In March, according to the Xarxa de Parcs Naturals de la Diputació, numerous observations made during ornithological and fauna monitoring in the Parc Fluvial del Besòs stand out. Among others, and thanks also to the presence of ornithologists and nature photographers, it has been possible to detect a specimen of a pink flamingo, a common Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), several common stilts, common night herons, small snipes and a purple heron.
During the month of March, the prenuptial migration becomes evident, so that some migratory specimens have been observed that have stopped at the Parc Fluvial del Besòs to rest and feed and continue their migratory journey towards the more northern breeding areas. The lack of rain has meant that no massive stay of migratory birds has been seen, but it is worth noting the observation of a specimen of pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) on the dam (barrier that facilitates the diversion of part of the flow) of the Rec Comtal observed by Pat Gallart on March 21 and 22.
This is the first time that a pink flamingo has been observed in this section, but not the Besòs. On this occasion, surely favored by the low flow of the river and by the smaller number of people who pass through this place, possibly as a result of the restriction of access that has led to the creation of the Santa Coloma de Gramenet Biodiversity Refuge. . All of these are good indicators of improving the quality of the river.
It has also been remarkable the observation by maintenance personnel of a very trusting Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) for a few days in the flooded reed plots. The lack of flooded areas and tranquility throughout the year surely determine the rarity of observing this species in the River Park.
During the second half of March, several groups of Common Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) have been detected in the municipality of Sant Adrià de Besòs, with a maximum of 23 specimens first seen by Paco Torres. We must also mention nine common night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax), two small snipes (Lymnocryptes minimus) and a purple heron (Ardea purpurea), the latter at the mouth.
As for the usual summer birds, it is worth noting the first observations of the Little Plover (Charadrius dubius), which begin to occupy the beaches where they will try to breed. On the island located below intake 11, where a cordon has recently been made to restrict access to the water for people and dogs, copulation has already been observed. Unfortunately, in the case of the sand bar at the mouth, the continued presence of people, despite the current prohibition, means that they do not settle. Therefore, it is basic for the fauna that signage and restrictions on access are respected.
The first Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica), House Martins (Delichon urbicum) and Royal Swifts (Apus melba) have also been seen. Several Audouin’s gulls (Larus audouinii) have also been observed in Sant Adrià de Besòs and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, which are increasingly using the river as they are quite trustworthy individuals.
On the other hand, it is worth noting the observation of dozens of migrating dragonflies (Anax ephippiger) along the river, with several specimens laying their eggs both in the river and in the different ponds and flooded plots.
