02 March : Guadalhorce

Greg Mills has very kindly sent me and allowed me publish a report of his fruitful morning visit to the Guadalhorce. Many thanks, Greg.  Additional blog material is always welcome if anyone else feels that they would like to follow his example.

A round 50 species today including my first Barn Swallow of the season and the welcome return of the House Martins by the bridge but no Red-rumps and no Sand Martins. Other highlights were a pair of Little Ringed Plovers getting on with the breeding process at the Laguna Grande and a healthy spattering of Kentish Plovers. On the río Viejo there were three Black-tailed Godwits, a single Snipe and a pair of Greenshanks showing nicely, plus a flock of 18 Sanderlings down on the beach and a Black-necked Grebe fishing off the beach.

There were no less than a whopping 30 White-headed Ducks spread between the 3 main lagoons. Also worthy of note were a Spoonbill, 8 Flamingos and six pairs of Teal looking resplendent, two pairs of Gadwall, but no sign of the male Red-crested Pochard seen last week.  The only raptor of note was a pale Booted Eagle.
As regards to the Chiffchaffs, there's no wonder Dave didn't see any; they are all down at the Guada!