Guadalhorce: Day Two

 Friday 15 January

It all went wrong!  Oversleeping meant that I arrived at the Guadalhorce about half an hour later than anticipated at 8.30, so missing the possible chance of seeing the local Barn Owl.  A quartet of Jackdaw greeted me as I approached and on getting out of the car a Hoopoe was posed on top of the fence on the opposite side of the road. A handful of Monk Parakeets then proceeded into the reserve and the first of the morning's Black Redstarts was recorded as I started my walk towards the footbridge.  Chiffchaffs on and off the fence to my left and once on the bridge I soon picked out the resident Rock Doves under the motorway bridge and a Heron at the river's edge.  A Little Egret was hunting slightly further upstream and as I made my way to the Laguna Casillas a large number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were heading inland.

Once at the hide I had a White Wagtail on the path whilst on the water itself a number of Coot and a couple of Little Grebe and a Moorhen.  The juvenile Flamingo had obviously spent the night here and a Collared Dove flew across the water in front of me.  So on to the Wader Pool where, once again, at least 40 Shoveler present along with another pair of Little Grebe and the occasional passing Cormorant.  Towards the back a small flock of Serin were resting in a nearby tree.

Moving on to the Sea Watch I noticed the many Black-headed Gulls heading upstream using the eastern arm of the river and once able to study the sea in the much calmer conditions, despite the low early morning sun, another Great Skua and even a single Balearic Shearwater.  On the beach both a small flock of Sanderling and thirteen Kentish Plover.  A Crested Lark flew into the breeding area just behind me and a Kestrel was resting atop a distant tree,  Mainly Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the water until a pair of Sandwich Terns flew westwards in front of me.

Shelduck Tarro Blanco Tadorna tadorna

Starting the walk back alongside friend Andy Paterson we noted Stonechat, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and another Hoopoe along with more White Wagtail and House Sparrows.  Splitting away from Andy, I continued on round to the Laguna Escondida picking up a pair of Blackcap on the way.  Nothing to be seen on this water so onwards to the Laguna Grande and the main hide where I connected once more with Mick Richardson who had met up with us just before we left the Sea Watch.  Lots more activity on the water albeit mainly towards the back.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus with Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Near the hide a single Greenshank and Redshank along with a handful of Black-winged Stilts and about half-dozen Shelduck.  Lots of Shoveler in the pool beyond the bank to our left and the islands away to the the left held a couple of score of Cormorant along with both a Heron and Little Egret.  At the far back I only managed to count a dozen Black-necked Grebes but Mick had already found a quartet of Red-crested Pochard and a couple of male White-headed Ducks hiding in the far corner.  Another, or was it the same, Flamingo was seen and then time to record the arriving Crag Martins to feed over the water.  Meanwhile, the visiting Starlings were mainly Spotless and but also a small number of their Northern (Common) cousins.

Distant White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

So, at 11.30 having recorded 42 species in less than three hours we made our departure to meet up again at near-to-home Caleta harbour to see if we could find the visiting "rare" gulls.

Distant Red-crested Pochard Pato Colarado Netta rufina

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Balearic Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Redshank, Greenshank, Great Skua, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Common Starling, 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

Guadalhorce: Day One

 Thursday 14 January

With the imminent return to lockdown at the week-end restricting one to their respective local municipality, I though it vest to take the last potential opportunity to pay a two-day visit to the Guadalhorce in Malaga to cover both late afternoon and early morning.  Today it was an afternoon visit arriving on site at 1.30 to check out the pools and sea and then, all being well, perhaps see the wintering Short-eared Owl(s) come out for their evening quartering over the meadows. It certainly seemed a good ides with the sun streaming down from a clear blue sky  but, I must admit, I had not factored in the very strong, cold wind; definitely an afternoon for multi layers!

