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Field Trips - 2011/12
Non members welcome - 5 euros per visit
Tuesday 13th Sept - Alcoy, Font Roja, 'vulture gorge', lunch at Cocentaina, Xorret de Cati
Tuesday 11th Oct - Isla de Tabarca - please note change of date from 12th to 11th
Thursday 10th Nov - La Mata, Sierra de Escalona, lunch at Torremendo
Wednesday 14th Dec - Clot de Galvany, Vistabella, El Pinet, lunch at El Pinet (including AGM)
Tuesday 17th Jan - Mar Menor
Thursday 16th Feb - Pego Marsh
Wednesday 14th March - Santa Pola Salinas
Wednesday 18th April - Sierra Espuña
Tuesday 15th May - Villena/Yecla (new venue with - hopefully- Lesser Kestrels)
Thursday 14th June - Alcoy (Vultures)
PERSONAL LIABILITY
It may well be superfluous to point out that the Costa Blanca Bird Club, as an entity, carries no insurance cover for its field trips. Therefore, any personal injury which may be incurred on any of our outings, due to an accident of any kind, whether on foot or in a motor vehicle, is the sole responsibility of the person(s) concerned.
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for 2009/10 Field Trip Reports.Click here
for 2010/11 Field Trip Reports.Trip Reports for 2011/12
January Field Trip - Mar Menor area - By Malcolm Palmer
The weather forecast had looked distinctly unpromising for the Costa Blanca Bird Club’s January field trip, so it was with some relief that we counted some thirty hardy souls in the carpark of the reserve at San Pedro del Pinatar. Three Pintails were at the far side of the lagoon, and a few Shelduck, then a Greenshank flew over, but the scene was a little desolate, so we headed off south to the big area of wasteland just north of Las Urrutias, where we generally expect to see something interesting. Black necked Grebe and Great Crested Grebe bobbed around on the choppy waters of the Mar Menor, and as we walked out into open country a couple of Marsh Harriers rose, then a Red legged Partridge flew away from under my feet. Some of our party were watching a Green Woodpecker, as a flock of Linnets and a single Reed Bunting turned up.
Pintail and Marsh Harrier photos by Bryan Thomas©
On our way further south, two Booted Eagles were added to our list, then we called in at the salinas near Cabo de Palos. Here we managed to get very good views of a fine group of Spotted Redshanks, and some spectacular Slender billed Gulls, as well as Avocets, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Kentish Plover. There was time before lunch to call in at the Cabo de Palos lighthouse, where the brisk northeast wind was bringing some lovely Gannets in very close, as well as Sandwich Terns and the odd Audouin’s Gull. Barry’s sharp eyes found a nice Blue Rock Thrush perched on the wires. Our lunch was taken at the Restaurante Rosario, nearby, and most people enjoyed the seafood paella. Next we made our way to the lagoons near El Algar, many of which have unfortunately been allowed to dry up. We did manage to see a Wood Sandpiper there, however, as well as a couple of Greenshank, a Grey Wagtail and a Water Pipit, so our trip was definitely worthwhile. It was generally agreed that we had made the most of a grey day! See Mary's blog for more about the day. Mary's Blog
Spotted Redshank and Blue Rock Thrush photos by Bryan Thomas©
The species list for the day is as follows:- Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Red crested Pochard, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Red legged Partridge, Moorhen, Coot, Black winged Stilt, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Dunlin, Audouin's Gull, Yellow legged Gull, Black headed Gull, Slender billed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Common Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Southern Grey Shrike, Magpie, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Linnet, Serin, Reed Bunting.
Gannet by Bryan Thomas© Sandwich Tern provided by Malcolm Palmer.
