Whilst I was resting in preparation for Thursday's start to me drive north and onwards to Calais for Tuesday's ferry to Dover followed by a walk down to Caleta Harbour to take a final look at the surprising visit of a lone Red-footed Booby (and yes, I did get to see the bird in flight), friend Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group were enjoying a birding day at Cabo de Gata and the Rambla Morales. I wonder if they found time to jump into the sea whilst the opportunity was there? I somehow think not.
Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 19th June
On
our penultimate trip before breaking for the summer, we decided to go
to Cabo de Gata. Gilly managed to get the day off work, so I drove her
down to the Pujaire cafe. After leaving the motorway we managed to log
Jackdaw, Bee Eater, House Sparrow, House Martin, Blackbird, Collared
Dove, Spotless Starling and an Iberian Grey Shrike. Whilst having coffee
we were joined by Trevor, John, Karen, Michael and Kevin. Suitably
refreshed, we made our way to the first hide where Jacky was waiting.
Trevor spotted another Iberian Grey Shrike as I scanned the water and
shoreline ahead of us. Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Slender-billed
Gull, Kentish Plover, Mallard, Shelduck and Black-winged Stilt. Little
Tern were dive fishing. I found a single Yellow Wagtail on the blanket
weed and a Little Egret on the far bank. John thought he saw a pair of
flying Ringed Plover before they disappeared below the shoreline shrubs.
Also seen was the odd Barn Swallow and a Thekla Lark. Jacky and Gilly
could both hear the Zitting Cisticola. I couldn't!
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| Thekla Lark Galerida theklae (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We
drove to the beach opposite the second hide. Nothing on the shoreline,
but I spotted a Cory's Shearwater out to sea. From the hide itself we
had good views of a couple of male Sardinian Warblers. Trevor found a
Little Egret. Gilly counted 189 Greater Flamingos. A Yellow-legged Gull
was sitting on the island. An Audouin's Gull had landed on the beach
when we got back to the vehicles.
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| Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
From
the public hide we saw a Godwit species. Due to distance and heat haze
couldn't tell which. Some Gull-billed Terns made an appearance. John
found a Black-headed Gull and Jacky had a probable Corn Bunting. A
Kestrel flew over the savanna.
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| Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
After
a refreshment break we made our way to the lighthouse, but it was
crowded with tourist, so after a quick look out to sea we made our way
towards the Rambla Morales. Kevin spotted a Red-rumped Swallow as he
drove along the road by the salinas.
Gilly and I were leading the convoy along the beach side track. We spotted a
White Wagtail and another Gull-billed Tern. At the Rambla there were a
few Kentish Plovers at the beach end. Kevin found some White-headed Duck
over the far side. From the hump we saw about 60 Greater Flamingos as
well as more White-headed Duck, a Coot and a pair of Little Grebe with
chicks. Four Shoveler flew by as did some Common Swifts. Did hear the
Zitting Cisticola this time!
We ended the day with a moderate 37 species, but it was still a good day in good company!
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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