spring trip to ne-spain, rafiki birdwatching spain,...

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Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017 Spring Trip to NE-Spain, Rafiki Birdwatching 2017 March 31 st to April 9 th . Given: The auspicious occasion of having met one another 12 years, 6 months, 1 week and 2 days ago for the first time, in Ethiopia. Additional information: We made many trips in Ethiopia, Kenya, The Netherlands, Extremadura. Conclusion: We should visit another area. Execution: We went birding in NE- Spain, as one of us just moved over there. A trip starting on March 31 st and ending on April 9 th , giving us eight and a half days to visit several areas. The total list is given below, as well as a listing of the areas visited. Now follows a per-day description. Friday, March 31 st . Weather: Sunny most of the day, temperatures up to 15°C. Wind from NW, up to 3 Beaufort. The travel arrangements were such, that Stefan flew in from Amsterdam, after office hours, Robert took a camping-observation journey by train from Tortosa to Barcelona, seeing the chain of recreational camp-sites, holiday rental homes, permanent tents, caravan and camper sites, which now are not occupied, and are basically an eyesore. That line of plastic, polyester and canvas only to be broken by refineries at Tarragona and breaker yards near Barcelona. We met at the airport, where the rental car was made available to us. However, low-budget airlines are not known for accurate arrivals, so an extra wait of 30 minutes was taken in our strides. As a consequence, we only arrived in the Goya Park Hotel at 11PM, where a septuagenarian in-line dancing party had just taken off. The lady singer sang the right notes for some songs, but fortunately decided to stick to her contract and leave at midnight. We were forced from our table, our beers and pizzas because the light was turned out. On the third floor, the boy in the room next door, unfortunately, turned himself on. We contemplated the choice between an Albanian hitman and some free child-rearing advice, but his demanding voice slowly died down anyway. Next morning his Dad looked as bleary eyed as us, but a bit more physically developed, good choice after all. Saturday, April 1 st , no joke. Weather: Started out with rain, but later had sun, part of the day, temperatures up to 20°C. Wind from NW, up to 3 Beaufort, but we were sheltered from that wind. We dodged a couple of showers, from time to time. The main aim for today was to visit the Aiguamolls de Emporda. This is an important wetland area in NE-Spain. Though it is not a continuous area, the total size is still impressive and definitely is worth a visit. We went for the southern part between Castello d’Empuries and San Pere Pescador. An old rice growing farm has been turned into a good birding area, with plenty of hides, a threesome of concrete storage silos turned into an observation tower, and plenty to look at. First, we drive past towards the campsite, the drizzle still making us reluctant to leave the sheltered comfort of the rental car. At the car-park we hear our first Cetti’s Warbler, a constant companion for the following days. Water meant C’s warbler. It takes more effort to see them, but we managed a couple of times.

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Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Spring Trip to NE-Spain, Rafiki Birdwatching

2017 March 31st to April 9th .

Given: The auspicious occasion of having met one another 12 years, 6 months, 1 week and 2 days ago for

the first time, in Ethiopia. Additional information: We made many trips in Ethiopia, Kenya, The

Netherlands, Extremadura. Conclusion: We should visit another area. Execution: We went birding in NE-

Spain, as one of us just moved over there.

A trip starting on March 31st and ending on April 9th, giving us eight and a half days to visit several areas.

The total list is given below, as well as a listing of the areas visited. Now follows a per-day description.

Friday, March 31st. Weather: Sunny most of the day, temperatures up to 15°C. Wind from NW, up to 3

Beaufort. The travel arrangements were such, that Stefan flew in from Amsterdam, after office hours,

Robert took a camping-observation journey by train from Tortosa to Barcelona, seeing the chain of

recreational camp-sites, holiday rental homes, permanent tents, caravan and camper sites, which now

are not occupied, and are basically an eyesore. That line of plastic, polyester and canvas only to be

broken by refineries at Tarragona and breaker yards near Barcelona. We met at the airport, where the

rental car was made available to us. However, low-budget airlines are not known for accurate arrivals, so

an extra wait of 30 minutes was taken in our strides. As a consequence, we only arrived in the Goya Park

Hotel at 11PM, where a septuagenarian in-line dancing party had just taken off. The lady singer sang the

right notes for some songs, but fortunately decided to stick to her contract and leave at midnight. We

were forced from our table, our beers and pizzas because the light was turned out. On the third floor,

the boy in the room next door, unfortunately, turned himself on. We contemplated the choice between

an Albanian hitman and some free child-rearing advice, but his demanding voice slowly died down

anyway. Next morning his Dad looked as bleary eyed as us, but a bit more physically developed, good

choice after all.

