After a fabulous summer, we´d like to begin the “new season” with some great news. Thanks to the support of our clients, Valencia Birding has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. Sincere thanks to all those who made this happen. We genuinely appreciate your support and time taken to post such kind reviews. Dave & Yanina.
Last week I had the pleasure to provide a guided birding trip to Albufera de Valencia for a couple of experienced bird watchers, Marco and Petra. They live in Italy and where keen to discover the bird life of our region, particularly during the autumn migration season. After I collected them from their hotel in Valencia, we drove to a natural reserve to access to a restricted area from where we enjoyed great views of a Grey Plover, Kingfisher, Flamingos and Sub-alpine Warbler. Next stop was in another special restricted area which has a system of “green filters” which work to improve the water quality of the reserve. Hundereds of waders and migrants were feeding in the fields. We had fantastic views of Temminck’s Stint, Caspian Tern, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and many more. We had a lovely lunch in a hide looking over one of the lagoons where we had great views of Whiskered Tern and Kingfisher. The last stop was in some rice paddies where the rice hadn´t successfully grown. This happens each year at a few spots, and the result is always an oasis for waders! Whilst…
Last week, I had the pleasure of providing a bird watching trip from Valencia City for two clients from Switzerland. They were both enthusiastic biologist, keen on discovering the bird life of Albufera Natural Park. Having collected them from their hotel in Valencia, we made a short journey to one of the most important wetland of Spain. Our day began in a reserve area with superb views of Collared Pratincole, Kentish PLover and huge flock of Flamingo. After a short walk in the forest we arrieved to a different observatory in front of a sea-bird colony, which holds five different species such as Elegant Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, Mediterranean Gull and Slender-billed Gull. Also Avocet and Black-winged Stilt were with chicks. After a picnic in the forest we continued driving through reedbeds and out into open country where we were treated to views of Squacco Heron, Purple Heron and Purple Swamphen. This time of the year, rice fields are essential for food supplies and the best place to get great views of the bird life diversity. We´d made an early start that morning so we were back at the van…
Last week, we were especially delighted to provide a trip for some returning clients from UK. Amanda and her family had previously visited Albufera de Valencia with us and had returned for a day on the high steppe of Eastern Spain. It was fabulous to see them again, especially having kept in touch in the meantime. We left Valencia and made the easy drive inland where we began the day with a coffee stop and discussion about the species that we were hoping for. Our first stop by a small pond gave views of Shelduck, Tree Sparrow and Black Winged Stilt. Although distant, we also saw Short Toed Eagle. As we left this site, we were quite surprised to see a juvenile Mistle Thrush. We stopped by an old farm where we had good views of Corn Bunting, Rock Sparrow, Crested Lark and Stone Curlew. The first lagoon of the day gave views of some interesting species including Whiskered Tern, Gull-billed Tern and Red Crested Pochard. Our lunch stop by a sizeable lake was very pleasant as we were able to sit in the shade and scan the water. We enjoyed…
Last week I had the pleasure to guide two clients from England on a bird watching trip to Albufera de Valencia. The trip had been arranged as a surprise present. I collected them from their apartment where they were staying in Valencia city and after a short jorney we where in a reserve and protected area in the forest close to Albufera lake. Our first stop gave views of Collared Pratincole, Caspian Tern, Little Tern, Red-crested Pochard and many more species. On the way to our next spot we were delighted to get a view of a male Golden Oriole. After a short walk in the forest we arrived at another hide where we watched a colony of Common Tern, Sandwich Tern and Slender-billed Gull. Flamingos were passing overhead and we also enjoyed lovely views of Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet. After a picnic lunch in the forest, we began driving through the rice paddies. The rice fields have been seeded and flooded recently and many different species feed in the water. We had amazing views of Whiskered Tern, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis and Purple Swamphen. Also we were delighted…
We recently had the pleasure of providing a two day guided birding trip to the wetlands of Valencia for a couple of returnng clients from UK. Day one was a trip to Albufera de Valencia Natural Park. Having collected them from the train station in the city of Valencia we made the short journey to this well-known wetland. First stop was in the Devesa forest, where we visited a restricted spot inside the reserve where we had great views of Collared Pratincole, Turtle Dove, Little Tern, Red-crested Pochard and many more species. After a short walk in the forest we arrived at another hide where we watched a colony of Common Tern, Sandwich Tern and Slender-billed Gull. Flamingoes were passing overhead and we also enjoyed lovely views of Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet. After a picnic lunch in the forest, we began driving through the rice paddies. The rice fields have been seeded and flooded recently and many different species feed in the water. We had amazing views of Whiskered Tern, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis and Purple Swamphen. A fantastic day with lovely people, and a species list that included……
