Travel Birding to the North of Spain

Thursday 16 June 

Happy birthday to my youngest son up in Valencia as I start my long car journey back to the UK with three days of Spanish birding long the way.  With the car packed to the roof and just the passenger seat for my travel needs and birding equipment I was away from Velez de Benaudalla at 7.30 and off via Granada to Ciudad Real for my first of three overnight stops.

Reaching the far north of Jaen province and Andalucia, I left the motorway just north of Sant Elena to take the A6200 mountain road to Aldeaquemada.  This a mere 21 km drive that was to take almost an hour as the narrow road twisted and turned as it sneaked its way up the mountain through continuous pine woods and the occasional panoramic view over the valley below before dropping down to my destination.  Fortunately, just three vehicles past me on the opposite direction - and always, it seemed, on a bend!  On the other hand, this was the best road surface I have travelled on anywhere in the past few years; it had obviously been completely resurfaced in the very recent past.  With the sun blazing down, clear blue skies and the temperature already in the mid-thirties I did wonder whether I would see any birds at all.

Approaching the summit a Carrion Crow flew over the road in front of me and on the opposite side a foraging Rock Bunting.  A couple op Wood Pigeon as I reached the summit and then a pair of Booted Eagles circling overhead.  Working my way down I had a couple of Goldfinches and once in the village Pallid Swifts, House Martins, Collared Doves, Spotless Starlings and House Sparrows.

Passing through the village in the hope that I might find a bar open so that I could stop for a coffee, I found myself heading on towards Ciudad Real (according to the SatNav) but the road, whilst still very narrow was no longer the [pristine affair I had been used to .  Coming to a bridge across a small stream before a right-angle turn to the right I stopped to check the water and was rewarded with a couple of Jays flying up stream to an old tree and the first Blackbird of the morning.

No sooner had I continued than the road turned into a solid, wide track but easily drivable and the SatNav telling me I am going in the correct direction and 40kms to my destination. About 6km on as I crossed a small shaded river I cam to a sudden stop as I was confronted by a pair of locked gates across the track.  Obviously not to the way to Amarillo nevermind Ciudad Real!  But nothing ventured, nothing gained as I reversed the car and then took my binoculars (when will I ever learn to also take the camera with me?) to check the river below.  A dark shape disappeared upstream and a another Blackbird on the bank taking a drink at the water's edge.  Wondering if the river held a Dipper or two I patiently waited and scanned and was then rewarded when a most handsome male Golden Oriole landed at the water's edge to the right and quickly flew up a metre to rest on an exposed branch.  What a magnificent view but no camera again!  A walk with the camera along the river bank did not produce the bird.

So, a hazardous multi-point turn on a narrow track with sheer drop on either side and back to the village and take the correct road, still the A6200, towards Ciudad Real and, yes, once more a beautiful surface.  Ere long I was across the border into Castille La Mancha and sitting on the wires a Turtle Dove to complete my day's sightings and the temperature now determined to hit the 40C mark as I arrived at my hotel.

Birds seen: 

Booted Eagle, Pallid Swift, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Golden Oriole, Jay, Carrion Crow, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Rock Bunting.

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Rio Velez, Torre del Mar

Monday 13 June

Mouth of the Rio Velez with many Mallard Anas playrhynchos and a pair of Purple Swamphen 

Nearing the end of my present stay in Spain so an early morning visit to the Rio Velez in Torre del Mar for an hour at 9 to say a fond farewell and at least there was still water in the newly-created lagoon.  Lovely dry and sunny weather and able to see a good selection of birds for driving back to Motril to sort out bits and pieces before closing up.  

Good to see lots of activity with many Barn Swallows and a couple of juvenile Goldfinch before the appearance of both Spotless Starlings and House Martins.   A Blackbird flew across the track and Nightingales were calling from the dry river bed below as a Spotted Flycatcher watched me from its perch on the nearby fence.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Moving slowly down the track I noticed the many House Sparrows and found a male Kestrel "hiding" at the top of a pylon.  A male Chaffinch was resting within a metre and then it was tm e to stop and checkout the first sight of water in what was left of the rapidly receding river. A trio of Black-winged Stilts, a single Mallard and a Little Ringed Plover.

You can hide but we can still find the Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

On down to the hide and much quieter than my last visit.  No shortage of Barn Swallows, House Martins and Pallid Swifts overhead and drinking the water on the wing.  To my right another Little Ringed Plover and a couple of Black-winged Stilts working the far bank.  To my far left a resting mixed flock of mainly Audouin's and a few Yellow-legged Gulls.  Nearby, both Moorhen and a couple of Purple Swamphen.  A trio of Monk Parakeets flew over and then the appearance of a small number if Common Swifts.

