EL HONDO THE WRONG WAY ROUND; A FAILED ROUTE

After yesterday's rain we hoped that we could find some different birds. We knew that Clot would offer the same as before, but now that the temperatures had decreased we wanted something else. On Monday, the last day of August, I met Bryan at  7.15 in a cool nineteen degrees. We had decided to stay local and this time to go around the wrong way! So we headed for El Hondo with an express intention to go to the furthest water and to see whatever there was. Would you believe the road in has been relaid. All lovely and black. It started well with two Little Ringed Plovers -Chorlitejo Chico on the edge of the carpark and then with Bryan feeding a Muscovy Duck Welsh cakes. It sure as hell was not getting my share! We have never done this way around before because of the position of the sun. We headed for the water only to be repelled by mosquitoes. We quit immediately. It has been a good summer for the lack of these biters but not today. We had hoped for a Crake but they will have to wait.

Santa ÁGUEDA was our next stop. There was hardly any water in the big pool, but the shallow one had benefited from the storm. We've always been lucky here. Again Wood, Green and Common Sandpipers -  Andarriós Bastardo Grande & Chico were present. Black Winged Stilts - Cigüeñuela Común too. The elevated hide on the corner of this scrape has been closed off as it needs repair. It's needed it for a couple of years and I don't suppose it will get repaired. This site lacks both care and attention. Still well worth a visit though.

At several locations Zitting Cisticolas - Buitrón perched in obvious obliging view and were photographed. They are lovely little birds and may have been youngsters.

Small groups of Jackdaws - Grajilla and Spotless Starlings - Estornino Negro flew around.

Cattle Egrets -  Garcilla Bueyera were everywhere. There were no other Herons or Egrets around. On a fence a Black Eared Wheatear - Collalba Rubia sat. On a wire eight Bee eaters -  Abejaruca Común were lined up; probably our last sighting of them this year. We worked hard looking and then we saw a Roller (Carraca). There was more than one but not easy to spot. Many are on the move.

Our next and last stop was El Pinet where we did not have great expectations. However one distant Greenshank - Archibebe Claro, and a Sandwich Tern - Charrán Patinegro with food in its beak. Terns were low in number but we did see Little Tern - Charrancito Común. Slender-billed Gulls - Gaviota Picofina were plentiful. 

Then two birds that helped make our morning. One Dunlin - Correlimos Común cheered us up as proof of the changing season and there must be more waders coming our way. We had seen the odd Collared Pratincole - Canastera Común. Then a juvenile sat in the car park and we moved the car to within 6-8 metres of it. Bryan photographed it, of course.

The morning was more noted for the absences as we only saw one distant Raptor, and one Marsh Harrier - Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental, several Common Kestrels - Cernicalo Vulgar and many Hirundines feeding over the vegetation and no doubt passing through to Africa. The fact is simple we were out there to see what we could and we did that. Not a great morning, but we always see some good birds. There is nothing better than being out and about.

CLOT DE GALVANY

 We checked it out yet again, Alicante’s Wildlife Wonderland. The temperatures are still high, but maybe tailing off a little. We believe in going out early when we know we can see something special and not get blasted by the heat. We were finished and satisfied by ten thirty.

We left home at six thirty in the cool and our birding started before we got into the car. Not everyone has Barn Owls (Lechuza Común) opposite their front gate. Our neighbours see and hear them too. I think there is two and possibly both adult by the sounds.

We started in the large comfortable hide with an amazing expanse of water and reeds in front of it. It was busy with numerous Black-crowned Night Herons (Martinete Común), Squacco (Garcill Cangrejera) and Little Bittern (Acetorillo Común) There are very good sized populations of all three here. We counted sixteen Black-crowned! Its Heron city! A mass of Black-headed Gulls (Gaviota Reidora) fed in the distance although we did not witness the feeding frenzy of last week. Little and Cattle Egrets (Garceta Común & Garcilla Bueyera) were scattered through the reed beds.

Two Purple Herons (Garza Imperiel) were seen separately and then two more flew in together. And that was a great sight. Maybe our last of this summer.

