When sea mist and grey mornings are rare events, they take on a whole new level of attraction. That´s exactly what happened on Monday, after a sudden change in wind direction, the clear blue skies that had been with us all weekend were replaced with a light grey cloud cover and the coastal wetland that I visited was lightly cloaked in mist that was rolling in off the suddenly stormy Mediterranean.
Audouin´s Gull
The first bird that I saw was an Audouin´s Gull, standing on top of a pile of pebbles, looking out to sea, seemingly also surprised by the sudden change in weather! A few Cormorants were braving the waves and diving for fish and in the bushes behind the dunes, Chiffchaffs and Sardinian Warblers were moving around, feeding on insects. A Cetti´s Warbler briefly came into the open, singing its explosive song and giving unusually good views.
The light mist gave a sense of peace, and the large gatherings of Shovelers and Teals gently floated across a lagoon, snoozing on the still water. A Pintail flew by, and a Marsh Harrier glided low over the reeds. Before I turned my eyes back to the sea, a flock of Flamingos flew past, moving between lagoons, splashing the grey morning sky with vivid colour.
As I walked along the beach, movement on the ground caught my eye. I spotted a couple of Reed Buntings feeding on the ground. Then something else grabbed my attention – the extent of white on the tail. Instead of the usual white edges, the tail on one of the birds was almost all white. All other characteristics pointed clearly towards Reed Bunting but the tail on this bird was so white that I could only conclude leucism, a partial loss of pigmentation. This is quite often seen in Blackbirds but I´ve never seen it before on Reed Buntings.
Reed Buntings – the lower one showing a white tail
As I was watching a pair of Stonechats that flew into a tree, a larger bird suddenly left the same tree and went to perch on a nearby plant. An Iberian Grey Shrike, somehow blending in well with the surrounding tones of the day!
Iberian Grey Shrike
The next lagoon that I briefly visited gave views of Lapwings, Snipe, Black-necked and Little Grebe as well as Black Winged Stilt. Preferring to be outside rather than in a hide, I walked further into the reserve, along a wooden boardwalk until I reached a raised viewing platform. This spot is a favourite of mine and one where patience and stillness are often rewarded. As I stood, drinking hot tea from my flask, I tuned in my hearing to the concert that was being performed in the reed beds. A Water Rail was screaching off to my right, whilst just to my left, a Cetti´s Warbler sang over and over. The calls of White Wagtails came from the far side of the pond, mixed with the gentle squeal of a small flock of Teal. Then a different song caught my ear, the varied notes of Moustached Warbler, resounding from deep in the reeds. As I stood, listening to this beautiful soundtrack of the wetlands, a new, high-pitched call began – first distant but gradually becoming closer. I switched on the camera, hoping for a chance and a little luck. Sure enough, as the calls became louder a small group of Penduline Tits came into partial view. I eventually managed to get a couple of photos, but prioritised simply watching them as they busily moved through the reeds. What a special moment indeed.
Penduline Tit
Delighted with the rich rewards of being out in the field – waiting, listening, watching and experiencing such beauty, I began my walk back along the beach to my car. The odd weather had added to the atmosphere of the morning, and had also kept people indoors, meaning that I´d been able to enjoy the peace alone.
Written by Dave Warrington.