Audouin's Gulls Larus audouinii

The walk along the beach to check the lagoon at the end of the river produced another three Purple Swamphen and fifty Mallards including two clutches of 10 and 8 ducklings.  Starting my walk back  m along the far bank I observed a couple of Crested Lark and the first of the Reed Warblers, another Nightingale plus a good number of Collared Doves along the way.  A handful of Goldfinches and then both Wood Pigeon and Rock Doves before reaching the car and departure.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio with Mallard (front)

Female Mallard Anus platyrhynchos with Purple Swamphen to right

Birds seen:  

Mallard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Audouin's Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Monk Parakeet, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Nightingale, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, 

Distant Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

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Charca de Suarez, Motril

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

 Thursday 9 June

Setting off early I drove to the Charca de Suarez the long way round in order to check if the local Shag(s) might still be present at Charcuna to the east of Motril.  Ten minutes scanning the sea in front proved negative so scope back in boot and car started for the onward journey.  Then I looked out of the car, which was parked facing the sea, and there was a dark bird on the water somewhere between 20 and 30 metres off shore.  Bins and scope back in action and able to make a positive identification of a juvenile Shag.  Much pleasure albeit I did wonder where the other juveniles and adults might be that were recorded in the same general area within the past fortnight.  A very happy me then drove on to the Charca arriving in time for the 6pm opening where I spent the next ninety minutes.

Collared Doves as I entered the reserve followed by a Turtle Dove, half-dozen Serin, a pair of Great Tit and a Blackcap as I headed straight to the bamboo hide overlooking the Laguna del Taraje where, much to my surprise, I found an empty water.  Eventually a Purple Swamphen put in a brief appearance and a Spotted Flycatcher posed for a lengthy time in the shade of the bare tree in front of the hide.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

Reed Warblers as I moved on to the large hide overlooking the Laguna del Alamo Blanco where, once again, little to be seen n the ow overgrown vegetation.  A Little Egret landed and disappeared at the far end and in the channel to my left a Moorhen and the only Glossy Ibis seen during the visit.  On the other hand, there were a number of House Sparrows feeding tin the area.  The track leading to the back gate produced both Cetti's Warblers and Nightingales along with a handful of Goldfinch and then it was on the main hide over looking the Laguna de las Aneas recording a number of Blackbirds on the walk.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus hiding away from the heat

Checking the water there appeared to be a similar number of both Common and Red-knobbed Coot along with a score or more Mallard and a handful of Moorhen.  Just a couple of Little Grebe and a another Little Egret and Purple Swamphen.  Overhead many feeding House Martins and less than a dozen Barn Swallows.  Just the one Black-headed but no shortage of Yellow-legged Gulls.

A couple of minutes before reaching the track leading up to the northern hide overlooking the Laguna del Trebol a large tree was blown down by the increasing wind and blocked the path so on round to the far hide on the southern side of the water passing more Turtle Doves.  More Red-knobbed Coots, Moorhen and House Sparrows along with a single White Wagtail.  

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Just a pair of resting Red-knobbed Coots at the Laguna del Lirio so back to the car and check the Camino Patria at the back of the reserve.  First an Iberian Yellow Wagtail quickly followed by a trio of Rock Doves, Spotless Starlings and a pair of Hoopoe so rounding up to a total of 30 species for the evening.

Looks like this large Tortoise managed to escape from its compound!

Birds seen:

Mallard, Little Grebe, Shag, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Common Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Pallid Swift, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Nightingale, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Serin, Goldfinch.

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Guadix

 Wednesday 8 June

An overnight stay at the Hacienda, Albunan just south of Guadix on Tuesday evening so that Steve Powell and I could make an early start the following morning to check out a trio of sites in the area with the main target bird being the Citril Finch high in the Sierra Nevada.  Another very warm, clear and sunny day as we made our way under the A92 motorway and up a narrow road into the nearby valley first finding both resting Buzzard and Magpie along with Collared Doves, House Sparrow and the inevitable Rock Doves when near civilization.