Greenshank Archibebe Claro Tringa nebularia

All very quiet when I arrived and not a bird seen until i reached the Laguna Casillas where I found just ten Coots and a couple of Little Grebe. Moving on to the Wader Pool I noted a single Greenfinch and upon arrival a flock of forty Shoveler at the far end of the water along with a couple of Mallard.  Another couple of Little Grebe and then a fly-[past of five Black-winged Stilts.  A juvenile Flamingo was resting mid-water, no islands today with the water at a very high level, and a constant stream of individual Cormorant moving to and from the main laguna behind the trees at the back.

A walk to the Sea watch produced a White Wagtail and looking out at he rough sea I did manage to pick up the Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a couple of diving Gannets but, perhaps, the best sighting was that of a relatively close Great Skua.  Then it was back to the Wader Hide where, apart from Chiffchaff and Collared Dove, a female Marsh Harrier flew over.  Shortly after I was joined by Derek and Barabara Etherton along with Jerry and Barbara Laycock where we watched an Osprey fly slowly past us before the marauding Monk Parakeets travelling in the opposite direction.  A Buzzard was seen over the back of the area and Jerry managed to find a lone Black-necked Grebe at the very back of the water and then we all set of back to the Sea Watch.  Much time was spent checking the rough ground on the left where we duly recorded a number of Meadow Pipits along with Stonechat and Black Redstart.

Leaving the beach area we made our way back to the main hide overlooking the Laguna Grande.  Many more Shoveler and a resting Common Sandpiper as we approached the hide. A bare tree behind the wader held a quartet of Common along with a score of Spotless Starlings.  Immediately in front of the hide we had more than a handful of feeding Black-winged Stilt along with a couple of Greenshank and a single Redshank.  On the water nearby a handful of Coot and half-dozen Shelduck, The usual islands to the left held over forty Cormorant and a single Little Egret appeared at the back.  Towards the very back of the water a large flock of eighteen Black-necked Grebes were working their way from far left to right.  Gulls seemed to be mainly of the Yellow-legged variety.

Time to move back to the Laguna Escondida and settle in hoping to see the early evening sight of the Short-teared Owls.  By now it was very cold and the wind seemed even stronger, especially as it was blowing directly into our faces from the north. Lots of feeding Crag Martins and then the arrival of a single House Martin.  On the water itself just a handful of Coot.  With the weather showing no signs of improvement we decided it was probably far too windy for the owl to appear and decided to call it a day whilst we could still feel our fingers.

Common Sandpiper Andarrios Chico Actitis hypoleucos

Whilst the others moved off I remained for a few minutes to sort out my gear and was rewarded when a lone Barn Swallow flew past the front of the hide creating a lovely silhouette of body and long streamers, almost certainly a male.  Calling to the others who had almost reached the main track, Derek started back and then a cry from the rothers to look up.  Thinking they meant they had also seen the Barn Sallow we, too, joined them.  But no, not a Barn Swallow but Jerry had seen the second Marsh Harrier along with another which turned out to be a "Ring-tail" (female Hen Harrier) at a very high and distant point towards the hills.  What an end to the day and I have a sneaking suspicion that as a result of walking back to me Derek may have missed both the harrier and the swallow. 

Common Redshank Archibebe Comun Tringa totanus

Walking back to towards the bridge I noticed the Heron in the meadow and at the far end also picked up a male Sardinian Warbler.  So ended an enjoyable afternoon, despite the strong, cold wind, and in lovely company.

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Flamingo, Coot, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Great Skua, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch.

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

Ventas de Zafarraya and its Hinterland

 Wednesday 13 January

Back from an early visit to the local doctor so that I could let "Lady Dracula" suck out some blood prior to my annual check-up next week, so time to get organised and drive up to the old railway track at Ventas de Zafarraya which crosses the Malaga/Granada provincial border.  At least upon arriving at 10.30 the sun was now shining on the mirador side of the old tunnel, the temperature seemed warmer than the 7C suggested by the car but very little bird life about.  The walk up to the old ruin and back produced plenty of Black Redstarts and, at the far end, the targeted bird, a male Blue Rock Thrush.  Moving past the cliff face holding the large cave I had a single Rock Bunting and once through the tunnel a couple of Serin.  Both Chaffinch and Thekla Lark were recorded at the far end of the walk and approaching the tunnel on the return walk a couple of Black Wheatears flew up onto the wires above.

