Alexia has been a loyal client and close friend for many years, so it was with great anticipation and joy that I welcomed her back for another trip together. We began our first of two days in Alicante, specifically the wetlands to the south of the city.
Common Pochard
Two of our target species were seen well within the first 15 minutes of the day – Red Knobbed Coot and Marbled Teal. Migration was obviously underway, with huge numbers of Red Rumped Swallow, Barn Swallow, House Martin and Common Swift constantly passing through. Close observation of a particularly large mixed flock also revealed a few Alpine Swifts.
Red Knobbed Coot with chicks
Another recent arrival included Collared Pratincole, with a few birds seen hawking over their regular nesting grounds. Purple Swamphen, Great Egret and Purple Heron were wading through the lagoons whilst Marsh Harriers were quartering the surrounding reed beds.
Wildfowl included Red Crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Shelduck and another of the day’s target species, White Headed Duck.
Red Crested Pochard
A brief drive across farmland gave us views of Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Black Redstart and Kestrel. Having added these to our day list, we took to the motorway and headed north to Denia where Alexia was to spend the night in a small hotel overlooking the port.
The next morning, we began the day with a brief look over the beach where we located a few Kentish Plovers feeding on the shoreline. We then made the short journey up onto the headland above the sea cliffs that provide nesting habitat for Shag and Yellow Legged Gull. Again, large flocks of Common Swift were feeding overhead, this time joined by Pallid Swift.
A (distant!) male Blue Rock Thrush
We scanned the scrub on the cliff edge, revealing Sardinian Warbler and Blue Rock Thrush. A Serin was singing atop a low pine tree and a pair of Ravens passed overhead. Having enjoyed this beautiful coastal habitat, we drove south to another coastal wetland where we were to spend the afternoon. The first lagoon gave us views of Black Necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Shoveler and good numbers of Whiskered Tern.
Whiskered Tern
Whilst enjoying lunch, we had another opportunity to watch Red Knobbed Coot and Marbled Teal. Before returning to Alicante where Alexia was to spend the night before catching an early flight the next morning, we stopped at a saltmarsh to add Slender Billed Gull and Mediterranean Gull to the tally.
It had been wonderful to see Alexia again, and to share some more special birding moments. We hope to get together again this summer when she’ll be celebrating her birthday in Spain with family. Until then!!
Written by Dave Warrington.
Valencia Birding.