The autonomous region of the “Comunidad Valenciana” comprises three provinces – Castellon, Valencia and Alicante. In terms of a birding destination, perhaps the best known is that of Valencia, especially for its huge wetland site of Albufera. However, the province of Alicante contains some fascinating habitats, including some excellent wetland reserves where a great deal of critically important conservation work takes place. Over the years, I´ve enjoyed many trips to this region with clients and friends, so was looking forward to spending last Friday there.
The wetlands of Alicante, with its mountainous interior in the background
Together with friends Itzy and Bea, I began the day at a coastal saltpan where we saw huge numbers of Greater Flamingo, large gatherings of Great Crested Grebe and Northern Shoveler as well as Audouin´s Gull and Slender-billed Gull. That was all within the first five minutes! We wanted to devote most of our time to the vast wetlands that have played such an important role in the conservation of Marbled Teal and Red-knobbed Coot. This area also provides wintering grounds for Spotted Eagle, which migrate from north east Europe. Their return is always cause for great excitement and anticipation.
Marbled Teal
We delighted in seeing the Marbled Teals, a few Red-knobbed Coots, and a little later a Bluethroat and good numbers of Purple Swamphens. Careful scanning revealed a small group of Snipe, and other shorebirds included Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Little Stint, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet.
Red-knobbed Coot
Chiffchaffs seemed to be everywhere, Stonechats too and we also had a brief view of a Dartford Warbler – well spotted by Bea! Cetti´s Warbler was heard throughout the day and seen on a few occassions and another bird that we heard but did not manage to see was the elusive Water Rail.
Walking to the hides (photo by Itzy Colodro Sainz)
We spent the afternoon in a couple of hides that overlook a huge lagoon, the autumnal light adding to the peace and tranquility of the environment. We spotted a small group of White Headed Ducks, and also saw Black-necked Grebe, Shelduck, passing flocks of Glossy Ibis and Lapwings as well as good numbers of Marsh Harriers that also use this area as a wintering ground. Other raptors included Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, and especially appropriate for Itzy, an Osprey as she is instrumental in a conservation project to reintroduce them to our region.
Enjoying the last light of the day! (Photo by Beatriz Capdevila Colomer)
We left as the sun was setting, having had a very special day. Although the wetlands of Alicante are probably its best known habitat, the area also has rugged peaks, stunning marine environments, Mediterranean scrub and desert as well as a small area of steppe. More on all of that later!
Written by Dave Warrington