Cabo de Gata and Rambla Morales

Wednesday 22 October

Good to see that Kevin has taken the Arboleas Birding Group to my favourite Almeria site, Cabo de Gata and, indeed, found some good birds.  Also, many thanks to Kevin for organising the trips and reporting the outcome during Dave's absence whilst visiting family back in the UK.  I particularly liked the Southern Grey Shrike (not found in the UK) and the distant sight of a Crane was a great bonus.  And then you end up with a magnificent total of 41 species in the very hot weather; what's not to like!

Cabo de Gata and Rambla Morales Birding Report 22 October

 I drove along this morning from La Fabriquilla, where I stayed last night, to our regular meeting place at the lay-by, logging House Sparrow, Yellow-legged Gull, Jackdaw and Spotless Starling en route.  I reached the lay-by and was soon joined by Nigel, Peter S, Trevor and Dublin Dave.  Peter had seen a Stonechat and Nigel a Magpie. From the lay-by we spied Greater Flamingo, Mallard, Little Egret, Barn Swallow and Dunlin.  Nigel added Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt and Shoveler, Dave found Crested Lark and Shelduck, I counted six Spoonbills on the causeway and Peter heard a Redshank (maybe the one I had seen there last night).

Stonechat (PHOTO: Nigel)

            After coffee we headed to the second hide. Peter scanned the sea and found a Gannet.  As we walked to the hide a small flock of Serins was seen.  Dave added Southern Grey Shrike, which gave very obliging views, plus Greenfinch.  From the hide I saw a Slender-billed Gull and Nigel found a Lesser Black-backed Gull.  More Stonechats were seen.  I’m not sure who was first to spot a Sardinian Warbler but Dave called Whimbrel and Little Gull, both flying past in quick succession.

Southern Grey Shrike (PHOTO: Nigel)

            At the original hide a Robin greeted us.  I found several distant Black-necked Grebes in their usual area.  Nigel found a Cormorant and followed this with ‘Bird of the Day’, a Crane.  This was very far away and led to some discussion but, among other things, the fact that it was on land and comparison with nearby Greater Flamingos clinched it.  Peter added Kentish Plover, a Grey Heron flew across in front of us and I found a couple of Avocets off to our left.

            Peter had to leave at this point but the other four of us decided to go to Rambla Morales, our first visit in a good while.  I had made a recce the previous evening and managed to make it along the beach track but there were long stretches of deep sand and I didn’t want to chance it again or be responsible for someone else getting stuck, so we drove round and parked just beyond the camp site, then walked in from there.  It was ridiculously hot for late October.

            Trevor and I made it to the ‘charco’, the pool, where we saw several White-headed Ducks and a Coot.  Whilst Trevor was looking back for the other two I had a brief flash of Kingfisher.  We also had good views of a couple of Chiffchaffs and heard a Cetti’s Warbler.  We decided to try to find the others so we didn’t go right to the beach.  On our way back we soon met up with Nigel and Dave who reported White Wagtail and Kestrel.  

            So that was 41 species, an excellent team effort on an enjoyable if hot morning.  Thanks to Nigel for his photos and best wishes to Dave Sharpe whose humour and expertise have been much appreciated during the last two outings.  Buen viaje Dave, safe travels back to Ireland, and we hope to see you again in the future.

Kevin 

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