Birding n VALENCIA
Just a few years ago, hardly anyone would have considered the Valencia region of Spain as a birding destination. It was known more for its coastal cities of Valencia, Alicante and Castellon, award winning beaches and excellent gastronomy. These days there’s an increasing number of birders who don’t just visit the area – they return year after year.
This autonomous region in Eastern Spain, comprises three provinces Castellon, Valencia and Alicante, and contains no less than 22 designated Natural Parks. It has three major international airports and a highly advanced road and rail network. The selection of quality accommodation on offer is huge, from modern hotels to beautifully restored country houses in stunning locations.
This all helped to establish the region as a holiday destination, but is now aiding its development as a premium birding area. A programme of work involving the collaboration of local government tourist departments and the Association of Birding Guides of the Valencian Community has helped to put the region on the “birding map”. Unsurprisingly, the area’s best kept secret was also it’s key strength – habitat diversity. The network of coastal wetlands, salt marshes and dune systems are located right on one of Europe’s major migration flyways. These extremely bird-rich zones hold species such as Marbled Teal, White-headed Duck, Purple Swamphen,
Audouin’s Gull and in recent years have provided the first record of multiple Elegant Tern nests in Spain.
The mountainous interior has dramatic peaks of up to 1800m in altitude. This is home to passerines such as Alpine Accentor, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush. Eagles including Golden, Short-toed, Booted and Bonelli’s are also here and Eagle Owl and Griffon Vulture nest extensively.
The cereal belt and steppe area that lies to the region’s south west provides a completely different landscape. This zone provides habitat for species that include Great and Little Bustard, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Calandra Lark.
The future provides ongoing challenges. However, thanks to some great work by the region’s Environmental Departments as well as local and national conservation NGOs, much has been done to conserve habitat, focussing on protecting endangered species and re-introducing others. Education is key, and projects are ongoing at local level to engage with children, aimed at enabling future generations to continue this vital work. Visit the region’s website for further information birdingvalencia.com A warm welcome awaits you here in Region of Valencia.
• For more information visit: en. comunitatvalenciana.com/