A few days ago I was delighted to provide a bird watching trip for a couple from England. It was great to be able to do so as Dave and I had met them at Rutland Bird Fair and it was there that we originally discussed a trip to the steppe.
As they were staying to the south of our region, we agreed a meeting point and headed for the birding area. The weather forecast was not the best but they were keen to discover the area and its birdlife.
After a few minutes driving we arrived to the first stop at an irrigation pond where we enjoyed nice views of Marsh Harrier, Green Sandpiper and Zitting Cisticola. We kept moving looking for the target species of the day… Great Bustard!
On the road to the high steppe we stopped at a farm and after few seconds scanning the area, we spotted the first flock of Great Bustards.. It was a stunning group of 36 males!
Great Bustard
Not far from the Great Bustards… we spotted a large flock of Calandra Larks and Crested Larks. The steppe is the ideal habitat to focus on the differences between lark species.
Crested Lark
lunch time arrived and we decided to eat by a brackish lagoon where we enjoyed views of a group of White-headed Ducks, another of the day´s targets.
Female White-headed Duck
During the afternoon we continued to enjoy stunning views of Great Bustards and also fantastic views of Red Kites and Golden Eagles. We also stopped on the way back to watch a group of Red-legged Partridge.
Golden Eagle
It had been a fantastic trip with great people. We hope to welcome them back soon.
The species list of the day included…
White-headed Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Eurasian Teal, Common Pochard, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Collard Dove, Woodpigeon, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Golden Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Iberian Grey Shrike, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Calandra Lark, Great Tit, Zitting Cisticola, Stonechat, Mistle Thrush, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, White Wagtail, Water Pipit, Linnet, Goldfinch, Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow.