Trip Reports

Day 1 – Mountains A few days ago, I was delighted to provide a 2-day bird watching break to the mountains and to Albufera de Valencia for two experienced birders from USA. They were keen to discover some of the habitats and birdlife of our region. Having collected them from their apartment in central Valencia, we drove for less than one hour to a great gorge in the mountains to search for some target species. As soon as we parked, we had an amazing welcome from a Blue Rock Thrush standing on top of a ruined building controlling its territory.…

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of providing a 2-day birding break on the steppe and in Albufera de Valencia for a family from Slovenia.  However, the real birder of the group was Maks, a 14 year-old boy with an amazing knowledge. Day 1 – Steppe Having collected them from their hotel in the city, we made the journey inland and up onto the high steppe area close to Valencia.  After a morning coffee stop and a briefing on the species that we were likely to see, we headed across the rolling plains where had great views of…

A few days ago, I had the pleasure to organise a guided birding trip to Albufera de Valencia for a couple from the Netherlands. They were experienced birders, keen to discover new species from this region. After I collected them from their hotel in Valencia, we drove to the first stop in a reserve area, which right now is becoming a local “hotspot”.  We were amazed with fantastic views of Booted Eagles and Marsh Harrier, also Little Grebe and Kingfisher displaying right in front of us.  We also enjoyed good sightings of many waterfowl and wader species. Second stop was in a…

I recently designed and provided a 2-day bird photography trip for a client from Norway.  Svein was staying in the south of our region and wanted to organise a couple of days birding from Alicante.  We opted for a day at the area´s premium wetland reserve followed by a day on the steppe.  That way he would see two completely different habitats. One day 1 we met up and drove to the wetlands where we started the day with a walk through the reserve. The day began with views of Little Grebe, Little Stint, Dunlin, Avocet and Greater Flamingo.  We…

Last week Dave and I had the pleasure of providing a 2-day trip for a couple of clients who have returned to Valencia each year to go birding with us.  We´ve since become firm friends and have enjoyed some great trips together.  This time they had planned an autumn trip and wanted to see the wetlands of this fabulous region. Day 1 – Albufera de Valencia Natural Park Having collected Jan and Ossie from central Valencia, we drove to Albufera to one of the park´s restricted reserve areas.  Whilst driving through the harvested rice paddies, we had great views of Glossy Ibis,…

I recently enjoyed a great day´s autumn birding in Valencia with a couple from Holland.  Both experienced and well travelled birders, they were interested in seeing the region´s bird life, and especially wanted to photograph the Hoopoe. After collecting them from their hotel in the city, we made the short drive to Albufera de Valencia where we began the day in a protected reserve area.  We saw both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt and Dunlin.  The next hide gave quite brief but excellent views of Kingfisher. We then moved onto another restricted reserve where we spent more time, enjoying…