During October, we’ve enjoyed a number of trips to the wetlands of Alicante, for a group of birders on an annual reunion as well as for returning clients from Yorkshire.
Bluethroat
Alicante has many wetland sites, including freshwater marshes, saltpans, coastal lagoons and extensive reed beds, so in autumn it’s a crucial region for resident species, passage migrants and winter visitors. During our trips, Barn Swallows, Red Rumped Swallows and House Martins were constantly passing through. Marsh Harriers were arriving to spend the winter here, as were Bluethroat.
Red Knobbed Coot
Wildfowl and aquatic birds are always a big attraction in this area, and key species seen included White Headed Duck, Marbled Teal, Red Knobbed Coot, Eurasian Teal and Shoveler.
White Headed Duck
We enjoyed good views of all three Egret species – Little, Cattle and Great, as well as other long-legged creatures such as Glossy Ibis, Greenshank, Black Winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo and Spoonbill.
Spoonbill
The population of Kingfishers in the region increases in autumn and winter, as birds from northern Spain as well as central Europe move south, and we were entertained by a number of individuals as they perched over water before plunging into the lagoon to catch fish.
Kingfisher
We look forward to the anticipated arrival of Great Spotted Eagle this winter, and will hopefully get views of this magnificent raptor on trips in the near future. Although Alicante is often known as a beach resort, its wetland habitats and the birds they harbour are a constant surprise to visiting birders. I always really enjoy sharing this corner of Spain and look forward to doing so more over the coming winter.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Valencia Birding.