I recently had the privilege to meet and provide a trip to Albufera de Valencia for Patricia from the USA, who is a leading expert in the wetlands scientific research sector. Despite her huge knowledge and experience, her humility and enthusiasm for all that we saw made the day very special.
Our first reserve visit gave us shorebirds that included Black Winged Stilt, Black Tailed Godwit, Collared Pratincole, Ruff and Common Sandpiper. A Kingfisher came to perch quite close by, and stayed there for a good few minutes, allowing for excellent views.
Kingfisher
After a morning coffee stop in a local village, we moved on to a coastal lagoon where we enjoyed watching Little Stint, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and Greater Flamingo.
Dunlin
After lunch, we drove across the rice fields which held Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Great Egret. Taking into account Patricia’s specialist knowledge, I built in a visit to the fabulous green-filter reserve, Tancat de la Pipa, where I could outline the developments that have taken place in the effort to improve water quality within the reserve, thereby enhancing habitat and bio-diversity.
Glossy Ibis
The day had passed extremely quickly, and it had been a great pleasure for me to meet Patricia, and to listen to snippets of her vast knowledge, as well as sharing some great birding moments.
Our species list for the day included…
Mallard, Shoveler, Shelduck, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Common Starling, Spotless Starling, Long Tailed Tit, Little Egret, Greater Flamingo, Kingfisher, Black Winged Stilt, Black Tailed Godwit, Collared Pratincole, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier, Little Grebe, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Great Crested Grebe, Dunlin, Kentish Plover, Grey Heron, Black Headed Gull, Common Buzzard, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Common Coot, Teal, Little Ringed Plover.
Written by Dave Warrington.