After all the recent rain and thunderstorms, we couldn’t have asked for a better morning, when 17 members of the Costa Blanca Bird Club met up at Las Palmeras Restaurante, Crevillente, for our March field trip. After the usual catch-ups and taking of coffees, we made our way up through the town, to the Sierra de Crevillente in the hope of seeing the resident Bonelli’s Eagle.
When we arrived at the site, we were immediately greeted with good views of several Red-billed Chough, above our heads, Serin perched on wires and Thekla’s Larks were calling around us. Soon after, most of the group managed to see a couple of Alpine Swift that were flying high, mingling with further Red-billed Chough. After that, the birds became few and far between, with only Red-legged Partridges being heard, and Long-tailed Tits, a Great Tit and Sardinian Warbler being seen in the bushes.
As we were beginning to lose hope of seeing the Bonelli’s Eagle and after giving ourselves “Just 15 more minutes”, Greta’s eagle eyes spotted a raptor heading towards us, over the cliffs. Sure enough, it was a fabulous Bonelli’s Eagle! It gave us brilliant views as it drifted toward us before disappearing northwards – most definitely worth the wait! As we walked the very short distance back to the cars, we saw several Greenfinch in the bushes and a Sparrowhawk zoomed past us, giving exciting views.
After that success, the group made its way down to the El Hondo Visitor Centre at San Felipe. The pond behind the centre had a mix of birds, the highlights being a Red-knobbed Coot on its nest with a chick, plus several Marbled Duck. At the start of the boardwalk, great views were had of a pair of Common Snipe that, luckily for us, weren’t doing a particularly good job of hiding, plus a pair of Red-crested Pochards that were also nice to see in amongst a small group of Greater Flamingo. Around the boardwalk lagoons, there must have been at least 30 more Marbled Duck, scores of Northern Shoveler, several Glossy Ibis, the usual mix of Eurasian and Red-knobbed Coots, plus several House Martins hawking over the water.
At the far end of the boardwalk, some members heard a Water Rail calling and got great views of a Little Bittern, as it flew across the path and into the reeds. Two Marsh Harriers could also be seen in the distance.
As the time approached 2pm, we made our way to Restaurante Casa Anita by la esquina, in Catral. This was the first time that we had visited this restaurant, and we were treated to an excellent menú del día, in a very well-presented venue. The service from the staff was very friendly and efficient, and I am sure we will return there in the future.
After lunch, a few members rounded off the day at the Vistabella Road hides, where the usual Greater Flamingos, Common Shelduck, Northern Shoveler and Great Cormorants could be seen, but nothing out of the ordinary.
