Once more, we were recently delighted to welcome back a returning client. Gavin from UK had previously booked a trip to the wetlands of Valencia, and this time had returned for a birding trip to the steppe and lagoons of Eastern Spain. Birding the steppe can reveal some amazing species, and today was to prove no exception.
Our journey from Valencia took us through a few heavy rain showers but once we´d arrived on site, it was dry although quite windy. Our first stop by an area of floodwater beside an old farming village gave views of Tree Sparrow. Spotted Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail and Lapwing.
Yellow Wagtails
Our next point was an area of pasture and scrub beside a farm. Here we enjoyed views of Corn Bunting, Iberian Grey Shrike, Skylark, Crested Lark and yet more Yellow Wagtail, one of which was thought to be of the UK sub-species.
The wind was steadily increasing so for our next stop, beside a lake, we used the car as a hide and opted for comfort! This worked quite well, and we had views of Marsh Harrier, Greater Flamingo, Red Crested Pochard and Shelduck.
Greater Flamingoes
Our next stop before lunch was another farm, this time by a couple of lagoons. The first point gave views of Thekla Lark, Common Sandpiper, Kentish Plover and Redshank. The second lagoon held a Red Knobbed Coot that´s been seen there since late last year.
We enjoyed lunch by another lake, again using the car as a hide and enjoying views of the spectacular White Headed Duck. Our final lagoon of the day then gave views of Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff and Spotted Redshank.
White Headed Duck
The wind seemed to be easing but there were still strong gusts. Therefore, it was with some doubt that we headed for the high steppe. Our doubts proved to be completely unfounded – we were treated to some superb views of Great Bustard, then a Great Spotted Cuckoo flew in and perched immediately beside the car!
Great Bustard (photo courtesy of Jolien Geens)
As we made our way onto the highest point of the day, we saw a small flock of Roseate Terns on passage. The wind didn´t allow for quality photographs but we enjoyed good views. Calandra Larks were showing beautifully, often right beside the car, and a female Hen Harrier also passed close by, as did three Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Another highlight was a superb view of a male Little Bustard.
Little Bustard
Although the day had been windier than we would have liked, we´d enjoyed quality views of superb species, some of which were lifers for Gavin. Content with our success, we headed back to Valencia.
The species list for the day included…
Mallard, Shelduck, White Headed Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Red-knobbed Coot, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Spotted Flycatcher, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtail, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Iberian Grey Shrike, Hoopoe, Magpie, Crow, Skylark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Spotless Starling, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Lapwing, Kentish Plover, Black Winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo, Ruff, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Red-legged Partridge, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Kestrel.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.