo above:© Ricardo Hevia 3.12.2010

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus (1,2,3)
(1) A Coruña. The 1w bird found at Praia de Bens, A Coruña, on 18.11 was still there on 1.12 (Cosme D. Romai) and 6.12 (Xabier Varela), see a photo below.

Photo above:© Xabier Varela 6.12.2010

(2) Bizkaia. There was a 2w at Santurtzi harbour, Bizkaia, on 22.12 (Gorka Ocio)

(3) A Coruña. On 31.12 a 1w bird was seen from Estaca de Bares, A Coruña (Albert Cama,Matxalen,Marc Gálvez y José Guerra)

Little Swift Apus affinis (1,2)
(1) Málaga There was one flying above Mijas Costa, Málaga on 20.12 (Todor Todorov; Paco Villalobos). See a photo below and thumbnails here (P.Villalobos)

Photo above:© Paco Villalobos 20.12.2010

(2) Gran Canaria One was seen at La Majadilla, Telde, Gran Canaria on 16.12 (Joao Tiago Rocha Tavares)

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (1)
(1) València. A bird was seen and photographed at Sueca, Albufera de València, València on 25.12 (Miguel Piera). Read the full story in Spanish and see one photo in Miguel's blog here.

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus (1,2-3) c.SEVENTH & 8th RECORD FOR SPAIN
(1) Asturies A 1w was found at Proaza, Asturies, on 18.12 (Manuel Fernández Pajuelo y Agustina Fernández Alvarez). See two photos below.

Photos above:© Manuel Fernández Pajuelo 18.12.2010

(2-3) Asturies Two birds were seen at Valgrande, Llena, Asturies on 29.12 (Xuan Cortés)

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (1,2) FOURTH & FIFTH FOR SPAIN
(1) Alicante A 1w/f bird was found at Clot de Galvany, Elx, Alicante on 1.12 (Jacobo Antonio Ramos). 4th for Spain after birds in Llobregat Delta, Albufera de Valencia and Huelva. See three photos below and a thumbnail here. The bird was present in the morning of 1.12. Directions in Spanish to the area are as follows (J.A.Ramos):

"Entrar" por la puerta más próxima a las charcas de contacto, y dirigiros hacia la izquierda (como si os fueseis hacia el cabezo o la charca norte). Enseguida, en el camino hay dos bancos, con 2 grandes algarrobos. Sentaros en el segundo banco y esperar que se acerque; a veces le cuesta, sobre todo porque le echa alguno de los petirrojos que hay allí.

The bird was seen again on 2.12 (Graham Critchell)

Photos above:© Jacobo Antonio Ramos . 1.12.2010

(2) Girona A 1w/female was seen over the Perxistor area, Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, Girona on 26.12 (David Caballé). This bird was relocated at the same area on 29.12 (Gerard Dalmau, Toni Alonso et al) when photographed (see below). On 30.12 at least 19 people went to see the bird and some photos and video could be obtained (David Caballé, Gerard Dalmau, Oriol Clarabuch, Ponç Feliu, Pere Cortinas, Roger Sanmartí, Daniel Valverde, Anna Mallol, Gabriel de Jesús, Alba Casals, Xavier Martínez, Ricard Gutiérrez, Javi Mendoza et al). See more testimonial photos below (R.Gutiérrez). Coordinates for the site are as follows: N 41.72673 E 002.58362 datum European 1950. The bird was ringed on 30.12 much to the surprise of the observers watching the bird on 31.12 (Pere Cortinas, Frederic Sànchez et al) but to those dipping on it on 30.12 afternoon. Seen again on 31.12 by more observers (Marc Illa, Xavier Mañas, Joan Manubens & Bernat Ferrer). See thumbnails here.

