We recently had the pleasure of designing and providing a 2-day guided birding trip for some clients from UK. They were staying on the Costa Blanca and wanted two days with us, taking in two very different habitats.
Day 1 – Albufera de Valencia.
On day one, Yanina guided them through the fabulous wetland reserves of Albufera de Valencia. This time of year is especially interesting as there are still some summer visitors around, such as the Little Bittern and Squacco Heron. However, many wintering species, especially waders are already here, so the species list can be extensive.
Indeed, the list of waders was excellent, including Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit.
Little Ringed Plover
Wildfowl were also seen in good numbers, including Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall and Shelduck.
The species list for the day included…
Booted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Coot, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Great Egreat, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great-crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shelduck, Great Cormorant, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Wood Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Little-ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Red Knot, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Greenshank, Little Stint, Dunlin, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black headed Gull, Audouin’s Gull, Kingfisher, Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon. Magpie, Spotless Starling, Common Starling, House Martin, Barn Swallow, Sand Martin, White Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler, Serin, Redstart, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Great Tit, Sardinean Warbler, Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola.
Day 2 – Mountains of Inland Valencia
On day two, Dave guided them in the mountains and gorges of inland Valencia. This trip involved a long walk through rough mountain terrain, descending into a spectacular gorge.
As we began our walk through the forested mountains, we had brief views of Crested Tit, and heard Firecrest calling too. As we descended into the gorge, we enjoyed superb views of Griffon Vultures, both in flight and at rest on the high walls that surrounded us.
Griffon Vulture
Plenty of Swallows were passing through on migration, often within mixed flocks of House Martins.
We stopped in a comfortable location deep in the ravine, and as we enjoyed lunch, we looked carefully along the crags and the scrub at their base. A little patience was rewarded with views of Black Redstart, Crag Martin, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler and one of the day´s key target species – Black Wheatear.
Dartford Warbler
Our walk back out of the gorge gave views of Long-Tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Jay and Stonechat. Then as we were almost back at the car, the day was brought to a splendid finale with views of Sub-Alpine Warbler.
Although quite hot for the time of year, the effort had been worthwhile, a great combination of spectacular surroundings, some fabulous birds and great company. We hope to welcome them back again soon.
Species list :
Griffon Vulture, Kestrel, Black Redstart, Black Wheatear, Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Sub-Alpine Warbler, Robin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Crested Tit, Crag Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Jay, Firecrest (heard).