I recently enjoyed a great day´s autumn birding in Valencia with a couple from Holland. Both experienced and well travelled birders, they were interested in seeing the region´s bird life, and especially wanted to photograph the Hoopoe.
After collecting them from their hotel in the city, we made the short drive to Albufera de Valencia where we began the day in a protected reserve area. We saw both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt and Dunlin. The next hide gave quite brief but excellent views of Kingfisher.
Bar Tailed Godwit
We then moved onto another restricted reserve where we spent more time, enjoying great views of waders and aquatic birds including Little Stint, Ringed Plover, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Swamphen and Great Egret.
Spoonbill
After lunch we travelled to a favourite spot for Hoopoe, hoping to get good enough views to allow for photographs. After a little patience and searching, we succeeded. This spectacular bird is always very popular with visitors from northern Europe.
Hoopoe
The day was brought to an end with a visit to a small coastal lagoon where we had great views of Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Audouin´s Gull and a dark form Booted Eagle.
Kentish Plover
The day had passed so quickly, but we had to head off to the airport to get the clients to their flight in good time.
It had been a pleasure to spend the day with such lovely people. I hope to welcome them back to this fabulous region soon.
The species list for the day included :
Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Booted Eagle (dark form), Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Shelduck, Moorhen, Coot, Purple Swamphen, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Black Winged Stilt, Avocet, Glossy Ibis, Black Tailed Godwit, Bar Tailed Godwit, Spoonbill, Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Red Legged Partridge, Hoopoe, Greenfinch, Serin, Black Redstart, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Starling, Kingfisher, Chiffchaff, Cetti´s Warbler, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Crested Lark, Audouin´s Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull
Written by Dave Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.