Daimiel: Navaseca and the Tablas

Thursday 20 June

The time has finally arrived for the long drive back to the UK with some serious birding before I hit the French border.  Today it was the journey up to Daniel and all was going swimmingly until the cruise control played up and I rammed the car in front.  Could have been worse as with no way to get past the two cars in front which suddenly slowed whilst they decided who would pass the lorry first at least I only hit the one, the Mercedes, at a steady 100kph.  On the other hand, the cars in front were probably driving at almost the same speed so relatively little damage and no injuries, just a pain in the arse as I had to wait for the Guardia Civil bikes to arrive but all were very positive and helpful.  So, eventually, booked into my hostel at just after 2pm and the for a rest as far too hot for birding.  All the birds seen during the journey were to be seen later so straight on.

First stop the water treatment ponds known as the Laguna Nevaseca.  Wonderful site and lots of Flamingos on display along with the breeding Black-headed Gulls and Whiskered Terns.  Coots, Mallards, lots of White-headed Ducks soon got me excited and ere too long I had also added both Little and Black-necked Grebes.  Just the one Teal and a couple of Shoveler along with a single Gadwall.  Then the Mallard families appeared in the scope.

White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala (female above and male below)

The Black-winged Stilts were obviously still breeding judging by the racket they made even time somebody showed themselves and then, of course, we also had a single Ringed Plover and a Redshank.  Also, no shortage of Moorhens on site.  Always lovely to see Shelduck with their smart coats and red bill but time to record what was going on both overhead and in the reeds.

But I digress.  One arriving at the car park I noticed a people carrier with a "Malaga Car" sticker and, upon arriving at the lower hide on the main road found Mick Richardson along with two clients on his way north to Santander as part of his Picos expedition.  Great to see Mick and catch up on the latest news.  Mick's bird call recognition was working overtime as he soon found the first Savi's Warbler to add to both the Reed and Great Reed Warbler already recorded.  Cetti's Warblers were blasting away around us and overhead we had lots of Common Swifts along with a good number of House Martins and a smaller supply of Barn Swallows.  On the other hand, lovely to see the Marsh Harrier drift by.

Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica resting

Leaving Mick I took a tour round the laguna and at he two smaller hides was able to add Wood Pigeons, Bee-eaters, Shoveler and Pochard to the day's sightings.  The first hide not only had close sightings of the White-headed Ducks but a good-sized flock of Greylag Geese, many with this year's young.  At the far side just before the main works I had very close views of the many Whiskered Terns and at least a dozen Black-tailed Godwits.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

In the grounds of the works I also added Spotless Starling and House Sparrow and as I left quickly added Crested Lark and a lone Little Owl that took off as I approached.

A few of the Whiskered Terns Chlidonias hybrida

And so on to the Tablas de Daimiel where approaching the first water I had not just more Greylag Geese but also a single Great White Egret.  White Storks to my left and a short drive up the lane to the right after crossing the long, stone bridge brought a female Red-legged Partridge with just two running chicks.  Lots of Common Swifts about as I made my way top the car park where, once again, I caught up with Mick and party.

Having added very many Magpies, we eventually reached the boardwalk through the reeds having already noted the Nightingales and found Reed, Great Read, Savi's and Cetti's Warblers.  Eventually I thought I saw a Reed Warbler dash low down through the reeds and Mick was able to confirm that it was indeed one of the local Bearded Tits.  Many thanks, Mick, just what I needed!

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

From these view points we also managed to record three Little Bitterns and now the Barn Swallows were well and truly in evidence with many youngsters already on the wing.  Continuing on round the boardwalk circuit we then added a Linnet followed by a number of Corn Buntings plus just the one female Red-crested Pochard with two young ducklings.

