Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 29 June

An excellent morning's birding by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group for their last group meeting before the summer break.  I certainly liked the ide of Little Egret, Night  and Squacco Herons; what a way to end the season.  By the time the group have rested they should all be ready for the heady days of the autumn migration, certainly something to look forward to.  happy holidays one and all!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 29th June

For our trip before the summer break we kept local and opted for the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa.  I picked up Juda from the Ballabona service station on the E15/A7 and made for the Desert Springs golf complex entrance to the rambla.  Having already spotted a Magpie, we added House Martin and Black-winged Stilt in the muddy pool by the first concrete weir.  The rambla from then on was as dry as a desert, but we did see the first of many Glossy Ibis flying over.  Also seen were House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Goldfinch and Hoopoe.  Juda then found a perched Roller on the power line.  Next was an Iberian Grey Shrike sitting on a shrub.  There were workers near the desalination plant and they seemed to be pumping water into the rambla, but the birds weren't there yet.  The ford pool produced some Mallard.  We met Bill in the parking area.  He'd already logged Greenfinch, Barn and Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler, Spotless Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove and Common Swift.  He'd also heard a Cetti's Warbler.

Roller Coracias garrulus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We began to do the walk to the sewage works.  Bill added a Kestrel and Little Ringed Plover.  On the two smaller pools we had Black-winged Stilts and a Glossy Ibis on each.  On the big pool there were numerous female Mallards with older ducklings and a number of Black-winged Stilts.  Bill identified a distant Iberian Grey Shrike on a power line.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After returning to our vehicles we headed for the beach.  Juda spotted a Cormorant on the harbour rocks.  She also found a flying Grey Heron . I added a pair of White Wagtail.  As we were leaving a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls flew by.

We drove round to the estuary.  As I drove along the embankment I spotted a Night Heron below us. When we got to the turning circle, there were two more resting on a washed up tree trunk.  We were joined by Jacky.  There were two more Grey Herons, a Little Egret, Coot and Moorhen in the water.  On the beach I identified an Audouin's Gull.  Bill spotted a pair of Turnstone and some Kentish Plovers.  I added a Common Sandpiper.

Night Herons Nycticorax nycticorax (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove to the dual carriageway behind Vera Playa which overlooks a wetland.  I spotted the first of three Squacco Herons. There were more Glossy Ibis.  Jacky found a Little Grebe.  I found a couple of Avocet.  Bill added a female Common Pochard with diving youngsters.  Nearby was a Black-necked Grebe seen by Jacky.  She heard, then spotted a Bee Eater.  Bill observed a White-headed Duck and I found a Slender-billed Gull.  There were over 30 Greater Flamingos present.

Female Mallard Anas platyrhynchos with young (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After doing both sides of the hump we walked over to the first elevated viewing platform.   Bill saw a Great Crested Grebe with chicks on its back.  We added a number of flying Cattle Egrets . Bill scanned the sandy spit and found, together with Common Pochard, Black Headed Gulls and Black-winged Stilts, that there was a female Shoveler and a couple of juvenile Shelduck. 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus with passenger (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A great final day. 47 species in total. Good birding. Good company.

Regards,

Dave

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Hayling Island & Farlington Marsh

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

 Tuesday 28 June

A relatively early start on a sunny day but quite windy to collect a small part for the car which was conveniently situated between the oyster beds at the north of Hayling Island and very nearby Farlington Marsh.  Arriving at Hayling Island at 8 o'clock the tide was still well out but a number of Black-headed Gulls feeding on the mud flats. A Curlew flew over and away to the adjacent oyster beds and then the sighting of both Oystercatcher and Carrion Crow also feeding below me.  Just a single Herring Gull and then a handful of foraging Rock Doves before I set off on the track to the oyster beds themselves.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Approaching the first bed I recorded both House Sparrow and Woodpigeon but very little on any of the beds save a few Black-headed Gulls and a pair of Shelduck.  A pair of Linnets made a brief landing on the pebbled beach and away at the back a lone Little Egret.  To the far, seaward side, a Heron as both Magpie and Cormorant flew across above me.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

On the final, largest pool a mass of breeding Black-headed Gulls with their now almost full-grown chicks on the banks and on the artificial floating islands a few more but mainly the remains of the breeding Common Tern flock, probably totalling at this time some forty plus individuals including well-grown youngsters.  And as I made my way back to the car park a couple of Blue Tits put in an appearance.

