El Fondo, Elche

Thursday 12 June

Whilst most of the Arboleas Birding Group were birding up high yesterday, friend Dave Elliott-Binns was birding at a much lower level with his second recent visit to the fabulous El Fondo reserve near Elche. And in just a bout and hour a magnificent 36 species including such wonders as Red-knecked Nightjar, Red-rumped Swallow, Little Owl, Squacco Heron and Little Bittern.  What's not to like about such a return in such a short time!  Also lovely to see the massed flypast of the Whiskered terns plus the "favourite" residents of this special site, Marbled Duck, Red-knobbed Coot and Purple Swamphen.  Made be feel most envious just reading the report!

Marbled Duck (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

El Fondo, Elche - Thursday 12th June

As I mentioned in my last El Fondo report I was due to return this week.  Today started early!  04.00 alarm call to pick up from friends from Los Higuerales, a barrio on Arboleas's outer boundary.  As I approached the urbanisation what was in the road but a Red-necked Nightjar!

I drove the couple to Alicante Airport and stopped off at El Fondo information centre.  En route I noted Red-rumped Swallow, Crested Lark, Common Swift and a Little Owl.  As before, I had a thermos tea as I collected my thoughts.  I could see Greater Flamingos on the large shallow pool in front of the car park, but due to the reeds, not a lot else. Overhead there was a constant flow of Glossy Ibises coming and going.  Also seen in flight, a Cattle Egret, Grey Heron and Yellow-legged Gull.  I walked round to the Information Centre side of the pool, seeing a Collared Dove on the way.  With a clearer view over the pond I added Common Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Slender-billed and Black-headed Gulls.  A number of Whiskered Terns were dip-diving for food.  A Squacco Heron flew between the reed beds.  A Reed Warbler was actually seen.

Juvenile Whiskered Tern (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I checked out the small enclosed pond adjacent to the centre.  Again I saw Marbled Duck, Red-knobbed Coot with a tiny chick and another Squacco Heron.  I commenced the wooden walkway.  The reeds were a cacophony of "shouting" Great Reed Warblers (not seen).  I did see a Cetti's Warbler.  A pair of Little Egrets flew over.  There was a rumpus in the reeds as a Purple Swamphen imitated a bull in a china shop!  I sat down at the raised covered platform.  There was a pair of Marbled Duck sauntering along the reed line.  Three Red-knobbed Coots with chicks were seen.  Better was to come.  Twenty odd Whiskered Terns with an escort of 10 Collared Pratincoles flew round the platform for about 5 minutes. A Little Bittern showed briefly.  Yet again I saw a single Barn Swallow, the only one of the day here plus a pair of Little Grebe.  It was hot and sticky so I headed back to the oven of a car seeing House Sparrow, Blackbird and Sardinian Warbler.  En route back to the motorway I added Woodpigeon, Magpie and Hoopoe.

Red-knobbed Coot (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Only a quick hour long visit but well worth it! 36 species seen.

Regards

Dave

One of the numerous flights of Glossy Ibis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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