Saturday, April 1st, no joke. Weather: Started out with rain, but later had sun, part of the day,

temperatures up to 20°C. Wind from NW, up to 3 Beaufort, but we were sheltered from that wind. We

dodged a couple of showers, from time to time. The main aim for today was to visit the Aiguamolls de

Emporda. This is an important wetland area in NE-Spain. Though it is not a continuous area, the total size

is still impressive and definitely is worth a visit. We went for the southern part between Castello

d’Empuries and San Pere Pescador. An old rice growing farm has been turned into a good birding area,

with plenty of hides, a threesome of concrete storage silos turned into an observation tower, and plenty

to look at. First, we drive past towards the campsite, the drizzle still making us reluctant to leave the

sheltered comfort of the rental car. At the car-park we hear our first Cetti’s Warbler, a constant

companion for the following days. Water meant C’s warbler. It takes more effort to see them, but we

managed a couple of times.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Aiguamolls d'Emporda. Former rice silos with snow-capped Pyrenees in the background. Stilt in front.

Walking towards the silos one passes the first swamp. Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, Glossy Ibis and Egrets use

that to forage and rest. Barn Swallow, Sand Martin, and a small flock of Common Swift hunt for insects

over the wetland. From the top level of the observation tower we can look 360 around. The list grows.

An Osprey flies past, Marsh Harriers abound and some showers approach, but never hit us. The grassy

marsh holds more waders, Spotted and Common Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper. The anatids

are well represented: Teal, Garganey, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler and a couple of Greylag. The silos

themselves are good for House Sparrow. Even a Booted Eagle flies past. We descend and continue along

the paths (after the rain, these are actually shallow canals, with narrow banks offering drier footage). A

Hoopoe forages close to the path and allows good

views. Half a dozen hides offer views over other parts. A

Spanish guide reports having seen Little Crake some

minutes ago, the Japanese clients are sitting in front of

the slats and do not move, we see nothing. At another

hide we see Tufted Duck and some cleverly hidden

Night Herons. If you see these birds in the guidebook,

you think that these would stick out like a skunk in a

field of marigolds. But a Night Heron in a Tamarisk tree

can hardly be noticed, Stefan managed to find the first

one, and we spotted a few more, later, in the same

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

cluster of trees. Real hard work, birding. Each hide gave more views and better looks, the list got longer,

but the stomach also played up.

So, we went for lunch in St Pere Pescador, a village aimed more to catch the unsuspecting tourist. After

that we drove back to the main gate of the park. Since very little time was left, we did not enter, but

returned to the hotel in Roses. A thorough bit of admin gave us a nice list of 77 species for that day. We

noticed a few songbirds, but not a lot of species that one normally finds in reeds during the breeding

season (e.g. Reed Warbler, Nightingale). Dinner along the boulevard, few restaurants were open, but the

food was quite good and the celebratory drinks were well earned. The boy next door was only a little bit

less vocal, still, we slept reasonably well.

Sunday, April 2nd. Weather: Started out with sun, just a few clouds anyhow over most parts of the day,

temperatures up to 20°C. Wind from NW, up to 6 Beaufort, where we went, we were not sheltered from

that wind. Cap Creus is a promontory, formed by the submerging eastern end of the Pyrenees. It is a

unreal landscape of cragged rocks with sparse vegetation. Not easy on feet under normal circumstances,

but in a howling gale, one gets easily blown out of equilibrium, with dire results. Keeping one’s

binoculars steady, let alone a telescope, under these conditions was a nightmare. Taking the wrong path

did not help either, so after a while we decided that going to the restaurant next to the lighthouse was

the better option. A wee bit of lee, next to the concrete lighthouse, gave us the chance to tick Yellow-

legged Gull and Shag. The coffee in the restaurant was a godsent, strong, black and very tasty. On the

way back we reached shelter from the wind on the southern side of the ridge, much more to our liking.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

The road from Cadaques to Roses is a raceway to some drivers, and one is apt to become a hindrance in

their quest for glory. Stopping is only allowed on few spots, cyclists in suicidal moods and octogenarians

in electrified wheelchairs make for a complete obstacle run, until

the road reaches the plain again. A sense of normality returned.

Then the Aiguamolls d’Emporda was on the menu again. This time

we entered at the Information Centre, north entrance. Quite busy

with visitors and their parked vehicles. Still, the Storks did not

mind, we walked some two kilometers to the silos again. A Monk

Parakeet was seen entering a nest in the top of a high voltage

post. Hoopoe again, and a good selection of waterfowl from out

of a hide. The marshes hold numbers of tortoises, clusters of

several individuals were seen. We visited the Little Crake hut

again, but with a very strong wind in our faces, were not able to

remain there for long. On the way back to the parking it was more

quiet, we saw Yellow Wagtail in numbers. We opted to lunch

again in St Pere. Unfortunately, Stefan chose a local specialty,

stuffed cuttlefish, that was indeed a collection of small decapods,

stuffed, but with mashed beef and gravy, not rice. He barely

finished the dish, something to be righted later that day. After lunch we went to an area just south of

