Last week I provided a day of bird watching at Albufera de Valencia for a group of local birders. Some of them I knew well as they have regularly been on birding trips with me, but it was a pleasure to meet 4 of the group for the first time. After a short journey to Albufera, we stopped for a coffee and brief chat about the plans for the day before heading to one of the area´s best reserves.
Avocet
We had a leisurely walk through the reed beds and beside a couple of small lakes where we enjoyed great views of Flamingo, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt and Little Egrets. As we made our way through the reserve, we scanned an area of shallow water and spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Little Ringed Plover.
Purple Swamphen
In addition to the usual Grey Herons, we had some stunning views of the recently arrived Purple Herons and also Glossy Ibis, especially beautiful with the sunlight highlighting the green, purple and bronze tones of their plumage. Other highlights of the visit were Purple Swamphen, Gull-Billed Terns, Marsh Harrier and Red Crested Pochard.
After a picnic lunch by the canal we then headed out towards the coast where we visited a breeding ground for Audouin´s Gull. This elegant gull appears to be thriving along the Valencian Coast, in large part thanks to some excellent conservation work carried out by local organisations, including Accio Ecologista-Agro.
Audouin’s Gull
The day ended with a brief visit to a small reserve on the south side of Albufera where albeit a little early right now, is a favourite spot for Night Heron and Squacco Heron. A thunderstorm was moving towards us so we decided to head for cover and enjoy a coffee together, recounting some of the day´s best sightings.
Black Winged Stilt
The day had been a pleasure, some great species, good company, great weather and a superb habitats. The species list for the day included :
Avocet, Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Black Winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Swallow, House Martin, Fan Tailed Warbler, Redstart, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, White Wagtail, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Tern, Gull Billed Tern, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Audouin´s Gull
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding