RAZORBILLS ON TORREVIEJA

Out again on Friday 16th as we heard there were Razorbills - Alca Comun in the marina at Torrevieja and a Lesser-crested Tern had been photographed too. We didn’t see it but were able to identify where it had been seen. On the seaward side of the breakwater we had great views of Razorbills and Michelle took photos to prove it. She also watched a Sandwich Tern - Charran Patinegro and I had to make do with an Audouin’s Gull/Gaviota.

Michelle’s birds of the day were the Razorbills and that was a first for her in Spain. On the road to San Miguel she spotted, what could only be, a male Hen Harrier - Aguilucho Pálido and that would have been by species of the day. I will have to scan that bit of countryside again as we have seen harriers there before.  

Just a note: I have researched this tern - Thalasseus bengalen and in Spanish ‘golondrina de mar de cresta menor’ and this is where Sibley & bird.org are really useful. On migration it can be seen in coastal areas and it has bred in Delta de Ebro and Albufera. 

Happy birding and seasons greetings to all birders.