Category: Bird watching trips for families

First time out for seven weeks!

For the past seven weeks, my birding has been confined to what I can see from the balcony.  Although, as detailed in previous articles, this has often revealed a few surprises, it´s obviously been very limited.  I also have to say that I don´t feel too comfortable standing there with a pair of binoculars in case it causes unease or discomfort amongst the neighbours.  However, a few days ago, whilst reading in the living room, a bird song caught my attention.  After searching through the trees that fill the square below the balcony, I found it – a Willow Warbler! When it was announced last week that we could eventually go out once per day within specific hours and within 1km of home, I decided to dedicate some time to something that I´ve been meaning to do for a while, and to look closer at the birdlife that´s right on my doorstep.  This revealed more than a few surprises. We´re fortunate enough to live in a very friendly neighbourhood on the north-eastern edge of the city of Valencia, which whilst being only 7 minute´s Metro ride away from the city…

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Birding in Valencia with returning clients.

Last week I was especially pleased to provide a day of birding in Valencia for returning clients Valerie and Roger, from UK.  Last year we enjoyed a day trip to the mountains in the Spring, and this time they were keen to see the wetland site of Albufera de Valencia during the autumn migration period.  Both relative newcomers to birding, their knowledge was growing very fast and they´d obvioulsy spent a lot of time birding back home in previous months.  It was fantastic to see this knowledge growth and to enjoy their enthusiasm for this fabulous hobby. Our first visit to a restricted reserve area provided good views of Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Black Tailed Godwits and Grey Plover.  We also enjoyed fabulous views of a female Marsh Harrier perched in the top of a nearby tree.  A special moment for Valerie in particular was the sight of a flock of Greater Flamingoes in flight, always a spectacle to remember. Our next stop was at a small lagoon where we focussed on the smaller waders including Ringed, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover as well as Little Stint.  We…

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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…

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The mountains of Valencia in Spring.

Last week I was fortunate enough to enjoy a super day with a couple of new clients from UK.  Valerie and Roger had only recently taken up bird watching but their knowledge is growing fast and they wanted to take their first guided trip.  It would have been easy to take them to a wetland site where the species diversity is huge, but I didn´t want them to miss the “specialist” species that visit the mountains of Valencia in Spring.  Most of the target species for this trip are summer visitors, and as Valerie and Roger may make a return trip in the autumn, it made sense to take the opportunity to spend a day in the mountains this month. After the drive from Valencia, and a brief coffee stop we parked the car and had a short walk alongside a river.  This is one of the few sites in the area where Dipper breed, so we opted to sit still for a while, hoping that one would appear.  A couple of very fast “fly pasts” confirmed their presence, but after ten more minutes, one came to rest, giving us…

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Birding in Albufera de Valencia.

Last week I was delighted to welcome back returning clients Bill and Maureen, this time with Bill´s brother and sister-in-law, John and Maggie.  It was great to see them again, and this time our detination was the Natural Park of Albufera de Valencia.  Their previous trip with us was to a different wetland site, so they were very interested to see what birding in Albufera de Valencia held in store… Having met close to Valencia we made the short journey into the park where we began our trip at one of the area´s restricted nature reserves.  We made several stops here, very quietly setting up the scopes to scan across the lagoons. Our first stop gave us views of Great Egret, Spoonbill and Lapwing.  Then suddenly a Booted Eagle passed overhead.  Male, female and juvenile Marsh Harriers were quartering the surrounding reed beds, giving excellent views. We then moved to a shallower lagoon that provides great habitat for an array of waders at this time of year.  We enjoyed great views of Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, Ruff, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis and Greenshank.  Migration was taking place right before us, with…

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Birding and a Cultural Break in Valencia

Last week I provided a day trip for a couple from England who were combining birding and a cultural break in Valencia before moving on to central Spain.  Although they had travelled extensively in Spain, this was their first trip to Valencia, and they were especially keen to see the birdlife of our local wetlands.

The historic quarter of the city of Valencia

Having collected them from there hotel in Valencia city centre, we made the short journey to one of my favourite local reserves.  The weather was perfect – not too hot, but with clear skies and a slight breeze.  We began our walk by the beach, watching the coastal scrub carefully.  The Valencian coastline is part of a major migration fly-way between Europe and Africa, so this time of the year is always fascinating.  We had good views of numerous Chiffchaffs, Common Reed Warblers and Wheatear.  There was a steady and constant stream of passing Barn Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins too.

Birding holidays Spain

Wheatear

One of the first lagoons that we watched gave good views of White Headed Duck, Greater Flamingo and Little Grebe.  Marsh Harriers were quartering the surrounding reed beds.

After a short walk along the coast we spent some time in a hide overlooking a small lagoon.  This is often a hotspot for passing migrants and over the years has provided many memorable birding moments.  We firstly took a look at the waders which included Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Greenshank, Snipe, Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover.  Wildfowl included Shoveler, Teal and yet more White Headed Duck.

Valencia Birding

Snipe

A pair of Stonechats were showing very well, feeding on insects and returning to their perches in classic Stonechat fashion.  We then turned our attention to the beach in search of one of the region´s most popular gulls – Audouin´s Gull.  With just a little patience we were rewarded with great views.

Valencia Birding

Little Ringed Plover

In need of refreshment we enjoyed a light lunch at a small restaurant on the beach whilst watching Little Egrets, Common Sandpipers and Yellow Legged Gulls. Afterwards we took a short walk to another observation point from where we had great views of Purple Swamphen and more Greater Flamingoes. We were also delighted to see a Kingfisher.  In the winter months the small resident population is boosted by visiting birds from the north of Spain.

Valencia Birding

Greater Flamingo

It had been a super day – very relaxed but with great views of some fabulous birds, and all in great company too.

Valencia Birding

The species list for the day included….

Greater Flamingo, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, White Headed Duck, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Pigeon, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mallard, Shoveler, Greenshank, Stonechat, Teal, Grey Heron, Snipe, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Purple Swamphen, Kingfisher, Audouin’s Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Common Tern, Wheatear, Sand Martin, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, House Martin, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier.

 

Valencia Birding

 

Written by Dave Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.