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

INTRODUCTION

Most birdlovers have dreamed of watching a Lammergeier breaking bones for food or of such a close encounter with a Wallcreeper that would seem to make binoculars unnecessary. You would certainly like to see Pin Tailed and Black Bellied Sandgrouse settled on the ground at a range close enough to appreciate their impressive plumage. We are able to convert your dreams to reality !

We have designed these tours for people who wish to observe, in the most perfect conditions, some of the most elusive birds of the Iberian Peninsula. Our knowledge of the habitats and experience with numerous Ornithologists, twitchers, Photographers, or Birdwatchers are the advantages that permit us to offer one of the best tours available in Spain. Although there may be a lack of some species during our proposed dates, we are confident that the quality of the resident species coupled with our resolve to present for you the best observations possible will result in complete satisfaction for all participants.

Itinerary

Day 1.- Meet you at Zaragoza airport. Few minutes after meeting Josele you will be searching For Eagle Owl near Zaragoza airport. Birding on route looking for few specialites such as sandgrouse, larks or raptors. Welcome dinner and overnight at Boletas Birdwatching Centre in Loporzano.

Day 2, 3.- The Pre-Pyrenees : A bird paradise - In the surrounding areas of Loporzano, the nearby Sierra de Guara and in the spectacular Mallos de Riglos, we will find one of the most exciting and varied concentrations of bird species : Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Thekla Lark, Black Wheatear, Alpine Accentor, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Wallcreeper, Penduline Tit, Southern Grey Shrike, Spotless Starling, Red Billed Chough, Rock Sparrow, Cirl Bunting, and Corn Bunting.

During the last weeks of February and November, we can observe great flocks of Cranes on their migratory journeys in the areas close to Huesca. As members of local Ornithological Associations, we collaborate in the census of the Cranes as they rest and feed during their annual flights to Northern Europe. Overnight in Loporzano.

Day 4^th.- French Border: The elusive alpine birds. Drive to several ski resorts where we will look for species that never leave the cold and snowy mountains: Lammergeier, Snow Finch, Alpine Accentor, Golden Eagle, Citril Finch and Alpine Chough. Overnight in the area.

Day 5^th.- Lammergeier feeding point. Without doubt, the star day of the tour as we will visit a former Lammergeier " artificial feeding station " where we should be able to observe these impressive and unique birds as they fulfil the task of vital sustenance during the harsh climate of winter.

There is a possibility that people actually engaged in the programme of the conservation of this great raptor could accompany us in order to explain details of Lammergeier behaviour. Part of the funds from this tour will be destined to support the groups which engage in this extremely important task of conservation. Overnight in Loporzano.

Day 6^th,7^th.- North and south Ebro Valley steppes. Our journey will begin early in the morning to Los Monegros where we can see Pin Tailed and Black Bellied Sandgrouse in good numbers. It would not be unusual to locate Great Spotted Cuckoo and we will attempt to find the small population of Great Bustard that still remains in the North East of Spain, among the other birds that we are likely to see are; Little Bustard, Stone Curlew,Lesser Short-toed Lark, Thekla Lark and Calandra Lark. Just before dinner we shall familiarise ourselves with the nesting area of Dupont's Lark. Before dawn on the following day we will visit Belchite, the impressive steppe area where the spectacle of sunrise coupled with the mysterious song of Dupont´s Lark creates a unique magical ambience. Although this area boasts the highest population density of Dupont's Lark in Spain, it is important to apply maximum concentration and skills of vigilance in order to observe this very difficult and elusive bird. After breakfast, we will visit the spectacular red sandstone hills that crown these steps to find Black Bellied and Pin Tailed Sandgrouse as well as Golden Eagle. Finally, we shall visit nesting areas of the majestic Bonelli's Eagle, a bird that over the years has become very scarce. Overnight in Quinto de Ebro.

Day 8^th.-Return to Zaragoza airport. Time permitting we will do some birding on the way to Zaragoza with very good chances for raptors and both sandgrouse, at this time of the year forming big flocks ( we were lucky to spot 120+ Pin-tailed Sandgrouse in 2006). Drive to Zaragoza airport to take your flight home.

Air company RYANAIR is offering a cheap flight from Stanstead to Zaragoza , please visit www.ryanair.com. If you are unable to flight to Zaragoza please contact us for alternatives.