BIG FIELDS IN SPAIN AND BIG BIRDS

 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.

38 DEGREES AGAIN AND IT IS ALL TO DO WITH SEWAGE DISCHARGES

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Dear John,  In 2020, raw sewage - dumped by water companies more than 400,000 times - stopped people swimming in the sea and polluted every river in England. [1] Water companies say it helps prevent flooding when it rains. [2] But the truth is, even in dry weather, many are dumping sewage every day - sometimes even illegally. [3]  Our creaking Victorian sewage system is clearly not fit for purpose. But companies are paying out millions to shareholders instead of fixing it properly. [4] The government’s on their backs: a new law, introduced in November, says companies are responsible for fixing this mess. But it’s weak, with no targets, and no proper accountability. [5]  That’s where we come in. Together, we can put these companies under the spotlight and push them to step up and fix this mess. But we need some crucial info first - like how much cash they have and what they’ve been giving to their shareholders. Then we’ll know how to press their buttons.  But John, that info won’t come cheap - we need to pay for expert researchers to help us find out everything about these companies. Can you help make that happen by donating today? Chip in £1 Chip in £2 Chip in £3 Chip in another amount Sewage pollution is a huge problem, John - and it’s going to take a big campaign to sort it out. We’re just at the beginning, but we know it needs to target:  Water companies - they need to step up their game and invest the money needed to fix the water systems they run. And right now, we need info about them, which is why we’re asking you to chip in to fund research today. Government - we may be focused on companies right now, but we’re not letting ministers off the hook! They need to take this issue seriously and ensure action is taken along every coast and in every river. So watch this space because we’ll be launching our government focused work very soon. We also know that there are some great organisations out therealready trying to tackle this issue, so we’ll be linking up with them - because we’re always stronger when we work together. That’s what 38 Degrees is all about.  But first, John, we need to get our (unpolluted) ducks in a row - by finding out as much about these companies as we can! Can you help, by chipping in to pay for expert environmental researchers to do this crucial digging? Chip in £1 Chip in £2 Chip in £3 Chip in another amount Thanks for being involved,  Matt, Tash, Megan, Jonathan and the 38 Degrees team  NOTES: [1] BBC News: Sewage discharged into rivers 400,000 times in 2020 Independent: Every river in England is polluted, government figures reveal ITV News: Warning 'not to enter sea' along Kent coast extended after sewage leak [2] Same as Note [1] [3] BBC News: Southern Water fined record £90m for dumping raw sewage [4] The Mirror: EXCLUSIVE: Raw sewage fury as water companies pay shareholders billions instead of fixing crisis [5] BBC News: Environment Bill passes following lengthy battle over sewage
38 Degrees wouldn’t exist without you, John. 38 Degrees has no big donors - we’re funded by ordinary people who care, like you. Regular donations mean that we can plan future campaigns, pay our workers a decent wage, and keep fighting for what we all believe in.  If you don't already do so, will you consider setting up a regular donation of a fiver, tenner or whatever you can spare? Click here to donate securely:  CHIP IN WEEKLY Unsubscribe: If you no longer wish to be part of our movement and receive our emails you can unsubscribe here. This email was sent to spanishjohnedwards@gmail.com. 38 DEGREES Limited by guarantee Registered Company No. 6642193 in England and Wales Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE

POLLINATORS WE NEED - SO READ THIS ARTICLE FROM 38 DEGREES

 

