As a new month dawns upon us, I’m taking a few moments to look back on February 2026, which although being unusually wet across the whole of Spain, spared our region the worst of the weather. We were fortunate to welcome some lovely people and to enjoy some memorable birding experiences together.
A Busy Month Around Alicante & Valencia
The month began with a multi-day trip for a group from the UK, taking in the diverse habitats of both Valencia and Alicante. I also had the pleasure to meet a wonderful couple from the English Midlands with their teenaged grandson whose interest for birds was an inspiration. Together, we explored the huge wetland of Albufera de Valencia, as I did with an experienced birder from the south of England. Later in the month it was a privilege to welcome back returning clients, again from the UK, and we enjoyed a great day around the wetlands of Alicante.
Greater Flamingo at Albufera de Valencia
Multi-Day Birding Break
This month’s multi-day birding break was for a really interesting group who elected to base themselves in the historic town of Xativa. From there we were able to visit the extensive wetlands of both Valencia and Alicante, the spectacular mountains of the interior of Alicante and the area of steppe to the south west of the region.
Early Summer Visitors
With such a diverse range of habitats, the species list at the end of the week was impressive, taking in resident birds, winter visitors, passage migrants and the earliest summer visitors! We saw the first House Martins on 10th February, feeding together with Crag Martins. A couple of days later we saw the first Barn Swallows and at the end of the moth, the first Swift. Passage migrants included a sizeable flock of Golden Plovers.
Golden Plovers
Trip Highlights
It’s always a difficult task to select the highlights of a multi-day trip, as there are so many, but the group were particularly pleased to see Zitting Cisticola, Audouin’s Gull, Black Stork, Ferruginous Duck, White Headed Duck, Marbled Teal, Iberian Grey Shrike, Alpine Accentor, Griffon Vulture, Blue Rock Thrush, Calandra Lark and Great Bustard.
Black Stork
Alpine Accentor
Alicante Wetlands
The days that were spent in Alicante during the month were rewarding as always. This is a superb area for aquatic species, some of which are mentioned above. One of the area’s most popular birds for people visiting from northern Europe is often the Red-Knobbed Coot, a bird that has established a stronghold here and is always very confiding.
Red-Knobbed Coot
Albufera de Valencia
During the month, we spent a number of days at Albufera, and watched the change in habitat as the flooded rice fields were gradually drained in readiness for ploughing. Huge flocks of Glossy Ibis were a real spectacle, as were the large gatherings of Greater Flamingo.
Flooded Rice Fields of Albufera
As the water levels dropped, waders were attracted to the fields, which gave us the chance to see Green Sandpiper, Little Stint, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper. The first (for us) Red Rumped Swallow was seen here on 28th February. Another bird that is often on the target list is Purple Swamphen, and we had the opportunity to see this in Albufera as well as at many sites in Alicante.
Purple Swamphen
As we look ahead to spring, perhaps the most exciting time of the birding calendar, I’m delighted to say that it’s looking to be a very busy time. But for now, I’d like to thank all those with whom I had the pleasure to spend with during February, and to look back on the month with very fond memories.
Written by Dave Warrington.
Valencia Birding.