The afternoon was spent in more tranquil and beautiful surroundings with a lush green valley that led to the banks of the Oued Massa. There was plenty of bird activity down to the nature reserve and museum.
Bird of the day a Red-necked Nightjar was found after a long search in the scrub close to the entrance to the nature reserve which is near the estuary. It took a while to lock on to it but once seen it was easy to locate. This bird caused a small twitch with a group from the Netherlands!
A personal favourite of mine was the noisy Black Crowned Tchagra who played a game of cat and mouse before it gave itself up giving splendid views low down in a bush.
The road through the valley to the nature reserve was alive with birds. Zitting Cisticola were elusive but were heard along the valley. A Western Subalpine Warbler was not as shy in front of the camera!
An unused building held Thekla's Lark which seem to pop up everywhere I go. I have also seen Crested Lark but they do not seem as common.
My first Moussier's Redstart gave a spectacular display as it flitted about in the same area.
A Lesser Kestrel put in an appearance as I was down in the valley looking for passerines which included Blackcap, Cettis, Sardinian and Reed Warbler.
There were a few Swallow and Sand Martin making their way up the valley and it won't be long before these species are plenty on home soil!
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