Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 18 May

Great day's outing by Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group with lots of wonderful sightings.  Just hope I do half as well with a visit to the local Rio Velez in Torre del Mar tomorrow morning with my friend Bryan.  Particularly liked the sighting of Roller and Lesser Kestrel.

Sierra de Maria   -   Wednesday 18th May

I was travelling on my own today, so to save on fuel I ditched the truck and used the Vauxhall Insignia. More comfortable and has a working air conditioning!  I headed north on the A7/E15 and veered off towards Granada.  Passing Velez Blanco, I commenced the list.  By the time I'd reached Maria town I'd seen Common Swift, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling and Woodpigeon.  Sitting beside the Repsol garage having a cup of coffee I observed numerous House Martins nesting under their canopy as well as more Common Swifts chasing each other.  I was joined by Trevor, Frans and Marga, Ab and Jenni and Barrie and Beryl.  Barrie had seen a Griffon Vulture near Velez Blanco. 

Having finished our refreshments we headed up to the chapel, seeing a Magpie en route.  Once parked up, a scan of the mountain ridge revealed three Griffon Vultures.  We heard then saw a Rock Sparrow. We could also hear a vociferous Nightingale from across the smallholding.  A Blackbird flew past.  A Great Tit was also seen.  There was nothing near the water trough, mind you, there was a stiff breeze which could keep the smaller birds in cover.  We strolled up the slope towards the Botanical Garden. Barrie, who's hot on bird song, identified a Woodlark.  Not a lot in the gardens so we started off along the lower walk, leaving Marga by "Adrian's" bench.  Barrie spotted a Blue Tit.  We all heard 2 or 3 Golden Orioles.  A small flight of Crossbill flew over.  Barrie audio identified a Spectacled Warbler flying past.  Getting back to Marga to discover she'd actually seen a Golden Oriole.  Not to be outdone, a male then flew over.  On the way down the slope Trevor spotted a Rock Bunting.

We drove along to the old farm house.  Barrie heard a Corn Bunting.  Trevor saw a Hoopoe as did Frans a bit later.  There were a few Barn Swallows flying around.  In my search for the elusive Corn Bunting, I found a distant Woodchat Shrike.  Also seen were White Wagtail and Goldfinch.

We drove to the farm water trough and only added Collared Dove and a male Northern Wheatear but I did see a plume of 20 or so Griffon Vultures over to the right whilst driving there.  We saw more Northern Wheatears as we convoyed along the plain.  We also had Thekla and Calandra Lark, Linnet and Carrion Crow.  We were unhappy that the annual Lesser Kestrel colony at the hamlet had not formed this year.  We did see more Rock Sparrows.  We headed back towards the La Piza forest cafe, Barrie seeing two Short-toed Larks en route.  Some grockles (tourists) were picnicking near the bird feeders so we only saw one Blue Tit.  Trevor and I then headed home and the others, with Barrie in command, were going to do the loop.  This is what they saw :-

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe olenanthe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

After lunch myself, Beryl, Franz, Marga, Ab and Jenny decided to do the loop.  Apart from the ever present Crested Larks and the odd Corn Bunting nothing was noted until we started the track from Canadas de Canepla.  We were serenaded all the way along the track by a succession of Corn Buntings. Only a few hundred yards along the track was the first of 6 Black-eared Wheatears followed quite quickly by some Rock Sparrows.  Within a few minutes we managed to see a female Lesser Kestrel in flight by a Roller which was perched on the fence line and we managed to creep to within about 10 yards of the bird so all had excellent views.  A Magpie was noted between the Roller sighting and the pen where we stopped for a good look around.  The only bird of note was a Black-eared Wheatear which all managed to see as the first one was just a fly by.  A little further on was a Bee-eater flying over the field to the right and a Nightingale singing from the barranco.  Some Linnets were also noted. As we reached the cliffs 2 Red-legged Partridge were in the road but didn’t stay long.  As we reached the end of the cliffs a falcon was spotted which turned out to be a Hobby.  The final birds were 2 Griffon Vultures and 2 Red -billed Chough over the village of Fuente Nueva.

