Last week, I had the pleasure of providing a guided birding trip to the wetlands of Valencia for a very experienced birder from the UK. She wanted to combine a short break in this magical Mediterranean city with a day of birding in the local coastal marshes and lagoons.
After the short drive from the city centre, before we began to explore the coastal lagoons and surrounding reed beds, we stopped in a farming area where we spotted two lovely Hoopoes, a Little Owl and a Barn Owl.
Once inside of the reserve, one of the highlights of the first lagoon were three Night Herons resting in a tree.
Night Heron
After a short walk to the next lagoon we enjoyed seeing the extremely rare White-headed Duck. We also had good views of Little Bittern and Great Reed Warbler.
Great Reed Warbler
As we headed along the coast, we were treated to some superb views of the fascinating Collared Pratincole. The coastal scrub also held Stonechat, Wheatear and Crested Lark.
The next lagoon gave good views of Little Tern plus waders including Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and Black-winged Stilt.
After lunch on the pebble beach, we headed for the day´s final lagoon where we enjoyed great views of Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Red-crested Pochard and Whiskered Tern.
Immediately before we were leaving the area, we were suprised to see two White Storks flying above us.
White Stork
It had been a great day, and we´d seen some of Valencia´s classic wetland species. As is so often the case, the blend of wonderful bird life, great habitat, and good company had made the day very special.
The species list included…
Little Owl, Barn Owl, Short-toed Eagle, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Common Tern, Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Glossy Ibis, Collared Pratincole, Little Stint, Gadwall, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Mallard, White Headed Duck, Shelduck, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Greater Flamingo, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Crested Lark, Stonechat, Penduline Tit, Sardinean Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Willow Warbler, Bonelli´s Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Fan-tailed Warbler, Magpie, Spotless Starling, Yellow Wagtail, Redstart, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Swallow, Swift, Sand Martin, House Martin.