Mainly Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Thirty minutes or so later, after my garage visit, I was ready to explore the top end of Farlington Marsh where, in addition to more Black-headed Gulls, I also noted a few Lapwing.  A short walk along the side of the harbour took me to the large inland pond where I discovered Shelduck, a large group of Avocets and even a solitary Redshank.  A trio of Canada Geese were in attendance and above the the first of many feeding/drinking Common Swifts.  Indeed, these birds were to be seen all along this river-like lake as I left the main harbour to follow the trail alongside the inland water.  A lovely sight was that of a quartering Marsh Harrier following the opposite bank and ere soon the sound of many calling Reed Warblers.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta and even a lone Redshank Tringa totanus

In addition to more Oystercatchers, Little Egret and Magpie I also found a quartet of Mute Swans, a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Moorhen.  A rather lovely sight was that of a lone Sky Lark mobbing a passing Carrion Crow.  Starlings were to be seen in small numbers and then a group of eight Black-tailed Godwits. With a Greenfinch calling away to my left I finally came to the end of the field path and the little lane leading to the, closed, Visitors centre.

Black-tailed Godwit L.limosa with Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Resting on the gate overlooking the lagoon at the end of the "river" I was delighted to finally find some of the local Mediterranean Gulls with a handful resting on the water immediately in front of me.  To the right side a pair of Canada Geese and a few Black-tailed Godwits along with single Coot and Lapwing. A small group of Mallards were at the back of the water and a Carrion Crow was foraging way at the side.  

Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus

Compare Mediterranean with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Leaving the water to walk back along the cycle path tot he car pack I also managed to record Chaffinch and Blackbird with a Collared Dove patiently awaiting my arrival.  A most pleasant couple of hours in total.

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern,  Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Sky Lark, Barn Swallow, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Titchfield Canal, Hampshire

 Friday 24 June

At last time to make my first, short, outing as I get back in the birding saddle.  Only time for an hour's visit to nearby Titchfield canal and then back in the car before the promised rain arrived.  I seem to have arrived the wrong week as not only a change in the weather but the tide times all wrong for morning shore visits.  Not to worry, next week is a new challenge. Arriving on site at 8.40 I was immediately greeted by many Wood Pigeons and a noisy Magpie.  Siting on a support wire to the first pylon a resting Kestrel then on down the canal side path noting both Wren and Blackbirds.

Resting Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

No sign of the resident Barn Owls as the whole bare tree was now enclosed in dense foliage whilst even the river away to my left was partly obscured by the tall grasses.  However, I was able to pick out a lone Avocet and the the Jackdaws started to drift across the field.  By the time I reached the end of the first path and the paved road next to the bridge, I had also added Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler.

From this corner my first decent view of the flooded area and I quickly noticed how the water had drained and or evaporated away so leaving a much reduced surface area.  An adult Mute Swan with cygnet hiding in the reeds behind and to the tight a small number of Mallards.  Mainly Black-headed but also a few Herring Gulls and at the muddy fringes about a dozen Lapwing.  To their right a pair of Little Ringed Plovers and a lone Pied Wagtail.  Feeding over the remaining water were both Barn Swallows and House Martins.  Meanwhile a pair of Goldfinches were moving around in the trees next to me.

Time to walk down the shaded lane alongside the canal with so much foliage difficult to see anything but ere long I had recorded both Song Thrush, Robin and more Blackbirds.  A couple Great Tit and then an overflying Carrion Crow before I took a long rest to watch the feeding Long-tailed Tits in the tree immediately opposite me and, at the same time, the appearance of a newly fledged Blue Tit.  A pair of Blackcaps joined in the feeding fun and as I made my way back to the car park first a Pheasant and then a distant Moorhen a the back of the original water, now on my right.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Pheasant, Kestrel, Moorhen, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch.

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales

 Wednesday 22 June

It very much looks as if the continuing hot and dry weather is playing havoc with some of our popular birding sites and judging by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group's visit to the Cabo de Gata today this beautiful location was no exception.  Lack of water seems to have deteriorated to no water so requiring much searching through the whole site and some off-track exploration.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained as Dave and friends eventually had an enjoyable morning recording 31 species rather than the expected fifty plus.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 22nd June

No water if front of the first hide at Caba de Gata (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

For our penultimate trip before the summer break, I decided we'd go to Cabo de Gata.  I picked up Ab from the Overa hotel and headed south on the E15/A7.  The weather after yesterday evening's minor rain and thunderstorm was hot and sunny.  Down at the coast there was a bit of a breeze. En route from the motorway to the first hide beyond Pujaire we logged Blackbird, Collared Dove and House Sparrow. Trevor was already there waiting for us.  As Bill had stated last week, there was no water at all in front of us and consequently no water birds or waders.  We saw Common Swift, Barn Swallow, Thekla Lark and an Iberian Grey Shrike perched on a post over to our right.  Admitting defeat we had our coffee break in Cabo village.

