Coastal Wetlands of Castellon - 30th June 2011

This was largely an experimental trip as late June / July is never the best time for birding, but our efforts were rewarded by some good birds, for some of which we enjoyed excellent views. The weather was of course hot and humid, but before we retreated to a bar for a cold beer, we´d totted up a list of 26 species.

Highlights included Bee Eater, Audouin´s Gull, Ringed Plover, Collared Pratincole and superb views of a male Montagu´s Harrier.

Northern Valencian Wetlands

Sunday 8th May dawned bright with clear blue skies...something of a rarity in itself following the recent succession of wet weekends! We spent the day exploring various wetland sites along the coastline of Northern Valencia.

Most if not all summer visitors were well established. The tick list for the day totalled 47 species, a very satisfying achievement. Not only were we pleased with the variety of birds seen, but we were paticularly fortunate to enjoy superb views of almost every one.

Highlights included Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Spoonbill and White Headed Duck.

The entire list for the day comprised :

Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Blackbird, Collared Pratincole, Coot, Cormorant, Corn Bunting, Dunlin, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Goldfinch, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Yellow Legged Gull, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Hoopoe, Kestrel, House Sparrow, House Martin, Little Bittern, Little Ringed Plover, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Pied Flycatcher, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Purple Gallinule, Redshank, Shoveler, Spoonbill, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Swallow, Swift, Common Tern, Little Tern, Whiskered Tern, Turtle Dove, Great Reed Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, White Headed Duck.