A cold (3 degrees c) start with a chilly breeze. The tall hide tends to get very crowded these days but affords the best view of what is going on. A Spotted Eagle was soon located not far away, sitting quietly in a low bush. A variety of wildfowl were picked out, including Wigeon, Shoveler, Pintail and White-headed Duck all overseen by an Osprey perched on the single post directly ahead. The bushes to the right were frequented by Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. Activity in the other direction, out over the reeds, included a dashing Merlin and a more sedate female Hen Harrier. Making way for others, keen to get in the hide, we moved to the much larger viewing platform further along the track. A singing Moustached Warbler was eventually seen. Another species located initially by call was a Penduline Tit. I take no credit for recognising many of the calls. Bryan has the knowledge and it certainly makes a big difference to what we see. A successful morning here with 8 species of raptor seen, but (and there is always one!) no sign of the elusive Jack Snipe. At closing time we relocated to nearby Agueda where Little Stint and Common Snipe were found, but alas still no Jack Snipe.
Species list: Cormorant, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, White-headed Duck, Pochard, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Kestrel, Merlin, Merlin, Purple Swamphen, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Crag Martin, White Wagtail, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cettis Warbler, Moustached Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Penduline Tit, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow and Serin.