Photo above:© Toni Alonso 29.12.2010

Photos & video above:© Ricard Gutiérrez 30.12.2010  

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (1) FIFTH FOR SPAIN
(1) Lanzarote The bird found at Rubicón plains, Lanzarote, on 26.11 was still there on 1.12 (F. Javier García Vargas, , Xurxo Piñeiro y María José Valencia). See a full report in his blog here. The bird was still there on 12.12 (Alejandro García Herrera)

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti (1,2)
(1) A Coruña. At Touriñán cape, Muxia, A Coruña, there was a bird, a problable inm female on 6-7.12 (Fernando Pereiras). See photos below (F.Pereiras). The bird remained in the area on 25.12 (F.Pereiras) and on 28.12 (Marc Gàlvez, José Guerra)

Photos above:© Fernando Pereiras . 6.12.2010

(2) A Coruña. A male was seen at Carnota, A Coruña, on 18.12 (Agustín Alcalde,Francisco Carballo Benito y Pilar Fernández González)

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (1)
(1) Fuerteventura A bird was seen and photographed on 15.12 at Betancuria, Fuerteventura (Albert Burgas, Àlex Ollé,Marcel Gil, Marc Bertran, Pau Calero i Jorge García). See a photo below.

Photo above:© Àlex Ollé. 15.12.2010

Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristis (1)
(1) Asturies. A bird was seen, heard and photographed on 5.12 at Penarronda beach, Castropol, Asturies (Pablo Fernández; Jesús Landeira). See a photo below and a thumbnail here. It was sene again on 7.12 (Pablo Fernández)

Photo above:© Jesús Landeira. 5.12.2010

c.f. Collared Flycatcher Ficedula c.f. albicollis (1)
(1) Cuenca. On 3.12.2010 a 1w possibly of this species (note grey tone, neck collar, extent of white in outer tail feather) was seen at Pedroñeras, Cuenca (Juan Antonio Pulido). However, it could be an extreme Pied Flycatcher according to some views. See two photos below (J.A.Pulido).

Photos above:© Juan Antonio Pulido. 3.12.2010

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus (1-6,7,8,9,10-11)
(1-6) A Coruña. At Baldaio coastal dunes, Carballo, A Coruña, there were six on 2.12 (Xabier Varela) and 16.12 (Xabier Varela). See a photo below. On 26.12 there remained three birds at least (Xabier Varela, Antonio Sandoval). See a new photo below. These six and two more totalling 8 were at the area on 24.12 (Amadeo A. Pombo)

Photo above:© Xabier Varela. 16.12.2010

Photo above:© Xabier Varela. 26.12.2010

(7) Alicante A male was seen on 6.12 at El Hondo NR, Alicante near the observation platform inside the reserve (Graham Critchell)

(8) Cantabria. One was found at Langre, Cantabria on 11.12 within a Skylark flock (Yves Borremans)

(9) Cantabria. One was found at Salvé beach, Laredo, Cantabria (43º 25' 1.17" N: º 26' 17.08"  W:H30, ETRS89) on 18.12 and remained there on 20.12 (David Álvarez, Antonio Lastra, Roberto Ortiz, Marcos Zárraga y Jesús Menéndez). See two thumbnails here (Jesús Menéndez)

(10-11) A Coruña. Two more reached the former 6 at Baldaio coastal dunes, Carballo, A Coruña on 24.12 totalling 8 (Amadeo A.Pombo)

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (1) FIRST FOR SPAIN
(1) Lanzarote The individual found at Tias golf course, Lanzarote, Canary islands on 21 and 23.10 was relocated at Teguise, Lanzarote (Juan Sagardía).

RARITIES ONLY FOR THE CANARY ISLANDS*

* Those species which are rarities only within the islands and are dealt with by CR/SEO are included here. Such records should be submitted to Juan Antonio Lorenzo at canarias @ seo.org

** Canarian records of species which are rarities nationwide are included in the main text in violet type.

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius (1)
(1) Tenerife On 19.12 one was recovered exhausted at Puertito de Güímar, Tenerife and brought to Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de La Tahonilla del Cabildo de Tenerife where it died in a few days (Carmen Méndez y Juan Hernández-Abad). Read the full story in Spanish in Canary Islands Birding News blog here.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (1-2)
(1) Tenerife On 6.12 a 1w was seen at empresa Bonny SL, El Fraile, Las Galletas, Tenerife (Álvaro Díaz Pastor, María Llorente). See a thumbnail here.

