Dupont’s Lark + Pyrenees

Overview

Dupont’s Lark keeps being one of the most iconic birds in Europe, with scattered and often overseen population along the Ebro Valley and Central Iberia. Often treated as a desert species, it is actually a species adapted to leave in mid-mountain ambients, often above 800 metres above sea level. It is, anyway, a difficult species to watch, and for many birdwatchers keep being a kind of Saint Graal..

During this trip we will fight hard to have good views on this species, and we will visit a number of very good locations of the bird. Along with it, we should enjoy Little & Great Bustards, Black-bellied & Pin-tailed Sandgrouses as well as many of the other specialties living in the steppe lands. But this tour shall also bring us to explore the mighty Pyrenees, where another iconic species, the always impressive Lammergeier (also referred as Bearded Vulture) awaits for us. In the mountains, surrounded by snow peaks and lovely valleys, we will be in search of Rufous-tailed Rock Thrushes, Black Woodpeckers, Citril Finches and a long array of goodies. Here, we shall visit a couple of spots where we might connect with the always wonderful Wallcreeper, already far away from their typical winter places..

In this tour we will expend all for nights in the same accommodation, with the commodity of not carrying our bags up and down the minibus, but with a couple of transfers when it comes to explore the Pyrenees..

Pláning

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Day 1. Early morning start to enjoy some Woodpeckers, Golden Orioles and some migratory species around Barcelona before transfering to the plains, where we will enjoy the first Little Bustards of the trip along with Great Spotted Cuckoo, Little Owls, European Rollers, Montagu’s Harriers and a bunch of Calandra Larks as you have never seen before (far commoner than anywhere else in Europe!). In the afternoon we will go back to the plains, this time to look for Pin-tailed Sandgrouses, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Golden Eagle, Eagle Owl, and more..

Day 2. First go for Dupont’s Lark. We will go to one of the best areas for the species, just outside Zaragoza. Here, we will also enjoy Thekla & Mediterranean Short-toed Larks, Spectacled Warblers and Iberian Grey Shrike. In the afternoon, we will visit a number of wetlands expecting to see Penduline Tit, Bearded Tit, Moustached Warbler, Great Reed Warbler but also Eurasian Wryneck, Common Nightingale and a good array of waterfowl.

Day 3. Going up to the Pyrenees, we will spend the day exploring the Boumort Game Reserve. Here, we will have the chance to see several Lammergeiers, but also good numbers of Cinereous Vultures, Golden Eagles and Egyptian Vultures. The area is also great for Citril Finches, Ring Ouzels, Dartford & Western Subalpine Warblers, Common Rock Thrush and, if lucky, Black Woodpecker.

Day 4. Second go to the Pyrenees, this time to explore areas around Ordesa. Here, we will be searching for Wallcreepers in a couple of proper places. If lucky, we would connect with this difficult species, but also Yellow-billed Chough, Lammergeier, Dipper, Rock Bunting and, maybe, Alpine Accentor.

Day 5. Back to the plains, we explore proper places for Dupont’s Larks and Great Bustard. The area is also noted for Sandgrouses, Great Spotted Cuckoo and, in recent years Spanish Eagle has been seen often. By midday, we will transfer back to Barcelona, where we might enjoy some coastal birding before ending the trip at the airport or around.

Información adicional

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 nights of accommodation in twin/double room, breakfasts, lunches and evening meals, birding guide, ground transport and nature reserve entrance fees if necessary. All prices include VAT.

NOT INCLUDED

International flights to/from Barcelona, alcoholic drinks, any other item not listed as “INCLUDED”

ACCOMMODATION

All 4 nights we will stay in a modern accommodation in Lleida, where will enjoy the its good services and early breakfast, something important in this trip!

WEATHER

Spring can be very variable. Expect temperatures to rank from 5-7ºC to 20-25ºC. A few showers are also likely during the trip. Please, mind to bring a few layers of clothing!

PASSPORT, VISA & HEALTH

Citizens within Schengen area are not required for any Passport. Visas are not required for any UK, US nor Canadian citizens. All Passports must have 6 months validity beyond the return date. We recommend you to contact your local health authorities to get updated information before travel.