In the second week of April we got a request from David to help him take his first steps in birdwatching. We met at the Carboneros Saltpans in Chiclana de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz, Spain, on a sunny spring morning for a three-hour walk during which we would spot thirty different bird species. David had visited this birding hotspot before, but wanted a helping hand at identifying the birds. I was more than happy to guide.
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Newbie birder David and I observing birds in the saltpans
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So David, tell us, before going on this birding trip, how much did you know about birds?
Well, not a lot to be honest (laughs).
Do you have a favourite bird, or was there one that called your attention?
There were quite a few cool birds, but a special one I remember was the one with the black head and the red eye ring. I even remember its name. The Sardinian Warbler! Truly amazing.
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| David's favourite bird, the spectacular Sardinian Warbler |
Is there anything you will always remember after this trip?
I was amazed how you were able to recognise different bird sounds. To me, they all sounded very similar! Hearing some of them at the same time made it even more puzzling.
May I conclude that it was a positive adventure?
One hundred percent! I would definitely like to go out again with an experienced birder like you as my family and I had a wonderful experience and learnt quite a bit about different species of birds. Also I couldn't believe how easily you spotted birds. It was amazing to watch the real love and connection you have with them.
The pleasure was mine. Call us any time, David!
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| The interesting surroundings during our walk |
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| Ruddy Turnstone |
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| Whimbrel in flight |
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| Ringed Plover |
We were privileged to spot a Curlew Sandpiper, a species that winters in Africa and flies all the way up to Siberia to its breeding grounds. Mainly due to habitat loss this species is now classified as NT (Near Threatened).
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| Curlew Sandpiper |
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| Greater Flamingos |
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| Yellow-legged Gull |
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| Black-winged Stilt |
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| A peculiar statue amidst the saltpans |
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| Crested Lark |
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| A foraging Spoonbill |
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| Cormorant |
A place well worth visiting at this time of year, April, in the middle of spring. Not only for the interesting bird species but also for the many colourful plants and insects.
Happy birding!
Henry.
