Oliva/Pego Marsh

On Wednesday 21st November John and I decided to spend the morning at Oliva/Pego Marsh as the rice fields had recently been flooded ready for the hunting season. Although some of the tracks were flooded by the unusual about of rain we managed to see a good diversity of birds for the time of year.

On arrival we had some very good views of a Iberian Grey Shrike, Stonechat and a distant view of an Osprey perched on the top of a Electricity pylon. We managed to get a reasonable good photo as we got a little closer.

As we skirted the area we had some good views of several Bluethroats and managed a couple of good photos.  

We decided to try a different path and found a good area for waders. Only one Snipe was found so we headed for the local cafe. On the way we came across more Bluethroats some Chiff Chaff and a kingfisher and the Shrike was still perched on the electricity wires. At the Cafe we saw a Black Redstart and Serin.

After a short break we headed for a spot that would give us good views over the marsh and had views of Little Egret, Water Pipit, Cattle Egret and Grey Heron and at a good number of Marsh Harrier and a Booted Eagle. Hundreds of Crag Martin were also hawking for insects.

The bird count for the day was 29 species including at least 10 Marsh Harrier, 4 Bluethroat and 2 Kingfishers.