The major wetland in Catalonia is one of those places where earth and sea have been fighting for centuries. Such fights build unique landscapes and hold an enormous variety of birdlife. A huge natural area combining extensive paddy fields, marshes, lagoons and astonishing coastline where over 330 species of birds have been recorded and over 90 are regular nesting species. Along with this impressive habitat, we will have enough time to visit other ecosystems, from hill sides to steppe-like areas which will provide an incredible list of key species living in every type of habitat.

SUGGESTED PLANNING

Day 1. Meet and wellcome at the Barcelona International Airport or in another agreed point. Transfer to Ebro Delta. Thoughout the day the lagoons, paddy fields, marshes and salt flats will give us excellent chances to see a wide variety of waterfowls. Some common species during the year include Audouin’s Gull, Purple Swamphen, Gull-billed Tern, Herons, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Moustached Warbler, Greater Flamingo, Slender-billed Gull, Collared Pratincole, Glossy Ibis, Caspian Tern, Little Bittern, Whiskered Tern, Bluethroat, Spotless Starling, Water Pipit…

Day 2. An early start to visit to some pools, called “Ullals” in Catalan. These areas host Moustached Warbler, Night Heron or Greater Bittern (winter) as well as Eurasian Golden Oriole or Eurasian Penduline Tit. We’ll spend most of the day in Tortosa-Beseït Natural Park. The cliffs, rocky landscapes, olive groves and thickets are noted not only for raptors, specially for Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle and Eurasian Griffon but also for a long list of small birds. Both Western Orphean and Dartford Warblers are common here along with Blue Rock Thrushes, Rock Sparrows and, in winter, the rocky slopes are hosts Alpine Accentors, Ring Ouzels and the elusive Wallcreeper.

Day 3. Early start this time to visit the extensive steppe-like areas close to Lleida, where we’ll spend most of the day. This steppe land hosts Little Bustard and Pin-tailed Sandgrouses, Calandra Lark, Stone Curlew and Lesser Kestrel. The area is also noted for birds of prey such as Montagu’s Harrier (summer) and Merlin (winter). Other summer visitors include Great Spotted Cuckoo, Spectacled Warbler and European Roller to name a few!

Day 4. We’ll explore the salt flats and open lands looking for more key species as well as some bonus species among the huge amount of birds that this Delta hosts all year round. In summer Collared Pratincole, Little Bittern, Caspian & Little Terns and Kentish Plover nest on the area while Short-eared Owls and Moustached Warblers winter there along with small numbers of White-headed Duck or Marbled Teal. The coastline will allow us sights on Balearic Shearwater, Skuas or Red-breasted Merganser. Final transfer to the Barcelona International Airport or another previously agreed point.