Day Trip - Santa Pola, La Mata and Algorfa

Today was the first of two day trips booked by Matt Owen from Llysfaen, North Wales. Our objective was simple, Matt wanted to see above all else - Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Hoopoe, Osprey, Slender-billed Gull and Eagle Owl.

Hoopoe - La Mata

We began the day at Santa Pola where Matt managed to obtain great views of three of his target birds - Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt and Slender-billed Gull. Other species recorded here included, Little Stint (12), Dunlin (30+), Sanderling (18), Marsh Harrier (2), Water Pipit (2) and a single Richards Pipit.

Next stop was La Mata where almost instantly we managed to connect with the long staying Osprey which as usual was sat on its favourite perch with a large fish! A walk around the surrounding fields and lake edge also produced; Iberian Green Woodpecker (2), Kingfisher (1), Water Rail (1), Hoopoe (6+), Serin (numerous), Greater Short-toed Lark (3), Cirl Bunting (10+ below), Iberian Grey Shrike (3) and a female Hen Harrier.

Cirl Bunting - La Mata

Eagle Owl - near Algorfa

The day ended at a site near to Algorfa which I found a few months ago and is very reliable for Eagle Owls. Whilst waiting for some Owl activity we recorded Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit and numerous Kestrel. As the sun began to drop behined the pine covered hill side, true to form the resident male Eagle Owl began to call and it wasn't long before it perched out nicely for us all to enjoy in the scope. Ok the above picture is a silhouette but it certainly shows this amazing Owl's size! We have had such a good day that Matt has decided he has a few more target species! Lets see what tomorrow brings!