Empuriabrava. A road leading to a campsite passes a water treatment plant and opposite is a hide,

looking out over marshy ponds. More ducks for the day list. Very few songbirds had arrived at that time,

probably in a few weeks it will be teeming with them here, prime area for Acrocephalus, Hippolais and

Locustella.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Continuing on our avian quest, we went back to the main road, passing over a ford to cross the Muga

river. The area we aimed at was Vilaut, north of the Roses to Figueres road: reached through Castello

d’Empuries, you follow the GI-V-6103, which leads you through the Estanys. At one point, where the

road reaches rocks on your left, under a power cable and starts climbing a bit, there is a sign, on your

left, leading to Vilaut, by a small narrow footpath. It proved better to have continued some distance,

park at the Restaurant and walk back on the road. Anyhow, we parked on not the best spot, we took the

red path on the map below and went back the yellow way. Wellington boots would have been nice, as

Main area of Aiguamolls. Northern entrance next to Equestrian Centre, southern entrance leading to Camping Nautic. Rectangles indicate huts/hides. P = parking

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

the recent rains had resulted in some small streams in the fields. Robert was found not to be a good long

distance jumper. The hide was occupied by a birdwatcher with a friendly Irish Setter, not a hunter. The

man volunteered that he had seen Little Crake the day before, lucky blighter. We saw Teal, Garganey,

Shoveler, Pintail over there, no crake. The hide is probably best early in the day as the light is then

behind one. A bit less wind would have been nice too. Getting back to the car led us past a farm with

Water Buffalo, (We bought some of their blue cheese later in the Cretas mediaeval festival, it proved to

be really strong and tasteful). Upon reaching the road, there is a ruin of an old shed (almacen) opposite

the road just walked. A Sardinian Warbler drew our attention, as well as several Greenfinches, Spotless

Starlings and Serins. From there we drove higher up into the Serra de Rodes, basically the but one last

part of the Pyrenees, before Cap Creus. This road is numbered GI-P-6041. There is a monastery (St. Pere

de Rodes) there, with two turnoffs, where we were exposed to the wind again. But it gave us Mistle

Thrush and Rock Bunting, all observations were short, as if the birds were blown into the bushes. We

may have missed Blue Rockthrush, because of such weather. The drive continued, via La Selva de Mar

and then south again towards a well-earned dinner on the boulevard. With a sunset belying the

tumultuous weather today, we enjoyed some seafood in one of the few restaurants open this season.

On this day the pattern emerged: We could almost pre-tick: Feral Dove, Zitting Cisticola, Goldfinch, Serin,

Cetti’s Warbler, Yellow-legged Gull. Still we had to actually see them, and with Feral Dove, there is

always the discussion / dispute / uncertainty of species status. We have decided to lump it with Rock

Pigeon.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

The boy stayed quiet this night, but he was replaced by a junior team of KV Mechelen, a Belgian football

club. The national team is dubbed Red Devils, these were the adolescent devils. After one o’clock it

quieted down.

Monday April 3rd . Warmer weather, less wind. Sunny. The next morning we did not even smile at the

Belgian culprits. We left the hotel and headed for Aiguamolls again, a short visit to the southern end to

try for Little Crake. Less wind, but still not comfortable. Markedly fewer people meant more relaxed

viewing. A flock of 8 Glossy Ibis foraged nearby, Hoopoe was not frightened, we heard Green

Woodpecker. The Crake declined to reward our attention. On, on to the south, via Torroella de Montgri.

At first the area is still saltmarsh, but later we pass through more elevated areas. Near Torroella one of

the hills is adorned with a castle, and in the valley close by is an old Monastery. It is quiet here, also only

a few birds show. Goldfinch, of course. On the way out of the valley we scan the rocks and find Blue

Rockthrush. One bird sits nicely on top of the crags, archetypal. Going on, an early Cuckoo flies past

hurriedly. We continue parallel to the Ter river and make a short stop at Colomer, near a riverine Poplar

forest that looks good for Golden Oriole, but it proves quiet. A lone Little Egret gets added to the days’

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

list. Lunch in Medinya at a roadside café, and then on the AP-7, toll road past Barcelona and Tarragona,

to exit at Reus. At 16.00 PM we arrived at home: Casa Abellerol in Arens de Lledo.

Tuesday April 4th. Nice weather, temperature up to 20°C. As the village is in a valley the wind is not very

strong, and following the valley contours. A quiet day to recharge our mental batteries. We follow the

valley for some kilometers, visit our bee-stand, check on the crop and tick the usual species. Wheatear,

Chaffinch and Crested Tit are added to the list.

