29/11 : Embalse de Puentes

So, Dave, Gilly and the Arboleas Group breaking new birding ground, which is always something of interest to report.

It was thrilling to be heading off to a new stamping ground, which was suggested by Adrian and Helen. Embalse de Puentes is between Lorca and the Sierra de Maria in the Murcia region, but only about an hour away from us. We met up with them, Brian, Mary, Dave and Myrtle at junction 6 of the A91 motorway. We had Rod in the truck with us. We travelled cross country through almond groves and open fields, interspersed with rundown cortijos. We stopped at various points to check out the birds. We saw Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Southern Grey Shrike, both Spotless and Northern Starling, Crested and Great Tits, Corn Bunting and a distant Kestrel. Red-legged Partridge was heard. The leading cars occupants saw a Green (iberian) Woodpecker. There were numerous Thekla/Crested Larks and Dartford Warblers were more numerous than the Sardinians. We saw one or two Stonechats but 100s of Black Redstarts. On one farmhouse we spotted Black Wheatear. Cattle Egret, Mistle Thrush, Jackdaw, Robin and Jay completed our journey's list.

We drove on to the dam at the reservoir. It was fantastic to actually see some birds on the water as compared to the virtually birdless Embalse de Negratin! Lots of Coots, both Little and Great Crested Grebes. About a dozen Cormorants were drying their wings in the blazing sunshine (yes, that's not a typo!). A Crag Martin did a fly past and Rock Doves were on the cliffs by the dam. I managed to spot a Grey Wagtail by the waters edge and a Blue Rock Thrush up on some rocks. Rod unfortunately was some distance away so missed out on this lifer for him. A Mallard and White Wagtail were also seen.

We then headed into a pine wood clearing adjacent to the waters edge next to a reedbed. Cetti's Warbler was heard and Firecrests, Long-tailed Tits and Chiffchaffs were seen. As we ate our packed lunches a flight of about 12 Griffon Vultures circled above us. They were a lifer for Rod. I then spotted another Blue Rock Thrush on the top of a pylon which Rod saw this time.

A wonderful day. Great weather. Ended up with 44 birds. Will be coming back here again!