Fuerteventura days five, six and seven. 25.1-28.1.2019

On 25th we had some plans to visit northern part of the island and especially the famous Popcorn beach. It is a small beach where basically 50 of stones are some kind of white coral.
It was an hour drive and then about 15 minutes of small bumpy road before we arrived there. About 1km before the small road we had two Egyptian Vultures, but birds turned into the wrong direction, so still no photos of the Egyptian Vulture.

Place was almost empty, only few tourists around, so we had time to explore the area by our selves. Vilma was enjoying the corals stones and sea and I checked the beach for some birds.

Lanzarote from Popcorn Beach.

One of five Whimbrels.

Vilma and Atlantic ocean.

There was lots of Yellow-legged Gulls, lone Little Egret, five Whimbrels, Turnstone and some Common Sandpipers. After an hour we left cause everybody were hungry. We found a lovely tavern from Lajares and food was good, again! 

After food we went to Tindaya for the Houbara Bustards. I was driving the small road after the little village and I noticed two other cars in the area. We crossed with one and I asked about the birds, and friendly birdwatcher from Germany told us that he had one Bustard after first turn to right. I thanked the guy and soon we were in the right place. I found the bird displaying and running around the stony desert! While we watched the bustard a small flock of Lesser short-toed Larks were feeding aroudn our car with some Berthelot´s Pipits and small flock of Trumpeter Finches went over our car. 

This place was a real hot spot! My only wish was that we could see the Bustard little bit closer, but it stayed in distance. 

Houbara Bustard

Display.

Again in evening light. 

Lesser Short-toed Lark

And same bird again.

Landscape was amazing. 

I was so happy, again! One of the target species in the bag and my wife was actually first time little bit excited about my twitching and birds! Mostly it was because the scenery was so breath taking. 

From Tindaya we drove back to our hotel and had amazing food, again. Chocolate fountain was Vilmas favorite. 

On 26th we had beach time and not really birding. I had Sparrow Hawk over the Caleta Fuste an our local Sandwich Terns were around. I took some photos of the Collared Doves, cause juveniles were funny looking fellows. Later evening there was small flock of 8 Plain Swifts over the town. 

Some kind of Moth. 

Juvenile Collared Dove.

Adult bird. 

On 27th We visited Betancuria, the oldest town in Fuerteventura. We had to cross some mountains and our car was in trouble with the uphills, but place was really worth of driving. 

Raven.

Raven with a ring.

Vilma and flower. 

Vilma in Betancuria.

I had amazing local food there and trip was great. Beautiful small place, only lots of tourists around. Some big Dragonflies there, but no idea what kind, lots of Painted Ladys, Red Admirals and calling Yellow-Browed Warbler were nice. Other birds from the city were pair of Kestrels, many Ravens, Sardinian Warbler and Common Buzzard. 

On our way back we stopped on a amazing lookout place. There was two huge statues and amazing view over the smaller mountains. Here is some photos from there. 

Berthelot´s Pipit.

Same bird again.

Amazing view from the lookout place. 

Vilma noticed that these guys are only wearing underwear... Sharp girl! 

When we drove back I negotiate some birding time before filling the gas tank for the next days departure. I dropped my family to the hotel and I drove to the Lesser Scaup place. Bird was showing nicely with all three Teals. 

Lesser Scaup.

I checked as much as I can of the area, but nothing really interesting there. Then I wanted to check the other Golf Course area near by. I heard some rumors that the owner is cranky old man who calls a police if you go inside the course area. So I drove around the open places and it was my second round when I saw something interesting. 

I stopped my car and raised my binoculars and then I saw it. 

Allen´s Gallinule walking openly for few seconds and then disappeared behind little bank. 

Even in few seconds I noticed that bird was different looking than Costa Calmas bird. This was more greenish and light colored. Of course I saw only photos of the other bird. A moment after it disappeared I heard a weird sound, and I think it was the bird. It was dry nasal sound and it came only once. 

I tried to find a way to look where it went, but some staff walking around, so I didn´t want to go further. I stayed another 30 minutes but nothing else than Ruddy Shelducks. 

Ruddy Shelduck. 

I informed my record to Eduardo and then I had to fill my tank and go back to our hotel. It was time for dinner again and some packing before last morning and flight back home. 

On 28th we had only time for breakfast before we had to return our car and go to airport. Some Kestrels and one Grey Shrike during the drive. Plane was little late and because there was snowstorm in Finland, our flight was late too and total time in plane was over 7 hours. Thank god my friend Otto picked us from the airport and took us home with car. 

What a amazing tip we had. I had at least 39 species of birds, many species of Butterflies and lots of good memories with my family. 

I must thank Eduardo Garcia Del Rey for the tips and guidance. Also thanks to Jorma Tenovuo who gave me a map of the best places and tips for the trip. and finally thanks to my wonderful family for company and everything. 

I got five lifers and saw three rare birds in short period of time! 

Spring i just around the corner and in a month we have more and more birds coming back to Finland. Let´s see what happens. We are moving near the best place for birding in Helsinki, so I will try to go out more than ever. 

-Tom