18 March, Arboleas Bird Group

Apologies for this late post from Dave and Gilly of the Arboleas Birding Group's evening and feeding trip to Cabo de Gata on 18 March, but I have been away in foreign parts (Tenerife) where the weather was rubbish and the birding poor because I was with the family (God help me!), the only programmed trip, a short pelagic, falling apart because of the bloody boat company which couldn't be bothered to phone to confirm that it was on.

It was suggested for a change we'd visit our local favourite site, Cabo de Gata, in the evening. I'm sure it had nothing to do with "after-birding" meal!! Six members of the group travelled down the 100km. The weather was lovely and sunny, but the predicted gusty wind was a problem. The first hide, passed the village of Pujaire, wasn't very productive, even though the sun was, at that time of the day, not a problem. Avocet, Redshank, Little Stint, Kentish, Grey and Ringed Plover were seen. We also saw our first Pallid Swift of the year. "Little brown jobs" were keeping their heads down.
Arriving at the beach opposite the next hide, our view over the sea was reduced by the sun's glare. At the hide we could see 5 sleeping Spoonbill, two of which had rings on, but too distant for any numbers. We also saw Little Egret, Greenshank, Curlew, Stone Curlew & Black-winged Stilt. There were small numbers of Slender-billed, Yellow-legged & Audouin's Gull, but numerous Black Headed. Gilly counted 227 Greater Flamingo.
At the public hide all of the more common waders were seen, including a very nice Black-tailed Godwit in breeding plumage. A Yellow Wagtail was spotted & a few Sandwich Terns flew over. Round the rear of the reserve, very little was seen unusually. The sun was in the wrong place and a distinct lack of birdlife. We did see a large combined flock of Pallid Swifts, Red-rumped & Barn Swallows.

A total of 41 for the evening and, oh yes, the meal was great!!

Dave & Gilly