Bird Watching in Valencia.

On Wednesday 18th April, Dave and I spent a day bird watching in Valencia with a group of 7 birders.  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 Warbler.
A further stroll along the coast provided great views of a beautiful Collared Pratincole, it´s delicate facial markings showing clearly in the sunlight.

Collared Pratincole

Our next stopping point gave super views of Kentish Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank and Curlew Sandpiper.  As we continued our walk we could hear the iconic song of a Corn Bunting and soon found it sitting in the top of a nearby tree.  As we progressed through the reed beds we could pick out the calls of Cetti´s Warbler, Savi´s Warbler and more Great Reed Warblers.  Our patience was eventually rewarded by views of all three.

Glossy Ibis

A Water Rail suddenly ran across the track in front of us and was then followed by a Wood Sandpiper.  We were then treated to another unexpected surprise as a White Stork flew overhead.
The return leg of our walk was in beautiful afternoon sunshine and provided views of Common Sandpiper, Crested Lark, Glossy Ibis, Shoveler and Gadwall.  As we scanned over the last lagoon of the day, there was yet another surprise in store – this time in the form of a lone Barnacle Goose!

No matter how many times I visit the Valencian Coastal Wetlands there´s always something new and unexpected.  We´d all had a great day out and had been fortunate enough to see some superb birds, including a number of lifetime firsts for many in the group.
The species list included…
Avocet, Barnacle Goose, Black Headed Gull, Black Winged Stilt, Booted Eagle, Cattle Egret, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Collared Pratincole, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Coot, Cormorant, Corn Bunting, Crested Lark, Curlew Sandpiper, Gadwall , Glossy Ibis, Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Hoopoe, House Martin, House Sparrow, Kentish Plover, Kestrel, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, Little Tern, Magpie, Marsh Harrier, Moorhen, Pochard, Purple Heron, Red Crested Pochard, Redshank, Savís Warbler, Serin, Shelduck, Shoveler, Spotless Starling, Stonechat, Swallow, Swift, Water Rail, Whiskered Tern, White Headed Duck, White Stork, Wood Pigeon, Wood Sandpiper, Yellow Legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail

Beginners´Bird Watching Trip to Albufera de Valencia

Having provided a number of Guided Bird Watching Trips for local birders here in Valencia, Dave 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 and focus on key identification of the classic Albufera bird species.  The group quickly began to work well together, with some of the more experienced birders assisting the others.

The day got off to a super start as we were lucky enough to see a Night Heron flying alongside a reedbed.  We then spent a little time differentiating and enjoying superb views of Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Great White Egret.

Black Winged Stilt

As we walked through an area of reeds and lagoons we had good views of Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Black Winged Stilt and Gull Billed Tern.
After a very interesting presentation kindly given by one of the ever-helpful reserve managers, we walked back through the wetland from where we watched Marsh Harrier, Purple Gallinule and Greater Flamingo.

Flamingoes in flight

We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sun then drove to one of the local fishing villages for coffee before setting off to drive across the south side of the Natural Park.
We ended the day with a visit to a relatively new reserve to see if anything was around.  It proved to be a lovely ending to the trip as we were fortunate to enjoy superb views of up to 6 Squacco Herons.

Squacco Heron

We´d enjoyed a great day out and hopefully had inspired some new birding recruits!
Species seen included….Grey Heron, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Purple Gallinule, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Cetti´s Warbler, Fan Tailed Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Swift, Spotless Starling, Cormorant, Magpie, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Booted Eagle, Gull Billed Tern, Black Headed Gull



Written by David Warrington.
Bird Watching Guide at Valencia Birding.