Golden Plover - pluvialis apricaria The Axarquia Bird Group met for a walk along the Rio Velez and it exceeded my expectations today, throwing up one or two nice surprises. The first being this solitary Golden Plover, a species we haven´t seen here for two years.
We all appreciated the environmental improvements made here recently, presumably by the local authorities. Fly-tipped rubbish has been cleared, the dirt road levelled, saplings planted and a brand new hide built near the pump-house. A large lagoon has been excavated at the beach to encourage waders and wildfowl. All-in-all great improvements which have attracted field visits from the local high school as there must have been around fifty pupils and teachers on site. Nice to see but not good for birding with so many people wandering around.
We all appreciated the environmental improvements made here recently, presumably by the local authorities. Fly-tipped rubbish has been cleared, the dirt road levelled, saplings planted and a brand new hide built near the pump-house. A large lagoon has been excavated at the beach to encourage waders and wildfowl. All-in-all great improvements which have attracted field visits from the local high school as there must have been around fifty pupils and teachers on site. Nice to see but not good for birding with so many people wandering around.
New hide at the Rio Velez
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View of the beach and lagoon
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Looking upstream from the hide
Bluethroat - Competing with the Golden Plover for bird of the day was this Bluethroat that foraged around our party down at the beach, giving everyone excellent views. It seemed quite unconcerned by our presence and everyone with a camera probably got some decent shots, what a star!
Bluethroat - pechi azul
Water Pipit - Our list of species built up during the morning but the biggest surprise was the Red-rumped Swallow that persistantly flew around us at the beach. This bird should have been long gone!
It was a pleasure to see plenty of Water Pipits all the way up and down the riverbank, a welcome return for this species after a long absence.
A final shot from the trip is of a Robin that remained on its perch as I pulled up beside it in the car on my way out. It adds a seasonal touch to what had been a very cold and wintry week.
It was a pleasure to see plenty of Water Pipits all the way up and down the riverbank, a welcome return for this species after a long absence.
A final shot from the trip is of a Robin that remained on its perch as I pulled up beside it in the car on my way out. It adds a seasonal touch to what had been a very cold and wintry week.
Robin -
