Birding in Valencia

 Bird Watching in Valencia, bird watching trips Valencia, Birding in Valencia, Birding News, birdwatching in valencia, Guided Bird Watching Valencia, Guided birding Valencia Add comments

Feb062014

On Tuesday 4th February we enjoyed a trip to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands with a group of local birders. Mostly returning clients, the group had previously enjoyed many trips with us. The objective of the day was to enjoy a relaxed walk around the wetlands and to generally enjoy the birdlife that this great little area sustains.

Purple Swamphen

Despite a fairly strong breeze, we saw sizeable flocks of Crag Martins feeding on insects above the reedbeds, and a Buzzard circling overhead. Numerous Chiffchaffs were also flitting around the low scrub surrounding the lagoons.

Meadow Pipit

On the coastal lagoons we enjoyed views of Teal, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard and Shelduck. We also had good views of Purple Swamphen throughout the day at various locations. The coastal scrub held Stonechat, Greenfinch and Hoopoe whilst the rocky shore gave views of Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail.

Lapwings

Marsh Harriers were, as always, around in good numbers and we all enjoyed some stunning views of these magnificent raptors, especially so in the low sunlight of the afternoon. We also had good views of a small gathering of Reed Buntings and a group of wintering Lapwings.

The species list for the day included :

Purple Swamphen, Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Shelduck, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Magpie, Hoopoe, Buzzard, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Crag Martin, House Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Fan Tailed Warbler, Chaffinch, Spotless Starling, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Legged Gull, Cormorant

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.

Birding at Albufera de Valencia

 Bird watching Albufera de Valencia, Bird Watching in Spain, Bird Watching in Valencia, bird watching trips Spain, bird watching trips Valencia, Birding in Valencia, Birding News, Birds of prey in Spain, birdwatching in valencia, Guided Bird Watching Valencia, Guided birding Valencia, Raptors in Spain Add comments

Nov252013

On Wednesday 20th November, we arranged a trip to Albufera de Valencia for a group of local birders.  The day began with morning coffee at a bar beside one of Albufera´s traditional fishing ports.  We then visited one of the park´s prime nature reserves where we spent the morning enjoying the superb bird life that this reserve supports.

Great Egret

Despite a windy morning, we had good views of Black Winged Stilt, Snipe, Marsh Harrier, Great Egret and dozens of wintering Chiff Chaffs.  The highlight of the walk through the reserve was a stunning view of a Booted Eagle that passed overhead then came to land on the ground right in front of us.

Booted Eagle

We then enjoyed a fascinating presentation on the history, ecology and various conservation projects of the reserve together with a visual display on how the reserve benefits the local environment and its wildlife.  We were especially fortunate to observe some bird ringing that was being done by the Sociedad Española de Ornitología.  A special treat was being able to see a Kingfisher at such close range, and for one of the group to be able to release a Chiff Chaff after its ringing and biometric survey.

Kingfisher

As we walked out of the reserve we had great views of a flock of Glossy Ibis, followed by an Iberian Grey Shrike then somewhat surprisingly a Pied Flycatcher.    After lunch and another coffee break we spent the afternoon at another smaller reserve where we enjoyed views of Purple Swamphen, Hoopoe, Crag Martin, Cattle Egret and Stonechat.

Marsh Harrier

The day was brought to a close with a beautiful sunset over the flooded rice fields.  It had been a fascinating visit and one that will hopefully bring happy memories of this very special place.

The species list for the day included :

Grey Heron, Little Egret, Black Winged Stilt, Snipe, Cormorant, Mallard, Chaffinch, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, White Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Great Egret, Coot, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Magpie, Grey Wagtail, Glossy Ibis, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Iberian Grey Shrike, Black Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Stonechat, Collared Dove, Black Headed Gull, House Sparrow, Spotless Starling, European Starling, Robin, Hoopoe, Cattle Egret, Crag Martin

Written by David Warrington.

Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.