Wednesday April 5th. Temperature rising to 20+ °C . Little wind, even out almost at sea. Fully recharged

we head for the Ebro-delta, southern section. The drive is past Horta de San Juan, through the Els Ports

mountain range to Xerta and then via Tortosa and Amposta into the delta. That route goes past

hundreds of old dilapidated sheds, some no more than three or four walls, other still with remnants of

roofs or even completely intact. Each needs to be checked for Little Owl, and finally we see them. But

travelling at 80 kliks an hour requires careful stopping, returning and parking at a safe spot. The emblems

of wisdom are still there. Two of them, one sitting next to a chimney, and the one that drew our

attention sitting on a corner. Good start of the day. Once in the delta, it becomes immediately apparent

that everything is dry. No rice paddies are submerged yet. The concrete canals are dry and the birds

absent: No waders, herons, gulls or terns to speak of. The local road to San Carles de Rapita (A, on map

below) is normally good for these species, taking sometimes over an hour to check on many spots.

Parking is safe on the verge. But less than ten minutes later we are at the turnoff to Poble Nou.

Waterhen and Black-headed Gull next to the marina, but the real birding starts a bit further down that

road. At the mollusk and fisheries research centre (B) we spot the first Purple Heron, Pratincoles are

absent here. On to Tancada, past Poble Nou, where

two viewpoints offer good looks over the water. At

(C): Marsh Harrier, Red Crested Pochard, a calling

Rail, Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Egrets and

Flamingo, the latter in quite big numbers (100+).

We find Black-necked Grebe and Great Crested. All

from the first viewpoint, and we continue towards

the second one, near the Bat-box, a cubic meter

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

wooden box, said to sometimes hold 50.000 bats. (D). We spent some time scanning for Little Bittern,

but we might be too early. A Purple Gallinule is in view for a short time. More Little Grebes, and the

usual non-suspect Cetti’s Warbler. Then further on

to the Information Centre. In September there will

be an equivalent to the Rutland Bird Fair here. We

spend a lot of time here looking at the different

waders: The best find is a Temminck’s Sandpiper

(Picture right). But Ruff, Kentish Plover, Common

Sandpiper and the “Shanks” are present as well.

Grey Plover, a big bird loses to Black-necked Stilt,

which has longer legs. At the Information Centre is

an annex that has 6 telescopes available outdoor

to the public, a service never encountered before.

To reach there, a lift is available, but we, young at

heart, manage to climb the stairs. Common-, Gull-billed- and Sandwich Tern, Audouins’s Gull (picture

left by Els Luycks), Lesser Black-backed- and Yellow-legged Gull grace the skies. Later we check the

pumping house at (F), sometimes the canal leading to it has less water and the mudbanks are then

attractive to waders. We now see none of that, but Crested Lark, and Willow Warbler are in the

vegetation next to the building. Lunch in Eucaliptus.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

After lunch we try to find a way into Illa de Buda. At the very end of the Ebro river. Driving all the way to

Els Muntells considered too long off, we take

the beach route (G). The sand and clay

substrate has the right consistency now, but

do not try this at home/after recent rains or a

long dry spell. For us it proves to be great.

Both Red-backed- and Woodchat Shrike. And

a stunning Subalpine Warbler, male with all

the trimmings. A beauty. Female is there as

well, but she is less glorious. We go as far as

road conditions allowed, the Bassa de

Alfacada on our left. The sea is almost void of

birds, just some distant gulls. Now having

checked on Google-Earth and StreetView, we

should have been able to get as far as Illa de

Buda, but via Els Muntells and a rather circuitous road along the Ebro river. Option for next year, new

sites to explore. We go back over the beach and stop at Riet Vell, (H). It is a reserve where they try to

grow rice without the use of pesticides, a small lagoon with a good hide next to it. It, kind of, does Tafkap

proud. We count over twenty Purple Gallinules (left) under a blue rainless sky. A female Pintail swims in

between the clumps of sedges and Juncus. The number of Stilts is overwhelming. The drive back takes

us to Arens in little over an hour.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Thursday April 6th. Warm weather again, and a day spent near Arens de Lledo. One nice addition to the

list is a calling Bonelli’s Eagle. These rare raptors breed in the valley, on a friend’s property. In size they

are overwhelmed by Griffon Vulture, but nevertheless the latter are attacked if they soar too close to the

Bonelli’s nest. Red-rumped Swallows swerve over the valley and a Golden Oriole calls. This is the true

harbinger of summer, maybe only second to Beeeater.