Leaving the railway line, I made my way through the village and out into the fertile market garden area where the irrigation pond held a score of Mallard.  Plenty of White Wagtails in the area along with the occasional Spotless Starling, a small number of House Sparrows and a Greenfinch.  Then, making my way towards the "Magpie Woods," I actually had at least a dozen Iberian Magpies around the water trough just beyond the last produce field.

Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athene noctua

Once clear of the woods and making my way through the arable fields I soon picked up at least seven Magpies, Crested Lark and Corn Bunting.  A Stonechat was resting on a stalk at the side of the road and as I approached my "Owl Destination" a small covey of Red-legged Partridge flew across the road.  Stopping the car it did not take me long to find the sleeping Little Owl and, photos taken, moved on to take the large left-hand loop back to the road I had just traversed.  The first Kestrel of the day put in an appearance and, stopping at a ford to check the local bushes, a Robin flew down to alight in front of the car and bid me welcome to his domain.  Lots more Chaffinches but no sign of any Brambling.  Finally, a female Sardinian Warbler before heading back towards Ventas de Zafarraya.

Female Sardinian Warbler Curruca Cabecinegra Sylvia melanocephala

A last minute decision saw me turn left as I approached the village to make the ten minute diversion up to the woods at El Robledal in the hope that I might find a Jay and even possibly a Green Woodpecker.  A Blackbird as soon as I turned on the track followed by a couple of distant Chaffinches but then nothing.  Approaching the picnic area I realised why the cars were parked at the start of the turn off as a mixture of mud and thawing snow had left a rather messy track.  Nothing ventured, I carried on and parked so that I could take a walk around the back of the picnic area but no bird life whatsoever.

It seemed a good idea at the time and I had hardly reached the main track as I set off for home when I saw a very distant Wood Pigeon just above the tree line and, as I stopped to focus my bins, a Jay crossed the road in the opposite direction.  Must have been fete!  But if that was fete, what was to follow?  Once through the main pines I stopped in my usual place to check the almond trees for a resting Iberian Grey Shrike and saw what appeared to be a very strange Buzzard resting atop a large, bare bush.  Time to raise the bins, see the impressive yellow tallons, hawk-like features and far too large to be a Sparrowhawk.  As I reached for the camera off the passenger seat the bird dropped down out of sight to presumably pick something up.  Thinking I had time, I carefully moved the car to the left to hopefully give me a better view through the door window, glass already lowered, but the bird was up and away to the left with what can only be described as powerful but unrushed wing beats, tail out straight behind and not the "mad dash" of a Sparrowhawk.  I could not believe what I had just seen; surely a female Goshawk. So having watched the lady fly off to the left and out of sight I turned the engine off and reached for the guides to check on what I had just seen.  Yes, no doubt, a female Northern Goshawk.  Now that certainly did make my day.

A snowy El Robledal

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Goshawk, Kestrel, Wood Pigeon, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Little Owl, White Wagtail, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Jay, Iberian Magpie, Magpie, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

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

Huetor Tajar Area

 11 January 2021

Snow-capped Sierras to the east of Huetor Tajar

A lovely day's birding in the countryside east of Huertor Tajor in Granada province with friend Mick Richardson.  rain overnight on the coast but 7C when I set off to Huertor Tajar using the motorway for the 80 minutes ride.  Well below freezing as I reached the top of the climb from Malaga and on towards Loja with lovely snowy mountain scenes to my right.  Arriving at our meting point the temperature, following overnight frost, was a miserly -1C!  Brhhh!  Then, without further ado, it was off to the upper Cacin valley area to explore the Moreleda Fields of Loja.  With Mick's car in for repairs and my scope still sitting inside the garage waiting to be put in the car this morning it was going to be a "bins only" day.

