Category: Guided Bird Watching Valencia

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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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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January 2014 Bulletin

As ever I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and bird-filled New Year.  I hope that you´re all well, have had a good festive period and that the New Year lists are well underway! The purpose of this bulletin is to reflect briefly on the last year but more so to keep you informed of new developments here in Valencia. 2013 was a successful and busy year, and I was fortunate enough to share many a great day with some lovely and interesting people. Many thanks to you all for your support. Special thanks to those who made return visits, it´s especially gratifying when clients do so, often with family and friends. The year began with some cool but sunny days and we enjoyed great views of some classic species including Crane, Great Bustard, Brambling, Bluethroat and Purple Swamphen. As winter gave way to Spring, we were treated to views of huge flocks of Greater Flamingo, and then of course the excitement of the returning summer visitors. This season gave particularly good views of breeding wetland species such as Collared Pratincole, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Little…

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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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Two Great Days of Autumn Birding in Eastern Spain

Have just returned from two days of superb birding with a groups of great clients from UK.  Day 1 saw us at the Valencian Coastal Wetlands whilst Day 2 was spent on the Steppe & Lagoons of Castilla de La Mancha. We had some magnificent views of some of the classic species that these venues offer. Here are the species lists for the two days… (photos courtesy of P. Gudgeon). Valencian Coastal Wetlands Little Egret, Yellow Legged Gull, Common Sandpiper, Coot, Swallow, White Headed Duck, Mallard, Moorhen, Black Winged Stilt, Little Grebe, Black Redstart, Iberian Grey Shrike, Little Ringed Plover, Black Necked Grebe, Stonechat, Kestrel, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Purple Swamphen, Greater Flamingo, Magpie, White Wagtail, Kingfisher, Snipe, Green Sandpiper Steppe & Lagoons Great Bustard, Kestrel, Crow, Coot, Black Winged Stilt, Lapwing, Greater Flamingo, House Sparrow, Pochard, Mallard, White Headed Duck, Black Necked Grebe, Spotless Starling, Marsh Harrier, Calandra Lark, Hoopoe, Moorhen, Golden Eagle, Crested Lark, Black Bellied Sandgrouse, Pintailed Sandgrouse, Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail   Written by David Warrington. Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding

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