Another nice early ride out on my bike this morning, calling in at all 4 hides on Vistabella road then a loop around El Hondo (but no time for a stop at San Felipe Neri visitor centre. Nice to see upwards of 4 male and 2 female Garganey and dozens of Shelduck and a few Shoveler; lots of White-headed Duck about, too. Water levels about perfect so plenty of Black winged Stilt and 3-400 Flamingo in one group. Good views of several Great Reed Warbler, Reed Warbler and Moustached Warbler. A single Black-tailed Godwit was nice to see, but surprised not to find any Sandpipers of any variety. One Purple Heron flew over at the hide near VB house, and a flock of Common Swift contained a couple of Pallid Swift. On the Camino El Hondo that loops around to Catral, it was good to find my first Woodchat Shrike this year, two pairs of Stonechat and a magnificent Booted Eagle.
