The Costa Blanca Bird Club’s March outing was a depleted one. We had arranged some time previously to visit the Marjal de Pego, and, even though we had been told by Bryan Thomas that the marsh was bone dry, it was too late to change our plans, so just ten members met up on a fine sunny morning in early March.
A large flock of Glossy Ibis was followed by another straggly bunch, looking a bit lost, as they had nowhere to plunge in their long bills on the desert like terrain. A Booted Eagle drifted over, the first of several, as we walked the path westward across the parched fields. Green Sandpipers rose occasionally from the ditches, and we did manage to find two or three Little Ringed Plover standing around. A Bluethroat showed briefly, as did a couple of Reed Buntings and a couple of early Swallows. When we visited the pond below the ‘wooded knoll’ many will know, a Tree Sparrow added a little interest, but lunch called, and La Moleta, at Adsubia provided an excellent repast.
Glossy Ibis by Bryan Thomas©
After this, I was greatly embarrassed, as I was showered by gifts – the club marking my upcoming 80th birthday – and I was, for once, at a loss for words, as Rex presented me with thoughtful mementoes. We had another look at the marsh after lunch, seeing a fine male Marsh Harrier, another Booted Eagle, but little else of note. It had been a lovely day, though, as someone remarked, birds are unpredictable creatures!