THE HOUSE BUNTING

Houbaras, coursers, Berthelot’s pipits, sandgrouse, tropicbirds and Barolo shearwater converge in a barren corner of Fuerteventura, covered in a fine red carpet of plants and a mystique for the aboriginal islanders.

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.