Interesting to read my friend David Elliott-Binns's report on his visit to Cabo de Gata today following my own visit just four days ago. We might have found a score or more Trumpeter Finches (at the light-house) compared to the single individual seen by Dave's group but, on the other hand, they had wintering Dotterel which we failed to find despite devoting a lot of time on both days.
Cabo de Gata & Rambla de Morales: Wednesday 4th January
With
the Rambla de Almanzora apparently being a no bird area at the moment,
we returned to Cabo de Gata. I brought down Richard H, whilst Les
chauffeured Alan, Val and Richard S. Kevin met us at the Pujaire cafe.
He'd slept overnight in his camper-van and looked frozen! En route
between us we'd seen Sardinian Warbler, Collared Dove, Spotless Starling
House Sparrow, Kestrel & Cattle Egret. Kevin added Greenshank &
Avocet...well he was parked up near the salina! After a coffee we
headed to the first hide. The water level was still high with pools on
both sides of the road. One contained a Redshank. There were many
Greater Flamingos for change down this end of the reserve. Also seen
were Avocet, Slender Billed Gulls, Black Tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Mallard
& Little Egret. I spotted a Kingfisher whilst Les found an Eurasian
Curlew. The Spoonbill were on their usual little island a distance away,
but Alan found one hiding in full view closer to us. I saw a Gannet out
to sea and Kevin spotted a Black Winged Stilt. Also seen were Yellow
Legged and Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
As
we arrived at the beach opposite the second hide we were met by a
Spanish birder who told us about some Razorbills on the sea. Sure enough
there were a small number, some close to shore. A Cormorant was also
seen. On the savanna Richard H and I had spotted a Raven, but we were
well & truly trumped by Alan who found three Dotterel.
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| Wintering Dotterel Charadrius morinellus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
Dotterel ! They
showed well nearby. As we walked to the hide Les spotted a large flock
of Serin. A Thekla Lark was seen. I found a sunbathing Stone Curlew.
Richard H found a Linnet. On the water Kevin spotted Shelduck whilst Les
saw another (or the same) Kingfisher. Alan had Black Necked Grebe and I
a Great White Egret. The occasional Crag Martin flew over. There were
Sardinian & Dartford Warblers flitting about in the shrubs plus some
Chiffchaff and Stonechats. There was a Water Pipit in the dyke. Les
found a Grey Heron and Alan discovered three female Pintail.
As
previously we bypassed the public hide to look for the Trumpeter
Finches but failed, but we did see more Razorbill. Returning to the
public hide I had a Grey Plover and a Kentish Plover to the right of the
main pool. Les & others had Greenshank, Little Stint and Redshank
on the right hand lake. There were an enormous amount of Lesser Black
Backed Gulls on the causeway with a small contingent of Sandwich Terns
squeezed on the far end. Richard H & I left for Cabo village just
missing out on a Trumpeter Finch which landed on a fence where we'd
parked the cars!
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| Razorbills Alca Comun just of the beach at Cabo de Gata (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
After
refreshments we travelled the beach side track to the Morales lake. We
did see a group of walkers. One of the women had a Cockatiel perched on
her head! Things had got worse with regards the state of the place. The
muddy scrape was now a sandy beach, so no waders. There were lots of
Moorhen. On one section which did have some shallow water a Kentish
Plover & some Sanderling arrived. We heard a Cetti's Warbler. Then,
spot of the day....Alan shouted, "Penduline Tits!". In the reeds on the
far side he'd spotted movement. A group of 20 then took flight to
another part of the reed bed, never to be seen again! Also seen were
Magpie & Greenfinch. we returned to the vehicles, seeing a pair of
Gannet out to sea. Richard & I tried to drive along the track to the
campsite but the recent rains had destroyed the route.
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| Resting Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We
ended up with 56 species ( not including the Cockatiel!) A really good
days birding. Thank you to Alan for being secretary. And apologies that I
was not myself today. Regards, Dave
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
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