Last week, I enjoyed two great birding days with a couple of clients from USA. They were well travelled birders and nature lovers, and as part of their trip through Spain and France they had booked a couple of days of guided birding in Valencia. We opted for a 2 day wetland birding trip to Valencia that would take in the internationally important Natural Park of Albufera de Valencia and a lesser known wetland also close to the city.
On our first day, even before we´d arrived at our first stopping point in Albufera, we enjoyed a great view of a Purple Swamphen beside a pair of Night Herons. The day only got better, with good views of a Bittern in flight followed by an Osprey!
Purple Swamphen
Once inside the reserve, we enjoyed more views of Purple Swamphens, and of both male and female Marsh Harrier. Chiffchaffs were abundant in the reeds, as were Fan-Tailed Warblers and Cetti´s Warblers.
Scanning across one of the reserve lagoons revealed Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill and Black-Winged Stilt. The surrounding wetland held Squacco Heron, Snipe and yet more Night Heron.
Ringed Plover
The clients were very interested in habitat conservation and were heavily involved in various projects back in the USA. Therefore, the reserve staff gave an fascinating presentation about the projects that take place in Albufera and the way in which the reserve is managed.
Following this, we walked back through the reserve, stopping along the way at another hide from which we watched Greater Flamingo, Sandwich Tern and Whiskered Tern. A Pied Flycatcher and a juvenile Woodchat Shrike were seen in the tall reeds surrounding the lagoon.
After a picnic lunch we headed across the rice fields to a spot that has of late held good numbers of waders. Today was no exception! We enjoyed superb views of Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Little Stint, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Avocet.
Day 1 had been a great success, with a species list that included…
Swallow, House Martin, House Sparrow, Fan-tailed Warbler, Cetti´s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Kingfisher, Woodchat Shrike, Pied Flycatcher, Cormorant, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Whiskered Tern, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen. Coot, Purple Swamphen, Bittern, Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Snipe, Greenshank, Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Little Stint, Ruff, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Spoonbill, Avocet.
Day two dawned a little overcast with light drizzle. Not to be put off with a little rain, we walked along the beach and watched over some small coastal lagoons. Today was about trying to see some special target species, and one of them revealed itself almost immediately – the White Headed Duck. This endangered species breeds in a few specific points along the Valencian coast.
White Headed Duck
The coastal scrub gave a brief but good view of a Sub-Alpine Warbler and then much better views of a Southern Grey Shrike.
We spent a little time in a hide, sheltering from the now constant drizzle but were treated to views of Curlew Sandpiper, Kentish Plover and Ringed Plover.
Our walk then took us through pastureland with some stands of tall trees. The rain seemed to have brought to “ground” a sizeable flock of migrating Bee Eaters, the sight of which made getting wet very worthwhile!
Bee-Eater
A brief visit to another lagoon gave views of Water Rail, before our walk ended somewhat soggily with great views of Hoopoe and Black Redstart.
Despite the rain, we´d managed to see most of the target species, with the most interesting being…Sub-Alpine Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Bee Eater, Spotless Starling, Kentish Plover, Water Rail, Black Redstart, Hoopoe and White Headed Duck.
It had been a pleasure to provide this trip, and to spend a couple of days in such good company.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.