Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

 Wednesday 25 March

Sounds like a great day's birding by the Arboleas Birding Group with lots of good sightings.  How I wish I could still see Squacco and Night Herons but back in local patch in the UK I have to accept the long-staying six Glossy Ibis.  They've been here in Titchfield for the past two years and I am sure they must be breeding locally.  Yet to see any summer hirundines or Swift so, judging by Dave's report, hopefully the birds are on their way north once again.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 25th March

Having arrived back from the UK yesterday, it was great that Nigel volunteered to drive Peter 1 and myself to the Rambla de Almanzora.  We got to the parking area above the "ford" having spotted Magpie and Mallard en route. Kevin's campervan was there, but he had wandered up towards the sewage farm.  John and Stella had also arrived.  We set up our scopes overlooking the rambla.  We added House Sparrow and Goldfinch before Kevin returned.  His list was extensive :- Wood and Common Sandpiper, Yellow and White Wagtail, Kentish and Little Ringed Plover, Barn and Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Black-winged Stilt, Little Stint, Dunlin, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, and Spotless Starling!  We were joined by Peter 2.  John & Stella added Blackbird and two overflying Grey Herons.  En route to the beach they also saw a pair of Hoopoe.

The sea conditions were a lot calmer than our previous visit.  There was a group of Audouin's Gulls on the beach together with some Black-headed and Yellow-legged gulls.  A Cormorant was on the harbour rock.  A Common Swift flew over.  We moved round to the far side of the estuary.  The sun was in our eyes but Nigel managed to spot a Squacco Heron.  I found a Greenshank.  A Moorhen was seen as well as more Grey Herons.  A Kestrel flew over the rambla.

Squacco Heron (PHOTO: Nigel White)

After a cup of coffee in Villaricos village, having been joined by Trevor, we headed for the dual carriageway opposite the Consum overlooking the shallow pools.  As usual there were lots of Moorhen below us.  In the deeper water Kevin spotted Common Pochard and Avocets.  Some of the Shelduck seemed to be on nests.  Also seen were Coot, Little Grebe, Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilt, House Martins and Mallard.  We were joined by Jacky.  I spotted a small warbler in a shrub below us. Just seeing its body it was either a Dartford or Subalpine Warbler.  Luckily it moved to show its head with a white moustache...Subalpine!  Jacky heard a Zitting Cistacola before we moved beyond the hump.  Here Kevin added a Redshank.  I spotted three Night Herons perched on a dead shrub on the far side.  Both Kevin and Jacky saw White-headed Ducks.

Night Heron (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Peter 2 headed home as we moved round to the elevated platform opposite the Aquaparc.  More White-headed Ducks and Common Pochards were seen.  I spotted a Purple Swamphen in the far reeds.  It obligingly went for a swim!  Jacky heard a Great Tit.  I added Red-crested Pochard.  Before we left Jacky saw a Greenfinch.  As we were leaving Val turned up.  We added Collared Dove and Jackdaw en route to the motorway. 

Purple Swamphen (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

In total we saw 49 species.  Still a lot of migrants to arrive!  A great day out with good friends.  Wishing John and Stella a safe trip back to the UK.  Hope John feels better soon.  Also hope Peter 1's health improves soon.

Dave 

Mallard (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Audouin's Gulls (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Grey Heron (PHOTO: Nigel White)

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