Recently, I was delighted to provide a birding trip to the mountains of Valencia for a client from Scotland who now lives in Honduras. After a few days of stormy weather we were happy to see blue skies and sunshine.
After a short drive into the highland interior of the Valencia region, we stopped for a coffee break before heading into the mountains where we spotted the first Griffon Vultures, one of the target species for the day. We also had nice views of Barn Swallow, House Martins and Common Swift.
The Griffon Vulture breeds on the high mountain crags of Valencia
We then had views of another target bird – the Short-toed Eagle. Just few meters ahead of us we spotted a pair of Black Redstarts that were breeding in a ruined farm building, also the call of Sardinian Warblers caught our attention.
Black Redstart
We continued our way to the source of the river, one of the best spots to observe dippers in the Valencia region. We also had a good view of a Great Spotted Woodpecker and Golden Oriole and we were entertained by a Blue Tit constantly visiting its nest.
A little further in the valley, we stopped to listen to Melodious Warbler and subsequently got good views of a pair of them. Crag Martins were nesting above us in the cliffs and Ravens were displaying.
Next stop was exciting… the first Egyptian Vulture, another of the targets of the day and we also enjoyed a great show of a Peregrine Falcon being chased by Choughs.
Egyptian Vulture
In the afternoon we finally arrived to the Vultures’ colony, many Griffon’s were on the cliff and we could also spot the Egyptians in the nest. Another highlight of this spot was a great view of a Booted Eagle, also being chased by Choughs.
Booted Eagle
Before heading back down to valley level, we had sightings of Rock Bunting, Firecrest and Serin.
Extremely happy with the sightings of the day we decided to do a short walk beside the river to finish the trip. As we were walking a Savi’s Warbler came out of the reed beds, another highlight of the day.
The species list for the day included…
Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Common Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Alpine Swift, Common Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Jay, Chough, Raven, Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Dipper, Firecrest, Cetti’s Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Spotless Starling, White Wagtail, Rock Bunting, Goldfinch, House Sparrow.