AN UPDATE FOR EL HONDON

A few weeks ago I visited El Hondon again, but in the areas that surround the visitor centre. There had been extensive work carried out with new lagoons excavated which are now flooded. The centre is now almost surrounded on three sides by water and the boardwalk has water all around it. It looks good and my impression is that it will be excellent once the vegetation recovers and provides shelter for the wildlife. Apart from two Little Ringed Plovers and possible a Kentish there was hardly any birdlife around on the bare earth.

However the skies made up for it with Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, Pallid Swifts together with Alpine. The latter were not that numerous, but were easily seen as they were flying low. A white morph Booted Eagle flew with one or two Marsh Harriers. Bluethroat, Southern Grey Shrike and also a Subalpine Warbler was seen as well. Apparently a Wryneck has been here all winter and has been seen regularly in the car park. A Merlin was seen earlier.

On the water I watched and had close up views of nine Marbled Ducks and I am told that there are a total of sixteen of them. It was so good to see those white 'marbles' clearly. A Purple Gallinule preened as the ducks swam by. On an island in the other lagoon Black-headed Gulls were resting with Mediterranean ones. I was able to compare the two species. The migration was well under way and another birder said that they had witnessed a flock of Blackcap arriving that were too numerous to count! It was well worth the visit.

Two weeks ago I made my usual Saturday morning visit via the north gate to El Hondon. There was space in the small hide which allowed good views looking over the water towards the reception centre at St. Philipe Neri. Our big eagle was in his usual tree and eventually flew away. I assumed that he was on his way north.

The Pintail showed again together with Garganey and Gadwall. Two Squacco Herons flew in and showed well. Penduline Tits, Reed Buntings, Blackcaps, the ubiquitous Chiffs, but not many other warblers were there to be seen. An amazing number of Great White Egrets were there with Glossy Ibis and others. Many of the usual were on the water and we will see many more now that the migration carries on.

Last Saturday the Spotted Eagle was no longer there and we were correct to assume he had flown away. The Mosquitos were there and they will have reinforcements before too long. Even though the migration is well under way there is still more to come. A Short-toed Eagle was seen again, but the Montague's have still to arrive. We have had very good weather for over a week and that will aid the incoming birds. Just after the wind had abated a seemingly tired male Hobby was in San Miguel and one was flying over the marsh, but not confirmed by others.

On Thursday I again visited the public side of the marsh where the new scrapes are showing green shoots above the water line. There are many birds here now including Collared Pratincole and about thirty Little Stint were flying around with four Wood Sandpipers. It is all looking good for the forthcoming days.