Little Owl Athene noctua (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Once in the open, almost barren, countryside we found many Crested and even a few Calandra Larks. Stopping to check yet more doves and pigeons on the wires we actually found a pair of Stock Doves before seeing our first Black Wheatear of the morning.  Approaching our destination near some ruined buildings we passed a large ruined farm which seemed to have attracted dozens of Jackdaw.  A stop on the roadside a little further along the lane to check a silhouette on a low rock scree produced a magnificent Iberian Green Woodpecker before continuing on to the above ruin.  Once parked up we soon added Hoopoe and a couple of Chough along with more Black Wheatear.  A Little Owl spent a few minutes on a nearby roof and then the first of a trio of Wood Larks.  

Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Once the Spotless Starlings had put in an appearance we made our way back towards the motorway and a large irrigation pond recording Kestrel, Blackbird, a small group of Short-toed Larks on the road in front of us and a lone Raven.

Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

The pond area itself was most disappointing and no Golden Orioles us; just a single Serin and another Raven before the Wood Pigeon flew over and away. Then, minutes later, a Spotted Flycatcher in a nearby tree.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Then it was back onto the A92 before picking up the N337 to take us to the high Sierra Nevada at Puerto de Ragua at 2000 metres.  Despite spending two hours in the pine woods at this beautiful location we were unable to see a Citril Finch albeit pretty certain that I heard a couple or more.  There were numerous singing/calling Chaffinches and we did also find a pair of Blue Tit and at least a trio of Crested Tits.  I added both Nuthatch and a female Crossbill whilst Steve manage to find and get record shots of a Pied Flycatcher.  And as we left to continue on the same road to take us down to (eventually) the A7 at Adra and back home, we added a single Black Redstart.

Male Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros (PHOTO: Steve Powell)

Poor quality record shots in the dark below the pine trees:

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Crested Tit Parus cristatus

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Birds seen:     

Buzzard, Kestrel, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Short-toed Lark, Wood Lark, Crested Lark, Black Redstart, Black Wheatear, Blackbird, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Crested Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Chough, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, Crossbill.

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Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa

Wednesday 8 June 

Whilst I was up near Guadix in Granada province in search of Citril Finch and others, Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group seemed to be doing very well further east as they explored the Ramble de Almanzora and Vera Playa eventually amassing 40 species including some very good sightings.  Well done to the group and the cat rescue!

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 8th June

This week we stayed local.  I headed for the Rambla de Almanzora, joining it just past the Desert Springs golf complex turn off.  I wanted to check the state of the shallow pools.  Glad I did because they had all but evaporated.  There was some water at the bases of the concrete weirs.  I could only see Moorhen, Mallard and the odd Black-winged Stilt so not worth returning with the rest of the group.  I also saw 5 Bee-eaters, some Spotless Starlings and a Magpie.  Crossing the ford, which did have water in it, I only saw a Moorhen with chicks.  Already at the meeting place were new birders, Peter and Sarah. We were joined by Barrie and Beryl, Mike and Kierston, Trevor and NZ Peter.  Barrie pointed out a Greenfinch and a Woodpigeon.  Overhead we saw Barn Swallow, House Martin and Common Swift. 

Bee-eaters Merops apiaster (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We began to walk up towards the sewage works.  I spotted a Hoopoe on the far side. Barrie added another.  A Zitting Cisticola flew by and was strangely quiet.  A Yellow-legged Gull was seen.  At about this point I heard the sound of a cat in the bushes.  Poor thing was half starved with an infected eye.  Calling it out it stayed with us as we approached the little pools.  There was work going on so nothing to see there.  Barrie spotted the first of many Glossy Ibises in the corner of the large pool.  There were lots of female Mallards on the water or on the bank.  A Little Grebe was seen.  Keirston spotted a pair of White Wagtails.  I decided to rescue the cat so carried it back to my truck.  The others added Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler and Little Ringed Plover.  They also heard Reed Warbler and Serin.

Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus with friends

After a cuppa in Villaricos village we headed to the beach where there were a number of sunbathers. Barrie spotted an Audouin's Gull.  We thought there was nothing on the rocks till we saw a silhouette which turned out to be a Turnstone. 

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

Myself and NZ Peter drove round to the estuary embankment where we met up with Jacky.  She'd seen Grey Heron, a Night Heron, Red-crested Pochard and heard a Nightingale.  The others walked over to us, some forgoing the climb up the embankment.  There was a row of Audouin's Gulls by the beach.  A Little Egret was causing panic within a shoal of large fish.  A Kentish Plover showed well just below Trevor and I.  Barrie added a Cormorant when they returned to the cars.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Meanwhile NZ Peter and I had made our way to the dual carriageway behind Vera Playa.  The first birds we saw were some Glossy Ibis as well as Little Egret.  We were joined by the others.  Also seen were Black-winged Stilts, Common Pochard, Coot and nesting Black-headed Gulls.  A Cattle Egret seemed to fly up and down the wetlands a few times.  Trevor spotted a single Avocet.  Jacky found a resting Night Heron and I saw a low flying Little Bittern.  We moved to the other side of the hump.  Had a better view of the Night Heron, albeit at a distance.  

