Sometimes it’s nice not to chase lists

 Tuesday, 18th November

Today was one of those slow-burn, quietly memorable birding days the kind that reminds you why getting out early, even on a chilly morning, is always worth it. Jeanett and I hadn’t seen each other since the spring and our encounter with the Eider Duck at Santa Pola Harbour,this Spring, so it was well overdue for a catch-up.

 Eider Duck at Santa Pola Harbour, last winter and early spring.

We met at 7:30, stepping out into just 7 degrees  the coldest morning of the autumn so far. Heavy clouds lingered at first, in total contrast to the forecast promising clear skies, no wind, and a balmy 25 degrees. We skirted past the Santa Pola Salinas and headed toward the loop behind La Marina, hoping the light would bright up the dull Birding.

Stonechat

Early birding was slow, but a few Hoopoes kicked off the day list, followed by Kestrel, Black Redstarts, Fan-tailed Warbler, Chaffinch, Robins everywhere, and Tree Sparrows. And of course, fingers firmly crossed for the Great Spotted Eagle. By the time we reached Catral the sun finally pushed through, and suddenly things began to move. Booted Eagles appeared both dark and light phase and Marsh Harriers drifted through in good numbers.

Vista Bella Hide

Here the pace picked up nicely: Bluethroat, Water Pipit, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Kingfisher, more Marsh Harriers, Green Sandpiper, and Snipe. Always a rewarding stop.

Water Pipit

San Felipe

Completely flooded now, with water levels so high that barely any mud was showing. To add to the challenge, a bus loads of very enthusiastic Scandinavian visitors arrived, loudly enjoying themselves at one point even breaking into song. One of them asked if the birds overhead were vultures, which gave us a smile.

Still, we logged Marbled Duck, Red-knobbed Coot, Ruff, Snipe, endless Glossy Ibis overhead, and plenty of Black-winged Stilts.

Red-knobbed Coot

Chiffchaff

We took lunch at a favourite spot where the Great Spotted Eagle often perches, but no luck today. Instead, we enjoyed at least six Dartford Warblers, a Little Owl, and a Buzzard. The meal itself was made better by a simple pleasure: complete silence. No wind, no traffic. A rare moment of stillness.

Little Owl

Clot de Galvany

Ferruginous Duck

The highlight of the day and a great chance to put the new camera and lens through their paces after last week’s setbacks. The usual residents showed well: Blackcap, Grey Wagtail, Ferruginous Duck, as well as the regular ducks and grebes.

Pochard

 But the moment of the day came when Jeanett picked out a distant Wryneck perched in a dead tree. A cracking bird and a brilliant find.

White headed Duck

We ended the day feeling relaxed, refreshed, and glad to have had a pressure-free outing. Sometimes it’s nice not to chase lists just to wander, talk, laugh, and let the birds appear as they will. We’ve already planned to meet up again soon.

Red crested Pochard

Have fun go birding.

Wryneck

Cheers Bryan.

3 days Birding with Trevor

Three Days of Birding Costa Blanca Spain

With Trevor

Introduction

What was meant to be three days of birding — though really only two and a half+ but turned into an unforgettable mix of great sightings, frustrating conditions, and an unfortunate lesson in travel security.

Two tailed Pasha

My old mate Trevor came out to sunny Spain, and despite a few setbacks, we managed some superb birds, including Great Bustard, Wryneck, Jack Snipe, and a very late flock  of Alpine Swift on migration. 

Trevor ended with a personal tally of 100 species (he only counts birds seen) while my list was slightly higher since I also include heard species.

Stonechat

Monday 3rd – Santa Pola & San Felipe

Late start, strong finish, and an encounter I wish hadn’t happened…

After a late start we began birding just after 1 p.m.

Our second stop was the Salt Tower at Santa Pola Salinas, where we picked up:

Osprey, Great White Egret, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Ringed Plover, and Sanderling.

Ringed Plover

From there, we headed to San Felipe and birded back toward Gran Alacant. Water levels were worryingly low, but the exposed mud produced: lots of

Blue throat, Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, Glossy Ibis, Purple Swamphen, Hen Harrier, Kingfisher, Red-knobbed Coot, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiff chaff, Little Ringed Plover, Shoveler, and Southern Grey Shrike.

Ferruginous Duck

A quick stop at El Pinet produced little, so we finished at Clot de Galvany with:

Kingfisher, Ferruginous Duck, Gadwall, White-headed Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, and Grey Wagtail.

Wryneck

Bird of the Day: A superb Wryneck, showing beautifully in late afternoon light.

