The outing to La Janda on Saturday 16th February was productive despite the very strong winds.

Some interesting birds were seen along the initial track, including many Northern Lapwing, a Water Pipit, some Brambling, flocks of Common Crane, Glossy Ibis and a Black-shouldered Kite.  However, the wind became unbearable and we decided to explore other areas instead.  We first headed to La Barca de Vejer, where the colony of the recently-introduced Northern Bald Ibises entertained us.  They were so confiding!  Next we tried Laguna de Medina, which is beginning to recover its form as one of the premier wetlands in the region.  Some large flocks of Common Coot were present, with duck scattered along the edges of the lake that included Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Common and Red-crested Pochards, and White-headed Duck.  We were able to compare Black-necked Grebes to Little Grebes as three or four Red Kites flew overhead. 

We had made the most of the difficult conditions and ended an entertaining outing with a splendid lunch near Medina Sidonia.