Bryan did his usual ‘due diligence’ and searched for anything that was or could be different. He paid a lot of attention to two ducks that could be Garganey (Cerceta Carretona) and there is no reason why they should not be passing through. They were very distant, sometimes obscured when swimming through vegetation and maybe the ‘long-shot’ photo will be enough to establish or not what these two ducks were.

I mentioned sightings of Kingfishers (Martin Pescador) before and again we saw them flying past us back and forth. 

At two locations we observed Reed Warblers (Carricerro Común) as they flew between clumps of reeds and climbed up them. While watching two closely we then saw a Moustached Warbler (Carrecerin Real). We should have recognized it as it was feeding at the the base of the reeds and not higher up the stem. We could see clear markings too. The photos will prove it. They have been seen at Clot before but there is another location where they nest and can be visited by entering through the north gate at El Hondo. Also Great Reed Warbler - without its full call - (Carricero Tordal) was heard.

I have not mentioned all our sightings and Hirundines were hardly seen at all. The season is a-changing. Another three hours well spent again -thanks to nature.

Up The Mountains to Maigmo & Montnegre

Again we wanted to get away from the heat, at least for the morning. On Tuesday 18th August we left San Miguel in a cool 22 degrees and headed to Gran Alicant. Our targets were to go all the way up to both vantage points of Maigmo and then Monnegre from the top down. In other words we reversed our route for the latter.

It was pleasant but quiet on Maigmo with not that much to see but Coal Tits (Carbonero Garrapinis), Longtail Tits (Mito) Crested Tits (Herrerillo Capuchino) were heard with the latter one easily visible. Both a Magpie (Urraca) and a Jay (Arrendajo) called as we travelled up. Around the accommodation area, where there is a water source, Crossbills (Piquituerto Común) called and flew and I had clear views as they bent down to drink. My best views ever and only a few yards away.

Our bird of the day, so far, was a Robin (Papamoscas Papirrojo) always so good to see. 

At our first stop near to the picnic tables there had been a hatching of butterflies. They swarmed around a false oak which could have been the host plant. Michelle took numerous photos of we believe Striped Grayling. And in another location one Wall Brown. A Red Squirrel was our only mammal of the day.

Reversing our route down to the junction we then went to the watch tower and saw very little. A few Pallid Swifts (Vencejo Pálido) were still around with some Barn Swallows ( Golondrina Común) and House Martins (Avión Comuún). On our way down we stopped at the accommodation area where the sharp eyes of Bryan found a fast flying Goshawk that rapidly disappeared only to re-appear high in the sky with a Bonneli’s Eagle. They were distant and high but Bryan, after consideration, and with enough to identify both, were certainly a Goshawk and a Bonnell’s. ( Azor Común) &  (Águila-azor Perdicera)

We travelled up through Tibi and down through Montnegre. Nothing exciting but we did see a Black-Eared Wheatear (Collalba Rubia) Stonechat (Tarabilla Común) both Woodchat (Alcaudón Común) and Southern Grey Shrikes (Alcaudón Real Meridional). One Black Wheatear (Collalba Negra) flew.

At the usual spot for Trumpeter Finches ( Camachuelo Trompetero) we only saw six Red-legged Partridges (Perdiz Roja) walk across in front of us. We assumed the Finches were elsewhere.

I always enjoy the mountains and we always get something good. Until next spring we will not visit either again except perhaps for night-time photography.

The season is on the change as we enter the cusp of summer with early autumn. Some are ready to go south while we wait for the northern nesters to arrive. Looking forward to it and we will see what Clot has to offer next week and we can note any changes.

A DEADFULL 13th

I wrote this one four years ago and although there is still a problem there has been disruption caused. It's on Raptor Persecution site.

