Black Necked Grebe in Spain - Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain

A Birding Break from Valencia.

I recently provided a 2-day trip for Gordon and Heather from the UK. They are very experienced birders who we met at the British Bird Fair last year. They had planned a trip in their motorhome and wanted to include two days of birding with us when they were in the Valencia region. We agreed on a day in the mountains and a day on the steppe. First, to the mountains… After I collected them at their campsite beside the beach we made the relaxed drive to our first stop in a quarry surrounded by natural crags too. Our targets were Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheater, Rock Sparrow and Bonelli’s Eagle. We did succeed with most of them except for the eagle. We decided to keep going and try again on the way back. Then, after a drive up to a high peak, followed by a short walk, we arrived on the summit of a 1,000m mountain. Here, our goal was Alpine Accentor. Sadly, they were nowhere to be seen, so we continued with our planned route, agreeing to return to the peak in the afternoon. When we did, they…

Birding in Valencia with returning clients.

Last week I was especially pleased to provide a day of birding in Valencia for returning clients Valerie and Roger, from UK. Last year we enjoyed a day trip to the mountains in the Spring, and this time they were keen to see the wetland site of Albufera de Valencia during the autumn migration period. Both relative newcomers to birding, their knowledge was growing very fast and they´d obvioulsy spent a lot of time birding back home in previous months. It was fantastic to see this knowledge growth and to enjoy their enthusiasm for this fabulous hobby. Our first visit to a restricted reserve area provided good views of Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Black Tailed Godwits and Grey Plover. We also enjoyed fabulous views of a female Marsh Harrier perched in the top of a nearby tree. A special moment for Valerie in particular was the sight of a flock of Greater Flamingoes in flight, always a spectacle to remember. Our next stop was at a small lagoon where we focussed on the smaller waders including Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover as well as Little Stint. We…

Birding at Albufera de Valencia during migration time.

Earlier this month, I was delighted to provide a day of guided birding in Valencia for a family group who have been such regular clients that they´ve become firm friends. Such days are always special, so I´d been looking forward to seeing John, Amanda and Spencer since they booked the trip earlier in the year. Birding at Albufera de Valencia during migration time is always fascinating as there´s usually a surprise sighting, and the species diversity is fabulous. We arrived at our first stopping point within a protected reserve area and spent a short time in a hide watching Glossy Ibis, Black Tailed Godwit, Marsh Harrier and some recently arrived Teals. The next hide gave views of Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Dunlin and a juvenile Shelduck. As we left the reserve, we had views of Long Tailed Tits and Zitting Cisticola. Before moving to the next spot, we stopped briefly for a morning coffee and to buy a few things for the picnic lunch. Fully stocked and refreshed, we then stopped by a coastal lagoon where we sat in the shade and scanned the surroundings. We were delighted to see…

Early spring at Albufera Natural Park

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of providing day of guided bird watching for a great couple of clients from England who were visiting their son here in Spain. Both keen nature lovers, they were eager to see the diverse bird life that Albufera de Valencia Natural Park holds, especially at this time of year when summer migrants are beginning to arrive. Our first stop was at a protected reserve where we had fantastic views of Alpine Swifts, Booted Eagles and Red-legged Partridges. Wildfowl included Pintail, Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Pochard. Driving on the way to the second hotstop, we stopped the van to enjoy views of a beautiful Hoopoe. At the next stop, we had excellent views of Purple Swamphen, Jack Snipe and Avocet. Recently arrived summer visitors included two Short-toed Eagles soaring above the reserve and a Black Kite on passage. After a picnic lunch we stopped at a lake close to the sea where we enjoyed great views of Black-necked Grebe and Audouin’s Gull. To end the day we drove to the northern rice paddies where farmers were ploughing the land that provides habitat…

7 Day Bird Photography Trip.

We recently had the privilege of welcoming back an extremely valued friend and client, Nigel from Northern Ireland. A very experienced birder and bird photographer, Nigel had previously visited as part of a group from the Northern Ireland Ornithologists´Club but this time he came alone so we were delighted to design a tailor-made 7 day bird photography trip to fit his wishes and priorities. Having discussed his preferences, we came up with a good mixture of bird photography in the field plus a few visits to specially designed bird photo-hides, each aimed at specific species. His flight arrived at Alicante quite late so we´d arranged for Yanina to collect him and then to spend the night close to the airport, well placed to visit some of the local saltpans and wetlands the next morning. During the morning, they enjoyed sightings of Ringed Plover, Sandwich Tern, Black Tailed Godwit, Iberian Grey Shrike and White Headed Duck. There was news of a rarity in the area, an Olive Backed Pipit. First attempts proved fruitless, but with the usual determination, they found it. A great start to the week! The second night was…

Winter birding trip to the Albufera Natural Park

We were recently delighted to provide a winter birding trip to the Albufera Natural Park for a returning client from England. He´s an experienced birder who´s been to Valencia several times and has been on many birding trips with us. However, this was his first time in winter, so he was keen to enjoy the different landscape and species that this season provides. Our first stop was at a reserve area where we enjoyed spectacular and close views of a number of Booted Eagles plus hundreds of waders including Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet. At the next hide, we accomplished one of his wishes of the day, enjoying fantastic views of a male Bluethoat! We then spent a while at a tower observatory, paying particular attention to wildfowl, and enjoying views of Pintail, Red-crested Pochard and Shoveler. We also saw at least ten Marsh Harriers flying low over the reed beds. Next stop was a green filter reserve area, but before entering, we stopped by some rice paddies to enjoy views of a large flock of Glossy Ibis – another target species of the day. We also had an…