La Laja, Fuentesuelas

I checked out Fuentesuelas on Thursday night, primarily to see if there were any waders around ahead of the visit from DUMAC.  I found, however, that the water level here was very high, thus making it difficult to access, and meaning that there were few exposed banks for waders to feed on.  Nevertheless, there were a good array of impressive birds here.  

Female Ruddy Duck and duckling

Of particular note were late breeding waterbirds.  Recently fledged Ruddy Ducks, American Coots, Moorhens and Eared Grebes were unexpected.  There is, however, a lot of cover and vegetation here which does suit these species.  There were also approximately 1,000 non-breeding ducks present as well, including Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Mexican Duck and Northern Shoveler.  This spot is also fairly reliable for Cinnamon Teal and might attract one or two as the winter wears on.

On the wader front, there were approximately 500 Wilson's Phalaropes feeding in very tight groups in each corner of the lake.  Also, the ever-present Killdeers, and a handful of Yellowlegs sp., and Black-necked Stilts on the far shore.

Raptors included Crested Caracara and Northern Harrier, and passerines included Vermilion Flycatchers, Blue Grosbeaks and Lesser Goldfinch.

Male Vermilion Flycatcher, Fuentesuelas

The Tequisquiapan Rounds

An interesting day today. Plenty of migrants around and some singing resident birds, which are a lot easier to see now than at any time since last summer. There's some dry woodland close to Presa Este, and I stumbled into some great mixed flocks. There were at least 6 Black-throated Gray Warblers in the woods, also a number of Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warblers and 3 Nashville Warblers. These birds were joined by the obligatory Blue-Grey Gnatcatchers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

Variety was provided by this bird below..

The last time I'd seen this species was in September. Now I had 5 more individuals. This was verging on the ridiculous, or should I say 'Verdin' on the ridiculous...?

Bird of the day, though had to be this cheeky character. A Hermit Thrush, flushed from the undergrowth. I fired off a quick record shot.

I picked up some other species, more typical of the arid scrub. Roving parties of Black-eared Bushtits were a nice bonus. Also, singing and displaying Phainopeplas and Cactus Wrens were everywhere. Abeille's Orioles and Vermilion Flycatchers were also conspicuous today.

On the water of Presa Este were similar numbers of Ruddy Ducks and Shovelers as seen on my last visit. They don't call Ruddy Ducks 'stiff-tails' for nothing..

A post lunch walk around La Laja (Fuentesuelas Lagoon) turned up good variety of ducks and waders. Also present Crested Caracara, Black-shouldered Kite and a new (but not glam) bird to my Tequis list...Common Moorhen!

The pic below shows some great variety...Stilts, L.B.Dowitchers, Legs, and many Least Sand.

Below are some close-ups. Can you name all 3? First and last are easy, and anyone who has paid attention to recent postings will get the middle!

Assorted Waders, Fuentesuelas Lagoon, La Laja, Tequis.