I’ve recently been putting the finishing touches to a new 5/6 day spring birding trip that will be launched soon, and have been spending time at some of the “new” sites that it will visit. Last weekend, we spent the day at the small island of Tabarca, a designated marine reserve just off the coast of Alicante. At less than 2km in length and only 400 metres wide, it’s very small, but holds some fabulous bird life. In winter it’s a good sea-watching spot, but it’s main attraction for birders is argueably it’s ability to attract migratory birds on passage.
After the 15 minute crossing by fast launch, we arrived at the tiny port and began the day with a coffee at a small bar overlooking the beach. Little Terns were diving into the crystal clear sea, catching fish and a large flock of Yellow Legged Gulls were gathered on the beach. Overhead were Common Swifts, Barn Swallows and House Martins. We began our walk along the coastal path to an area of small rocky islets where we had good views of Shag.
We then visited an old stone built tower where there was a colony of Pallid Swift, many of which were busily feeding on the wing before flying into their nest holes. What a wonderful sight! As we continued along the low cliffs we had good views of Yellow Legged Gull chicks on the nests, obviously from a safe distance as not to disturb them. More Shags were perched on the rocks and a couple of Audouin’s Gulls flew by.
Yellow Legged Gull chick
Once at the eastern tip of the island, we made our way back along the north shore. The surrounding scrub seemed to be full of nesting Sardinian Warblers and a Woodchat Shrike was perched on a small bush. Movement on the ground caught my eye, and after a little scanning we found a small flock of Yellow Wagtail, including an individual of the subspecies thunbergi.
Sardinian Warbler
After lunch we visited the tiny village at the western end of the island, where we watched Swift nesting in the fortified walls and also came across a small flock of Northern Wheatear on a rocky outcrop. It was soon time to get back on the boat and return to the mainland, but we’d had a super trip and I very much look forward to many more days at this magical little spot.
Yellow Legged Gull
Written by Dave Warrington.