A DEADFULL 13th

sun-up as morning comes

the guns are quiet now

some corpses remain

in every-mans-land

over the top we will 

have to go 

into yesterday's

resumed hell

and so it begins again; 

they're coming

the cries grow louder

from the beating army

powerless we are

we have to flee

fly higher and higher

to beat the guns

it's an outrage

it's killing for fun

it's murderous

it's carnage

JE(C)03/08/16

(amended 11th August 2020

CLOT DE GALVANY, ALICANTE

AlicaAlicante’s wetland wildlife wonderland excelled itself this morning. We think that, now the water levels have been raised, the authorities have done a great job. We noted that the level in the old hide was higher than a week ago. If it wasn't for Covid we would have been able to view birds during the spring migration and early summer. Now we can enjoy.

At the ‘dry hide’ the water level had receded exposing about 5 more metres of shoreline, but that had no effect on what we witnessed. The noise was loud as birds called in the distance. We saw a feeding frenzy with numerous species and birds moving onto different parts of the water and coming close to the hide.

Black-headed Gulls                - 200 plus (at least) including juveniles - GaviotaReidora

Whiskered Terns                      - only a few, maybe they are on the move? - Fumarel Cariblanco,

Black-crowned Night Herons - we counted twelve including juveniles - Martinete Común

Purple Herons                        - not many, but good to see them before they go - Garza Imperial

Grey Herons                           - probably no more than five, but showing well - Garza Real

Squacco Herons.                   - difficult to count with flying and feeding - Garcilla Cangrejera

Cattle Egrets.                         - too numerous to count - Garcilla Bueyera

Little Egrets                            - too numerous to count - Garceta Común

Great White                            - just one to make a full house! - Garceta Grande

Little Bitterns.                         - constant moving and perching - Avetorillo Común

This was a spectacle that made our morning; one of the best, and with the water surface being constantly rippled by, we believe, shoals of small fish, that we thought created a frenzy of feeding. We stayed longer than we intended and it was worth it. I believe that Bryan’s photos will enhance my words.

We moved on to the large user-friendly hide where a bench clamp and scope are essential because of the expanse. Water levels still good here too.

On the way a Spotted Fly Catcher (Papamoscas Gris) perched on the roof of the hide, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) flew and we had Sand Martins (Avión Zapador) over our heads. On the water we had three species of Grebe including Black-necked Grebe (Zampullin Cuellinegro). In the distance a Great-Reed Warbler (Carricero Torzal) called and a Reed Warbler (Carrucero Común) flew across our vision. Again we heard, saw flying, and perched before diving for food, Kingfisher (Martin Pescador). And again very good sightings and again posing the question have they remained and bred this summer in the ‘costa’s’ heat?

Among the reeds, at water level, a Liitle Grebe (.        Was sitting on a nest. Not a first clutch we thought.

In the distance we had our usual gathering of Gulls, Herons and Egrets. Clot is some place to watch birds!

As we approached the old hide Sand Martins (Avión Zapador)were busy overhead and are they almost or on their way? Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común) were around and the odd House Martin (Avión Común) Swifts )Vencejo)were seen, but infrequent, and maybe like Monnegre they are on the move too.

This water yielded at least a dozen Marbled Ducks/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and they are a beautiful species. Several Shovelers (Cuchara Común) that seem to be resident. Luckily, another Kingfisher flew. Then a Turtle Dove (Tórtola Turca) flew and perched showing its very white tail feathers. 

I have not listed all the birds, but what a great three hours. It was a lot more than worth it.nte’s wetland wildlife wonderland excelled itself this morning. We think that, now the water levels have been raised, the authorities have done a great job. We noted that the level in the old hide was higher than a week ago. If it wasn't for Covid we would have been able to view birds during the spring migration and early summer. Now we can enjoy.

At the ‘dry hide’ the water level had receded exposing about 5 more metres of shoreline, but that had no effect on what we witnessed. The noise was loud as birds called in the distance. We saw a feeding frenzy with numerous species and birds moving onto different parts of the water and coming close to the hide.

