I recently had the pleasure of providing a day of guided birding at Albufera de Valencia for an Englsih lady called Judy, who has lived in southern France for many years. A very well travelled and experienced birder, she wanted to explore this huge wetland site and to experience at first hand the bird life that thrives here. Having collected Judy from her hotel, we made the short trip to one of Albufera’s key reserve area where we looked out over a small lagoon. Here we saw Greenshank, Dunlin, Black-winged Stilt, Teal, Shelduck and Common Pochard. A Zitting Cisticola called from nearby reeds and Chiffchaffs and Sardinian Warblers constantly flitted around, feeding on insects in the vegetation.
We then stopped at a salt-water lagoon where we had quality views of Black-necked Grebe, Little Egret and Slender-billed Gull. Crag Martins were feeding on the wing in huge numbers, and whilst we were watching them, a Booted Eagle suddenly flew over, circling above us, giving excellent views.
We then headed across the rice fields, stopping along the way to watch Marsh Harriers hunting over the reed beds. In the muddy rice paddies we also saw Meadow Pipits, large flocks of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and even greater gatherings of White Wagtails! Judy also spotted a Bluethroat at the edge of a canal.
Slender Billed Gull
Once inside the next reserve area we enjoyed watching Greater Flamingo, Purple Swamphen, Reed Bunting, Little Grebe and Snipe. We enjoyed lunch in a hide, entertained by constant views of Marsh Harriers – Albufera is a key wintering ground for this very graceful raptor.
Marsh Harrier
At this time of year, the rice fields are being drained and ploughed, in readiness for the planting phase. When this happens, the mud is churned up, revealing rich food sources for gulls, egrets and ibis. The vast numbers of birds that can be seen in the fields is nothing short of breathtaking, so we couldn’t miss this spectacle. Having driven around for a short while in search of tractors, we soon found one, and parked up to witness the show!
Glossy Ibis
Glossy Ibis and Gulls (mainly Black-headed)
The day had passed so quickly, but it had been an absolute delight to spend it with Judy, and to share her company and enthusiasm. The species list for the day included…
Greenshank, Dunlin, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Grebe, Black Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Teal, Common Pochard, Black-winged Stilt, Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola, Wood Pigeon, Chiffchaff, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Slender-billed Gull, Crag Martin, Booted Eagle, Cormorant, Little Egret, Robin, Yellow-legged Gull, Marsh Harrier, Great Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Grey Heron, Hoopoe, Moorhen, Kestrel, Spotless Starling, Kingfisher, Great Egret, House Sparrow, Bluethroat, Purple Swamphen, Chaffinch, Coot, Reed Bunting, Glossy Ibis, Snipe, Greater Flamingo, Common Starling, Black-headed Gull, Cattle Egret.
Written by Dave Warrington.