Corn Buntings Emberiza calandra

On the far side of the water to our right we eventually found our only Heron of the day plus a small flock of Lapwing.  A couple of Goldfinch and a female Linnet added to the day's sightings and then Mick spotted the single Sand Martin associating with the Barn Swallows.  Lots of Cormorant and nearer to hand I even found a lone Spotted Flycatcher as I walked up to the distant hide.  Nothing to be seen apart from Cormorants and a lone Spoonbill but with the path closed it was a long way back to pick up the return path o the car park.  But, on the other hand, it did give me chance to find yet more Nightingales including many juveniles.

Dinner time for this Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

As I left the Tablas I too the little country road mentioned earlier where I had found the Red-legged Partridge and continued on till the end.  Not only did I find a second Little Owl but also a rather lovely Roller sat on a sign post - but not for long when it saw the approaching car.  However, by far the biggest surprise was the flock of bout 200 Cattle Egret on the fields both sides of the road and within a hundred metres another hundred or more in the trees by the water's edge.

Sleepy Little Owl Athene noctua

Mick had already returned to find a host for the night but I took the opportunity, it now being about 7.30 to see if the Pin-tailed Sandgrouse might pit in an appearance back at Navaseca.  I had hardly stepped through the grass to the water's edge when I saw that lovely golden flash as two individuals flew in to take an evening drink.  No time to focus, just point and press the camera's shutter and hope for the best as the birds stayed only for a few seconds - obviously saw my presence and took umbrage, seems reasonable to me!  But it did mean that I had seen, with the Bearded Tit and Savi's Warbler three new species for the year.

Part of the Greylag Goose Anser anser flock

Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard,  White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Little Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Little Owl, Common Swift, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Savi's Warbler, Bearded Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting.

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 19 June

Whilst I was resting in preparation for Thursday's start to me drive north and onwards to Calais for Tuesday's ferry to Dover followed by a walk down to Caleta Harbour to take a final look at the surprising visit of a lone Red-footed Booby (and yes, I did get to see the bird in flight), friend Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group were enjoying a birding day at Cabo de Gata and the Rambla Morales.  I wonder if they found time to jump into the sea whilst the opportunity was there?  I somehow think not.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 19th June 

On our penultimate trip before breaking for the summer, we decided to go to Cabo de Gata.  Gilly managed to get the day off work, so I drove her down to the Pujaire cafe. After leaving the motorway we managed to log Jackdaw, Bee Eater, House Sparrow, House Martin, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Spotless Starling and an Iberian Grey Shrike. Whilst having coffee we were joined by Trevor, John, Karen, Michael and Kevin.  Suitably refreshed, we made our way to the first hide where Jacky was waiting.  Trevor spotted another Iberian Grey Shrike as I scanned the water and shoreline ahead of us.  Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Slender-billed Gull, Kentish Plover, Mallard, Shelduck and Black-winged Stilt.  Little Tern were dive fishing.  I found a single Yellow Wagtail on the blanket weed and a Little Egret on the far bank.  John thought he saw a pair of flying Ringed Plover before they disappeared below the shoreline shrubs.  Also seen was the odd Barn Swallow and a Thekla Lark.  Jacky and Gilly could both hear the Zitting Cisticola.  I couldn't!

Thekla Lark Galerida theklae (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We drove to the beach opposite the second hide.  Nothing on the shoreline, but I spotted a Cory's Shearwater out to sea.  From the hide itself we had good views of a couple of male Sardinian Warblers.  Trevor found a Little Egret.  Gilly counted 189 Greater Flamingos.  A Yellow-legged Gull was sitting on the island.  An Audouin's Gull had landed on the beach when we got back to the vehicles. 

Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

From the public hide we saw a Godwit species.  Due to distance and heat haze couldn't tell which. Some Gull-billed Terns made an appearance.  John found a Black-headed Gull and Jacky had a probable Corn Bunting.  A Kestrel flew over the savanna.

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

After a refreshment break we made our way to the lighthouse, but it was crowded with tourist, so after a quick look out to sea we made our way towards the Rambla Morales. Kevin spotted a Red-rumped Swallow as he drove along the road by the salinas.

