Bird Watching Tours Castilla de la Mancha - Valencia Birding

2-Day Birding Break on the Steppe and in Albufera

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of providing a 2-day birding break on the steppe and in Albufera de Valencia for a family from Slovenia. However, the real birder of the group was Maks, a 14 year-old boy with an amazing knowledge. Day 1 – Steppe Having collected them from their hotel in the city, we made the journey inland and up onto the high steppe area close to Valencia. After a morning coffee stop and a briefing on the species that we were likely to see, we headed across the rolling plains where had great views of Crested Lark and Hoopoe. The first lagoon held Greater Flamingoes and Lesser Black backed Gulls. We stopped by an old farm where we enjoyed views of Corn Buntings, Rock Sparrows and Spotless Starlings. The high steppe eventually gave us views of one of the day´s key species – the Great Bustard. Initially we spotted two males, albeit at long range. Then our patience was rewarded with great views of a group of 12 birds. At the same time, we were also fortunate enough to see two Little Bustard, and Little…

Steppe Birds of Spain

Last week, we provided a guided birding trip for a couple from Yorkshire, UK. They were keen nature lovers and were very interested to see the steppe birds of Spain whilst they were on holiday in Valencia. Having collected them from their hotel in the city, we made the journey inland and up onto the high plateau of Castilla de la Mancha. After a morning coffee stop and a briefing on the species that we were likely to see, we headed across the rolling plains where had great views of Crested Lark and Calandra Lark. The first lagoon of the day held Common Tern, Whiskered Tern and Gull-billed Tern and Greater Flamingo. We enjoyed some typical sounds of summer, including the song of Skylark and Corn Bunting. We spent the rest of the morning at another great spot, a lagoon fringed with reed beds. Here we had wildfowl including Shelduck, Gadwall and Red-crested Pochard. We also enjoyed two especially colourful species, the Hoopoe and Bee Eater. Before we headed up onto the higher steppe, we made a brief stop at a small lake where we had views of…

Upland birds of Spain

Last week, I was very happy to welcome back a small group of returning clients from Scotland. They had previously been on a guided birding trip with me when we explored the wetlands of Valencia, but this time they were keen to see the upland birds of Spain. Therefore, the Steppe and Lagoons of Castilla de la Mancha seemed to be the ideal trip. Having met at a convenient village in the rolling hills of inland Valencia, we continued the journey up onto the plains of Castilla de la Mancha (just over an hour´s drive from Valencia). As we made our first stop to scan across the fields, we had good views of Crested Lark and Skylark. A Buzzard was perched nearby then a Hoopoe made a brief appearance. The first lagoon of the day provided a very interesting hour or so. In amongst a flock of Lapwing on the shoreline, we spotted Ruff, Little Ringed Plover and a Redshank. A small group of Flamingoes were feeding in the shallows, and flocks of Linnets were passing through the nearby pines. As we scanned some ruined farm buildings, we had a…

Great Bustards & Calandra Larks

On Tuesday of this week I had the pleasure of providing a day of guided birding for a couple of clients from UK. Both experienced birders and outdoor enthusiasts, they were keen to visit the steppe and lagoons of Castilla de la Mancha, just over one hour´s drive from Valencia. Although a little early for most summer visitors, the key species that we were looking for were both residents…the Great Bustard and Calandra Lark. After a relaxed drive, we stopped for a coffee and prepared binoculars, telescopes and cameras and set out across the vast open fields. Luck was on our side as we found a flock of Great Bustards within the first 10 minutes of the trip. Despite a strong breeze, we were able to shelter beside the van and enjoy some great views of these magnificent creatures. As we were watching them, we also had views of Red Kite and Southern Grey Shrike. We moved on to the first lagoon of the day where we saw Greater Flamingo, Lapwing, Teal, Gadwall and Shelduck. After a short drive to the next lagoon, we were fortunate enough to be able…

Bespoke Birding Trips in Spain

Last week we provided a bespoke birding mini-break from a couple from UK. We´d previously discussed their specific requirements and had designed a trip based on their wishes. The trip comprised two days of guided birding, the first day was our Mountain Bird Life Trip and the second was a day on the Steppe & Lagoons of Castilla de la Mancha. Overnight accommodation was provided at the guest house Villa Florencia in Marxuquera, close to Gandia. After a drive up into the mountains of Alicante Province we began the first day with a short but spectacular walk into a deep limestone gorge. Almost immediately we enjoyed views of the mighty Griffon Vulture. A distinctive call from high on the crags caught our attention and we soon spotted a pair of Ravens. Further scanning of the cliffs revealed Crag Martin, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting. Another highlight of the morning was Peregrine Falcon. After a picnic lunch we made our way to the hotel, stopping by at a local wetland where we saw Grey Heron, Little Bittern and Booted Eagle. To add further interest to the journey we drove back…

Short Breaks & Guided Birding in Spain – Day 2

On day two, we enjoyed a leisurely drive up onto the steppe of Castilla de la Mancha. After a coffee-stop we headed out across the plains to the day´s first lagoon where we had good views of Avocet, Lapwing, Black Winged Stilt and Shelduck. The fields around the lagoon gave good close views of one of the day´s target species, Calandra Lark. Further scanning revealed perhaps the key species for the day, the Great Bustard. 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. 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…