No water beyond the islands at the public hide (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Trevor left his car in the carpark and joined Ab and I in the truck.  Knowing there was  no water in front of the second hide either, we made our way to the public hide, Ab spotting probable Whiskered Terns over the beach.  We fared slightly better here.  The water had retreated beyond the islands.  There were plenty of Greater Flamingos to our left, but only a few in front of us.  There were Avocets and Kentish Plovers.  Thekla Larks were seen on the savannah and from the church track.

Kentish Plover Charadriua alexandrinus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I drove to the start of the rear track.  We immediately spotted a single Raven, followed by a House Martin.  Ab found a Kestrel.  The first couple of salinas produced little.  Where there was more water we found a group of Audouin's Gulls.  Venturing up to the goat/sheep trough, we saw more Theklas and I spotted another Iberian Grey Shrike.  Back on the salina side track we saw the first of hundreds of Slender-billed Gulls.  Trevor added a pair of Shelduck.  He also spotted some Red-legged Partridge in the shrubs to our right.  Nearing the end of the track we found a group of flitting immature Sardinian Warblers.  We also flushed a pair of Kestrel near the goat compound.  We made our way next towards the Rambla Morales.  I spotted three Sandwich Terns over the breaking waves. 

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

We parked up and began to walk towards the hump.  Trevor spotted a Kentish Plover in the estuary. From the hump we spotted 8 Black Winged Stilts, 10 Avocet and 3 Greater Flamingos.  I spotted an immature White Wagtail being shushed away by a Kentish Plover.  Ab added Shoveler, White-headed Duck and Redshank whilst Trevor found a Coot.  I spotted a Black-necked Grebe.  A pair of Greenfinch flew over.  We wandered back to the truck seeing an immature Yellow-legged Gull.  At the truck, Trevor saw a gull on the beach.  It was in line with a pair of scantily clad female sunbathers!  Awkward moment!  It was an immature Mediterranean Gull.  We departed for lunch.

We finished up with 31 species.  Despite the lack of water we had a good day.

Regards

Dave

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.

Monday 21 June

Just when I assumed that the Arboleas Birding Group had not met last week Dave's report turned up whilst I was sailing the ocean blue, well crossing the Bay of Biscay on my way from Santander to Portsmouth.  Departed yesterday but only able to access the Internet for 45 minutes today so hurriedly got my blogs completed re the drive north then discovered Dave's report had arrive.  So apologies to all for the delay. At a quick glance as my 45 minutes rapidly runs out it looks as if all had a great day.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 15th June

Boy, has it been hot here for the last week. We were heading for the Sierra de Maria where temperatures are about 7 c cooler than down here near the coast . Juda arrived at my house and we headed north on the E15/A7.  As we gently ascended towards the Velez's we were very pleased to see cloud cover.  As we approached Maria I clocked a perched Woodchat Shrike on a power line.  A Jay flew across our path. 

We met up with a plethora of members at the Repsol Garage cafe.  What with Jacky meeting us at the chapel it made a total of 15 on this trip.  Once at the chapel we were greeted by a perched Rock Sparrow.  We could hear a Golden Oriole coming from the poplar trees.  Eventually a female flew out, but the singing male remained there and unseen!

Bonelli's Warbler (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I walked towards the fuente, where there was a sodden area caused by an overflow. It was being used as a washing zone for one Subalpine and two Bonelli's Warblers. We scanned the mountain ridge. Jacky spotted the first two resting Griffon Vultures. Once we got our eyes in, we saw quite a few more. En route to the Botanical Garden we added Woodpigeon & House Sparrow. In the gardens Trevor spotted a Chaffinch. Bill was the first to see one of the numerous Crossbills loitering in the tree tops waiting to drop down for a drink. A number of us hung around the gardens as the fitter amongst us did the lower walk. We added Coal Tit, Blackbird and Mistle Thrush. Jacky found a Blue Tit. Juda spotted a flight of Griffon Vultures travelling from the ridge. I spotted two Ravens amongst them. Barrie said they'd seen a Subalpine Warbler and a Firecrest. Upon returning to the car, Jacky spotted a Magpie.

