Big plains, huge vistas and skies south of Albacete, Spain are one of the areas to go. It is always good to be out there; beautiful things to see and good people to be with. So refreshing for the head. And then we made our minds up to go. We had to do it. After the storms of a few days ago and more rain that followed afterwards we needed to get out there. We watched the forecast, invited a friend along, and the other three wildlife combatants headed past Almansa and towards Albacete.
On Thursday 10th March we headed north from Alicante via A31 stoping at the turn off for Higueruela for coffee and postres. At 9am in a cool 4 degrees we cruised around the quiet byways spotting finches, linnets, spotless starlings with Corn Buntings - Escribano Triguero showing well. However, our target was to see Little Bustards - Sisson Común and their bigger brethren, Great Bustards - Avetardo Común. The smaller ones can be difficult and proved so today. We checked out the great expanses of fields and, drawn by a call, there was a male Great Bustard strutting and displaying. Seemingly talking to no one! We searched more but there was not another in sight. The one sighting was good, especially for our guest, because that was his first view of this species. That find proved to be invaluable as it was the only one we saw. We know where we can usually find them, but not today. So where the hell have they gone?
We had anticipated that many of the farm tracks were to be muddy, but no so. The causeway was almost passable but not quite with a road car. In the shallow lagoons were Lapwings - Avefria Europea always an iconic bird for me, three Wood Sandpipers - Andarrios Bastardo fed and one Water Pipit - Bisbita Alpino was very close by. We took the long way round seeing Common Kestrels - Cernicalo Vulgar often and Marsh Harriers - Aguilucho Luganero (15-20) where ever we went. We had great views of a circling male. Black headed Gulls - Gaviota Reidora were noisy and active.
We searched all these very large fields with no luck for the ‘big one’. We were in full sun all day with only a light breeze and although there were only a few wild flowers several species of butterfly were seen. These included Marble Whites, both large and small whites, and Clouded Yellows.
Calandra Larks - Calandria were evident and on one occasion Sky Larks - Alondra Común were seen and are still here. Crested Larks - Cogujada Común seem to be every where and although we tried hard we never located a Thekla’s. We investigated one field only to spook Black Bellied Sandgrouse - Ganga Ortega, six in number who quickly sped away. The same happened again when a small flock took off as we drove on past. Bryan spotted one lone Pintailed Sandgrouse - Ganga Ibérico and that was it. You have to be lucky with these birds!
You never know what can be around and on a distant water a group of something. Bryan shouldered the scope and walked off. His visit revealed 15 Ruff - Combatiente with six Reeves. Their plumage varied and some will be getting ready to breed. We presume far and away. That just goes to show you have to keep looking and checking. Good for him.
Lagunas de Petrola was so disappointing. It was devoid of life. What the hell has gone on there!
We began our return by passing through Montelagre and Almansa. We knew of a stretch of water on way and this yielded White Headed Ducks - Malvasia Cabecinegra, both Little and Black Necked Grebes - Zampullin Común & Cuellinegro, Common Pochard - Porrón Europea. I always expect a lot more from this location but it never gives anything exceptional. This time a rat was attracted to Bryan’s feet and was photographed. It showed no fear - if only it was a Water Vole!
Then we showed off with a ‘selfie’.
Winter was still here in this grain growing area and we were surprised not to see Hirundines passing through. It would appear to be a tad early even for other raptors. Looking forward to the summer months and it appears it may be devoid of water. That does not bode well for water loving birds. It will probably be September before we go there again and we will spend time watching our summer visitors close by. I have not recorded all of the species seen and some photos will appear later.
See also jejohnedwards@wordpress.com @ Bryan Thomas at birdingcostablanca.
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