Feeding stations often function as food bonanzas for many different species of birds, on Fuerteventura mostly other facultative scavengers such as buzzard, yellow-legged gull and ravens. However, sometimes species at other trophic levels than scavengers may be attracted to carcasses. For example, a frequent visitor of our feeding station(s) is the hoopoe, who takes advantage of the many maggots available.
Below an overview of the species observed so far from the hide.
Yellow-legged gull
In summer rather rare, but in winter up to 50 birds may gather at the feeding station.
Raven, Buzzard and Yellow-legged gull often visit the feeding station. All three are faculative scavengers. Number of yellow-legged gulls can reach up to 50 in winter. The largest number of buzzards observed is 14 birds.
Buzzard
The subspecies of common buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) is on average smaller and more compact than the nominate form and has much bigger claws. Its a pleasure to watch these birds running over the rocks, very impressive!
Buzzards can have an aggressive attitude towards vultures sometimes, but adult vultures (females) often kick them away.
Raven
The Canary subspecies of raven (Corvus corax tingitanus) is very common at the feeding station, we name them ‘bad boys’ because they are extremely funny to watch when they harassing vultures, sometimes for completely unknow reasons except for ‘fun’. Their call is beautifull and different from the nominate, very high pitched.
Largest group observed at the feeding station is 64
Hoopoe
Hoopoe enjoying a maggot bonanza at a goat carcass
Sometimes up to 5 different birds are hanging around
Southern Grey shrike
One or two grey shrikes (Lanius meridionalis koenigi, status under debate..) are always present.
They have an alternative way of taking advantage of supplementary food
Cream-coloured Courser
Occasional visitor in August/September, always a pleasure to see them running around. Largest group seen so far 8 adults on 25-8-2016.
Other birds seen are: Lesser Short-toed lark (groups up to 100), Linnet (occasionally), Trumpeter finch (regular), Kestrel (1 bird), Blue heron (1 bird), Pallid swift (2 birds), Black-bellied sandgrouse (occasionally, between 5-15 birds passing by), Berthelot’s pipit (always present).
A complete list of bird observations during field work trips will be added soon.
A pair of Eastern Canary Gecko’s were of great help to get rid of flies entering the hide..
Male
Female
