Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting Martin and Jessica again. Both very keen and well travelled birders, they spend a large part of their lives in Spain. Martin is also an author of various works relating to birding.
Our first day was to be spent at Albufera where we began our trip in a hide from where we saw good numbers of Greater Flamingo, Teal and Shelduck as well as Stonechat and Kingfisher. The next hide gave views of shorebirds on a small island, including Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Snipe.
Greater Flamingo & Black Winged Stilt
After a brief coffee stop, we drove across the ricefields to another reserve, where we enjoyed views of Wood Sandpiper, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Buzzard and Booted Eagle. Most of that was whilst having lunch in a hide! Meadow Pipit, Tree Sparrow, Cetti’s Warbler, Spotless Starling and Common Starling were soon added to the list.
Booted Eagle – not a great shot but it clearly shows the “landing lights”
The light was fading a little so we headed back towards the coast where we focussed some time on a small lagoon. A Sandwich Tern came to rest, whilst on the water we saw Great Crested Grebe, Black Necked Grebe and Slender Billed Gull. The shoreline held Dunlin and Greenshank.
Sandwich Tern
I suggested ending the day with a stroll by the sea, which turned out to be a good move, as we saw Sanderling as well as a couple of unusual birds for this region – Kittiwake and Razorbill.
Kittiwake
It had been a great trip, so as we headed back to Valencia, we were already looking forward to the following day when we were to go into the mountains. The species list included…
Mallard, Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Teal, White Wagtail, Kingfisher, Stonechat, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Chiffchaff, Black Winged Stilt, Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff, Redshank, Chaffinch, Marsh Harrier, Cormorant, Avocet, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Snipe, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Cetti’s Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Wood Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Little Egret, Magpie, Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Lapwing, Kestrel, Spotless Starling, Common Starling, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Common Sandpiper, Sandwich Tern, Dunlin, Greenshank, Great Crested Grebe, Slender Billed Gull, Black Necked Grebe, Black Redstart, Sanderling, Razorbill, Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon (feral), Kittiwake.
On Day-2 we drove into the interior of the region where we had a morning coffee in a village bar before heading directly up to a 1,000 metre peak, in search of what would be a “lifer” for Martin – Alpine Accentor. These beautifully marked yet robust little birds over-winter on the highest peaks of our area, so we were hopeful of a sighting.
As we approached the summit, there were a few birds feeding amongst some rocks. We continued slowly and quietly and were thrilled to see that they were indeed Alpine Accentors! A great start to the day!
Alpine Accentor
Although it was a misty morning, a few Griffon Vultures had already begun to take to the skies. A Crested Tit flew into a nearby pine tree, soon to be followed by a Firecrest. Before we left the summit to head back to the car, a Sparrowhawk shot past us, obviously on a mission!
Griffon Vultures on a misty morning
We then took a leisurely drive off-road through highland scenery, adding Jay, Mistle Thrush, Black Redstart and Serin to our list. We had lunch whilst scanning a cliff face where Griffon Vultures were at rest. A Peregrine Falcon passed overhead a few times, and a Coal Tit came to perch right in front of us.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Having had lunch, and many great views of Griffon Vultures we continued down the track into the forest, where a Great Spotted Woodpecker came to perch on a trunk, giving fabulous views. A riverside spot held Grey Wagtail and plenty of Blackcaps, but there were still two birds that I wanted us to try and find before the light failed. After a little scanning of a crag, we eventually found Black Wheatear! We had to use the scope to get good views, but we succeeded in doing so. Finally we headed down to the river where we patiently checked all the rocks and boulders in the water. The day was once more kind to us, and we were able to get some fabulous views of Dipper!
Dipper
It had been wonderful to spend these days with Martin and Jessica, so before heading to Valencia, we stopped for a drink in a local bar. I look forward very much to seeing them again and sharing more birding moments.
The list for our second day included…
Griffon Vulture, Alpine Accentor, Raven, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Sparrowhawk, Robin, Collared Dove, Jay, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Peregrine Falcon, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Coal Tit, Grey Heron, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Serin, Blackcap, Black Wheatear, Dipper, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.
Written by Dave Warrington.