Death Valley

It was with a little trepidation that Dave and I decided to check out an area about 1 hours drive from La Drova that is home to a Griffon Vulture re-introduction project. Luckily the heat was bearable with a light breeze. Before we entered the valley we stopped for a coffee at one of the local bars and were witness to the antics of at least 6 Red Squirrels.

Red Squirrel

 As we entered the valley the site that we witnessed made us rename the valley (hence 'Death Valley') with at least 30 Griffon Vultures soaring above us.

Griffon Vulture

        

It wasn't long before we started to add more ticks to our trip list with Rock Pipit, Serin, Red-rumped Swallow and Whinchat. As we climbed higher into the valley we came across large numbers of Black Redstart and a few Blue Rock Thrush plus several Raven. Sardinian Warbler were another bird that seem to thrive in the area. Barn Swallow, Crag Martin and House Martin were numerous as were the Goldfinch. 

Dave found a single Linnet and we both spotted an Orphean Warbler (another good find for the day) Definitely a good mornings birdwatching and a return trip will be planned for the future.

Delta del Ebro - 1st July 2011

Another day exploring the East coast birding sites. This time, we spent a very hot day on the south side of the Ebro Delta. Despite the heat, there was plenty of bird activity, and within a couple of hours we managed a tick list of some 29 species.

The Greater Flamingoes were as ever spectacular in full breeding plumage. Other highlights of the day included Night Heron, Great Egret, Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern and Squacco Herons in huge numbers.

Coastal Wetlands of Castellon - 30th June 2011

This was largely an experimental trip as late June / July is never the best time for birding, but our efforts were rewarded by some good birds, for some of which we enjoyed excellent views. The weather was of course hot and humid, but before we retreated to a bar for a cold beer, we´d totted up a list of 26 species.

Highlights included Bee Eater, Audouin´s Gull, Ringed Plover, Collared Pratincole and superb views of a male Montagu´s Harrier.