Two Days in the Tarifa Area

Collared Pratincole Canastera Comun Glariola pratincola

April field meeting of the Andalucia Bird Society

With the ABS holding its April meeting down at Tarifa today, it seemed most appropriate to travel down yesterday, meet up with friends Derek and Barbara Etherton and enjoy a full day's birding at La Janda and Barbara followed by an overnight stay at the latter before meting up with 30+ members this morning.  Before joining the main group below the cliff slightly east of Tarifa to checkout incoming raptors and small migrants, a very small group of us drive down to the nearby car park to both see and hear the lovely song of the resident Common Bulbul which were accompanied by feeding Common and Pallid Swifts overhead along with both Common and Lesser Kestrels, not to mention the usual Spotless Starlings, House Sparrows, Collared and Rock Doves.

Friday 8 April

White Storks both driving through San Roque and then as I entered La Janda.  Driving down the track was like travelling through an avenue of Corn Buntings and Stonechats, many of the latter already with fully grown youngsters.  Also recorded on this initial stretch of track down to the canal were Crested Lark, Zitting Cisticola and Sardinian Warbler.  A stop to check out a small field pool on the right produced a Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Red-legged Partridges making their way, it appeared, towards the pool.  I could hear but not see small numbers of Bee-eaters passing overhead but on reaching the canal and parking up more came across and this time with a few feet of the ploughed field to the left.

Lots of Corn Buntings Triguero Emberiza calandra to be seen

On and near the canal were a couple of Moorhen and a small number of Mallards but, perhaps, the best sight was that of a single Squacco Heron.  A Grey Heron flew over and there were numerous Cattle and Little Egrets to be seen.  Common Swifts and Barn Swallows above and then the first Purple Swamphen to the right and a Pheasant a long way from its usual territory on the opposite bank.

Male Stonechat Tarabilla Comun Saxicola torquatus with food for youngsters

Now joined by Barbara and Derek we soon added a first, for me, Purple Heron of the year and a Booted Eagle was seen above.  Next up the first Marsh Harrier of the day and, on the track itself, numerous Goldfinches, the occasional Serin and more Crested Larks.  In the distance we could see the main pools to the left and a number of Spoonbill, White Storks and many Little Egrets and Black-winged Stilts.  Also present up to a score of Glossy Ibis.  Jackdaws began to appear on the pylons along with Common Kestrels and the first of very many Woodchat Shrikes.

First Purple Heron Garza Imperial Ardea purpurea of the year

The rive down the avenue after turning right to cross the water produced many Cattle Egrets at their nest sites along with good-sized charms of Goldfinches along with a couple of over-passing Wood Pigeons.  More Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges as we made our way up to and past the "smelly farm" along with its accompanying Jackdaw and Rock Dove residents.

Rat Rata Parda Rattus norvegicus up a tree and, presumably, predating the Cattle Egret nests

But it is he area immediately beyond the farm that always seems to produce the goods, especially in terms of raptors.  The pair of Little Owls were resting on their "usual" rock and then good numbers of Black Kites along with both Common and Lesser Kestrels, a Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle and a few Griffon Vultures.  A most handsome male Montagu's Harrier might have been the top choice had we not found the soaring Spanish Imperial Eagle high above us as it gradually drifted away westwards.  To add to the selection a lone Raven also moved across the field.

Male Montagu's Harrier  Aguilucho Cenizo Circus pygargus

Distant view of the Spanish Imperial Eagle Aguila Imperial Iberica Aquila adalberti

Soon time to make our way over to Barbate to check in at our hotel before exploring the marismas but not before also adding Blue-headed Wagatil and a Whitethroat along with the many Corn Buntings that adorned the wires on the exit track.  Then it was an obvious stop at Barca to checkout the small Bald Ibis colony and, my word, even in the breeding plumage finery these are still ugly birds!  But, as I keep repeating, their mothers love them.

The now established Bald Ibis Ibis Ererita Geronticus eremita

Arriving at the Barbate marismas we immediately had more Corn Buntings, Crested Larks and Blue-headed Wagtails along with the first on many Linnets.  A handful of Collared Pratincoles landed close by and even a single Kentish Plover decided that the side of the track would be a good place to take an early evening stroll.

