FIRST VISIT OF 2021 TO EL HONDO

TUESDAY 5th JANUARY 

It had to be today, sandwiched between the end of 2020, the Spanish Three Kings Day, high uncomfortable winds and a forthcoming period of rain. Today was calm, only with a light wind, sun, a chill of 3 degrees and a high of only 15.

Bryan and I had a plan. It was to get to Santa Águada as soon as we were able to see what was flying over the marsh. We entered the viewing area just after a fellow birder had left. Not even a wave as he sternly drove by. It was our first opportunity to be able to stay for any length of time on the repaired viewing platform. We reasoned it was our best chance as Águila Moteado flight lines shows us that he had been around. In the distance in the direction of AP 7 we did see a big bird fly and it could have been. Only a possibility and not anywhere near a probability. 

The view from the platform is good. We saw numerous Booted Eagles - Águila Calzada and Marsh Harriers - Aguilucho Luganero fly over and around us. Where else can you see this number that easily? Common Kestrels - Cernicalo Vulgar and a fast flying Merlin - Esmerejón showed at least twice.

Just visible over the reed tops and diving out of sight were at lest five Whiskered Terns - Fumarel Carriblanco . It was a surprise to me, but they are known to over-winter here. Bryan did the ID. Below us in the reeds two Reed Buntings - Escribano Palustre, several Chiefs - Mosquitero Común, and a Robin - Petirrijo . The water has virtually gone and with a quick inspection we saw one Bluethroat- Pechiazul. Squadrons of Glossy Ibis - Morito Común flew around. Was it worth our while? For me a definite yes for the Terns and my bogey bird, the Merlin - Esmerejón

We spent less time on our usual routes which was just as well as there was no flooded fields. We saw the usual flocks. On our way through the Salinas Bryan counted nine Great White Egrets - Garceta Grande and in the same field as last time a flock of Lapwings Avefria Europea but no Golden Plover - Chorlito Dorado Europea. A Raven - Cuervo was our first bird of the day when we were still in Gran Alicant.

In the fields off Palm Farm Road Bryan heard the ground call of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - Ganga Ibérico. It was not close but heard more than once. Then in the distance they flew away but enough to be identified. We have been told that they have been in this area before and we will look for them again. A good ‘spot’, Bry.

And in the wood yard the smartest cock around, a male Black Redstart - Collirrojo Tizón perched feet away on the edge of the log pile. The Coolpix 900 came into play again!

Rain is forecast and that will be good, but with Covid restrictions being enforced from 6th January our adventures out there will be become even more important as bars will have to shut at 5pm.