Last week, I provided a specially designed birding and nature photography trip for two experienced wildlife photographers from Sweden. At this time of the year the Valencian Coastal Wetlands, is an amazing birding destination, especially rewarding as many of the summer visitors are returning to their breeding grounds there.
We met in central Valencia before making the short journey to the reserve. After a morning coffee, looking out across the calm waters of the Mediterranean, we began our walk along a coastal dune system. The first lagoon gave good views of Night Herons and waterfowl including Pochard, Red-crested Pochard and Little Grebe.
As we walked further into the reserve, the second lagoon provided a spectacular sight of seven male White-headed Ducks, one of Europe´s rarest and arguably most attractive ducks. We also had great views of Flamingo, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harrier.
We then took in an area of coastal scrub, and were treated to views of Wheatear, Stonechat, Whinchat, Sub-alpine Warbler and Spotless Starling. We also had a good view of Audouin´s Gull and the beautiful Collared Pratincole.
After a picnic lunch on a pebble beach, we headed inland to an area of pasture with a couple more small lakes. We had a good view of a Woodchat Shrike, whilst two Red-rumped Swalows passed overhead. The shallow lakes held Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover and Shoveler.
Whilst scanning over an area of reeds we were then treated to what was for many, the highlight of the day – a pair of displaying Black-shouldered Kites. Their close proximity and the spectacular flight display was indeed a memorable sight.
The trip ended with a short visit to another lake, where we brought the day to a close with views of Purple Swamphen, Purple Heron and Hoopoe.
It had been a fantastic way to spend the day; great habitat, fabulous weather, some amazing birds and fantastic company.
The species list included:
Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Mallard, White-headed Duck, Shelduck, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Cormorant, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Audouin´s Gull, Common Tern, Greater Flamingo, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Collared Pratincole, Purple Swamphen, Redstart, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Ring-necked Parakeet, Spotless Starling, Magpie, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Fan-tailed Warbler, Sub-alpine Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Stonechat, Whinchat, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Swift, Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Black-shouldered Kite, Booted Eagle, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Woodchat Shrike.