El Hondo

Saturday 14th March.
Lots of cloud cover this morning with a small threat of rain. A cold wind and the lack of sun made it colder especially after the midweek temperatures of the high twenties. The incoming Swallows could have wondered if the journey north had been a good choice!
As always with wildlife they write the script and so it was when the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteada) was perched as we drove down to the hides. It flew perched again and then it flew further away. It is a marvelous sight when it flies and it was close enough not to need binoculars.
The small tower hide easily contained the four of us and for the first time in weeks I was able to watch the lagoon and there was a lot of birds to be able to focus on. This eagle was seen perched, but in the distance for most of the morning. We were fortunate to have a very sharp eyed and knowledgeable birder with us that not only told us what he saw and heard but also imparted his knowledge. Among all the ducks, grebes and gulls a Lesser Black Backed was located, a male Pintail too, Black-necked Grebe in breeding plumage and finally towards the end of our stay three Baltic Gulls and what could have been a female Smew -what was that doing there?
In respect of the Baltic Gulls they have been seen here before, but they were a new species to me. I had to look them up when I got home and every time that I see a Lesser Black Backed I will look more intently.
Overhead Barn Swallows, Red-rumped too with one or two House Martins flew around. There were some Crag Martins with them and it cannot be to long before they head inland with the Marsh Harriers and Booted Eagles for the breeding season.
I seldom completed a species count and this morning it was forty seven. It is so good to have a site like this within 20 minutes of home. A great morning with some great company.