The forecast was cloud with some sun but, in truth, it was a grey and sombre day more befitting a funeral! But we got on with it and our species count was good with absolutely nothing exceptional. We always want that mega bird that makes Bryan jump around.
Thursday 20th with an early start saw us head inland and towards San Felipe Neri to El Hondo. I was there on Monday when they were cutting reeds and today no machinery working, thankfully, but shots being fired close by.
The water levels have been reduced and the bottom weed is lying flat. Will they drain it even more to get the carp out, I wonder? We saw our first Blue Throats - Pechiazul and Snipe - Agachadiza Comun are in too. There was a good number of Little Egrets - Garceta Comun and ten Grey Herons - Garza Real flew over. Spoonbill - Espátula Comun were feeding with Glossy Ibis - Morito Comun. Bryan heard Penduline Tit - Pájaro Moscon calling and so did Water Rail - Rascón Europeo
We were hoping for Spotted Crake - Polluela Pinoja or a Jack Snipe - Agachadiza Chica or even a good wader, but no - not today.
We checked out Monday’s flooded field and not a thing on it but they will be flooding other fields.
This was not a day for raptors with the gloom but we had two Marsh Harriers - Aguilucho Luganero and one distant Booted Eagle - Aguila Zapatera.
We were in double figures for both Stonechat - Tarabilla Comun and for Southern Grey Shrike - Alcaudón Real. We saw Linnets - Pardillo Comun and Goldfinches - Jilguero in good numbers and with a small passing flock of Skylark - Alondra Comun that was it for the flocking finches.
Checking out the area around the ‘monastery, for Trumpeter Finches - Camachuela Trompetero Bryan spotted a Blue Rock Thrush - Roquero Solitario and that was the photo of the day. Rock on! Early on we had a perched Green Woodpecker - Pito Real.
Bryan heard only one Meadow Pipit - Bisbita Comun - so where are the rest?
That’s enough for there and then to El Pinet and there was very little. I have not listed everything and we saw birds but by our standards it was not a great day with nothing passing through on route south either.
Our only mammal was a dead fox on the road and butterflies numbered - Large White, a Scarce Swallowtail and a Plain Tiger. Not enough really but keep on looking.
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