Day Five - Our Final Day

Tuesday 6th February and our last day. It was 4 degrees with sun, cloud and a cold wind. We were informed that this was their coldest week of the winter. Our plan was simple to take a route to José Valverde Information Centre via Isla Mayor - that was recommended by Laury. We were en route from 8.30 until our arrival at I.C at 3.15pm. In June Bryan had seen a plethora of species here included a host of Black Vultures. This winter there were none on view and not much else.
There were clear views of both female and male Gadwalls and so we had our lunch and moved on.

On route an Egyptian Mongoose dashed across the road in front of the car and one crossed behind. We had two clear views.

We were now in the same location, but earlier, than Day One when we saw our first Owls. We knew the road and likely locations and we were not to be disappointed. In the marsh a herd of Fallow Deer, mainly stags with a couple of hinds looked our way.

Common Cranes were easily seen in both small groups and in one group of 70. White Storks dotted the fields and we also had three clear, but distant Black Storks as well. The verges and fences had numerous birds and I had my first very clear views of both male and female Spanish Sparrows. Corn Buntings and Stonechats were again numerous too.

Soon we saw the Short-Eared Owls and we watched them for more than an hour. They are so beautiful and the photographers were kept busy. They were an unforgettable sight.



While scanning for more Owls Trevor spotted in the distance a Hen Harrier - our first for the trip. We watched it disappear and then we located both a male and a female. After discussion it was decided that the male was a Hen and not a Montagu’s.

At one location near the pumping station we counted over fifty Nigh Herons with some in breeding plumage and others being younger birds.

It was a late drive home, but with no Barn Owl to see on this occasion and we arrived at our accommodation at 8.55 tired but pleased.

Our total now was 132. Obviously we always want to see as many species as possible, but it is quality sightings that matter most to us. And we had plenty of them. Southern Spain is a must for any birder as there are so many to see and in very good numbers. I think we will be back again.