DIES Bros.' WMW -Bird Observatory-

DIES Bros.'WMW l'Albufera Bird Observatory

The Photo Galleries

- List sequence in chronological order -

On 12 December 2007, an 1st winter male Ring-necked Pochard Ayhtya collaris was observed among other pochards at Silla marshes by B. Dies, M. A. Monsalve and C. Viedma. The place where it was present is used for duck hunting, hence expectations for survival were low. Nevertheless, the same observed 6 km due East from 17 to 24 December 2007 by J. I. Dies, M. Chardi and others. First record for l'Albufera de Valencia.

An adult female Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus found 11 December 2007 at Racó de l'Olla saltmarsh by J.Ignacio Dies & Miguel Chardí, still present on 24 December. The stilt now joining 85 Black-winged Stilt H. himantopus. It is wearing a metal ring at the left tibia. This american species is regarded as Category E (alien species) in Europe, hence it is of uncertain origin. We are trying to read the metal ring it is wearing.

On 13 November 2007, a first winter Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus was found at Racó de l'Olla saltmarsh by J.Ignacio Dies & Miguel Chardí. It was closely associated to a flock of recently arrived Spotted Redshanks Tringa erythopus and was last observed on 4 December 2007. A first record for l'Albufera de Valencia.

The drake observed on 2 October 2007 at l’Albufera de Valencia, Spain, was wrong for Mallard Anas platyrhynchos but it was extremely familiar to us. It resulted to be a "Brewer's Duck", a putative hybrid between Mallard and Gadwall Anas strepera, painted by John James Audubon, from a bird collected at lake Barataria, Louisiana, USA, in February 1822.

Adult Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni) moulting into winter plumage. Found 29 August 2007 at La Llonga ricefields, Sueca, l'Albufera de Valencia, among ca.400 Collared Pratincole G. pratincola by Bosco Dies and Belén Martínez. Relocated 31 August (B. Dies, A. Alcocer, A. Castelló). Still present 6 September 2007 (J. I. Dies). Hard to separate at rest, wing pattern diagnostic in flight. Only two previous accepted records for Spain.

Additional records of unidentified orange-billed terns (Sterna sp.) in 2007. Same 2006 individual (marked with yellow PVC) recorded on 9 May 2007 and a new tern with identical features on 12 and 13 July 2007. Get the PDF file for details. Comments are welcome!

Adult Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) found in bad condition 2 August 2006 at Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia, and released back after recovery on 19 September 2006, marked with metal ring and PVC with code "272". Last recorded on 7 January 2007. J. I. Dies, B. Dies, F. J. Garcia-Gans.

Unidentified orange-billed tern (Sterna sp.) nesting at l'Albufera de Valencia in 2006, paired with Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, rearing one chick. Get the PDF file for details. Comments are welcome!

Following some observations in previous years, up to four Richards' Pipit Anthus richardi were observed this winter in l'Albufera de Valencia, at the dunes of Devesa de El Saler and the ricefields of Sueca. Observer: B. Dies. This asiatic species was removed from the Spanish rarities list in January 2006.

First winter male Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, SECOND RECORD FOR SPAIN, 16-20 November 2005, Devesa de El Saler, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: A. Alcocer, D. Almenar, J. I. Dies, B. Dies and A. Castelló.

Second calendar year Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis, found 4 May 2005 at Catarroja ricefields, l'Albufera de Valencia, apparently same relocated 5-6 May 2005 at Valencia ricefields, tancat de l'Estell, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.

Drake Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis, 24 February to 4 March 2005, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. FIRST RECORD FOR THE SITE. Observers: J. L. Terrasa, J. I. Dies and B. Dies.

Suspected hybrid adult between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret E. gularis at l'Albufera de Valencia, December 2004 to February 2005. Apparently the same returning invididual since November 1997, observed November 2003 to February 2004 and January 2002. See below. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.

Suspected hybrid between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret E. gularis at Sueca marshes, l'Albufera de Valencia, January 2005. Apparently not the same individual observed in previous years, see below. Observer: B. Dies.

Fourth-winter Herring Gull Larus argentatus, alleged to be of Western Europe argenteus race, 28 December 2004, Sueca marshes, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.

Wildfowl hybrids seem to occur more commonly among geese and pochards, than among dabbling ducks. We can guess the two parent species of the drake observed on 9 December 2004 were Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Pintail Anas acuta. Image by J. I. Dies.

