Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

 Thursday 12 June

With Dave absent, great to see Alan sending in a report re this week's visit by the Arboleas Birding Group to the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa.  Ant it certainly turned out very well with 42 species recorded including some special species such as Bee-eater, Nightingale and Kentish Plover. No photographs so have included a trio taken by self when still in Spain.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 11th June

Dave was unable to lead the group as he had to attend a meeting in Almeria in the morning.  I met Barrie and Beryl at the ford, soon to be joined by Trevor. Several species had been seen or heard at this first site: Bee Eater, House Martin, House Sparrow, Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Spotless Starling, Woodpigeon, Sardinian Warbler, Swift and Red-rumped Swallow.  

Red-rumped Swallow (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

We decided to walk to the treatment plant with the adjoining pool as we hadn't visited that site for a while, mainly because of the disruptive works in the river bed and the plant itself.  About to set off, we were joined by Kevin and two of his friends, Sarah and Trevor No.2, experts in the fieldcraft of identifying flora in our part of Spain.  On our way to the pool, Yellow-legged Gulls flew over, as did a Goldfinch.  At the pool we saw Little Grebe, Mallard and Moorhen.  A Nightingale was heard and Barrie found a Little Ringed Plover at the side of a small trickle of water that was still present in the river bed.  A second bird flew in to join the original.  On the way back to the cars we saw an in-flight Hoopoe, a Kestrel and a Serin.  A visit to the beach produced nothing so we went to the north bank at the river mouth.  Kevin and I climbed the bank to obtain elevated views whilst the others chose the flatter route.  Both parties saw the same birds: Grey Heron, Audouin's Gull, Kentish Plover, Magpie and, in addition, I saw an adult Gannet over the sea.  

Nightingale (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

Next, the dual carriageway where we were joined by Jackie.  Quite a few species here, the first to be noticed was Glossy Ibis with a couple of individuals fairly close.  Several Avocets were active and noisy and Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt and Greater Flamingo were noted.  Further afield were Shelduck, Coot, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Black-necked Grebe and White-headed Duck.  Jackie had already seen a Little Bittern and we were treated to two more, a female then a male that flew in and perched in the reeds.  A Black-headed Gull was spotted by Barrie and a Male Blackbird appeared.  Finally, we visited the far tower hide where a single Great Crested Grebe and a White Wagtail were the only new birds.

Little Bittern (PHOTO: Bob Wright)

That seems to be 42 species seen on a very warm, energy-sapping morning but enjoyable in the company of fellow birders (and botanists!).

Alan

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