CLOT DE GALVANY AND MORE

Thursday 25th June was forecast to be hot. An overnight low of around 20C and by 10.30 it had reached 30 degrees. Whatever birding we want to do had to be completed early. 

Clot de Galvany has much more of an expanse of water than I have seen before and with two new hides so that viewing can be done in comfort. The large tract of water with reedbeds in the distance is much better viewed through a scope. A member of Costa Blanca Bird Club had seen all nine of our herons and egrets, but we couldn't match that. Both Little Bitterns and Squacco were in good numbers and a Night Heron climbed in the reeds. There was a tremendous showing of Whiskered Terns who surely must be breeding close by. A male Great Crested Grebe with a juvenile swam in the open and Little Grebes were everywhere. Barn Swallows flew all around and close enough to see the white on the tail feathers. So good to see at close quarters.

We are lucky to have two special species and here White Headed Ducks with young were easily watched and also there were Marbled Duck.

At the old hide we had views of most of the usual birds and eventually we watched a Great Reed Warbler climb noisily up a stem. A great view of a bird not always seen. An Iberian Green Woodpecker flew and called.

I have not listed all the birds and only mentioned those of more interest.

Next up was the Carabassi Road in search of Rufous Bushchat where we were again unsuccessful. We then searched for Spotted Flycatchers and we watched one pair. This is a species that we spent time watching last year and photographed the two sub-species. The pair that we did see had clearly streaked chests. We will keep looking. Turtle Doves were fleetingly seen and heard. 

We always want to expand our knowledge and investigate locations that we don't normally visit. That was the case this morning when we travelled through El Altet to check Urbanova. The marsh lies between the coastal road and N332. The city of Alicante and the airport terminal are close by.

We turned into the unmade road that had marsh, scrub, with both dry and wet areas on either side. Lagoons had water being pumped into them. 

Birds were not numerous but we saw Crested Larks, Little Ringed Plovers, Black Winged Stilts, Grey Heron and on one lagoon seven Black Headed Gulls. Southern Grey Shrikes were on the wires. We did not know what to expect and we think that this site could be much better through autumn and into winter. We will go again.

There were many absentees and among them was only the occasional Bee-eater. Where have they gone? Turtle Doves were not that evident either!

Next week we will give it another go.