SAN PEDRO DOES IT AGAIN

Mark had two for the list when he picked me up this morning. He had spotted another Stone-curlew with a small squadron of Monk Parakeets screaming past. On the Campoamar Road a Green Woodpecker flew either side of us.

We headed for the Salinas at San Pedro. Starting next to the car park there were the usual culprits but thankfully we had close-up views of two Kentish Plovers. In the dune area I was able to get the scope on to a perched Dartford Warbler. Sardinians were calling and showing with Crested Larks in clear view. On the beach were a group of Sanderling with more Kentish Plovers.

Going back inland Slender-billed Gulls were only feet away from the road as were Avocet, Black-winged Stilts and a juvenile Flamingo. Michelle had photographed a Spotted Redshank here, so we were not surprised to see one but then the number rose to eight by the time we had left. Most of them were on the canal that runs alongside the road to Lo Pagan. At one time we counted over twenty birds in the water of varying species. This is a very good spot to spend some time as there is so much to see. Chiffchaffs were flitting around, a Grey Wagtail flew and perched and a beautiful cock Serin sang from the tree above our heads. Fifteen Black-tailed Godwits were in the corner by the canal with one in breeding plumage. There were also several Black-necked Grebe with one of those in his breeding plumage. Four Spoonbills were resting in the distance.

Mark was fortunate to see a Kingfisher fly, perch and dive. He then had a quick glimpse of a Reed Warbler. I believe that I may have spotted a Pipit, probably a meadow, but it did have white on the sides of the tail. I will look again.

On the way back a Kestrel flew, three Common Buzzards displayed above us with another flying away. This was in the region of the Campoamar Golf Course.

Thanks to Mark, less wind, warmer temperatures and a beautiful place to be we had another good session. The list for today was in excess of forty. I will attach the full list later.

For me my next trip will be to concentrate on an Eagle Owl location, hopefully to get a photograph and for Mark to see them fly again.