16 December 2025 – A little balcony birding whilst waiting for the rain to ease. A trip first Spotless Starling joined the many Common Starling perched nearby. The best of the rest were two Black Redstart, Crested Lark and Greenfinch.
Eventually out for 1pm and on my way to Lo Monte. Two flyover Monk Parakeet were new as were Linnet, Common and Green Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, Booted Eagle (getting mobbed by Sparrowhawk), Common Whitethroat and two birds that I believe are new for me in Spain; Goldcrest and Ferruginous Duck. Also noted, Black necked and Little Grebe, Western Swamphen, Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Grey and White Wagtail, Grey Heron, Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Robin and Stonechat.
Onwards to San Pedro Salinas where the many Greater Flamingo took centre stage. I was more pleased though to connect with a single Spotted Redshank, c20 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff, 6 Little Stint and Sanderling. Also Dunlin, Avocet, Black-Black-winged Stilts, Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Slender-billed Gull, Shelduck, many Crag Martin headed south and more Black Redstart (a common winter visitor). A walk along the coastal boardwalk gave just Meadow Pipit and Stonechat. Scoping the tide line was a little better with plenty of Turnstone and Sanderling. Diving amongst the loafing Gulls a few hundred metres out was the latest new bird for the trip list, Gannet. Day c60 species. Trip list 89 species.
