Northern Spain

[Imber Eye]

After watching England beat Andorra in Barcelona the decision was whether to go to Zagreb or stay in Spain for some birding. Of course no-one could watch the football so I was not alone in missing the match by spending, what would have been travelling time in Croatia, in pursuit of birds in Northern Spain. I stayed at the Boletas Birdwatching centre near Huesca and was well looked after (maybe there is an AOS weekend opportunity). Anyway it was the wrong time to see birds however being a tourist was not objectional. I started my exploration in the steppes with Woodchat Shrike followed closely by both types of local Sandgouse; Calendra, Thekla and Crested Lark; Montague and Marsh Harriers and topped it off with a Short toe Eagle. I dipped on Little Bustard , my target bird, but it was getting late and I still had a long way to go for dinner and some very refreshing red wine. The next 2 days were spent in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Besides Spotless Starlings, Griffin Vultures and Be-eaters in abundance the highlights included Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow and Crag Martin. My main target was Lammergeier and it put in an appearance both days but not in the locations where it was a certainty. The big surprise was Golden Oriole flying around a canyon at the end of the second day. My last day was spent in the Hecho Valley. Walking high up on alpine meadows was a pure delight even though the birds were hiding in dense bushes. For butterfly listers it would have been a different matter. Anyway I was on a high as I had found my main target earlier that day as it flew across the gorge over my head and landed on a sheer cliff in full view. For the next few minutes I had great views of the elusive Wallcreeper. My final list was over 70 species which was not bad for a tourist taking in castles and rock formations. I thought I was crazy spending all day in the heat looking for birds but then again I watched some of the climbers on Los Mallos Riglos; they were just insane!

P.S. My previous week on the Canary Islands was just fantastic but Mark Easterbrook can tell that tale in the Adjutant. I will however give away the ending by stating that there is no reason why Mark and I need to return to those islands.

[Wandering Tattler]

Andrew,

Well done on the Wallcreeper! I have still to catch up with one. I have been to several Bavarian sites, some several times, but always dipped. Did you get any photographs?

I got one of my long time 'wish-list' species this afternoon though, a Great Snipe at Flamborough.

See you at Portland!

Tim