Black Winged Stilt

By now the wind was blowing hard, so we headed back to the van and visited another, more sheltered lagoon.  Here we enjoyed views of Marsh Harrier, Gadwall and Greater Flamingo.  Swifts, Swallows and House Martins were passing through in huge numbers, and careful attention revealed a couple of Pallid Swifts in amongst them.

Corn Bunting

We then headed out onto the high steppe where after some persistent searching we had much better views of Great Bustard.  We also enjoyed views of Corn Bunting, Hoopoe and a small flock of Bee Eaters.

The day ended with a brief visit to another lagoon where we had particularly close views of the beautiful Black Necked Grebe.

The two days had been an absolute pleasure, with some great sightings and as is so often the case, great company.

Black Necked Grebe

The species list for the day included…

Spotless Starling, Crow, Skylark, Calandra Lark, Hoopoe, Corn Bunting, Bee Eater, Grey Wagtail, Swallow, Swift, House Martin, Pallid Swift, Lapwing, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo, Wood Sanpiper, Great Bustard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Gadwall, Pochard, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Short Breaks & Guided Birding in Spain – Day 2 appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

Collared Pratincole

The first day was ideal for birding, good light and very little wind. After a drive through the beautiful city of Valencia we arrived at the wetlands. A walk beside the coastal lagoons gave great views of Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Common Tern and then one of the day´s highlights – superb views of Collared Pratincoles.

Collared Pratincole

The next lagoon held Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and yet more Pratincoles and Terns. The surrounding reed beds gave views of Cetti´s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler and Great Reed Warbler.  We then headed inland through more reed beds and pastureland and were fortunate enough to see Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier then another highlight, a male Montagu´s Harrier.

Great Reed Warbler

As we approached the day´s final lagoon, a pair of Golden Oriole flew right across our path. The lagoon provided a great finale with views of Purple Swamphen, Little Bittern, White Headed Duck and Greater Flamingo.

Whiskered Tern

The species list for the day included…
Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black Winged Stilt, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Mallard, Garganey, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler, White Headed Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu´s Harrier, Kestrel, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swift, House Sparrow, Turtle Dove, Cetti´s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Goldfinch, Stonechat, Magpie, Golden Oriole.

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Short Breaks & Guided Birding in Spain – Day 1 appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

After meeting in Valencia city centre, we made the short trip to the coastal wetlands and after the obligatory morning coffee, we set out along the beach, behind which is a series of lagoons.  We were fortunate enough to start the day with a Buzzard overhead closely followed by a Sedge Warbler in the reeds.  The first large lagoon held Greater Flamingo, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Common Pochard.

Black Winged Stilt

A little further along the coast we were rewarded with super views of one of the classic Valencian species, the Collared Pratincole.  This beautiful bird breeds at various points along the Med and is always a pleasure to watch.   The same spot held Little Ringed Plovers, Black Winged Stilts, Yellow Wagtail and Little Grebe.

Collared Pratincole

As we headed inland, we enjoyed great views of sizeable flocks of Glossy Ibis.  Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows were constantly passing overhead and a few Whiskered Terns were beginning to arrive.

The next hide overlooked a larger lake that held Avocet, Purple Heron and Shelduck.  As we were watching Marsh Harriers quartering the reeds, another raptor came into view, a beautifully graceful male Hen Harrier, one of the days´s highlights for sure.

A short walk through pastureland brought us to the day´s final lake.  This site always has a surprise or two and today was to be no exception.  As we relaxed in the afternoon sun, looking out across the lake at Flamingoes, Gadwall and dozens of Grey Herons, a couple of White Headed Ducks came into view.  A brief glimpse of a Purple Swamphen was then followed by the finale of the day as a pair of White Storks passed overhead.

Greater Flamingoes in flight

Once again, a great day with great company.  The species list for the day included…

Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Shelduck, Shoveler, White Headed Duck, Goldfinch, Hoopoe, House Sparrow, Magpie, Sardinian Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Yellow Wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, White Stork, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Purple Swamphen, Snipe

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Birding at the Valencian Coastal Wetlands. appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

Our first stop was at a protected reserve within the natural park of Albufera de Valencia. We had excellent views of Purple Swamphen, Glossy Ibis, Avocet, Greater Flamingo and a small flock of passing Spoonbill. Recently arrived summer visitors included Redstart,Reed Warbler and Purple Heron. Wildfowl included Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Pochard.

Spoonbills

The visit was completed by a fascinating presentation by the reserve staff on the ecology and natural history of the area.  After a picnic lunch we moved slightly further north where we watched over a couple of coastal lagoons. We enjoyed good views of Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, a Wheatear and recently arrived Whiskered Terns.  House Martins, Swallows and Swifts were passing through overhead in good numbers.

