Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
The second of my three day passes yesterday saw me start out at El Hondo again. The Rollers were again on show at the palm plantation opposite the north gate. There was little change in the birds around San Filipe Neri visitors centre compared with last week- highlights were a singing Moustached Warbler just before the "picnic area turn". Other birds not encountered last week but seen yesterday included Cetti's Warbler, Black Tern and Spotted Redshank. A total of 7 Marbled Ducks were on the pond outside the visitors centre itself.
The viewing platforms west of Catral produced little other than flight views of terms and various herons. However the five hides along the CV-861 were a revelation; cant believe I haven't previously visited them (not sure where best to part though?). The extensive areas of open water attracted 20+ White-headed Ducks, over 100 Black-necked Grebes, many Glossy Ibis, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Marsh Harrier, Purple Gallinule and very close views of Whiskered Tern. Another Roller was close to the junction of the CV-861 and CV-865.
Then on to Clot de Galvany - highlights were a male Blue Rock Thrush, Green Sandpiper, 2 Stone Curlew, many Hoopoes, numerous Bee-eaters, Little Bittern, 2 Little Owl, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, 5 White-headed Duck (2 male, 1 female, 2 juvs), Red-rumped Swallow and Green Woodpecker.
A two hour search of the coast road produced no sign of the Robins (but huge numbers of Spotted Flycatcher and several Turtle Doves) but luckily also no "lurkers". The evening was rounded off with at least three Red-necked Nightjars churring up by Santa Pola lighthouse before I left at 10;15pm, arriving back at Los Alcazares safely in time to have missed the England match! 8-P
One day out left and in the search for something a bit different it looks like a toss up between Sierra Espuna and Sierra De Crevillente - any suggestions as to good spots for either? Interested in raptors, wheatears and ideally Rock Bunting.
The viewing platforms west of Catral produced little other than flight views of terms and various herons. However the five hides along the CV-861 were a revelation; cant believe I haven't previously visited them (not sure where best to part though?). The extensive areas of open water attracted 20+ White-headed Ducks, over 100 Black-necked Grebes, many Glossy Ibis, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Marsh Harrier, Purple Gallinule and very close views of Whiskered Tern. Another Roller was close to the junction of the CV-861 and CV-865.
Then on to Clot de Galvany - highlights were a male Blue Rock Thrush, Green Sandpiper, 2 Stone Curlew, many Hoopoes, numerous Bee-eaters, Little Bittern, 2 Little Owl, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, 5 White-headed Duck (2 male, 1 female, 2 juvs), Red-rumped Swallow and Green Woodpecker.
A two hour search of the coast road produced no sign of the Robins (but huge numbers of Spotted Flycatcher and several Turtle Doves) but luckily also no "lurkers". The evening was rounded off with at least three Red-necked Nightjars churring up by Santa Pola lighthouse before I left at 10;15pm, arriving back at Los Alcazares safely in time to have missed the England match! 8-P
One day out left and in the search for something a bit different it looks like a toss up between Sierra Espuna and Sierra De Crevillente - any suggestions as to good spots for either? Interested in raptors, wheatears and ideally Rock Bunting.
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