Earlier this week I had the pleasure of providing a couple of days of guided bird watching for a couple from Kent, UK.
Having previously discussed their wishes, we designed a two day schedule that included a trip to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands followed by a day up on the Steppe & Lagoons of Castilla de la Mancha.
Collared Pratincole
The first day was ideal for birding, good light and very little wind. After a drive through the beautiful city of Valencia we arrived at the wetlands. A walk beside the coastal lagoons gave great views of Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Common Tern and then one of the day´s highlights – superb views of Collared Pratincoles.
Collared Pratincole
The next lagoon held Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and yet more Pratincoles and Terns. The surrounding reed beds gave views of Cetti´s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler and Great Reed Warbler. We then headed inland through more reed beds and pastureland and were fortunate enough to see Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier then another highlight, a male Montagu´s Harrier.
Great Reed Warbler
As we approached the day´s final lagoon, a pair of Golden Oriole flew right across our path. The lagoon provided a great finale with views of Purple Swamphen, Little Bittern, White Headed Duck and Greater Flamingo.
Whiskered Tern
The species list for the day included…
Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black Winged Stilt, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Mallard, Garganey, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler, White Headed Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu´s Harrier, Kestrel, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swift, House Sparrow, Turtle Dove, Cetti´s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Goldfinch, Stonechat, Magpie, Golden Oriole.
Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.