SAN PEDRO & CABO DE PALOS

We intended to go inland this morning, but with cool temperatures, some cloud and a possibility of rain it was likely not to be a good decision. In the end the decision was easy as a Brown Necked Raven was reported at Cabo de Palos.

On Saturday 19th the three of us met at San Pedro Del Pinatar. The Salinas have not contained much in previous visits. Today was not exceptional with Turnstones on the beach, the usual Yellow Legged Gulls, but not a wader in sight from the main carpark. Three Linnets perched on a fence and Stonechats were there too. We quickly moved on and the lagoons showed little. We managed one lone Ruff, but in excellent condition. Thirty nine Black Tailed Godwits were in the distance and Avocets were easily seen.

The bridge over the the canal next to the small carpark was where we viewed a close-by Spotted Redshank, with two Redshanks in the distance. A Little Egret showed well in it’s summer plumage. Chiffs were very active feeding, a Grey Wagtail flitted across the canal and a Kingfisher flashed across as well. Yes, we had clear and close sightings, but not a great return from this expanse of water. We did not spend any more time here and travelled straight to Cabo de Palos.

We walked into the area around the lighthouse and then our target bird flew over and around us. We watched it fly over several times before it perched on the rim of a building within meters of the carpark. It stayed for many minutes. We watched it, heard it calling and it was photographed. The call is ‘crow-like’ and not the distinctive cronk of the larger Raven. This one is smaller with non of the obvious throat feathers and a thinner bill. The brown plumage is fairly obvious. We were happy and this was a second tick for me in five days. Out to sea, Gannets flew, and three Shag were on the water. Monk Parakeets were in the palms.

The old Salinas adjacent to Cabo de Palos now contains water and there were birds there. There was a mixture of Gulls, with most being Auduoin’s. It was pleasing to see about hundred Golden Plover. Black Winged Stilts were seen with two more waders with Greenshank and Redshank. Sardinian Warblers flew in and around the bushes.On the way out there were seven Spoonbills sifting through the water. It is always good to end on a good sighting and they rounded off our day very nicely.

Yes, we did the mileage and it was worth it. The African Raven adding to our day. Three very good days out and Trev’s total for trip was a respectable 103.