ANOTHER GREAT DAY GREETING THE NEW ARRIVALS

Another visit to a wetland in Alicante, Lo Monte and a drive down the Rio Segura.

The four determined birders headed to Lo Monte with an early start to beat the picnickers. It paid off. One target, for Gareth, was the male Garganey - Cerceta Carretona which was hidden to start with but showed well later. In fact, Bryan, just sat there for a swim past. A first for him this year and a life tick for Gareth. 

Before any of that happened a Moustached Warbler - Carricerin Real was in front of the hide with Gareth and Bryan and what great views they were and for me the best ever. It’s not the easiest birds to view but this was special.

Little Bittern - Avetorillo Común - two males and one female continually flew around giving us great views. Michelle photographed one ‘booming’. Can that get any better?

Bryan caught a quick glimpse of a passing Cuckoo - Cocu Común and then we all had a sighting. More of these birds later.

I counted four Grey Herons - Garza Real perched in the pines in the distance and we will wait to see the Purple - Garza Imperiel. 

Another bird that showed really well were two Great-crested Grebes - Somormujo Lavanca and now that we have seen a ‘pair’ maybe will see their off spring in a humbug uniform!

Greenfinch - Verderón Común were abundant too.

This Green Finch has a club foot.

Again we viewed the female Reed Bunting - Escribano Palustre in the same place. It pays to know your local spots.

In every photograph this Reed Bunting appears to only have one leg.

We decided to check out Rio Segura in the vicinity of Benejuzar. It paid off really well. a Common Cuckoo was quickly seen and it flew around and Bryan managed to get a photo. What a sighting and how far has this travelled to get here and how far has it still to go? It was a privilege.

All along we were hearing Nightingales - Ruisenor Comun. We tried to see them, but they can be difficult and we think at least six along that stretch of the river. 

Bryan was hearing Melodious Warbers - Zarcero Comun and they were there but not showing. So next time then.

It is an important time of year to be our there as so much is passing through or arriving to stay and breed. 

I have not compiled a list and there were many other species that we did see. Again another day we can see them and others too.

Tomorrow Monnegre with specific targets in mind.