Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 17 September

More great sightings from this week's Arboleas Birding Group visit to one of Dave's regular haunts.  On the other hand, it sounds very familiar to over here in the UK where birds seem to be always missing when you least expect it!  Albeit, for me visiting Cobh near Cork in Ireland as we near the end of our round Britain cruise a chance to see numerous Hooded Crows and even a pair of Red-billed Chough; just the Jay missing to have a complete set of Corvids!  And like the Arboleas birders, Jenny and I, too, had a close sighting of a fishing/preening Kingfisher.  But, being positive, you did get to see both Squacco Heron and Spotted Flycatcher with a few even the Caspian Tern and Water Rail!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday17th September

I will try to do better this week.  Last report I didn't mention Trevor or Black-tailed Godwits!  However, this week is complicated by the fact that apart from my list, there are additions from Barrie, Kevin and Jacky!

I drove Richard in his car, picking up Peter 1 on the way, to the Rambla de Almanzora.  Richard has a smart Chinese SUV so it was at his suggestion that I pointed down the stoney track on top of the embankment overlooking the rambla.  We joined near to the Desert Springs golf complex.  First section there was no water.  Second section was blocked off due to serious pipe workings.  We re-joined the embankment where there was water in the shape of shallow pools and lush meadow surrounds.  There was, as all day, a steady flow of Barn Swallows heading south.  We saw House Sparrows and Mallard before sighting two immature Greater Flamingos.  Not their usual place of abode.  Next we had Moorhen and Black-winged Stilt before I spotted an immature Squacco Heron in the lush grass.  It was joined by a Glossy Ibis.  Next was Magpie and Southern Grey Shrike followed by Green and Common Sandpipers and Little Ringed Plover.  A Crested Lark ended our rambla list.

Young Squacco Heron (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We met Barrie, Beryl, Trevor, Peter 2 and Kevin at the parking area above the dry ford.  Barrie had already logged Goldfinch, Cetti's and Sardinian Warblers, Little Egret, Woodchat Shrike and Zitting Cistacola.  Was it Kevin who saw the Spotted Flycatcher first?  Also seen were Woodpigeon, White Wagtail, Cattle Egret and Re-rumped Swallow.  I spotted a fleeting glimpse of a fast flying bright blue bird arrowing passed.  A Kingfisher.

Spotted Flycatcher (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Trevorand Kevin walked up to the sewage works.  They saw Mallard and Moorhen.  Trevor found a Green Sandpiper.

Meanwhile, the rest of us went to the beach where there were some swimmers in the water and a few parked motorhomes.  We found some Turnstone on the beach with a couple of Sanderling.  Three Black-headed Gulls were seen plus a Collared Dove.  I spotted a low flying dark bird skimming the sea.  A Whimbrel.

We moved on to the far side of the estuary.  Barrie located some resting Sandwich Terns and a Yellow-legged Gull next to a three resting Audouin's Gulls.  We also found a Grey Heron and a Ringed Plover. Earlier Kevin had also seen Turnstone, Kentish Plover and Coot there.  Later in the day Jacky visited and was lucky enough to see a Caspian Tern and two Whimbrels!!

Two Spoonbill (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We adjourned for refreshments at the Tiburon cafe where we reconnected with Kevin and Trevor.  We then headed to the dual carriageway above the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Jacky was waiting for us.  Amongst the birds she'd noted were a Kingfisher and had heard some Bee-eaters.  I was out of the car too late to see a juvenile Water Rail.  There were two resting Spoonbills amongst the Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts and Mallards.  Kevin added a Little Grebe.  Jacky saw a Common Pochard.  Trevor and Peter 1 combined to spot a distant Booted Eagle. Barrie spotted some Common Swifts.  A Kingfisher was seen perched in a shrub.  A Little Stint was also seen.

Young Flamingo (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved round to the pool opposite the aquaparc.  Never ever seen it so devoid of bird life. We only saw a Little Grebe, a Moorhen and a LBJ warbler in the reeds. 

A great days birding in good company.  47 species seen between us.  Missed the Caspian Tern...double drat!

Hope I got all the birders and the birds this week!

Regards

Dave

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