Friday April 7th. Another intense day. We drive the following route: Calaceite, Alcañiz, Pueblo de Hijar,

Albalate del Arzobispo, lunch in Lécera, Belchite, Codo, Quito, and back via Hijar. We dub this the “dry

day”, as we travel into the steppes and semi-desert. But shortly after Alcañiz there is a lake to be visited

first. A flock of Red-crested Pochard, a Stork and Greenshank add “wet” species to the list. On the nearby

Motorland racing circuit loud noise indicates racing practice. But on the lake this does not worry the

birds: With seven species it is the second best day for anatids. Stilts, of course, and Little Ringed Plover

do not add to a desert feel on the list. So we travel on, the small woods around the lake hold Mistle

Thrush, and on the ploughed fields are Kestrel and Crested Lark. Just after Hijar we turn left to Albalate

and on to the Lécera road. After about 7 kilometers there is a cluster of deserted farms on your right,

and an industrial building far on the left. Some time ago we checked the farms and found them teeming

with rabbits. Now we went into the area to the left, SW of the road. Bingo, larks, wheatears and pipits! In

quick succession: Shorttoed Lark, Lesser Shorttoed Lark, Crested- and Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit,

Northern Wheatear and some stunning Black-eared Wheatears. Really dry birds. Seeing many individuals

of these species, it helps to spot the subtle differences and distinguish the species. The scope of birds

seen on this trip becomes wider with Black Kite, a juvenile Golden Eagle, two Egyptian and several

Griffon Vultures. The landscape is dry, scarred by a mining company that searches for gypsum. The

biggest nodules of raw gypsum are removed, the smaller ones are scattered as if giants have been

playing marbles. One has to keep the transporting lorries in mind, but off the main road, there is ample

space to prevent being crushed by tens of tons of loaded lorry. Lunch in Lécera, and then past Belchite to

Codo. Just before this town in the Olive Groves are some Mistle Thrushes, Blackbird. A bit further on we

find a couple of Kestrels, but the male is spotless on top, so it must be Lesser Kestrel. Quite pronounced

extra bit of tail, the white nails are invisible at the distance.

Past Codo we venture into the smaller roads on the left of the tarmac. A warning is in place here. Do

never enter after recent rains, as most dirt tracks here are made of a kind of clay, reminiscent of ‘Black

cotton Soil’. Rock hard when dry, but slippery and sticking to your vehicle once wetted. To

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

day it has been dry long enough. The time of day is not the best for birding, and we see very little apart

from larks. So, we meander through the area called Planeron and check and check. When we decide,

enough is enough we leave the area. Once on tarmac again we pass a farm, on which a corvid is walking

the roof. Checking which species it is; a surprise springs on us: The Red-billed Chough. (In Dutch:

Alpenkraai, literally Alpine Crow), but it has a long down-curved red bill, so no doubt. We see a second

one kilometers further down the road. Past the Planeron we drive towards Quinto. The fields here are

irrigated and green with alfalfa and wheat. On some fields the alfalfa has been cut and left to dry. Insects

have lost their cover and Yellow Wagtail, in hundreds, enjoy snack time, big time. A female Montagu’s

Harrier patrols the field, together with both genders of Marsh Harrier. Then having run out of time we

drive back to Arens de Lledo.

Saturday April 8th. A day to look for one bird in particular. We drive to some shopping in Valderrobles,

and continue towards Beceite. Just a few kilometers out of Valderrobles, the Matarrana valley closes in

on the road. Tens and tens of Griffon Vulture soar above us; the nearby feeding operation of Mas Bunyol

attracts them around ten o’clock. After the free food they venture out to search for some more harder

earned sustenance. The stretch of river here is an almost sure spot for Dipper, but it takes perseverance

to find it, as there is a lot of vegetation. We finally manage to see one near the first bridge. A quick bird

flying off. Beceite is definitely a nice village to

visit, beautiful buildings, but with few birds. Nice

cascade of almost tropical water. We continue, after lunch,

to Cretas for the Mediaeval Festival and food fair. Here we

buy the cheese produced by the water buffalo we met on

Sunday. And then back to Arens. We do a dusk trip along the

river, listen for birds on the finca and fail to hear anything

special. No owls, Nightingale, Nightjars, nor any mammals on

the road. Having parked the car, back in the village I walk

back to the house, Stefan goes to the square, where there is

strong Wifi. He hears something and Whatapps this message to his wife: “I think Robert now tries to play

a trick by playing Tawny Owl and Little Owl songs on his telephone now”. After a third-degree

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

interrogation Stefan finally believes that Robert is innocent, so we both run back, but alas: nothing for R.

(Later that week Tawny Owl is heard calling close to the same spot).

