Birdwatching and wildlife tours in Spain
Gallocanta Birding Tour
Following there is a description of our 2-days Gallocanta birding tour, a remarkable birding paradise for cranes watching.
Day 1. Valencia airport- Gallocanta Birding tour
Welcome to Valencia airport before we head for the Gallocanta Lagoon. One hour and half later, we will stop in the Sierra del Toro, where we will look out for forest birds such as Rock Bunting, Crested Tit, Crossbill, Firecrest, Griffon Vulture, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Short-toed Treecreeper, etc. Later, we will have a look to the unknown Cañizar lagoon. It was restored 6 years ago, and now, it is the third most important inland lagoon in Spain. It holds very interesting species as the Bittern, Hen Harrier, Merlin and many other species of wildfowl. It is also home of thousands of cranes during winter.
After having lunch, we will continue our trip to Gallocanta. Once we arrive, we will go up to one hill in order to have a panoramic view of the lagoon.
Then, we will visit some hides and have a good time watching the diverse passerine community: Linnet, Sky, Thekla and Crested Lark, Corn Bunting, Calandra Lark, etc. Before it gets dark, we will wait the massive arrival of cranes in one side of the lagoon, what a spectacular view!!!
Gallocanta and Extremadura hold nearly all the wintering Common Cranes in Europe. The numbers of Cranes in Gallocanta are staggering, 51000 in January 2014. During the migration in November and February the numbers can be even larger (60000-70000).
Day 2. Gallocanta birding tour-Valencia
Today we will explore the less known surroundings of Gallocanta. We will visit two different lagoons, one of them has very low content of salts and therefore different species of wildfowl. Besides, the area around holds species such as Marsh Harrier and Red Kites. We will also visit a nearby gorge where Golden Eagle, Peregin Falcon and Red-billed Chough are frequently seen.
The landscape is really impressive with the contrast of the colours; the land is red, green and yellow ochre and the sky clear blue and white, fantastic for landscape shoots.
Please find the last trip report in the following link. The trip to Gallocanta could be combined with our 5-day birding trip to Alicante and Valencia. Should you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Price Gallocanta birding tour:
195 €/people (4 people)
260 €/people (3 people)
Single supplement: 20€
1 person/ 2 people, please ask for a private tour
What is included:
– Travel from Valencia airport in modern, fully seat belted, air conditioned vehicles
– 1 Night accommodation in a nice hotel
– All meals included: lunches (day 1 and 2), evening meal (day 1) and breakfast (day 2)
– Tour guided by a professional bird guide
– Basic travel insurance
– Fuel
What is not included:
– Air fare (Low cost companies operate daily flights to Valencia from several European airports)
– Drinks and other items of a personal nature