Gran Canaria- a roundup Tuesday 22nd January 2019

It was a big shock to the system getting off the plane at Bristol Airport, where we were reassuringly informed the temperature was 5'c, a stark contrast to the temperature when we left Gran Canaria where it was around 23'c. The rain as we crossed the Severn Bridge only reinforced the knowledge we were home.

As this was a last minute winter break I didn't make any special effort to seek out the local wildlife, but managed to see a new bird species as well as get a close encounter with some Risso's Dolphins and two Green Turtles.

The Canary Islands Chiffchaff is longer billed and has a short primary projection therefore a more rounded wing which works for this species as it is sedentary.

Risso's Dolphins are just one of 29 species of cetaceans recorded in the waters off Gran Canaria, they are a calm species none of the acrobatics that you expect from some species of dolphin, the scars and scratches are caused by the dolphin feeding amongst rocks as this is primarily a squid eater. We found two pods of 3 and 5? respectively the large group had a well grown calf in tow.

The Green Turtles made the three hour boat trip worth it for me despite brief views they were good enough to identify positively, there is a concerted effort to try and make some of the old nesting beaches good enough to encourage the turtles to nest on the island. (photo via library)

Winter sun, 14th - 21st January 2019

A last minute decision to have a short winter break finds me on the island of Gran Canaria.
Not a wildlife holiday but some nice birds seen in passing, with one being a new bird for me, Canary Island Chiffchaff, similar to our own summer visitor but at the same time different. A longer billed more buffy bird with a very energetic song.
When I get home I'll do a proper blog.