Crossing the river as we departed Huetor Tajar a quartet of Muscovey Duck were hanging out with the local feral geese and we soon added the first of very many Linnets for the day.  Collared Doves and Thekla Larks and arriving at the sandgrouse fields a drive through the olive  grove was unsuccessful in finding the local Black-bellied Sandgrouse but certainly no shortage of White Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches and more Linnets.  Whilst in the immediate area we continued to find more species including a distant Iberian Grey Shrike and good numbers of both Black Redstart and Corn Bunting.  The occasional Sardinian Warbler kept us busy before find our first Little Owl resting on the wall of the distant ruin.

As we left the site to drive down into the Cacin valley we encountered Greenfinch, Crested Lark and Stonechat plus a small number of Spotless Starling and, passing through El Turro, both Feral Pigeons and House Sparrows.  The stop in the trees half-way down to the reservoir was most productive in finding many smaller species.  First the Wood Pigeons followed by a calling Iberian Green Woodpecker and a couple of rows of Starlings, both Common and Spotless, on the wires across the neighbouring field before recording all the tit family of Blue, Great, Crested, Long-tailed and Coal Tit. Chiffchaffs were feeding nearby and a distant Wood Lark was heard then moved very close to us in the taller trees where we caught the most briefest of sightings. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming away to the left of us then sighted as it flew away to the distant right.

Crested Tits Herrerillo Capuchino Parus cristatus

A stop just before the bridge below the reservoir gave us the chance to walk back along the outflow channel where further Great and Blue Tits were seen along with both Robin and Blackbird.  A small charm of Goldfinch flew past and a male Marsh Harrier appeared over the top of the reservoir dam in front of us. Nearer to the bridge itself our first Blackcap of the morning.

Stopping to check out the reservoir itself it was obvious that the water level had risen considerably in the past week or so.  No Water Rail on this occasion but very many White Wagtails and three Marsh Harriers.  Just a couple of Moorhen abut at least a half-dozen Coot along with a few Cormorant and good numbers of Shoveler, Pochard and Teal.  Only a handful of Mallard recorded. Over the water very many feeding Crag Martin.

Then it was through the village of Cacin and up to the hills above passing Hoopoe and Buzzard on the way before a couple of Kestrel were observed.  passing through an olive grove a Song Thrush dashed way into the trees and when at the "Look out" no sign of any eagles but a distant flock of Jackdaw was noticed.  

Having already seen a couple of Little Owls we slowed the car right down approaching a roadside hedge of small almond trees and, sure enough, we found another two resting Little Owls and at very close quarters.  Both birds remained in the their relative trees whilst the cameras got busy from inside the car.

Little Owl Mochuelo Comun Athene noctua

Making our way back through the almond trees towards Huetor Tajar we finally found not only many small flocks of Chaffinch and Goldfinch but, finally, a large number of Serin.  In addition, we were once more now back in fertile Iberian Magpie territory with many noted as we drove along the road.  A Grey Wagtail crossed the road and still the White Wagtails were all about.

A few of the Little Bustards Sison Comun Tetrax tetrax

No sooner had we made our way to our stop on the narrow lane opposite the presently favoured site of the wintering Little Bustards than we had a lone Heron along with at least fifteen Little Bustards in the long grass.  Very large numbers of Linnet, Goldfinch and Meadow Pipits feeding on the adjacent fields and, as we searched the area we witnessed a flock of approximately forty Golden Plover passing over to our front.  Three Cattle Egrets were found along with a few Tree Sparrows, Hoopoe, Chiffchaff, a single Bluethroat and a score or more Sky Larks.  All that was left now was to note the dozen or so Stone Curlew before dropping Mick back at his home then setting off myself for Mezquitilla. However, I did make a very brief stop at Ventas de Zafarraya to find a single Black Wheatear on the wires above the old railway track.

More Little Bustards Sison Comun Tetrax tetrax

Birds seen:

Muscovey Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Golden Plover, Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Wood Lark, Sky Lark, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Iberian Grey Shrike, Iberian Magpie, Magpie, Jackdaw, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Crossbill, Corn Bunting.

