A few days ago, I had the pleasure to organise a guided birding trip to Albufera de Valencia for a couple from the Netherlands. They were experienced birders, keen to discover new species from this region.
After I collected them from their hotel in Valencia, we drove to the first stop in a reserve area, which right now is becoming a local “hotspot”. We were amazed with fantastic views of Booted Eagles and Marsh Harrier, also Little Grebe and Kingfisher displaying right in front of us. We also enjoyed good sightings of many waterfowl and wader species.
Second stop was in a restricted reserve and green filter area where we were welcomed by Spoonbills flying overhead. Many Glossy Ibis and waders where feeding in the shallow water of the fields.
Glossy Ibis
Next stop was by a small lake, which by this time of the year becomes a great spot for wintering and migratory birds. Black-necked Grebes were among the target species here.
It had been a special birding day with many great sightings. These included…
Mallard, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Black-necked Gribe, Little Grebe, Great Cormorant, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Coot, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Black-winged Stilt, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Kentish Plover, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Southern Grey Shrike, Magpie, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Crag Martin, Penduline Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Starling, Spotless Starling, Moustached Warbler, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Serin, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow.