Torrevieja birdwatching

 In 2021, I went out on the same route to try to see the Iberian magpies which recently colonised (or re-colonised?) the area. It was an absolutely terribly hot summer day, the middle of July. I was going crazy from the heat, and from exhaustion. I eventually got to Los Balcones, where, aside from a few interesting birds, I did not see what I had come for. I did not see the Iberian magpies, anywhere, causing me to be upset. In fact, Torrevieja always disappoints in some way, even if the birds put on a phenomenal performance. Usually something to do with the buses here. But, that day, I did encounter something very interesting. Yellow-collared lovebirds, micro-parrots from Africa. 

They first were reported in 2019, and since then seem to have successfully colonised the area. Maybe they are even breeding now, but are a welcome addition to this region's wildlife, in my eyes. However, that day was so uncomfortable I didn't want to go back again to suffer in the heat. However, 2021 turned to 2022, and summer turned to winter. It became very comfortable outside and, as a result, I decided to head back out and give the area one last try. Magpies don't typically interest me, but the Iberian magpie is a rare and beautiful bird which lives in Spain and nowhere else. Definitely worth a try. After a bus ride there which saw me nearly leave the bus due to some reasons, I got to Torrevieja and walked all the way to Los Balcones, remembering every step of that last trip, and hoping this trip wouldn't be like that one. And, it turned out, luck was on my side for this venture. As I walked, I saw an Iberian magpie. But it was gone quickly, like a ghost. As for me, I had stepped in fresh concrete. Fortunately, it didn't take much effort to clean it off. I searched down the roads in Los Balcones along Lago Sol road, focusing more on habitat rather where they were last seen. The first road turned up nothing but aggressive dogs (Spain has a serious problem with these, it seems), and it was getting rather hot, even for the winter. I remembered the heat of that summer, and this morning was starting to resemble it. Exploring down a road, I saw an Iberian magpie at the end, and moved closer to investigate. I tracked the magpies to one clearing, where they hid from view, and then moved to another clearing where they were more visible. Although the birds were shy, the views I got here were absolutely phenomenal. 

Until this moment, I was regretting my journey here. But when I saw the bird perch so close and zoomed in to the maximum to take these amazing photos, I was completely blown away by their quality. The bird just sat there, as if waiting for me to finish. It was somewhat ironic that these photos were taken with the very camera which tried and failed to do the same, but in 2021. 

After these lovely views of the beautiful perched birds, I tried to get some photos in flight. However, this was easier said than done. However, eventually, I managed it. A little distant, but it will do for sure.

Once I had satisfied myself with the magpies, I turned my attention to the other birds. A booted eagle soared overhead, whilst a pair of monk parakeets was nearby giving away their presence. These incredibly loud birds I remembered well from my 2021 visit, when I got astounding views of them from the area. Iberian magpies are usually loud as well, but the ones I was observing today were unusually shy and timid. They seem to have been reintroduced here, so maybe that is why. 

As I rounded the corner, I saw another bird I recognised immediately. One of the yellow-collared lovebirds. I knew they were doing well here, but it was still very nice to see them. I always found these birds very amusing- the pop-eyed stare reminding me of a Tengmalm's owl screaming 'Are you dangerous?' in fear, as well as the bright red bill looking like the nose of a hapless drunk. 

I then backtracked, slowly walking out of the urbanisation. I looked at the areas where I had been walking in 2021 under the heat, and shook my head. No wonder I didn't see the birds- I would have been hiding too in that heat. That, and I was looking in the wrong places as well! I walked all the way back to the center, and then walked all the way to the lighthouse. I didn't see anything interesting here, so began to backtrack, until a small group of birds in the water drew my attention. I investigated, and was surprised to identify them as razorbills. I had been looking for those for the past week, and, finally, here they were!

They do look better in summer plumage, but I was certainly not complaining at this point. They swam closer eventually, and I got some nice views of them. Unfortunately, the lesser crested tern I was also after never showed itself. I got to the station, waited an hour for the bus, and returned home, finalising a spectacular day. As if sifted through my images, one thing dug at my mind. 'This is what that trip in 2021 should have been like'. 

Regardless, El Hondo is next. Again.