The entire coast of the Valencia Region contains an extensive network of wetlands, which collectively make this area crucially important for migrating birds, especially as it’s located right on a major flyway. For those who choose to visit the southern reaches of the region, the area around Alicante is well worth a trip, as it too contains some excellent freshwater and saltwater wetland reserves. That’s not to mention the vast rural interior of the area, which comprises mountain, farmland, forest, desert and steppe!
One of Alicante’s many wetland reserves.
Last week I organised a day´s birding for John, choosing to focus on just one of the area’s wetlands, which is always a treat and usually throws up a few surprises too. We weren´t to be disappointed, as and usual the day passed so quickly that we were left with longings to return as soon as possible. But that’ll be another story before long…
After a quick morning coffee, we drove slowly across an area of farmland to the reserve, enjoying good views of a Booted Eagle that was circling over the fields. A few Barn Swallows and House Martins were passing through and a Buzzard also made a brief appearance in flight, closely followed by a Hoopoe. We entered the reserve and began our walk, stopping firstly to chat to a friend who works there who told us of three Ospreys that had been seen recently. From their ring data it was clear that two were from breeding grounds in Germany whilst the other was from the UK, all three obviously using the reserve as a resting and feeding point on their southerly migration.
Red-knobbed Coot
The first lagoon gave us good views of Red-knobbed Coot, the horns still clearly visible, as well as plenty of Black-winged Stilt and Glossy Ibis. As we sat in the first hide, movement from the reeds caught our attention, and after a few seconds we were watching a Common Reed Warbler feeding right in front of us. On or next to the water were also Red Crested Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Shelduck.
The next hide gave excellent views of Green Sandpiper, Greater Flamingo and Ringed Plover. Once we began the walk back to the car and subsequent lunch spot, we saw a Spotted Flycatcher, Cetti’s Warbler, White Wagtail and Spotless Starling. Then as we were watching a Kestrel in flight, another falcon caught our eye, and we were thrilled to see it was a juvenile Hobby.
Green Sandpiper
After a picnic lunch in the shade, overlooking a small pond that held Common Coot, Moorhen and Purple Swamphen, we moved to another couple of hides on the other side of the reserve. As we sat and waited, scanning over open water, a Common Sandpiper suddenly appeared and perched on top of a wooden pole, not its usual pose! There was also a small gathering of Black-tailed Godwits, huge numbers of Flamingo and a few Squacco Herons.
Greater Flamingo
Time was passing all quickly, as it so often does when out birding, so we decided to move to the next hide. The surrounding reed-fringed lagoons were full of the calls of Little Grebe, Purple Swamphen and Cetti’s Warbler – the typical soundtrack of Mediterranean wetlands! After a few minutes walk, we arrived at the next hide, where we set up the scopes and waited to see what would bring the day to a close. We weren’t to be disappointed. A small flock of Avocet passed by, coming to rest in the water together with Black-winged Stilts. Then, as we were watching a beautiful female Marsh Harrier in the soft afternoon light, we noticed another raptor. Although in the distance, it was flying towards us and soon came to rest on a wooden post in the lagoon. We were happy to see it was an Osprey, probably one of the birds that we’d been told about earlier in the day. It remained on the post for around 20 minutes before taking flight and moving away to the south east.
The Osprey that gave us some fabulous views before eventually heading off
We’d had a great day, and had enjoyed seeing many birds that were obviously making their way through the region on their voyage towards Africa, prompting us to reflect on the wonder of migration and the “bigger picture” that days out in the field only allow a glimpse of. As we were packing away the gear, a small group of Spoonbills flew slowly by, bringing a fabulous day to a very special ending.
Alicante’s wetlands not only provide venues for some fabulous birding trips, but they are also the site of many conservation projects that have helped to protect some key species such as Marbled Teal, Red-knobbed Coot, White-headed Duck and much more. It’s a privilege to have them so close to home.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Owner & Birding Guide at Valencia Birding.