Pair Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata, 18 November 2004, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. A third individual (drake) joined them on 3 December 2004, still present 4 March 2005. Observer: J. I. Dies. There were no previous records of the species here since 11 November 1942. Although there are free flying individuals in the 20 km distant city of Valencia, these ones could be regarded of wild origin, since birds from feral european populations are though to reach Spain each autumn

Adult Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 23 and 24 August 2004, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.

Adult Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, 9-22 August 2004, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. An stop-over of the same migrant individual observed in August 2003? Observers: J. I. Dies and B. Dies.

Adult Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea, 13 August 2004, Racó del l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. The bird wore extremely abraded unmoulted breeding plumage. Looking at this graceful tern in such a plumage condition prompted us the massive breeding failure in its North Atlantic colonies this year. Observers: J. I. Dies and M. Vilalta.

During their summer holidays, some visitor birdwatchers from outside the Mediterranean region get puzzled with odd "Black-headed Gulls" which are not. Check how juvenile Slender-billed Gull Larus genei looks like when moulting to first winter plumage. Images obtained at l'Albufera de Valencia on 8 August 2004 by J. I. Dies.

Suspected hybrid adult between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret E. gularis at l'Albufera de Valencia, November 2003 to February 2004. Apparently the same individual observed in January 2002, which is featured here. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.

A classic challenge for birdwatchers unfamiliar with Mediterranean terns. Check differences in juvenile Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica and Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus in direct comparison. Images obtained at l'Albufera de Valencia on 12 September 2003 by J. I. Dies.

Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 26-27 August 2003 at El Petxinar (Valencia), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.

Adult Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 4-5 August 2003, El Malvinar (Sueca). Relocated 7-8 August 2003, Tancat de Zacares (Sollana), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.

Adult Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, 21 August 2003, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.

Adult Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus, 22 July 2003, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Relocated 25-26 and 29 July 2003, 5 km NW at Catarroja ricefields. Observers: J. I. Dies, A. Alcocer and B. Dies.

Adult Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes, 21 July 2003, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: J. I. Dies.

Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 25-30 September 2002, Tancat de la Ratlla (Silla), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.

Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 12-22 September 2002, Tancat de la Ratlla (Silla), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.

Hybrid hen on 17 October 2002, Mata del Fang, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observed with remote-controlled camera (available at the webcam ) and images obtained with digital camera from the TV screen, therefore some reflections appear. Observers: J I. Dies and others.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus, at different moulting stages during Summer 2002, l'Albufera de Valencia. First juvenile individuals after September 5th. Observers: B. Dies & J. I. Dies.

Adult Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis, 30 September 2001 to 2 November 2001, l'Albufera de Valencia. Presumed the same relocated in both February 2002, August 2002 and still in Spring-Summer 2003. Possibly one of three that escaped from Safari Park in Vergel (Alicante) on February 2000. Observers: Several observers.

Male hybrid Pochard x Ferruginous Duck Aythya ferina x nyroca, 14 March 2002, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: J. I. Dies.

Suspected hybrid between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis at l'Albufera de Valencia in January-February 2002. Apparently the same returning individual observed each winter since November 1997. Observers: J. I. Dies, B. Dies and others.

First winter Corncrake Crex crex, 17 September 2001, Devesa de El Saler, l'Albufera de Valencia. Crashed with car in seashore dunes at the beach barrier. The corpse was kept into the "Centre de Protecció i Estudi del Medi Natural" (CPEMN). The CPEMN allowed the use of the information given here.

Adult American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica moulting into winter plumage, 11 September 2001, tancat de la Ratlla (Silla), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: B. Dies, J. L. Terrasa and J. I. Dies.

Adult Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata, 1-3 September 2001, Tancat de la Llonga (Sueca), l'Albufera de Valencia. FIRST RECORD FOR SPAIN. Observers: B. Dies, J. I. Dies and others.

A puzzling sawbill was filmed at Mata del Fang, l'Albufera de Valencia, on 17 March 1999.
It is suspected to be a first winter hybrid Smew Mergellus albellus x Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus.

An adult Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii visited the Racó de l'Olla reserve on 18-19 June 1997 (J. L. Terrasa and J. I. Dies). Note diagnostic pale wing, lacking dark rear edge. Image by J. I. Dies.

