bird watching holidays in Spain - Page 21 of 27 - Valencia Birding

Guided Birding at Albufera de Valencia

On 22nd May I visited Albufera de Valencia with a client from the UK. The weather was superb, and with the rice fields recently flooded the expanse of water and the “big” blue sky made for a special day. Our first stop gave good views of Audouin´s Gull, a very pretty gull which although rare has its European stronghold along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. We also enjoyed views of Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Squacco Heron, Great Egret and Purple Gallinule. As we walked through the reed beds, we had good views of Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler and heard although did not see Savi´s Warbler. Purple Herons were around in good numbers and we also had a brief but clear view of a Little Bittern. In the afternoon we visited more sites around the Natural Park and had views of Gull-Billed Tern, Sandwich Tern, Whiskered Tern, Glossy Ibis, Marsh Harrier and Cattle Egret. The species list for the day included… Audouins Gull, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Cattle Egret, Collared Dove, Common Tern, Coot, Fan Tailed Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Gull Billed Tern, House Martin, House…

Ladies´ Birding Group Trip to the Mountains of Valencia

On 11th May, I returned to the mountains, this time with a Ladies´Bird Watching Group. After the morning coffee stop we set out into a beautiful mountain gorge. The weather was hot and sunny but once in the gorge we soon found a shady spot from which to rest and watch the bird life. Griffon Vultures were around in good numbers, soaring effortlessly on the thermals. Some were resting on the cliffs which provided great opportunities to appreciate the sheer size of these magnificent creatures. We made steady progress up into the gorge before finding another comfortable stopping point from where we watched Raven, Chough, Crag Martin and eventually one of the target species, the Blue Rock Thrush. Serin were constantly singing, Goldfinch were flitting around and Swifts were swooping and soaring overhead. After lunch we drove down the mountain to a lake and reedbed. We had great views of a Great Crested Grebe feeding its young (with a frog!) and also saw Little Grebe, Corn Bunting, Stonechat and Reed Warbler. The species list included… Griffon Vulture, Chough, Raven, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Serin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Kestrel, Swift, Little…

Albufera de Valencia

On 4th May, I spent the morning at Albufera de Valencia with a client from The Netherlands. As time was limited, we opted to spend the morning at one of my favourite reserves as it provides something of interest on every visit. Upon arrival we enjoyed the usual Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Purple Heron. They were soon joined by Glossy Ibis and Avocet. Scanning around revealed Little Ringed Plover, Purple Gallinule and Gull Billed Tern. Fan Tailed Warblers were busy flitting around in the reeds and Swifts were overhead in huge numbers. A little patience was repaid with good views of Purple Gallinule and a pair of Great Crested Grebes that gave a half-hearted attempt at a courtship display! As we made our way back to the car we enjoyed views of Marsh Harrier and Whiskered Tern. A brief but very pleasurable trip, our list comprised… Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, Red Crested Pochard, Black Headed Gull, Cormorant, Gull Billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Fan Tailed Warbler, House…

Mountain Bird Life

On 2nd May I took a group of birders on our Mountain Birds Trip. The group comprised a good mix of beginners and experienced birders. We began our day with a walk into a spectacular mountain gorge and were soon enjoying views of the magnificent GriffonVulture. Black Redstart were around in good numbers, as were Crag Martins. We soon found one of our target birds, the Blue Rock Thrush and subsequently enjoyed numerous sightings. A Linnet made a brief appearance as did Rock Bunting and Sardinian Warbler. Choughs and Ravens were seen flying above the cliffs. After a leisurely picnic lunch we set off for our second stopping point, a lake with reedbeds and trees. We had great views of a Reed Warbler in full song, plus a Fan Tailed Warbler and Corn Bunting. Sand Martins were around in good numbers, flying with over the reeds with House Martins. We then stopped what was for some another target bird – the stunningly colourful Bee Eater. The day finished with a beer in a local bar before a drive over a mountain pass and home… The day´s species list comprised… Black…

Bird Watching in Valencia

On 27th April, we enjoyed a great day of birding at the Valencian Coastal Wetlands with a group of British birders. After the obligatory morning coffee by the sea, we set out along the dunes where we enjoyed good views of Moustached Warbler in the adjoining reeds and a Turtle Dove on a telephone wire. The first lagoon provided nice views of White Headed Duck and Little Bittern and a little further along the track we stopped to watch a Great Reed Warbler sat up in the reeds in full view. Our next stopping point beside another lagoon gave good views of Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and the beautiful Collared Pratincole. As we walked through more reedbeds we saw Common Reed Warbler, Savi´s Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler and Marsh Harrier – all classic birds of this trip. We soon added Corn Bunting and Yellow Wagtail to the list too. The mosquitos were becoming a little annoying so we didn´t linger at the next lake for too long but we did have time to enjoy views of Shelduck, Wood Sandpiper, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Spotted Flycatcher….

Bird Watching in Valencia.

On Wednesday 18th April, I spent a day bird watching in Valencia with a group of 7 clients. The Valencian Coastal Wetlands are superb throughout the year, but are especially so in Spring when the breeding season is upon us. There was a cool breeze as we set out along the coastal path towards the first lagoon, and this seemed to be keeping most of the smaller birds down in the reeds. However, we soon had good views of White Headed Duck, Great Crested Grebe, and Red Crested Pochard. We also enjoyed views of Great Reed Warbler and Fan Tailed Warbler. A further stroll along the coast provided great views of a beautiful Collared Pratincole, it´s delicate facial markings showing clearly in the sunlight. Our next stopping point gave super views of Kentish Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank and Curlew Sandpiper. As we continued our walk we could hear the iconic song of a Corn Bunting and soon found it sitting in the top of a nearby tree. As we progressed through the reed beds we could pick out the calls of Cetti´s Warbler, Savi´s Warbler and more Great Reed…