CLOT DE GAVANEY AND URBA NOVA

 On a grey chilly morning under a dark sky the three of us, Bryan, Gareth and myself sat in the large user friendly hide overlooking an expanse of water. We were here for the ducks and we weren’t to be disappointed but up in the sky hordes of Hirundines. Bryan called them first, House Martins, Barn Swallows and higher up he called Pallid Swifts. My first of the year.

On the water an amazing number of Red-crested Pochards - Pato Colorado showing very strong red heads and the males, red beaks.

This morning at least two Ferruginous - Porrón Pardo distant and not easy to spot. However, I eventually got on to them via their white rear end to the clear eye. It has pride of place for us as the numbers are small.

We added to the list:

White-headed - in very good numbers.        Malvasia Cabeciblanco

Wigeon - with two males showing well.        Silbón Europeo

Teal - just one seen.                                       Cerceta Común 

Mallard.                                                          Añade  Azulón

Shovelers                                                       Cuchara Común 

Gadwall - swimming right in front of us         Añade  Friso

Marbled - numerous on the small lake.          Cerceta Pardillo

The usual two species of small Grebe - Zampullin, a few Flamingo and a Kingfisher - Martin Pescador flew.

Two Yellow-legged Gulls - Gaviota Patiamarilla caught our attention when we noticed a difference in bill coloration. To be investigated

And one I have to apologize for in that, in the scope one male Garganey - Cerceta Carretona, while I was searching for the ‘ fudge’ duck and I didn’t call it. It is one to see bearing in mind it is on migration. I just need more practice with ducks!

Urba Nova, a stones throw from Alicante City, there is an expanse that in a wet season will be flooded. Today there was one lagoon that was being supplied with water. This yielded:

Kentish Plover - Chorlitejo Patinegro (at least six)

Ringed Plover  - Chorlitejo Grande

Dunlin               -Correlimos Común 

Grey Wagtail.    -Lavendera Cascedena

White Wagtail.   -Lavendera  Blanca 

Water Pipit.        -Bisbita Alpine

We think that this location could give us more and we will visit again.

A quick trip along the Caribassi Road gave us Auduouins Gulls - within feet of our heads and s small number of Turnstones - Vuelvepiedras Común.

Great to be out again, in good company and keen eyes, and after next week with warmer weather, the mountains.