Spanish Pyrenees - June 3^rd – June 11^th

^{To View a previous report from this trip, please click here.}

~ Introduction ~

The Spanish Pyrenees are a stunning and well worth the visit. This trip has a visit to the lowlands around Zaragoza for fantastic bird watching.  Staying in Berdun we are close to all of the excellent bird watching areas on offer.

The majestic mountains, the gentle lowlands and the whole tranquil experience of the area will live long in the memory and you will see why Cygnus returns here year after year.

Vultures, Lammergeier, Wallcreeper and the birds of the high Pyrenees are our target species on this trip supported by Black Woodpecker, warblers and owls.

~ Itinerary ~

Day One

Departing from Heathrow, we will arrive in Madrid by mid afternoon.  From there we will drive to Zaragoza and check into the hotel for one night.  For those who are looking to get Dupont’s Lark there will be a late evening trip to Belchite to try to catch up with this elusive bird.

Day Two

An early morning visit to Belchite at around 5am is an option for the early birds with a chance of seeing Dupont’s lark, Great and Little Bustard and Sandgrouse.  We will return to the hotel to check out at mid morning – this morning’s trip is optional giving those who prefer a more leisurely start a chance to take a walk around the local area.

We will set of to Berdun, once we are settled into the rooms; we will do some local birding by the River Aragon until around 6pm, when we will return for dinner at the local restaurant.

Day Three

An 8am Start to Riglos.  The Mallos de Riglos will give us a chance of a range of birds in spectacular scenery.  We will spend the day here, returning to our rooms at 5pm for a get together to discuss the days birding and the plan for the following day (optional) before we head off for dinner.

Day Four

Another early start as we head off for the Anso and Hecho Valleys to find Wallcreeper and Lammergier, along with other high mountain species. 

We will spend the day here, returning to our rooms at 5pm for a get together to discuss the days birding and the plan for the following day.  Again, this is optional

Day Five

Today we will visit the monasteria area of San Juan de la Pena.  Spectacular viewpoints look over the mountains to the north whilst the forest trails give us the best chance to see the secretive Black Woodpecker and the picnic areas provide photographic opportunities of White Wagtails and Black Redstarts.

Lammergeier, Goshawk, Booted, Short-toed and Golden Eagles can all be seen from here along with a range of woodland birds.

Day Six

A more leisurely 9.00am start in the local area with a walk down to the river where we can spend the day looking at warblers, Penduline Tits, Golden Oriel, Wryneck and Bee-eaters.  A slow walk back will add more birds to our list.  An evening trip for Eagle Owl for those wanting this magnificent bird is available.

Day Seven

A return to the area around Zaragoza allowing a chance to look again at the birds we saw or maybe try for those we missed on the way up to Berdun.

Day Eight

Leave Zaragoza for Madrid Airport and the return flight to Heathrow.

~ General ~

Some of the places we will be visiting will require some walking, however, the walks are generally flat and pleasant and done at a comfortable pace.

We will have packed lunches at selected points. We will always try to ensure there are sufficient comfort stops. It is worth noting that this trip visits some high mountainous areas and the temperature can vary greatly. Please bring clothing suitable for the variations that we could experience.

     Cost: £649 Per person.