Thursday 5 March
Looks like Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group had another excellent morning's birding with a great variety of species.
Villaricos & Vera Playa - Wednesday 4th March
The weather was a bit dank and grey as I drove Richard in his car towards the Rambla de Almanzora. We arrived at the parking area above the ford where Kevin's empty campervan was already there. Richard and I walked to the fence and surveyed the view below us. Only a small amount of water was by the ford which didn't offer any avifauna. A couple of Barn Swallow flew by as did some Mallard. We could hear Jackdaw behind us. We added Magpie before the others began to arrive. Trevor, Nigel, Phil, John, Stella and Peter (2). A large flock of Shoveler took to the air from the sewage works area from where Kevin appeared. He had seen Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, White Wagtail, Common and Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Little Stint, Hoopoe, Sardinian Warbler and Dunlin. John found some Spotted Starlings. I then saw a large bird flying from the direction of the village disappearing behind some trees. When it reappeared I was thrilled to see it was the Osprey that had been seen in the area over the last few days! A pair of Yellow-legged Gulls flew by. Some Chiffchaffs were seen.
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| The crashing waves (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We drove round to the beach. Don't think I've seen the sea so rough with breakers crashing over the rocks. Peter soon added Turnstone, Sanderling and Little Egret. Kevin spotted a distant Cormorant. Trevor found a Grey Heron flying over the ramble behind us. About 20 Audouin's Gulls landed on the flattened area.
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| Audouin's Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We moved round to the estuary where for once we weren't blinded by the sun! Kevin found a Kentish Plover. Trevor spotted a Kingfisher. Also seen were Cormorant, Grey Heron, Crested Lark, Goldfinch and Black-headed Gull. I spotted a pair of adult Gannet out to sea. As we left to go for a coffee in the village Phil, John and Stella saw a Black Redstart.
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| Cormorant (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
Suitably refreshed, we headed to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa. Parking up we soon added Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet. Nice to see a single Glossy Ibis. Also seen were Greater Flamingos, numerous Shoveler, Mallard and Shelduck. Peter found some Teal and Phil added the wader of the day, a Ruff. Kevin spotted a Stonechat and also found a Red-crested Pochard. There was a flock of 100+ Mediterranean Gulls on the water. John found a White-headed Duck.
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| Male Teal (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We drove round to the pond opposite the Aguaparc. I added a Common Pochard and a swimming Purple Swamphen. A huge flock of Black-headed Gulls were on the water together with a few Mediterranean Gulls. A large melee of hirundines was above us. Mostly House Martins but there were also Red-rumped and Barn Swallows. Peter found Crag Martin.
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| Mediterranean Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns) |
We ended with an impressive 52 species seen for the day. Great company. Best wishes to Les.
Regards, Dave
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