Navasaca, Daimiel

 Friday 20 February

Up early and off to the Laguna Navasaca in Daimiel, arriving at 8 just as the cold mist was starting to lift and a low sun rising in the east. Approaching the water I managed to record a Buzzard followed by a resting Little Owl atop a small ruin.  Also in the parking area a number of Spotless Starlings and Woodpigeon with a couple of Magpies at the hide.

Shovelers Anas clypeata in the early morning mist

In the gloomin’ many Shoveler on the water along with a distant group of Flamingos.  Off to the left in the reeds a single Greylag Goose and then a couple of White-headed Ducks appeared out of the mist. A pair of Mallard and Coot then appeared in sight.

Distant Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus at first light

Meanwhile, just below the hide to the right, the arrival of a mixed flock of (mainly) Spanish and House Sparrows.  Out on the small island a handful of resting Cormorants.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

Moving on down to the roadside screen to take a closer look at the resting Flamingos and then off round the back where I found both a Cetti’s Warbler and a passing Marsh Harrier.  On the wires a score or more Feral Pigeons.  As I moved off to take the farm track back to the main road more House Sparrows a few Jackdaw.  The last bird recorded was a passing Kestrel to take the total species for the hour up to 19.

Resting Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus

 Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mallard, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, Cormorant, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Little Owl, Cetti’s Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow.

Passing Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

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