Well, Trevor and I missed some good sightings!  A combined total of 40 birds by my reckoning.  A great day in good company!

Regards

Dave

 Great report Dave and will we ever know what Barrie and pals happened to see after your departure? !!!!!

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Sunday 15 May

Charca de Suarez, Motril at 10 o’clock to meet up with friends Derek and Barbara Etherton for an enjoyable visit to this pleasant reserve. Waiting for the gates to open a couple of Common Swift passed overhead towards the beach and once inside and walking towards the bamboo hide overlooking the Laguna del Taraje Blackbird, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Collared Dove and a lone Robin recorded.  Once inside the hide very little to be seen on the water other than a handful of Mallard, a female Pochard, Little Grebe and a couple of a pair of Little Egrets beat a hasty flight away as we entered.  However, at the hide we met up with birding colleague from the UK, Don Mooney and most pleased that he was happy to join us for the rest of the visit including and onward exploration after departure from the reserve. Also heard whilst in the hide a Turtle Dove and number of Nightingales.

Walking to the Laguna del Alamo Blanco more calling Turtle Doves and very vociferous Cetti’s Warblers. The northern hide overlooking Taraje produced our first of many Red-knobbed Coots of the morning and another Great Tit.  Serins in the trees and then a first Zitting Cisticola but the delight of the second water was the handful of foraging Common Waxbill plus a single male Red Avadavat.

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild

Before striking out for the main laguna we took a short walk to the rear entrance of the reserve and were delighted to find a Purple Heron that had been “hiding” in a ditch to our right.  Above and around us many House Martins along with a single Barn Swallow before Derek was first to spot the arriving Spotless Starlings.  Then, immediately close to our left, a Turtle Dove resting atop a pole.  A lone Yellow-legged Gull flew over our heads and then as we walked back to take the track to the main hide the calling Bee-eaters had all four of us looking up to find these gorgeous and beautiful coloured summer visitors. Moving on we saw more Cetti’s Warblers, Blackbirds, Common Waxbills and the first Reed Warblers.

Purple Swamphen Calamon Comun Porphyrio porphyrio

Once inside the main hide overlooking the Laguna de las Aneas we soon discovered, once again, that Red-knobbed Coots far outnumbered their cousins, the Common Coot.  A Purple Swamphen was preening immediately opposite us on the island and a second discovered not so far away.  No shortage of Mallard and even a lovely group of Pochard including growing ducklings.  Just the one Little Grebe seen but a couple of Common Sandpiper provided an alternative species.  A few Barn Swallows were feeding over the water and at the back right we picked up not only a couple of Grey Herron in the tall, bare tree but a Little Egret immediately below them and below the latter the first of three Squacco Herons that were to be seen during our visit.  More Little Egrets at the base of the tree and right at the back not only resting Mallards but a single Muscovey Duck, the latter more white than black and almost certainly either a feral bird or escapee. A single Black-winged Stilt paddled to the side of the island before we took our leave.

Distant Muscovey Duck Cairina moschata

Approaching the Laguna del Trebol we stopped to admire the hunting Spotted Flycatchers and the water itself produced many more Red-knobbed Coot plus a White Wagtail, many House Sparrows and our third Squacco Heron.  Moving on we recorded both a Greenfinch and a male Common Kestrel then more Common Waxbill before reaching the final hide overlooking the Laguna del Lirio which had nothing to show other than a few more Red-knobbed Coots.

Very distant record shot of Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

With about fifteen minutes to spare before closing tome we took a return visit to the Laguna Del Taraje and were well rewarded, not just with Cetti’s but a lone Olivaceous Warbler. Now that was a very welcome bonus!

Departing at 1pm we took the Camino Patria at the back in order that both Derek and Don would find it for future visits and even saw a further four Turtle Doves.  Then it was straight up to Velez de Benaudalla to take the track at the back of the Guadalfeo as Derek hoped that the Dipper might be on show and Don had never seen a Golden Oriole; one was to be disappointed and the other well pleased!

