I paid my first visit to this area and enjoyed the experience. The lagoon at Corral Rubio had two groups of Cranes on the shoreline which I was able to view at distance from the road to Petrola. As I was pondering how to get better views the two groups took to the air calling repeatedly to each other as they gained height and eventually lifted out of view. From the same position I spotted a group of Great Bustard crossing the field in front of me. Sadly heat haze prevented sharp focus but the birds are at least identifiable. Groups of Flamingo, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Red crested pochard, and Coot frequented the many pools in the area. Raptors were confined to Kestrel, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier.
On arrival at Petrola a Little Ringed Plover fed confidingly at the side of the track and a Water Rail squealed from the reeds. Moorhen were numerous. On the other side of the lagoon, next to several disused buildings, good close up views were had of Common Snipe and Common Sandpiper whilst a Wood Sandpiper showed briefly. On the journey back to Corral Rubio I spotted a further group of 10 Cranes on the shore of a small lagoon whilst a Marsh Harrier showed well. All in all a good day and I saw enough to interest me and entice me back for another visit.