Black-headed Gulls                - 200 plus (at least) including juveniles - GaviotaReidora

Whiskered Terns                      - only a few, maybe they are on the move? - Fumarel Cariblanco,

Black-crowned Night Herons - we counted twelve including juveniles - Martinete Común

Purple Herons                        - not many, but good to see them before they go - Garza Imperial

Grey Herons                           - probably no more than five, but showing well - Garza Real

Squacco Herons.                   - difficult to count with flying and feeding - Garcilla Cangrejera

Cattle Egrets.                         - too numerous to count - Garcilla Bueyera

Little Egrets                            - too numerous to count - Garceta Común

Great White                            - just one to make a full house! - Garceta Grande

Little Bitterns.                         - constant moving and perching - Avetorillo Común

This was a spectacle that made our morning; one of the best, and with the water surface being constantly rippled by, we believe, shoals of small fish, that we thought created a frenzy of feeding. We stayed longer than we intended and it was worth it. I believe that Bryan’s photos will enhance my words.

We moved on to the large user-friendly hide where a bench clamp and scope are essential because of the expanse. Water levels still good here too.

On the way a Spotted Fly Catcher (Papamoscas Gris) perched on the roof of the hide, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) flew and we had Sand Martins (Avión Zapador) over our heads. On the water we had three species of Grebe including Black-necked Grebe (Zampullin Cuellinegro). In the distance a Great-Reed Warbler (Carricero Torzal) called and a Reed Warbler (Carrucero Común) flew across our vision. Again we heard, saw flying, and perched before diving for food, Kingfisher (Martin Pescador). And again very good sightings and again posing the question have they remained and bred this summer in the ‘costa’s’ heat?

Among the reeds, at water level, a Liitle Grebe (.        Was sitting on a nest. Not a first clutch we thought.

In the distance we had our usual gathering of Gulls, Herons and Egrets. Clot is some place to watch birds!

As we approached the old hide Sand Martins (Avión Zapador)were busy overhead and are they almost or on their way? Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común) were around and the odd House Martin (Avión Común) Swifts )Vencejo)were seen, but infrequent, and maybe like Monnegre they are on the move too.

This water yielded at least a dozen Marbled Ducks/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and they are a beautiful species. Several Shovelers (Cuchara Común) that seem to be resident. Luckily, another Kingfisher flew. Then a Turtle Dove (Tórtola Turca) flew and perched showing its very white tail feathers. 

I have not listed all the birds, but what a great three hours. It was a lot more than worth it. Alicante’s wetland wildlife wonderland excelled itself this morning. We think that, now the water levels have been raised, the authorities have done a great job. We noted that the level in the old hide was higher than a week ago. If it wasn't for Covid we would have been able to view birds during the spring migration and early summer. Now we can enjoy.

At the ‘dry hide’ the water level had receded exposing about 5 more metres of shoreline, but that had no effect on what we witnessed. The noise was loud as birds called in the distance. We saw a feeding frenzy with numerous species and birds moving onto different parts of the water and coming close to the Alicante’s wetland wildlife wonderland excelled itself this morning. We think that, now the water levels have been raised, the authorities have done a great job. We noted that the level in the old hide was higher than a week ago. If it wasn't for Covid we would have been able to view birds during the spring migration and early summer. Now we can enjoy.

At the ‘dry hide’ the water level had receded exposing about 5 more metres of shoreline, but that had no effect on what we witnessed. The noise was loud as birds called in the distance. We saw a feeding frenzy with numerous species and birds moving onto different parts of the water and coming close to the hide.

Black-headed Gulls                - 200 plus (at least) including juveniles - GaviotaReidora

Whiskered Terns                      - only a few, maybe they are on the move? - Fumarel Cariblanco,

Black-crowned Night Herons - we counted twelve including juveniles - Martinete Común

Purple Herons                        - not many, but good to see them before they go - Garza Imperial

Grey Herons                           - probably no more than five, but showing well - Garza Real

Squacco Herons.                   - difficult to count with flying and feeding - Garcilla Cangrejera

Cattle Egrets.                         - too numerous to count - Garcilla Bueyera

Little Egrets                            - too numerous to count - Garceta Común

Great White                            - just one to make a full house! - Garceta Grande

Little Bitterns.                         - constant moving and perching - Avetorillo Común

This was a spectacle that made our morning; one of the best, and with the water surface being constantly rippled by, we believe, shoals of small fish, that we thought created a frenzy of feeding. We stayed longer than we intended and it was worth it. I believe that Bryan’s photos will enhance my words.

