Lagunas de Petrola et al

On the Costa Blanca winter has been extended into March, but as always wildlife deals with the seasons. Taking that into account we decided to go inland and we anticipated that we could see some migratory species. Although optimistic we came away disappointed as we only saw one Barn Swallow and I had a brief glimpse of one Great Spotted Cuckoo and both were in our first hour.
This was on Friday 9th March. I collected Bryan from Gran Alicante and we were on our way before 8am with the intention of having a very good Great Bustard day. Traveling via A31 we turned off and headed towards Higüera. On route we quickly located at least a dozen Great Bustards. They were distant, but clearly visibly and when searching nearby we found one Little Bustard and there must have been more! The field that we looked at contained varying heights if vegetation which allowed concealment. We continued towards the village and amongst the pines and poplars we had reasonable success with Mistle Thrushes, Tree Creepers, an Iberian Green Woodpecker, Robin, Chaffinch and a Great Tit. Red Legged Partridges appeared continually. This is also an excellent site for summer birds too and on one summer day we saw 17 different species.
Larks were abundant. Calandra were calling and flying and eventually one stayed long enough to be viewed through the scope. Crested, Thekla and Skylarks were also evident.
The soil was darkened by recent rain and some caminos were muddy in places. We only turned back once.
We eventually arrived at Lagunas de Petrola and we were disappointed. Flamingos and Black Headed Gulls were easily seen, but not a wader, Pipit or Wagtail. We noted that the water level was low.
In the farmland near to Corral Rubio we had terrific sightings of two dozen Great Bustards who offered good views as they were on a ridge. They were relaxed with some sitting and others walking slowly. One male displayed showing the whiteness of his tail feathers.
When we were watching them a flock of pigeons flew around and then heading straight for us and only turning away at the last instance was a female Peregrine Falcon. What a great view we had and what a great sight to see one that close and in full flight. Heading into the village we found that water levels were again low and the causeway was dry and passable. Again there were no waders or ducks and this level of water at this time of the year does not bode well for later in the on. It would appear that they have had a very dry winter.
On the straight road out of Corral Rubio Bryan’s diligence found a male Garganey on a water that contained some Northern Shovelers and not much else. This one bird was a terrific find and considering where it has wintered, where its breeding grounds are and the number of its species. It is a great bird to locate and view.
Heading home past another small area of water we had our first waders, two Black Winged Stilts, a Kentish Plover and a Common Sandpiper. Not a great list!
I think we will not visit this area for the foreseeable future mainly because of the water levels. The lack of water birds was easily overshadowed by the terrific views of Bustards, a female Peregrine and a male Garganey.
It could be Estepas de Yecla next time and, as always, it is so good to be out and doing what we both enjoy.