December Field Trip - San Felipe and Vista Bella area - By Malcolm Palmer
There was some concern that members may be put off by the decision to combine the December outing with the AGM, but our meetings are always rapid affairs, and a healthy turn-out of some 32 people set out from Gran Alacant on a pleasant morning. We took a long drive around to the Reserve Centre at San Felipe Neri, some members having unfortunately to backtrack. A dark phase Booted Eagle sailed over amongst the masses of Yellow legged Gulls near the Elche tip, then, when we arrived at the Centre, there were more raptors, constantly in view, with Buzzards, Marsh Harriers and Booted Eagles plentiful, while some members had a distant view of the elusive Great Spotted Eagle, ‘Tönn’. A Bluethroat was well-seen by many, and several Kingfishers flew around. Two or three Dartford Warblers were seen, as well as Reed Buntings and the inevitable Zitting Cisticola, whilst the big lake was a little disappointing, with only a few Gadwall and the odd Black necked Grebe to enliven the huge flocks of Coot.
Dartford Warbler and Black necked Grebe photos by Bryan Thomas©
As we made our way to our next stop, at Vistabella, the President’s geography failed him, and some of the party had to make an embarrassing about-turn, to derision from those who were already watching a nice Temminck’s Stint in a small pool near the South Gate. Little Stint, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Lapwing were also present, and a beautiful Water Pipit completed the cast. We moved on to Santa Pola for an excellent lunch at Tano’s, then speedily concluded our AGM, notably and unanimously voting a donation of 500 euros to AHSA, whose efforts are so important to local conservation. Julian Sykes’ own efforts formed a large part of this amount. After our meeting, there was time for a visit to Santa Pola harbour, where thousands of gulls always follow the fishing boats home. Several splendid Gannets were amongst the throng, and a few of us were fortunate enough to see a couple of Balearic Shearwaters skimming the waves. It had been a good day!
Temminck's Stint and Water Pipit photos by Bryan Thomas©
The bird list for the trip was as follows:-Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black necked Grebe, Balearic Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Red crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Red legged Partridge, Water Rail, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Coot, Black winged Stilt, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Common Snipe, Curlew, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Bar tailed Godwit, Audouin's Gull, Lesser Black backed Gull, Yellow legged Gull, Black headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Sandwich Tern, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Crested Lark, Skylark, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Water Pipit, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff,Dartford Warbler, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Southern Grey Shrike, Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting.
Santa Pola fishing boats - photos by Rod Loveday©
November Field Trip - La Mata and Sierra de Escalona - By Malcolm Palmer
The Costa Blanca Bird Club met for their November outing, led by Barry Chambers, in the carpark of the splendidly kept La Mata Reserve, and no less than 37 people attended in balmy spring like sunshine. With a record attendance like this, we took turns to visit the hide overlooking the lake, from where a nice variety of waders could be seen, including several Grey Plovers and four nice Stone Curlews. Those who waited their turn for the hide, however, had more luck, as a late Honey Buzzard drifted south overhead, and a brief view of a Whinchat was another late sighting. The rest of us made room for them, and Jules’ sharp eyes spotted a group of five Spoonbills some way to the north, whilst an Iberian Green Woodpecker flew across in front of us. When the whole party regrouped, a Common Crane gave distant views as it made its way southwards from its tundra breeding grounds.
We made our way via the Embalse de Pedrera to Torremendo for a good lunch, then it was out to the Sierra de Escalona to maintain a stake out for the raptors which winter there. This low range of wooded hills has long been famed as the chief post-breeding dispersal zone for several species of birds of prey, so we were hopeful. It wasn’t long before a Buzzard sailed into view, then another, shortly to be joined by a Booted Eagle, but the hoped-for Golden Eagles seemed not to have been advised of our visit! Sparrowhawks started to feature, and around five of these small but always welcome raptors put in an appearance, three above the ridge tumbling around in evident enjoyment. Another couple of Buzzards were seen, then finally, a Bonelli’s Eagle gave us a brief view, but it was not the greatest of days at the Sierra de Escalona! Several members stayed on until dark in hopes of seeing the ‘regular’ Eagle Owl, which tends to perch on a dead tree within telescope range – but again there was no joy. Birding is, of course, like that – you can go one day and see just about everything, another day, and you’ll be scratching around and seeing very little. Despite this, a good day was had by all.
