Birding around all sides of the Marismas de Santoña.
Trip to Uk, Day Thirty Nine.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk9wZoihnPMphfWkePdUOKwoFTzXgq1fKK4GqoEpa6WDNA0Fe1EML289keh8sv2NclWbmdVx201taahpzJSfu7eismWOs8tfG4OAJbbQ3Pd91GH2AT1SKF1WBIQkbhY-nBSdiA18gUieiLx2AjiQqezPzH5QVtRSokBQqk4WTbkiF27gkl4akfFUjs=w640-h518) |
Yellow-legged Gull (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis). |
Andy and I headed out towards Santoña Port, on the way we started things off with
Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis),
Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica),
House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus),
Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto),
Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula),
Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba),
Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos),
Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egreeta garzetta) and Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone).![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI8hpGzf87HEacvbC6IC8k1n0fZJinQQDWNgQnJ8HUiqp1zbm_J9DBKJRuH5kG7TUtVz5bKyRJc24DEajD00u0lz8A5mS0QI1pzwxxjme8SOxWq_OEW_FF9CWpX5k3eJ0dbjwP5OuMh74S7xzlEzkYuN7xD-smtlz91zOL17h5dI8axSqflauAzhCC=w640-h296) |
Preening Shags (Cormorán Mondudo / Phalacrocorax aristotelis). |
We reached the Port and checked out the Jetties in the pleasure boat part and soon found
Shag (Cormorán Mondudo / Phalacrocorax aristotelis),
Yellow-legged (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis), Mediterranean (Gaviota Cabecinegra / Larus melanocephalus) and Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus),
Kingfisher (Martin Pescador / Alcedo atthis),
Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula),
Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis),
Eurasian Wigeon
(Sibón Europeo / Anas penelope),
Eurasian Curlew (
Numenius arquata), Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocroax carbo),
Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patinegro / Sterna sandvicensis) and just before we reached the Fishing part of the Port 2
Rock Pipits (Bisbita Costero / Anthus petrosus) which flew over us calling.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5DTbO5Eohi5YglO42md49lhXXk6uW6ppsQ9sysr2Q6FrR4LVUjroIo6NxGSmp_9wBdZBeUOtHwwEsS4zdn9Zgf7Y7sacdcyrGdx4qXRD473_8JhCacrn6fO80xFy1Y-qZ0HTNkVmuQi5HyN9WPGFZ3ElU6VQ07IEw86y4GtXiHQff4YVQ1_mxdbPk=w640-h506) |
Mediterranean Gull (Gaviota Cabecinegra / Larus melanocephalus). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqqSQI4AZokdZFlOPkR9COY0ZqC_HUQk2Nbj9ynisYQdC54AvWuHrefwbFy-8WECwg5nnJr_c9WIaeDo00nTOZMQsEV_5RFLd0ShLXyH7HuDSWDcmc8nZr8FW6u8HNZsdiQQzUCVhkgDiLpYlCK9weBWUnJXaAfwtblQgwIEoHqfknXTPfPx6Jn1aP=w640-h454) |
Mediterranean Gull (Gaviota Cabecinegra / Larus melanocephalus). |
In the port we soon found Lesser (Gaviota Sombria / Larus fuscus) and
Great Black-backed Gull (Gavión Atlántico / Larus marinus) and around on the far side on a long wall where there were lots of
Gulls roosting at least one but probably two
Herring Gulls (Gaviota Argéntea Europea / Larus argentatus) and the regular