Dear John,  Our bees are at risk. Up to three-quarters of crop species are pollinated by bees, but our bee population has been declining for years! [1] That’s because since the 1930s the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows. [2] And last month, the UK Government approved the use of a bee-killing pesticide again, putting bees at even higher risk. [3]  Thousands of us have been campaigning to protect our bees. [4] But there’s something else we need your help with John. If thousands of us plant more bee friendly flowers in our gardens, on our windowsills, or in a nearby green space, we can make sure our bees are able to thrive this spring.  The plan is to send out bee-friendly flower seeds to people all across the UK. But to do that we’re going to need the funds to buy the seeds and post them out. Each packet costs about £3 to buy and send. So the more people chip in, the more seeds we can send out, and the more we can help our buzzy friends the same way they’ve helped us.  Please can you chip in to help save our bees? You can make a secure donation here - and if you donate, you'll be given the chance to be one of the first to sign up and get your own seeds: Chip in £1 Chip in £2 Chip in £3 Chip in another amount 38 Degrees only works when all of us come together to do what we can for what we believe in. Not everyone can afford to chip in - especially during the coronavirus crisis. That’s why it’s so important that those of us who can, do. Then we can make sure that thousands of bee-friendly flowers crop up all over the UK this spring.  This isn’t the first time 38 Degrees members have come together to plant flowers for bees - last spring 60,000 of us signed up to get some seeds in the post. So let's do it again this year. Whether you’ve got a plant pot on a windowsill or a garden in the countryside, these seeds can be planted anywhere across the UK.  Will you chip in to help buy and send out bee-friendly flower seeds, so together we can save our bees? Spring is on the way, so we need to buy, post and plant these seeds as quickly as possible! Chip in £1 Chip in £2 Chip in £3 Chip in another amount Thank you for everything that you do,  Matt, Megan, Simma and the 38 Degrees team  NOTES: [1] The Independent: Bees will die as ministers approve toxic banned pesticide for second time, warn experts National Geographic: Insects are vanishing at an alarming rate—but we can save them The Independent: World Bee Day: Are we ignoring biodiversity risks in the same way we ignored the pandemic? The Independent: An alarm bell we must not ignore’: Major report calls for huge pesticide reductions to halt collapse in vital insect populations The Independent: Bees will die as ministers approve toxic banned pesticide for second time, warn experts 38 Degrees: Ban bee-killing pesticides
38 Degrees wouldn’t exist without you, John. 38 Degrees has no big donors - we’re funded by ordinary people who care, like you. Regular donations mean that we can plan future campaigns, pay our workers a decent wage, and keep fighting for what we all believe in. If you don't already do so, will you consider setting up a regular donation of a fiver, tenner or whatever you can spare? Click here to donate securely:  CHIP IN WEEKLY Unsubscribe: If you no longer wish to be part of our movement and receive our emails you can unsubscribe here. This email was sent to spanishjohnedwards@gmail.com. 38 DEGREES Limited by guarantee Registered Company No. 6642193 in England and Wales Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE

CLOT DE GALVANY ALICANTE SPAIN

 Friday 11th February was 7 degrees at 7am but with a prospect of sun with just a little win. It was a morning when we decided to change what we usually do and we went to Clot de Galvany. It is an important area with large areas of water. We have had some great views there. 

We spent some time at the large hide overlooking a lot of water. We counted over 50 White Headed Ducks - Malvasia Cabeciblanca - of both sexes. Some males showed a light blue bill. Right in front of us a male and female - Black Necked Grebes - Zampullin Cuellinegro ‘squared up’ and Bryan took the shot. Spring has moved on already.

On the left side of the hide a Purple Swamphen - Calamon Común walked on the stones. This little corner can be very good and today, for a moment, it was productive. Cetti’s - Ruiseñor Bastardo called on various occasions and in that one bush we had a clear view of one together with Long Tailed Tits - Mito, one Great Tit - Carbonero Común and on a low branch - our first of the year - a Grey Wagtail - Lavandera Cascadena. Such a smart bird. 

On the water were both Pochards - Porrón Europea and Pato Colorado and in the distance two Great Crested Grebes - Somormujo  Lavanco. Marsh Harriers - Aguilucho Luganero flew over the reeds. We searched for any newcomers and the only other ducks of note were two Teal -  Cerceta Común. A little disappointing. Also a large number of Black headed Gulls - Gaviota Reidora flying and on the water. 

We decided to take a look around the Carribassi Road. Loads of ‘campers’ and a bright orange butterfly. We thought a fritillary but with no photo and nothing showing in Collins. We will have to look again and we will examine this area again too.

