Over the Easter weekend, I enjoyed a super day on the steppe with two returning clients from Belgium. Both very keen birders, they were eager to see the fabulous species that this unique habitat holds. Within just over an hour´s drive from Valencia, the high steppe and lagoons provide a completely different habitat from those found at the coast or the mountains.
Classic steppe scenery
Our first stop beside an area of floodwater gave views of Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe and a huge flock of Yellow Wagtail. The day had started well, and although quite windy, the next stop gave views of Rock Sparrow, Corn Bunting and one of the highlight species Little Bustard!
Yellow Wagtails
The next lagoon provided us with views of the very rare Red Knobbed Coot. Water Pipits were feeding by the shore.
Lunch time was approaching, so we parked in a sheltered spot by a favourite lake and whilst we enjoyed a picnic, we saw White Headed Duck, Gadwall, Black Necked Grebe, Marsh Harrier and Flamingo.
White Headed Duck
The rest of the day was to be spent exploring the high steppe, visiting some favourite spots and hoping for a little good luck too! Today indeed brought us some good luck, and we had amazing views of Great Bustards, in total over 60 birds.
Scanning the fields for Bustards
A little patience was rewarded with views of Stone Curlew and later, we were delighted to see four Little Bustards very close to the car. Then, in one of the usual spots we had good views of Little Owl.
Little Bustards (photo courtesy of Jolien Geens)
The day ended with yet more views of Great Bustards….the trip had been a success and both Jolien and Ria had seen a number of lifers.
Great Bustard (photo courtesy of Jolien Geens)
The species list included…Yellow Wagtail, House Martin, Swallow, Swift, Collared Dove, Stonechat, Crow, Magpie, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Goldfinch, Linnet, Spotless Starling, Calandra Lark, Water Pipit, Hoopoe, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Lapwing, Little Bustard, Great Bustard, Flamingo, Kentish Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Red legged Partridge, Snipe, Cattle Egret, Stone Curlew, Shoveler, Mallard, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shelduck, White Headed Duck, Pochard, Black Necked Grebe, Coot, Red Knobbed Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Buzzard, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Little Owl.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.