I´ve just returned home from a day of guided bird watching in Albufera de Valencia with a couple who were on a Mediterranean cruise. Well travelled and experienced naturalists, they had a stop-off and free day in Valencia and had previously booked a day trip with us.
Having met them at the cruise terminal in Valencia, we made the short drive to the Albufera Natural Park where we began our day at one of the areas best nature reserves.
Purple Heron
We were immediately treated to great views of Night Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron and Cattle Egret. Glossy Ibis were constantly flying over, and Black-winged Stilts were around in good numbers in the adjoining rice fields.
As we made our way through the reserve, we had views of Little Bittern. The reed beds held plenty of warblers including Cetti´s, Savi´s, Fan-tailed, Reed and Great Reed. The first lagoon gave views of Gull-billed Tern and Great Egret.
Night Heron
We then made a stop at the visitor centre where the staff gave a presentation on the ecology of the reserve, the environmental challenges that the region faces, and the work that is being done to protect the park and its habitats. Afterwards we watched over the reserve from the observation platform, from which we saw Green Sandpiper, Flamingo and Black-tailed Godwit.
After a picnic lunch by one of Albufera´s traditional fishing ports, we spent a little time in the afternoon exploring the flooded rice fields, largely in search of Purple Swamphen which would be a “first” for the clients. Initially, we had yet more Night Herons but no sign of the Purple Swamphen. We just had enough time to try a reliable spot before we had to return to the ship! So, with some haste and plenty of hope, we moved to the rice fields on the south east side of the park. Our effort was rewarded with great views of at least 8 Purple Swamphen all together in the same field. A good view of a Savi´s Warbler brought the day to a close…and we made it back to the port in time!
Purple Swamphen
It had been a great day with some good views of some of Albufera´s classic species. The list included…
Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Greater Flamingo, Coot, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Tern, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Spotless Starling.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.