The day was brought to a spectacular end by a flock of Greater Flamingoes resting on a sheltered lagoon with the low evening sun intensifying the colours of their pink, crimson and black plumage.

Greater Flamingoes

It had been a great day, excellent bird life, fantastic habitat and super company.  The list for the day included…

Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Audouin´s Gull, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Whiskered Tern, Mallard, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Pochard, Shoveler, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Avocet, Flamingo, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Redstart, Fan Tailed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, House Sparrow, Stonechat, Swift, House Martin, Swallow

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Guided Bird Watching in Valencia. appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

Our first stop was by a small, sheltered lake and as soon as we got out of the van we were treated to a spectacular sight – a flock of over 500 Greater Flamingoes in flight, the pink, crimson and black of their plumage contrasting beautifully with the deep blue of the winter sky.

Greater Flamingoes in flight

The lake held Pintail, Red Crested Pochard, and Shoveler whilst the trees around the shore were alive with Chiffchaffs and Robins.  A Booted Eagle passed low overhead, soon followed by a Marsh Harrier.

As Albufera de Valencia is the place of origin of the world famous Paella, we enjoyed a relaxed hour or so in a traditional rice restaurant before setting out across the rice fields.  Gulls included Audouin´s, Lesser Black Backed, Yellow Legged and Black Headed.  Further scanning revealed Greenshank, Great Egret and Reed Bunting.  In amongst the hundreds of Lapwing that frequent the rice fields in winter were Golden Plover and Snipe.

Great Egret

The final stopping point of the day was a small, lesser known reserve where we enjoyed wonderful views of Little Grebe and Water Rail.  A beautiful end to the day was provided by a Kingfisher that remained perched opposite the hide, allowing everyone to enjoy superb views through the telescope.

Another very special day in this wonderful Natural Park, with great clients, warm winter sun and some fantastic birds.

The species list included…

Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Audouin´s Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Moorhen, Coot, Reed Bunting, Starling, Spotless Starling, Chiffchaff, Robin, Red Crested Pochard, Pintail, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Greenshank, Snipe

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Guided Bird Watching at Albufera de Valencia. appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

All well travelled nature lovers, the group was an absolute delight…knowledgeable and very good humoured.   Owing to some unusually windy weather conditions we proposed a slight amendment to the itinerary for the first day, and following a short journey from their hotel, we were at the first birding site.

Scanning across some rice fields near Valencia, we enjoyed good views of Cattle Egret, Audouin´s Gull and Reed Bunting.  The resident Spotless Starlings had been joined by sizeable flocks of wintering Common Starling, a regular visitor to the Valencia area.

Teal, Moorhen, Mallard & Shoveler

The second site was a sheltered lake close to the coast where we had views of wildfowl including Pintail, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Teal.  We also had great views of numerous Marsh Harriers (including a female that was lunching on a Teal!).  Other species included Black Winged Stilt, Kingfisher, and Crag Martin.

Black Winged Stilt

After a brief lunch we headed for the final site of the day, a little known coastal lagoon.  The reeds held Cetti´s Warbler and Stonechat but as we scanned the shore, we enjoyed views of Purple Swamphen and Water Pipit.  The lagoon provided stunning views of Greater Flamingo, plus Shelduck and Gadwall.

Greater Flamingoes

Prior to the journey back to the hotel, a very pretty Hoopoe provided a nice ending to a great day.

The second day dawned bright and thankfully very still, with hardly any wind at all.  We enjoyed a relaxed journey up onto the steppe and after a coffee break, we stopped at the first lagoon of the day where we saw Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard and Greater Flamingo.  The surrounding fields held Skylark and Lapwing but the real treat was some superbly close views of Calandra Lark, there distinctive markings showing beautifully in the morning sunlight.

Red Crested Pochards & Common Coots

An afternoon searching and scanning up on the high steppe was rewarded by amazing views of Great Bustards, some of the males performing their spectacular display routine.  We also had great views of Crane, another classic species of this area.

Great Bustards

The day still had a surprise in store – fabulous views of a Golden Eagle that circled low over the fields very close to the van before finding a thermal and rising high into the deep blue afternoon sky.

