This is Day 2 of the 4-Day trip that we recently provided for Charles from London. One of the biggest advantages of birding in Valencia is the close proximity to some wonderfully varied habitat. After yesterday´s trip to the steppe, today we visited the coastal wetlands followed by a visit to a highland forest overlooking the Gulf of Valencia.
One of Valencia´s many coastal wetlands
The day began with a short drive along the coast to one of the region´s superb wetlands. However, before we arrived at the usual starting point, something over the sea caught our eye. We found a safe place to stop, and quickly took our binoculars. We were greeted with the amazing sight of a huge flock of shearwaters, skimming low over the water. Closer inspection revealed that it was a mixed flock of Yelkouan and Balearic Shearwaters. Both species are frequently seen along the Valencian coast throughout the winter months – a superb start to the day!
Dartford Warbler
As we were watching the Shearwaters, dozens of Crag Martins were flying around us, picking off airborne insects. These resident martins breed on the high cliffs of the region´s mountains but each winter they descend to sea level to feed. A Black Redstart was also flitting around a nearby bush.
White Headed Duck
Happy with our start to the day, we completed the journey to the wetlands and began our walk along a coastal dune system. The first lagoon gave great views of a White Headed Duck, one of the rarest species of duck in Europe. This reserve provides reliable breeding grounds for this beautiful little diving duck.
The nearby coastal scrub provided views of a Dartford Warbler, one of Charles´target species for the day.
Purple Swamphen
The next lagoon held a mixed flock of Lapwing and Golden Plover and also gave views of Gadwall, Shoveler and Teal.
Marsh Harriers were also around in good numbers, quartering the reeds in their classic style, and we also enjoyed good views of another of the region´s emblemic species, the Purple Swamphen.
Our walk through the reed beds rewarded us with good views of Fan-Tailed Warbler. Stonechat, Reed Bunting and Chiffchaff. We also had a brief but excellent view of Water Rail.
Stonechat
As we walked into a lightly wooded area, we heard the call of Penduline Tit. A small flock of this tiny bird eventually came into the open, giving excellent views.
Once we´d completed our walk, we then made the short drive up to the higland forest that overlooks Valencia. We were hoping to see Firecrest and Crested Tit, and our efforts and patience were repaid with great views of both species.
Crested Tit
The day was drawing to a close but we had just enough time to call at the beach on our way back to Valencia. A little searching revealed Mediterranean Gull, Sanderling, Sandwich Tern and a Grey Wagtail.
It had been a great day, and we´d been very fortunate to see some fabulous species, including…
Yelkouan Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, Cormorant, Audouin´s Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Black Headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Crag Martin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Grey Wagtail, Robin, Dunnock, Penduline Tit, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Dartford Warbler, Chiffchaff, Fan Tailed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Serin, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Water Rail, Sanderling, Purple Swamphen, Coot, Moorhen, White Headed Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.