8-9/5/2023
At the beginning of this week, I had the pleasure of spending two days with a fabulous couple from the UK. They were travelling around the region, and as keen birders and environmentalists, were eager to discover the region´s bird life. To provide two very different days, we spent day 1 at the wetlands and day 2 in the mountainous interior of the area.
Day 1 – Wetlands
Our first day began with blue skies and very little wind – perfect for our intended walk. Highlights of the morning included Purple Heron, Night Heron, Great Egret, Great Reed Warbler and eventually good views of Zitting Cisticola!
Zitting Cisticola
We spent some time in a hide from where we had great views of Mediterranean Gull, Little Bittern and Collared Pratincole.
Collared Pratincole
After a further walk into the reed beds, we watched across a small lagoon which held Purple Swamphen, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover and a Greater Flamingo with young.
Greater Flamingo
We had lunch in another hide, enjoying our sandwiches whilst watching Squacco Heron, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill, Common Tern and Whiskered Tern.
Common Tern
The return leg of our walk took us by another small lake which gave us the chance to see plenty of Glossy Ibis, as well as Marbled Teal and a Spotted Flycatcher.
Marbled Teal
Our first day all too soon came to an end, but left us looking forward to the next. The species list for the day included…
Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Collared Dove, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Cetti’s Warbler, Mallard, Black Headed Gull, Purple Heron, Greater Flamingo, Little Tern, Black Winged Stilt, Zitting Cisticola, Barn Swallow, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Great Egret, Red Crested Pochard, Little Ringed Plover, Whiskered Tern, Night Heron, Little Grebe, Mediterranean Gull, Little Bittern, Great Reed Warbler, Collared Pratincole, Avocet, Shoveler, Little Ringed Plover, Crested Lark, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Purple Swamphen, Tree Sparrow, Hoopoe, Squacco Heron, Spoonbill, Reed Warbler, Kestrel, Magpie, Goldfinch, Marbled Teal, Spotted Flycatcher.
Day 2 – Mountains
After a comfortable journey and the usual morning coffee stop, we were soon walking through a small woodland with a river running through it. We stood very still in the shade of a ruined house, enjoying views of a very active Wren, as well as Serin, Red Rumped Swallow and a Melodious Warbler. The sound of Nightingale song was all around us.
Melodious Warbler
A Sparrowhawk flew by, soon followed by a Raven. Scanning of a nearby crag revealed a pair of Black Wheatear, and we soon had our first views of Alpine Swift above us.
Time spent watching onto a huge cliff gave us excellent views of Griffon Vulture, Chough and Crag Martin. However, before too long, one of the key target species finally flew into sight, putting on a superb display as it swooped across the face of the cliff – Egytpian Vulture.
Egyptian Vulture
The afternoon was spent crossing an area of upland cereal fields and vineyards before visiting a 1000 metre peak. We were delighted to get views of Woodchat Shrike, Black Redstart, Cirl Bunting and Bee Eater.
Bee Eater
The species list for the day included…
Goldfinch, House Martin, Black Wheatear, Melodious Warbler, Wren, Serin, Swift, Sparrowhawk, Raven, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackbird, Yellow Wagtail, Alpine Swift, Red Rumped Swallow, Griffon Vulture, Chough, Crag Martín, Egyptian Vulture, Woodchat Shrike, Black Redstart, Cirl Bunting, Bee Eater.
It had been an absolute delight to spend these days within such good company, and it was with some sadness that I said my farewells. I´m sure we’ll keep in touch though, and hopefully meet again before too long!
Written by Dave Warrington.