The two days had been a pleasure, great company, winter sunshine, and some spectacular sights.  The species list included…

Audouin´s Gull, Black Headed Gull, Black Winged Stilt, Cattle Egret, Common Tern, Cormorant, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Little Egret, Yellow Legged Gull, Booted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Coot, Gadwall, Greater Flamingo, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Pintail, Pochard, Purple Swamphen, Red Crested Pochard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Calandra Lark, Cetti´s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Crested Lark, Crow, Hoopoe, House Sparrow, Kingfisher, Linnet, Magpie, Reed Bunting, Robin, Skylark, Spotless Starling, Starling, Stonechat, White Wagtail

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Guided Bird Watching in Eastern Spain. appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

We travelled from their hotel in the beautiful town of Xativa, heading up onto the high steppe.  Although there was a strong wind blowing across the plains, the light quality was excellent.  After a brief coffee stop in a farming village, we set out in the van across the fields.  We were exceptionally fortunate as not only did we come across a group of over 30 Great Bustards within the first 10 minutes, but some of the males were beginning their spectacular display.  The quality of the light coupled with the pristine condition of their plumage made for a wonderful spectacle.  It was a real pleasure to be able to observe this sight, and although they were a little too far away to capture any quality photographs, we had great views through the scope.

Great Bustards on the plains of Castilla de la Mancha

We then headed further out across the steppe to the first lagoon of the day where we enjoyed great views of Greater Flamingo, Teal, Shoveler and Lapwing.  The next lagoon held even more Flamingoes, plus Red Crested Pochard, Little Grebe and Shelduck.

Red Crested Pochards & Common Coots

By now the wind was increasing in force, so at the next lagoon we strategically placed the van as a wind-shelter so were able to comfortably stand and enjoy some spectacular views of Marsh Harriers hunting over the reed beds.  After a lunch break we returned to the van and headed out across the steppe along the network of stony trails.

Greater Flamingoes

We were fortunate enough to enjoy yet more views of Great Bustards, a Red Legged Partridge plus sizeable flocks of Calandra Larks.  Then another treat in the form of a group of over 20 Cranes gathered by a small lagoon.

Meadow Pipit

The day had been a success, beautiful sunlight, great company and despite the windy conditions which kept some of the smaller birds well hidden, we´d enjoyed some superb views of some of the classic steppe species.

The list for the day included Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Legged Gull, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Calandra Lark, Reed Bunting, White Wagtail, Teal, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, Coot, Pochard, Little Grebe, Shelduck, Marsh Harrier ,Kestrel, Great Bustard, Greater Flamingo, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, Red Legged Partridge, Crane

Cranes

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Great Bustards & Cranes. appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

Flooded rice fields at Albufera de Valencia

A female Marsh Harrier passed low over the stubble, flushing out a Snipe. A pair of Stonechats were flitting around the edges of a field and an Iberian Grey Shrike spent a few minutes on an overhead cable close by.  Then seemingly from nowhere, a Booted Eagle appeared. It passed by very low before catching a thermal and rising into the air until it was nothing more than a dot. It circled over the fields then made yet another low pass, the winter sunlight catching its contrasting colours beautifully.  We moved further north on to another favourite spot where we enjoyed superb views of over 100 Glossy Ibis.

Glossy Ibis in flight

We remained in this spot for a good while, and our patience was rewarded with views of Bluethroat, Meadow Pipit and Purple Swamphen.

Purple Swamphen

After lunch we took a short walk beside a coastal lagoon where we saw a pair of Black Necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black Redstart, Sandwich Terns, a Kingfisher and lovely close views of a Kestrel.

Kestrel

We then headed for home, driving across the rice fields in the southern end of the park. We stopped off at a few favourite locations and scanned the fields. As we stood beside an irrigation canal, a female Merlin flew past, giving good albeit brief views. Scanning across the rice fields revealed sizeable flocks of White Wagtail, Chaffinch and Brambling. The day ended with a magnificent view of a Male Marsh Harrier, gliding low over reed beds.

Male Marsh Harrier

The day had been enjoyed at a relaxed pace and we´d purposely visited some spots that are lesser known, but we´d had some great views and had seen some very special bird life. The species list for day included…
Black Headed Gull, Black Necked Grebe, Cormorant, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Sandwich Tern, Yellow Legged Gull, Booted Eagle, Iberian Grey Shrike, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Little Egret, Black Redstart, Bluethroat, Brambling, Chaffinch, Crag Martin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Kingfisher, Magpie, Meadow Pipit, Serin, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Wheatear, White Wagtail, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Snipe

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post Bird Watching at Albufera de Valencia appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

Beautiful winter tones on the steppe of Eastern Spain

The morning had dawned bright and clear but as we climbed up onto the steppe, it became quite cloudy with a little light drizzle in the air. After a coffee in a local farming village, we set out across the fields towards the day´s first lagoon. Something caught our eye way off to the left so we stopped to take a closer look…indeed, it was a pair of Great Bustards – one of the day´s target species. After a few minutes they took flight, remarkably elegantly for such huge birds.