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	On 12 December 2007, an 1st winter male Ring-necked Pochard Ayhtya collaris was observed among other pochards at Silla marshes by B. Dies, M. A. Monsalve and C. Viedma. The place where it was present is used for duck hunting, hence expectations for survival were low. Nevertheless, the same observed 6 km due East from 17 to 24 December 2007 by J. I. Dies, M. Chardi and others. First record for l'Albufera de Valencia.
	An adult female Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus found 11 December 2007 at Racó de l'Olla saltmarsh by J.Ignacio Dies & Miguel Chardí, still present on 24 December. The stilt now joining 85 Black-winged Stilt H. himantopus. It is wearing a metal ring at the left tibia. This american species is regarded as Category E (alien species) in Europe, hence it is of uncertain origin. We are trying to read the metal ring it is wearing.
	On 13 November 2007, a first winter Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus was found at Racó de l'Olla saltmarsh by J.Ignacio Dies & Miguel Chardí. It was closely associated to a flock of recently arrived Spotted Redshanks Tringa erythopus and was last observed on 4 December 2007. A first record for l'Albufera de Valencia.
	The drake observed on 2 October 2007 at l’Albufera de Valencia, Spain, was wrong for Mallard Anas platyrhynchos but it was extremely familiar to us. It resulted to be a "Brewer's Duck", a putative hybrid between Mallard and Gadwall Anas strepera, painted by John James Audubon, from a bird collected at lake Barataria, Louisiana, USA, in February 1822.
	Adult Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni) moulting into winter plumage. Found 29 August 2007 at La Llonga ricefields, Sueca, l'Albufera de Valencia, among ca.400 Collared Pratincole G. pratincola by Bosco Dies and Belén Martínez. Relocated 31 August (B. Dies, A. Alcocer, A. Castelló). Still present 6 September 2007 (J. I. Dies). Hard to separate at rest, wing pattern diagnostic in flight. Only two previous accepted records for Spain.
	Additional records of unidentified orange-billed terns (Sterna sp.) in 2007. Same 2006 individual (marked with yellow PVC) recorded on 9 May 2007 and a new tern with identical features on 12 and 13 July 2007. Get the PDF file for details. Comments are welcome!
	Adult Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) found in bad condition 2 August 2006 at Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia, and released back after recovery on 19 September 2006, marked with metal ring and PVC with code "272". Last recorded on 7 January 2007. J. I. Dies, B. Dies, F. J. Garcia-Gans.
	Unidentified orange-billed tern (Sterna sp.) nesting at l'Albufera de Valencia in 2006, paired with Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, rearing one chick. Get the PDF file for details. Comments are welcome!
	Following some observations in previous years, up to four Richards' Pipit Anthus richardi were observed this winter in l'Albufera de Valencia, at the dunes of Devesa de El Saler and the ricefields of Sueca. Observer: B. Dies. This asiatic species was removed from the Spanish rarities list in January 2006.
	First winter male Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, SECOND RECORD FOR SPAIN, 16-20 November 2005, Devesa de El Saler, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: A. Alcocer, D. Almenar, J. I. Dies, B. Dies and A. Castelló.
	Second calendar year Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis, found 4 May 2005 at Catarroja ricefields, l'Albufera de Valencia, apparently same relocated 5-6 May 2005 at Valencia ricefields, tancat de l'Estell, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.
	Drake Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis, 24 February to 4 March 2005, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. FIRST RECORD FOR THE SITE. Observers: J. L. Terrasa, J. I. Dies and B. Dies.
	Suspected hybrid adult between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret E. gularis at l'Albufera de Valencia, December 2004 to February 2005. Apparently the same returning invididual since November 1997, observed November 2003 to February 2004 and January 2002. See below. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.
	Suspected hybrid between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret E. gularis at Sueca marshes, l'Albufera de Valencia, January 2005. Apparently not the same individual observed in previous years, see below. Observer: B. Dies.
	Fourth-winter Herring Gull Larus argentatus, alleged to be of Western Europe argenteus race, 28 December 2004, Sueca marshes, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.
	Wildfowl hybrids seem to occur more commonly among geese and pochards, than among dabbling ducks. We can guess the two parent species of the drake observed on 9 December 2004 were Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Pintail Anas acuta. Image by J. I. Dies.
	Pair Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata, 18 November 2004, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. A third individual (drake) joined them on 3 December 2004, still present 4 March 2005. Observer: J. I. Dies. There were no previous records of the species here since 11 November 1942. Although there are free flying individuals in the 20 km distant city of Valencia, these ones could be regarded of wild origin, since birds from feral european populations are though to reach Spain each autumn