Gilly and I were leading the convoy along the beach side track.  We spotted a White Wagtail and another Gull-billed Tern.  At the Rambla there were a few Kentish Plovers at the beach end.  Kevin found some White-headed Duck over the far side.  From the hump we saw about 60 Greater Flamingos as well as more White-headed Duck, a Coot and a pair of Little Grebe with chicks.  Four Shoveler flew by as did some Common Swifts.  Did hear the Zitting Cisticola this time!

We ended the day with a moderate 37 species, but it was still a good day in good company!

Regards, Dave

 

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Red-footed Booby at local Caleta harbour

Monday 17 June

What a way to start the week after last night's disappointment.  Quick look again with friend Derek Etherton for the sighted Red-footed Booby and no sooner had we left than a phone call from our mutual friend, Andy Paterson to say that bird had immediately been located resting on top of a set of floodlights - almost right above our heads.  And when well-hunkered down almost impossible to see without bins/scopes.  Initial photos take on phones at about 9.45 then back on site just after 4pm with my little camera.  The bird had now moved to the centre of the fight unit to, presumably, get a little more protection for the the very hot sun in such an exposed situation.

Most of the time the bird was preening but did look up once in a long while to give an opportunity for a head shot - but these opportunities could be measured in fractions of a second!  However note the bill, obviously not a Gannet, and also the red feet.  I have also included one more open shot to give an idea of the roosting site on top of the floodlights.  Meanwhile, down on the neighbouring beach in the harbour entrance no shortage of Audouine's Gulls and, of course, anywhere in this area is going to have visiting, noisy Monk Parakeets.

The very rare visiting Red-footed Booby Piquero Patirrojo Sula sula at Caleta Harbour , Velez Malaga.

Lots of Audouin's Gulls Gaviota de Audouin Larus audouinii but did you realise how small they are compared to their cousins

One of the scores of Monk Parakeet Cotorra Argentina Myiodsitta monachus

 
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Charca de Suarez

Common Waxbill pico de Coral Estrilda astrild

Sunday 16 June

A little cloud but still warm as I made my way to Charca de Suarez for a morning visit with friend Derek Etherton.  Steve and Elena Powell also attended but somehow manage to miss us as they, presumably followed out track but about 400m in arrears.  Eventually met up when we all retired back to my house for roast lunch prepared by Jenny.

Whilst it might be true to say that there were no too many birds on view, it is easy to take for granted the number of Red-knobbed Coots, Purple Swamphen and a rather lovely Purple Heron.  Approaching the site the drive along "Turtle Dove Alley" produced both Collared Dove and a couple of Bee-eaters followed by Zitting Cisticola and the usual House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings.  We even had a Hoopoe on the wires moving down the concrete track and a second was recorded after leaving the site to make our way back to the motorway.

Entering the reserve a couple of Backbirds and many Nightingales, including youngsters still being fed by parents, along with rather vociferous Reed and Cetti's Warblers.  The Laguna del Taraje was rather quiet with a couple of Common Coot and Moorhen with well-grown youngsters as well as a couple of Mallard families.  And all the time the continuous calling of Turtle Doves, a lovely sound to behold.  A Grey Heron flew over and then a very brief appearance by our first Purple Swamphen of the morning.

Black-winged Stilt Ciguenuela Comun Himantopus himantopus

Moving on to the Laguna del Alamo Blanco even less activity - at first.  Yes, the resident White Stork was back on site along with two pairs of Black-winged Stilts.

The resident White Stork Ciguena Blanca Ciconia ciconia

A high and distant Booted Eagle flew over in front of us and then we found the single Little Ringed Plover at the back of the water.  All that activity and almost missed the Water Vole that suddenly swam out and back into the reeds.  More Common Swifts, Barn Swallows and House Martins feeding above the water.  Then movement in the flowering grasses towards the back revealed a small flock of feeding Common Waxbill.  What busy little birds these are, never really still for long periods.

