6-Day Winter Bird Watching Holiday

The huge habitat diversity of the Valencia region of Spain allows us to provide a superb 6 day birding holiday.  In late February of this year, we were fortunate to deliver exactly that for Gourmet Birds, a well established specialist bird watching holiday provider from UK.

We´d worked very closely with them to design a bespoke trip, taking in some of the region´s best birding venues and carefully selected accommodation to hopefully result in a memorable trip.

Day 1 – Salt Marshes and Lagoons

The group arrived relatively early into Alicante airport.  Therefore, without wanting to make the first day too long, we did choose to spend a few hours birding at a couple of the salt marshes that are situated within very easy reach of the airport.

The usual Flamingoes were feeding on the salt marshes in huge numbers, providing a striking welcome to Spain for our guests!  As we strolled by the first lagoons, we also enjoyed views of Audouin´s Gull, Little Stint, Shelduck, Reed Bunting and Black Redstart.  We were also treated to views of three Spoonbills in flight.

We then moved on to another site that includes woodland, vineyards and a salt lagoon.  We were delighted to see some early spring migrants including House Martin, Barn Swallow and Sand Martin.  A Green Woodpecker also gave good views.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the beautiful early Spring sunshine whilst watching Red Legged Partridge, Serin, Crested Lark and numerous finches including Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch.

After a gentle stroll we arrived at a hide where we turned our attention to the gulls that were resting on one of the lagoons.  These included Lesser Black Backed, Yellow Legged, Black Headed (many already in their breeding plumage), and Mediterranean Gull.  However, perhaps the prettiest by far was the Slender Billed Gull, many of which were clearly showing the delicate pink colouration of the breast.

As we walked back through an area fringed with pine trees, an unusual bird caught our eye.  It was indeed a Great Spotted Cuckoo – almost certainly having just arrived in Spain having made it´s migratory flight from Africa.  We enjoyed good views of this unexpected bird, certainly which was to be a good omen for the week ahead!

We then returned to the van and made the very pleasant journey inland to the little known highland region of the Sierra de Mariola.  For the next three nights, the group were to stay in the beautifully restored Valencian farmhouse of L´Alqueria del Pilar on the edge of the historical village of Banyeres de Mariola.

Our arrival time allowed for a relaxing evening as the group had all made a very early start that morning.  We´d also arranged for a local restaurant to provide a catering service so the group could dine without having to venture out of the farmhouse.

The trip had got off to a good start with 50 species seen.  The list for the day included…

Greater Flamingo, Spoonbill, Redshank, Black Winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Stint, Little Egret, Cormorant, Yellow Legged Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Audouin´s Gull, Slender Billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Mallard, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Ring Necked Parakeet, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Spotless Starling, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Black Redstart, Crested Lark, White Wagtail, Blackbird, Kingfisher, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Serin, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel.

Day 2 – Mountains & High Forest.

Following yesterday´s long day and many hours of travelling for our clients, we designed the second day such that there would be very little time spent in the car.  Within a very short drive of Banyeres de Mariola are some wonderful high forested hills and rocky peaks.  They were to be our chosen habitats for today.

At over 1000 metres above sea level, the high forests of the region have beautifully clean air and provide habitat for some very special birds.  Strangely enough, in this area you´re more likely to see a Crested Tit than a Blue Tit!

We began our walk up through a steep forested area, stopping to watch Great Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit and indeed a Blue Tit.  A Hawfinch flew past, giving brief but clear views.

Our walk took us past an area where there´s usually a pair of Bonelli´s Eagle but unfortunately we didn´t see them this time.  We did however enjoy views of Siskin, Serin and Short Toed Treecreeper.

We then drove across the valley to a spectacular rocky gorge where we parked the van and enjoyed a picnic lunch.  Afterwards we walked into the gorge, looking for some of the speciality mountain species that it holds.  Crag Martins were swooping across the high cliff faces.  Then we saw the first of the day´s many Griffon Vultures, magnificent creatures that glide and soar effortlessly on their huge wings.  This area holds a breeding colony that has become well established over the past few years.

The scrub in the valley bottom held Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap and Black Redstart.  After a little searching in the usual places we also had good views of Blue Rock Thrush.

Further into the gorge we were treated to good views of a Peregrine Falcon and after much effort we located and enjoyed views of Alpine Accentor.