Kentish Plover Chorlitejo Patinegro Charadrius alexandrinus

With the tide full in very few waders were to be seen but we did pick up, apart from more Black-winged Stilts, Avocet, Redshank and Greenshank along with a Grey Plover and a small number of Sanderling.  A single Cormorant put in an appearance and on the water itself we found Yellow-legged Gulls, Flamingos and a few Spoonbill along with Little Egrets and Grey Herons.  Above us both House Martin and Red-rumped Swallow and a couple of Stone Curlews were found on their island.  Yesterday's Great White Egrets were still present but, again, somewhat distant.  The only other new bird for the day was a Calandra Lark further along the track which made a welcome change from all the Woodchat Shrikes and occasional Blue-headed Wagtails.

Cattle Egret Garcilla Bueyera Bubulcus ibis

Saturday 9 April

I have already mentioned the Common Bulbul and accompanying birds in Tarifa itself and the coastal area was a little disappointing in terms of migrant raptors.  Indeed, just a couple of Short-toed Eagles.  We did have Stonechats and a couple of Northern Wheatears along with a Tawny Pipit before moving further along and recording Woodchat Shrike, Linnet, Sardinian Warbler and Goldfinch.  Moving to the observation point we picked up a Little Owl and a lone Flamingo through close to the cliff whilst a Gannet headed east further out to sea.  Crag Martins around the ruins and a single Whimbrel resting on a rocky islet alongside a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls.  Again, the song and sighting of Nightingales was very welcome.

Female Linnet Pardillo Comun Carduelis cannabina above with male below

Time to go.  Hey, wait for me!

After a very short break for a drink and tapa at the Apolo XI bar it was on to a return visit to La Janda.  As expected we picked most of the birds seen yesterday including Spoonbill, masses of Little Egret and Grey Heron.  The early stages also saw the Stonechats and Corn Buntings and very early sightings of both Moorhen and Purple Swamphen including at least a handful of the latter.

Yellow (Blue-headed) Wagtail Lavandera Boyera Motacilla flava iberiae of the Iberian race

The track alongside he canal produced a couple of Short-toed Eagles and a Marsh Harrier with both Barn and Red-rumped Swallows overhead.  Whilst watching a spiralling flock of White Storks we also recorded a pair of very high Peregrine Falcons.  Good numbers of both Glossy Ibis and Black-winged Stilts on the flooded field on the left along with the odd Mallard.

A few of the many Glossy Ibis Morito Comun Plegadis falcinellus to be seen

More sightings of the nesting Cattle Egrets as we drive down the avenue and then, at the stream, first a distant Montagu's Harrier and then a large circling raptor.  Following the bird down to the tree tops we than found a large, resting raptor ion a distant pylon and closer inspection with telescopes revealed a Spanish Imperial Eagle for all to see.  Close by we all got the sight, at last, of both Red-legged Partridge and Pheasant.

The mighty Griffon Vulture Buitre Leonado Gyps fulvus

Again, it was dehesa land beyond the smelly farm that produced the goods.  More Common and Lesser Kestrels along with regular sightings of both Black Kites and Montagu's Harrier along with Griffon Vulture.  A Buzzard wandered into sight and there were jackdaws, not to mention the resident pair of Little Owls to be seen.  A Booted Eagle was spotted and then all dashed to the side of the road as a male Cuckoo flew across and beyond the road to our left.  The final icing on the proverbial cake as I started on the return journey was to locate both the Subalpine  and Melodious Warblers found by Derek and Barbara.

Finally a sighting of the Bee-eaters Abejaruco Europeo Merops apiaster

Leaving the area to hurry home, I was already running thirty minutes late, I made the occasional stop to check out the trees and picked up Spanish Sparrow along with a small flock of Bee-eaters on the wires but no Black-winged Kite this week-end.   And the final tally for the week-end a most pleasing 80+ species.

The ever-present Woodchat Shrike Alcaudon Comun Lanius senator

Birds seen:
Mallard, Shoveler, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Gannet, Cormorant, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Bald Ibis, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Purple heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Water Rail, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House martin, Tawny Pipit, Blue-headed wagtail, Nightingale, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blackbird, Cetti's warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Whitethroat, Woodchat Shrike, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

And so goodbye to the Cattle Egret Garcilla Bueyera Bubulcus ibis for another year

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.