No sooner over the little hump-back bridge and onto the track northwards than we had a Blackbird followed by a number of House Sparrows and a Grey Wagtail resting on a log in the river.  Almost immediately not only a White Wagtail but Barbara and Derek watched an Iberian Yellow Wagtail fly up from the river and over the nearby fence; lucky them.  Then, for Don’s benefit, the first Golden Oriole of at least three calling from somewhere within the foliage of the nearby tree.

Next it was Serins and Chaffinches before a second stop and more Golden Orioles calling plus a very brief sighting plus calling Hoopoe.  Not surprisingly there were many calling Cetti’s Warblers and a nearby Collared Dove.  A few Spotless Starlings flew over and this stop also provided close views of Spotted Flycatchers.  Our final stop was at the packed picnic area with children, adults and dogs in and around the water so no chance of finding a Dipper.  We did, however, record yet more Golden Orioles and another brief sighting in addition to more Chaffinches, House Sparrows and Spotted Flycatchers.  And so our morning’s birding ended as Don set off for the now relatively close motorway and back to Mijas Costa in Malaga province and Barbara and Derek joined Jenny and I for lunch, being welcomed home by the nesting House Martins on the neighbouring houses and even a few Pallid Swifts at a higher altitude – and they, too, nest in the village.  Most enjoyable and such good company.

Distant shot of resting Little Egrets Egretta garzetta

Birds seen:

Muscovey Duck, Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Common Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Robin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Blackcap, Great Tit, Golden Oriole, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Red Avadavat, Chaffinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Resting Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

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Rio Guadalfeo, Velez de Benaudalla

 Thursday 12 May

The Guadalfeo picnic area and you might just pick out the Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata in te middle of the picture resting on top of what looks like the nearer dog kennel

Determined to see if the Dipper  really was back at the local Rio Guadalfeo I decided to make an early morning visit to the picnic area before the dog walkers thought of arising and the children would be in school, so off to the river at 7.45.  Making my way down the track from the main road I immediately recorded both Great Tit and a good number of Chaffinches. Both Blackbird and Wood Pigeon were added as I passed the first of the smallholdings and approaching the picnic are there was a trio of Rock Doves and a single Hoopoe.  Imagine, therefore, my horror to discover that somebody had camped the night in their white van along with the adjacent car - unless, of course, they were present for some other nefarious reason! Thinking all the best plans of man, etc I made my way to the water's edge and t my right noticed the small brown blob bobbing in and out of the water,  Difficult lighting as I looked directly into the sun but realising that the Dipper was back in what would appear to be its favoured foraging spot I, nevertheless, took a couple of record shots (see Facebook page for a more detailed gallery of Dipper shots). Using the limited tree cover I made my way slightly upstream to try and get the angled sun behind me and although the bird crossed the river managed to get a couple of better efforts.  At this point worth pointing out that the Dipper when first seen as in the company of a White Wagtail.

Early morning Dipper Cinclus cinclus on the far side of the Rio Guadalfeo

During the whole of this experience there was the constant calling of at least two Golden Orioles and even more when I eventually carried on down the track to its end at the back of the water control station.  Within the picnic area at least four Spotted Flycatchers and a handful of the local breeding House Sparrows plus more Chaffinches and a couple of Great Tits.  A male Blackcap flew in next to me and started to sing and on the ground a pair of foraging Goldfinches.  Continuing on down the track more Chaffinches and Golden Orioles plus both a Zitting Cisticola and a Greenfinch.  Lots of calling Cetti's Warblers.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Approaching the holding pans of the water control a sleeping Heron in a nearby tree that kindly woke up as a second Heron passed in front. Once on top of the works to look down into the pools a quartet of Coot including a couple of well grown youngsters and a Little Ringed Plover resting on a side wall.  Ere long it was joined by a Grey Wagtail. With a Nightingale singing below me and both Common Swifts and House Martins above I started out on the return drive and added a male Mallard. But before reaching the steps down to the car a male Golden Oriole flew overhead past me and disappeared into the large eucalyptus tree.  Hearing is one thing but trying to find the bird in the tree is a different matter altogether.  Having seen the bird land I took a chance and photographed the whole tree just in case!

