A few targets in Valencia/Murcia? (6 Viewers)

C

cranefan

Well-known member

• May 11, 2025

• #1

Hi all,
I'm travelling to Valencia in early June and am designing a solo trip around Eastern Spain to pick up some much-wanted European species. (Incidentally, happy to link up if anyone wants to join).

There are a few species I'm unsure on, and wondered if anyone could recommend sites for the following? Perhaps they are better in Andalusia and should just wait for a different trip? Many thanks!

• Red-knobbed Coot
• Orphean Warbler
• Western Olivaceous Warbler
• Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin

Also if anyone has any up-to-date info on the best places to try for Marbled and White-headed Duck in June, that would be much appreciated!

 

njlarsen

Gallery Moderator

Opus Editor

Supporter

• May 11, 2025

• #2

As I recall, there were plenty of the coot in

El Hondo - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

When we visited in August a couple of years ago. This would be around the visitors center.
Niels

 

njlarsen

Gallery Moderator

Opus Editor

Supporter

• May 11, 2025

• #3

Try checking eBird/explore/species maps and set limits for the months when you are there.

 

Hotspur

James Spencer

• May 11, 2025

• #4

White-headed and Marbled Duck should be at El Hondo as well, the latter in good numbers. Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin used to breed in the scrub on the seafront at Gran Alacant near Clot de Galvany (which may also have the ducks).

 

C

cranefan

Well-known member

• Monday at 9:36 AM

• #5

Wonderful, thank you!!

 

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Monday at 10:29 AM

• #6

Won't struggle for the Coot and Marbled Duck at El Hondo; also Gallinule, White-headed Duck, raptors, Roller, herons, pratincoles etc.

Coot and the Duck also possible at the Clot although smaller numbers/poorer views. Nice mix of scrub species present; also Blue Rock Thrush.

The coast road south of Gran Alacant is a traditional site for the Robin although I believe sightings have declined; just be aware it is/was a gay cruising area so morning may be better than evening (for the Robin)

The lighthouse road at Santa Pola holds Red-necked Nightjar whilst the salt pans often have Elegant Tern in recent years.

 

Last edited: Monday at 1:05 PM

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Monday at 10:35 AM

• #7

I have had Western Olivaceous Warbler along the river at Archena.

 

C

cranefan

Well-known member

• Monday at 12:33 PM

• #8

Phil Andrews said:

Won't struggle for the Coot and Marbled Duck at El Hondo; also Gallinule, White-headed Duck, raptors, Roller, herons, pratincoles etc.

Coot and the Duck also possible at the Clot although smaller numbers/poorer views. Nice mix of scrub species present; also Blue Rock Thrush.

The coast road south of Gran Alacant is a traditional site for the Robin although I believe sightings have declined; just be aware it is/was a day causing area so morning may be better than evening (for the Robin)

The lighthouse road at Santa Pola holds Red-necked Nightjar whilst the salt pans often have Elegant Tern in recent years.

Click to expand...

Amazing thank you! What do you mean by day causing area? And which exactly is the lighthouse road? I’m not sure from looking at the map. Thank you!

 

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Monday at 1:06 PM

• #9

cranefan said:

Amazing thank you! What do you mean by day causing area? And which exactly is the lighthouse road? I’m not sure from looking at the map. Thank you!

Click to expand...

That's predictive text for you - gay cruising

 

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Monday at 1:09 PM

• #10

cranefan said:

Amazing thank you! What do you mean by day causing area? And which exactly is the lighthouse road? I’m not sure from looking at the map. Thank you!

Click to expand...

Access road in red - from memory it's very fast / dangerous so only access from northbound carriageway. Any other targets?

 

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Hotspur

James Spencer

• Monday at 2:30 PM

• #11

RN Nightjar also super easy at La Mata. Loads in the scrub at the south of the lagoon.

 

C

cranefan

Well-known member

• Monday at 11:41 PM

• #12

Phil Andrews said:

Access road in red - from memory it's very fast / dangerous so only access from northbound carriageway. Any other targets?

Click to expand...

Thank you!

Plenty of other targets! I’m not sure if early June is the right time, but anywhere shearwaters might be viewable from the shore?

I’d also be keen for suggestions in the vicinity for Bonelli’s Eagle, Eagle Owl, Wryneck, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Dupont’s Lark (is that possible within a few hours of Valencia?), Rock Thrush, Penduline Tit and Orphean Warbler.

Thanks so much for any tips!

 

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Tuesday at 6:40 AM

• #13

You should get Wryneck at the Clot with a bit of luck. Suspect you are too far from any Dupont's sites. Have had Bonelli's Eagle in the hills above El Hondo (Serra de Crevillent)