Female Crossbill (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove in convoy to the old farm buildings.  I didn't see the 40 odd plume of Griffon Vultures!  A Crested Lark posed well.  There were Barn Swallows flying around.  Trevor added a Hoopoe.  Jen located a distant bird of prey.  I checked it out.  It was a Griffon Vulture, but below it was a smaller raptor. Barrie, with his scope, confirmed it was a Booted Eagle.  Barrie heard a Western Orphean Warbler.

We moved on to the farm trough.  Two White Wagtails flew away from the overflow puddle as we arrived.  Bill heard a Turtle Dove.  It was eventually found in one of the trees.  Jacky & I saw some passing Greenfinches.  A Carrion Crow was heard.  There was a Rock Sparrow at the hamlet.  A Mammoth Wasp, Scolia Ravifrons, was very attracted to Beryl. 

Rock Sparrow (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

On our way to the La Piza forest cafe Bill spotted a Black Wheatear.  On arrival at the cafe, a Jay was on the nut feeder.  Two appeared later as well as an Iberian Red Squirrel.  Also seen were Blue & Great Tits, Collared Doves & Chaffinches.

Crested Lark (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 29 species. A great days birding in good company & cooler weather!

Regards

Dave

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world. 

Birding Spain Day 3: Alcazar de San Juan

Saturday 18 June

Laguna Alcazar de San Juan

With a long drive ahead of me up to Javier near Pamplona, I was away from Manzaneres by 7.15 taking the lonely country road north rather than the A4 motorway to the small town of Alcazar de San Juan in search of the local laguna with its nature reserve and hides.  Arriving just after 8 I had a passing Raven then the first of a few Marsh Harriers along with the local Common Swifts, Pallid Swifts in the town itself, and House Sparrows.

Once ensconsed in the first hide I was looking down at a small pool holding Flamingos and a few Black-necked Grebes.  Again, no shortage of White-headed Ducks and a few Coot.  A couple of Common Pochard were also working the water.  A Little Grebe was fishing and a number of Mallard were also recorded.

Black-necked Grebe

Walking across the top to the neighbouring hide overlooking the main water I could not but help to notice and hear the Reed Warblers below me and upon reaching the hide a number of Jackdaws were observed, presumably taking advantage of the nest boxes fixed to the lighting pylons.  On the water itself very many Flamingos and many White-headed Ducks plus a fair few Black-necked and the occasional Little Grebe plus also a single Great Crested Grebe and a number of Black-headed Gulls.

Flamingos

Time to return to the car and drive round anti-clockwise to the (closed) Visitors Centre where I encountered Nightingales, Reed Warblers and very many Coot on the water.  A Blackbird flew past and looking closer I found a couple of Moorhen plus a Common Pochard and a pair of Marbled Duck, presumably resting at their former nest site but no sign of any ducklings.

Marbled Ducks

Many Barn Swallows in the air and a drive to the furthest screen produced more Crested Larks, Wood Pigeon and Magpie before returning for one last look at the original hide. By chance this produced a pair of Red-crested Pochard and as I set off on the long journey north via the Madrid M50 ring-road a few Spotless Starlings and Rock Doves.

Distant record shots of Marsh Harrier

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Nightingale, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world. 

Birding Spain Day 2: Daimiel

 Friday 17 June

Away early from Ciudad Real I was at the Tablas de Daimiel by 9.30 and had a most enjoyable and rewarding morning before departing at 12.20. Magpie, Crested Lark and Wood Pigeon as I arrived and, even better, early enough for the Little Owl to still be resting atop a small building,  Stopping by the buildings where previously the White Storks had nested added the first Roller of the morning along with Barn Swallows, Jackdaws and Spotless Starlings. 

Roller

Then that unmissable sound of a calling Golden Oriole which then put in a brief appearance.  The bare tree in front of me held a couple of Tree Sparrows and a lone Collared Dove whilst a Black-headed Gull flew past.

Tree Sparrow

Parking the car at the Visitors Centre I then set out for the boardwalk through the reed bed. Lots of Common Swifts feeding low and once at the first pool a few even coming down to drink. Corn Buntings and Nightingales before the constant calling of the Reed Warblers followed by the harsher song and sighting of the first Great Reed Warblers. As I approached the boardwalk leading to the first pool, still water here, a couple of Whiskered Terns flew over but upon reaching the short walk to the pool on the left no water at all.  However, some birding activity and a little patience was rewarded by the flight along the dry channel by a pair of Bearded Tits.