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I found a Black-necked Grebe on a nest.  Being in a bit of a rush due to the cat, Trevor and I left them to go to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Consum supermarket.  We usually go to the far one, but as the lake is covered in blanket weed, we gave it a miss.  Before us were 30 Greater Flamingos, Common Pochards and Black-headed Gulls on a sandy spit.  A female Red-crested Pochard with ducklings was swimming in front of us.  A Bee-eater was hunting and dipping down for a drink as well.  We missed the Little Bittern that Barrie saw flying towards us.  They added a Kestrel.

Female Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina with ducklings

(PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We ended up with 40 species seen.  A great day.  Saw 6 flying Glossy Ibis by the Desert Springs turn off.  The cat is settling in at home.

Regards

Dave

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Osuna, Los Palacios & Trebujena

Rufous Bushchat Cercotrichas galactotes

Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 June

Three excellent days of birding in Sevilla and Cadiz province with my dear friend Derek Etherton. And even the weather was in full cooperation with warm sunshine yet a little broken cloud to keep away the extreme heat.  Osuna on Thursday morning had target birds of Montagu''s Harrier and Roller whereas in the afternoon at Los Palacios de Villafranca we were hoping top find the elusive Laughing Dove.  A couple of nights in Alcala ought to provide plenty of Lesser Kestrel then Friday's visit to Trebujena had Rufous Bush Chat as the prime target bird to be followed by something different nearer the ponds and salinas close to the Guadalquivir near Sanlucar de Barrameda followed by a stop at Chipiona on the way back to Alcala to find the resident breeding colony of Little Swifts.  Finally, a stop at the Marismas de Cetina on the outskirts of Cadiz city would hopefully provide both Collared Pratincole and Short-toed Larks on Saturday morning before setting out on the long journey back to Malaga. Eight target birds and all achieved; now that's some great birding and we also managed to record over 90 species in total.

Sunflowers opening up all around

Following our breakfast on arriving at Osuna we were soon seeing many of the expected birds but it soon became obvious that there were many Turtle Doves about and this was to be a feature of the following days.  A Spectacled Warbler quickly followed by a Hoopoe then Spanish Sparrows and Ravens as we awaited one of our target birds.  It seemed everything but as we recorded Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and White Stork followed by Short-toed Lark (earlier than expected) then a couple of Calandra Larks.  At last our first Montagu's Harrier of the day.

Marsh Harrier Circaetus gallicus (left) with Montagu's Harrier Circus macrourus (right)

Even better as we worked our way round the back of the "Triangle" not just Bee-eater and Corn Bunting but a number of Lesser Kestrels near the ruined farm on the back track and then, at last, our one and only Roller of the morning and, indeed, the whole visit.  More excitement to follow as our first Cattle Egrets were followed by a Black-shouldered Kite and then Black Kite.  Even the Magpie was a pleasant surprise.

Distant record shot of Roller Coracias garrulus

On then to Los Palacios de Villafranca where we hoped, given previous instructions re location, to find one of the handful of resident Laughing Doves.  And what some finding it took only claiming our target right at the end of the visit when we had all but given up hope.  Gull-billed Tern overhead then a passing Purple Heron as we checked all the trees in the river bed below. Bee-eaters above along with more Black Kites and Spanish Sparrows.

Bee-eater Merops apiaster in Rufous Bushchat tree

A walk along the top track on the opposite side of the dry river bed to the dirt road led us to a fabulous flooded area with hundreds of Glossy Ibis and many Spoonbills as a starter,  Little Tern, Purple Swamphen and both Cattle and Little Egrets whilst behind us a Red-rumped Swallow and many calling Nightingales.  Lots of calling Reed Warblers and then a lovely Woodchat Shrike resting on a fallen log and our first Sardinian Warbler of the dat.  Above us a circling Booted Eagle as we made our way back to the car and, at last, we heard the Laughing Gull and as we waited and searched the bird flew a short distance between trees and I managed to catch a brief view as it walked deeper into the foliage at the centre of the tree.

