Almanzora Rambla and Estuary, Villaricos Beach, Salar de los Canos

 Wednesday 8 October

With Dave back in the UK for his autumn break there was still no stopping the Arboleas Birding Group as fellow member Kevin Borman led the lads and lasses on their latest birding adventure.  Some very good birds seen and it certainly sounds as if everyone enjoyed their visit and now looking to the next exploration under Kevin's temporary leadership.  And, all being well, I get to meet up with Dave whilst he's over here and do  little local birding in his Sussex homeland.

Almanzora Rambla and Estuary, Villaricos Beach, Salar de los Canos

I arrived at ‘The Ford’ on Tuesday evening at dusk. Masses of hirundines, mostly Barn Swallows, were hawking for insects as the light dwindled and I settled down for a night in the van.

            This morning, as I’d had no notice of who might be coming, I feared I might be Billy No-Mates, as occurred on one occasion last year. I needn’t have worried. Pretty soon a crack team had assembled: I was joined by Peter, Nigel, Séamus and Linda, and recent recruits Wendy and James. We noticed that the vegetation in the rambla seemed to be thicker than ever, with little water visible near the ford, despite the recent rain. As we walked up towards the sewage works there was more water, however. We logged Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Robin, House Sparrow and White Wagtail. Wendy added Cetti’s Warbler, James had a Chiffchaff and Séamus was the first to see a Common Sandpiper. The top pond at the sewage works held lots of Mallard and Peter found a Little Grebe there. A few Magpies flew over. James homed in on a distant Cattle Egret and, in the rambla, found a Stonechat, where Nigel also had Ringed Plover and Black-winged Stilt. I found a couple of Wood Sandpipers and Kentish Plover. We also logged Willow Warbler, Crested Lark and Spotless Starling. James added a Black Redstart. Fortunately we saw all these species before a large flock of sheep came down the rambla, putting an end to any further birding, so we happily headed to the Tiburón Bar with a respectable running total.

            In an attempt to test the waitress we almost all ordered a different version of coffee but she was up to the task. After coffee we headed to the beach where the only new birds were a Whimbrel which I spotted on the rocks and a Cormorant which James saw in flight. At the north side of the estuary we added Grey Heron, Coot, Little Egret, Black-headed Gull and Moorhen. A Kingfisher flashed past Wendy, I found a few Turnstones and, after considerable debate, we decided the group of terns we could see were Sandwich Terns coming into winter plumage. Next, from our elevated viewpoint on the south side of the estuary, Linda added Blackbird and Nigel found Yellow-legged Gull.

            Our first stop by the dual carriageway at Salar de los Canos was disappointing. “Too much water,” was the verdict. There was almost no exposed mud and waders were notable by their absence. Greater Flamingos were present though and Linda found the second Kingfisher of the day, some distance away but conveniently perched for decent views. ‘Beyond The Hump’ we found nothing new.

            Our final stop was our usual one, the weir and viewing tower opposite the Aquaparc. Initially we could see nothing on the water but soon Séamus saw a raptor high above us. In a moment of inspiration Linda correctly called it as a Booted Eagle. Just below us a large Mediterranean Pond Terrapin was sunning itself. I think I was maybe the first to see a Marsh Harrier, Séamus and Linda had a fly-past Golden Oriole, another Kingfisher was seen, and James finished the day with a flourish, adding Black-necked Grebe and Yellow Wagtail.

            Forty species in total and a thoroughly enjoyable morning’s birding in good company. The consensus for next Wednesday, 15^th October, was that we will assemble at the La Piza Forest Cafe at María at 09.30.                                  

Not just the birds being observed as a large flock of sheep arrived with the group's shadows appearing at the water's edge!

 Kevin (Dave’s temporary replacement!)

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.