This week, I was delighted to design and provide a trip for a couple of clients from UK. Kelvin and Kate had previously travelled to Spain on bird watching trips but had never visited Valencia, so were very keen to see what the area has to offer. As Kelvin is an employee of the RSPB, and is involved in work on reserves in the south of England, we designed the trip such that he could gain a detailed understanding of how some of our reserves operate.
One of Albufera´s Wetland Reserves
Having made the short journey from Valencia, we visited one of Albufera´s green-filter reserves. Once inside this protected area, together with one of the reserve´s biologists we gave a presentation on the history, objectives and functionality of the reserve. We focussed on the scientific aspects of the eco-systems and how they actually serve to improve the water quality of the area, providing excellent wetland habitat.
Osprey
We then went to one of the viewing stations, from which we had great views of an Osprey that had chosen to rest and feed on the reserve whilst on its migration route to Africa. We also enjoyed watching Spoonbill, Great Egret, Purple Swamphen and a Southern Grey Shrike.
Spoonbill
Migration was clearly well underway, with Swifts, Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins constantly passing through.
After a fascinating visit, we then made the short trip across the Natural Park to another of its protected reserves. The water levels here are carefully managed, and at this time of the year the reserve attracts huge numbers of waders. The first stop gave us views of Flamingo, Black Winged Stilt, Ruff and hundreds of Glossy Ibis.
Collared Pratincole
Kelvin was keen to see Collared Pratincole, so was very happy to watch large family groups of them, gathering in readiness for their migration.
Glossy Ibis with a Ruff
The next lagoon gave excellent views of waders including Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Little Stint, Temminck´s Stint and Little Ringed Plover. We then spent a little time in a hide, looking across one of the reserves larger lakes, from where we enjoyed views of Whiskered Tern, Common Tern, Kingfisher and more Purple Swamphen.
Little Ringed Plover
The day was brought to a close with a visit to an unlikely birding spot…a sports field that usually holds something of interest! Today did not disappoint, as we enjoyed superb views of Hoopoe, Wheatear, Whimbrel and Crested Lark.
Whimbrel
It had been a pleasure to provide this trip for such enthusiastic people, and to introduce them to the bird life of this very special region.
Hoopoe
Species list…
Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Crag Martin, House Sparrow, Crested Lark, Wheatear, Hoopoe, Mallard, Shoveler, Shelduck, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Purple Swamphen, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Black Winged Stilt, Avocet, Glossy Ibis, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Cormorant, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Temminck´s Stint, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Collared Pratincole, Snipe, Southern Grey Shrike, Osprey, Marsh Harrier
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.