On Wednesday of this week we provided a day of guided bird watching from Valencia for a client from Surrey, UK.
After a drive through the city of Valencia, we headed for the coast and began our walk. Immediately we heard the calls of terns and warblers, all recently arrived and getting on with the business of nesting. Our first stop by a small lake gave excellent views of Little Bittern, both in flight and perched on reeds immediately in front of us.
Little Bittern
A short walk along the beach revealed a most unexpected bird for this time of year, a Turnstone.
Turnstone
The next lake gave views of Great Crested Grebe, Black Winged Stilt and Pochard whilst the surrounding reeds provided views of Great Reed Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler and Cetti´s Warbler.
Great Reed Warbler
After a stroll further along the coast, we arrived at another of my favourite spots where we were treated to a spectacular display of activity…this lagoon is an important breeding area for many species and today we had great views of Collared Pratincole, Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Common Tern and Purple Heron. We also spotted Little Ringed Plover and Kentish Plover.
Collared Pratincole
After a picnic lunch we continued our walk and enjoyed views of Woodchat Shrike, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher,Yellow Wagtail, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibis.
Whiskered Tern
The return leg of our walk took us by another two lakes which provided a beautiful end to a great day with views of Black Tern, Golden Oriole, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Red Crested Pochard and Gadwall.
Common Tern
A coffee by the beach ended what had been a super day. Our species list included :
Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Mallard, Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler, Whiskered Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Black Tern, Black Headed Gull, Cormorant, Fan Tailed Warbler, Cetti´s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Stonechat, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Spotless Starling, Woodchat Shrike, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Golden Oriole, House Martin, Swift, Swallow, Little Bittern, Turnstone, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Swamphen, Black Winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Avocet, Redshank, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Kestrel.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding