Boletas Birdwatching Centre , birding , spain, morocco , pyrenees , extremadura , andalusia , nature holidays , accommodation pyrenees.

INTRODUCTION

The Picos de Europa is regarded as one of the principal mountain natural reserves in Europe, two important characteristics define this beautiful rugged part of Spain ; High altitudes mainly formed by the peculiar grey-white limestone rock are close to the sea, in fact the name of "Picos de Europa" was taken by sailors as it was the first part of Europe to be seeing. The second characteristic which gives to this area its magnificent feature, is the extremely "aggressive" transition from low valleys to high mountains, the maximum altitude is Torrecerredo 2.643 mts. and lowest is 90 mts. Thanks to this and the lowest density of the population its natural renown is well deserved; In the high altitudes breeds the typical selection of the alpine birds as Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, Snow Finch or Alpine Choughs. Abundant raptors can be spotted flying over the cliffs and ravines. In the deep beech and oak woods Capercaillie or woodpeckers and many species of passerines( Bonelli´s Warbler and Iberian Chiff -Chaff) are common. The flora is abundant with many endemic subspecies of flowers and around 40 species of orchids. Although difficult to observe in this part of Spain is remarkable the good populations of mammals with the best Spanish population of brown bears and good numbers of wildcats, beech martens or wolves.

Itinerary

Day 1 . We meet at Santander or Bilbao. On our way towards a local wetland where we can expect to see Spoonbills, Black-necked Grebes, Purple Heron, White Stork, Zitting Cisticola and a good selection of wading birds. On the way to las arenas we will stop in a excellent point of view to spot raptors. Overnight in Las Arenas.

Day 2.- We will visit a fascinating beech wood of the area, several easy walking excursions to spot raptors, Black, Middle Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Fire Crest, Bonellis Warbler, Iberian Chiff-chaff. Alternation of beach in the humid corners and oak in the most sunny slopes, some of the trees are 500 years old. Good for eagles and mammals. The villages in the area have typical houses named "horreos", built with hard wood and without nails are completely detachable and transportable, they were used for the storage and conservation of food away from the animals. Overnigh in Las Arenas.

Day 3- Most popular famous and walking excursion in the area named "Ruta del Cares" Long and deep canyon in the earth of the Picos, spectacular rock formations and amazing architecture. From Poncebo to Cain there are many possibilities to spot a large number of birds among them: Dipper, Kingfisher, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin and several raptors. Chamoix are easy to find. Overnight in Las Arenas.

Day 4.-Walking from the glacier lakes through the meadow valleys to the high cliffs we could spot ducks , raptors thrushes and the alpine specialities mainly Alpine Chough or Rock Bunting. On the way to the lakes we will stop to visit an artificial feeding point for Griffon Vultures. Overnight in Espinama

Day 5 .- High mountains excursion through the most rugged and spectacular part of the Picos, We will take a cable car to cover an important unevenness of a mountain circus. We will find a typical geological formation named "jou" which consists in huge holes formed by the erosion of water and ice in the glacier ages. Excellent opportunities for alpine birds as Wallcreeper, and Alpine Chough. Abundance of flowers some of them endemic to these mountains. Overnight in Espinama

Day 6.-Drive through the mountain area of the Valle de Liebana with altitudes ranging from 400mts to 2.600 mts. covered by mediterranean woods in the lower parts and silver birch, beech and oaks before take the lift to the high peaks, excellent bird life ; Golden Booted and Shor-toed Eagle, Peregrine, Egytian Vulture, Griffon, Capercaillie, Black and Middle Spotted woodpecker, Alpine Swift, Rock Thrush , Water Pipit, both choughs , Crag Martin, Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor. We . Overnight in Espinama

Day 7- Return to Santander/ Bilbao to take the flight home.