Iceland Gull (Gaviota Groenlandesa / Larus glaucoides) which I have now seen several time.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik7MMsgM2fMoK4ZLSr-2ZUBBkbs3_c4kH7C1XEArKTCwpW3MwZgVHivauK4hWSyfI2wzktrvFAUw-fTpwhVV6uMmlD7pEHqWq0qDRt64SV9d0mKYI_y0Ynk6Uv4wRLtyxTyBZFZbKA53AP7aZleaRtjCIUbsFcrnxRDP4AFpDLK8j_TaeRBqgZV0Tr=w640-h408) |
Iceland Gull (Gaviota Groenlandesa / Larus glaucoides). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk_dxiT09lWN1XHIyy3kklD5aASnFM7hZmpKuXF5898hZvV1iCRSuPGBAS3y6l_81ljZ5CS6DAHbHgxGaRJLBngUqxFf8_Vrb2R_E1UFsDjba_xVUHUafaq05cbnXkozOx_E0yX2BfoYorOZfn2GQkLxGJpAAZ-C-_PgEerO4604ForwY_LvuhPusu=w640-h492) |
Iceland Gull (Gaviota Groenlandesa / Larus glaucoides). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7AZAeSxJPYvddfISNhZc4lxhXVpf3a8eO1Y5ib5cN_3y08N-DLLmbFzFGeJuAaVxLDGYCZBzU0e4fZtzC3wdHpdLw8ounsZZUIUWnboFYfnubxr4KMUmIVn8xIAeitALj3Y6fl-HsWF3f_eOsVIYXlUuNdhujqbxTyapbUVkCXqZT79wZ1UHKWIkp=w640-h470) |
Iceland Gull (Gaviota Groenlandesa / Larus glaucoides). |
We returned to the car and drove right around to the far side of the estuary to a spot called Campo Dunar del Regatón de Laredo, we parked and walked out into the Dunes which were covered in a Dianthus Species which looked very like
Dianthus broteri.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGGzCqlGTOK2EN0iSMpaMdzta9CptgY64GGUasF9ZRsH02pal0A-lmzLsCxiVPa99itw2utCPwpGwE8ZD5la7FonvUDPeYus33fX7fLBffJ6sC_9Rlf7Nzxk40PB52U5lIY_3sm4bWSp2B1O-GDDM8yCUTAXxlpYDZLERnlyuzSBVq-XJAtyoOKYK7=w640-h592) |
Iceland Gull (Gaviota Groenlandesa / Larus glaucoides). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyGvaK4r_deIoelSnEQv6eFk4QbS9IBcexq3q7JlAGSj66PQwLSTCCmfWKGpGQRn5IH0gndWbXIHZSbA2nJFsN6RRKu4YSsDVpXnP8n4fVhIdOjGTz-Jm9iILLj7ArpNqrLAOpxubARwks3_Y09bevdQitG3So1-HzbMFCgUNLGRz2QvAYpVDf2A3K=w640-h522) |
Iceland Gull (Gaviota Groenlandesa / Larus glaucoides). |
As we walked out towards the Estuary again we heard and then saw a small flock of
Siskin (Lúgano / Carduelis spinus) as well as
Song Thrush (Zorzal Común / Turdus philomelos),
Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala),
Blue Tit (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Meadow Pipit (Bisbita Pratense / Anthus pratensis), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and
Robin.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAU1T-rFtbuSjmbE8BWjxSwdpOFkWZLjhDxN-ZehBLTZC8EfwvAgsnNf4-OMl3sdBm40nI04X4MOg5CUtOBHJkXjjBTZ7JnuFQl7P5lR9xmZLbolgOE3lFOnzeKb76IVpdftb3tEs5kLgS1rByGLWTCSLrfjW0tNvzVZzlnsEjHqhlueQjj2rhK86d=w640-h238) |
Dark-bellied Brent Geese (Barnacla Carinegra / Branta bernicla). |
From the Dune bank looking out over the water I was very pleased to see 160 odd
Dark-bellied Brent Geese (Barnacla Carinegra / Branta bernicla),
Eurasian Wigeon,
Mute Swan (Cisne Vulgar / Cygnus olor), Black-necked (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis) and
Great Crested Grebe (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus),
Great Northern Diver (Colimbo Grande / Gavia immer), Sandwich Tern,
Yellow-Legged and
Black-headed Gulls.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLNCCJFhKU2bZpk5hIVSHoaLzzTL3e7uIbIv6jggPTfe9q2kI03SrBilcHSHe8OEiYxTwwus4UNnX-JwJLWlBEjZO_qg9Z3Qb5EnV4ogiUlPQDSGo0MH0IOt7Y4_ST5a-KPCoivQsdW6q2KnIKUIiiQk4J1nMtphO4fNWimOLYUxT_CR3KJ08LANpN=w640-h456) |
Wasp / Hornets nest.
