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Birding trip to Albufera of Valencia

A few weeks ago, I was delighted to provide a birding trip to Albufera of Valencia Natural Park for two couples from England. One couple were experienced birders who wanted to introduce their friends to the pleasure of going birding during their holidays. They were keen to discover the birdlife of the Valencian wetlands, so after I collected them, we drove a few minutes to the main reserve area of the natural park. After visiting the centre to understand the different ecosystems and birdlife of the area, we went to the observatories which is where we saw the first species of interest… Black-winged Stilt, Red-crested Pochard as well as an Osprey that flew over Next stop was in a green filter and reserve area. It took us a few minutes to drive through the rice paddies and just before we entered the reserve, a flock of Spoonbills flew over and we enjoyed great views. We arrived to the observatory tower where we had amazing views of some of the target species of the day… Purple Swamphen, Great White Egret and Marsh Harrier. The day was going pretty well so they…

A wonderful 2 day birding break from Valencia

A few day ago I was delighted to provide a wonderful 2 day birding break from Valencia for three ladies from the USA. Fi had contacted us requesting 2 day trips, one to Albufera Natural Park and another one to the steppe for her and two more friends Lili and Elise. The first day of the trip had arrived and I went to collect them from their hotel in Valencia city. To my surprise, Elise was 93 years old, unbelievably fit and with a amazingly bright mind! She has been birding all over the world and as well as Lili and Fi, she wanted to enjoy the birdlife of Valencia. The plan was to spent a relaxing birding day in this important wetland area, so first we drove through the northern rice paddies where we spotted hundreds of Glossy Ibis, Gulls and Spotless Starlings. Before the next stop we had a coffee break, where Elise had the brilliant idea of taking a boat ride on the Albufera Lake. Indeed it was, because we got really close to thousands of Red-Crested Pochards as well as many Marsh Harriers. After a break…

2-Day Birding Break in Valencia.

I recently provided a 2-day birding break in Valencia for a couple from the south coast of England who wanted to combine a cultural visit to this beautiful city with two days of bird watching. We decided to spend a day at Albufera de Valencia, as September is always an interesting month for straggling summer visitors, early winter arrivals and passage migrants. We also planned a day on the high steppe as Great Bustard was one of Geoff and Sharon´s key target species. Both experienced and well travelled birders, they were keen to see what the region held. On day one we made the short journey from the city to Albufera where we made our first stop at a protected reserve area. The first couple of hides gave good views of Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint and a very obliging Zitting Cisticola which perched right in front of the viewing hatch. Yanina joined us briefly with a couple of clients from UK who we´d been lucky enough to meet at Rutland Bird Fair the previous month. An Osprey passed overhead, and a Sardinian Warbler was seen flitting around in the undergrowth. …

Bespoke guided bird watching trip in Valencia

A few months ago we were contacted by two experienced birders from England who were interested in birding in Valencia, not far from the city where they were going to spend their holidays. After we designed a suitable trip and they made the reservation, they discovered that we were going to Rutland Bird Fair. So Brian and some friends stopped by to say hi at the stand where were promoting Valencia Region. Finally, last week arrived the day of the bird watching trip to Albufera Natural Park, thankfully it was a nice sunny day after a week of rain and storms! I collected them from their hotel in Valencia city and we drove straight to the first stop in a protected area beside the sea. Despite the harsh sunlight we had great views of Black Tern, Little Tern, Audouin’s Gull, Kentish Plover and Black-necked Grebe. Brian particularly liked the views of Black Terns, which were already in winter plumage. Next stop was the main reserve area inside the Natural Park, where we joined Dave and two clients also from England. As they arrived first we had part of the work…

Birding in Albufera.

Last Friday I provided a day of guided birding in Albufera de Valencia for a great client from the USA. Kevin was staying in Valencia and wanted to include some bird watching in his holiday. An experienced birder back in the States, he was very keen to discover the bird life that our region holds. As this was the first time he´d been birding in Spain, we focussed the day on enjoying quality views of some of the classic species, rather than trying to maximise the list. Our day began in a protected reserve area where we enjoyed views of Black Tailed Godwits (many now well into their breeding plumage), Avocet, Greater Flamingo and Black Winged Stilt. As we walked through the reserve, there was a constant stream of House Martins and Barn Swallows, all heading north on their migration. Just as we were saying what an exciting time this is, a much larger bird caught my eye – an Alpine Swift! After a short drive across the rice fields, where we stopped to watch Meadow Pipit, Marsh Harrier and Cattle Egret, we entered another restricted reserve area. A pair…

Birding in Albufera de Valencia.

Last week I was delighted to welcome back returning clients Bill and Maureen, this time with Bill´s brother and sister-in-law, John and Maggie. It was great to see them again, and this time our detination was the Natural Park of Albufera de Valencia. Their previous trip with us was to a different wetland site, so they were very interested to see what birding in Albufera de Valencia held in store… Having met close to Valencia we made the short journey into the park where we began our trip at one of the area´s restricted nature reserves. We made several stops here, very quietly setting up the scopes to scan across the lagoons. Our first stop gave us views of Great Egret, Spoonbill and Lapwing. Then suddenly a Booted Eagle passed overhead. Male, female and juvenile Marsh Harriers were quartering the surrounding reed beds, giving excellent views. We then moved to a shallower lagoon that provides great habitat for an array of waders at this time of year. We enjoyed great views of Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, Ruff, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis and Greenshank. Migration was taking place right before us, with…