2-Day Birding Break in Valencia.

I recently provided a 2-day birding break in Valencia for a couple from the south coast of England who wanted to combine a cultural visit to this beautiful city with two days of bird watching.  We decided to spend a day at Albufera de Valencia, as September is always an interesting month for straggling summer visitors, early winter arrivals and passage migrants.  We also planned a day on the high steppe as Great Bustard was one of Geoff and Sharon´s key target species.  Both experienced and well travelled birders, they were keen to see what the region held. On day one we made the short journey from the city to Albufera where we made our first stop at a protected reserve area.  The first couple of hides gave good views of Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint and a very obliging Zitting Cisticola which perched right in front of the viewing hatch.  Yanina joined us briefly with a couple of clients from UK who we´d been lucky enough to meet at Rutland Bird Fair the previous month. An Osprey passed overhead, and a Sardinian Warbler was seen flitting around in the undergrowth. …

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Birding in Albufera.

Last Friday I provided a day of guided birding in Albufera de Valencia for a great client from the USA.  Kevin was staying in Valencia and wanted to include some bird watching in his holiday.  An experienced birder back in the States, he was very keen to discover the bird life that our region holds. As this was the first time he´d been birding in Spain, we focussed the day on enjoying quality views of some of the classic species, rather than trying to maximise the list.  Our day began in a protected reserve area where we enjoyed views of Black Tailed Godwits (many now well into their breeding plumage), Avocet, Greater Flamingo and Black Winged Stilt. As we walked through the reserve, there was a constant stream of House Martins and Barn Swallows, all heading north on their migration.  Just as we were saying what an exciting time this is, a much larger bird caught my eye – an Alpine Swift! After a short drive across the rice fields, where we stopped to watch Meadow Pipit, Marsh Harrier and Cattle Egret, we entered another restricted reserve area.  A pair…

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Guided bird watching trip to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands

A few days ago, I had the pleasure to organise a guided bird watching trip to the Valencian Coastal wetlands for clients from London. They were visiting the city of Valencia and wanted a day out to discover the area´s bird life. It was a sunny autumn day – fantastic for birding.  I designed a trip that involved some walking through different ecosystems to maximise the quantity of species. As soon we started walking we stopped to enjoy great views of one of the target species of the day, White-headed Duck.  Right beside 6 examples of this very special duck there was a Water Rail enjoying a morning bath! We kept walking beside the sea and stopped again for good views of Audouin’s Gull and a flock of Red-Crested Pochard in flight. In the next lagoon, we were delighted by Little Grebes and Purple Swamphens.. one of the highlights of the day. After a picnic lunch by the sea, we headed inland enjoying a lovely walk searching for raptors.  We succeded…we had great views of 6 different Booted Eagles, as well as Common Buzzards and Marsh Harries that were enjoying…

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Birding in the mountains of Valencia.

We´ve recently provided a number of trips that have taken in the virtually unknown mountainous interior of the Valencia region. Within an hour´s drive of the beautiful Mediterranean city of Valencia lies a vast and rugged region that provides habitat for some very special birds. The exceptionally low human population density and the natural characteristics of our inland sierras means that for wildlife in general, this is a fascinating place.  We´re constantly surprised at the bird life this area offers. On our recent trips, the forested hills and river valleys have given us excellent views of some favourites such as Dipper, Golden Oriole, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Melodious Warbler, Bee Eater, Red Rumped Swallow and Woodchat Shrike. We then usually move slightly higher into the forested highlands, often in excess of 700m above sea level.  This is where we see some fabulous species including Firecrest, Crested Tit and Sub-alpine Warbler. As we climb even higher towards 900 metres above sea level,  we find some spectacular mountain scenery – rock pinnacles, buttresses and huge cliff walls.  These hold some specialist mountain bird species, some of which are not often associated with this…

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Bird Watching in Valencia

A few days ago, I had the pleasure to guide two keen birders from Norway. They were visiting Alicante City and they wanted a day off to go and discover the bird life of Valencia Region. At this time of the year, the coastal wetlands near Valencia provide fantastic habitats for passage migrants, including many waders, as well as summer visitors and resident species. After a short drive, we arrived at one of the best wetlands sites of Valencia. As soon we started walking, we stopped to enjoy views of Night Heron and Whiskered Terns. We walked close to some salt water lagoons where we had views of Red-crested Pochard, White-headed Duck, Little Bittern and Great Reed Warbler. Great Reed Warbler We kept walking up to the next hide, where there is a significant breeding colony of Collared Pratincole, Little Tern, Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. Also many waders such as Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover and Little Plover. On the way back, after a picnic lunch at the beach, we enjoyed views of Woodchat Shrike and Zitting Cisticola. Woodchat Shrike At the end of the day we a headed…

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Spotted Crake in Valencia

The spring migration period is fascinating here in Valencia.  There are currently so many fabulous species arriving for the breeding season or just passing through on their journey north.  This week we´re seeing Purple Heron, Collared Pratincole, Reed Warbler, Alpine Swift, Red Rumped Swallow all arriving at our local sites.  Passage migrants seen this week include Osprey, Garganey and this beautiful Spotted Crake. …and here´s a brief video clip of the same bird : [wpdevart_youtube]cVlA3Hx58go[/wpdevart_youtube]

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