(2) Tenerife On 1.12 one ad winter bird was seen at Los Silos coast, Tenerife (Rayco Jorge Díaz)

REPORTS OF NON RARITIES OR FORMER RARITIES
Please consider the option to send reports of former rarities or interesting concentrations of non rarities to be featured in the Birdspain Blog, also linked in the homepage of this website.

Suggested citations / Citaciones recomendadas /Citació recomanada:

• Whole document/ Documento entero/ Document sencer: Gutiérrez,R. (ed) (year, latest update), Recent Reports: [month year]. Rare Birds in Spain. Retrieved from http://www.rarebirdspain.net/arbsr000.htm 
• e.g. Gutiérrez, R. (ed) (2002, April 3). Recent Reports: April 2002. Rare Birds in Spain.Retrieved from http://www.rarebirdspain.net/arbsr000.htm 
• Single records/ Citas sueltas/ Cites aïllades: Author (year). [Species] in Gutiérrez,R. (ed) (year, latest update), Recent Reports: [month year]. Rare Birds in Spain. Retrieved from http://www.rarebirdspain.net/arbsr000.htm 
• e.g. Rebassa, M. (2002) Great White Egret Egretta alba in Gutiérrez, R. (ed) (2002, April 3). Recent Reports: April 2002.Rare Birds in Spain. Retrieved from http://www.rarebirdspain.net/arbsr000.htm

From March 2005 this webpage only includes records of birds needing homologation by CR/SEO. For other local rarities contact local bird reports or records committees. See here those rarities only for the Canary Islands also dealt by CR/SEO. Changes in application to the rarity list from January 2006. New rarities include Sylvia curruca, Crex crex, Sterna bengalensis and others. Larus delawarensis and Anthus richardi have been withdrawn from the rarity list and are not be included from 2006.

Recent reports includes the latest sightings from the whole of Spain which are both personal observations, communications or have been released in E-Mail lists. Please contact the authors before using any photo for anything else than personal reference. Any submitted news to this page will be forwarded to the Spanish RC for their knowledge if enough substantiated but inclusion in this page does not imply acceptance or homologation of any kind which needs a form to be sent.Photos could be cropped for editorial reasons.Gibraltar news are included thanks to Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society but this has no more implication than the sake of completeness given this area situation. Names of localities are featured as given by the authors of the records, that should be cited as those. Today news are marked with a icon. We would welcome to receive a spare copy of those journals using these news for commercial purposes. Contact RG at address at the front page. From April 2005 only news of rarities needing homologation by the Spanish Rarities Committee are included. Reproduction of the contents of this page in commercial websites (e.g. *.com) or for commercial purposes is forbidden if not agreed in advance.. Go back to top

Citas recientes incluye las últimas novedades del conjunto del país que tanto son observaciones personales, comunicaciones al autor o noticias difundidas en listas de correo. Por favor contacten los autores para cualquier uso de las fotografias fuera del estrictamente personal.Cualquier cita que se envie a esta página sera reenviada al CR/SEO para su conocimiento, pero su inclusión aquí no implica su aceptación u homologación de ningún tipo y son responsabilidad de sus autores y del envío de la ficha correspondiente. Los nombres de las localidades se incluyen como son enviadas por los colaboradores, que deben ser citados como autores de las citas. Las fotos que se envíen podrán ser recortadas por criterios editoriales.Las noticias más recientes se marcan con Desde Abril de 2005 se incluyen únicamente citas de  rarezas que necesitan homologación por el Comité de Rarezas de SEO/Birdlife. La reproducción total o parcial de los contenidos de esta página está prohibida en sitios web comerciales (p.ej. *.com) si no se autoriza de antemano. Ir al inicio de la página

