11th April 2022
Earlier this week I provided a birding trip to the Valencian coastal wetlands for Wil, a very experienced ornithologist from the Netherlands. As I’ve written previously, migration this year is generally later than usual owing to freak weather conditions in March, so April is turning out to be a really interesting time for birding here in the Valencia region.
Northern Wheatear
Having made the short journey from the historical quarter of Valencia, we began our walk along the beach. As soon as we left the car, we had views of Audouin’s Gull on the coast and Tree Sparrows in a bush next to us. Barn Swallows, House Martins and Common Swifts were feeding on the wing above us and Zitting Cisticolas were around in good numbers too.
Black-eared Wheatear
We paid close attention to a strip of coastal scrub where we saw huge numbers of Yellow Wagtails, noting at least three sub-species. Amongst the wagtails were lots of Northern Wheatear, plus a few Black-eared Wheatear, both extremely smart-looking birds.
Turnstone
The reeds held Common Reed Warbler, and we also heard a Water Rail. After a while, we arrived at our first hide, from which we saw wildfowl including Garganey, Teal, Gadwall and Red Crested Pochard. We were delighted to see Collared Pratincole, seemingly staking out nest sites, and whilst we were watching them, we also saw Turnstone and Jack Snipe. As we were leaving the hide, we also had views of 4 Spoonbills in flight.
Common Tern
A short walk took us to the next hide, which was also very productive, giving views of Greater Flamingo, Purple Heron, Mediterranean Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, White Headed Duck and Shoveler. We continued our walk down the coast, noticing a Black Kite passing through, and yet more Yellow Wagtail! We eventually arrived at another viewing point where we had lunch whilst watching a large flock of Whiskered Terns feeding over the water. A Purple Swamphen came into view, as did Great Reed Warbler.
Whiskered Terns feeding over a lagoon
Well rested and very happy with our sightings, we began the return walk. We saw all three Egrets – Cattle, Little and Great plus Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Glossy Ibis. A Night Heron passed overhead too.
Northern Wheatear
We had a little time left, so decided to try and locate the Isabelline Wheatear that had been seen in previous days. Having found plenty of Northern Wheatears, we eventually found it! Having satisfied myself I was on the right bird, I tried to get a photo. I just managed to focus on it when two Yellow Wagtails chased it off! I watched as it disappeared into the distance…no photo but a great view and a positive ID at least!
We finally reached the car and began to pack away our things, but ended the trip with a Common Sandpiper and a few more Audouin’s Gulls. The time had passed so quickly, as it often does when birding, but it had been a very productive day, and indeed a pleasure for me to have met Wil.
Our species list for the day included…
Audouin’s Gull, Tree Sparrow, Barn Swallow, Common Swift, House Martin, Great Tit (h), Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Great Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Willow Warbler, Booted Eagle, Sardinian Warbler, Northern Wheatear, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Black Eared Wheatear, Black Winged Stilt, Common Reed Warbler (h), Black Headed Gull, Spotless Starling, Marsh Harrier, Cattle Egret, Water Rail (h), Garganey, Gadwall, Mallard, White Wagtail, Great Egret, Linnet , Glossy Ibis, Cetti’s Warbler (h), Collared Pratincole, Little Egret, Goldfinch, Purple Heron, Greater Flamingo, Little Grebe, Common Coot, Red Crested Pochard, White Headed Duck, Shoveler, Teal, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Jack Snipe, Moorhen, Spoonbill, Grey Heron, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Kite , Cormorant, Kestrel, Sedge Warbler (h), Common Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Purple Swamphen, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Night Heron, Magpie, Isabelline Wheatear, Common Sandpiper, Collared Dove.
Written by Dave Warrington.