Sunday April 9th. The final day, to the northern part of the Ebro Delta and back home. The drive takes us

past Tortosa again and the Little Owl obliges, by being present on the same shed as on Wednesday. P)ast

Amposta, we take the N-340 to cross the Ebro, immediately leaving that road to go to Deltebre and on to

Riumar. But in Deltebre is a triathlon race, blocking our progress. We try to find a route through the back

alleys, but everywhere our path is blocked. Lining up at a policeman-controlled crossing is the only

option. The cyclists have priority, the race must go on, but eventually we do as well. In Riumar is a hide

overlooking an etang that branches off from the Ebro, almost on the spot where it reaches the sea. The

vegetation around it is a mix of reeds and halophytes, salt-resistant plants. Very attractive to birds at all

times. We find a nice blend of species: Curlew Sandpiper being a real find to us. The sunshine at 11

o’clock makes for difficult observations at longer distances. But one cannot mistake Glossy Ibis at twenty

meters. After this we really should start moving towards BCN, the airport. The fact that this part of the

delta is also not inundated, dry and almost birdless, helps a lot. The drive on the motorway is quick, we

refuel at Castelldefels and decide to try

spend a final quarter of an hour at the

hide at Delta de Llobregat. This,

however, is behind a barrier, so we go

on towards the car rental agency.

Stefan’s plane is only one hour and a

half delayed, Robert misses his bus to

Tortosa, a second one leaving 45

minutes later.

It was a good trip, so the sign on the

bus window indicated more the escape

from an overload of birds than the

escape from a fellow traveller.

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Beside the birds, we saw some plants as well:

In Catalan fields, poppy

Thistle, unknown species

Mirror Ophrys, Ophrys speculum

Orchid, for connoisseurs

Asphodil sp.

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And even fungus:

Morel

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

List of species that we observed during the trip.

FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU

Soort Species full name Birds Pajaros 31-3 1-4 2-4 3-4 4-4 5-4 6-4 7-4 8-4 9-4

Fazant Phasianus colchicus Common Pheasant Faisán Vulgar F H

Pijlstaart Anas acuta Northern Pintail Ánade Rabudo F X X

Slobeend Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler Cuchara Común F X X X X

Wintertaling Anas crecca Common Teal Cerceta Común F X X

Smient Anas penelope Eurasian Wigeon Silbón Europeo F X X

Wilde Eend Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Pato Cabeciverde F X X X X X X

Zomertaling Anas querquedula Garganey Cerceta Carretona F X X

Krakeend Anas strepera Gadwall Pato Gris F X X X X X

Grauwe Gans Anser anser Greylag Goose Ánsar Común F X

Tafeleend Aythya ferina Common Pochard Porrón Europeo F X X

Kuifeend Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck Porrón Moñudo F

Krooneend Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard Pato Colorado F X X

Bergeend Tadorna tadorna Common Shelduck Tarro Blanco F X X X

Grote Bonte Specht Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker Pico Picapinos F

Iberische Groene Specht Picus sharpei Iberian Green Woodpecker Pito Real Iberico F

Hop Upupa epops Eurasian Hoopoe Abubilla F X X X X X X

Koekoek Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo Cuco Común F

Monniksparkiet Myiopsitta monachus Monk Parakeet Cotorra Argentina F X X

Gierzwaluw Apus apus Common Swift Vencejo Común F X

Steenuil Athene noctua Little Owl Mochuelo Europeo F X X

Bosuil Strix aluco Tawny Owl Acárabo Común G

Rotsduif/Stadsduif Columba livia Rock Dove Paloma Bravía F X X X X X X X X

Houtduif Columba palumbus Common Wood-Pigeon Paloma Torcaz F X X X X X X X X

Turkse Tortel Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian Collared-Dove Tórtola Turca F X X X X X X X X

Meerkoet Fulica atra Common Coot Focha Común F X X X X X

Waterhoen Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen Gallineta Común F X X X X

Purperkoet Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen Calamón Común F X

Waterral Rallus aquaticus Water Rail Rascón Europeo G H

Oeverloper Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Andarríos Chico F X

Steenloper Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Vuelvepiedras Común F

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Bonte Strandloper Calidris alpina Dunlin Correlimos Común F

Krombekstrandloper Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Correlimos Zarapitín F

Temmincks Strandloper Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint Correlimos de Temminck F

Watersnip Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Agachadiza Común F X

Kemphaan Philomachus pugnax Ruff Combatiente F X X X

Zwarte Ruiter Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank Archibebe Oscuro F X X

Bosruiter Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Andarríos Bastardo F X X

Groenpootruiter Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Archibebe Claro F X X X X

Witgat Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper Andarríos Grande F X

Tureluur Tringa totanus Common Redshank Archibebe Común F X X X X

Strandplevier Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover Chorlito Níveo F

Kleine Plevier Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Chico F X X X

Bontbekplevier Charadrius hiaticula Common Ringed Plover Chorlitejo Grande F X

Steltkluut Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt Cigüeñuela Común F X X X X X

Zilverplevier Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover Chorlito Gris F X

Kievit Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing Avefría Europea F

Witwangstern Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern Fumarel Cariblanco F X

Geelpootmeeuw Larus michahellis Yellow-legged Gull Gaviota patiamarilla F X X X X X

