Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Common Crossbill |
 Crested Tit |
 Ring Ouzel |
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 Citril Finch |
 Black Redstart |
 Mistle Thrush |
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I finally managed to get away on my short break to Valencia, Spain. This trip had several false starts thanks to covid, but now it could go ahead.
I had booked with Yanina from Visit Natura in Valencia to do a four day hide photography trip. My main target species was Ring Ouzel, which visits this area in winter.
Day 1 - Up at 7.00, quick breakfast and on our way to the first hide, located in La Yesa region in the mountains. It was a beautiful crisp and sunny morning, with a strong breeze, that Yani said is good for thrushes. Within 15 minutes, a gang of five Mistle Thrushes and three Song Thrushes had appeared at the small water feature. Ten minutes later they were joined by three Ring Ouzels, what a treat. After several minutes they all flew off but returned throughout the day. In between thrush visits we had Greenfinch, Chaffinch, a small flock of Citril Finches briefly and a beautiful family group of Common Crossbill. What a cracking first day.
Day 2 - A very early start, as we were going to a hide that attracts a local Goshawk. We waited until dawn and then for another few hours and although the bird called very close to our location, it did not appear, probably already well fed. That is wildlife for you, not a major disapointment, plenty more to see.
We moved on to a Gravel pit hide near Valencia at about 10.30. Here we saw plenty of Black Redstarts, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, a couple of Rock Sparrows, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, a Kestrel, Iberian Grey Shrike and right at the time to leave a very handsome Iberian Green Woodpecker. Another great day.
Day 3 - Today we visited a couple of hides in the countryside, one designed to catch the best light in the morning and the other in the afternoon. I had asked Yani, if I might get to see Crested Tits and she told me, by the end of the day you will be sick of seeing them. They were everywhere, little beauties but I just had to keep photographing them. There were also lots of male and female Blackcaps, a few Rock Sparrows and Chaffinches, Great Tits, Robins, Black Redstarts and a pair of Cirl Buntings. Quite a long day so we retired by 3.30.
Day 4 - back to a different hide in La yesa region. This time the weather was a bit cloudy and no breeze. Birds were very nervous because of a very persistent Sparrowhawk, but still got some nice shots of Ring Ouzels, Rock Sparrows and some other thrushes. We were also briefly visited by a farm cat, that didn't help, but by now I was more than happy with my trip.
I stayed at a motel that was central to all the hides, used by Visit Natura at a discounted rate, very reasonable. In the surrounding bushes were House Sparrows and Meadow Pipits and Yani said at some times of year Stone Curlews gather, but not when I was there.
Yani runs Visit Natura and she is passionate about wildlife, especially birds and her knowledge of the local area and indeed Spain is very impressive. She is also great company and determined to give you the best chance of getting your target species.
I missed out on the Goshawk and Rock Bunting but that just means I will have to return, which I am definitely going to do.
Mistle Thrush
Song Thrush
Ring Ouzel (possibly two different ssp)
Eurasian Blackbird
Redwing
European Robin
Iberian Grey Shrike
Iberian Green Woodpecker
Crested Tit
Great Tit
Common Crossbill
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Citril Finch
Goldfinch
Rock Sparrow
House Sparrow
Black Redstart
Carrion Crow
Common Kestrel
Meadow Pipit
Cirl Bunting
Sparrowhawk
Griffon Vulture
Golden Eagle
Rock Bunting (heard)
Goshawk (heard)