21 Dec 2025 – Today I decided to have a search for the Richard’s Pipit that has been reported around the Salinis de Lo Poyo, alongside the Mar Menor, just north of Los Neitos. Bluethroat, Thekla’s Lark, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch were all noted whilst slowly walking this massive area of sandy scrub. On or over the Mar Menor were diving Sandwich Tern, Great and Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Greater Flamingo and a trip first Curlew was feeding in the shallows.
Eventually the distinctive call of the Richard’s Pipit was heard as it lifted, did a short flight and dropped around 30yds in front of me. Using a thermal I attempted to locate the bird before flushing it again. It just wasn’t willing to show itself on the deck and after a few more short flights it circled above me, calling as it returned to where it was originally flushed. Oh well. It was a Spain tick for me, whether I managed a photo or not.
I continued along the shore of the Mar Menor headed in the direction of Los Urrutias. A group of waders were seen amongst 5 Spoonbill, Shelduck and Slender-billed Gulls. Through the scope I could see 7 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ringed Plover and trip firsts 5 Grey plover and 2 Knot (a scarce bird here).
The Richard’s Pipit called and was seen in flight again on the return walk. Also noted in the general area, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Iberian Grey Shrike, Black-winged Stilt, Crag Martin, Booted Eagle and Common Buzzard.
A drive south and a first visit to the salt pans Salinas De Marchamalo gave good numbers of Stone Curlew, Grey Heron and Avocet. Also recorded were a Lapwing by the approach road, Greenshank, Redshank, Water Pipit, Kingfisher, Black Redstart, Crag Martin, Slender billed and Yellow legged Gull. 50 species. Trip list 120 species.