Distant record shot of the Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico Charadrius dubius

The Laguna de las Anas held very many Common Coot and a couple of Little Grebe along with  maybe a score of Mallard.  A second Grey Heron flew in to settle on the island in front of the hide where we also had good numbers of Moorhen.  Just the one Black-headed Gull on site.

A stop to watch the active Spotted Flycatchers before reaching the Laguna del Trebol where we found all our Red-knobbed Coots along with a well-concealed Purple Heron.  Now we also had Pallid Swifts flying over the water.

Purple Heron Garza Imperial Ardea purpurea

Continuing on round a re-visit to the first water produced nothing extra whereas the Laguna del Alamo Blanco now had a trio of Black-rumped Waxbill feeding on the grasses along with their Common Waxbill cousins.  Finally, as we made our way back to the gate, lovely to see a fly past by a Sparrowhawk, our second raptor of the morning.



Birds seen:
Mallard, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Purple heron, White Stork, Booted Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Black-rumped waxbill..
 

More of the Waxbills, both Common Estrilda astrild and Black-Rumped Astrild de Lomo Negro Estrilda troglodytes

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El Fondo with the Arboleas Birding Group

Saturday 15 June

There's no keeping these Arboleas Bird Group members on home turf as once more Dave and company made there up to Elche, near Alicante and that lovely El Fondo reserve.  Some great birds seen but fancy arriving after a four hour (?) drive and finding the gates locked!

El Fondo, Elche  -  Saturday 15th June

Richard came round to mine at 5.15hrs. We picked up Paul and Reyna, then John from the Overa Hotel off the autovia.

We stopped off at Cox Service Station for a coffee and tostada.  There wasn't really time to go to the football field area, so we went straight to the north gate.  Whilst we waited there, John spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike on a distant tree.  We heard both Stone Curlew and Sardinian Warbler.  Richard was first to see a flying Grey Heron and Reyna spotted a Roller flying into the eucalyptus trees next to where we were parked.  I heard, then spotted, a high flying Collared Pratincole.  John added Woodpigeon, Jackdaw and Black-winged Stilt, but his triumph was a Little Owl on some nearby power lines.  Also seen were Barn and Red-rumped Swallow, Cattle Egret, Bee-eater, Glossy Ibis and Blackbird and we hadn't even got into the reserve yet!

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As time went by we realised that no one was coming to open the gate, so we headed for the Information Centre.  John and I walked to the main building.  The place was all locked up, but we still had access to the hides and walkway.  We added a female Shoveler and Zitting Cisticola as we headed back to the others.  In the shallow waters adjacent to the car park we saw Glossy Ibis.  Richard had seen a passing Squacco Heron.  John found some Marbled Duck as well as Coot. Richard spotted a Greenfinch.  We walked to the enclosed pool by the Centre.  Two Marbled Duck flew out as we arrived.  There were a number of Red-knobbed Coot therein, none with ID collars on. There was another Glossy Ibis in there and some Mallard. 

Marbled Ducks Marmaronetta angustirostris (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We then wandered along the raised wooden walkway.  Above us there were numerous flights of Glossy Ibis plus some Night Heron and Collared Pratincoles.  John spotted the first of a number of Whiskered Tern.  They were joined later by a pair of Gull-billed Terns.  Paul managed to spot a Reed Warbler, whilst a Great Reed Warbler later nearly showed well!  It was lovely to see two or three Mediterranean Gulls fly past in full breeding plumage.  A noisy Little Ringed Plover was seen.  We then spotted some Purple Swamphens.  Remember from my last El Fondo report there had been a fight between one and Moorhens.....Well it was still carrying on today!  Again the Swamphen lost! 

Also seen were Little Grebe, Little Egret and Common Pochard.

