Come back to Villafáfila

   This time, I´ll make only one post about my visit of two days to Hunting Reserve of Villafáfila, in Zamora province (España). Because this visit was a therapy, in order to disconnect with many problems. I went there with my brother Jose, and dedicated most of time to walk, talk, rest and, of course, drink some beers! So, there was not much time to spend with birding..

 "Salina Grande" lagoon (with mountais of La Cabrera on background)

     And however, we could enjoy a lot of different species of bird, as always. Although...I think this is not best year for aquatic birds in Villafáfila. Aspect of fields and lagoons was....  a bit "empty" for what I expected in winter.

    Greylag Gooses (Anser anser)

 Among flocks of Greylag gooses, could identify an Indian Goose (Anser indicus). I don´t know if is a domestic individual or not.

Indian Goose (Anser indicus)

  Since I have powerfull ultra-zoom cameras, lovely Red Kites doesn´t appear close to observer. Only could take a couple of distant photos...

 Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

 In the main lagoons there were 5.900 Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). About 4100 in Barillos and 1800 more in Salina Grande.

 Northern Lapwing in Barillos (part of the group)

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

 - 12 Pied Avocet lived on west area of Salina Grande. Every years a little number of Avocets remain in Villafáfila during winter.

Pied Avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta)

   Also, we saw another waders in Salina Grande:
- A medium group of Dunlins (Calidris spp)
- 6 Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
- 2 Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax)

 Ruffs in "La Parva" . Female (left) and male (right)

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

  Spectacular Great Bustards didn´t turn up.

Great Bustard (Otis tarda)

   I finish with most typical and nice inhabitants of Villafáfila. I´m sure all of your visits will have watchings of these two species. Also, both of them are easy to photograph.

 Little Owl (Athene noctua)

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)

 And I leave you with sunset Villafáfila images. Certainly, sunsets in castilian Tierra de Campos are a pleasure for sight. An spectacle imposible to contemplate in my dear and mountainous country.

  Somebody said in his blog that these sunsets over castillian plateau are incomparable. I agree.

  See you.