8th & 9th September 2022
Day 1 : Coastal Wetlands & Saltmarshes.
After the summer break, our trips kicked-off again in early September. I tend not to offer many trips during the summer months as the heat can often have an impact on the quality of the trip, which of course, is of paramount importance. Erling, from Iceland, had previously contacted me to arrange a couple of day´s birding whilst he was on holiday with his family in the Alicante region. Erling, a professional entomologist from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, is clearly a well-known figure in Icelandic birding circles and beyond, so it was a privilege to meet both him and his brother-in-law Gudni, and to spend these days together.
For our first trip, we chose to visit the wetlands of Alicante. Armed with a list of target species, we made the journey from Alicante and soon arrived at our first reserve. Within just a few minutes, we were watching Purple Swamphen, one of the targets for the day, which got the trip off to a great start. Swifts, House Martins and Crag Martins were all feeding above us, and Glossy Ibis were constantly passing overhead too.
Our next objective, Red-knobbed Coot, was also soon seen, and we even had the chance to watch one feeding its young on the lagoon that we were walking by. Cetti’s Warblers were calling and flitting around in the low vegetation, and then the sound of Bee Eaters calling above, turned our attention to the skies, where we saw a sizeable flock passing through.
Red-knobbed Coot with young
Our first hide gave views of another of the trip´s target birds, Marbled Teal, as well as Black-necked Grebe and Little Grebe. We strolled onwards to the next hide where we sheltered in the shade and enjoyed watching Little Ringed Plover, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Great Egret and eventually, White Headed Duck. Greater Flamingos were around in big numbers, many of which were with very young birds, some of which were most probably from the breeding colony that we have in the south of the region.
A young Greater Flamingo
It was becoming a little warm by now, so we walked slowly back towards the car, from which we took the cool-box and sat in the shade to enjoy lunch. There were still two spots that I wanted Erling and Gudni to see, so we headed for the first, and after a short walk, found ourselves in a hide ovelooking a large lagoon. An Osprey flew by, a fish firmly gripped in its talons, and a Marsh Harrier was hunting over the reed beds. Whilst scanning a flock of Black-headed Gulls, we found a Little Gull. Whiskered Terns were feeding over the water, and once again, we paid closer attention, our reward being a Black Tern.
Oystercatcher
Time was passing all too quickly, as usual, so we headed for our final spot of the day which was at a coastal saltmarsh. This proved to be a good option, as it brought the day to a close with some great birds, including Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Collared Pratincole, Slender-billed Gull and Stone Curlew. Passing through were also flocks of Barn Swallows with the occasional Red-rumped Swallow and Alpine Swift.
Collared Pratincole
It had been a fabulous day, with some great sightings, and for Erling and Gudni, a number of “lifers”, which is always special. The list for the day included…
Glossy Ibis, House Sparrow, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Swift, Crag Martin, House Martin, Red Knobbed Coot, Common Coot, Greater Flamingo, Marbled Teal, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Common Kestrel, Greenshank, Cetti’s Warbler, Bee Eater, Mallard, Little Ringed Plover, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Great Egret, Grey Heron, White Headed Duck, Osprey, Black Headed Gull, Little Gull, Black Tern, Little Egret, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, Black Tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Collared Pratincole, Collared Dove, Redshank, Red Rumped Swallow, Barn Swallow, Alpine Swift, Stone Curlew, Common Tern, Slender Billed Gull.
Day 2 : Steppe & Farmland.
The next morning, we met in the historical village of Biar, in the rural interior of Alicante, and then made the rest of the journey together, up onto the steppe. By far the most important birding objective of the day was to see Great Bustard. Indeed, there aren’t so many countries in Europe where one can reliably see them.
Biar, inland Alicante
Our day began with views of Booted Eagle and Common Buzzard soaring over the vast cereal fields, as well as Red-legged Partridge and Iberian Grey Shrike at much lower levels! An area of recent floodwater had attracted Lapwings and a few Greater Flamingo, and Spotless Starlings were around on the nearby overhead cables.
Red-legged Partridge
Our next stopping point gave us views of Rock Sparrow and plenty of Northern Wheatears that were passing through the area. Having enjoyed watching these, we headed off-road in search of Bustards. The usual spots revealed nothing, so we drove slowly and quietly across country, carefully watching. Then after around 15 minutes, we spotted a small group of Great Bustards, feeding and walking slowly through a field in front of us. We stopped to consider our options. Getting a good view of these magnificent animals without disturbing them is somewhat of an art form, and the last thing that we wanted to do was to scare them away. I spotted a pile of stones not so far away, so drove the car very slowly until it was hidden from their view, behind the stones. Then, slowly and without closing the car doors, we got out of the car and set up the scope. Thankfully, the Bustards were not startled at all, and continued to feed as they were before. We managed to get some fabulous views, which for Erling and Gudni was indeed an extra special moment. Once satisfied with what we’d seen, we quietly returned to the car. We waited for a short while before we could see that the Bustards had disappeared behind the hill. Then we continued our drive. A few minutes later, we spotted a few of the Bustards in flight, and they were actually coming our way. We stopped the car but this time remained inside. They flew alongside the car and passed by, giving us some excellent views!
Great Bustard
More than happy with our “Bustard experience” we headed for a lagoon where we had lunch whilst watching White-headed Duck, Shoveler, Little Grebe and Black-necked Grebe. By now the sun was high in the sky and temperatures had climbed, so conditions were less than ideal. However, we still managed to spot a Green Sandpiper before heading back to Biar. Instead of going straight back to the Erling and Gudni’s car, we took a detour across farmland which added Little Owl and Stonechat to our list.
White Headed Duck
Once back in Biar, we said our fond goodbyes and reflected on our two days together. It had been a huge pleasure to do this trip for such great people, and I sincerely hope to see them again. In the meantime, I’m sure we´ll keep in touch!
The species list for the second day included…
Carrion Crow, Kestrel, Spotless Starling, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Red Legged Partridge, Iberian Grey Shrike, Mallard, Greater Flamingo, Lapwing, Barn Swallow, Rock Sparrow, House Sparrow, Northern Wheatear, Great Bustard, Gadwall, Shoveler, White Headed Duck, Common Coot, Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Common Pochard, Green Sandpiper, Little Owl, Stonechat.
Written by Dave Warrington.