Brown Necked Raven Cabo de Palos.

We intended to go inland this morning, but with cool temperatures, some cloud and a possibility of rain it was likely not to be a good decision.  In the end the decision was easy as a Brown Necked Raven was reported at Cabo de Palos on the Rare Birds in Spain web site.

On Saturday 19th the three of us met at San Pedro Del Pinatar.  The Salinas have not contained much in previous visits.  Today was not exceptional with Turnstones on the beach, the usual Yellow Legged Gulls, but not a wader in sight from the main carpark.  Three Linnets perched on a fence and the odd Stonechats perched  up.  We quickly moved on and the lagoons showed very little.  We managed one lone Ruff, but in excellent condition.  Thirty nine Black Tailed Godwits were in the distance as well as a large raft of Black necked Grebe, Avocets were easily seen.

 

The bridge over the canal next to the small car park was where we viewed a close-by Spotted Redshank, with two Redshanks in the distance.

 A Little Egret showed well in it’s summer plumage.

 Chiffs were very active feeding, a Grey Wagtail flitted across the canal and a Kingfisher flashed down the channel.  Not much return from this expanse of water.

 We did not spend any more time here and travelled straight to Cabo de Palos. 

 

We walked into the area around the lighthouse and then our target bird flew over and around us, within a few minute of arriving.  We watched it fly over several times before it perched on the rim of a building within meters of the car park.  It stayed for many minutes.  We watched it, heard it calling and i was luck to get few more photographs.

  The call is ‘crow-like’ and not the distinctive cronk of the larger Raven.  This one is smaller with non of the obvious throat feathers and a thinner bill.  The brown plumage is fairly obvious. We were happy and this was johns second tick in five days.

  Out to sea, Gannets flew,  and three Iberian Shag were on the water.  Monk Parakeets were in the palms and lots of Collard Doves in lighthouse area also Common Kestrel.

 

The old Salinas adjacent to Cabo de Palos now contains water.  There was a mixture of Gulls, with most being Auduoin’s.

  It was pleasing to see about hundred Golden Plover, a few Black Winged Stilt, Greenshank,  Redshank,  Sardinian Warblers flew in and around the bushes. On the way out there were seven Spoonbills sifting through the water.  It is always good to end on a good sighting and they rounded off our day very nicely.

 

Yes, we did the mileage and it was worth it.  The African Raven adding to our day.  Three very good days out and Trev’s total for trip (updated)  was a respectable 110

On a dull Sunday morning and with rain forecast Trev and i had a quick run around the Salinas at Santa Pola  and to the mouth of the  Guardamar del Segura,  hoping to add a few more ticks for Trev bird list, and so at the Standing Stone Stone's lay by at the Salinas we added Grey Plover, Sandwich Tern, Dublin, and at the  Guardamar del Segura, Black headed Gull, Razorbill, Sanderling,  

 

Have a great day

Thank for visiting

Cheers Bryan