Last week, I provided a day of guided bird watching for a client from UK. Phil is an experienced and knowledgeable birder and wanted to see the diversity of the birdlife that exists here in Valencia.
We decided upon a specific wetland area as right now there are colonies of breeding species that provide some super opportunities for observation, all without the risk of disturbance.
Little Bittern
We met close to Valencia and made the short journey to the coastal site where we began the day by exploring a few coastal saltwater lagoons. Here we had good views of White Headed Duck, Red Crested Pochard, Little Bittern and Audouin´s Gull. The reed beds held Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler and Fan-tailed Warbler.
Collared Pratincole
We walked on to another lagoon where we had superb views of Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. We were also fortunate to see a local rarity, an Elegant Tern. Collared Pratincoles were also breeding in the vicinity, and gave great views both on the ground and in flight.
Iberian Grey Shrike
A walk through pastureland provided views of Cattle Egret, Stonechat, Hoopoe, Little Owl and Tree Sparrow. Marsh Harriers were seen frequently flying low over the reeds in classic style, and we also had good views of a Southern Grey Shrike.
Cattle Egret
The day was brought to a close with views of Purple Heron, yet more Little Bittern and a Night Heron.
The species list for the day included…
Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, Mallard, White Headed Duck, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Yellow Legged Gull, Audouin´s Gull, Black Headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, Sandwich Tern, Elegant Tern, Little Tern, Little Bittern, Glossy Ibis, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Night Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Spotless Starling, Yellow Wagtail, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Stonechat, Fan Tailed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Cetti´s Warbler (H), Savi´s Warbler (H), Swallow, Swift, House Martin, Magpie, Hoopoe, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Marsh Harrier, Little Owl, Southern Grey Shrike.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.