Soo, Lanzarote 9/11/23

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After two days of strong winds this morning was somewhat calmer so I went back to the desert area near Soo. It was a sunny and I was keen to get better views of Houbara Bustard.

Starting in an agricultural area I found a very small reservoir attracting birds, fresh water being a rare commodity on the island. Most numerous were Linnets, though Spanish Sparrows, and a couple of Trumpeter Finch were also present. Nearby the rattling call of a Spectacled Warbler attracted my attention and for a few moments the bird came close.

From there I drove south from the church into the desert and after no more than 15 minutes found a Houbara quite close to the track. Using the car as a hide I was able to watch it feeding. Later I saw two more, both at a reasonable distance again.

Two Cattle Egret near the church looked slightly out of place in the desert-like terrain.

On the way back to Puerto del Carmen whilst negotiating a roundabout I noticed two Plain Swift, so pulled over. They gave good views and at one point were joined by two Swallows.

Spanish Sparrow

Trumpeter Finch

Spectacled Warbler 

Ruddy Shelduck 

Distant view of Houbara in the desert

Houbara Bustard 

As above 

Cattle Egret 

Cattle Egret making a lunge after an insect

Plain Swift

As above 



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