Last week, I enjoyed a fantastic day with a couple of returning clients from Canada. They had a trip with us few days ago, when we enjoyed a day in the coastal wetlands of Valencia. This time, they were keen to have a day of guided bird watching on the steppe of Spain.
After a chat over morning coffee, we made the relatively short journey into the rolling plains of Castilla de la Mancha.
One of our main target species was the Great Bustard, which would be a lifer for them both. We stopped in a favourite location where we often get views of these magnificent creatures, and patiently scanned the surrounding fields. After some 15 minutes, we were rewarded with some fantastic views of a group of male Great Bustards, strolling through the fields and feeding under a stand of trees. As we enjoyed the autumn sunshine, a Red Kite suddenly came into view, and circled overhead, giving some wonderful views.
Crested Larks and Skylarks flitted around us, whilst we enjoyed views of Greater Flamingo and Avocet in a nearby area of flooded fields. Then a male Lesser Kestrel passed by, coming to pause briefly on a pylon.
Our second stopping point was by a lagoon, where we had great views of (probably the same) Red Kite, this time flying much lower. We also saw Lapwing, Red-legged Partridge and Snipe.
We then made the short journey to another lagoon where we were pleased to see Little Grebe, Green Sandpiper and Shoveler.
Our next point was beside a lake which is a great spot to enjoy lunch as the surrounding trees provide some shade. We were delighted to enjoy views of two other target species of the day – the Gadwall and Black-necked Grebe. A Marsh Harrier made an appearance, flying low over the reed beds. The lake also held Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler and Little Grebe.
Red Crested Pochard
After a leisurely picnic, we then dedicated the afternoon to exploring the area´s high steppe, stopping at various points to scan this vast wide open area. Luck was with us today, and we enjoyed views of some fabulous species such as Hen Harrier, Calandra Lark, Little Owl, Corn Bunting and Rock Sparrow.
It had been a delight to enjoy their company in such great surroundings, and with so many wonderful species.
The list for the day included…
Little Owl, Common Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Great Bustard, Red-legged Partridge, Flamingo, Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Redshank, Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Coot, Crested Coot, Mallard, Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Crow, Magpie, Hoopoe, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Starling, Spotless Starling, Crested Lark, Calandra Lark, Skylark, Corn Bunting, Ortholan Bunting, Green Finch, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Sardinean Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, White Wagtail, Barn Swalow, House Martin.