Recent visits to the reedbeds of Padul have proved to be well worthwhile, and with the month drawing to a close we’re off to get another look at this unique stretch of wetland habitat.
Chiffchaff
Despite the chilly wind blowing in across the lake, we managed quite easily to list some thirty species today. We’ve commented before on the improvements made around the reserve, and new hides and duck-board walkways make for some easy-going walks along the prouctive, seasonally flooded margins.
Cettis Warbler
Scolding Blackcap and Sardinian Warblers clicked and churred in stands of trees and bushes as we passed by, and once again the sheer numbers of Chiffchaff we saw was staggering. Fan-tailed Warblers showed clearly – but fleetingly – along the way, but we picked up really great views of Cetti’s Warblers, putting five warbler species on the reserve day-list again.
Marsh Harrier
The brilliant, new lakeside hide gave us fly-overs from Cattle Egrets, Herons and our regular female Marsh Harrier, and Shovelers joined the usual Mallards and Cormorants out on the open water…
Comorant
Good numbers of Coot and Moorhen were no surprise of course, and with White Wagtails and a rather cold-looking Water Pipit logged for the day we moved on.
Water Pipit
A drive through the open fields at the back of the reserve brought Sonechat, Crested Larks and some great views of one of our “must-see” species here, the Southern Grey Shrike.
Southern Grey Shrike
A slow stroll back through bushy, scrubby ground finally got us a Reed Bunting…
Reed Bunting
…along with nice views of a Meadow Pipit. Robins, Blackbirds, and the usual tits and finches all followed…and passing Kestrels, and the Spotless Starlings, Black Redstarts and House Sparrows around the visitor’s centre, put us with over thirty species for a breezy but hugely enjoyable day!
Meadow Pipit
We’ll be back at Padul regularly as the new season unfolds, so please keep checking our trip reports if you think you might be interested in joing us on one of our birdwatching trips or holidays, all the information you need is right here!
