Spoonbills: Wintering birds and first pre-nuptial migrators in Urdaibai

Before the recovery of Gautegiz Arteaga's wetlands, the Spoonbill used them when they were migrating in both seasons, spring and above all in autumn. During this season is when big numbers of migratory Spoonbills go towards the Western coast of Africa, where they will over winter in big wetlands of Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, Gambia and others.

After the recovery of this wetland, the Spoonbill has alternatively over wintered here according to the development of the autumnal migration. After a year without wintering Spoonbills, this winter 6 young specimens are over-wintering in Urdaibai, using the intertidal marshes for feeding and using the wetlands of Orueta for resting together with cormorants and ducks. Among them, one of these Spoonbills has a ring which belongs to a specimen born in Holland; the 80% of the Spoonbills of Western Europe are from this country. This Spoonbill arrived on 6th December 2013 and he is still in the wetlands of Gautegiz Arteaga with five others. In short, the first Spoonbills will begin their return to the Netherlands around mid-February, while the bulk of migration can be seen in Urdaibai in March and April.

Last Sunday, we were surprised by the first group of Spoonbills in their pre-nuptial migration, probably going to Holland. This group was made by 18 specimens with nuptial plumage, showing a prominent crest and their characteristic yellowish breast.