On Sunday 2nd February we celebrated World Wetlands Day at the nature reserve Tancat de la Pipa in the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia.
The wetlands of Albufera de Valencia
The day was arranged by the two charitable custodians of the reserve, SEO Birdlife (Sociedad Española de Ornitología) and the conservation group Acció Ecologista Agró.
Tancat de la Pipa Nature Reserve
This superb nature reserve is home to some classic wetland bird species and provides habitat for a diverse and critically important eco-system.
Guided walks around the reserve provided a great opportunity for people to gain an understanding of how this reserve benefits the local environment and sustains its wildlife.
Children were treated to a presentation on bird ringing, and a talk on the migration patterns of the Chiffchaff, a small warbler that over-winters in Albufera before making the long journey back to Northern and Eastern Europe in time for the breeding season.
The reed beds and lagoons of Tancat de la Pipa
It was a pleasure to see so many local young people and children becoming involved in the event, showing an interest in conservation and learning of wildlife that lives in this wonderful nature reserve.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.