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Time to drive towards Motril so that I could clean all the dust of the car but not before driving the short length of track on the other side of the river as I approached the gorge.  An immediate Little Egret was a welcome sight as it watched the fast flowing stream next to the track and then scores of House Martins which had come down to feed on the insects above the water and vegetation.

At the end of the track a Spotted Flycatcher and a couple of Great Tits and looking up was in time to see the Peregrine Falcon passing over the high cliff face.  Returning towards the road I added a couple of Spotless Starlings and a single Common Swift plus a passing Barn Swallow. Then it was time to get the car power hosed and back home for a shower and change of clothing.  But did I capture a shot of the Golden Oriole that passed overhead whilst at the water station and would I have a printable shot of the Dipper?

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Birds seen:    

Mallard, Little Egret, Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Common Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Dipper, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Blackcap. Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Can you just make out the Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus?
  The enlargement below might just offer a little help

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Sierra Loja and the area around the Cacin Valley

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Wednesday 11 May

Away in the dark so that I could make an early start climbing up the Sierra Loja in search of both Rock Thrush and the three local wheatears. Arriving in time to take the track up from the service station on the A92 at 7.50 I was immediately surrounded by House Sparrows and then a Sardinian Warbler crossed the entry track.  The first stop at the lower picnic site produced numerous Serins along with a few Wood Pigeon and many Barn Swallows. Passing Blackbirds and Chaffinches I soon arrived at the main quarry, nearly driving over the first two of very many to be seen Red-legged Partridges during the morning.  An early Rock Bunting and male Blue Rock Thrush suggested, I hoped, that I might have a productive morning.

So up the track passing Crested Lark and Stonechat until I reached the tree line and the first Choughs and Jackdaws. Now it was the Thekla Larks that put in a appearance along with the first and only Northern Wheatear.  A small flock of Spotless Starlings before arriving at the electricity sub-station where I encountered a Raven.

Record shot of Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

All relatively quiet for the next half-hour and nothing to see at the Charca Negra albeit the pools were very full.  It may have been suggesting a temperature of 16C but the strong cold wind did its best to convince you that it was much colder and keep the body warmer zipped up!  Stopping at the Fossil Cave I was able to watch the local Crag Martins making use of the site and perched on the very top above then a single, male Black-eared Wheatear; what a lovely sight.  On the grass to my right a pair of foraging Linnets and above me a passing male Kestrel.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

The cliff face just beyond was to prove very productive.  First a couple of Black Wheatear quickly followed by Blue Rock Thrush and a handful of Rock Sparrows. A lone Griffon Vulture drifted away above me and then, after much searching, I finally found a female Rock Thrush.  Probably the same bird but it seemed intent on dropping from the cliff top to somewhere lower down and then reappearing; probably either nest building or awaiting the return of her partner.

Much time was spent on the top and before returning the Charca Negra so that I could also explore the northerly track but before arriving found a single Woodchat Shrike atop the cliffs.  As I finally decided, after well over three hours that it was time to head back to the service station to use the facilities before moving on, I picked up a female Black Redstart and back at the bottom of the mountain a handful of Rock Doves plus a couple of Collared Doves.  The visit was certainly noted for some lovely sightings of Black-eared Wheatears and no shortage of Rock Buntings today.

Distant shot of the Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

Having eaten most of my picnic lunch I made my way via the A92 to the Cacin Valley area where, upon arrival at the extensive growing fields I wished to explore, soon added Collared Dove, House Sparrows and Barn Swallows.  Driving through the olive groves I picked up a quartet of Magpies and a single Corn Bunting.

There followed maybe twenty miles (32 km) of farm tracks which produced the occasional birds including Buzzard, Spotless Starlings, Crested Larks and even the occasional Wood Pigeon.  Back on the “proper” country lane I soon saw a Hoopoe fly across and then it was time to drive through El Turro and down to the Cacin reservoir.  Lots of Chaffinches about and even a Golden Oriole calling when I reached the bridge on the bend at the bottom.

