This week I very much enjoyed a day´s birding around the wetlands of Valencia with Simon and Sarah from England. They were staying in the historical quarter of Valencia, combining the rich culture of the city with a guided birding trip to make an ideal pre-Christmas break. They were both keen birders and lovers of the outdoors, so we make a few tweaks to the wetlands trip to include a little more walking.
The day began quite cloudy with a cold northerly breeze, so after the short drive from Valencia, we wrapped up and headed out along the beach. The first thing that caught our eye were the Marsh Harriers that were gliding over the huge reed beds, above which were great numbers of Crag Martins feeding on the wing. Stonechats and Chiffchaffs were more than abundant and a Black Redstart make a brief appearance too. Then we had quality views of one of the day’s target species – Audouin’s Gull.
Audouin’s Gull
Continuing along the beach, Sarah spotted a Cetti’s Warbler flitting around in the reeds as well as a small flock of Reed Buntings. The first lagoon held Shoveler, Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Teal, Little Grebe and Coot. We stood, enjoying constant views of Marsh Harriers with the mountains of inland Valencia as the backdrop, but it was beginnning to get quite cold, so we put on another layer and continued our walk!
Teal
We spent a little time watching an area of coastal scrub that often holds plenty of passerines, and eventually had views of Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Crested Lark, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit and Sardinian Warbler. A visit to a hide gave us views of Lapwing, Black Winged Stilt, yet more Teal and another of our target birds – White Headed Duck. By now the cloud cover was breaking up and we began to feel the warmth of the sun. This welcome relief gave us the motivation to stroll back down the coast and as the sky cleared even more, we enjoyed lunch on the pebble beach, chatting and looking out to sea.
Stonechat
We’d had very brief views of Kingfisher early that morning, but as we walked by an irrigation canal, one flew up onto an overhanging reed and stayed there, its turquoise back glowing in the sunlight. Simon and Sarah were both delighted to see this stunning little bird so well, so we were very careful not to disturb it by trying to get closer. Instead, we remained still and enjoyed some fabulous views. It was a little far to get quality photos, but there are often more important things, and seeing the happiness that this little bird brought was far more rewarding than anything else.
Kingfisher
Before moving further inland, we had a coffee stop in the village then headed for an area of farmland and scrub. Time had passed so quickly, and the sun was already beginning to dip towards the hills, but we began another walk, taking in the final hour or so of daylight. What a special time this was – we had a beautiful view of a Zitting Cisticola with the low evening sun really bringing its colour to life. Then fabulous views of Booted Eagle, both perched and in flight. A Hoopoe flew by and once on top of a small hill overlooking the reserve, we wondered at the sight of dozens of Marsh Harriers coming to roost, as well as distant murmurations of Starlings.
Zitting Cisticola
Dusk was eventually upon us, so we strolled back to the car and headed back to Valencia. It had been a special day out in the field, once more with lovely people and some great birding moments.
The list for the day included…
Marsh Harrier, Grey Heron, Collared Dove, Crag Martin, Spotless Starling, Cormorant, White Wagtail, Black Redstart, Robin, House Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Audouin’s Gull, Serin, Cetti’s Warbler, Shoveler, Mallard, Reed Bunting, Zitting Cisticola, Common Coot, Little Grebe, Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Kingfisher, Teal, Sardinian Warbler, Goldfinch, Crested Lark, Greenfinch, Kestrel, White Headed Duck, Lapwing, Black Winged Stilt, Magpie, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Legged Gull, Buzzard, Blackbird, Booted Eagle, Grey Wagtail, Moorhen, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Hoopoe, Wood Pigeon, Great Tit.
Written by Dave Warrington.