Arboleas Birding Group visit to Villaricos

 Wednesday 29 October

Osprey, Wood sandpiper and Purple, what was not to like about today's visit of the Arboleas Birding Group to Villaricos.  Not so many participants this morning but, nevertheless, some really good birds on show and many thanks to Nigel for the photographs.

Villaricos Birding Report 29 October

 [Brief note: from about 4pm on Tuesday 28^th I drove along the levee of the Río Almanzora all the way from Cuevas del Almanzora to the estuary.  This produced 27 species, best among which were Green Sandpiper and Teal, plus a nice mixed flock of 13 Glossy Ibis and 12 Cattle Egrets and, a slight surprise, a couple of Greater Flamingos well up the rambla.]                      

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When I woke up this morning above the Villaricos ford in the campervan and looked out I was immediately greeted by five Glossy Ibises flying past.  I had time to drive a quick circuit of the lower rambla of the Río Almanzora before our meeting time.  This provided Spotless Starling, Wood Pigeon, Iberian Grey Shrike, Magpie, Collared Dove, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, White Wagtail, Mallard and Crested Lark.

            Back at the ford I was joined by Nigel, Richard and Peter S. Richard promptly added Zitting Cisticola.  A walk up to the sewage works produced Cetti’s Warbler, Robin, Jackdaw and Moorhen en route.  At the top pond, Peter found Little Grebe and Shoveler.  In the rambla there were pools and a small flow of water.  Despite heavy machinery operating very close by, the birds didn’t seem fazed. Nigel saw Coot and Green Sandpiper, Peter had Gadwall and Black-winged Stilt and I added Little Ringed Plover and Stonechat.  When we got back to the cars Richard, who had waited there, reported Coal Tit, Blackbird, Goldfinch and a flock of Chaffinches.

Little Egret (PHOTO: Nigel White)

            After the usual Tiburón coffee we headed to the beach.  Peter was first to scan the rocks and find a Grey Heron and a Little Egret.  Looking back inland from the beach across the large flat area towards the rambla I found an Osprey in the top of a tall tree.  I wasn’t entirely surprised because Emilio Aramburu, a superb local bird photographer who posts amazing photos on Facebook, had been putting up many pictures of an Osprey – presumably this bird -over recent days.  But, adding icing to the Osprey’s cake (???), as we watched, a Purple Heron flapped across lazily just above it.

Osprey (PHOTO: Nigel White)

            We drove round to the south side of the estuary.  The Osprey was still there.  The estuary itself was disappointing, giving us only Cormorant and Turnstone.  Next, the short drive to the dual carriageway at Salar de los Canos (Consum Lagoons).  Apart from the obvious Greater Flamingos there was not much about’ although Nigel did find three Shelducks and I eventually conjured up a Wood Sandpiper.  ‘Beyond the Hump’, nada!  Final stop, the Aquaparc Tower, was also disappointing. Just a Yellow-legged Gull flying over.

Wood Sandpiper (PHOTO: Nigel White)

            A good morning in fine company with one or two special birds. 39 species in all.

 Next week I am unavailable due to a commitment in Almería city.  There will definitely be a trip though.  It’ll be to María, meeting at La Piza forest cafe at 09.30.  James and Wendy, plus Nigel and Richard have all told me they are planning to go, and obviously others are most welcome to join them. There may not be a list or a report unless someone is happy to undertake that task but the birding will still happen.  Nigel, could you collect the €1 donations, please? TIA, as they say. 

Kevin

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