Bermejales with John and Jenny

Bee-eater Abejarucco Europeo Merops apiaster

Thursday 7 April

Why is it every time I go out for a little birding that by the following day I discover somebody else has had the same idea - and usually see better "stuff" than me?  Yesterday John and Jenny Wainwright took the opportunity to visit the large Embalse Bermejales and it may be a common sight for them but I am yet to record both Coal Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper this year.  Maybe next time for me but I somehow think not in La Janda or Barbate!

All photos by John Wainwright

Bermejales area 6th April

A very warm day, with very little breeze.

Very little to speak of on the way to the Embalse, except Collared Doves, Kestrel and Spotless Starlings.

After parking up I headed out for my walk and as I approached the foreshore a beautifully marked Booted Eagle soared overhead but departed as quickly as it had arrived.  Very few small passerines in the firs here as there was a surveyor (standing still and shouting orders) and a local policeman running about with a pole.  The water level is quite low and is 70 metres down from its normal level.

So across the road into the plantation where I noted Chaffinches, Wood Pigeons, Serins, Great Tits and Goldfinches.  Not so many Magpies about today and only one Crossbill was seen, although Coal Tits were in good numbers.  I could hear Bee-eaters but couldn´t see them at this time.  I did find several Scorpions of the Buthus occitanicus variety in my meanderings.

Scorpion Buthus occitanicus

Back at the car and a White Wagtail was seen as well as more Chaffinches and a few Linnets. After a sit down I headed for the Ayunemiento building, but this only produced a Short-toed Treecreeper and a Blackbird.  Also, there is a definite shortage of hirundines here today.

Male Chaffinch Pinzon Vulgar Fringilla coelebs

We packed up and headed for the Cacin Gorge, this must have been where all the hirundines were hiding as we noted Barn Swallow, House and Crag Martin plus Common Swift along with Jackdaws and Chough.  A large shadow came across the gorge wall and there was the Bonelli´s Eagle it soared down the gorge in the direction of Cacin and two minutes later a second one followed being heckled by the local flock of Jackdaws, not to be seen again today. 

We decided to chance the rough road along to the lake near Cacin, which turned out a very good choice as we picked up Woodchat Shrike, a Jay (the first of which I have seen hereabouts), a Common Kestrel was spotted on a pylon and as we drew up to the lake five Bee-eatears were seen in the lone tree here.

Woodchat Shrike Alcaudon Comun Lanius senator

On the lake itself we saw Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Common Coot, Moorhen and a juvenile Greater Flamingo (something I have never seen here before).  In the reed beds Reed Warblers were singing and in the firs across the lake a Common Cuckoo called.  Just then from the reed beds a male Marsh Harrier emerged and as we were watching him the female also flew out. Lots of hirundines here and more Bee-eaters were noted, then a Buzzard was heard mewing, but not located.

Two of the quintet of Bee-eaters Abejarucco Europeo Merops apiaster

The only other different bird seen on the way home was a Little Owl just as we approached Morelada village.

Lovely report John and, as ever, you always seem to find the Coal Tits!

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.

First Nightingale and Wren of the Year

Wednesday 6 April

Had to go into Torre del Mar for a meeting so carried on down to the Rio Velez afterwards arriving just after 10.30 to be greeted by warm sunshine, clear blue skies and no wind.  Great!  Even the resident Rock Doves and Moorhens came out to welcome me back.  A very pleasant couple of hours followed including a trip upstream at the end and I finished up with 33 species including my first Nightingales and a Wren for 2016.

Woodchat Shrike Alcaudon Comun Lanius senator

Moving slowly on down towards the hide there were many Blackbirds moving around and a Green Sandpiper took off in a hurry and headed downstream.  Arriving at the hide I found yet another couple of men harvesting the bamboo so began to think I would see nothing and certainly not helped when a trio of wild dogs wandered along near the river and then decided that this would be a great place to take a rest!  But all was snot lost as very soon I had a Woodchat Shrike posing nicely and ere long a few warblers began to put in an appearance.  With a Cetti's Warbler calling from the riverside a Reed Warbler arrived to feed quickly followed by a Whitethroat to my right and then I had a pair of Subalpine Warblers which seemed to have taken up territory in the meadow immediately in front of the hide.  All very exciting, especially when the dogs cleared off and the man got on with their work instead of prancing about.

