THE CLOT YET AGAIN

Friday morning, 9th October, we again went to Clot de Galvany. It's been amazing so far and today we found it much calmer with pleasant temperatures and a very light breeze. As usual we didn't go for the view, but for the birds.

Autumn is approaching fast, but there has been not enough inclement weather  to bring those northern birds south to us - yet. We are waiting.

Evidence of the migration is around with the occasional House Martin - Avión Común and Barn Swallow - Golondrina  Común passing through. On the water were Shovelers - Cuchara Común, both Marbled Teal - Cerceta Pardilla and Teal - Cerceta Común with a small number of Common Pochard - Porrón Europeo and only a pair of Great Crested Grebe - Somormujo Lavanco. Kingfishers - Martin Pescador flew over and perched close by us. Several Reed Warblers - Carricero Común flitted in and out of the bushes by the hide.

In the distance a Black-Crowned Night Heron  Martinete Común , Squaccos - Garcilla Cangrejera flew and Little Bittern - Avetorillo Común was heard. Little Grebes - Zampullin and Black-necked - Zampullin Cuellinegro were there as usual. A Wood or Green Sandpiper (Andarrios) called to let us know that they are around. Later a Snipe - Agachadiza Común flew past our vision twice and that is advice that winter is coming.

In the distance and over the reeds a large number of Little Egrets - Garceta Común perched, fed and were disturbed by a Marsh Harrier - Lagunero who eventually got a feed  We searched for the WRH X Little Egret but this area is vast and so it could have been anywhere. Bryan with his sharp eyes saw a Grey Wagtail - Lavandera Cascadeña and a Blue Tit - Herrerillo Común perched far away.

Cetti’s - Ruiseñor Bastardo and Sardinian Warblers -Curruca Cabecinegra were heard everywhere.

We enjoyed our observations and moved on to the ‘old hide’ where we found that the edges had been strimmed and the water levels were high. There was nothing exceptional here and with no muddy margins, no waders. Marbled Teal numbered about 10 with one nearby showing that it was ‘sat-tagged’.  

Two pristine very white - White Wagtails - Lavandera Blanca flitted around the posts. Coots - Focha  and Moorhens -  Gallinetas are underrated birds but they are always smart looking. Photograph to prove it too and note the raised foot!

We were treated to a fly past of two King Fishers, Martin Pescador and a Little Bittern flew and landed in the reeds.  

A quiet morning, but peaceful and as we are never satisfied we will be out there again. Let's hope for rain, a flooded field or two, or both that could bring the birds in