3-Day Birding Break in Late February
Having previously met Ralph and Brenda from the UK, I was really looking forward to providing this trip for them. Both exceptionally experienced birders and very much part of the birding fabric of the UK, it was a privilege to be out with them and to share with them this corner of Spain. Day 1 : Wetlands. To maximise habitat diversity, we opted to spend our three days together at the wetlands, steppe and mountains. Day one was at the coastal wetlands of Valencia where we enjoyed a long but leisurely walk along the beach, through reed beds, pasture and an area of coastal lagoons. One of the reserves viewing platforms As we began our walk, the sky was full of Crag Martins feeding over the reeds, with a few Marsh Harriers visible in the background. Still focussing on the reed beds, we had views of Reed Bunting, Cetti´s Warbler and some of the first Reed Warblers of the year. The first lagoon held Purple Swamphen, Teal and Shoveler as well as a Water Rail that was heard but not seen. Shoveler are a common winter visitor the Valencia Region…