El Hondo fields, San Felipe – Andrew Lamb

posted in: Sightings | 0

Last ride today for this visit, as I leave tomorrow. This morning it was a short visit to El Hondo, taking a straight route from Urb La Marina to San Felipe Neri visitor centre and nearby public hides, taking in “sandpiper alley” (which duly provided a couple of Green Sandpipers). At least 20 Cetti’s Warblers calling along the route and a pair of Stone Curlew on the track (with the gullies) leading into the reserve. Two stunning Marsh Harriers flew low over the reeds to the right, and I think I also had a flyover Montagu’s Harrier (not 100% certain as it’s not a bird I’m that familiar with).

From the north-facing hide, I picked out a couple of Marbled Duck in the distant reeds, but not much else to report. The south-facing hide was more interesting with around 40 Collared Pratincole on the island and three Curlew Sandpiper directly in front of the hide, several Whiskered Terns and 4 Purple Swamphen well visible. A worthwhile visit even with the limited time I had.