Albufera de Valencia - Page 6 of 10 - Valencia Birding

Birding & Reserve Management at Albufera de Valencia.

We were recently contacted by a client who wanted to arrange a day trip for her family. Two people were keen bird watchers whilst the other two were interested in nature in general, but not specifically birds. So, our task was to design a day that would suit all. Our day began with a stop at one of the park´s visitor centres, where we enjoyed views of Shelduck with young, Avocet and Mediterranean Gull. A short stroll through a wooded area gave sightings of Spotted Flycatcher, Sardinian Warbler and Long Tailed Tit. Our next stop was at one of the park´s green filter reserves where we were to enjoy a short walk followed by a presentation of the history, functionality and habitats of the site. Our walk beside the lagoons gave us views of Greater Flamingo, Cetti´s Warbler, Glossy Ibis and a Turtle Dove. We heard a Savi´s Warbler calling from a nearby reed bed and also had great views of Purple Heron, Night Heron, Black Winged Stilt and Little Bittern. Once at the visitor centre, with the help of the staff there we learned of the green filter technology and how…

Guided birding trip to Albufera de Valencia

Last week I had the pleasure to organise a birding trip to Albufera de Valencia for a family from London, UK. They are experienced birders who wanted to discover the birdlife in the Valencia region. For me was a special trip, as it´s always encouraging to be guiding teenagers. After I collected them from their hotel in Valencia city we drove straight to the main reserve area inside the Natural Park. First we visited the information centre, a good way to start understanding why it´s so important to protect this area and why birds are present at the different times of the year. Then after a short walk we arrived at the seabirds’ colony… from the observatory we enjoyed fantastic views of Common and Sandwich Terns, at the same time we were amazed for the sighting of four Elegants Tern established in the colony. Avocets and Black-winged Stilts were also with chicks, Flamingos and waterfowl sharing the same brackish lagoon, a good start to the day. Second stop was in a private reserve area in the middle of the rice paddies, where we hoped to see there Purple Heron and…

Guided bird watching trip to Albufera Natural Park

Last week, I was pleased to guide a couple of clients from New York, USA. They were experienced birders who wanted to discover the birdlife close to Valencia City. After I collected them from their apartment, we drove directly to the first reserve area. After a short walk, we arrived at the first observatory where we enjoyed nice views of Garganey, Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet. Then we moved to the next hide from where we had great sightings of Booted Eagle and Marsh Harrier. On the way to the next stop and reserve area, we had good views of Meadow Pipit and were able to compare the differences between it and a Water Pipit. A special bird for Linda, as it was a lifer and one that she was able to identify by herself. In the next reserve we enjoyed good views of Wood Sandpiper, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Purple Swamphen. We decided to finish the day in the northern rice paddies area, which was a great choice as we spotted a beautiful Red Throated Pipit, Caspian Gull and thousands of Glossy Ibis, Ruff and Flamingos. It had been an…

Early spring at Albufera Natural Park

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of providing day of guided bird watching for a great couple of clients from England who were visiting their son here in Spain. Both keen nature lovers, they were eager to see the diverse bird life that Albufera de Valencia Natural Park holds, especially at this time of year when summer migrants are beginning to arrive. Our first stop was at a protected reserve where we had fantastic views of Alpine Swifts, Booted Eagles and Red-legged Partridges. Wildfowl included Pintail, Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Pochard. Driving on the way to the second hotstop, we stopped the van to enjoy views of a beautiful Hoopoe. At the next stop, we had excellent views of Purple Swamphen, Jack Snipe and Avocet. Recently arrived summer visitors included two Short-toed Eagles soaring above the reserve and a Black Kite on passage. After a picnic lunch we stopped at a lake close to the sea where we enjoyed great views of Black-necked Grebe and Audouin’s Gull. To end the day we drove to the northern rice paddies where farmers were ploughing the land that provides habitat…

Birding in Albufera.

Last Friday I provided a day of guided birding in Albufera de Valencia for a great client from the USA. Kevin was staying in Valencia and wanted to include some bird watching in his holiday. An experienced birder back in the States, he was very keen to discover the bird life that our region holds. As this was the first time he´d been birding in Spain, we focussed the day on enjoying quality views of some of the classic species, rather than trying to maximise the list. Our day began in a protected reserve area where we enjoyed views of Black Tailed Godwits (many now well into their breeding plumage), Avocet, Greater Flamingo and Black Winged Stilt. As we walked through the reserve, there was a constant stream of House Martins and Barn Swallows, all heading north on their migration. Just as we were saying what an exciting time this is, a much larger bird caught my eye – an Alpine Swift! After a short drive across the rice fields, where we stopped to watch Meadow Pipit, Marsh Harrier and Cattle Egret, we entered another restricted reserve area. A pair…

Winter birding trip to the Albufera Natural Park

We were recently delighted to provide a winter birding trip to the Albufera Natural Park for a returning client from England. He´s an experienced birder who´s been to Valencia several times and has been on many birding trips with us. However, this was his first time in winter, so he was keen to enjoy the different landscape and species that this season provides. Our first stop was at a reserve area where we enjoyed spectacular and close views of a number of Booted Eagles plus hundreds of waders including Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet. At the next hide, we accomplished one of his wishes of the day, enjoying fantastic views of a male Bluethoat! We then spent a while at a tower observatory, paying particular attention to wildfowl, and enjoying views of Pintail, Red-crested Pochard and Shoveler. We also saw at least ten Marsh Harriers flying low over the reed beds. Next stop was a green filter reserve area, but before entering, we stopped by some rice paddies to enjoy views of a large flock of Glossy Ibis – another target species of the day. We also had an…