Subalpine Warbler Curruca Carrasquena Sylvia cantillans

On the far bank I could make out a couple of Cattle Egrets and then a pair of Little Egrets moved downstream following the river.  The Green Sandpiper put in another appearance and first a pair of Goldfinches then a Serin came to call.  At least half a dozen Mallards about but mainly sen when they took to the air where they found feeding Barn Swallows and the occasional Common Swift.

Cattle Egret GarcillaBueyera Bubulcus ibis (above) and Little Egret Garceta Comun Egretta garzetta (below)

A walk to the beach found that the sea had risen very close to the land leaving little room to reach the lagoon.  Here I found a single Heron along with just one Black-headed Gull as a Coot meandered out of the reeds.  A single White Wagtail and a couple of Blue-headed Wagtails were foraging on the edges of the lagoon.

On the way back to the hide I was rather surprised to see a lone Sandwich Tern exploring the waters to the north of the lagoon but it refused to stay long enough to have its picture taken.

Walking back to the car I had Crested Larks feeding in the field to my right and having reached the stand of trees where I would expect to find Spotted Flycatchers when they arrive, I could hear then saw my first Nightingale of the year.  A Cetti's Warbler posed low in the tree and a handful of Serins did likewise a little higher and, noticing movement below, was in time to see a little "Jenny" Wren flit through the scrub.

Hoopoe Abubilla Upupa epops

Driving beyond the chimney factory and parking u I had a couple of Hoopoes followed by Greenfinches and more Blackbirds.  At this point, well behind schedule, the Monk Parakeet squadron flew over giving their usual raucous calls.  A very distant bird on top of a pylon was finally identified as a Little Owl.  My final birds of the morning were a couple of Red-rumped Swallows.

Times don't change as an Ox pulls a cart over the Rio Velez

Birds seen:
Mallard, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Little Owl, Common Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue-headed wagtail, White Wagtail, Wren, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Whitethroat, Woodchat Shrike, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.

Charca de Suarez, Motril

Water Rail Rascon Euopeo Rallus aquaticus

Sunday 3 April

What better way to enjoy what was forecasted as the last sunny day for a while than to take the relatively short drive along the eastern motorway to Motril and spend a few hours at the Charca de Suarez.  No sooner under way and I realised that it was colder and more cloudy than had been forecast and, approaching Motril, realised that the locals had recently experienced a little rain.  But not to worry the weather soon began to warm up and was very pleasant if you could keep out of the cool breeze.

But that was just the start of my problems.  Having driven at the maximum permitted speed to arrive in time for the 9.30 opening knowing that the gates are only oped once now that we are in the breeding season, I then discovered that the actual opening time was 10 rather than the above.  What to so for thirty minutes?  In my case a quick drive round the corner to "Turtle Dove Alley" where I quickly found a pair of Red-rumped Swallows and a Woodchat Shrike.  I had already passed a Kestrel on the wires and a couple of active Blackbirds along with the local House Sparrows and a handful of Spotless Starlings so the list was already started.

Early morning Red-rumped Swallows Golondrina Daurica Hirundo daurica

Returning to the Charca de Suarez, I stopped first at the Laguna de Taraje but no sign of the resident Little Bittern, just Mallards and Moorhens with the odd Common Coot and lots of House Martins overhead.  At the same time a pair of Little Grebes popped up from round the back and a few Common Swifts passed overhead along with a single Cattle Egret.

Lots of activity from the Barn Swallows Golondrina Comun Hirundo rustica at the Laguna del alamo Blanco

On round to the Laguna del Alamo Blanco where I found David and Ann Jefferson ensconced and on the lookout for either/both Water Rail and Spotted Crake.  The area was awash with Barn Swallows, feeding overhead and resting on the planted perches in front of the large hide.  A few Mallards and a couple of Black-winged Stilts were at the back of the water along with Little Egret and then a Little Ringed Plover made a very short stop followed by a single Redshank that remained for longer.

Common Redshank Archibebe Comun Tringa totanus

The nest sighting was that of a Sedge Warbler that was foraging in the reeds below whist a Cetti's Warbler and Hoopoe could be heard calling.