Audouin's Meeuw Larus audouinii Audouin's Gull Gaviota de Audouin F X

Kleine Mantelmeeuw Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull Gaviota Sombría F

Zwartkopmeeuw Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean Gull Gaviota Cabecinegra F

Kokmeeuw Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Gaviota Reidora F X X X

Visdief Sterna hirundo Common Tern Charrán Común F X

Lachstern Gelochelidon nilotica Gull billed tern Pagaza Piconegra F

Grote Stern Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern Charrán Patinegro F X

Sperwer Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrowhawk Gavilán Común F X

Steenarend Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle Águila Real F

Buizerd Buteo buteo Common Buzzard Busardo Ratonero F X X X

Bruine Kiekendief Circus aeruginosus Western Marsh-Harrier Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental F X X X X X

Blauwe Kiekendief Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier Aguilucho Pálido F

Grauwe Kiekendief Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier Aguilucho de Montagu F

Vale Gier Gyps fulvus Eurasian Griffon Buitre Leonado F X X X X

Havikarend Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli's Eagle Águila-azor Perdicera G

Dwergarend Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle Aguililla Calzada F

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Zwarte Wouw Milvus migrans Black Kite Milano Negro F X X X

Aasgier Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture Alimoche Común F

Visarend Pandion haliaetus Osprey Aguila Pescadora F X

Kleine Torenvalk Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel Cernícalo Primilla F

Slechtvalk Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Halcón peregrino F

Boomvalk Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby Alcotán Europeo F

Torenvalk Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel Cernícalo Primilla F X X X X X X

Fuut Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe Somormujo Lavanco F X X X

Geoorde Fuut Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe Zampullín Cuellinegro F

Dodaars Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe Zampullín Común F X X X X

Kuifaalscholver Phalacrocorax aristotelis European Shag Cormorán Moñudo F

Aalscholver Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant Cormorán Grande F X X X X X

Blauwe Reiger Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Garza Real F X X X X X

Purperreiger Ardea purpurea Purple Heron Garza Imperial F X X X X

Ralreiger Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron Garcilla Cangrejera F X X

Koereiger Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Garcita bueyera F X X X X

Kleine Zilverreiger Egretta garzetta Little Egret Garceta Común F X X X X X

Grote Zilverreiger Casmerodius albus Great Egret Garceta Grande F X X X X

Kwak Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-Heron Martinete Común F X

Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Greater Flamingo Flamenco Común F X X

Zwarte Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Morito Común F X X X X

Ooievaar Ciconia ciconia White Stork Cigüeña Blanca F X X X

Grauwe Klauwier Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike Alcaudón Dorsirrojo F

Roodkopklauwier Lanius senator Woodchat Shrike Alcaudón Común F X

Raaf Corvus corax Common Raven Cuervo F X X X

Zwarte Kraai Corvus corone Carrion Crow Corneja F X X X

Kauw Corvus monedula Eurasian Jackdaw Grajilla F X

Gaai Garrulus glandarius Eurasian Jay Arrendajo F X X X

Wielewaal Oriolus oriolus Eurasian Golden-Oriole Oropéndola G H

Ekster Pica pica Black-billed Magpie Urraca F X X X X X X X X

Alpenkraai Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Red-billed Chough Chova Piquirroja F

Waterspreeuw Cinclus cinclus White-throated Dipper Mirlo Acuático F

Roodborst Erithacus rubecula European Robin Petirrojo F X X

Blauwe Rotslijster Monticola solitarius Blue Rock-Thrush Roquero Solitario F X X X X X

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Westelijke Blonde Tapuit Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear Collalba Rubia F

Tapuit Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear Collalba Gris F X X

Zwarte Roodstaart Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart Colirrojo Tizón F X

Gekraagde Roodstaart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common Redstart Colirrojo Real F X X

Paapje Saxicola rubetra Whinchat Tarabilla Norteña F

Roodborsttapuit Saxicola torquata Common Stonechat Tarabilla Común F X X X X

Merel Turdus merula Eurasian Blackbird Mirlo Común F X X X X X X X X

Grote Lijster Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush Zorzal Charlo F X

Zwarte Spreeuw Sturnus unicolor Spotless Starling Estornino Negro F X X X X

Spreeuw Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Estornino Pinto F X X X X X X X

Winterkoning Troglodytes troglodytes Winter Wren Chochín F X X X X H

Koolmees Parus major Great Tit Carbonero Común F X X X X X X X

Pimpelmees Parus caeruleus Blue Tit Herrerillo Común F X X

Kuifmees Lophophanes cristatus Crested Tit Herrerillo Capuchino F

Huiszwaluw Delichon urbica Northern House-Martin Avión Común F X X X X X X X X

Roodstuitzwaluw Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow Golondrina Dáurica F X X

