Collared Pratincole and much more at Brazo del Este Nature Park, Spain

Although the spectacle of Black Kites catching fish on the wing stole the show, another highlight was a small flock of Collared Pratincole. Initially, I was only aware of a single bird after scanning a ploughed field. Unable to find the bird amongst the turned soil every time I switched to my camera, I walked up to a nearby gate to steady my hand. Unfortunately, as I did the bird flushed along with six others that I had been oblivious to.

Spoonbill, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24

Greater Flamingo, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24

Caspian Tern, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24

 

Great White Egret, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24 (photographed by Stephen Morgan)

Yet another highlight was Black-headed Weaver, and although an introduced species it was one I had never seen before. During my last visit with fellow Amigos Slasher, Steve and Stu in May 18 we didn’t encounter any Black-headed Weaver; however, on this occasion they were seen on multiple occasions.

 

Black-crowned Night-heron, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24 (photographed by Stephen Morgan)

Grey Heron, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24 (photographed by Stephen Morgan)

White Stork nests, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24 (photographed by Stephen Morgan)

White Stork nests, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24 (photographed by Stephen Morgan)

Species list highlights from Brazo del Este as follows:

• Avocet:   c40
• Black Kite:   regular
• Black-crowned Night-heron:   8
• Black-headed Weaver:   several
• Cetti’s Warbler
• Collared Pratincole:   7
• Corn Bunting:   regular
• Eurasian Spoonbill:   5
• Fan-tailed Warbler:   3 singles
• Glossy Ibis:   1
• Great Egret:   10+
• Greater Flamingo:   100+
• Hoopoe:   1
• Lesser Kestrel:   20+ (on wires)
• Marsh Harrier:   3
• Montagu’s Harrier:   male
• Pochard:   male
• Purple Heron:   2
• Purple Swamphen:   2
• Red-crested Pochard:   2 male
• Red-rumped Swallow:   1
• Savi’s Warbler:   2 singles
• Spotless Starling:   several
• Whiskered Tern:   6
• White Stork:   dozens
• Wood Sandpiper:   1
• Woodchat Shrike:   1
• Yellow Wagtail (iberial):   1

From left to right: Me, Steve Morgan, John and Mark R, Brazo del Este NP – 1 Apr 24 (photographed by Stephen Morgan)

Good birding,

Tony T   BSc (Hons) GeoSci (Open)