Leaving David and Ann behind I wandered off on a clockwise circuit of the site stopping first at the main hide overlooking the Laguna de las Aneas where there were many Moorhens and Coots along with Mallards and a couple of Pochard.  Closer inspection soon found a number of Little Grebes and the far right a Little Egret rested at the water's edge with a roosting Night Heron about a metre above.  Overhead dozens of Sand Martins were feeding and the occasional Yellow-legged Gull drifted by whilst the pair of Black-headed Gulls and a lone Cormorant took their rest on the water.

Little Grebe Zampullin Comun Tachybaptus ruficollis

Used to seeing the odd Red-knobbed Coot with its massive numbered neck collar at the back of the water, it was rather pleasing to find an adult un-ringed individual in front of me resting on the island shore.  Indeed, ere long it took to the water and paddled even close for a better view.  Just before departing a Squacco Heron appeared from the left and flew straight passed the hide to disappear n the reeds to the right.  Quite a surprise.

Check out the difference between Common Coot Fulica atra (above) and Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata (beleow)

The Laguna del Trebol had its usual quota of both Common and Red-knobbed Coots and even a single White Wagtail put in an appearance.  It would appear that there has been some successful breeding again this year as a pair of the Red-knobbed Coots had a couple of well-grown youngsters in tow.

Red-knobbed Coot Focha cristata Fulica cristata with one of two chicks

Whilst at the final pool, the Laguna del Lirio, I met up with local visitor Ana Galis and we discovered that the resident pair of Red-knobbed Coots had also successfully hatched chicks.  A single then pair of babies, probably no more than a week old, paddled out from behind the floating platform.  having seen two we then found another, then a another and finally concluded that the pair had actually hatched off five youngsters.  A very large clutch, I wonder how many will safely reach maturity!

Four of the five Red-knobbed Coot chicks following Mum

Circuit completed it was back to the hide overlooking the Laguna del Alamo Blanco with its many Barn Swallows for the final forty-five minutes.  The Sedge Warbler put in another appearance but too quick and low to get another photograph.  No sign of a Purple Swamphen this morning until fifteen minutes before closing tome when an individual casually walked out from behind a reed and up and over a pile of dead vegetation and away.  But not before we had all managed to get a photograph.  But just before the bird's appearance we had all dashed out of the hide as a Heron drifted over with a very high Bonelli's Eagle above it.  The latter brought out a Common Kestrel which escorted the Bonelli's Eagle away from the site.

Purple Swamphen Calamon Comun Porphyrio porphyrio

The very high Bobelli's Eagle Aguila-azor Perdicera Hieraaetus fasciatus over Charca de Suarez

And so the morning would have concluded if not, a mere five minutes before closing tome, a Water Rail had not wandered out into the reeds and then the more open water immediately below us.  A lovely sight but it was soon back and lost in the reeds before making one final exit to fly across the water and disappear.  Well worth the wait and what a way to end a most enjoyable morning.

The last minute arrival of the Water Rail Rascon Euopeo Rallus aquaticus

Birds seen:
Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Heron, Bonelli's Eagle, Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Hoopoe, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Woodchat Shrike, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow.

Black-winged Stilts Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus seem to be arriving everywhere at the moment

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.

Fuente de Piedra

Corn Bunting Triguero Emberiza calandra

Wednesday 30 March

With the forecast promising strong winds over the next few days and just one before the end of the month and the possibility of yet more news following Derek's visit yesterday, I took myself off to Fuente de Piedra in search of a couple of new species for the year.  Lovely sunny weather and eventually n shirt-sleeve order before finally returning home and I had managed three new birds for the year, even if I dipped on the Ruff.  Mind you, whilst the Temminck's Stint posed well the same could not be said for the Lesser Flamingo which was very distant.  A case of scoping individual birds and thanks goodness, from this point of view, the numbers present seemed to be way below what they should be but the little chappy (or chappess?) was standing proud, well small actually, in all its pinkness and just waiting to be found and recorded.  The third new bird presented no problem at all as the growing number of Gull-billed Terns moved about with their usual chatter and then rested on the sand below the main mirador.

