More Great spotted cuckoos!

Today’s day trip was somewhat of a challenge with the high water levels reducing the muddy margins at La Franqui to a point where not many waders were feeding. On our walk along the Coussoules area of low dunes between the lagoon and the sea, we did however manage to find a group of three or four noisy Great spotted cuckoos. All the group managed to get good views. Some were also interested in the Mediterranean tree frog sunning itself on the branch of a bush (not something you expect an amphibian to do – but then they are called “tree frogs”! On our way back to the cars Karline found us a beautiful Edwards’ sand racer that cooperated for the photographers.
We had a rather breezy picnic overlooking the lagoon at La Franqui and a cup of coffee before heading off to the salt pans at La Palme. We enjoyed looking at the Kentish plovers, Little stint and Avocets and Slender-billed gulls. Migration was slow but we did see a pair of Short-toed eagles and an Osprey before finishing the day looking for the Blue rock thrush at the old quarry. The male had already been seen in the distance from the salt pans, and the female was added to the list.

You can read or download the trip report here.