Group of 5 Teal including one male Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) centre left
The five Teal (Anas crecca/carolinensis) first discovered on Nov 22 2024 were still present at the Laguna de Barlovento this morning, Feb 2 2025. Thus, the birds have been at the reservoir for about 9 weeks.
Two drakes: Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) upper right, Common Teal (Anas crecca) lower left
The group includes 1 male Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis), 1 male Common Teal (Anas crecca), and 3 females which are also probably Common Teal (Anas crecca).
Male Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) upper right, male Common Teal (Anas crecca) lower left
The Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) is an American vagrant still classed as a rarity in Spain, so details will be sent to the Spanish Rarities Committee in due course.
5 Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris): 3 males in the centre, 2 females left and right
The Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) which were likewise found in November 2024 have also remained at the site.
Unusually low water levels over the last few months have created a muddy shoreline, providing good habitat for water birds.
Above and below: two male Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris), among Common Coots (Fulica atra)
All the birds featured in this post are distant, so a spotting scope is useful. Luckily light conditions were slightly better for photography this morning, compared to those encountered on some of my previous visits.
Also currently present: about 30 x Common Coot (Fulica atra), 1-2 x Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), 1 x Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), 1 x Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), plus varying numbers of Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis) and other resident species.
