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Northern Spain
Saturday 27 November - Friday 3 December 2004
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© Jamie McMillan/Nature Portfolio  The sandstone pinnacles at Los Mallos, Riglos |
A late autumn break to the mountains, steppes and wetlands of Northern Spain. Join us for wintering raptors and mountain birds in the Pyrenean foothills, Dupont's Lark and sandgrouse on the steppes, and thousands of Cranes going to roost at the Laguna de Gallocanta!Starting in the High Pyrenees, and reaching down nearly as far as Valencia, the vast Spanish region of Aragón contains almost all the types of inland wildlife habitat to be found in Spain. Here there are wetlands packed with birds, especially in winter, rolling dry grassland and farmland - the 'Spanish Steppe' - rugged forested hills and canyons, and the snowcapped mountains of the Pyrenees themselves. We travel to this area in late autumn when thousands of Cranes are present on one of the lakes, when sandgrouse form flocks on the steppe country, and when high mountain birds, such as Alpine Accentor and Wallcreeper have moved to more accessible lower altitudes. Our two-centre tour to this area aims to give us plenty of time in all the main habitats, together with several evenings watching the superb spectacle of the Cranes coming into roost. Itinerary : Days 1 - 3 We take a scheduled flight from London - Barcelona and transfer to our hotel near Huesca. |
© Keith Grant/Nature Portfolio  Wallcreeper in Aragón |
A little to the north of Huesca stand the dramatic sandstone pinnacles of Riglos. The skies here are always full of raptors in fine weather, and we may expect several wintering species. These can include Lammergeier and Griffon Vulture, with a chance of Golden Eagle. Alpine Accentor can be found around the village at this time, together with the resident Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush. Either here, or at the spectacular Castillo de Loarre, just near our superbly-situated hotel, we look for wintering Wallcreeper on the rock faces. This must be one of the best places we know to catch up with this spectacular, but often elusive species - and we've had wonderful close views here in the past. We also head up into the pretty pine forests of St Juan de la Peña, where Citril Finch, Crested Tit, Black Woodpecker and Crossbill may be found.
Three nights near Huesca |
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Days 4 - 6 Today we travel south of Zaragoza, to the rolling steppe country, where both Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse can be found in small numbers. Calandra and Lesser Short-toed Larks are resident, as well as one of the most difficult lark species to get to grips with, the secretive Dupont's Lark, which we've seen on several past trips. Raptors can include Peregrine, Merlin and Golden Eagle. Even without the spectacle of the Cranes, the Laguna de Gallocanta would be an excellent wetland, with its wintering wildfowl and raptors. Hen and Marsh Harriers soar over the reedbeds, and there is always a chance of seeing sandgrouse from the surrounding steppe coming in to drink. But of all these attractions, it is the sight and sound of thousands of Cranes coming in to roost that stands out, and we shall be returning more than once to see them. We'll be based in the highly attractive mediaeval town of Daroca for our stay in this area, within easy reach of both good steppe country, and Gallocanta. Our hotel is one of the nicest we've found in Spain, in a beautifully restored building and very friendly and welcoming. Three nights Daroca Day 7 We return to Barcelona to catch a return afternoon flight to London. |
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Accommodation We stay for three nights in the superb setting of Loarre - our hotel is a 'palacete' originally built in the 16th-century, and displays a wonderful mix of renaissance and baroque architecture, followed by three nights in and a lovely country hotel in Daroca. All rooms are en suite. Principal Leader: John Muddeman Numbers: Max. 12 clients Prices: 2004 - £ 845 2005 - £ 875 Single supps.: 2004 - £ 90 2005 - £ 95 Deposit : £ 200 per person The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of accommodation as detailed above, all meals, scheduled return flight London - Barcelona, airport taxes, minibus transport, tips, admissions and the services of the leaders. The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks and other personal expenses. |
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