A Trip to the Mediterranean

2nd-21st September 2019

This was the first time I've been to the Mediterranean in September so no idea quite what to expect in terms of seabirds or other wildlife for that matter. However, once into the Bay of Biscay there were plenty of dolphins as usual, and all the way down the Portuguese coast right into the Med as far as Gibraltar, but far less common in the Med itself.

It is also fairly normal to see Gannets in the Bay of Biscay and down the Portuguese coast, but generally white specks in the distance. However today there were 20 following the ship, presumably mistaking it for an oversized trawler. At first they were sticking to the stern, but eventually flew alongside providing some photo opportunities involving different aged birds.

However, a big surprise was seeing five Marsh Harriers lazily wafting across the centre of the Med on their way to Africa.

I have often heard Cicadas in Greece and the Greek Islands but due to their habit of "singing" high in the trees have never seen one. But today in Piraeus I could hear one at eye-level and after a spot of triangulation managed to find it resting on the bark of the tree in front of me. Just look at that camouflage!!

By far the commonest bird on the trip was Cory's/Scopoli's Shearwater. These two species were previously considered to be conspecific but were split a few years ago. The differentiating feature on the tip of the underwing can only be seen in photos 4 and 6 and these birds are both Scopoli's.

On the approach to Gibraltar rafts of up to 100 birds were sitting on the sea, only being flushed as the ship approached.

But for me the highlight of the trip was our visit to Gibraltar where we crossed the border into Spain to visit a cork farm. On our tour of the farm our guide casually pointed out a flock of some 50 White Storks loafing around in the field on the other side of the track.

But then as we were walking back to the coach the whole flock took to the air and circled around low overhead as if not to be missed out. How good is that?

I hadn't expected any of this so had only taken a 300m lens but it will be the longer lens in future.