Inland Spain for summer birds

Another early start on Friday 4th August so that we would be in Higüera before 8am and it paid off. As we approached the high speed railway line there were half-a-dozen or so Stone Curlew calling, feeding and flying around. Close by on the other side of the tracks six Great Bustards were feeding near the field margins. A Common Buzzard showed well. What a start to the day! We carried on towards the village and amongst the populars we were entertained by Golden Oriels, screeching, calling and flying in out of the trees. Some good clear views and sometimes just glimpses. At a guess somewhere between four or six birds. Added to that several Mistle Thrushes, at least two Jays, both a Green and a Great Spotted Woodpeckers called. Also one Treecreeper, some Hoopoes and several Rock Doves and one Turtle Dove flew past which we can add to the list. It pays to get out early.

We carried on towards the other bridge across the railway and on the nearby water there were numerous ducks. But first flying low and close to us was a Red Kite and we could see it 'ruddering' as it turned and adjusted its position. They maybe common in UK, but very good to view in Spain.
On the water were both species of Pochard and in shallow water were three Wood Sandpipers and maybe an indication of seasonal movement. There was at least a dozen White-headed Ducks. Other sightings there were both Little and Black-necked Grebes among the Moorhens, Coots and BW Stilts. There were also two Flamingos. We did see more Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier.

After that we headed to Petrola and saw very little on the way. At the Lagunas there was a very large number of Flamingos with at least 5-6 hundred juveniles. Does that mean they breed there?
Driving through this vast area we saw little else and we were able to drive through the dried out water near Coral Rubio and with not one Bustard in sight. We had hoped for the Little Bustards as well because all the corn had been cut and this provided clear views across the fields, but not even one glimpse.

The heat of the day had arrived, but we decided to see what Estepas de Yecla could provide, but it was not worth the effort. We headed for home after a terrific first couple of hours and with no intention of going out for some weeks. It was great to be out after at least two months. The temperature ranged from a pleasant 16 to a high of 40 in the car on the way back.