Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

The Purple heron is a scarce summer visitor found in marshy areas. In the past it was an abundant breeding species especially in La Janda, but over recent years we have seen them mostly breeding in Central Valverde, which is in the Doñana National Park.

They nest in colonies, usually in reed beds as they prefer denser vegetation than the Grey heron.

The purplish-red elements in the plumage are difficult to see at a distance, when it looks generally a little darker than the Grey heron.

The Purple heron feeds in shallow water, waiting  motionless for prey, and spearing fish, frogs, insects and small mammals.

 

Note: All of these photos were all captured on one particular outing so we hope you enjoy them.

 

Another post coming up next weekend hopefully...!

Black-tailed godwits

Limosa limosa

During a previous birding trip in Bonanza we managed to observe some Black-tailed godwits at a relatively close range. This enabled us to capture some decent photographs so we decided to do a post specifically about this bird.

Black-tailed godwits are large long-legged wading birds. In summer, they have bright orangey-brown chests and fronts, but in winter they are predominantly greyish-brown. Their most distinctive features are their long beaks and legs, and the black and white stripes on their wings.

Estuaries and coastal lagoons are the best places to look for such a bird, at almost any time of the year, and they also visit wetland sites inland. It is easiest though to spot them from late summer, and all throughout winter.

Anyhow, we hope you've all enjoyed our post focusing on this particular bird.

 

We're already drafting up our next post, and planning our next outing too. Busy times ahead for the Bird Nerd team!

Bonanza Salt Pans

Still on a high from recent successful birding trips, we scheduled a visit to the salt pans in Bonanza.

 

Grey Wagtail

Wheatear

We set off out early one weekend, as the forecast had shown pleasantly dry weather and we wanted to make the most out of our day out.

Stonechat

Wheatear

Fortunately, it was yet another great day out! We spotted numerous birds and we were able to quietly observe them, and capture some decent photographs too.

Slender-billed Gull

Black-headed Gull

Here is a complete list of what we saw on the day:

Ruff

• Black-tailed Godwit
• Ruff
• Black-winged Stilt
• Redshank
• Greenshank
• Avocet
• Grey Heron
• Great White Egret
• Cattle Egret

Little Ringed Plover

Redshank

• Little Egret
• Osprey
• Greater Flamingo
• Spoonbill
• Common Sandpiper
• Slender-billed Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Marsh Harrier
• Black Kite
• Black Stork
• Stonechat
• Wheatear

Avocet

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-winged Stilt, Dunlin & Ruff

• White Wagtail
• Grey Wagtail
• Fan-tailed Warbler
• Little Ringed Plover
• Dunlin
• Little Stint
• Grey Plover
• Whimbrel
• Black Redstat
• Crested Lark
• Sardinian Warbler

Greenshank

Grey Heron

Common Sandpiper

Overall we spent a total of four hours in Bonanza. We are certainly looking forward to going out bird watching again, when our schedules can permit it of course!

Greater Flamingo

Little Egret

Ruffs

Nevertheless, we already have our next post drafted out, and this will focus on a specific bird as we did with the Common Buzzard.

Ruff & Black-winged Stilt

Ruffs

Ruff

Ruff