Last Monday I had pleasure of providing a guided trip for a couple from England. They were very keen to go bird watching in the mountains of Valencia, especially to see the raptors and “specialist” species that live in this habitat.
Jan and Ossie are two experience birders who are involved in a conservation programme for Barn Owls. As they knew that I am also heavily involved in a similar project here in Spain, it was wonderful opportunity to share our experiences in working with these magnificent creatures.
After the short journey from Valencia, we stopped for a coffee break and spoke about the plan for the day, and of the species that we were hoping to see.
It was a fantastic sunny day and after a short drive through the mountains we arrived at the ravine where we began our walk. No sooner had we left the car when we immediately saw Griffon Vultures, Blue Rock Thrush, Serin and Sardinian Warbler.
As we began our walk, we enjoyed views of Crag Martins, Ravens, Chough, Serin, Firecrest and Black Redstart.
As we neared the end of the trail, the sky suddenly turned black, and we were treated to a spectacular storm.
After a pic-nic lunch (in the car due to the heavy rain!) we decided to call to a local marsh area. By the time we´d made the very short journey, the sun was shining once again.
This gave us the possibility to enjoy some very different bird species such as Great Reed Warbler and Zitting Cisticola.
It was a magnificent trip with two amazing birders. Our species list included :
Sparrowhawk, Griffon Vulture, Raven, Chough, Magpie, Crag Martin, Swallow, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Serin, Whinchat, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Black Redstart, White-Wagtail, Sardinian Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Mallard, Moorhen, Little Grebe.