We almost reached the snowy fields!

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

Algarrobo Cost Once Again

 Sunday 10 January 

Certainly not a dry riverbed at the moment looking at the lower weir

The forecast said that our wet spell had ended but upon drawing the curtains it evidently had not as it was absolutely pouring the wet stuff.  However, it did finally stop late morning so I was able to take a quick walk up the Rio Algarrobo and back in an hour, returning just as the rain decided it would service us with a little more!  The walk was a little shorter than usual as the fast flowing river was now about 10cm deep over the ford and I certainly did not fancy wading through in just trainers.  So, no detour via the sewage works and unable to check on the usually present Cattle Egrets.  Entering the trees at the start of the walk I could see that there was plenty of accumulated water and the first bird recorded was a male Blackbird to be followed by another three in the same area and more further upstream.  The first of the White Wagtails departed the path and at the same time I noted both the first of very many Collared Doves and the raucous five Monk Parakeets decided they would prefer to be somewhere else.

One of the male Blackbirds Turdus merula

Continuing on my first make Black Redstart and the large bare tree produced five resting Wood Pigeons along with a lone female Kestrel.  

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus and female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Almost immediately a couple of Common Starlings and, approaching the sports hall, more Collared Doves, White Wagtails and Black Redstarts.  The occasional Lesser Black-backed Gull overhead but as soon as I was beyond the motorway underpass gull numbers rapidly increased over the hidden reservoir.  In addition, very many Crag Martins, including at least a dozen resting on the rusty fence above me, with a probable total well in excess of thirty individuals. 

Resting Crag Martins Ptyonoprogne rupestris

A single female Stonechat was resting on a tree to my right and the sunken grassy area to the right of the entrance to the Experimental Station had White Wagtails and at least half a dozen Chiffchaff plus a quartet of feeding Meadow Pipits.  Even better, as I approached to take a closer look a Green Sandpiper flew up from the water-logged ground below me.

Female Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

On the opposite side of the now rapidly-flowing river a mixed party of twenty starlings, mainly Spotless but also a few Common Starlings.  A final stop at the garden to the far end of the hidden reservoir produced a single Serin before I started the return journey.  Approaching the Experimental Station entrance I noted a female Sardinian Warbler and in the grassy area described above even more Chiffchaff and a single Hoopoe resting in a tree at the back along with a number of Collared Doves. Passing the football stadium, the grassy bank to the river produced a couple of departing Linnet but with too much water flowing over the ford I gave the sewage works a miss on this occasion. 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

As already stated, back before the light rain recommenced and even in the short space of time managed to record a very credible twenty species in the bare hour.

No walking across the ford at the moment!

Birds seen:

Kestrel, Green Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, Serin, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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

Algarrobo Costa

 Thursday 7 January 

After all the recent good weather the wet days had to eventually arrive.  And they did, with a vengeance, starting after lunch yesterday and no let up since, albeit the occasional easing up a little.  What's even worse, depending upon how you look at such matters, the forecast says more of the same for the next three to four days so little chance of a Loja visit in the immediate future.

So, having returned from what seemed a bi-annual visit to the local barber (at my age you need to hang on to what you've got for as long as possible!) I drove up the camino running parallel to the Rio Algarrobo with a stop both before and just after the motorway underpass.  This side a number of Collared Doves plus a handful of resting, wet Wood Pigeons at the top of the  usual bare tree and then, below me a couple of House Sparrows.  

First up a trio of Common Starlings followed by more of the same before I finally came across eleven of the local Spotless Starlings. With the river now flowing at a fair rate of knots, I disturbed a Hoopoe resting on the road almost in front of the Experimental Station and then both a number of Meadow Pipits and the first Serin of the day.  Blackbirds and Black Redstart were duly noted and a drive past the sewage works produced no less than seven Cattle Egrets following a couple of foraging Chiffchaff.  Even a couple of Goldfinches out in the rain.

Common (Northern) Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Over the "hidden reservoir" about a half-dozen Crag Martins and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls to join the couple of, presumably, injured specimens I had noted along with a trio of Cormorant before starting the drive inland from the beach.

