An Epic Day: 22/10/26
Fresh off a 12-hour day in the field with Derek & Barbara Ethington and Hans Börjesson, exploring Fuente de Piedra, Laguna Dulce, and Campillos.
Having last seen Fuente de Piedra in April—when water levels hit a 10-year high—it wasn't too much of a shock to arrive just before sunrise and find the lagunas almost completely dry. But even without the water, this stunning region delivered a fantastic day of birding.
Highs at Fuente de Piedra
Despite taking numerous birding trips throughout Andalusia, I had never spotted a Long-eared Owl. That was about to change. Derek had recently discovered a roosting spot for the owls in the reserve, and after a brief scan of the area, it was Hans who found a single bird, ending my search. It was a fantastic start to the day!
 |
| My first Long-Eared Owl in Andalusia. |
Exploring the tamarisks and surrounding fields turned up a great selection: Stone-curlew, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Zitting Cisticola, Corn Bunting, Spanish Sparrow, and plenty of Blackcaps and Stonechats. Raptors included Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel and Marsh Harrier.
 |
| Zitting Cisticola (Fantail Warbler) |
Over on the main lagoon—which still held a small skim of water—we picked up Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, and Avocet. Meanwhile, the Lagunetta Hide (which reliably holds water year-round) produced a fine selection of wildfowl and waders, including Green Sandpiper, Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, and Gadwall.
(Check out our full Fuente de Piedra list HERE on eBird).
Off the Beaten Track: Campiña de Navahermosa
Next, we spent a few hours exploring the gravel tracks through the olive groves and fields of Campiña de Navahermosa—another new area for me. Our primary target was Little Bustard. While they eluded us today, driving these quiet backroads is never a hardship, especially when you’re literally shadowed by at least ten Hoopoes for most of the route!
Other highlights across the farmland included a huge flock of Lapwings, 53 Cattle Egrets, and 3 Iberian Grey Shrikes.
Grand Finale: Lagunas de Campillos & Laguna Dulce
We wrapped up our epic day touring the Lagunas de Campillos, finishing at Laguna Dulce. Unlike many surrounding wetlands, Laguna Dulce had remarkably held its water levels, making for a grand finale.
The drive in produced two more Iberian Grey Shrikes and a real thrill for Derek—his first Merlin in this area in over six years, which sent a large flock of Goldfinches scattering. A Red Kite was another rare visitor to the area.
 |
| Iberian Grey Shrike |
The main lagoon was teeming with life, including 100+ Coots and a top-tier mix of wildfowl and grebes: Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Ferruginous Duck, and Black-necked Grebe. At least five Marsh Harriers patrolled the reedbeds, while a late Squacco Heron and a distant Western Swamphen worked the edges.
 |
| Black-necked Grebes Laguna Dulce |
 |
| A patrolling Marsh Harrier at Laguna Dulce. |
 |
| A late juvenile Squacco Heron at Laguna Dulce. |
Rounding off the day in style, a Black-winged Kite perched distantly on a reserve sign, and three returning Common Cranes—the vanguard of the large wintering flock—provided a fitting end to a memorable 12 hours in the field.
(Check out our full Lagunas de Campillos & Laguna Dulce list HERE on eBird).
Thanks to Derek, Barbara and Hans for their great company and birding skills!