Avocet Avoceta Comun Recurvirostra avosetta and little friend

Driving up to the site I was amazed to see so much water on both the flooded field to the left and the scrape below the causeway and also towards the main water.  A Corn Bunting, the first of very many to be seen, posed in a tree as I approached as did  single Chiffchaff in the trees next to the flooded field.  The water itself held a good number of both Common Coot and Shoveler along with over thirty Black-winged Stilts.  A Common Sandpiper moved away as I stopped the car and on the far side a small number of Little Ringed Plovers and a couple of Kentish Plovers were exploring the water's edge.  Also on the water were a couple of pairs of Avocet along with two Redshank.  Above the water numerous Barn Swallows and House Martins along with a single Pallid Swift were engaged in the feeding frenzy and Black-headed Gulls could be seen making their way to and from the pantaneta.

Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius

One of the very many Black-winged Stilts Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus on site

Having had a quick scope from the road I than made my way across to the causeway to check out the new water and, as I approached, a lone Grey Heron flapped away to the north.  Other than a handful of Avocet and a couple of Black-winged Stilts the water seemed empty but closer inspection soon revealed the first Dunlin followed by a number of feeding (Iberian race) Yellow Wagtails.  Then a single Water Pipit, Snipe and Moorhen whilst from the far side I could see numerous Jackdaws making good use of the "nest tower."  Feeding on the ground were numerous Corn Buntings and House Sparrows.

(Blue-headed) Yellow Wagtail Lavandera Boyera Motacilla flava iberiae  of the Iberian sub-species

Returning to the main mirador via the car park I could immediately see that whereas there appeared to be plenty of water the reality was that it was even more scarce than on my last visit.  Those Flamingos that had chosen to remain were now very distant and in small groups, hence the opportunity to use the scope to find the single Lesser Flamingo.  Nearer me, in addition top the resting Black-headed Gulls and Gull-billed Terns were over a score of Shelduck.  Just about possible to get a quick look at the very small number of Dunlin before they disappeared left.  Further out and away to the left were a number of resting Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Spring may have sprung for these Greater Flamingos  Phoenicopterus roseus but do they know there is no water next door!

Making my way round to the main hide overlooking the pantaneta I watched a small charm of Goldfinch and then closer views from the hide of Avocet, Flamaningo and Black-winged Stilts along with Moorhens, Little Grebe and Mallards.  The Common Pochards all seemed to be resting on the bank at the far end.  Moving on to the small hide I was able to watch a pair of Red-crested Pochard.

Male Red-crested Pochard Pato Colorado Netta rufina

The walk along the path below the mirador to the causeway gave me chance to get a closer look at the single Temminck's Stint and another Water Pipit.  Spotless Starlings were in the air along with a Collared Dove and a small flock of (small) waders accompanied by a sole Lapwing flew overhead. From the causeway itself I picked put just the one Wood Sandpiper.  A couple of Little Ringed Plovers were seen before I made my way back to the car to carry on round the water, passing a single Cattle Egret which had arrived at the flooded field, and check out the woods/fields at the far end using the track that led to Campillos.

Wood Sandpiper Andarrios Bastardo Tringa glareola

Very little to be seen on the outward journey other than a resting Common Kestrel, a few Crested Larks plus a Buzzard on top of a ruin.  Reaching Campillos I made quick stop at Laguna Dulce to confirm no water and only House Sparrows in the picnic area and Corn Buntings in the trees in front along with a very distant Marsh Harrier at the back before returning to Fuente de Piedra by the main track at the back.  This route certainly proved more productive as I added Northern Wheatear, Hoopoe and Red-legged Partridge.  In addition there were small mixed flocks of Serin, Goldfinch and Linnet.

Red-legged Partridge Perdiz Roja Alectoris rufa

Eventually back at the water I took a further look at the scrape below the causeway and was rewarded with the sight of the Italian sub-species of Yellow Wagtail that had been seen yesterday.  In addition the Little Stints were back whilst the Redshank had moved across to the flooded field.  The end of a very pleasant day.

Now here's the challenge, can you sort out your Little Stint Correlimos Menudo Calidris minuta  from your Temminck's Stint Correlimos de Temminck Calidris temminckii?

 
Birds seen:
Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Heron, Greater Flamingo. Lesser Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Dunlin, Snipe, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Pallid Swift, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Water Pipit, Blue-headed Wagtail Mf iberiae, Blue-headed Wagtail Mf cinereocapilla, Northern Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.