We moved on to the large user-friendly hide where a bench clamp and scope are essential because of the expanse. Water levels still good here too.

On the way a Spotted Fly Catcher (Papamoscas Gris) perched on the roof of the hide, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) flew and we had Sand Martins (Avión Zapador) over our heads. On the water we had three species of Grebe including Black-necked Grebe (Zampullin Cuellinegro). In the distance a Great-Reed Warbler (Carricero Torzal) called and a Reed Warbler (Carrucero Común) flew across our vision. Again we heard, saw flying, and perched before diving for food, Kingfisher (Martin Pescador). And again very good sightings and again posing the question have they remained and bred this summer in the ‘costa’s’ heat?

Among the reeds, at water level, a Liitle Grebe (.        Was sitting on a nest. Not a first clutch we thought.

In the distance we had our usual gathering of Gulls, Herons and Egrets. Clot is some place to watch birds!

As we approached the old hide Sand Martins (Avión Zapador)were busy overhead and are they almost or on their way? Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común) were around and the odd House Martin (Avión Común) Swifts )Vencejo)were seen, but infrequent, and maybe like Monnegre they are on the move too.

This water yielded at least a dozen Marbled Ducks/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and they are a beautiful species. Several Shovelers (Cuchara Común) that seem to be resident. Luckily, another Kingfisher flew. Then a Turtle Dove (Tórtola Turca) flew and perched showing its very white tail feathers. 

I have not listed all the birds, but what a great three hours. It was a lot more than worth it.

Black-headed Gulls                - 200 plus (at least) including juveniles - GaviotaReidora

Whiskered Terns                      - only a few, maybe they are on the move? - Fumarel Cariblanco,

Black-crowned Night Herons - we counted twelve including juveniles - Martinete Común

Purple Herons                        - not many, but good to see them before they go - Garza Imperial

Grey Herons                           - probably no more than five, but showing well - Garza Real

Squacco Herons.                   - difficult to count with flying and feeding - Garcilla Cangrejera

Cattle Egrets.                         - too numerous to count - Garcilla Bueyera

Little Egrets                            - too numerous to count - Garceta Común

Great White                            - just one to make a full house! - Garceta Grande

Little Bitterns.                         - constant moving and perching - Avetorillo Común

This was a spectacle that made our morning; one of the best, and with the water surface being constantly rippled by, we believe, shoals of small fish, that we thought created a frenzy of feeding. We stayed longer than we intended and it was worth it. I believe that Bryan’s photos will enhance my words.

We moved on to the large user-friendly hide where a bench clamp and scope are essential because of the expanse. Water levels still good here too.

Alicante’s wetland wildlife wonderland excelled itself this morning. We think that, now the water levels have been raised, the authorities have done a great job. We noted that the level in the old hide was higher than a week ago. If it wasn't for Covid we would have been able to view birds during the spring migration and early summer. Now we can enjoy.

At the ‘dry hide’ the water level had receded exposing about 5 more metres of shoreline, but that had no effect on what we witnessed. The noise was loud as birds called in the distance. We saw a feeding frenzy with numerous species and birds moving onto different parts of the water and coming close to the hide.

Black-headed Gulls                - 200 plus (at least) including juveniles - GaviotaReidora

Whiskered Terns                      - only a few, maybe they are on the move? - Fumarel Cariblanco,

Black-crowned Night Herons - we counted twelve including juveniles - Martinete Común

Purple Herons                        - not many, but good to see them before they go - Garza Imperial

Grey Herons                           - probably no more than five, but showing well - Garza Real

Squacco Herons.                   - difficult to count with flying and feeding - Garcilla Cangrejera

Cattle Egrets.                         - too numerous to count - Garcilla Bueyera

Little Egrets                            - too numerous to count - Garceta Común

Great White                            - just one to make a full house! - Garceta Grande

Little Bitterns.                         - constant moving and perching - Avetorillo Común

This was a spectacle that made our morning; one of the best, and with the water surface being constantly rippled by, we believe, shoals of small fish, that we thought created a frenzy of feeding. We stayed longer than we intended and it was worth it. I believe that Bryan’s photos will enhance my words.