Spain is home to 60% of the global population of Great Bustard – the World´s heaviest flying bird

The first lagoon gave good views of Shoveler, Shelduck, Greater Flamingo, Golden Plover and Teal. Although quite far off, we also had views of a Merlin. The nearby telephone cables were occupied by a large flock of Corn Buntings whilst flocks of Serin were flitting around the trees at the edge of a field.

Shelducks

As we approached the second lagoon, the weather had begun to clear, the cloud breaking up and the sun finally giving some warmth to a chilly morning. We enjoyed good views of Marsh Harrier over the reeds, and the water held Pochard, Coot and Little Grebe. We retraced our original journey along a lane through the rolling fields and stopped to enjoy superb views of an Iberian Grey Shrike. A bird of prey caught our attention, then one of those very special birding moments that stay with you forever….as we stood by the side of the lane, a Golden Eagle flew straight across the fields right in front of us! We enjoyed remarkably close views of this magnificent raptor as it glided by then began to circle over fields a little further away. It´s wing pattern suggested that the bird was a first winter. What a truly awesome creature, and so very close!

After a celebratory coffee, we visited a smaller lagoon where we saw Red Crested Pochard, Wigeon and Greylag Goose. As we made our way up onto the steppe, we saw flocks of Calandra Lark and Skylark.  Still thrilled by the sight of the Golden Eagle, we were in for a further treat…whilst scanning the vast steppe, we not only found a couple of Great Bustards but also came across a group of over 40 Cranes. These elegant birds spend the winter in Spain before making their Spring migration back to north east Europe and Scandinavia.

Wintering Cranes on the plains of Castilla de la Mancha, Eastern Spain

Our final stopping point for the day was another lagoon, surrounded by farmland. We had good views of a Black Winged Stilt, unusual for winter as most of them spend the cooler months further south. Around the shallow margins were a small flock of Linnet, a Crested Lark, Chiffchaff and a Water Pipit. The deeper areas held Greater Flamingo and Shelduck.

Water Pipit

A simply fascinating day was brought to an end with views of a pair of Red Kites displaying over the fields, the low winter sun enriching the warm tones of their beautiful plumage.  We´d had a great day, and had enjoyed some superb views of some great species. This area demands effort, but usually rewards with some wonderful sights and memories.

Our species list for the day included…

Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Iberian Grey Shrike, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Red Kite, Black Winged Stilt, Crane, Golden Plover, Great Bustard, Greater Flamingo, Lapwing, Red Legged Partridge, Coot, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Mallard, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Calandra Lark, Chiffchaff, Corn Bunting, Crested Lark, Crow, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Linnet, Magpie, Serin, Skylark, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Water Pipit, White Wagtail, Wood Pigeon

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post A Christmas Birding Trip to the Steppe & Lagoons of Eastern Spain appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.

Distant views of Great Bustards

We hoped for further sightings later in the day so set off to check out what was on the first lagoon of the day. Shovelers were on the water in good numbers as were Shelduck and Greater Flamingo.  A Corn Bunting was perched on a near wire closeby and a Tree Sparrow was seen on a ruined building.

Corn Bunting

The second lagoon of the day held Coot, Pochard, Little Grebe and Teal. As we enjoyed our lunch by the shore, we were delighted to see first a Marsh Harrier, then two Red Kites. A little later, a Sparrowhawk settled in a tree close by.  We then headed out across the steppe, stopping at various places along the way to scan the surroundings. We enjoyed views of Crested Lark, Calandra Lark, Iberian Grey Shrike, and a Little Owl. Then, we finally found two separate flocks of Great Bustards. We were able to watch them for quite some time, and at quite close range.

Scanning across the steppe gave good views of Great Bustards, Calandra Larks and Hen Harrier

As the day drew to a close, some patches of flood water gave good views of Kentish Plover and Red Crested Pochard. The day ended on a high with distant but clear views of a male Hen Harrier.

Red Crested Pochard

This area is always worth a visit at any time of year. With some effort and a little patience it reveals some superb species and today had been no exception.

The day´s list included :

Black Redstart, Calandra Lark, Chaffinch, Corn Bunting, Crested Lark, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Magpie, Skylark, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Tree Sparrow, White Wagtail, Hen Harrier, Iberian Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Great Bustard, Greater Flamingo, Kentish Plover, Lapwing, Red Legged Partridge, Coot, Mallard, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

The post December on the Steppe. appeared first on Valencia Birding - Guided Bird Watching in Spain.