On the rise between the first and second boardwalks a distant view to my left of what was left of the river produced both a White Stork and a Little Egret plus a handful of Black-winged Stilts. On up and past the mirador and down to the wooded area where I found more Nightingales and a Cetti’s Warbler as I exited towards the return boardwalk at the back of the above pools.  At last a little water on both sides which held both Coot and Moorhen.  An Iberian Yellow Wagtail flew past and landed on the muddy edge and then the pronounced singing of a couple of Savi’s Warblers. No sooner stopped to listen and enjoy than a pair of Penduline Tits put in an appearance and the morning got even better than I had expected with the passing of a pair of Linnet.

White Stork guarding the Cormorant nests

Back near the car park I continued on to take a look at the acclimatisation pool and enjoy a quiet rest in the hide.  I immediately noticed that the Barn Swallows were still using the hide to build their nest and raise their respective families whilst outside there were score of both adults and youngsters flying around and resting on the wires.  Indeed, closer inspection of the resting birds also revealed a number of Sand Martins.  Present occupants of the pool included Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Marbled Duck, Pintail and Shoveler.

Male Red-crested Pochard

As I left to make my way back to the car park a small flock of Bee-eaters flew overhead and stopping at the Tree Sparrow, still present, site to check the muddy pool below I found more Black-winged Stilts and a lone White Stork resting above a group of occupied Cormorant nests in the lone, bare tree.  Taking the narrow lane off to the left I drove to the old ruin at the top and first rewarded with my first Short-toed Eagle of the year followed by a Black Kite feeding on a dead rabbit that had, presumably, been struck by a passing vehicle. Rather surprised when, apart from more Crested Larks, a Northern Wheatear took off from the side of the road and turning to make the return journey I watched a hovering Kestrel and a Red-legged Partridge crossed the road in front of me.  Once back at the old mill a male Marsh Harrier being mobbed by the local Jackdaws and high above a trio of Griffon Vultures.  Moving on I had a Spotted Flycatcher to my right.

Laguna de Navaseca

Leaving the site I made my way to the relatively nearby Laguna de Navaseca for what I thought would be a short first visit before continuing on the Daimiel itself to take a menu del dia a the local bar on the outskirts of the town. Crested Larks, Wood Pigeons and House Sparrows as I parked at the rise to use the hide and looking down I could see that the water was awash with bird life. Common Swifts and House Martins above me and scores of Flamingos showing well from all quarters of the laguna.  Plenty of Coots and Greylag Geese and then to the ducks of which, certainly, White-headed were by far the most numerous.  Also present a few Shelduck and Mallard plus plenty of breeding Black-headed Gulls.

Male White-headed Duck

Scoping the water and its edges I then added Avocet, Glossy Ibis and a Little Egret.  Bee-eaters arrived above me and down to my right I was in time to see the Water Rail cross a short stretch of water and disappear into the reeds where the Reed Warblers were increasing in volume.  

Bee-eater

Moving on down to the next hide overlooking the dried up area to my right I crossed to the left for a closer look at both the Flamingos, Back-headed Gulls and Shelduck and discovered a small group of Lapwing plus a lone Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover and a handful of Collared Pratincole.

Distant Collared Pratincoles

On round the corner to the next two hides and before reaching the first I stopped to admire the female Cirl Bunting in the tree ahead of me plus a number of Corn Buntings and House Sparrows. Lots of Glossy Ibis at this end of the laguna along with more Black-winged Stilts and White-headed Ducks.  Reed Warblers were moving about and overhead a couple of passing Magpie and small charm of Goldfinch.

Glossy Ibis

Time to depart and take a leisurely lunch before returning for a last visit to Navaseca before driving to my next overnight stop in Manzanares.  As I parked at the upper hide a Hoopoe took its leave of me from the large tree that was to shade the car, it had now reached 42C.  But I also added a few more species, all seen in this area.  Feeding alongside the Greylag Geese immediately below me both a Common and Green Sandpiper; strange to see both in such close proximity.

Greylag Geese with both Common and Green Sandpipers

More Corn Buntings and then the first Barn Swallows at this site whilst open he open water a pair of Shoveler and a Red-crested Pochard.  Finally, no sooner had I seen the Marsh Harrier drift over the water to quarter the edges when a pair of Serin took off from almost under my feet.  A magnificent and most enjoyable day’s birding with over almost 70 species, including four new for the year, and leaving me too tired to write up the report upon reaching my hotel.  Que sera sera!

Corn Bunting

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Marbled Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, White Stork, Flamingo, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Silt, Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Common Swift, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Bearded Tit, Penduline Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting.

More photos:

For the latest news follow the Axarquia Birds and Wildlife Facebook page for more photos and comments and the opportunity to share with the wider birding world.