Wryneck

Wryneck

Tuesday 4th – Pétrola, Corral Rubio & Yecla

Fog, fields, and a spectacular flock of Great Bustards.

We were on the road by 7 a.m., heading inland through thick fog that thankfully lifted after Yecla.

Near Bonete, we connected with a small group of Black-bellied Sandgrouse, plus:

Rock Sparrow, Hoopoe, Kestrel, Buzzard, Black Redstart, Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Tree Sparrow, and flocks of Linnet and Goldfinch.

Black Redstart

Just before Corral Rubio, a lone Great Bustard flew overhead — and then Trevor found around 40 more feeding in a nearby field! They were distant but magnificent through the scope, and we even got some flight shots as they took off together.

Great Bustard 

Great Bustard 

Great Bustard 

The lagoons were in poor condition — almost dry — but still held a few surprises:

Common Crane (30), Water Pipit, Kentish Plover, Common and Jack Snipe, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier, Skylark, and Calandra Lark.

Common Crane

Highlight: The Jack Snipe, always a tough bird to find.

At Yecla, we added: Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Raven, Chough, Merlin, Little Owl, Buzzard, and possibly two Golden Eagles (though distant).

Chough

 Little Owl

We wrapped up as the light faded and returned to Gran Alacant tired but satisfied.

Wednesday 5th – Guadalentín Valley & San Pedro de Pinatar

Hard work, dry fields, and a breathtaking finale.

The Guadalentín Valley was alive with activity — harvesting red peppers and planting new crops. Birdlife was patchy but included:

White Wagtail, Southern Grey Shrike, Reed Bunting, Spectacled Warbler (briefly), Dartford Warbler (a showy family group), Marsh Harrier, Jackdaw, Chough, Green Sandpiper, and Greenfinch.

Ruff

After five hours and little to show for it, we decided to head for San Pedro de Pinatar. En route, a low tyre pressure warning slowed us down, but at the reserve we finished the day on a high with:

Spoonbill, Dunlin, Sanderling, Little Ringed Plover, Serin, Ruff, Grey Wagtail, Black-tailed Godwit, and Black-necked Grebe.

Ruff

Highlight: Around 30 Alpine Swifts mixed with Crag Martins — ten magical minutes of aerial mastery.

Alpine Swift

Thursday 6th – Maigmó Mountains

High winds spoiled the final morning — it was difficult even to stand upright at the summit!

Still, a few woodland species rounded off the trip:

Coal Tit, Crested Tit, Woodlark, and Crossbill.

Theft at Santa Pola – A Hard Lesson

Back to that “eventful first hour” on Monday.

While parked at Santa Pola Salinas, we were targeted by thieves. I stayed near the car because the passenger window didn't close — my Canon 600 mm f/4 lens and 7D Mk II was in the footwell.

A black saloon pulled up. The driver, a man in his 40s, appeared to be taking scenic photos. Trevor called me over to check some birds — only 45 m away — and when I returned moments later, the lens and camera were gone.

Sanderling

We checked the boot — thankfully my other gear, Trevor’s passport, and documents were untouched. Still, losing that lens (worth £14,180) was devastating.

The insurance company refused the claim as the car was “unlocked”.

Worse still, the next morning Trevor discovered €260 missing from his wallet. We now believe there were two thieves: one distracting, pretending to take photos the other one stealing.

Lessons Learned

This experience was a harsh reminder that birders can be easy targets. Thieves know our gear is valuable and easy to sell.

Tips for travelling birders:

Don't do as I did:

Never leave optics or cameras visible, even for a minute.

Always lock the car, even if you’re just a few metres away.

Keep valuables out of sight and secure.

Trust your instincts if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Despite the losses, the birding itself was often excellent. Great Bustards, Wryneck, and Jack Snipe will stay with us far longer than the bad memories.

Trip Summary

Ferruginous Duck

Dates: 3rd–6th November

Total Species (Trevor): 100

Notable Species:

Wryneck, Great Bustard (40+), Jack Snipe, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Alpine Swift (30), Ferruginous Duck, White-headed Duck, Red-knobbed Coot, Purple Swamphen, Common Crane (30), Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, and Golden Eagle (probable +2).

 Photos to follow next week not quite up to my usual standard (for obvious reasons!)

Wryneck

I've not mentioned every birds seen.

 but the story’s not quite over  

In the words of Arnie 

I'll be back

Have fun go birding

Big thank you to Trevor for all the driving, getting us back safety, and the extra pair of eyes,It makes a difference, 4 is better than two.

Make some news hopefully not like the steal of my gear.

Cheers Bryan