bird watching trips Valencia - Page 23 of 40 - Valencia Birding

Guided Birding Trip to Albufera

A few days ago, I had the pleasure to organise a guided birding trip to Albufera de Valencia for a couple from the Netherlands. They were experienced birders, keen to discover new species from this region. After I collected them from their hotel in Valencia, we drove to the first stop in a reserve area, which right now is becoming a local “hotspot”. We were amazed with fantastic views of Booted Eagles and Marsh Harrier, also Little Grebe and Kingfisher displaying right in front of us. We also enjoyed good sightings of many waterfowl and wader species. Second stop was in a restricted reserve and green filter area where we were welcomed by Spoonbills flying overhead. Many Glossy Ibis and waders where feeding in the shallow water of the fields. Next stop was by a small lake, which by this time of the year becomes a great spot for wintering and migratory birds. Black-necked Grebes were among the target species here. It had been a special birding day with many great sightings. These included… Mallard, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Black-necked Gribe, Little Grebe, Great Cormorant,…

Autumn birding in Valencia

I recently enjoyed a great day´s autumn birding in Valencia with a couple from Holland. Both experienced and well travelled birders, they were interested in seeing the region´s bird life, and especially wanted to photograph the Hoopoe. After collecting them from their hotel in the city, we made the short drive to Albufera de Valencia where we began the day in a protected reserve area. We saw both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt and Dunlin. The next hide gave quite brief but excellent views of Kingfisher. We then moved onto another restricted reserve where we spent more time, enjoying great views of waders and aquatic birds including Little Stint, Ringed Plover, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Swamphen and Great Egret. After lunch we travelled to a favourite spot for Hoopoe, hoping to get good enough views to allow for photographs. After a little patience and searching, we succeeded. This spectacular bird is always very popular with visitors from northern Europe. The day was brought to an end with a visit to a small coastal lagoon where we had great views of Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Audouin´s Gull and…

2-Day Guided Birding Trip

We recently had the pleasure of designing and providing a 2-day guided birding trip for some clients from UK. They were staying on the Costa Blanca and wanted two days with us, taking in two very different habitats. Day 1 – Albufera de Valencia. On day one, Yanina guided them through the fabulous wetland reserves of Albufera de Valencia. This time of year is especially interesting as there are still some summer visitors around, such as the Little Bittern and Squacco Heron. However, many wintering species, especially waders are already here, so the species list can be extensive. Indeed, the list of waders was excellent, including Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit. Wildfowl were also seen in good numbers, including Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall and Shelduck. The species list for the day included… Booted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Purple Swamphen, Moorhen, Coot, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Great Egreat, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great-crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shelduck, Great Cormorant, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ruff, Spotted…

Bird Watching Trip from Valencia City

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…

Bird watching trip to Albufera de Valencia

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…

Birding and nature photography trip

Last week, I provided a specially designed birding and nature photography trip for two experienced wildlife photographers from Sweden. At this time of the year the Valencian Coastal Wetlands, is an amazing birding destination, especially rewarding as many of the summer visitors are returning to their breeding grounds there. We met in central Valencia before making the short journey to the reserve. After a morning coffee, looking out across the calm waters of the Mediterranean, we began our walk along a coastal dune system. The first lagoon gave good views of Night Herons and waterfowl including Pochard, Red-crested Pochard and Little Grebe. As we walked further into the reserve, the second lagoon provided a spectacular sight of seven male White-headed Ducks, one of Europe´s rarest and arguably most attractive ducks. We also had great views of Flamingo, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harrier. We then took in an area of coastal scrub, and were treated to views of Wheatear, Stonechat, Whinchat, Sub-alpine Warbler and Spotless Starling. We also had a good view of Audouin´s Gull and the beautiful Collared Pratincole. After a picnic lunch on a pebble beach, we headed inland…