Estepas De Yecla

On Tuesday 5th June at 7.25am we left Gran Alacant with the temperature a very pleasant 21 degrees. We arrived on the edge of Estepas de Yecla just an hour later in heavy cloud, some light rain and only 9 degrees. However, it didn't matter that much as we already had our first raptor when an adult Bonelli’s Eagle flew across our vision and we were able to watch it for several minutes. We had some target birds in mind and this area being very good for Larks we spent some time searching the various suitable habitats for them. One particular field had been recently worked and what vegetation had been growing, in this stony soil, was drying out on top. We took our time and had easy views of Crested, but with Thekla being more difficult. Calandra were very evident, calling, flying and feeding on the ground. Short-toed were easily spotted in the tracks and when perched.

(Greater) Short Toed Lark

Calandra Lark

It was when we were paying attention to Larks that a large white bird was seen in an Almond Tree. Again we watched our second raptor fly away. This time it was a very pale Short Toed Eagle. We already had heard Sandgrouse calling and then four Pintailed flew around us and then again they too disappeared in the distance. We kept on hearing them and they flew twice more with our last sighting quite low and near to the car. That was the closest I have been to this species.

The farm buildings were devoid of Lesser Kestrels, but there were two feeding in the air and on the ground nearby. A photo of a grounded male proved that the ID was correct.

Other species were Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Serin, Linnet, of the seed eating birds and with Green-woodpeckers both seen and heard. In many respects it was a disappointing list and some of the frequently previously seen not in evidence. Bee-eaters and Woodchat Snrikes have been very common here in the past, but today, only a small number of the former and just two Shrikes.

Woodchat Shrike

Of the Corvids, Crows showed well, a few Jackdaws too and six Chough flew and perched. Several Little Owls were on show too.

We normally see more Kestrels here, but it seems that things are changing. We know that Spring was very late and the weather still is very unreliable. As another example we only saw two Black-eared Wheatears and no other wheatear species.

Black-eared Wheatear

Photographs by Bryan Thomas Copyright 2018