I decided that another excursion to Tabarca could be good this month. The Costa Blanca Bird Club then arranged their monthly trip, and so we decided to be sociable and go with them. The sun shone, visibility was good but where were the birds? Of course there are birds and you will see something always. This island is a stop off and a refueling site for many migrating birds but not today. The nets were up with only one beautiful Willow Warbler (Mosquitero Musical) caught and then viewed closely in the ringer's hand. Sardinians (Carruca Cabecinegra) were calling and popped up giving good views. A Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudon Comun) did the same. Thekla Larks (Cogujada Montesina) - it is Theklas on this island - so the identification is a safe one and even I know the sound of a Crested Lark (Cogujada Comun) from a Thekla!
At the northern tip, on the rocks, one Whimbrel (Zarapito Trinador), two Turnstones (Vuelvepiedras Comun) with Shag (Cormoran Monudo). Walking back there was a discussion on whether some of the birds were either the former or Cormorants (Cormoran Grande). A lesson learnt in the field is one learnt well. Apart from a size comparison I now know to look at the foreheads, steep with a Shag or flat with a Cormorant. Of course, plumage can confuse!
The full list can be viewed on the CBBC web site, http://www.costablancabirdclub.com
Words of advice. Shoes are essential and definitely no sandals. The island is rocky and the ground uneven. There is a small town which is where you can eat but be warned it is dearer than the mainland. I paid two euros for a small beer (I think they must have seen me coming!) and that is far too much. Unfortunately, the meal we had was very bad but the wine was good. I think, the least said the better about the food, only made pleasant by the company that we were in.
Some of the members are visiting Sierra Morena later this month in search of El Lince - the Iberian Linx - and if you have not been there you should go. The birds ought to be good too and I hope they have good luck with this endangered cat.
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