Buzzard Buteo buteo through the car windscreen

On the water itself a number of both Mallard and Pochard along with Coots and a pair of Black-winged Stilt. A Marsh Harrier quartered along the far side of the water.  My final sightings as I headed away from the area were an Iberian Grey Shrike and a single Bee-eater.  Back home at 3.15 and ready for a late siesta!

A "cock of the rock" Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Birds seen:

Mallard, Pochard, Red-legged Partridge, Griffon Vulture, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Coot, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Iberian Grey Shrike, Magpie, Jackdaw, Chough, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Linnet, Rock Bunting, Corn Bunting.

Still some snow on top of the sierras

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Charca de Suarez, Motril

Spotted Flycatcher Musciapa striata

Tuesday 10 May

Back in Velez de Benaudalla by mid-afternoon so decided to pay an evening visit to the Charca de Suarez in Motril.  AS usual I approached the site by driving east along the Camino Patria and had soon recorded Collared Dove and Barn Swallows.  However, best of all a patient Turtle Dove sitting on the wires awaiting its personal photo call. Also recorded before arriving on site a couple of Rock Doves, House Sparrows, a pair of Goldfinches and almost a dozen Serin.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Once inside the reserve straight to the Laguna del Taraje, passing a pair of Spotted Flycatchers, Blackbirds and a pair of Greenfinches, where only Mallards, a single Little Grebe and a departing pair of Little Egrets were recorded.  The hide at the far end had a pair of Mallard, Red-knobbed Coot and a couple of Moorhen on show.

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata

On to the Laguna del Alamo Bklanco where the grass seemed even higher and completely blocked out any view of the back but the falling levels had produced mud and, in turn, this had attracted a Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and couple of Dunlin.  Meanwhile, lots of noise from the resident Cetti’s Warblers.  House Martins continued to fly overhead as I made way back into the main reserve and the clockwise path.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

A Nightingale rested beneath a bush as I passed and once inside the hide it was obvious that the main occupants of the Laguna de las Aneas were a mixture of Mallards and Red-knobbed Coots.  Just a handful of Common Coots and a couple of Common Pochard. Checking the edges found a lovely Heron and almost a dozen Little Egrets either roosting in a tree or on the far bank.  However, keeping quite next to one of the above Little Egrets an adult Night Heron and a second not more than two metres away but well hidden by the greenery.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Plenty of Moorhen to be seen and even more surprising at least eleven Common Sandpipers, mainly resting atop the poles sticking up out of the water.  Just the four Cormorants on the water and another Little Grebe before time to make my exit from the shortened visit with only the many calling Reed Warblers to add to the species list for the evening but also a pair of Spotted Flycatchers that seemed to stay with me for the length of the track.

Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos

Birds seen:

Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Night Heron, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Common Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, House Sparrow, Serin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Male House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata with sole remaining chick

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Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

 Tuesday 10 May

With just over an hour to occupy myself whilst Jenny met up with a friend in Torre del Mar I took myself off down to the Rio Velez and straight to the hide overlooking the newly-created lagoon to replace the meadow in front of said hide.  Approaching the hide I recorded House Sparrow, Blackbird, Spotless Starling and Serin.  Once settle inside very apparent that the water is either being quickly evaporated or slowly draining way as level were down almost a foot since last week’s visit.  Nevertheless, still plenty of waders to be seen starting with the Ringed Plover and Dunlin immediately on front of me.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Checking the greater area, I recorded a Greenshank almost opposite me behind the island and a second at the far end to my right.  Common Redshanks were readily available and still at least half-a-dozen Dunlin on site. With both Pallid Swifts and a handful of House Martins feeding above the water I next picked up a pair of Black-winged Stilts. It was lovely to find a single Sanderling but upon visiting the beach far end of the lagoon I also note another couple more in summer plumage. Also at the far end a dozen Black-headed Gulls, more Dunlin and even a couple of Common Sandpipers.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Looking back up the river there were a few Mallards on show along with a quartet of Moorhen. Continuing on to walk back along the far side of the river I came across a pair of Collared Doves and there was no shortage of calling Reed Warblers along with the occasional Nightingale. A male Sardinian Warbler dashed across the path from bush to bush and a lone Barn Swallow glided past me overhead.  Finally, as seems to be happening a lot these past few days, a Spotted Flycatcher put in an appearance and a Mallard on the upper river brought up 22 species in a bare hour.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Birds seen:

