Last weekend I provided a trip for a couple of birders from Valencia. The trip was booked as a birthday present for Cristina by one of her friends, and after a few email exchanges, we opted to spend the day on the steppe. The weather on the day was perfect – very little wind, clear blue skies and no rain. The steppe area can be very cold in autumn and winter so comfortable, sunny days are a luxury!
Having made the journey from Valencia, and enjoyed the obligatory morning coffee stop, we headed out across the fields in search of birds. Crested Larks were around in good numbers, and were Spotless Starlings. A Marsh Harrier was flying low over an area of reeds and the scrub held Stonechat, Goldfinch and Black Redstart. The first target bird was soon found – Rock Sparrow, a resident bird in this area. A pair of Buzzards circled overhead and a Hoopoe flew quickly past. Not a bad start to the day.
Rock Sparrow
As we drove off-road, heading across the vast cereal fields, we were on the look-out for Sandgrouse and Great Bustard. A huge flock of Linnet caught our eye, as did yet more Common Buzzard. Then, we experienced one of those special birding moments that stay in the memory forever! We first of all spotted a few birds flying fast and low over the fields, so we got out of the car and set up the scopes. We found that the birds had come to rest on the ground, and identified them as Black-bellied Sandgrouse. As we were watching them, we heard calls from birds high overhead, and turned to see a sizeable flock of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Although they didn’t land, we enjoyed great views. No sooner had we lowered the binoculars, than a flock of ten Great Bustards flew across our spot, giving excellent views. We’d have been more than happy with all of that, but as I turned to look around and behind us, a Golden Eagle flew into view, circling relatively close by. All of that happened in the space of less than ten minutes!! Amazing!
Golden Eagle
Quite emotional from that experience, we got back into the car and headed for a lagoon. Along the way, we came across another small group of Great Bustards. They were relatively close to the car, so we remained in the vehicle so as not to disturb them. Once at the lagoon, we saw Redshank, Greater Flamingo, Shoveler and Teal. Further scanning of the surrounding fields yielded yet more Great Bustards.
Great Bustards
The next stop on our trip was by another lagoon, which usually holds some interesting birds. Today was no exception, and as we sat eating lunch, we watched Black-necked Grebe, White-headed Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Purple Swamphen and plenty more Marsh Harriers. We ended the day with a drive onto the high steppe, where I was hoping to see a few recently arrived Cranes. There were quite a few Lapwings around and we also had good views of Little Owl and Iberian Grey Shrike. As we arrived at the spot where I was hoping to see Cranes, I was delighted to see four of them, all resting by a lagoon. They will surely be joined by plenty more as we enter into the colder months.
Iberian Grey Shrike
Delighted with the day, we returned to the car and headed back across the fields, stopping on the way to watch a small flock of Calandra Lark that brought the trip to a great end by coming to rest not far from the track. It had been yet another wonderful day up on these highland plains and one that I’m sure we’ll remember for a long time to come.
The species list for the day included…
Carrion Crow, Crested Lark, Spotless Starling, Rock Sparrow, Marsh Harrier, Stonechat, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Buzzard, Black Redstart, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Hoopoe, Black Bellied Sandgrouse, Kestrel, Great Bustard, Golden Eagle, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Yellow Legged Gull, Greater Flamingo, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Red Crested Pochard, White Wagtail, Common Pochard, Little Grebe, White Headed Duck, Purple Swamphen, Common Coot, Lapwing, Crane, Little Owl, Calandra Lark, Collared Dove, Black-winged Stilt.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Owner & Birding Guide at Valencia Birding