Guided bird watching in Spain

Last week I had the pleasure of providing a bird watching trip to one of Europe´s most important wetlands for two clients from Chicago, USA.  I provided a trip to Albufera de Valencia for a very interesting couple – Leonore was a experienced birder, and one of our objectives was to attract her husband George to the delights and joys of bird watching!  Leonore wanted to see some “new” European species so had previously contacted us to arrange some guided bird watching in Spain. After I collected them from their hotel we made the short drive to a reserve area inside the Natural Park where we visited a wader hotspot and enjoyed great views of Black-tailed Godwit and Little Stint. After a short walk through a forest we arrived at another hide where we had good views of waterfowl plus this magnificent Kingfisher.  There was also an abundance of songbirds on their autumn migration, particularly Pied Flycatcher and Willow Warbler. Next stop was in a restricted and protected reserve area, where we had fantastic views of some fabulous species including Spoonbill, Caspian Tern, Flamingo, Glossy Ibis and great array of waders….

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Bird Watching in Valencia

Last month I was privileged to be invited to speak at the First Congress on Nature Tourism in Valencia. The aim of the congress was to gather the various public and private sector entities that are involved in Nature Tourism in the Valencian Community and to share experiences as well as to discuss how we can promote this fabulous area.   The Valencian Community (Comumidad de Valencia) comprises 3 provinces – Castellon, Valencian and Alicante.   It is relatively well known as a holiday destination but largely for the beaches of the Costa Blanca and the avant-garde city of Valencia.  What relatively few people are aware of are the stunningly rich natural environments and bird life of the region.   Many of my clients are truly amazed by habitat diversity, the vast wild spaces and the wildlife that thrives here.     The Valencian Community is home to no less than 21 Natural Parks.  These areas of special scientific interest and / or outstanding natural beauty are officially designated and protected by law and include some of Europe´s most important habitats. They include mountains in excess of 1800 metres (5900 ft)…

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Birding from the city of Valencia

Last week, I had the pleasure of spending a day with a great couple from North Carolina.  They were visiting Spain with friends and had previosuly contacted us to arrange a day of guided birding from the city of Valencia. Having met them in the beautiful historic quarter of Valencia, we made the short journey to a local coastal wetland reserve where we began the day with a coffee and a chat about our trip and the species that we were hoping to see. The first coastal lagoons held Pochard, Little Grebe and Coot, whilst the surrounding reed beds gave views of Fan-Tailed Warbler, Reed Warbler and Little Egret. After a short walk along the coast, we were fortunate enough to enjoy great views of Collared Pratincole, Black Winged Stilt, Avocet, Purple Heron and Little Ringed Plover. We began our walk through more reed beds and past another couple of lagoons where we stopped for a picnic lunch.  This section of the walk gave us views of Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Bee Eater and Iberian Grey Shrike. We were also treated to two superb raptors ; a Booted Eagle and…

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