An afternoon in Doñana

The afternoon could not hold as much excitement surely, but we started well with Griffon Vulture overhead, whilst Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank and Short-toed Lark delighted us on the ground.

Greater Short-toed Lark called and made a quick guest appearance, but was then off and away before we could get really good views.

Glossy Ibis, which is a real success story here, with three individuals found in Doñana in 1990, and over 40,000 now.

Flowers providing food, shelter and boudoir!

There were a few more surprises to be had as we moved along through yet more flower be-decked countryside.   I found the vast areas of wild land the most moving sight, and reminded me of growing up in Derbyshire where many places were just as beautifully painted with wild colours.

So, firstly, and a poignant one was Turtle Dove.   A delight to see but when you realise that the Turtle Dove has no protection in Spain (along with much of the rest of this region) and can be shot for sport or tradition, whilst the ever increasing Collared Dove cannot be shot - this was one very precariously perched individual.   We later saw a second bird, and as we left the area I did say a silent prayer that they remain safe.

Wonderful roadsides

A small bird flew into a nearby tree, called and then flew off - a Garden Warbler.   In the same tree a second bird appeared and on closer inspection after re-finding by Clive, it was not something I recognised immediately which is always a good sign - as it turned out to be a Western Bonelli's Warbler, brilliantly identified by Clive and his first.   Beer on him tonight!

Spanish Sparrow and Bee-eaters were calling all around us, and as they started to go off to some tall Eucalyptus trees nearby it was time for us to leave the area.   Our journey was arrested for a while as we watched a couple of Montagu's Harriers hunting over the fields - what a great end to a day.