Wednesday 10 September

Another great day's birding with the Arboleas Birding Group led by friend Dave Elliott-Binns.  Still lots to be seen unlike me on my round-Britain cruise with first stop, Aberdeen abandoned along with the whole point of the cruise, the following day's stop in Lerwick to explore the southern Shetlands.  Instead an alternative in Kirkwall, the Orkneys but a bare three hours ashore in the late afternoon.  But I did, at least, get to see a few birds so next job to complete the blog, if I can fine a lead to connect camera to computer!!!!

Cabo de Gata   -   Wednesday 10th September

Second trip out this autumn to the second best birding in our area....Cabo de Gata.  With Richard unable to come today, I picked up Peter 1 and headed south in glorious sunshine.  Yesterday in Arboleas the heavens opened for about an hour!

We came off the motorway and the bird list began....slowly!  We saw a Southern Grey Shrike on a power line.  In Retamar we added Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and as we travelled towards Pujaire we picked up some Jackdaw.

Kevin was already at the first hide when we arrived.  He'd already noted Avocet, Yellow-legged and Slender-billed Gull, Little Egret, Kentish Plover, Mallard, Shelduck, Thekla Lark, Black-winged Stilt and Grey Heron.  There was a small movement of Barn Swallows.  Kevin added Redshank and Greenshank.  A couple of Cattle Egrets flew over. Kevin, who was having a very good spotting day, found a Woodchat Shrike in a shrub.  Another Southern Grey Shrike was on a distant post.  Kevin then found an Eurasian Curlew on the rocky causeway.

Grey Herons with Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After a refreshing drink break in Cabo village we headed to the second hide.  A seawatch only produced a few Yellow-legged Gulls.  The last remnants of the sea daffodils were still in bloom.  At the hide we saw a stand of 15 Grey Herons on the far bank.  A Grey Plover flew past.  I then spotted a raptor flying low over the far reeds...a Marsh Harrier.  Kevin and I both saw this longish tailed falconlike bird flying very low over the water from in front of us travelling at speed to our right.  Trying to identify a bird from behind is difficult.  My best bet would've been a Hobby, but it passed low over a swimming duck and the duck ignored it which was unusual if it had been a Hobby, I suggest!  The next anomaly was a warbler in the reeds to the right of us.  Definitely a female "Sylvia".  It flew to an open area.  I pointed the camera, pushed the button and hoped.  Usually you get a blurry unidentifiable bird.  However luck was with me.  The white moustache was clearly visible!  A Subalpine Warbler. 

Female Subalpine Warbler (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved onto the public hide.  Hotshot Kevin soon had distant Black-necked Grebes in his sights.  He also added a Ringed Plover.  I found a stunning Grey Plover in breeding plumage.

We ended up with 29 species.  A great day in good company.

Regards,

Dave

Sea Daffodils (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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