10 June 2026
A very low number of species recorded by the Arboleas Birding Group today but, on the other hand, they did see Dartford Warbler, Red-rumped Swallows and those large Gull-billed Terns. Plus, of course, the increase to their vocabulary!
Cabo de Gata - Wednesday 10th June
Thankfully the weather was cooler today. As Nigel drove me down to Cabo de Gata there were lots of clouds and a few spots of drizzle. Between the motorway and Pujaire we encountered the usual suspects :- Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling, Barn Swallow, House Sparrow and Collared Dove.
Wendy and James were already at the first hide having stayed overnight nearby. They had already seen House Martin. Wendy also had seen a Yellow Wagtail. Scanning the salinas before us we saw Greater Flamingos, loads of Black-winged Stilts and Avocets. In the distance I spotted a Yellow-legged Gull. We were joined by Peter (2). I saw a pair of Red-rumped Swallows. Also seen were Kentish Plovers and Shelducks. James then spotted a Dartford Warbler which flitted around the hide.
After a well deserved drink we headed towards the second hide. We stopped for a seawatch. I spotted a Scopoli's Shearwater and Wendy added a second. Due to my dodgy knee I stayed with the vehicles as the others bimbled * towards the hide. I added a pair of Cormorants before sitting down in Nigel's air conditioned car! The others added Gull-billed Terns, Thekla Lark and a Yellow-legged Gull.
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| Gull-billed Terns (PHOTO: Nigel White) |
We drove up to the public hide. It had been decorated and a wheelchair ramp had been added. Two wardens/maintenance men were working in the compound . The first thing I noticed was a dead Greater Flamingo on a sandy spit. In these days of bird flu I thought you had to report such finds. I pointed the body out to the wardens but they weren't interested. Again there were plenty of Avocets (some on nests), Black-winged Stilts, Greater Flamingos and a cotchel of Kentish Plovers. There were Little and Gull-billed Terns flying around the islands. Peter found some Ringed Plovers and Nigel added a Common Tern. Better mention that James saw another Yellow Wagtail!
For the uninitiated like me, bimble* means a slow, relaxed and aimless walk. A cotchel* is a small portion. Nigel was teaching us some unusual words!
We had a great day's birding in very good company. "Only" 22 species seen. Best wishes to Peter (1), Michael and Les.
Regards
Dave
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