Thanks to the continuing support of our client base, this Spring has been an exceptionally busy time for us here at Valencia Birding. Therefore, there are still many trip reports to write which I´m sure will bring back some very happy memories for Yanina and I. However, here´s a brief report on a multi-day trip that we provided for a returning client who wanted to enjoy some bird photography in early Spring. Stephen has been on many trips with us so knows the area well. This time he wanted a combination of field and hide photography.
Red Knobbed Coot
The highlights of the trip included a long day of field photography in the Alicante area. Here, he was most interested in species including White Headed Duck, Red Knobbed Coot, Marbled Teal and Purple Swamphen.
Marbled Teal
It was a long day but very worthwhile. Despite rain during the journey from Valencia, by the time we arrived in the south of our region, the weather had dried up and we were able to get some great photos. We started the day by getting shots of Purple Swamphen before moving to Red Knobbed Coot and Marbled Teal.
Purple Swamphen
After lunch which we enjoyed in a small village, we moved to another site where we were able to get nice photos of White Headed Duck and a hybrid Pochard x Ferruginous Duck.
Hybrid Pochard x Ferruginous Duck
Despite some rather muddy conditions, we were happy with the species seen and with the quality of the views and of the shots.
White Headed Duck
The next two days were spent with Yanina, the highlight being a session in a “new” hide for us. After an early start, they drove into the mountains and spent the morning in a vulture hide.
Some patience was required but they eventually managed to get stunning shots of both Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture.
They also spent time in a passerine hide which provided photo opportunities of species including Black Wheatear, Common Kestrel, Blue Rock Thrush and Hoopoe.
It was great to welcome Stephen back to Valencia and once again to design a bespoke trip for him. We hope that by now he will have sorted through his many photos and that he´ll have some to treasure!