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We moved on to the furthest hide next.  There were lots of Little Terns and Avocets with the odd Slender-billed Gull and Shelduck.  At the hide closer to the walkway we added Great Crested Grebe and a Little Bittern.  Some low flying Marbled Duck were also seen.  An immature Gull-billed Tern initially caused identification problems! 

Little Terns Sterna albifrons (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Walking back towards the vehicles, we added House Martin and Crested Lark.  Richard, who was unable to do the longer walk, had seen a couple of Little Bitterns as well.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Despite not gaining entry to the main part of the reserve we saw 47 species.  I think we'd only had about 8 more otherwise.  Surprisingly, the commonest bird today was the Glossy Ibis!  Lovely day's birding in good company.  Getting back home I checked my phone log.  There had been an unknown call yesterday that may have been from the Reserve.  I'm still glad we came, saw and conquered!

Regards, Dave

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Guadalhorce, Malaga

Thursday 13 June

On site at the Guadalhorce in Malaga just before 8.30 in the hope that the birding might be relatively comfortable before the heat really set in, as it did by mid-morning when I made an early exit to call in at the airport re tickets so only about two and a half hours on site for my almost 40 species.

Arriving I immediately saw both Jackdaws and Collared Doves and the walk to the footbridge produced a pair of Sardinian Warblers.  Crossing the footbridge plenty of House Martins in the air and a few Barn Swallows.  To my right the first Spotless Starlings of the morning and then the first Common Swifts feeding quite low.  Once over the bridge a movement to my left revealed a Zitting Cisticola and, approaching the first hide a handful of House Martins.

Once at the Laguna Casillas only the one Mallard seen and a similar count of Little Grebe.  On the other hand over a score of Black-winged Stilts with at least sight nests counted.  To add to the list, about five or more Coot and a single Moorhen.  Reed Warblers were seen and heard all around me and then a Cetti's Warbler perched on a bare branch for a few seconds.

Crested Lark Cogujada Comun Galerida cristata

On to the Wader Pool and a single Grey Heron and four Little Egret to add to yet more Black-winged Stilts. A Kestrel flew over and up returning to the pool I also added a pair of Crested Lark and a couple of Little Ringed Plover.  A passing Blackbird and a couple of Goldfinch also improved the sightings at this articular water.

Flock of resting Audouin's Gulls Gaviota de Audouin Larus audouinii

My walk to the Rio Viejo (Old River) produced a Greenfinch before checking out the water where yet more Black-winged Stilts and numerous House Martin and Common Swift were seen. A Kentish Plover was found hiding on the parched beach as a result of the evaporating water but, at the far end, a large gathering of gulls.  Using the scope the  great majority were identified as Audouin's Gulls, some compete with rings on their legs, but a small number of Slender-billed Gulls.  In with the gulls I could quickly identify a few Little Tern and then the scope zoomed in on a Common Tern and, on checking a general view of the flock on camera, I even discovered a Sandwich Tern.

Common Tern Charran Comun Sterna hirundo to the far left

Back then by the same route and on to the Laguna Escondida where as soon as I arrived a Kingfisher dashed across the water in front of me.  A few Coot and Mallard along with a trio or Little Grebe whilst towards the back a handful of White-headed Duck and maybe as many as a quartet of Pochard.  On the dead tree to my left  a couple of Bee-eaters which were later joined by a third before the arrival of a male Kestrel.

One of three Bee-eaters Abejaruco Europea Merops apiaster

Finally to the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande where all but two of the gulls were Slender-billed, the others being Black-headed Gulls.  No Acocets but a few more Black-winged Stilts and just the one Kentish Plover.  Also present, apart from Collared Doves, House Sparrow, Spotless Starlings and a constant stream of feeding House Martins over the water, a total of eleven Greater Flamingo.

Five of the Greater Flamingo Flamenco Comun Phoenicopterus roseus on Laguna Grande

With sun now well and truly beating down I decided to call it a day and head off home as I walked back towards the footbridge I stopped to watch a House Sparrow come to rest on a small perch and discovered my first Monk parakeet of the morning - and not a single sound from this normally raucous species.

