Breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine's war and thee unforseen circumstances?

Yecla 27th May

Early starts on the road by 7:20

Although the war in Ukraine may seem a long way away, the effects are being felt here in Costa Blanca, In response to shortages caused by the conflict, almost every available square meter of land has been turned over to agriculture. Wheat, barley, Maze, silage, and other crops like vineyard's, olive groves, orange and lemon tree plantations which now cover areas that were once fertile natural scrub-land. Now turned over to intensive farming. 

Ukraine is globally recognized as the "breadbasket of Europe" due to its vast, highly fertile chernozem (black) soil and ideal climate.

Before the ongoing conflict, this highly cultivated region was a primary agricultural engine for the continent and the world:

Wheat: Historically ranks as one of the top five global exporters.

Sunflower Oil: Typically the number one global exporter.

Corn & Barley: Consistently ranks among the top global suppliers.

The impact on local wildlife has been dramatic. Habitats that were once excellent for birding have disappeared beneath cereal crops and the intensive farming of fruit and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, soft fruits and poly tunnels ect. 

Black-throated Black-eared Wheatears

 With the war entering its fourth year, you can spend almost an entire day driving around searching for birds and barely see anything of note in areas that were once full of life.

Even so, today’s visit to Yecla was enjoyable, although hard going. The new normal seems you have to put more effort in too get a result. It was great to get out with Geoff, despite the difficult conditions and increasing heat, We still managed to see more species than if I’d stayed in GA.

Crested Lark
 This bird got me thinking initially I though it was a Thekla because of the bill but no its juvenile Crested lark

What was especially noticeable were the omissions not a single Pallid Swift, Bee-eater, Roller, or Woodchat Shrike. These are normally the “filler birds” between the highlights, such as Golden Eagle, lesser Kestrel, which unfortunately we also failed to connect with today.

Black -throated Black-eared Wheatears

That said, we still recorded around 12+ Hoopoes, both Black-throated and White-throated Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Calandra Lark, Thekla Lark, Corn Bunting, Black Wheatear, Crested Lark, little Owl, Greater Short-toed Lark, Chough, Buzzard, 6 Common Kestrel, and we heard several Golden Orioles. And lots of the little things like Serin, Linnet, Green Finch, Gold Finch, and common birds

Have Fun go birding

Cheers Bryan