Montserrat, the bizarre, massive rocky mountain of conglomerate 35 miles West of Barcelona, is also natural park protecting a good variety of Mediterranean wildlife.

Its lower slopes, covered by almond and olive groves surrounded by low scrub lands are a wonderful place to spot a wide range of mediterranean specialties such as Dartford, Sardinian and Western Subalpine Warblers, Woodlark, Woodchat Shrike, Woodlark, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Cirl and Ortolan Buntings as well as Eurasian Wryneck, Firecrest and Crested Lark.

The iconic, upper rocky areas host Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting and, in winter and early spring, Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor. A hike here can also produce views on the endemic Spanish Ibex as well as wonderful views in the countryside around since Montserrat is a balcony over most of Catalonia. Raptors may include Short-toed Snake and Bonelli’s Eagles!

In winter, during the afternoon, we would try to find the secretive and elusive Eurasian Eagle Owl, one of the largest owls in the world!