Birds seen:
Mallard, Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin's Gull, Common Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Swift, Kingfisher, Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.
 

Record shot of the Sandwich Tern Charran patinegro Sterna sandvicensis

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Wednesday 12 June



The sun is still shining, and much less windy today, so good to see that Dave and Arboleas Birding Group are out and about.  It certainly seems like an interesting time as can be seen from the following report.

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa:Wednesday 12th June

So it was back to our local patch today.  I drove Richard in his car ad picked up Peter on our way to the Rambla de Almanzora, near Villaricos.  We came off the main road and slowly drove along the rambla's embankment checking for birdlife.  There were numerous House Martins and Barn Swallows hawking over the reeds.  Richard spotted a Moorhen.  We also added Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Magpie and Spotless Starling before we reached the ford.  We waited for the others to arrive, seeing Iberian Grey Shrike, Red Rumped Swallow and Common Swift.  We could hear a Stone Curlew screaming to our left.  Shortly after Jacky had arrived she found a Greenfinch in a nearby tree.  John saw a Bee-eater upon arrival and had seen a Kestrel near the Consum Supermarket.  We were joined by Trevor, Paul, Reyna and Mary.  Due to Richard's slow walking, he and Peter had already headed towards the sewage works.  We followed on, seeing Little Ringed Plover, Black Winged Stilt and Mallard.  Jacky confirmed John's possible sighting of a Turtle Dove.  She also spotted a Reed Warbler whilst the rest of us only heard them.  We also saw Hoopoe, White Wagtail, Blackbird and Goldfinch.  Richard and Paul had also seen a Sparrowhawk and Thekla Lark. The big pool only had Mallard, Little Ringed Plover and Black Winged Stilt around the edges. I spotted some distant Jackdaw before we returned to the vehicles and headed to Villaricos village for a coffee.

Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As we arrived John checked into the harbour and saw a Sandwich Tern.   Suitably refreshed and having been joined by Kevin, we made for the beach.  What with a choppy sea and the start of "grockle" season; there were no birds on the harbour rocks, so we made our way to the estuary. Jacky, I think, spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike on a tree.  Two Grey Heron flew over the reeds.  Paul found some White-headed Duck, but Jacky spotted what appeared to be a white-knobbed, Red-knobbed Coot.  As you'll see in my photograph, the red outer skin appears to have peeled off.  For a change I managed to find the Purple Swamphen before anyone else.  John had an Audouin's Gull, Jacky,

a Zitting Cisticola and everybody saw the Common Pochard.  We made our way to the beach.  There were no birds on the shoreline or rocks again because of sunbathers and walkers.  Paul was scanning the sea and did well to find a Cory's Shearwater.  I think most people manged to get the odd glimpse as it rose above the horizon from the wave troughs.  As we were heading towards the vehicles, Richard found some flying Little Egrets.

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata with "white-knobs" (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We convoyed our way to the dual carriageway opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa, seeing a Kestrel on the way.  There were numerous Black-winged Stilt, some with leggy chicks. Some Kentish Plover were seen.  I then found a Glossy Ibis, which, surprisingly was a first for Jacky. Near it were Little Egret and a Slender-billed Gull.  John spotted a tern, which turned out to be Gull-billed.  Also seen was a Black-headed Gull and a Little Grebe.  Moving further along, John added a Whiskered Tern.

Leggy young Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We then made our way to the platform opposite the AcuaPark car park.  As in the previous pools, much of the surface was covered in blanket weed.  Here we had Common Pochard with ducklings, Little Grebe, Little Egret, White Wagtail and a Great Crested Grebe seen by Richard.  The star was a flying Little Bittern, spotted by Paul, which disappeared rapidly into the reeds.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta atop the blanket weed (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 46 species. Good birding in good company!

Regards, Dave

 

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