THIS IS WHAT WE DO. WE GO OUT AND LOOK

We think that we can never get too much of Clot, but today, Tuesday 15th September, we drove to Estepas de Yecla. We were last there in early July. I wrote about all the changes going on with all the roadworks happening.  The simple fact is that the Caudette end is no more than a large cabbage patch. This morning we could see that crops had been harvested and young plants had been planted in other fields. Wildlife seems to be excluded!

It was 8 o’clock when we arrived, wonderfully cool and tranquil. A Rock Sparrow - Gorrión Común was spotted and a Black Wheatear -  Collalba Negraperched on a roof. It was very quiet. Our next visit could  see us choosing a different route through.

Larks were again in short supply but we did hear the calls of both Crested - Cogujada Común and Thekla - Montesina Also good visual sightings too. Hoopoes - Abubilla perched, were photographed and flew. One ‘minced’ along the road in front of us and not only do they have a distinctive flight their walk is distinctive too. They are wonderful to see and to watch close up.

Flocks of Red-billed Choughs - Chova Piquirroja Jackdaws- Grajilla and Starlings - Estornino fed in the fields. One lone Raven - Cuervo perched. An obliging Linnet - Pardillo Común perched in full view.

We took it slow enjoying the environment as we went. Last time we saw nine Lesser Kestrels - Cernicalo Primillo, but this time only Common Kestrels - Cernicalo Vulgar even after the photographs were checked. Something else to muse on. Why none of them?

We searched the stubble fields for Sandgrouse - Ganga but we heard not even one call. Two coveys of Red-legged Partridges - Perdiz Roja ran away. No consolation but still nice to see. Flighty targets for the hunters this coming winter.

We searched diligently and our bird of the day had to be a solitary Willow Warbler - Mosquitero Musical. A Northern Wheatear - Collalba Grisran it a close second. Both birds being our first sightings of either this year. That's thanks to lock-down!

Over the corn stubble we had reminders that the migration was ongoing. A good number of Hirundines including Barn Swallows with some Red-rumpers too. Some Swifts- probably all Pallid - with the odd House Martin fed over the fields swooping very low. Bee -eaters Abejarauca called and flew over with all birds heading in one direction. 

Dependent upon any future restrictions and rain we will not venture inland until Higueruela and Bonete could hold wintering birds. I have not listed every bird and the list is not a great one, but so good to be out there.