Bird Watching Spain - Page 5 of 10 - Valencia Birding

Birding at Albufera de Valencia

On Wednesday 27th June I provided a guided bird watching trip to Albufera de Valencia for a local walking group. All nature lovers, the group also included a couple of experienced birders who regularly watched their own patch but were keen to explore Albufera. After a drive across the labyrinth of tracks that cross the rice fields, we began at one of my favourite sites, where we had the opportunity to watch the Albufera classic species – Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron and Night Heron. The reed beds held Great Reed Warbler and Fan Tailed Warbler whilst the lakes gave good views of Red Crested Pochard, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt and Great Crested Grebe. The group were interested in the ecology of the area as well as its bird life, so we were treated to a fascinating presentation by the reserve staff. This included a talk on the history of Albufera, the eco-systems within and the conservation projects currently underway. After lunch we headed towards the main lake of Albufera where we watched Gull-Billed Tern, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern and Audouins Gull. The…

Bird Watching at Albufera de Valencia.

On Saturday 23rd June, we provided a day trip to Albufera de Valencia for a group of four clients. All levels of abilities are made equally welcome and our trips are tailored to suit, so whilst today´s group were not “mad-keen” birders, all four were keen nature lovers so the trip was designed to provide a blend of birding, habitat and environment, and local culture. Our first stop was at a protected bird reserve within Albufera. We spent a little time watching Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets and Squacco Herons before walking into the reed beds. From there we had great views of Great Reed Warbler, Fan-Tailed Warbler then whilst looking across a lagoon we had views of Avocet, Black Winged Stilt and one of the day´s highlights, the Night Heron. A little later we had superb views of Marsh Harrier, Gull-Billed Tern, Purple Heron and another favourite, the Glossy Ibis. An informal presentation on the habitat and ecology of the Natural Park was followed by a short drive the village of El Palmar where we enjoyed a traditional Valencian Paella lunch. Once rested and refreshed we then took a…

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…

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 Sunday 15th April I spent a very enjoyable day with a lady from Austria who was visiting the area and wanted a day of guided bird watching in Valencia. Having met her at her accommodation in the city centre, we made the short journey to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands. This area is superb at any time of year but is especially interesting in April as summer visitors are arriving and migrants are passing through. We set off along the coast, scanning the reeds for warblers. A stiff breeze seemed to be keeping the smaller birds down but we did enjoy spectacular views of Swallows and Swifts swooping and diving as they hoovered up a swarm of mosquitos. The first lagoon provided excellent views of the very rare White Headed Duck together with Red Crested Pochard, Yellow Wagtail and Greater Flamingo. We then heard the distinctive call of a Great Reed Warbler so began our search which within a few minutes revealed this bold and charismatic bird sitting up in the reeds. We continued our walk along the coast where a few bushes were holding a small flock of passing…

Beginners´Bird Watching Trip to Albufera de Valencia

Having provided a number of Guided Bird Watching Trips for local birders here in Valencia, I was asked by a group of ladies to arrange a beginners´trip so they could introduce some of their friends to this wonderful hobby. Having provided a summary of our plans for the day, we drove to the Natural Park of Albufera de Valencia. After a brief introduction on the use of binoculars and telescope we discussed the species that we were likely to see. As the group largely comprised beginners, we opted not to maximise the species list but to simply enjoy good views and focus on key identification of the classic Albufera bird species. The group quickly began to work well together, with some of the more experienced birders assisting the others. The day got off to a super start as we were lucky enough to see a Night Heron flying alongside a reedbed. We then spent a little time differentiating and enjoying superb views of Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Great White Egret. As we walked through an area of reeds and lagoons we had good views of Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron,…