Last week I was especially pleased to provide a day of birding in Valencia for returning clients Valerie and Roger, from UK. Last year we enjoyed a day trip to the mountains in the Spring, and this time they were keen to see the wetland site of Albufera de Valencia during the autumn migration period. Both relative newcomers to birding, their knowledge was growing very fast and they´d obvioulsy spent a lot of time birding back home in previous months. It was fantastic to see this knowledge growth and to enjoy their enthusiasm for this fabulous hobby.
Our first visit to a restricted reserve area provided good views of Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Black Tailed Godwits and Grey Plover. We also enjoyed fabulous views of a female Marsh Harrier perched in the top of a nearby tree. A special moment for Valerie in particular was the sight of a flock of Greater Flamingoes in flight, always a spectacle to remember.
Greater Flamingoes in flight
Our next stop was at a small lagoon where we focussed on the smaller waders including Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover as well as Little Stint. We also had great views of Slender Billed and Audouin´s Gull. The open water held Black Necked Grebe and a juvenile Black Tern was flying over the reeds by the shore.
Audouin´s Gull
As we walked back to the car through the forest, we watched huge flocks of passing Barn Swallows and House Martins and had good views of a Booted Eagle in flight. Also in the forest we saw a huge and extremely colourful caterpillar which was that of the Acherontia atropos or Death´s Head Hawkmoth.
After a picnic lunch by the side of an old Albufera fishing port we headed for our last spot of the day. This was another reserve area very close to the main lake. Our attention was caught by a small flock of terns that were noisily calling as they flew low over the water. Their huge bills were immediately clear – Caspian Terns.
A Kingfisher darted by, and Sand Martins passed overhear. A Great Egret was wading through a lagoon and eventually, with a little patience, we succeeded in seeing Purple Swamphen.
Purple Swamphen
I´d really enjoyed spending the day with Valerie and Roger once more, and sincerely hope to welcome them back to Valencia and its birdlife on their next trip.
The species list for the day included…
Cetti’s Warbler (h), Mallard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Black Tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Greater Flamingo, Shoveler, Spotless Starling, Glossy Ibis, Audouin’s Gull, Slender Billed Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Grey Heron, Great Tit, Robin, Long Tailed Tit, Black Tern, Black Necked Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Sandwich Tern, Little Egret, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Booted Eagle, Kingfisher, Caspian Tern, Coot, Moorhen, Great Egret, Purple Swamphen, Sand Martin.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.