Surprise of the day?  Almost as many Common as Spotless Starlings and not a single White Wagtail nor Mon Parakeet seen during the whole time.  Now that is strange for the site, especially with regard to the latter!

Birds seen:

Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Meadow Pipit, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.

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

Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Tuesday 5 January

Tomorrow being "Kings day" and a national holiday in Spain, my friend Dave Elliott-Binns took his Arbleas Birding Group over to Caba de Gata a day early and so miss the potential crowds.  Reading Dave's report. is it not amazing that just seven days difference and almost a completely different set of birds.  Lots of birds seen by Dave and company that were not on show to me and yet I managed to actually find all those Dotterel and Trumpeter Finches.  If birding is so cyclical, then I think, perhaps, next week might be a good time for me to re-visit the site and see if I can catch up with two the two "hot-shots," Dotterel and Trumpeter Finch, for this year's bird list!

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Tuesday 5th January

It being Kings Day in Spain tomorrow I decided we'd venture out a day early this week, returning to Cabo de Gata, where my friend, Bob Wright, had an awesome time last week.  I picked Rob up at 08.00.  It was very cold with frost on Gilly's car.  I drove down the A7/E15 coming off at junction 467 where the birding list begins.  We spotted Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Blackbird and House Sparrow before we approached the first hide.  An Iberian Grey Shrike was waiting for us on a telegraph pole. We scanned the view in front of us.  The water level was down.  Greater Flamingos were in abundance.  At each hide I counted the number in each salina.  A total of 778 for the day.  Waders seen from the first hide included Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilts, a single Oystercatcher, a few Grey Plovers plus Kentish and Ringed Plovers.  Also seen were Shelduck and some distant Spoonbill.  Some Cormorants flew over.  At this point we were joined by John.  He'd popped up the rear track and had seen Kestrel, Black Redstart, Meadow Pipit and both Northern and Spotless Starlings.  We waited for John to do a scan before comparing notes.  He found some Bar-tailed Godwits, Little Egret, Mallard and Yellow-legged Gull.  Rob found a Redshank as well as spotting a few overflying Crag Martins.

After a cold quenching hot coffee, we drove slowly up the beach road, checking the savannah for any birds.  All we saw was a Greenfinch and a female Black Restart.  Rob spotted some Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Out to sea we saw Sandwich Terns and Gannets.  The walk to the second hide produced Chiffchaff and Thekla Lark.  At the hide we had a better view of the Spoonbills.  There were 18 in all, many with rings on.  John found some Slender-billed Gulls.  On the walk back a male Sardinian Warbler showed well.

Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia with both Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus and Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (PHOTO: Davis Elliott-Binns)

We then drove very slowly up the roadside track searching for Dotterel and Trumpeter Finch (as seen by Bob last week).  Nada, nothing.  There were lots of cyclists going up and down the road. 

We walked to the middle hide.  We added Stonechat on the way.  Nothing new from the hide.  Saw Redshank, Shelduck and Dunlin.

The public hide  produced much of the same.  I counted the row of Cormorants on the causeway; 220! John found a small raft of Black-necked Grebes.  We left via the church track, following some cyclists so didn't see anything at all.  Driving slowly back along the beach road we still didn't see any Dotterel, but did see a flying Raven.

We then headed towards the Rambla Morales.  En-route I spotted a flock of small birds on the right hand savannah.  Got out for a better view.  Lesser Short Toed Larks, 50 of them!  We reached the parking area.  Didn't bother with the estuary end as a couple of cyclists were walking past it.  We walked down to the hump.  We flushed a Grey Heron.  We struggled to find three Mallard, one Moorhen and a Little Grebe.

Our final bird was a Hoopoe on the way back to the motorway.  We ended up with 43 species.  A bit disappointed with the day's birding but that's the way it goes sometimes!  One Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, no Avocets, Dotterel or Trumpeter finches.  Thank you Rob & John for the good company.

Regards, Dave

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