Winter is coming

The arrival of autumn in Cordoba is signalled by the arrival of much needed rain after the long hot summer. The nights become colder, while the daytime can still bring glorious sunshine and temperatures in the thirties. The changes are noticeable everywhere. The locals perform the ‘change of wardrobe’, putting away the summer clothes until next year and the chestnut vendors set up their stalls across the city. In the garden the persimmons and pomegranates are ready to be picked and the oranges begin to ripen on the trees. In the countryside the olive harvest is picked ready to be pressed or marinated. And in the Sierra it is the time of the 'berrea' or rutting season and mushroom picking.

This time of year is also marked by the departure of our summer visitors, such as the colourful Bee-eaters, Rollers and Golden Orioles. However, we are compensated by the arrival of new bird species, either passing through as they make their way to Africa or those that wintering here in southern Spain. Black Redstarts, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, White Wagtails and Meadow Pipts appear in the gardens and parks in the city, as do flocks of Starlings. The nests of White Storks on electricity pylons which line the main roads into the city are left empty for a few weeks as their inhabitants head south. However, they are soon occupied by other storks arriving from further north in Europe. 

The weather permits walks into the Sierra where the birdlife is more visible than in the hot summer months. Without the distraction of our summer visitors we can closely observe our resident mountains species. Robins, Nuthatches, Tits and Finches are commonly found as they make their preparations for winter. 

Great Tits are widespread both in the oakwoods and pinewoods. The characteristic black band may be an indicator of dominance. Individuals with thicker black bands are more successful in attracting a mate during breeding season.

Great Tit

The Chaffinch is ubiquitous in the woodlands of the Sierra Moreno and its numbers are boosted in autumn and winter by individuals from Scandinavia and the Baltic States.  

Chaffinch having a bad hair day

One bird which is always a joy to see is the Hawfinch, which often moves in small flocks through the Oakwood forest. Its thick neck and huge powerful beak contrast with its shy and elusive nature. 

Hawfinch having a drink

Greenfinches and Goldfinches, which are common in the city gardens and parks, also have their numbers boosted by birds from northern climes. 

Greenfinch

Goldfinch

As temperatures in northern Europe drop we can look forward to winter visitors such as Bramblings, Siskins and Redwings. In the dehesas of the north of the province Common Cranes should be arriving soon too. There is evidence that their arrival in Spain is occurring earlier in recent years, possibly due to an advance in the breeding season as a result of increasing temperatures in northern Europe.

Spending time in the Sierra of Cordoba allows me to experience the changing of the seasons. The chestnuts on the trees, the ripening of the fruit of the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) and departure and arrival of birds all act as a natural calendar and as a marker of time.