A few days ago, I had the pleasure to organise a day of guided birding in Albufera de Valencia for a couple from Norfolk, England who were visiting Valencia aboard a cruise ship. They were experienced birders, keen to discover new species from this region.
Valencia Birding
After I collected them from the Cruise Ship Terminal in Valencia, we drove to the first stop in a reserve area, which right now is becoming a local “hotspot”. We were delighted to have fantastic views of Booted Eagles and Marsh Harrier, also Little Grebe and Kingfisher were showing well right in front of us. We also enjoyed good sightings of many waterfowl and wader species.
Booted Eagle – Photo kindly provided by Richard Smth
The second stop was in a restricted reserve and green filter area where we were welcomed by a large flock of Glossy Ibis flying overhead. Many Purple Swamphens and waders where feeding in the shallow water of the fields.
Glossy Ibis in flight
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.
Black Necked Grebe
It had been a special birding day with many great sightings.
The species list of the day included…
Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Black Stork, Crane, Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Grey Heron, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great-crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great Cormmorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Stint, Dunling, Greenshank, Redshank, Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Red-legged Partridge, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Starling, Blackbird, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Brambling, Stonechat, Black Redstart, Robin, Serin, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow.