Roquetas de Mar with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Tuesday 5 April

Whether it's the regular day or a new day of the week for the Arboleas Birding Group at this week's site, the old salinas and pools at Roquestas de Mar, Dave and his birding friends continue to upset me and rub in all that I am missing by not being in Spain at this moment!  Why is it that everyone is seeing garganey apart from me, and that also applies to the UK?  But what birds seen by the Arboleas Birding Group; not just the Garganey but both Audouin's and Slender-billed Gulls along with newly-arrived hirundines, Glossy Ibis and Red-crested Pochard to name but a few.  Shame about the weather and no consolation for you that in a week of promised rain back here, today has ben beautifully sunny and warm, albeit still a strong wind.  Only three weeks now and I, too, will up to Roquetas de Mar and the Charca de Suarez in Motril!

Roquetas de Mar -   Tuesday 5th April

Paul and Kath had another meeting in Roquetas this lunchtime.  We were going to go to Las Norias first, but as it was pouring with rain, we decided to birdwatch from the truck at Roquetas.  As we passed through the gates onto the very bumpy and puddle strewn track we saw a Marsh Harrier flying over the reeds to our right, putting a Glossy Ibis to flight.  Checking the pools further along we added Red-crested Pochard, Greater Flamingo, Coot, Shoveler and Gadwall. 

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A flight of immature Yellow-legged Gulls moved past to our left.

The next pool produced Common Pochard, Mallard and Shelduck.  Waders included Black-winged Stilt, Dunlin, Redshank and Kentish Plover.  There was a pair of Audouin's Gull and some Slender-billed Gulls as well.  A few Great Crested Grebes were also observed.  Paul spotted some Common Swifts and a Hoopoe as we made our way down to the disused pumphouse.  There was only a pair of Ringed Plovers on the exposed sandbank. 

Audouin's Gulls Larus audouinii (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As we still had plenty of time I carried on a short distance further, getting closer to the sea.  I spotted a diving 3rd Yr. Gannet.  Paul spotted a Little Egret near a small pool.  He also saw a Little Owl.

Heading back towards the exit we added Thekla Lark.  We re-checked the pools.  I found a sole male  Garganey which was nice.  We had a quick look at the "Red Knobbed Coot" pool.  We disturbed an Avocet in the parking area as we arrived.  More Red-crested Pochards were seen as well as my first Sand Martin of the year.  The final bird was a Barn Swallow.

male Garganey Anas querquedula (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A not bad tally of 30 species despite the inclement weather.  The other group members were correct in their decision to postpone the trip to Las Norias!

Regards,

Dave

Slender-billed Gull Larus genei (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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