Geoff, as leader, must have breathed a sigh of relief when all 18 of the group somehow managed to meet up in a coffee bar at Bonete, despite the original meeting place being closed for repairs.
On a chilly, grey morning, we set off for the now defunct station to the north of the motorway. At first we were merely looking at Corn Buntings on the wires, and the occasional distant view of a Calandra Lark, but then Colin spotted, and Geoff confirmed, the distinctive and all-too-rare shape of a Little Bustard out across the fields. A great start to the day.
After leaving a couple of cars in Corral Rubio we made for the plains nearby, seeing a couple of female Marsh Harriers and several Lapwings. Then a solitary Great Bustard was found, walking sedately through low crops. This led us to look further – and there were more – at first a group of six, then we realised there were many more – at least 21 of these magnificent creatures,
including males displaying their remarkable plumage – a treat that more than justified our long drive. A Tree Sparrow was found there too.
We paused by the old farm, where a Yellow Wagtail perched and a Reed Warbler was in song, whilst a Gull-billed Tern flew overhead, then we headed for Pétrola, seeing a sub-adult Golden Eagle at close quarters en route.
A few Flamingos fed at one end of the lagoon but, apart from a solitary Little Ringed Plover, a distant view of a Common Tern, and a few Shelduck, the lagoon was disappointing, though overhead, another Golden Eagle put in an appearance.
We headed for lunch then, at Corral Rubio – and most enjoyable it was too – then we had time for another brief look at the Great Bustards. Near the Old Farmhouse, we were lucky enough to get views of a Stone Curlew, to round off the day, and dash off before the threatened downpour materialised.