	Adult Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 23 and 24 August 2004, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.
	Adult Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, 9-22 August 2004, Racó de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. An stop-over of the same migrant individual observed in August 2003? Observers: J. I. Dies and B. Dies.
	Adult Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea, 13 August 2004, Racó del l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. The bird wore extremely abraded unmoulted breeding plumage. Looking at this graceful tern in such a plumage condition prompted us the massive breeding failure in its North Atlantic colonies this year. Observers: J. I. Dies and M. Vilalta.
	During their summer holidays, some visitor birdwatchers from outside the Mediterranean region get puzzled with odd "Black-headed Gulls" which are not. Check how juvenile Slender-billed Gull Larus genei looks like when moulting to first winter plumage. Images obtained at l'Albufera de Valencia on 8 August 2004 by J. I. Dies.
	Suspected hybrid adult between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret E. gularis at l'Albufera de Valencia, November 2003 to February 2004. Apparently the same individual observed in January 2002, which is featured here. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.
	A classic challenge for birdwatchers unfamiliar with Mediterranean terns. Check differences in juvenile Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica and Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus in direct comparison. Images obtained at l'Albufera de Valencia on 12 September 2003 by J. I. Dies.
	Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 26-27 August 2003 at El Petxinar (Valencia), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: B. Dies and J. I. Dies.
	Adult Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 4-5 August 2003, El Malvinar (Sueca). Relocated 7-8 August 2003, Tancat de Zacares (Sollana), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.
	Adult Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, 21 August 2003, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.
	Adult Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus, 22 July 2003, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Relocated 25-26 and 29 July 2003, 5 km NW at Catarroja ricefields. Observers: J. I. Dies, A. Alcocer and B. Dies.
	Adult Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes, 21 July 2003, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: J. I. Dies.
	Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 25-30 September 2002, Tancat de la Ratlla (Silla), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.
	Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, 12-22 September 2002, Tancat de la Ratlla (Silla), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: B. Dies.
	Hybrid hen on 17 October 2002, Mata del Fang, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observed with remote-controlled camera (available at the webcam ) and images obtained with digital camera from the TV screen, therefore some reflections appear. Observers: J I. Dies and others.
	White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus, at different moulting stages during Summer 2002, l'Albufera de Valencia. First juvenile individuals after September 5th. Observers: B. Dies & J. I. Dies.
	Adult Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis, 30 September 2001 to 2 November 2001, l'Albufera de Valencia. Presumed the same relocated in both February 2002, August 2002 and still in Spring-Summer 2003. Possibly one of three that escaped from Safari Park in Vergel (Alicante) on February 2000. Observers: Several observers.
	Male hybrid Pochard x Ferruginous Duck Aythya ferina x nyroca, 14 March 2002, Raco de l'Olla, l'Albufera de Valencia. Observer: J. I. Dies.
	Suspected hybrid between Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis at l'Albufera de Valencia in January-February 2002. Apparently the same returning individual observed each winter since November 1997. Observers: J. I. Dies, B. Dies and others.
	First winter Corncrake Crex crex, 17 September 2001, Devesa de El Saler, l'Albufera de Valencia. Crashed with car in seashore dunes at the beach barrier. The corpse was kept into the "Centre de Protecció i Estudi del Medi Natural" (CPEMN). The CPEMN allowed the use of the information given here.
	Adult American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica moulting into winter plumage, 11 September 2001, tancat de la Ratlla (Silla), l'Albufera de Valencia. Observers: B. Dies, J. L. Terrasa and J. I. Dies.
	Adult Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata, 1-3 September 2001, Tancat de la Llonga (Sueca), l'Albufera de Valencia. FIRST RECORD FOR SPAIN. Observers: B. Dies, J. I. Dies and others.
	A puzzling sawbill was filmed at Mata del Fang, l'Albufera de Valencia, on 17 March 1999. It is suspected to be a first winter hybrid Smew Mergellus albellus x Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus.
	An adult Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii visited the Racó de l'Olla reserve on 18-19 June 1997 (J. L. Terrasa and J. I. Dies). Note diagnostic pale wing, lacking dark rear edge. Image by J. I. Dies.