Arboleas Birding Group visit to the Rambla de Almanzora

Wednesday 21 February

Apologies to the Arboleas Birding Group that this report is one week late!  I, too, was in Spain having flown over with Jenny to spend nine days with youngest son and partner in Lliria, just east of Valencia.  Just local birding but a morning at the Marjal dels Moros reserve on the coast slightly north of Valencia city confirmed the lack of recent train, so neither White-headed nor Marbled Ducks on site.  On the other hand I did record both Purple Swamphen and Moustached Warbler plus an early Reed Warbler singing in the extensive reedbed so not all lost!  All being well, I'll get that report plus a Spanish overview competed before the next Arboleas report wings its way my way later in the week - with or without snow.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 14th February

Stunning sun rise in Arboleas (PHOTO- David Binns-Elliott)

On a forecasted lovely day I picked Juda up from La Alfoquia and headed towards Villaricos for a day's local birdwatching.  As I was in Gilly's posher car I avoided the rambla route and kept to the tarmac.  As we approached the ford from the beachside we heard Cetti's Warbler in the reeds.  Some Spotless Starlings flew over.  At the ford pond we added Mallard and Moorhen.  As we waited in the parking area, a Magpie and a Woodpigeon flew over.  We were joined by Richard, Peter, Trevor and there was a welcome return from Richard and Maria.  A Grey Heron flew up the rambla.  Trevor stated that there wasn't much up by the sewage works so we headed to the beach.  Richard saw a Blackbird en route.

On the largest rocks near the beach there were numerous Cormorants sitting there.  Juda counted 35.  A Little Egret and a Yellow-legged Gull flew by.  House Sparrows were in evidence.  Trevor saw some Spotless Starlings on the Moor's tower. I spotted an adult Gannet out to sea. 

Cormorants with the tuna farm in the distance (PHOTO- David Binns-Elliott)

We convoyed round to the far side of the estuary.  From the embankment we looked down on Coots and Moorhens.  A couple of Sandwich Terns were circling the shallow waters.  Both Grey Heron and Little Egret were seen.  Chiffchaffs were flitting in and above the reeds.  I searched the shorelines for small waders.  I found a couple of Turnstone, Ring Plovers and a single Grey Plover.  Some Black-headed Gulls and Goldfinches flew by.

Some of the 300 Mediterranean Gulls (PHOTO- David Binns-Elliott)

We adjourned to the Tiburon (shark) cafe in Villaricos village for coffee after which we headed to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow waters behind Vera Playa.  The Moorhens were on the mudflats.  In the water were Greater Flamingos, Shovelers, some Teal and Mallards.  Richard saw the first Black-winged Stilts and I found some Avocets.  Richard added a Kentish Plover.  Trevor did well to find the perched female Marsh Harrier where it had been on our previous visit.  Juda spotted a Little Grebe.  I added Shelduck and a Cattle Egret.  Moving to the Consum side of the hump we saw much of the same except a flock of over 300 Mediterranean Gulls which were put to flight by one of the possibly three Marsh Harriers seen.  I did very well to find a Snipe just below us.

Distant female Marsh Harrier (PHOTO- David Binns-Elliott)

We travelled round to the elevated hide opposite the Aquaparc. We had a better view from the bridge above the small weir.  Trevor found a Red-crested Pochard amongst the 39 White-headed Ducks.  I counted 6 Little Grebes.  Juda did well to spot the Purple Swamphen by its red legs in the reed line. Some Crag Martins were flying over the reeds.  Juda added a White Wagtail.

We ended up with 38 species.  Great weather, company and birding.

Our best wishes go to Kath Groves, David Green and Tom Senior.

Regards

Dave

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