|
On our way back to the car we spotted a
Wasp / Hornet nest in one of the trees, a spectacular looking thing but I took the pictures with the 400mm lens as I was not going to get close.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6M7WmYu4g6B-SESeGBZQDXYlLmBcuPaWg8LZaAFKvw8QMAajz_jbUl-4hs5AAWTwL5Z3SfKNKljwe5h9p3EKUmv5j4LV6uz2hocyNhCRwSoA2-HV3bqcQkDlSC9RGvzcsbUKhHOQxPvz7kcFIVs9-LATy0ImJWSy3BWgRCcsjGUR1vbhX6HvocxAU=w640-h430) |
Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJPwHKCWE6Rtiyyy3X9-v4jGMutSvLTLNXhoAEsnArR5TJAPERcSCt7jV3-TYU1ESbQ2vnyTwq0yIxt8WnqEtEzZ8epY8DhjuOpcOrLus7ywED4Kc-WHwq9M3iMhkD0cIljr9VX9COsO6n-X6E5wRlwaCBUENmKRRUxKoHxJhnTyDH-qJKq19xOluR=w640-h458) |
Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis). |
Our next stop was up at Playa de San Martín at the tip of the sand bar where we ha a walk finding
Meadow Pipit,
Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), a closer
Black-necked Grebe and a
Black-throated Diver (Colimbo Ártico / Gavia arctica) which was diving regularly in mid channel.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_sncu8Rpn6Y5--8aoMeoiWOqNDqKvBbtPpSOf-hkLHJfsHsQ8Lk-8PcBXPuJJO3NXm-HeXYUElMaRG-PSZ6pUpZMa0dwPbVbWj0YBBbWsEnr05BMlBVSoTFon9MxCX2RHPNq78TRUoJyh3arXk6oS7oP-VOKYia_OZSm6vcgo6oeRyIilIzGF2p2k=w640-h498) |
Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis). |
Next we took some narrow tracks out to Playa del Regatón where we scanned the Estuary from a different angle adding
Grey Plover (Chorlito Gris / Pluvialis squatarola), Dunlin (Correlimos Común / Calidris alpina),
Black-necked Grebe (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis) Grande / Charadrius hiaticula),
Greenshank (Archibebe Claro / Tringa nebularia),
Common Redshank (Archibebe Común / Tringa totanus),
Eurasian Oystercatcher (Ostrero Euroasiatico / Haematopus ostralegus),
Whimbrel (Zarapito Trinador / Numenius phaeopus),
Great Egret (Garceta Grande / Egretta alba), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata),
Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Northern Pintail (Ánade Rabudo / Anas acuta) and Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaxmmUHMtNsH_HxIzdhYDiToWAeE8OHGU0b70PU13L0eMqQPZ6NTirDVwkg_qdZ_ACvH9QhEU4wu20jxZ49sVsNNI6YXydwDPW9jpHyZqBsSU67d30eIH9uI2gYocLnT8wbJSxp3AtBU6145yi24kd_DFvWPJJR3GRmGBaMr9YphfrOnbLZ0ALSeFv=w640-h540) |
Common Eider (Eider Común / Somateria mollissima). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwXczJA6n3x4ebfc38goRBM5177H5pgoFuZqiUv9h6JbbQZshLRerBBTxFrtLL4mi8JU6hAaY8_Dv1QcFIvXMwx18lWfD81wJXvvV_ewnxXoi-0HLMIGXwXDZWYmMYq6zmYzJrFnDZs0uTigWw63dSS86TKKp-Oab1Rf6bTcOAuEX18kqwe2tvAmAc=w640-h556) |
Common Eider (Eider Común / Somateria mollissima). |
Next we retraced our way around to Santoña and spent a while scanning the low tide mudflats, channels and pools finding the male
Common Eider (Eider Común / Somateria mollissima) in it's usual spot as well as Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos),
Eurasian Spoonbill (Espátula Común / Platalea leucorodia),
Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus) and another / same
Great Northern Diver which was in the pools infront of the hide catching crabs.
On our way back to the hotel we stopped by a disused Quarry and added Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) above us and several Greylag Geese (Ansar Común / Anser anser) on the saltmarsh below us.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRAFMAunE3051HMlz65l5dYXvbBnDJY1UYXQKj5xS2VPl7zHmgbQvR8TZGpYGSVrakcb4yJox2tWH9h8MAo-kMq4D9SVgJSmDpYnpKZc1d46T8ZY0VMthnpNps7QTb8qxzU4lzIjL1mXR_kyNzT5t14muSkjFuLdAtKJzm3tLz737sFBsXNsR6CMhX=w640-h432) |
Great Northern Diver (Colimbo Grande / Gavia immer). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFoo-b7twzAM9LNJliUFtQqKmj-P7D_CKbfXpzetpmQn8uur3PHLcl_WNKsGnU_sHhLEXsRfm1ZgY7AD5zljtdI6XdrO3xIALGpnB8ue15cyYPl2abM0hoo-QgKOSomjBi0md2xpkF6lEbiU0e9U3KlepsPiiHWV4kB4EVq1yUZQbVdrSJNc7cJatg=w640-h416) |
Great Northern Diver (Colimbo Grande / Gavia immer). |
We returned to the hotel, I went out for a walk around the edge of the village and saw Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus),
Western Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis),
Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus) and Iberian Green Woodpecker (Pito Real / Picus sharpei), later we went to a bar and had a very nice meal.