The month of March was packed with trips principally to the region’s wetlands. I was delighted to spend time with clients from the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. I did a couple of single day trips for clients who arrived in Alicante on cruise ships and wanted to spend their time birding. I also enjoyed trips to the various wetlands of Valencia for clients who had chosen to base themselves in this elegant and historical city.
One of Valencia’s many wetlands
The month of March brough even more signs that spring is very much with us, with the Alicante wetlands holding Red Knobbed Coot with chicks already swimming around the lagoons, large flocks of Pallid Swifts feeding over the reed beds, and Little Ringed Plovers arriving in good numbers.
Little Ringed Plover
Other lagoons in Alicante held plenty of White Headed Duck, the male with the distinguishing bright blue bill, and Black Necked Grebe in full breeding plumage.
White Headed Duck
Black Necked Grebe
In Valencia´s wetlands, Audouin’s Gull were beginning to colonise their regular breeding grounds. Passerines including Redstart, Nightingale, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler were all present, and the sound of Savvi’s Warbler reeling in the reedbeds returned.
Audouin’s Gull
Other summer visitors included Woodchat Shrike and Short Toed Eagle.
Woodchat Shrike
Looking ahead to April and May, bookings are going to ensure that we’re very busy, not only in the wetlands but with some multi-day trips that will also take in the mountains, forests and steppe of inland Alicante. More on that very soon!
Sincere thanks to all who have made the month of March so successful and enjoyable.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Valencia Birding.