Last week, I had the pleasure of providing a day of guided bird watching in Valencia for a group of clients from Scotland. We made the brief journey through this beautiful Mediterranean city, stopping by the beach for a morning coffee before heading out onto the reserve.
The day got off to a fabulous start with views Great Reed Warbler and Little Bittern. As we began our walk, we had great views of Turtle Dove, Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harrier.
Black Winged Stilt
The next lagoon and its shoreline held Fan-Tailed Warbler, Little Grebe and Red Crested Pochard. Terns were very active, and within just a few minutes we´d seen Little, Common, and Whiskered. We soon saw the first of the day´s Collared Pratincole, a “classic” Valencian breeding shorebird, and also enjoyed great views of Little Ringed Plover, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron and Avocet.
Collared Pratincole
As we continued our walk, now heading through an area of pastureland, we were treated to views of Woodchat Shrike, Hoopoe, Cetti´s Warbler, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and Bee Eater. To round off this spectacle, we then had great views of a Short Toad Eagle.
Grey Heron
The day´s final viewing point overlooked another lagoon, and brought the day to a beautiful end with views of Greater Flamingo, Purple Swamphen, Cattle Egret and Great Crested Grebe.
It had been another special day with some stunning wildlife, great weather and good company. The day´s species list included :
Great Reed Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Cetti´s Warbler, Turtle Dove, Magpie, Spotless Starling, Woodchat Shrike, Stonechat, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Bee Eater, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Hoopoe, Redstart, Coot, Moorhen, Pochard, Mallard, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Short Toed Eagle, Kestrel, Little Tern, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black Headed Gull, Glossy Ibis, Little Bittern, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Black Winged Stilt, Avocet, Purple Swamphen, Greater Flamingo.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.