We’re fortunate enough to enjoy the sight of Kentish Plovers throughout the coast of the Valencian Community, thanks in large part to some incredible conservation work and protection initiatives that national and local organisations undertake. When one spends so much time out in the field, now and again, very special moments occur. Here is some footage that I was recently very privileged to be able to shoot…
19th & 21st April 2022 Over the Easter break, I provided a 2-day birding trip for a group of birders from Finland, who were staying in Alicante. All experienced and well travelled, this was their first time in this region, so they were full of anticipation, and had a few key species that they’d like to see. Our first day was spent in the wetlands of Alicante. As soon as we left the car, we were greeted by the sound of Corn Buntings singing in the nearby fields, Zitting Cisticola above us and Common Reed Warbler in the marsh. A local soundtrack for sure! The first lagoon held Red Crested Pochard, Purple Swamphen, Glossy Ibis and a Common Sandpiper. Having only spent around twenty minutes at the reserve, we were soon enjoying views of two of their target species, Red Knobbed Coot and Marbled Teal, birds for which Alicante is a crucial stronghold. Red Knobbed Coot As we strolled across the reserve to visit a couple of hides, we had views of Great Reed Warbler and Little Ringed Plover. A Cuckoo was calling in the distance. The hides gave us…
April 15th 2022 The busy month of April continued and on Good Friday I enjoyed a day in the mountains of Valencia with Frank from Ireland. He´s an experienced birder, as well as a pleasure to be with, so it was clear from the beginning that we were in for a good trip! As Valencia Birding traditions usually persist, we had a brief coffee stop in a small farming village before we headed into the hills in search of birds. As soon as we got out of the car, the air was full of the sound of Serins singing from the surrounding pines. We scanned some nearby crags in search of Black Wheatear and quickly located a pair that were obviously busy nesting. Having managed to get some good views, we headed into the woods. Stonechats, Sardinian Warblers and Chaffinches were around in good numbers, and then we were delighted to suddenly hear the unique song of Nightingale. A little patient searching gave us nice views of it too. Stonechat (male) As we approached a river, a Kingfisher darted downstream, and a small group of Long Tailed Tits passed by…
14th April 2022 When Stuart contacted me to arrange a day´s birding for him and his son Alex, I immediately began to look forward to our trip. More than anything because Alex is just 9 years old, and it’s always a privilege to be able to support and inspire young birders. We met at one of Valencia’s many wetland sites, and after a chat about the plans for the day, began our walk. It was immediately clear that Alex was not only extremely enthisiastic, but that he knew his stuff too! The day got off to a great start as our first bird was a Woodchat Shrike, which perched nicely for us, allowing great views. Woodchat Shrike Our first small lagoon gave views of Purple Swamphen, and whilst on that theme, a Purple Heron flew by. Looking to the sky revealed plenty of Swifts, House Martins and Barn Swallows as well as a Marsh Harrier. A small bird caught our attention as it flicked up into a low bush. A little patient searching eventually gave us views of a Sub-Alpine Warbler, a new bird for Alex. We then looked out…
11th April 2022 Earlier this week I provided a birding trip to the Valencian coastal wetlands for Wil, a very experienced ornithologist from the Netherlands. As I’ve written previously, migration this year is generally later than usual owing to freak weather conditions in March, so April is turning out to be a really interesting time for birding here in the Valencia region. Northern Wheatear Having made the short journey from the historical quarter of Valencia, we began our walk along the beach. As soon as we left the car, we had views of Audouin’s Gull on the coast and Tree Sparrows in a bush next to us. Barn Swallows, House Martins and Common Swifts were feeding on the wing above us and Zitting Cisticolas were around in good numbers too. Black-eared Wheatear We paid close attention to a strip of coastal scrub where we saw huge numbers of Yellow Wagtails, noting at least three sub-species. Amongst the wagtails were lots of Northern Wheatear, plus a few Black-eared Wheatear, both extremely smart-looking birds. Turnstone The reeds held Common Reed Warbler, and we also heard a Water Rail. After a while, we…
8th & 9th April 2022 Since I established Valencia Birding over eleven and a half years ago, I’ve been blessed with many clients who have returned time and again, and have become friends. They all know who they are and it’s a privilege to know them and to design and provide trips for them. Last week I did just that for Andy and Saffia from the UK. I think it’s fair to say that they fell in love with the city of Valencia during their initial visits, and as their previous trip was cancelled as the Covid pandemic hit, it was even more special to see them this time. Andy had a list of target species which provided me with a welcome challenge, and something to design their two day birding trip around. Day 1 – Southern Wetlands. Andy was particularly keen to see Marbled Teal and Red-knobbed Coot, and this area is one of the best in Europe for these species. After a morning coffee we began our walk into a reserve, where we immediately saw Garganey, Redshank, Avocet and Glossy Ibis. Swifts, Barn Swallows, House Martins and Sand…
