Wednesday 22 April

A sort of ever-increasing roll for today's turn out of the Arboleas Birding Group but, in the end, a good number of species to enjoy.  Particularly liked the Purple Heron and all those Red-rumped Swallows.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 22nd April

I went round to Peter 1's and drove him towards the Rambla de Almanzora.  Being a bit early we had a small drive further up the valley.  At a ford, with water(!) we found a male Mallard and also 14 ducklings.  Also seen on our tour we saw Serin, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Magpie, Spotless Starling and Woodpigeon.  We returned to the parking area where Kevin's campervan was parked.  He was on his walk up to the sewage works.  We heard at least three Nightingales singing from the reeds and shrubbery.  We added Blackbird and White Wagtail before Phil, Jen, Kevin and Trevor arrived. Kevin's list included House Sparrow, Zitting Cistacola, Common and Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed, Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Dunlin in breeding plumage, Moorhen and Little Grebe.

We headed to the beach.  There was a Grey Heron on the harbour rocks together with a Yellow-legged Gull.  A wader was spotted on the beach which turned out to be a Turnstone.  Phil saw a Little Egret.

We moved round to the estuary.  I have never seen it so devoid of birds.  There was a Mallard.....yes, that was it!  A pair of Goldfinch flew over.  We retreated to the "Shark" cafe in the village  As we were about to leave, Steve and Carolyn arrived.  They would join us on the dual carriageway.  As we headed that way I saw some Red-rumped Swallows.

Sleeping Spoonbill with Black-winged Stilt (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We arrived on the dual carriageway and scanned the shallows below us.  There were a few Avocets, Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos, a sleeping Spoonbill and a pair of Shelduck.  Kevin found some Common Pochards, White-headed Ducks and three Ruff.  There was a very vocal Sardinian Warbler perched on a bush.  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn and Jacky.  A Heron was circling above the opposite bank.  When landed it was obviously a Purple Heron.  Above us we could see numerous Common Swifts.  Kevin found a pair of Black-necked Grebes.  I spotted four flying Red-crested Pochard.  Jacky heard some Greenfinch.

Purple Heron (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove round to the pool opposite the Aguaparc.  The water was beginning to get covered in weeds. Some male Mallards were asleep on the concrete below us. Red-rumped Swallows were nesting in the gully.  We saw Red Crested and Common Pochard, White-headed Ducks and Little Grebes.  A House Martin was our last addition to our list.

Sleeping male Mallard (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We saw 42 species.  A good days birding in great company.  Great to see Phil and Jen after a 4 year gap!

Regards

Dave

Shelduck (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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