Shags, Waders and Raptors

Saturday 24 September

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Another hot and sunny day and having moved all the packages to the entrance hall ready for packing the car tomorrow, Jenny and I took a drive over to Charcuna, she to sample the beach and its waters and me to see if there were any of the local Shags around.  A departing White Wagtail as we approached the car park and, approaching the water, Jenny drew my attention to a couple of Sanderling on the shoreline and a little further away a male Stonechat was resting on the beach.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Making use of the scope I soon found a trio of Shag resting off-shore and later two more further to the east.  A further two were seen approaching the cliff area protruding out into the sea to disappear to the west.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Moving slightly east we soon found a good number of Kentish Plover in their breeding territory along with a Ringed Plover and Iberian Yellow Wagtail.  And whilst partaking of some light refreshment in the shade not only a number of House Sparrows but also a Crested Lark.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

Time to make our way back to the apartment and taking the coastal N340 road we made a slight detour to drive along the Camino Patria at the back of the Charca de Suarez.  No sooner arrived and we had Collared Doves followed by a Kestrel resting atop a pole.  A Crested Lark crossed the lane and away to our left a couple of circling Marsh Harriers.  At the end of the lane a passing handful of Spotless Starlings along with a House Sparrow.  On the opposite side of the road a female Marsh Harrier was quartering the field as a handful of Rock Doves approached the nearby wires.

For an unexpected one-off visit at the last moment a most worthwhile birding result.

Birds seen:

Shag, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Crested Lark, Stonechat, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

Kentish Plover with Iberian Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae in background

Kentish Plover with Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula in background

Two of many, mainly juvenile, Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus

Five of the seven Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis seen this afternoon

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