Wednesday 20 May
Looks like another lovely session for the Arboleas Birding Group down at Cabo de Gata and, once again, lots of good birds, especially the Lesser Yellowlegs. And also thanks to Nigel for the photo to illustrate the rpeort.
Cabo de Gata - Wednesday 20th May
It was a lovely sunny day as Nigel drove Peter (1) and myself south on the E15/A7 motorway towards Cabo de Gata. We came off at the Retamar Sur exit and commenced the daily bird log. Before reaching the urbanization we'd seen a Jackdaw and a Woodpigeon. In town we added Collared Dove, House Martin and Barn Swallow. Between there and Pujaire we saw Spotless Starling, Red-rumped Swallow, Magpie and Hoopoe. Passing through Pujaire we added a House Sparrow.
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| Fluffy Avocet chick (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
As we arrived at the first hide we saw the usual Greater Flamingos on the salina. Barrie and Beryl had already arrived. Also present was a Spanish birder. A mate of his had spotted a Lesser Yellowlegs the previous evening. And there it was, still there, at the left hand end of the rocky causeway. Not easy to see at times. Others in the group arrived, Kevin, Trevor, Steve and Carolyn. They all ticked the bird off their list. To many of them, including me, it was a lifer! We then scanned for other birds. Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard and Shelduck. Kevin had already seen Common Swift, Slender-billed Gull and Crested Lark. Barrie picked out Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank and a Yellow Wagtail. I found two Gull-billed Terns on the causeway and a Yellow-legged Gull. Kevin spotted a Black-headed Gull. Barrie heard a Zitting Cistacola and then added Greenshank. Somewhat elated, we headed for the local cafe for a celebratory cup of coffee!
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| Fluffy Yellow Legged Chicks with parents and Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
We made our way to the beach opposite the second hide. A Common Tern flew past. Far out to sea a fishing boat was surrounded by Yellow-legged Gulls. Steve, Carolyn and I stayed with the vehicles as the others trundled to the hide. There, Barrie added a Melodious Warbler. Also seen were Gull-billed Terns and a Thekla Lark.
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| Gull-billed Terns with Black-winged Stilt (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
Kevin had reported that the public hide was cordoned off for refurbishment, so we headed to the lighthouse. As we arrived I picked out three Alpine Swifts circling the lighthouse as were Yellow-legged Gulls. I then found one of a pair of Black Wheatears on one of the buildings. With nothing else to see apart from quite a few sightseers, we said our goodbyes. Heading down the hill to the village a juvenile Peregrine Falcon flew over our car. Hopefully Barrie and Beryl travelling behind us saw it as well. Just outside Pujaire I added a Kestrel. Just before the motorway I spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike.
Well, what a day. "Only" 35 species seen but there were some crackers in there, especially the Lesser Yellowlegs!
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| Black Wheatear (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
Great company as well! All the photos are down to Nigel today!
Dave
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