The wind was becoming quite strong so we headed back to base and ended the day with tea and biscuits in the afternoon sun.  Whilst relaxing and discussing plans for the next day we watched a Goshawk fly through the valley.

Today was about seeing some specialist birds in this very distinct habitat.  Although not an extremely long list of species, we had managed to see most of the target birds of the day.  The list included…

Crested Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Hawfinch, Chaffinch, Siskin, Serin, Robin, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Alpine Accentor, Magpie, Raven (heard), Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Kestrel.

Day 3 – Wetlands of Alicante

The plan for our third day was to drive to the coast at the southern end of the province of Alicante and visit one of the region´s premium wetland reserves.

After a drive of around one hour from Banyeres de Mariola, we arrived at the reserve. Although a little breezy, the weather was fine. After a brief chat with the reserve warden we looked out onto the first small lagoon where we were fortunate to see some of the Red Knobbed Coots that are part of a release programme. This extremely rare bird has its European stronghold along the Valencian coast and much work has been done to protect it.

We then walked along a boardwalk across another lagoon where we had great views of Purple Swamphen (another conservation success story for Valencia).

The first hide of the day gave views of Black Necked Grebe, Little Grebe and another very rare species, the Marbled Teal. Cetti´s Warbler were singing in the surrounding scrub and Stonechats and Sardinian Warbler were also seen.

The next hide gave views of Green Sandpiper, Greater Flamingo, Little Ringed Plover and Shoveler. We then took a walk around the reserve, stopping at a couple of lagoons. We enjoyed views of Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Glossy Ibis and Great Egret.

After a picnic lunch we made a short drive to visit another couple of superb hides, both built on wooden stilts in a lagoon surrounded by reeds. Their excellent vantage point gave us great views of a selection of wildfowl including White Headed Duck, Garganey and Red Crested Pochard plus some fabulous views of yet more Black Necked Grebe, almost all of which were already in full breeding plumage.

It was time to head back inland up to the guesthouse in Banyeres de Mariola. The beautiful evening light of Southern Europe, especially over still water always provides a lovely end to a day´s birding and today was indeed no exception.

The species list for the day included :

Red Knobbed Coot, Coot, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Flamingo, Shelduck, Marbled Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, Mallard, Shoveler, White Headed Duck, Garganey, Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Fan Tailed Warbler, Stonechat, Whinchat, Chiffchaff, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle.

Day 4 – Steppe & Lagoons

The plan for the day was to leave the lovely guest house L´Alqueria del Pilar in Banyeres, spend the day on the high steppe of Castilla de la Mancha and then travel onwards to Valencia, where the group would spend the next 3 nights.

It was quite a windy and cold day although this is to be expected in February and at such altitude. Most of the area that we were to visit is above 900 metres above sea level.

Our first stop beside an area of flood water gave views of Snipe, Little Ringed Plover and Lapwing. Spotless Starlings were perched on some nearby wires and a Water Pipit was feeding along the shoreline.
Our next lagoon gave views of Shoveler, Pintail, Gadwall and Red Knobbed Coot. The surrounding farmland held Rock Sparrow, Skylark, Crested Lark and Corn Bunting.

We then moved on to another lagoon that often has a surprise in store. We were indeed fortunate again in this super spot….as well as the usual Flamingoes, Marsh Harrier and Little Grebes, we had great views of a Golden Eagle as it passed low overhead.

Happy with our species tally from the lagoons, we headed up onto the high steppe in search of the specialty birds that this fabulous habitat holds. We had some superb views of Great Bustard, the highlight of which was a group of over 25 males, all is superb plumage condition.

We also had good views of Calandra Lark, Iberian Grey Shrike and a herd of Cranes that overwinter here. The highest area of steppe gave views of Stone Curlew and good but brief views of Black Bellied Sandgrouse and yet more Great Bustards.

As we neared the end of our exploration of the steppe, our day was brought to a close with great views of a spectacular male Hen Harrier in flight.

We then made the journey east to the city of Valencia where we delivered our clients to the Tryp Oceanic, a smart hotel next to the famous City of Arts and Science Complex.

Our species list for the day included…
Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Avocet, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Coot, Moorhen, Red Knobbed Coot, Rock Sparrow, House Sparrow, Greenfich, Goldfinch, Spotless Starling, Water Pipit, Corn Bunting, Crow, Magpie, White Wagtail, Hoopoe, Skylark, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Great Bustard, Red Legged Partridge, Crane, Stone Curlew, Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Iberian Grey Shrike, Kestrel.

