February of this year proved to be a very busy month, with many clients from Northern Europe having organised winter birding trips with us. The combination of a little sunshine, some fascinating winter visitors and the anticipation of early spring migrants can make late February a very attractive time to visit the Valencia region.
Birding on the steppe of Eastern Spain
One of our trips was provided for the Ornithological Society of Northern Ireland. We had designed a 3 day trip that took in diverse habitat including steppe, coastal wetlands and the Natural Park of Albufera de Valencia. They had spent a few nights at the beautifully converted farmhouse of L´Alqueria del Pilar in the village of Banyeres de Mariola in inland Alicante. On our first day, from there we made the easy journey up to the highland steppe of Castilla de la Mancha.
Day 1 – Steppe
At over 900 metres above sea level, this can be a very cold region to explore in winter but with adequate clothing and planning it makes for a wonderful birding venue. One of our first species was the magnificent Great Bustard, specifically a group of over 20 males.
Great Bustards
We stopped at a couple of the region´s lagoons and enjoyed views of Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Shelduck and Red Crested Pochard. By now the wind had reached very uncomfortable levels, so we opted to take to the vehicles and explore the higher steppe. We had views of raptors including Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Little Owl.
Little Owl
We came across yet more Great Bustard and a sizeable herd of Cranes. However, we were particularly keen to find Little Bustard and Black Bellied Sandgrouse. After limited success we decided to head for an area that with some effort can often reveal these superb species. As we were driving slowly through the steppe “safari style” we were rewarded with views of a small flock of Black Bellied Sandgrouse that passed low overhead very close to the vehicles. Delighted with such great views, we were in for another surprise as a couple of Little Bustards did exactly the same, giving wonderful views in the early evening light.
Cranes
Despite the very windy conditions, we´d had a great day and had enjoyed views of some classic steppe species. The list for the day included…
Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black Bellied Sandgrouse, Red Legged Partridge, Crane, Greater Flamingo, Lapwing, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Crested Lark, Calandra Lark, Skylark, Spotless Starling, Black Redstart, Linnet, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Collared Dove, Mistle Thrush, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Shelduck, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Coot, Moorhen.
The vibrant city of Valencia was to be the base for the next 2 nights, with the group staying at the Tryp Oceanic Hotel close to the famous City of Arts & Sciences complex.
Day 2 – Valencian Coastal Wetlands
After a drive along the seafront and marina area of Valencia we arrived at one of the area´s best coastal wetlands. The resident Crag Martins were feeding on insects over the beach, but careful observation revealed a few House Martins amongst them. First signs of Spring!!
Southern Grey Shrike
The coastal lagoons gave great views of White Headed Duck, Water Rail and Reed Bunting. We were also fortunate to enjoy good views of Dartford Warbler in the surrounding scrub.
Our walk through the reed beds and pastureland rewarded us with superb views of some fabulous species including Penduline Tit, Booted Eagle, Sardinian Warbler and Southern Grey Shrike.
The day´s species list included…
Crag Martin, House Martin, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Serin, Sardinian Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Cetti´s Warbler, White Wagtail, Penduline Tit, Water Rail, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Greater Flamingo, Cormorant, White Headed Duck, Mallard, Red Crested Pochard, Teal, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Southern Grey Shrike, Booted Eagle.
Day 3 – Albufera de Valencia
The rice paddies of Albufera were in the final stages of their “flooded phase” of the winter, so still held plenty of birds. At this time of year, it´s possible to see huge numbers of egrets, Flamingoes and Glossy Ibis feeding in the shallow water.
Little Egrets
This area provides a crucial stopping point for migratory birds in both Spring and Autumn, and today was no exception. A visit to one of the park´s restricted reserves gave us superb views of Osprey. A little effort was rewarded with views of Moustached Warbler, Bluethroat, Cetti´s Warbler and Purple Swamphen.
Purple Swamphen
Whilst at the reserve, we were fortunate to be invited to attend a ringing session where the group were delighted to see the work of the local branch of the SEO (Spanish Ornithological Society).
Bluethroat at the ringing station
We were on a tight time schedule as we had to get the group to the airport for their return flight, so after a brief lunch in the Devesa Forest we visited a colony of Night Herons. A final quick recce around the rice fields on the southern side of the park gave views of Kingfisher, Great Egret, Grey Wagtail and Audouin´s Gull.
The list for the day included…
Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Audouin´s Gull, Robin, Bluethroat, Hoopoe, Moustached Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Cetti´s Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Crag Martin, Purple Swamphen, Morrhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Mallard, Little Stint, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Little-ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Ruff, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Goldfinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Kingfisher.
It had been a great pleasure to provide this trip for such a wonderful group of birders and hope to welcome them back to Valencia soon.