Category: birdwatching in valencia

Raising Awareness of the SEO (Sociedad Española de Ornotología)

As a professional bird watching guide and lover of the natural World, I am a member of the SEO (Sociedad Española de Ornitología). Essentially this is Spain´s equivalent and indeed partner of the UK´s RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). During my travels as a guide, I see at first hand the extremely valueable work that the SEO undertakes and greatly admire their dedication to the protection of birds and conservation of their habitats. Unlike in the UK, the culture of bird watching and conservation in Spain is still in its infancy, although this is gradually changing as people are becoming increasingly aware of this country´s diverse birdlife and the need to protect and cherish it. The aim of this article is to generally raise awareness of the SEO and its work and activities in our area. The local Valencian branch of the SEO are very keen to reach out to the non-Spanish population that live in our region and to attract new members. This is not simply a plea for donations or membership fees…in addition to the conservation projects that are constantly ongoing, the SEO also arranges…

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Birding on the Steppe of Eastern Spain

By sheer coincidence I was fortunate enough to spend two days up on the steppe this week.  The second day was with a group of local birders, some relative beginners, others experienced.  The group worked superbly well, with knowledge being readily shared, and the more “eagle-eyed” being on hand to point out the birds! After the usual coffee stop, we drove across the fields of this vast wide open area of eastern Spain in our hunt for Great Bustards.  Some of the group had never seen these birds before, so our quest had added value.  After 10-15 minutes of searching, we were rewarded with magnificent views of a flock at least 25 birds.  Whilst in the same spot we also had good views of Hoopoe, Linnet, Skylark and Spotless Starling. The wind was becoming quite severe so we opted to strategically park the van at the next lagoon and use it as shelter as we scanned the water and the shoreline!  We were once again rewarded as the lagoon held Flamingo, Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler and Gadwall.  The scrub by the shore gave fantastic views of a Southern Grey Shrike whilst…

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World Wetlands Day

On Sunday 2nd February we celebrated World Wetlands Day at the nature reserve Tancat de la Pipa in the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia.   The day was arranged by the two charitable custodians of the reserve, SEO Birdlife (Sociedad Española de Ornitología) and the conservation group Acció Ecologista Agró. This superb nature reserve is home to some classic wetland bird species and provides habitat for a diverse and critically important eco-system. Guided walks around the reserve provided a great opportunity for people to gain an understanding of how this reserve benefits the local environment and sustains its wildlife. Children were treated to a presentation on bird ringing, and a talk on the migration patterns of the Chiffchaff, a small warbler that over-winters in Albufera before making the long journey back to Northern and Eastern Europe in time for the breeding season. It was a pleasure to see so many local young people and children becoming involved in the event, showing an interest in conservation and learning of wildlife that lives in this wonderful nature reserve. Written by David Warrington. Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.   

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Birding in Valencia

On Tuesday 4th February we enjoyed a trip to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands with a group of local birders. Mostly returning clients, the group had previously enjoyed many trips with us. The objective of the day was to enjoy a relaxed walk around the wetlands and to generally enjoy the birdlife that this great little area sustains. Despite a fairly strong breeze, we saw sizeable flocks of Crag Martins feeding on insects above the reedbeds, and a Buzzard circling overhead. Numerous Chiffchaffs were also flitting around the low scrub surrounding the lagoons. On the coastal lagoons we enjoyed views of Teal, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard and Shelduck. We also had good views of Purple Swamphen throughout the day at various locations. The coastal scrub held Stonechat, Greenfinch and Hoopoe whilst the rocky shore gave views of Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail. Marsh Harriers were, as always, around in good numbers and we all enjoyed some stunning views of these magnificent raptors, especially so in the low sunlight of the afternoon. We also had good views of a small gathering of Reed Buntings and a group of wintering Lapwings….

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Birding at Albufera de Valencia

On Wednesday 20th November, we arranged a trip to Albufera de Valencia for a group of local birders.  The day began with morning coffee at a bar beside one of Albufera´s traditional fishing ports.  We then visited one of the park´s prime nature reserves where we spent the morning enjoying the superb bird life that this reserve supports.   Despite a windy morning, we had good views of Black Winged Stilt, Snipe, Marsh Harrier, Great Egret and dozens of wintering Chiff Chaffs.  The highlight of the walk through the reserve was a stunning view of a Booted Eagle that passed overhead then came to land on the ground right in front of us. We then enjoyed a fascinating presentation on the history, ecology and various conservation projects of the reserve together with a visual display on how the reserve benefits the local environment and its wildlife.  We were especially fortunate to observe some bird ringing that was being done by the Sociedad Española de Ornitología.  A special treat was being able to see a Kingfisher at such close range, and for one of the group to be able to release…

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