Cites recents inclou les darreres novetats del conjunt de l'estat que són observacions pròpies, comunicacions o noticies difoses a llistes de correu. Si us plau contacteu amb els autors de les fotos per a a qualsevol ús fora de l'estrictament personal. Qualsevol cita que sigui enviada a aquesta plana serà rebotada també al CR/SEO si bé la seva publicació aquí no implica la seva aceptació o homologació de cap mena i és responsabilitat dels seus autors que haurien d'enviar la fitxa corresponent emplenada. Els noms de les localitats són posats tal i com són enviats pels autors, que han de ser referenciats com a autors de les cites. Les fotos que s'envïin podran ser retallades per criteris editiorals.Les notícies més recents són les marcades amb.Desd'Abril de 2005 únicament s'inclouen cites de rareses que necessiten homologació pel Comité de Rarezas de SEO/Birdlife.La reproducció total o parcial dels continguts d'aquesta plana és prohidia per a qualsevol lloc web de caire comercial (e.g. *.com) sinó s'ha autoritzat de forma prèvia. Tornar a l'inici de la plana.

Lamentablemente, de momento no hay versión castellana disponible. Lamentablement, de moment no hi ha versió catalana disponible.
 

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Rarity distribution
DECEMBER 2010
(only national rarities)

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Previous years
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009

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Rarity forecast
compare currrent rarity number with average of last 5 years

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Average number of rare species (blue) and individuals (violet) per month 2005 -2009

 

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Latest highlights:

Perhaps the 1st twitchtable Red-flanked Bluetail in Spain was at Clot de Galvany, Alicante on 1.12 (J.A.Ramos)

The drake Green-winged Teal at Sabón reservoir, A Coruña as on 6.12 (Xabier Varela)

The Desert Wheatear at Touriñán cape, Muxia (Fernando Pereiras)

The Red-footed Booby at L'Estartit as on 6.12 (Ricard Gutiérrez)

The tristis Chiffchaff at Asturies from 5-7.12 (Jesús Landeira)

The Pink-footed Goose at Salburúa, Álava on 6.12 (top and bottom, Juan Carlos Andrés) and 8.12 middle (Serafín Alarcón)

The Greater Spotted Eagle Tonn was still around El Hondo on 2.12 when photographed. Note the antenna (Vittorio Pedrocchi)

The Lesser Yellowlegs locally named 'Gualdo' at Pétrola, Albacete, was last seen on 8.12. This image is from 6.12 (Fede Sánchez Juanpere)

The Lesser Scaup at A Coruña on 11.12, 1st for the season (Marcos Otero)

The Rough-legged Buzzard off Tarragona on 18.12 (Albert Cama)

The 3w Caspian Gull recorded at A Coruña coast (Antonio Gutiérrez)

There were 2 1w Caspian Gulls by mid month at A Coruña, this is the 2nd, at Baldaio (Xabier Varela)

The Rinlo pond at Ribadeo held a part of 7 Pink-footed Geese whch moved between Lugo and Asturies by mid month (Marcos Otero, 2 above, Toño Salazar, below)

The Pink-footed Goose at Sevilla (Paco Chiclana)

The Goosander at l'Estartit, seen while looking for the Sula sula (Pablo Fernández)

Another Pink.footed in a month with good numbers of both this species and Goosander: the bird at Santoña on 12.12 (Pablo Fernández)

The Smew on 18.12.2010 at laguna de Guialguerrero, Cubel, Zaragoza (Javier Train)

The Laredo Lapland Bunting recorded from 18-20.12 (Jesús Menéndez)

The Sabón 2 drakes Green-winged Teals (Xabier Varela)

The Red-necked Phalarope at Huelva by late December (Rafa Romero)

The Little Swift over Mijas Costa, Málaga on 20.12 (Paco Villalobos)

The juvenile Greater Spotted Eagle overwintering at El Hondo NR, Alicante, as on 21.12 (Ashley Powell)

The Red-flanked Bluetail at Tordera river, perhaps the 1st really twitchable in Spain (R.Gutiérrez)

The presumed hybrid egret at Isla Cristina on 21.12 (Dieter Wendt)

Tonn the Estonian Greater Spotted Eagle overwintering at El Hondo NR, Alicante, as on 30.12 (Graham Critchell)

The Red-flanked Bluetail at Tordera river, as on 31.12 (Marc Illa)

Only Canary islands highlights

The Ring-billed Gull at El Fraile, Tenerife (Álvaro Diaz)

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