Last week I was fortunate enough to enjoy a super day with a couple of new clients from UK. Valerie and Roger had only recently taken up bird watching but their knowledge is growing fast and they wanted to take their first guided trip. It would have been easy to take them to a wetland site where the species diversity is huge, but I didn´t want them to miss the “specialist” species that visit the mountains of Valencia in Spring. Most of the target species for this trip are summer visitors, and as Valerie and Roger may make a return trip in the autumn, it made sense to take the opportunity to spend a day in the mountains this month.
Dipper
After the drive from Valencia, and a brief coffee stop we parked the car and had a short walk alongside a river. This is one of the few sites in the area where Dipper breed, so we opted to sit still for a while, hoping that one would appear. A couple of very fast “fly pasts” confirmed their presence, but after ten more minutes, one came to rest, giving us great views.
We then turned our attention to the House Martins, Crag Martins, Barn Swallows and Red Rumped Swallows, focussing on the ID characteristics of all. After a short drive higher into the valley we stopped to scan a cliff face. This gave good views of Raven, Chough and Griffon Vulture. We also enjoyed superb views of a Booted Eagle.
Booted Eagle – Photo kindly provided by Richard Smth
We then moved on to the highest point of the circuit where we were hoping to see Short Toed Eagle and Egyptian Vulture. Again, a little patience is required for both species, so we made ourselves comfortable and enjoyed a picnic lunch whilst constantly watching the cliffs. We enjoyed watching Griffon Vultures with chicks through the scope, and then a couple of smaller birds caught our eye. A pair of Short Toed Eagles glided across the valley in front of use, giving magnificent views. One even had a snake hanging from its talons!
Short-toed Eagle
We enjoyed further views of Choughs and nesting Griffon Vultures, then suddenly a pale bird flew into sight – the Egyptian Vulture. Our patience was greatly rewarded, and we spent around half an hour watching this spectacular bird flying across the face of the cliffs, coming to rest on several ledges.
Distant flight shot of Egyptian Vulture
Delighted with our sightings so far, I was keen for Valerie and Roger to see Bee Eaters – Europe´s most colourful bird, and one which had recently begun to arrive back in the region from their wintering grounds in Africa. We drove back down the mountain and then into an area of farmland where they are reliably seen. The first couple of stops were unsuccessful, but we did get to see Crested Lark, Skylark and further views of both Booted and Short Toed Eagle.
Their call eventually gave them away, although at first they were rather distant. I opted again for patience, which fortunately paid dividends – the pair came to rest on telegraph wires much closer, giving fabulous views. A great way to end the day!
Bee Eater
Happy with the day´s sightings we made our way back to Valencia. It had been a pleasure to provide this trip for such a great couple, and I hope that they return home inspired to continue this fabulous hobby.
The species list for the day included…
Serin, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Skylark, Crested Lark, Raven, Chough, Bee Eater, House Martin, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red Rumped Swallow, Swift, Kestrel, Booted Eagle, Short Toed Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.