Wallcreepers & Dupont's Larks

25th February - 2nd March 2010

Late winter is a good time to visit the Plains of Zaragoza and the Spanish Pyrenees as many species are still in their winter flocks and for witnessing some early northward bird migration. We shall also visit the steppes of Belchite, which are famous for having the densest Dupont's Lark population in the whole of Iberia. We will be making every effort to find this elusive species and other classic steppe species, and with our 100% record the chances are high. The last few days of the short break will be spent in the Aragon Pyrenees looking for the enigmatic and very sought after -Wallcreeper. During the winter months they leave the high mountains and spend time at lower altitudes where we will be checking several sites traditionally good for this species. Our time will also be spent at other classic sites such as San Juan de la Peña and the ski resort of Portalet.

Day 1 - After flying into Zaragoza Airport you will be met by your guide and then make our way to the hotel near the historic town of Belchite. Once we have checked in and freshened up, we go in search of Dupont's Lark. We will drive around the tracks of the reserve until dusk - hearing their distinctive call, and trying to locate one calling on top the mesquit grass. We will also be watching out for Pin tailed & Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Lesser Short toed Larks, Calandra Larks and possibly Dotterel, which pass through here at this time of year.

Day 2 - A pre breakfast visit to El Planeron will giving us another chance of finding a Dupont's Lark should we have been unsuccessful the evening before. Then after breakfast we will head north towards Huesca and the pre-Pyrenees stopping off in the wonderfully scenic Vadiello Dam. Here we have a distint possiblity of finding one or two of the mountain specialities Lammergeier and to a lesser degree Wallcreeper. The latter can over-winter here and can actually be seen feeding on the dam wall, quite an amazing sight. Other birds to be found here could include Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, genuine Rock Doves and Rock Buntings. After here we shall visit the nearby castle of Montearagon, where we hope to find Black Wheatear - a local speciality. We will then continue to our accommodation for the next 4 nights, which is situated near the wonderful cliff-top monastries of San Juan de la Peña.

Days 3, 4 & 5 - Over the course of the next three days we will explore as much of the Pyrenees with an emphasis on the sandstone stacks of the Mallos de Riglos. Here at this time of year it is possible to see two or three Wallcreepers low down on the sandstone pillars. Previous years have produced some wonderfully close views of these enigmatic birds as they feed and chase each other. Small numbers of Alpine Accentors feed amongst the flowers and short grasses behind the village, and their confiding nature makes them a natural subject for photographers. During these days we should also be visiting San Juan de la Pena, the ski resorts of Astun & Portalet plus possibly the Val de Roncal. However since the weather can be very unpredictable our daily itineraries will be tailored to suit these conditions, but the target species we hope to find are Lammergeier, Black Woodpecker, Citril Finch, Alpine Chough, and Snowfinch.  The specialities will not be our only focus as there is always a chance of encountering Egyptian Vultures, Golden, Short toed or Bonelli's Eagles, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Dipper, Mistle Thrush, Hawfinch, Common Crossbill, Short toed Treecreeper, Crested, Marsh & Long Tailed Tits, Firecrest, Nuthatch, Red billed Chough, Rock & Cirl Buntings. Some of these species may require some moderate walking to get to the appropriate areas but we shall try and endeavor to keep this to a minimum and all walks will be taken at a relaxed pace.

Day 6 – After breakfast we leave the Pyrenees and head south with the main priority getting back to Zaragoza Airport for you flight home. However if time allows we shall visit the inland lake of Sariñena, This large body of water fringed with phragmites is one of the few breeding sites in Spain for Great Bittern. At this time of year waterbird numbers should still be very good with plenty of Great Crested & Little Grebes, Grey Heron, Shoveler, Teal, Common Pochard and Mallard but there is a possiblity of something rarer such as a Ferrugineous Duck or even an early Purple Heron.

"What's been said"

Hi Julian, Just to say thanks, we had a really good time, good company, good food and great birds. Thanks again, hope to see you soon. S & J Miller

Hi Jules, All went well on the journey back and Jane, John T and I celebrated our return with a Chinese take-away - no chips - or rabbit!!. As ever, it was a superb trip, you really deserve to do very well and I am delighted with our ongoing partnership. I'm really looking forward to Egypt. R Palmer (Calandra Holidays)

Hi Jules. We got back on time but were held up in passport control for a hour, so the luggage had to wait for us!!. Got fish and chips for Frank en route home so he was happy. Thanks again for a fantastic trip, looking forward to Poland. A Moorhouse

Great holiday, and I am definite for Morocco next year and I would like to come on the Eastern Poland holiday as well, so please add me to the list for this. R Waters

Just to say a big " Thank You" for a superb birding holiday. The Pyrenees are so spectacular as are the birds and we really enjoyed our day on the Ebro Delta. A fantastic trip, good birds, good food and good company. Hope to see you again very soon. K & V Hudson

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