Sunday, 7 February 2016

Parque Naturel El Hondon

Another Saturday morning with the temperature at 5 degrees, a slight wind and in not a good light, but that never matters here as there is always something to see.
I decided to take the right hand boardwalk and within seconds a Kingfisher flew, perched and flew and perched again. Another good view and they are always to be seen in this wetland. There were a flock of White Wagtails and Chiffs were flitting around almost in every bush. Then 'the big one flew - the Spotted Eagle (Moteada) flew from my left towards the line of the trees on the far right. Within a few minutes I heard two loud bangs, probably gun shots, and then it flew to my right into the line of trees along the long road leading from the gate. These sightings were excellent as it flapped unhurriedly away. It is big.
I spent most of the time in the large hide and had a good sighting of a male Penduline Tit. I even managed to view it through binoculars. I knew that Moustached Warblers were an ever present at this site and even by now I could hear a male singing but not yet showing.
Purple Gallinules were easily seen. Little Bitterns called and one flew. A Southern Grey Shrike perched in a tree. It was a peaceful morning with only a small number of watchers. The sun eventually broke through and the temperature rose to a mere 15 degrees. Thus is not a complete list of what can be seen here.

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