Birding in the mountains of Valencia
Last Sunday I was delighted to provide a day of guided birding in the mountains of Valencia for a pair of returning clients from England. Last year, we provided a trip to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands for them and they had such a great time that they promised to return for more guided birding. This year, they opted for a trip to the mountains of Valencia. Having collected them from their hotel in the centre of Valencia, we made the short drive to the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. An area of forested mountains in excess of 600 meters above sea level. Although sunny, it was quite a windy day. However, we were fortunate enough to enjoy views of a pair of resident Bonelli´s Eagles. After a short walk up to a spectacular viewing point, we were rewarded with views of a Peregrine Falcon. Passerines were also in plentiful supply, including Great Tit, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Serin, Robin, Black Redstart, Firecrest, Blue Rock Thrush, Dunnock, White Wagtail and Crag Martin. It had been an exciting day, made all the more special because of the company of such lovely…