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Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula |
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Displaying male Goldeneye Bucephala clangula |
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Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus - part of a flock of 149 birds |
Spent the day working the coastal wetlands. Started at Lisert which held 6
Ferruginous Ducks (freshwater) and 51
Common Eiders performing display on the sea (buoys area).
A quick look at the bay of Panzano (Monfalcone) revealed the 3 wintering
LONG-TAILED DUCKS (females) and several of the commoner grebes and other waterbirds.
Valle Cavanata NR and the Averto canal held, among the numerous Pochards and Tufted Ducks, also 2 female
Greater Scaups, a few displaying
Goldeneyes and 12
Spoonbills.
Perhaps the day's best sighting was that of a flock of 149
FLAMINGOS feeding in the deep water of Valle Artalina (Grado). There were both nice pinkish adults as well as a lot of juveniles. A nice spectacle to watch, with the the lagoon and the snow-covered Julian Alps in the background.
A look at the sandy beach at Banco Mula di Muggia (Grado) added 2
OYSTERCATCHERS, +10
Bar-tailed Godwits and several commoner waders to the list (incl.
Kentish Plover, Grey Plover...).
The last stop was at Isola della Cona NR where the main interest was provided by a
BITTERN walking out on the grass, a
Great Grey Shrike on the fields, 2
Hen Harriers (m & f) and 5
Spoonbills. The usual wetland assortment was also present throughout the day (all common dabbling and diving ducks, White-fronted Goose, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Pygmy Cormorant, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, Lapwing ect.). Several Green Woodpeckers were also seen or heard (yaffling) today.