This typical but idyllic month of April brought typical migrating passerines, several great encounters with displaying bustards and sandgrouse in the steppes, a couple of lifers at home and some others on a short trip.

Early spring in Isla Grosa ringing campaign produced passerine migration: Iberian chiffchaffs, subalpine warblers, pipits, wheatears, nightingales and an exceptionally early garden warbler, the first of the season.

March provided a nice mix of lingering winter birds and early migrants. Seawatching and spending time in a couple of islands were garnished with the arrival of a mega Moussier’s redstart.

The transition between summer visitors and wintering birds brings numerous species that are only seen during fall passage in Alicante. Chats, warblers, raptors, waders and seabirds all oblige during autumn.

The enigmatic Dupont’s lark is extremely range-restricted in our region. Some friends and I try tracking them down at their habitat, and end up having a fantastic migration day with 13 raptor species seen.

An intense full day watching birds in Alicante delivers a great final count for our party of three. Different migrant birds seen include four different Eurasian hobbies, definitely the top species of the day.

My last days in Helsinki are coincident with the arrival of thousands of migrant birds and the vegetation green-up. Scenic walks with friends result in European otter, red-breasted flycatcher, corn crake, and much more.