SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE YEAR END IN SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR

Sometimes a quick email allows a few hours out with friends. On Friday 13th Trev, over from England, Bryan of the big lens and Michelle met for a close examination of the Salinas at San Pedro. In past years it has been good, but of late, not so. But with good eyes, good vision and excellent knowledge I think we nailed it.

Most of the areas of water were almost empty. There was not a Slender Bill Gull in sight, only a few Flamingos and not any sort of Grebe. We wondered what we could find, but we gave it a good go. There was very little on view in the lagoon by the large car park. A Dunlin and a Greenshank were identified in the distance. Stonechats flew and perched. A Meadow Pipit in fantastic plumage fed only metres away from the boardwalk. Such a treat and so close. We moved onto the beach and there were Turnstones on the waves edge. Eagle eyes spotted a Grey Plover and there were several seen feeding and flying. Further away were Sanderling. Needless to say Yellow-Legged Gulls were abundant. Over the dunes a Kestrel hovered and Sardinian Warblers entertained us.

Returning inland in a rocky corner a Water Pipit obliged close up. More Meadow Pipits too. In the distance a small cluster of Black-tailed Godwits and there was just one Ruff around. Also a distant Spotted Redshank and they are always good to see. Okay, a few Shelduck and scattered Avocets feeding were around too.

There was track renovation being carried out by the canal and so we parked nearby and walked back. Standing chatting on the bridge a kingfisher was heard and then it flew, perched, flew again and perched in the distance. Then another flew from behind us and onward in the same direction. Fast they were, but lovely to see. The odd Chiff, another Sardinian was there but then a Grey Wagtail flew onto the bank of the canal then really showed itself off by perching on a rock in the middle of the canal. Like both the Pipits we had clear and uninterrupted views with bright backgrounds to observe and photo. Also on the canal a Little Egret in breeding plumage even in December.

What a great couple of hours in great company. Thank you. Maybe photos to come and I expect them to be seen on Bryan’s blog on birdingcostablanca. See for yourself. And a merry and successful Christmas to all birders.