FROM LEAGUE AGAINST CRUEL SPORTS - LETS END TRAIL HUNTING

Enough is enough – let’s end hunting now

Dear John,

It’s time to say ‘enough is enough’.

Animals are being killed, people are being intimidated, land is being trespassed upon and the law is being broken. Despite the ban fox hunts, hare hunts and stag hunts in England and Wales have been hiding behind the smokescreen of ‘trail’ hunting to ride roughshod over the law for over 15 years.

How much more will it take for the government to strengthen the Hunting Act and end this barbarity for good?

We’ve launched a new nationwide campaign - ‘enough is enough’. From today we need you to contact your MPs to call on Defra to strengthen the ban.

Petition my MP

But that’s just the start. This campaign will feature panel events up and down the country to bring key voices together to discuss the issues surrounding hunting, and what can be done to stop it. Following these debates, we will work with you to launch local campaigns to tackle hunting where you are. It’s time to amplify the voices of those who want to say ‘enough is enough’ to those who would seek to do wildlife harm.

This is the beginning of the end for hunting with dogs.

You are amazing and have already made a huge difference – some of the UK’s largest landowners such as the National Trust and Natural Resources Wales have already banned hunting thanks to your efforts, and the League will continue to work to reduce the impact of hunting on wildlife.

We have already held a successful pilot event in Plymouth, the next being in Cheltenham in February. Other events are in the planning stage, so expect to see further announcements on this soon.

Petition my MP

Right now trail hunting is actively licensed on government land, including areas owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Please contact your MP and tell them enough is enough. Ask that they call on DEFRA for an immediate end to trail hunting on government land and to commit to strengthening the Hunting Act to end the cruelty of hunting for good.

I agree - Enough is enough

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS!

DEPARTMENT for ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS.

I checked it’s full title just to see what it did actually stand for. What it is really there for should be for legitimate discussion. I know it has been discussed in The Lords and where the truth has been denied by denying he did not know.

I now quote from Raptor Persecution UK 3rd  February;

“Earlier today, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DEFRA, and pheasant shoot owner, The Rt. Hon. Lord Benyon, was speaking in the House of Lords about gamebird shooting and was asked about pheasant dumping. Benyon claimed to have no knowledge of it taking place”

So there you have it. He doesn’t know what is going on! 

The facts are there are numerous sites where birds have been dumped. All he has to do is follow RP UK site.

One aim, it says, is for improving and protecting the environment. That does sound to be a very just, worthwhile and a serious matter. However, when we see ‘the authorised ’ burning of moorland where our peat bogs are being destroyed contradicts this. But, of course, the reason for the burning and the non-intervention when moorland fires are lit is for fresh heather shoots for Red Grouse. I will say more on Grouse Shooting later.

‘Grow Green’ they also say and that is contradicted by the allowed burning of peat bogs. A significant and important natural place and where CO2 can be stored.

The following aim if it wasn’t so serious a matter is ‘to sustain rural economies’. I maintain it is laughable that shooting and hunting are able to do that. There is much in supporting the local economies that can be done other than shipping in those who can afford to blast birds from the skies. Do they stay and enjoy the fine dining? No, they bugger off having paid for that privilege on the profit of those who are on minimum wage.  

I have condemned the principle of ‘driven shoots’, the trapping, shooting and poisoning or anything, mammal and bird, that effects the habitat of grouse and the birds themselves. I am incensed by the fact that most of these areas should be in the public domain not lorded over by a few that inherited them.

In the end it is allowed to be continued by what I term, as the class divide. But times are changing and with the effort being made by many groups and individuals progress is happening.

I have written on this before and I am currently compiling a poetry collection on ‘wildlife crime’ and the environment. Today, I have written a three stanza poem on seeing those dumped birds and the words that came to me. It is fresh on the screen and I will continue to hone it. 

PHOTOS FROM THURSDAYS TRIP

These first photos were taken at the Monastery ruin.

 

Blue Rock Thrush.  A great sighting of this sometimes distant bird.

What a stunner!  Eyes that draw you in.  

Having passed the Palm Farm we carried on and found a track with large puddles.  Here we saw three groups of Bees.