Day 5 – Coastal Wetlands of Valencia

Our penultimate day of birding took us to one of Valencia´s best coastal wetlands.  The weather had sadly taken a turn for the worse, with high winds blowing from the west.  However, we set out along the coast firstly scanning the sea where we saw a Razorbill, Gannets and Audouin´s Gull.

The lagoons behing the dune system held Red Crested Pochard, Purple Swamphen and Gadwall.  The surrounding reedbeds gave good views of Reed Bunting, Dartford Warbler, Moustached Warbler and Cetti´s Warbler.

The wind was becoming stronger now so we retreated to the van and decided upon a tapas lunch at a beach side restaurant.  Refreshed and warmed through, we decided to make a short detour by car to visit an area of high forest that´s located just behind the wetlands.

After a short drive and a gentle stroll up into the forest, we began our searching our surroundings.  We originally thought that the wind would prevent any good views up here, but our patience paid off and we were rewarded with some superb views of Short Toed Treecreeper and Crested Tit.  We also saw more common species such as Song Thrush, Black Redstart and Kestrel.

We then headed back down the mountain to sea level where we decided to end the day with a short walk through some pasture land, passing by a small lagoon.  The wind had dropped slightly so we were hopeful of some good sightings.  The lagoon gave views of Ringed Plover and Kentish Plover.  As we walked through the fields, we saw Meadow Pipit, Hoopoe, Marsh Harrier and large flocks of Swallows passing through.   However, the highlight of the day was the magnificent views of a Booted Eagle that was hunting low over the fields.

Despite the poor weather, we´d managed to see some superb birds including…

Audouin´s Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Razorbill, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dartford Warbler, Cetti´s Warbler, Moustached Warbler, Chiffchaff, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Hoopoe, Reed Bunting, Song Thrush, Black Redstart, Robin, Blackbird, Crested Tit, Short Toed Treecreeper, Chaffinch, Gadwall, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Coot, Moorhen, Flamingo, Curlew, Purple Swamphen, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover.

Day 6 – Albufera de Valencia

Our final day of birding was to be spent exploring the various hotspots around Albufera de Valencia.  This extensive rice growing area includes not onlt rice paddies but a huge freshwater lake, reedbeds, dune systems, forest and beach as well as some excellent nature reserves.

Our first stop was indeed at a very special protected reserve area hwere we had fantastic views of waders including Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Snipe, Glossy Ibis and Redshank.  We were also delighted to have great views of Bluethroat.

Our next stop was at a favourite haunt of Bearded Reedling and Penduline Tit.  Not only did we manage to see both species very well, but we also had views of Moustached Warbler, Reed Warbler (a very early arrival), Meadow Pipit and Tree Sparrow.

As we headed across the rice fields, we stopped to see a huge flock of Black Tailed Godwit and Glossy Ibis.  We took a short lunch break at a local village before heading into the coastal Mediterranean Pine forest where we visited a colony of Night Herons.

In order to maximise habitat diversity, we decided to end the day on the beach.  Our first sighting was an Oystercatcher, a relatively unusualy bird in Valencia.  A spell of seawatching gave good views of Balearic Shearwater, Yelkouan Shearwater, Great Skua, Gannet, Sanderling and Razorbill.

As we walked back to the car, the forest gave us a fitting end to the trip with views of Firecrest and a passing Booted Eagle.

Everyone was delighted with the week´s birding.  We´d visited some extremely diverse habitats and had amounted a species list of 140, very pleasing for winter.

Today´s list included…

Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Snipe, Glossy Ibis, Redshank, Purple Swamphen, Black Tailed Godwit, Moorhen, Coot, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Oystercatcher, Bluethroat, Fan Tailed Warbler, White Wagtail, Sand Martin, House Martin, Moustached Warbler, Bearded Reedling, Penduline Tit, Reed Warbler, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Chiffchaff, Robin, Spotless Starling, Kingfisher, Black Redstart, Collared Dove, Magpie, Chhaffinch, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Crested Lark, Firecrest, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Southern Grey Shrike, Kestrel, Black Headed Gull, Audouin´s Gull, Leser Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Sandwich Tern, Mallard, Yelkouan Shearwater, Belearic Shearwater, Great Skua, Gannet, Sanderling, Razorbill.