Last week, Yanina and I provided a day of guided bird watching in Valencia for a family from Suffolk, UK. It was one of those special days with great weather, some fabulous birds and wonderful company. After we collected John and his family from the seaside apartment in Valencia, we decided to head for Albufera. We were originally thinking of visiting another coastal wetland, but our recent trips to Albufera had given some great sightings, so we opted to return.
Our first stop was in a restricted reserve area, where we sat in a hide and enjoyed great views of waders including Little Stint, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Black-winged Stilt, Grey Plover and Curlew Sandpiper. The surrounding bushes held Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and lots of Black Redstarts.
We then decided to make the short trip across to the other side of the Natural Park, firstly stopping for a coffee break in the old village of El Palmar, the birthplace of Spain´s most famous dish, paella. As we drove between the rice fields we spotted a harrier feeding on recently caught prey. Although it was quite a long way off, we could clearly see the “necklace” amongst other distinctive markings. We spent a good while trying to get more conclusive views as eventually we were very confident that we were indeed looking at a second year Pallid Harrier. However, it was a little too far to be 100% certain and we didn´t want to disturb it by trying to get closer. So, we eventually somewhat reluctantly decided that we couldn´t make a certain claim and chose to move on!
Our suspected Pallid Harrier!
We then entered another highly protected nature reserve, where we carefully and quietly explored some of the lagoons and surrounding reed beds. The first lagoon gave wonderful views of Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Purple Swamphen and lots of Snipe. As we parked by the next lagoon, we had fabulous views of Spoonbill and Great Egret.
Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret and Spoonbill
We enjoyed a relaxed lunch in a hide overlooking a smaller lagoon, and were treated to a fantastic sight of more Glossy Ibis, Purple Swamphen, and Caspian Tern.
Caspian Tern
We then decided to explore some of the (recently harvested) rice fields but first of all stopped by at the beach to see a Whimbrel that has been feeding there during the past couple of weeks. One the walk through the dunes we enjoyed views of Stonechat, Serin and Meadow Pipit. The weather had in fact improved further by now, light cloud giving way to blue skies so we decided on another short break, enjoying a beer on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. It was interesting to hear of the birding in our clients´native Suffolk and of the environmental work that they are involved with there and in nearby Essex.
To end the day we parked in amongst the rice fields by an irrigation canal. We´d chosen a good spot, and were soon enjoying views of Green Sandpiper, Hoopoe, Tree Sparrow, Marsh Harrier and Grey Wagtail. As a very fitting end to what had been a special day, a magnificent Booted Eagle flew by.
Booted Eagle
We´d been fortunate to enjoy some wonderful birds in this very special Natural Park, and had enjoyed the company of a lovely family. A super day, thanks to all.
The species list for the day included…
Blackcap, Black Redstart, Cetti´s Warbler (heard), Chiffchaff, Robin, Sardinian Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Penduline Tit (heard), Kingfisher, Magpie, Song Thrush, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Serin, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Spotless Starling, Swallow, Hoopoe, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Booted Eagle, Glossy Ibis, Black Tailed Godwit, Black Winged Stilt, Dunlin, Little Stint, Grey Plover, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Snipe, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Whimbrel, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Caspian Tern.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.