Another beautiful winter day today in the most southern province of Spain today! My main goal this afternoon was to take some decent photos of the Turnstones and the single Northern Pintail that I spotted during a recent accidental walk. Alas, I wasn't able to spot any Pintail today. But more than 30 other different species made the visit worthwhile!
 |
| One of the three White-headed Ducks that seem to stay here permanently now |
I also experimented with lower ISO settings in my camera to obtain cleaner images, helped by a brand new tripod and gimbal. Of course it is not easy to walk more than 4 kilometres carrying a heavy tripod. I will certainly be using it in the future in a hide or wearing a ghillie suit.
 |
| Greylag Geese |
I had secretly hoped to see a Kingfisher, but didn't see any. The only surprise really were the Common Greenshank.
 |
| Common Greenshank |
Let's hope the White-headed ducks are here to stay now. I don't know enough about their breeding habits, but this place could be too busy for them, having people around all the time. Nevertheless, it's good to see this threatened species has found the way to Costa Ballena. |
| Two White-headed ducks on one of the lakes |
Another interesting type of duck of which I counted many today, was the Northern Shoveler. There were as many as 18 today.
 |
| Northern Shoveler displaying its big beak |
 |
| Northern Shoveler |
 |
| Northern Shoveler preening |
 |
| Close-up of a Muscovy Duck |
 |
| Common Moorhen |
 |
| Eurasian Coot |
I spotted quite a few Little Grebes, but they were all juveniles. No idea were the adults were hanging out.
 |
| Little Grebe (juvenile) |
It was also great fun to observe some smaller birds that were feeding on insects, like the White Wagtail or Meadow Pipit.
 |
| White Wagtail |
 |
| White Wagtail |
 |
| Meadow Pipit |
A species that seems to become less and less common is the House Sparrow. I was so happy today to run into a large group of these beautiful birds as they were looking for food together in a field. There were more than 40 individuals.
 |
| Flock of House Sparrows |
I finished my tour today by spending some time observing and photographing a group of Ruddy Turnstones.
 |
| Ruddy Turnstones with a nice bokeh in the background |
Henry.