Migration Picking Up!

It's been a great week at Delta Llobregat, with  spring migration becoming quite evident, featuring impressive numbers of some really nice species. The shift towards summer has been quite apparent these last few days, and it's been quite exciting. A lot of work has been done to improve habitat for waders (ploughing & flooding) and it's looking fantastic.

Cal Tet Lagoon & Marsh, as well as the pine wood of Ca L'Arana

Throughout the week there have been good numbers of Chiffchaffs & Song Thrushes, as well as small groups of Chaffinches, and scatterings of Black Redstarts & Robins throughout. Barn Swallows & Sand Martin have been present in passing groups throughout the week, with the latter being a patch tick!

The first Redshank appeared, with 8 present around Cal Tet on Thursday. There was also a single Black-tailed Godwit, as well as several Spotted Redshank, a few Ruff, some Dunlin, lots of Little Ringed Plover & Green Sandpipers & the usual lone Oystercatcher. 

Migrant Ruff & Spotted Redshank - Cal Tet Lagoon

Black-tailed Godwit, Remolar Filipines

There have been good numbers of Yellow Wagtails coming through, with a high count of approx' 30 at Cal Tet on thursday. So far I have been able to identify two subspecies (Iberiae & Cinereocapilla). 

 

Iberian Yellow Wagtail (ssp Iberiae)

Italian Yellow Wagtail (ssp Cinereocapilla)

There has been a very impressive movement of Glossy Ibis, with numerous large flocks traveling north. The largest of these flocks held a minimum of 73 birds, which circled and landed in front of the hide at Remolar Filipines. I noticed birds regularly stretching out wings, keeping them outheld for some time. I assume this is to recover tired muscles after long migratory flight. Whatever the reason it was interesting to see multiple birds doing this throughout the flock, at a given time. 

Migrant Glossy Ibis, Nelson Mandela Bridge

73 Migrant Glossy Ibis, Remolar Filipines

Migrant Glossy Ibis wing-wtretching

Another impressive sight was that of a flock of at least 17 very vocal Garganey at Cal Tet. I had only ever seen singles of this species in the past and had never heard one. The call is amazing! Unfortunately the wind was far too strong to get a recording, but I would love to record it in the coming weeks, if I get the chance. 

Male Garganey, Cal Tet Lagoon

Part of a flock of 17 migrant Garganey, Cal Tet Lagoon

Other highlights include an adult Spoonbill (patch tick), which is a scarce migrant, and finally adding Corn Bunting to my Llobregat list, with several singing birds around Can Dimoni.

Adult Spoonbill, Nelson Mandela Bridge.

As well as migrant birds, other heralds of spring included numerous interesting invertebrates, plants, amphibians & reptiles, but these will be covered in a separate post.