I recently provided a 2-day trip for Gordon and Heather from the UK. They are very experienced birders who we met at the British Bird Fair last year. They had planned a trip in their motorhome and wanted to include two days of birding with us when they were in the Valencia region. We agreed on a day in the mountains and a day on the steppe.
First, to the mountains… After I collected them at their campsite beside the beach we made the relaxed drive to our first stop in a quarry surrounded by natural crags too. Our targets were Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheater, Rock Sparrow and Bonelli’s Eagle. We did succeed with most of them except for the eagle. We decided to keep going and try again on the way back.
Then, after a drive up to a high peak, followed by a short walk, we arrived on the summit of a 1,000m mountain. Here, our goal was Alpine Accentor. Sadly, they were nowhere to be seen, so we continued with our planned route, agreeing to return to the peak in the afternoon. When we did, they were there! Great news as this was a lifer for Gordon and Heather!
Then we headed to a cliff which is home to a Griffon Vulture colony. The same day, Dave was also guiding with Christopher & Gill in the same area, so we arranged to meet there for lunch. We did so, and also enjoyed great views of Peregrine Falcon, Red-billed Chough, Raven, Crag Martin and Crested Tit.
After that, we moved on to try again with our attempts to see the Bonelli´s Eagle. This time we all enjoyed perfect timing! As soon as we got out of the cars, a male Bonelli´s Eagle appeared, swooping and diving in the air right above us. What a perfect ending to a beautiful day!
The species list for the day included…
Bonelli’s Eagle, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Griffon Vulture, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Red-billed Chough, Raven, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Alpine Accentor, Rock Sparrow, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Crag Martin, House Martin, Serin, Dunnock, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Crested Lark, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit.
Our second day was to the steppe, principally to find another lifer for Gordon and Heather – Black Bellied Sandgrouse.
We had an early start and once on site, began exploring the fields. A few minutes later we spotted the first flock of Great Bustard, one of the other targets of this trip!
Great Bustard
We were in the right spot as just a few metres from the Great Bustard, the first two Black-bellied Sandgrouse were flying over our heads. From that moment we spotted three different flocks of many birds – mission accomplished!
It was a fantastic day with many great views of amazing birds…Golden Eagle, Stone Curlew, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark and also a flock of Cranes.
Cranes
With Gordon and Heather both very happy, we returned to Valencia. Both fantastic birders and very nice people, I would be happy to welcome them back anytime!
The species list for the day included…
Red Legged Partridge, Crested Lark, Corn Bunting, Magpie, Calandra Lark, Black-necked Grebe, Goldfinch, Linnet, Greenfinch, Stonechat, Carrion Crow, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Lapwing, Great Bustard, Buzzard, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling, Iberian Grey Shrike, Black Bellied Sandgrouse, Mallard, Pochard, Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler, Coot, Marsh Harrier, Shelduck, Yellow Legged Gull, Golden Eagle, Raven, Crane, Little Owl, Common Buzzard.