I recently had the pleasure to provide a 2 day guided birding break from Valencia for a couple of returning clients from England. It was fantastic to welcome Saff and Andy back to Valencia and spend these days together with them. They first came last autumn when they were guided by Dave to the wetlands of Albufera de Valencia. They became good friends and decided to meet for a coffee the day before the trips.
They were keen to see different species and habitats this time, so we decided to visit the steppe and the mountains to provide them with their target species in these diverse environments. They were staying in the city centre combining a cultural city break with a couple of days of birding.
Birding on the steppe
On day one, we made the trip to the steppe, the goal of the day was Great Bustard. So after a journey to the area of interest we started birding as soon as we arrived, scanning the fields. At first we had good sightings of Crested Larks, Thekla Lark, Rock Sparrow and Iberian Grey Shrike.
On the way to the next site, we had to stop suddenly to get great views of a male Hen Harrier.
We then visited a brackish lagoon where we had a picnic lunch whilst enjoying views of Flamingos, Marsh Harrier, Little Grebe and many waterfowl.
The challenge for the afternoon was to find the Great Bustards, and after a short stop to enjoy fabulous views of Little Owls, we finally found the first group.
Great Bustard
We continued exploring the fields, driving along farm tracks and throughout the afternoon, we stopped many times to enjoy watching various big groups of Great bustards, as well as Red-legged Partridge and Hoopoe.
We had a great day with some quality views of some great birds. The species list for the day included…
Great Bustard, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Stonechat, Mistle Thrush, Spotless Starling, Kestrel, Magpie, Crow, Rock Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, Iberian Grey Shrike, Black Redstart, Common Buzzard, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Chaffinch, Coot, Mallard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Flamingo, Green Woodpecker, Marsh Harrier, Lapwing, Little Owl, Hen Harrier, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove.
Day two was to be spent up on the mountains, so we had a slightly earlier start and made the comfortable drive into the interior of the region. Once up there we enjoyed a brief coffee stop during which we discussed the target birds of the day. Bonelli’s Eagle and Alpine Accentor would be “lifers” for both so they were to be the obvious priority.
Birding in the mountains
First stop was in the territory of a pair of Bonelli’s Eagles, by this time of the year the female should be incubating so our chances of seeing them was limited. After a few minutes enjoying great views of Black Wheater, we saw a male Bonelli’s Eagle flying over us! It was a very special moment for Saff and Andy.
Next stop was on top of a 1000 metre peak to look for Alpine Accentor. These birds winter in the Valencia region and are so confident that you can stand just a few metres from them without disturbing them.
After the mission of Alpine Accentor was accomplished, we continued driving inland to a Griffon Vulture colony, surrounded by magnificent scenery.
Despite the fact that many vultures were already nesting we could enjoyed great views of some flying over us.
Griffon Vulture
To end two great days of birding and many good sightings, we spotted a Peregrine Falcon preening on top of the gorge.
These had been very special trips with such nice people. We hope to welcome Andy and Saff back soon!
Species list of the mountain trip…
Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Common Kestrel, Griffon Vulture, Chough, Raven, Magpie, Eurasian Crag Martin, Crested Lark, Alpine Accentor, Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Black Wheatear, Eurasian Blackbird, Common Chaffinch, Common Crossbill, Goldfinch, Serin, Greenfinch, Linnet, Short-toed Treecreeper, Firecrest, Cetti’s Warbler, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove.