SALADARES DE GUADALENTIN AND SIERRA ESPUÑAS

The Birding Buddies (minus one) of Birding Costa Blanca were out early on Tuesday 15th and meeting on the AP7 at Santamera before investigating for one more time the Saladares de Guadalentin. For those that have never transversed this expansive flat area of agriculture/horticulture and ‘resting’ areas of the uncultivated parts it is huge. There were people working here, but the birds don’t seem to mind. Solitary individuals were organizing the flow of water as fields were being irrigated.

It can be a frustrating place for any birder, but today our efforts paid us back as the eagle eyed searched and listened. Spectacled Warblers are resident here and they popped up and disappeared on several occasions. We took our time and on a sunny unkempt corner there was a lot of activity. A few obvious Cattle Egrets fed, but our attention was drawn to the number of small birds flying around and returning to feed. They were checked out and among House Sparrows were two Spanish Sparrows. These birds were not easy to spot amongst the activity, but all three of us got onto them and the camera proved it. It was a ‘tick’ for us in this location. Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Greenfinches in good colour showed well. White Wagtails were everywhere with Meadow Pipits and we saw the occasional Black Redstarts, Chiffs with Crested Larks calling and flying around us. Calandra Larks were heard, but we know where to see them elsewhere. Skylarks were evident, their calls were all round us and we saw them feeding.

Spectacled Warbler

Spanish Sparrow

We were pleased and it proves that it is not good to be negative about any area for it can be an area to re-visit.

By that time we had seen a pale morph Booted Eagle, a Common Buzzard and a distant Marsh Harrier. Both species of Bustard have been seen before, but not today. Then two Sandgrouse were seen to drop into a field and fly up again. We watched and observed six feeding in a small field close to us. It was our best views of Black Bellied Sandgrouse and to see them calmly feeding, showing their plumage well and with clear black bellies evident, it was excellent viewing.

Black Bellied Sandgrouse

Later we came across a tall, newish block construction building and the photograph shows it more economically than words can do. The holes, we presumed, gave access to nest cavities. We have no idea what it is there for. As we drove away a Little Owl flew.



This morning we covered less area than we normally do and with such good sightings there was no hurry to move on. However, we wanted to be up in Sierra Espuñas for our target bird. This was my third attempt at seeing Ring Ouzels with the two previous efforts being either too late or two early in the season. On the way up we usually see Golden Eagles and we did and then during the afternoon we had five different sightings with at least two different birds.

We parked and headed up to the area of ruins that were used to store ice. There is a water source there and once we were able to see the small enclosure there they were. A first for me and if anyone is going to see these birds this has to be the best way of doing it. In the bushes I counted into double figures as they perched, flew away to return a little later. The white fronts of the males showed well and so did the bronzy/browner plumage of the female and younger birds.

Two males perched in the top of a pine with a Mistle Thrush sat between them. That was the best view for me.

Ring Ouzel

On our arrival here we set the scopes up before the photographer walked down. There was one Cirl Bunting, two Redwings, also a Song Thrush, Goldfinches, a Great Tit - we have seen them before here - and a Robin and a Blackbird too. The Ouzels were flying in and out of the pines and there calls were unmistakeable.

Redwing

Song Thrush

This is a terrific place set up high in the mountains with ranges and peaks around us. Today it was perfect. We were in full sun and only a light breeze. We could feel the chill in the air, but this is January! What a setting! And we had three brief views of Golden Eagles.

At Mirador del Collado Bermejo, on the way back down we stopped at the view point where there is a water source. And to finish off our birding day we had close views of both female and male Crossbills and a Coal Tit obliged too.

Crossbill


What a great day it was and to add to it we saw groups of Mouflon during the ascent and on our way down. Just half a dozen to start with and with over twenty in one group. They are very ‘photographical’ and this species of wild sheep seems to attract attention with their horns and ‘chest beards’. Originally only indigenous to Corsica and Sardinia, the Western European variety were introduced to other countries. Of course, the reason for this would have been for hunting and a food source, but these animals today were not easily spooked although obviously wary.

Mouflon

Their sightings added something special to a great birding day out.