A few of the hundreds of Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

So on to our accommodation in Alcala where we were surrounded by a mixture of House Martin, Pallid Swift and Lesser Kestrels.  What a welcome; and the same was to follow on the second evening.

Come Friday we were away by 7.50 for the drive to Trebujena and ere leaving a visit to the roof terrace by Derek not only produced Lesser Kestrels, House Martins and Pallid Swifts but also a passing Peregrine Falcon.

Hundreds of Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus present

Given for potential sites we were at the first by 9 o'clock and within three minutes a Melodious Warbler who vacated his perch in the tree immediately in front of us to be replaced by the handsome Rufous Bush Chat.  And we watched it for many a minute or more along with passing House Martin, Common Swift and a close Woodchat Shrike.  Likewise, the second site came up trumps with two Rufous Bush Chats as did the fourth site albeit we were unsuccessful at the third site.  The final site also produced Marsh Harrier, Pallid Swift and Black Kite.

The Rufous Bushchat Cercotrichas galactotes replaced the Melodious Warbler

On down to the outskirts of Trebujena near the Rio Guadalquivir where we had a range of birds on the new reserve albeit we had to observe from the road as the gate never seems to be open.  Almost immediately a Red-crested Pochard with ducklings and the first of a handful of Purple Swamphens.  Little Grebe, Flamingos and many Spoonbill along with Common Pochard, Heron, Little Egret and many Avocets added to the attraction.  Then came the couple of  Collared Pratincoles, many Iberian Yellow Wagtails, Zitting Cisticola, Black-tailed Godwit and Purple Heron. On the far bank of the mighty Guadalquivir a lone Great White Egret.

Lots of Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia were seen

On next to the large pool at the edge of the woods adjacent to Algaida near Bonanza.  Night Heron and both Little and Cattle Egrets plus a couple of Kentish Plover and a small number of Glossy Ibis and White-headed Ducks.  In the reeds Reed Warblers and a couple of Little Ringed Plover. Both Marsh Harrier and Black Kite were also recorded.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (extreme left) with Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Moving on round the corner we visited the two pools on the outskirts of Sanlucar de Barrameda we found very many White-headed Ducks along with more Red-crested Pochards, both Common and Pallid Swifts.  A walk through the neighbouring pine trees then produced Spotted Flycatcher, Common Waxbill and Nightingales but, best of all, a Great Reed Warbler.

Female White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

The final stop was at the commercial fishing port at Chipiona where, due to the light shower, all the local Little Swifts were feeding low and in and out of their colony nesting site.  So back all the way to Alcala and more of the expected Lesser Kestrels, etc.

The un tidy nest of a Little Swift Apus affinis that breeds en masse

Time to set off back home come Saturday so an early start to enable us to visit the now accessible reserve at the Marismas de Cetina where the salina pools are superb during migration periods.  Nevertheless, we soon saw our target birds of Collared Pratincoles and Short-toed Larks.  In addition plenty of Glossy Ibis and Iberian Yellow Wagtails before checking the water itself where we found many Flamingos, Kentish Plover along with a few Redshank, many Black-tailed Godwits plus a couple of Lapwing.  Also mainly Yellow-legged with a handful of Black-headed Gulls but, in addition, a small group of Slender-billed Gulls. The occasional sighting of Little Terns added to the attraction. Breeding White Storks, more Cattle than Little Egret and both a single Spoonbill and Night Heron flew over during our visit. In addition to the Mallards there was a small number of Shelduck and, of course, very many Black-winged Stilts and Avocets.

Scores of Collared Pratincoles Glareola pratincola

Raptors included Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture and Booted Eagle and as we left a single Sparrowhawk. As we left the salinas we found a lone Turnstone and then a stop in the trees at the entrance produced a number of Greenfinch, Sardinian Warbler, Crested Lark, Red-legged Partridge and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Very many Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta with many breeding on site

What a way to end some fabulous birding over the past three days and and 90 species recorded.

Iberian Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae

Birds seen:

Shelduck, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, White-headed Duck, Red-legged Partridge, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Purple Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Flamingo, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Griffon Vulture, Booted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Black-winged Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Term, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Laughing Gull,  Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Rufous Bushchat, Nightingale, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, Woodchat Shrike, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Waxbill, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting, Black-headed Weaver.

Glossy Ibis approaching a pair of Whiskered Terns Chlidonias hybrida

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina family

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Mainly breeding Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

Distant Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

More Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia

White Stork Ciconia ciconia guarding both nest and hide!

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