Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa

 Wednesday 3June

Another great day's birding for the Aboleas Birding Group at the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa under the guidance of Dave Elliott-Binns.  Always good to see all three small plovers together in order to compare size and colouration.  Similarly, Nightingale and Red-rumped Swallows are always a welcome sighting and then, of course, there was that fabulous Roller.  As for Dave's ringed Audouin's Gull we all await the outcome of the enquiry to see from where the bird originated.  Again, lovely photograph's to illustrate the report so many thanks to both Nigel and Dave.  Now, if only we in the UK could have a little more of your Spanish heat!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 3rd June

After yesterdays near 40c temperatures it was good to see some clouds with lower temperatures and a cooler breeze.

Nigel drove me down to the ford, overlooking the Rambla de Almanzora. Kevin's motorvan was parked up but he was wandering up the rambla towards the sewage works.  As we waited for others to arrive we saw Magpie, Woodpigeon, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Red-rumped and Barn Swallows and House Martin.  Nigel spotted a distant Kestrel. Beryl and Barrie arrived.  He quickly heard Zitting Cistacola, Reed Warbler and Greenfinch.  (Note to self...need my ears syringing!!)  We were joined by Steve, Carolyn and a returning Kevin.  He had added Common Swift, Goldfinch, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Nightingale and Black-winged Stilt.  He stated that there was a great deal of work being done around the sewage works.  The only birds on the big pool were Mallards.  Nigel scoped the distant power cables and found not only a Blackbird but a Roller as well. Good spot!

We drove down to the beach.  There were about 5 Audouin's Gulls on the beach where we parked. Knowing they are sometimes ringed I snapped away.  Hit the jackpot with a ringed bird (CNXM).  Will let you know from whence it came at a later date! Barrie saw an overflying White Wagtail.  Steve found a pair of Gannet out to sea.  There were 7 bulk carriers anchored up awaiting Gypsum loading at Garrucha harbour.

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

We moved round to the estuary.  A sandbank blocked the water off from the sea so the water level was high, submerging the mudflats.  Barrie did manage to locate Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers and Crested Lark.  Steve added a Grey Heron. We were joined by Trevor.  (Some excuse about an alarm clock not going off!)  Barrie spotted a flight of 13 Glossy Ibis flying away.  He then found a Little Egret on the beach.  We adjourned for refreshments.  I added a Yellow-legged Gull.

Kentish Plover (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove round to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  A scan provided Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Avocets. Kevin found a Black-necked Grebe.  Barrie found a Marbled Duck.  We had Little Ringed, Ringed and Kentish Plovers all on the same small mudflat. Barrie found a Common Pochard. Kevin added a Shelduck.  A Little Bittern flew low over the water to the left.  Kevin spotted a White -headed Duck.

Common Pochard (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We moved round to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  The water was virtually covered by blanket weed.  This is the total list...One Moorhen, two Coot, One Little Grebe, One Common Pochard and one Mallard!!

The two Coot (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Thanks to everyone who came today.  Great company. 43 species seen.  Sorry to see Barrie, Beryl and possibly Kevin departing till September.  Best wishes to Michael and Les.

Kevin informs me the group has collected €142 so far this year for the ABS charity. Well done all!!

Dave

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