One vital aspect of our work as guides is to know intimately our area; what´s where and when. We´re operating constantly around the many sites that surround Valencia so we´re always “in touch”. However, we´ll soon be welcoming a small group who have booked a multi-day trip that will take in sites close to both Valencia and Alicante.
Although the Alicante region is very familiar to us (we have a small operating base there), it´s been a few weeks since we were guiding there. So, in readiness for our next trip, last week Yanina and I spent a couple of days bird watching in Alicante, to update ourselves on what´s around, to chat to some of the rangers, and to check out a new hide. We´d also planned to drop in at a traditional guest house with whom we work to finalise plans for another group who are soon to stay there. It´s always a pleasure to operate in Alicante, especially in some of the region´s virtually unknown inland sites. Many of our clients opt for a bespoke multi-day trip that combines bird watching in Alicante followed by a few days birding around Valencia, thus visiting a diverse range of habitats and eco-systems.
One day 1 we spent the morning exploring a remote mountainous area that holds some fabulous species including Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Griffon Vulture and in winter, a sizeable population of Alpine Accentors. These characterful little birds are always a delight to see. Some effort is required to walk up to the peaks where they settle, but the combination of stunning mountain scenery, big blue skies and very close views of these great little creatures make it all worthwhile.
We spent day 2 visiting a few of the coastal hotspots, where we´d arranged to meet with one of the reserve managers to discuss the latest sightings and general news. We then enjoyed a walk around some of the coastal lagoons, stopping to admire a Bluethroat that settled very close to us.
After lunch we visited some of the pathways and hides that provide great views into the reeds and shoreline of some fabulous wetland habitat. Our patience was rewarded with some amazing views of White Headed Duck, Black Necked Grebe, Greater Flamingo and Marsh Harrier.
By now, the sun was low in the sky, so we made for one more spot, a salt lagoon that holds thousands of waders, gulls and flamingoes. We enjoyed views of Audouin´s Gull, Turnstone, Sandpiper, Black Redstart and Great Egret. The setting sun over the water provided a fitting end to a couple of wonderful days.
Having made the most of the daylight hours, we headed back north to Valencia. Although a little tired, as we drove along the outskirts of Albufera de Valencia, we couldn´t resist the temptation to take a detour through the darkness of the rice fields to search for Barn Owl. There´s a population of these ghostly nocturnal raptors that spend the winter here, and with a little patience and much peering into the darkness, we were delighted to see three of these magnificent birds.
We´d enjoyed a fabulous couple of days, and now look forward to helping our next clients to explore the delights of bird watching in Alicante.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.