Mallard, Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Greenshank, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Collared Dove, Pallid Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,  Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin

Sleeping Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Summer plumage Sanderling Calidris alba

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 Wednesday 11 May

Looks we were both out in the hot sunshine today but, for me, decidedly on the cool side atop the Sierra Loja from early morning.  Great to see Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group out and about and finding a great selection of birds.  Still hope to join them for a meet in June once out here on my own again.

Cabo de Gata & Rambla Morales: Wednesday 11th May

As I was travelling alone down to Cabo de Gata, I left early so I could "do" the rear of the reserve.  I came off at junction 467 (761) on the A7/E15 and started the list.  By the time I'd got to Cabo village I'd seen Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow and Thekla Lark.  As I drove along the beach road I added a pair of Greenfinch perched on the roadside wooden fence.

Reaching the start of the rear track, I stopped to write up the list and then moved off.  The first salina is usually devoid of birds, but today was different.  The first birds were Shelduck, followed by Avocet, a single Spotted Redshank, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Ringed Plover and Dunlin.  Next were some Slender-billed and Yellow-legged Gulls.  On the far bank was a Grey Plover in full breeding plumage. On a sandbank, there were 4 Whimbrel in a row.  Also seen were Greater Flamingos and Little Egret. Smaller birds included Spotless Starlings, an Iberian Grey Shrike on the power line, an Iberian Yellow Wagtail and a vociferous Corn Bunting.  There was a steady stream of passing Gull-billed Terns.  As I got to the hedge where little birds seem to recover from their migration, I was delighted to see a Purple Heron take off from the left hand shrubland.  As I got back on to the tarmac, I saw a small flock of Goldfinch.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

As I waited for the other members to arrive at the first hide I spotted a Black-winged Stilt, a House Martin and a female Black-eared Wheatear.  I was joined by Franz and Marga, Trevor, Michael and Karen and Ab and Jenny.  Scanning the water in front of the hide we saw Avocet, Greater Flamingos and Slender-billed Gulls.  Down the left hand waters edge I found a couple of Little Egrets and a single Spoonbill.  A rescue helicopter overflying flushed some Mallard from the wet area behind us.  Also seen were Thekla Lark, House Sparrow and Common Swift. 

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We made our way to the second hide.  The sea was calm and devoid of birds.  At the hide we found an Iberian Grey Shrike.  Nothing else was added to the list so we returned to the vehicles.  Who should turn up but Barrie and Beryl who'd literally just got off the early morning flight from Gatwick!  Now that's dedication!

We moved to the public hide.  We added Little Tern and Red-rumped Swallow.  Barrie spotted Dunlin and Redshank.  Franz found a Ringed Plover.  Some Yellow Wagtails were seen.  The drive along the church track only produced some Greenfinch.

We next headed towards the Rambla Morales.  I missed the Zitting Cisticola seen by Barrie and Franz. At the brackish lake there was a wide variety of Terns.  We saw Whiskered, Gull-billed, Common and Sandwich Terns.  The water level was surprisingly low with a sandy shelf on the far side.  On there were Dunlin, some sitting terns, Ringed and Kentish Plover and a Sanderling found by Franz.  Barrie was the first to see the flying Glossy Ibis which landed further along the lake.  There were 4 White-headed Duck.  Barrie found a Black-necked Grebe.  Also seen were Black-winged Stilt, House Martin, Black-headed and Slender-billed Gulls and Common Pochard.  Karen spotted a Goldfinch.

It was lovely to be out with the group again.  Sunny weather with a breeze.  We ended up with 45 species.  Great day in good company. 

Regards

Dave

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