Our “Mountain Birdlife – Spring & Summer” trip has been an extremely popular choice from the moment of its creation and I´ve had many happy days with clients who have enjoyed the magnificent birds that can be seen on this outing. However, I´m always looking to improve and evolve and one of the relatively few positives that the Corona Virus situation has given me is more time to do just that. I´ve spent a few days exploring some new areas around the general vicinity of the sites where this trip takes us to, with a view to adding more habitat diversity. After a few unproductive outings, my efforts were rewarded and I´m now delighted to report that I´ve been able to improve this already fabulous trip.
Bonelli´s Eagle
Last week, I carried out a “test drive” using my friend John as a willing guinea pig! We made the comfortable and very scenic journey from Valencia, and stopped briefly at our first spot to look for Bonelli´s Eagle. After only a few moments, we had super views of a young bird in flight. (This trip can also be adapted to include a session in a photography hide where this magnificent raptor can be photographed). We also saw Woodchat Shrike, Raven and Long Tailed Tit.
Woodchat Shrike
We then moved on to our next spot which is by a beautiful river. Dipper breed here as do Nightingale, Golden Oriole and Crested Tit. Short Toed Eagle, Booted Eagle and Melodious Warbler are also regular. The sound of the rushing water mixed with the song of Nightingale and the call of Golden Oriole really is magical. Suddenly, a small group of Griffon Vultures appeared directly overhead, providing quality views. As we headed further up into the mountains, we saw Black Wheatear, Common Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and hundreds of Crag Martins.
Griffon Vulture
Upon arrival at one of the viewing spots that looks across to a huge rock face, we began to scan around. Griffon Vultures were around in good numbers, many with young on the nests. We also had views of Red-billed Chough, Alpine Swift and a Peregrine Falcon. We waited, hoping to see Egyptian Vulture. After only about twenty minutes, one suddenly appeared, flying across the rock face before perching atop a rock pinnacle to preen in the warmth of the midday sun.
Egyptian Vulture (atop the rock pinnacle)
Having enjoyed some great views, we got back in the car and headed for my “new” area. The habitat changed quickly from towering crags to much more gentle rolling fields of cereal crops with pine forests as a backdrop. We had views of Common Buzzard, Hoopoe, Stonechat, Serin and Corn Bunting.
Spring flowers at the margins of cereal fields
A bird that really added something special to the day was the extremely smart Black Eared Wheatear, of which we had good views of several individuals. We made various stops, scanning around the fields, and during one such stop, a large raptor appeared off to our left. The day was to become even more special…we quickly grabbed the binoculars and were thrilled to see an adult Golden Eagle!
Black Eared Wheatear
More than happy with the modification of the trip, it was then as if it became officially endorsed – a Bee Eater flew straight across the front of the car and perched right next to us! There have been many moments in my life when a bird has suddenly appeared at an extremely significant moment, and this was one of them. Another that springs to mind was during a tough day out on my mountain bike, and although pretty exhausted, I still had around 10km left to go. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a Short Toed Eagle plummeted to earth, taking a snake off the path right in front of me. I watched as it carried the unfortunate creature off into the clear blue sky, my jaw dropping in amazement. It surely gave me the boost of energy that I needed to pedal those last few kilometres!
Bee Eater
We eventually reached the end of the track, reaching a tarmac lane that took us through a remote mountain village and eventually over the back of one of the region´s 1000 metre peaks. The view from the top was stunning, and I´m sure that if we had more time, we´d have been able to sit and scan the skies for more raptors. But, we had to head home, but did so more than happily.
I´m delighted that I´ve been able to further develop this trip. When clients visit, they´ve usually come a long way to do so and deserve my best efforts. Once we find ourselves in times that are a little safer, I look forward to enjoying this very special corner of Valencia with them. Until then, here´s a brief video clip of the Bee Eater…
Written by Dave Warrington.