Trip Reports

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…

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…

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…

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…

On Easter Sunday I provided a guided bird watching trip to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands for a lovely couple from Essex, UK. Experienced travellers and naturalists they were spending the long weekend in the city of Valencia and chose to make a guided bird watching trip a part of their holiday plans. Having collected them from their hotel in the city centre, we made our way to the coastal wetlands, parked the van and after a brief introductory discussion, made our way along the dunes.  We were soon enjoying good views Glossy Ibis, Marsh Harrier and Reed Warbler. The first…

On Tuesday 3rd April, we arranged a guided bird watching trip toCastilla de la Mancha for a group of 7 people.  The weather forecast was for sunshine and showers and as we arrived at our first viewing point, atop a small hill overlooking the plains, there was a cool wind blowing.  Despite this we were treated to immediate views of what was the target bird for many of the group, the Great Bustard. Skylarks were singing in the fields and a Kestrel battled to hover in the wind. Having enjoyed the Great Bustards we set out across the plains to…