2nd April 2022
March 2022 was the wettest on record for over 60 years, which in some ways was a positive point as the mountains and hills of our region were previously very dry and its reservoirs were unusually low. That all changed very quickly! The prolonged wet weather had a delaying effect on migratory bird movement, so as soon as the rain stopped and the sun broke through, we were expecting a migration explosion!
With perfect timing, I was delighted to meet Abhishek and Shweta from India and to spend the day with them at the Valencian Coastal Wetlands. Having collected them from Valencia city, we made the short trip to the coast and began our walk.
The skies were absolutely full of Barn Swallows and House Martins, amongst which were some Common and Pallid Swifts. As we walked by a few bushes on the way to the beach, we saw Serin, Stonechat and Spotless Starling, but upon reaching the shore, we had our first “target” species, Audouin’s Gull. This very elegant gull has an established breeding population in the Valencia region.
Audouin’s Gull
We spent a little time at a viewing platform, scanning across a lagoon. Some interesting wildfowl was on display, including White Headed Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Common Pochard and Red Crested Pochard. We also had nice views of a recently arrived Whiskered Tern.
Red Crested Pochard with Shoveler and Teal
We continued or walk along the beach, stopping to watch Marsh Harriers and a Purple Swamphen in flight. Zitting Cisticola were constantly calling and the grassland held big numbers of Yellow Wagtail. We then had good views of a small group of Collared Pratincole, which had arrived only in the previous few days.
Yellow Wagtail
We visited a couple of hides from which we saw Mediterranean Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Glossy Ibis, and Garganey. The stream of Barn Swallows and House Martins continued, now joined by plenty of Red Rumped Swallows too.
Swallows resting whilst passing through Valencia
We wanted to explore the farmland and reed beds in the interior of the reserve, but the path that connected the two areas was flooded. I hesitantly suggested that we could take off our shoes and wade through the 100 metre section, and wouldn’t have been surprised to receive a clear “no way!” However, both Abhishek and Shweta were adventurous enough (and young enough!) to go with this idea, so we did exactly that! Their bravery was rewarded soon enough, with views of two magnificent raptors – Booted Eagle and Osprey.
Booted Eagle
Our afternoon stroll through pastureland (now with shoes back on) gave us great views of yet more Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harriers, as well as Buzzard, Kestrel, Blackcap, Greenfinch, Cetti’s Warbler, and a Kingfisher.
The day had passed so quickly but it was already approaching 6pm. As we neared the end of the path that took us back to the car, the day came to a lovely end with super views of a male Common Redstart.
I had loved meeting these two wonderful people, so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun to be with. Now that they are based in Europe, I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again and that we’ll be able to enjoy more birding together.
The species list of the day included :
Barn Swallow, Collared Dove, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Serin, Cormorant, Great Tit, White Wagtail, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Audoin’s Gull, Gadwall, Shoveler, White Headed Duck, Common Pochard, Mallard, Little Grebe, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, House Martin, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Purple Swamphen, Red Crested Pochard, Black Headed Gull, Purple Heron, Whiskered Tern, Zitting Cisticola, Yellow Wagtail, Collared Pratincole, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Mediterranean Gull, Common Pochard, Teal, Glossy Ibis, Garganey, Red Rumped Swallow, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Blackcap, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Magpie, Greenfinch, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Wood Pigeon, Cetti’s Warbler, Robin, Common Redstart
Heard: Common Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Water Rail
Written by Dave Warrington.