Common Buzzard Stone Curlew Honey Buzzard
Photos provided by Malcolm Palmer
October Field Trip - Isla de Tabarca - By Malcolm Palmer
For the Costa Blanca Bird Club’s October field trip, twenty people lined up on Santa Pola quayside for the short sea-trip to Tabarca, where the birding is, to say the least, unpredictable. The long spell of good weather did not bode well for the number and variety of birds to be found – experience tells us that the best days usually follow unpleasant nights of rain and overcast conditions. Almost immediately we arrived, however, we were lucky to have excellent views of some very nice Shag – the white-bellied youngsters and one stunning glossy green-tinted adult all showing the characteristic steep forehead which distinguishes the species from the much larger Cormorant. A Northern Wheatear perched nearby, close to a small flock of the resident Thekla Larks, but there was very little to be seen in the bushes in the strong sunlight. A few Robins, two Black Redstarts, a Chiffchaff or two, and some nice Stonechats were about all we saw as we strolled to the island’s desolate eastern end. More Shag were on the offshore rocks, and a few Spotless Starlings and a solitary Kestrel were around the lighthouse.
We lunched rather well at the Restaurante Amparin, then, whilst some members took their ease, the rest of us set off for the western rocks, where Stefan soon spotted a passing Gannet. A lonely Audouin’s Gull stood amongst Sandwich Terns, but our attention was soon drawn to a small gull which stood behind it. The bill was a giveaway – it was an adult Common Gull. Not, as the name implies, even slightly common hereabouts, the Common Gull is a really northerly-distributed bird, and it was only my second ever in Alicante, and, as we later discovered, the first observation on Tabarca. Not to be content with this, Barry’s sharp eyes soon spotted a Caspian Tern’s huge red bill, and the day was ‘rescued.’ On the boat back, Trevor spotted two Balearic Shearwaters and another Gannet – the day, after all, had been a decent success. The island of Tabarca is a very uncertain venue – I have, in the past, counted 48 species in a day, but I have also seen about twelve on other occasions. This time, we had 23!
Tabarca Island and Juvenile Shag photos by Malcolm Palmer©, Shag with open wings by Rod Loveday©.
September Field Trip - Alcoy, Font Roja, 'vulture gorge' and Xorret de Cati - By Malcolm Palmer
The Costa Blanca Bird Club’s September field trip was scheduled for Alcoy, and the continued summer weather smiled on the small (13-strong) party that met near the Alcoyano football ground, immediately seeing soaring Griffon Vultures, with Red rumped Swallows hawking close by. We moved up close to the Canyet site, but the birds had just been fed, so we kept disturbance to a minimum, and contented ourselves with good views of the great birds sailing over, together with many Crossbills in nearby pines, and a few Coal Tits too.
Our next stop, down the valley towards town, was a new venue, and proved very popular, giving everyone good views of Short toed Treecreepers, then a surprise provided by two migrant Pied Flycatchers, joining in with the more common Spotted Flycatchers. A Red Squirrel scampered up a tree, and a Crested Tit called frustratingly close. Down then to the spectacular valley between the great crags where the Griffons breed, and here people saw not only the vultures, but a lovely Short toed Eagle, whilst Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart and Black Wheatear were all nearby. A pair of Raven flew over, and Mike thought he may have glimpsed an Egyptian Vulture.
Lunch was the usual splendid affair at the Hostalet in Cocentaina, where the super-attentive Salvador does us proud, then we made for another new departure, the Xorret de Catí, near Castalla, a famed cycling venue. Here the water in a generally dry area always exercises an attraction, and Crossbill were everywhere. Another Pied Flycatcher held attention for some time, but we had saved the best until last. A Reed Warbler inhabited the tiniest patch of sedge, but the real prize was a fine Tree Pipit (see Mike’s excellent photos) perched on the fence – this is a scarce passage migrant in our area. It had been a very good outing, auguring well for the new season.
The complete species list for the day was as follows:- Griffon Vulture, Short toed Eagle, Kestrel, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Crag Martin, Swallow, Red rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Zitting Cisticola, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Black Wheatear, Coal Tit, Crested Tit, Great Tit, Short toed Treecreeper, Southern Grey Shrike, Jay, Magpie, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Crossbill, Goldfinch, Serin
Crossbill, Griffon Vulture and Tree Pipit photos by Mike Smith©. Griffon Vulture flying and Pied Flycatcher photos supplied by Malcolm Palmer