bird watching trips Valencia - Page 27 of 40 - Valencia Birding

2 Day Birding Trip in Valencia

Last week Dave and I had the pleasure of providing a 2 day birding trip in Valencia for a client from Australia. Russel is an experienced birder and marine biologist who was in Valencia for a conference and was eager to make the most of his time here and to enjoy some European species. On day 1, I collected him from his apartment in central Valencia. We then drove to the mountains of inland Alicante where we met Dave. After a coffee and review of the species we were looking for, we enjoyed a short walk during which we succeeded in seeing some classic species including Griffon Vultures, Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush. After a picnic lunch we travelled back to Valencia where we called in at l’Albufera Natural Park. We made a short stop in some rice paddies where we were fortunate to see a diverse array of waders including Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Dunlin and Collared Pratincole. It made a perfect end to a great birding day. On the second day, we visited the Valencian Coastal Wetlands, a reserve area that hosts some amazing…

Bird watching trip to Valencian Wetlands

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of providing a bird watching trip to one of the most important wetlands in Valencia for two clients from England. It was a lovely birding trip to l´Albufera of Valencia for a father and a son. Both are experience birders, Oliver with seven years old has been birding with his dad, Mark, for a long time and they wanted to see new species that are the classics of the Valencian wetlands. They were staying in the southern region of the Valencian Community, so we opted to meet in Cullera. We then made the short road trip through an orchard region and on to the first stop which was at the reserve area and interpretation centre of the Natural Park, where we enjoyed great views of Flamingos and Avocets. Second stop was in some rice paddies where the rice plants hadn´t grown this year. Therefore, the flooded fields provided ideal habitat for waders. Hundreds of birds of more than 20 different species where feeding all together. A little patience was rewarded with views of a Marble Duck, eight Caspian Terns. Driving by the rice fields to…

Guided birding trip to Valencian Wetlands

Last week, I provided a day of guided birding trip to Valencian wetlands for a couple from England. Both were very keen and experienced birders and were eager to see the wetlands of Valencia, especially at this fabulous time of the year when migration season is well underway. The day turned out to be very interesting, and resulted in a fabulous number of 63 species list. After I collected them from their apartment, first stop was in some rice paddies where the rice plants hadn´t grown this year. Therefore, the flooded fields provided ideal habitat for waders. Hundreds of birds of more than 20 different species where feeding all together. We also had a nice surprise when we saw a Marble duck and two Caspian Terns with so many others interesting species. After a brief stop for a coffee and a short review of the species list we went to the next stop in the reserve area and interpretation centre of the Natural Park, where Flamingos and Avocets where close enough for us to get amazing photographs. Next stop was in a restricted reserve and green filter area we were delighted…

Guided bird watching at Albufera de Valencia

Last Friday I had pleasure of providing a day of guided bird watching at Albufera de Valencia for two clients from Poland. As nature lovers and experienced birders, they are members of a bird protection organisation, and they wanted to discover the species of Valencia and its wetlands. After I collected them from their hotel, we went to a reserve and restricted area where we spent most of the morning. At this time of the year this reserve is magnificent, and we enjoyed great views of a colony of Common and Sandwich Terns. We also enjoyed seeing the very rare Mabled Duck with 5 ducklings, together with a large group of Greater Flamingo, right in front of the hide. The second stop was in the forest, where Wren, Serin, Spotted Flycatcher, Sardinian Warbler and Firecrest welcomed us. To end the trip we went to the rice paddies. Now the fields have been planted, Glossy Ibis, Herons and Egrets where everywhere. We also enjoyed the display of the Hoopoe and finally one of the day´s highlights – the Purple Swamphen. It had been a classic Albufera day, with a species list that…

Bird watching in the mountains of Valencia

Last Monday I had pleasure of providing a guided trip for a couple from England. They were very keen to go bird watching in the mountains of Valencia, especially to see the raptors and “specialist” species that live in this habitat. Jan and Ossie are two experience birders who are involved in a conservation programme for Barn Owls. As they knew that I am also heavily involved in a similar project here in Spain, it was wonderful opportunity to share our experiences in working with these magnificent creatures. After the short journey from Valencia, we stopped for a coffee break and spoke about the plan for the day, and of the species that we were hoping to see. It was a fantastic sunny day and after a short drive through the mountains we arrived at the ravine where we began our walk. No sooner had we left the car when we immediately saw Griffon Vultures, Blue Rock Thrush, Serin and Sardinian Warbler. As we began our walk, we enjoyed views of Crag Martins, Ravens, Chough, Serin, Firecrest and Black Redstart. As we neared the end of the trail, the sky…

Birding and Conservation in Valencia

One of our key operating principles, and something that we never compromise on is that we always endeavour to tailor every trip exactly to the needs, interests and wishes of the client. It was therefore a great pleasure to provide a day of guided birding for a small group of clients from USA, who wanted to focus on bird watching, but who also wanted to learn something of the local conservation efforts, the local traditions and culture and to see the habiats and eco-systems of Albufera de Valencia. After the short drive from their hotel in the city centre of Valencia, we began our day with a brief explanation of the geography and topography of the Albufera Natural Park. We then visited one of the park´s best nature reserves, where we enjoyed some great views of species such as Purple Heron, Little Bittern and Glossy Ibis. We enjoyed a particularly good view of a Squacco Heron. This amazing bird appears to be a fairly indistinct creature from a distance, but upon closer viewing, reveals beautifully delicate tones and a stunning blue bill (in the breeding season). All very knowledgable nature…