Raining in Isola della Cona

14^th August, Isola della Cona, Italy

I took a break from the beaches of Croatia to pay a visit to one of the marshes areas in the Gulf of Trieste: Isola della Cona. The weather was supposed to be stormy overnight but it also turned out very wet and cold (14^oC) during the morning, pity. Indeed the reserve was deserted but birds were confident, like this Little Egret.

I was amazed by the large numbers of Spotted Redshanks showing different transtions to winter plumage.

From Miramare's observation tower a feast of waders made the most of the rain: Snipes, Great Egrets, Greenshanks, Little Stints, Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, etc. The odd Lapwing and Pygmy Cormorant rested near shore or perched.

 

The highlight of the morning was 3 short-stay Grey Plovers. In the fields behind the cafeteria a large number of geese lazily munched the grass while a nearby Cattle Egrets mingled among the horses.
My friends and me decided to call it a day early so there was no chance to check the bushes for migrant warblers, pity pity pity...