We moved on to the large user-friendly hide where a bench clamp and scope are essential because of the expanse. Water levels still good here too.

On the way a Spotted Fly Catcher (Papamoscas Gris) perched on the roof of the hide, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) flew and we had Sand Martins (Avión Zapador) over our heads. On the water we had three species of Grebe including Black-necked Grebe (Zampullin Cuellinegro). In the distance a Great-Reed Warbler (Carricero Torzal) called and a Reed Warbler (Carrucero Común) flew across our vision. Again we heard, saw flying, and perched before diving for food, Kingfisher (Martin Pescador). And again very good sightings and again posing the question have they remained and bred this summer in the ‘costa’s’ heat?

Among the reeds, at water level, a Liitle Grebe (.        Was sitting on a nest. Not a first clutch we thought.

In the distance we had our usual gathering of Gulls, Herons and Egrets. Clot is some place to watch birds!

As we approached the old hide Sand Martins (Avión Zapador)were busy overhead and are they almost or on their way? Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común) were around and the odd House Martin (Avión Común) Swifts )Vencejo)were seen, but infrequent, and maybe like Monnegre they are on the move too.

This water yielded at least a dozen Marbled Ducks/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and they are a beautiful species. Several Shovelers (Cuchara Común) that seem to be resident. Luckily, another Kingfisher flew. Then a Turtle Dove (Tórtola Turca) flew and perched showing its very white tail feathers. 

I have not listed all the birds, but what a great three hours. It was a lot more than worth it. On the way a Spotted Fly Catcher (Papamoscas Gris) perched on the roof of the hide, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) flew and we had Sand Martins (Avión Zapador) over our heads. On the water we had three species of Grebe including Black-necked Grebe (Zampullin Cuellinegro). In the distance a Great-Reed Warbler (Carricero Torzal) called and a Reed Warbler (Carrucero Común) flew across our vision. Again we heard, saw flying, and perched before diving for food, Kingfisher (Martin Pescador). And again very good sightings and again posing the question have they remained and bred this summer in the ‘costa’s’ heat?

Among the reeds, at water level, a Liitle Grebe (.        Was sitting on a nest. Not a first clutch we thought.

In the distance we had our usual gathering of Gulls, Herons and Egrets. Clot is some place to watch birds!

As we approached the old hide Sand Martins (Avión Zapador)were busy overhead and are they almost or on their way? Barn Swallows (Golondrina Común) were around and the odd House Martin (Avión Común) Swifts )Vencejo)were seen, but infrequent, and maybe like Monnegre they are on the move too.

This water yielded at least a dozen Marbled Ducks/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and they are a beautiful species. Several Shovelers (Cuchara Común) that seem to be resident. Luckily, another Kingfisher flew. Then a Turtle Dove (Tórtola Turca) flew and perched showing its very white tail feathers. 

I have not listed all the birds, but what a great three hours. It was a lot more than worth it.

‘THE GLORIOUS TWELFTH’

This is my post for what was termed ‘THE GLORIOUS TWELFTH’  and broadcast on the news on the main channels. I will be watching and listening tomorrow. Things are changing.

The Twelfth? Never!

quick upward flight

 

crack crash-crack

suddenly altered into

a fast whirling out-of-control

plunge

 

crack crash-crack

 

dead or worse still

only dying bombs into

the eco-system that

nurtured it. To allow

a feather to break free

from the body that

was its life

 

crack crash-crack

 

they hear the call

of death once more

 

filling the skies

with harmed and harmless birds

with toxic lead shot

with death

 

echo after echo re-echoes

the vision stays

the guns go silent

the dogs begin their work