 |
| Glossy Ibis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
El Fondo - Monday 18th March
Gilly was arriving at Alicante airport at about 14.30, so I left home early, getting to the El Fondo bird reserve Information centre car park at about 12. En route from the motorway I logged Collared Dove, Crested Lark and House Sparrow. The car park was virtually full, including a couple of coaches. Sitting having a coffee and two cheese scones, I scanned the shallow waters in front of me. I could see Greater Flamingos, Glossy Ibises, Moorhen, Coot and Black Winged Stilts. I moved around to the Information Centre observation area. The viewing area was littered with small backpacks. I assume the primary school was on a day out prior to Easter holidays. Picking my way through the assault course, I scanned the enclosed pond. Presumably due to the noise from the kids might be the cause for the lack of birds. I did manage to see a Red-knobbed Coot and a Purple Swamphen.
 |
| Purple Swamphen (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
I moved round to the wooden walkway. I checked the shallow waters in front of me. I counted 110 Glossy Ibis and some Greater Flamingos . I also saw Little Grebe and Little Egret. As I made my way to the observation platform I saw more Red-knobbed Coots. I heard Cetti's Warbler. I had distant views of three Marbled Ducks. I found an Iberian Yellow Wagtail. The Black Winged Stilts had begun to nest.
 |
| Iberian Yellow Wagtail (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
I moved to the far hide as the next one was full. Here I found some Shelduck, a Mallard and another Marbled Duck, which thrilled a Spanish birding couple who hadn't noticed it. I retraced my steps to the other, it now being empty. I added Red-crested Pochard and Cattle Egret to the list. As I walked back to the car a Woodpigeon flew over. The last bird on the list was a Linnet perched on a roadside fence en route back to the motorway.
 |
| Distant Marbled Ducks (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
El Fondo always produces good birds. Also a lot are not fazed by humans on the walkway that they come very close. The nesting Black-winged Stilts were 5 metres away.
 |
| Nesting Back-winged Stilt (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
Another additional bird photo from my back garden....A Black Wheatear.
 |
| Garden shot of Black Wheatear (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
Would also like to mention David & Myrtle Green. They celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary yesterday. I'm sure you'll join me in sending them best wishes!
Regards
Dave
 |
| David & Myrtle Green celebrating their 62nd Wedding Anniversary |
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment