S'Albufereta delight

S'Albufereta Marsh is unfairly thought of as the poor relation to Albufera Marsh, but I prefer the smaller wetland, which is found between Port de Pollenca and Alcudia. Admittedly, the latter site has a larger list of birds, but lacks the intimacy and quietness of the former. I hadn't visited S'Albufereta for over 12 years, and had never really got to grips with its full potential. Until today.

There seems to have been a fair bit of work done to make the habitat more accessible to birders, with clearer signposting, obvious paths, screen hides and one magnificent double height viewing platform. The habitat stretches all the way between the two towns, with the wetter areas being mainly towards the southern end. I will be returning for a further look, as the birding was excellent. Steve Thomas joined me late morning.

The day list included: 4 Purple Heron, 3 Night Heron, 8 Cattle Egret, 25 Little Egret, 2 Osprey, 1 Marsh Harrier, 25 Black-winged Stilt, 4 Kentish Plover, 10 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Stone Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Purple Swamphen (plastic fantastic), 1 Gull-billed Tern, 200 Common Swift, 2 Hoopoe, 15 Fan-tailed Warbler, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 20 Sardinian Warbler, 40 Stonechat, 1 Nightingale, 6 Woodchat Shrike, 20 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Serin.

And I wasn't even trying...

Comments

Kingsdowner said…
Envious of your holiday Steve.
Do get in touch on your return.
Steve & Mel
14 July 2016 at 19:55
Factor said…
Really wanted to go there but definitely one for next time
14 July 2016 at 20:04
Dylan Wrathall said…
Steve - get back there at twilight - Eleonora's Falcons in large flocks hunt over the wetlands as it gets dark.
I bumped into Steve Coates today - it's a small world? Enjoy the rest of your holiday - Dyl
14 July 2016 at 20:14
Steve Gale said…
Thank you all for your comments, much appreciated. Such good birding is to be had as soon as you cross the channel - we really have ruined our countryside by and large...
14 July 2016 at 20:17
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