
Upon arrival we spotted several Common Sandpipers on the riverbanks along with some Ringed Plover, a Common Snipe and the usual Moorhens, Mallards, a Little Egret, various White and a single Grey Wagtail. Bob spotted a Bluethroat and then the first surprise, a solitary Lapwing, which is a Rio Velez first for me. Elena was happy to see the blue flash of a Kingfisher streaking down river, but while the others scanned the banks however I became fascinated by this handsome Serin feeding on seed heads by the path, so close that I had to step back to get a focus on it. It continued feeding seemingly oblivious to our presence, even as the others came and watched within a few feet. Most un serin-like in my experience.