Boerenzwaluw Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Golondrina Común F X X X X X X X X

Oeverzwaluw Riparia riparia Sand Martin Avión Zapador F X X

Rotszwaluw Ptyoprogne rupestris Crag Martin Avión roquero F X X X X

Graszanger Cisticola juncidis Zitting Cisticola Buitrón F X X X X X X

Grote Karekiet Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed-Warbler Carricero Tordal F

Kleine Karekiet Acrocephalus scirpaceus Eurasian Reed-Warbler Carricero Común F

Cetti’s Zanger Cettia cetti Cetti's Warbler Ruiseñor Bastardo F X X X X X X X

Snor Locustella luscinioides Savi's Warbler Buscarla Unicolor F

Tjiftjaf Phylloscopus collybita Eurasian Chiffchaff Mosquitero Común F X

Fitis Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Mosquitero Musical F X X X X

Zwartkop Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap Curruca Capirotada F X X X X X X

Baardgrasmus Sylvia cantillans Subalpine Warbler Curruca Carrasqueña F

Grasmus Sylvia communis Common Whitethroat Curruca Zarcera F X X

Kleine Zwartkop Sylvia melanocephala Sardinian Warbler Curruca Cabecinegra F X X

Veldleeuwerik Alauda arvensis Sky Lark Alondra Común F X X

Kortteenleeuwerik Calandrella brachydactyla Greater Short-toed Lark Terrera Común F

Kleine Kortteenleeuwerik Calandrella rufescens Lesser Short-toed Lark Terrera Marismeña F

Kuifleeuwerik Galerida cristata Crested Lark Cogujada Común F X X X X

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Theklaleeuwerik Galerida theklae Thekla Lark Cogujada Montesina F

Boomleeuwerik Lullula arborea Wood Lark Totovía F X

Kalanderleeuwerik Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark Calandria F

Duinpieper Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Bisbita Campestre F

Graspieper Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Bisbita Común F X X

Waterpieper Anthus spinoletta Water Pipit Bisbita Alpino F

Witte Kwikstaart Motacilla alba White Wagtail Lavandera Blanca F X X X X X X X X

Grote Gele Kwikstaart Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail Lavandera Cascadeña F

Gele Kwikstaart Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Lavandera Boyera F X X X X X

Huismus Passer domesticus House Sparrow Gorrión Común F X X X X X X X X

Ringmus Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow Gorrión Molinero F X X

Heggenmus Prunella modularis Hedge Accentor Acentor Común F

Kneu Carduelis cannabina Eurasian Linnet Pardillo Común F X

Putter Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch Jilguero F X X X X X X X X

Groenling Carduelis chloris European Greenfinch Verderón Común F X X X X

Grijze Gors Emberiza cia Rock Bunting Escribano Montesino F

Cirlgors Emberiza cirlus Cirl Bunting Escribano Soteño F

Rietgors Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting Escribano Palustre F X

Grauwe Gors Miliaria calandra Corn bunting Escribano Triguero F X X X X X X

Vink Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Pinzón Vulgar F X

Europese Kanarie Serinus serinus European Serin Verdecillo F X X X X X X X X

F First seen

Specs per day 0 77 66 73 28 90 34 66 31 58

X Seen again

Heard 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 0

G First heard

New 0 77 16 12 4 24 3 11 3 3

H Heard again

Cumulative 0 77 93 105 109 133 136 147 150 153

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

Datum

31/03/17 From BCN to Roses

Arrival at BCN, HV5135 ARR. 20.35 hrs

Drive to Hotel Prestige Goya Park

01/04/17 Roses

Emporda, Aiguamolls

02/04/17 Roses

Cap Creus

Emporda, Vilaut

03/04/17 From Roses to Arens de Lledo

Emporda, Torroella de Montgri, Arens de Lledo

04/04/17 Arens de Lledo

Arens de Lledo, finca

05/04/17 Arens de Lledo

Ebrodelta South, San Carles de Rapita

Poble Nou, Eucaliptus, Riet Vell

06/04/17 Arens de Lledo

Stroll on Finca Rafiki

stroll along Algars river

07/04/17 Arens de Lledo

The dry tour over the steppes:

Alcaniz, Hijar, Belchite, Codo, Hijar, Caseres

08/04/17 Arens de Lledo

Valderrobles, Beceite

Mediaeval fest Cretas

Night Ride to Finca Rafiki and back

09/04/17 Arens de Lledo via BCN back to respective homes

Via Ebro-Delta Nothern part to BCN

Triathlon in Deltebre

Stefan and Robert drive back and hand in car

Stefan flies VY8360 back

DEP 18.40 hrs planned

Guided by : Rafiki Spring Trip to NE-Spain, 2017

100 minutes delayed

More info, or join next time :

[email protected] or via www.birdsnetherlands.com