Last week, Yanina and I provided a guided trip especially designed for a group of beginners from Valencia. They were keen to explore the bird life of Albufera de Valencia and to discover the eco-systems of the park. Rather than maximise the species list, they had asked to focus on key ID characteristics of some the most emblematic species of the area.
We began the trip in one of the parks protected reserves, where we were fortunate to see a good range of wildfowl including Shoveler, Teal, Shelduck, Red Crested Pochard and Pintail.
Greater Flamingoes
A very special sight was a huge flock of Greater Flamingoes in flight. Earlier in the week, a flock of in excess of 700 had been reported.
As we watched over a small lagoon, we were also treated to superb views of three Booted Eagles, a magnificent raptor that often hunts over the rice fields of Albufera.
The flooded rice fields of Albufera de Valencia
We then headed out across the rice fields, which at this time of the year are completely flooded. This makes Albufera an ideal location for bird watching for beginners in Valencia, as it´s possible to enjoy great views of species such as Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis and Purple Swamphen.
Little Egrets and Glossy Ibis
As well as these classic Albufera species, we also had views of Reed Bunting, Fan-tailed Warbler, Spotless Starling, Stonechat and Kingfisher.
The group were amazed by the diversity of the bird life that thrives in Albufera and were all highly motivated to learn more and to join future trips.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.