CATALONIA
This famous corner of north-eastern Spain is like a country unto itself. The Catalans have a strong local identity, their own language, and a rich history, especially in the arts. On this one week tour we will visit two contrasting areas, the arid inland steppes around Lleida and the bird rich north-east coast.
In the vicinity of Lleida there are the best steppe and grassland areas in Catalonia. These marginal farmlands and extreme steppe landscapes are an important area for birds. This is an interesting time of year, when winter visitors are still present, resident birds are starting to breed and the first summer migrants are arriving. We have a chance of seeing the elusive Dupont’s Lark, which sings only at this time of year.
Our second base is the north-east coast, with its marshes and rocky headlands. Our early April visit puts us here when the movement of migrants is well under way. Birds should be dropping in to Cap Creus (the most easterly point of Spain), and filling the marshlands of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. This is the peak time for some species, including Little Crake and Marsh Sandpiper. Glossy Ibis, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Great White Egret and Garganey are typical visitors while Purple Gallinules and White Storks are resident. At this time the weather should be pleasant, not too hot, and averaging less rainfall than May.
From Barcelona airport we will set out for the town of Fraga, near Lleida. Three nights here will give us the chance to cover this special area and see a good selection of its birds. Over the years the area has proved very rewarding for our groups.
The low fertility plains around Lleida are farmed in rotation, leaving fallow fields where birds can thrive. This results in good populations of steppic birds such as Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew and a range of species of lark. Calandra, Crested, Thekla, Short-toed and Skylark can all be heard singing. Plenty of Lesser Short-toed Larks breed in true, undamaged steppe areas, as does the rare Dupont’s Lark. Our search for this elusive species will, no doubt, turn up many other interesting birds that are adapted to this habitat.
During this season winter visitors such as Golden Eagle and Merlin are still hunting these open expanses, whilst Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, and Short-toed Eagle are arriving with the other summer visitors. Newly arrived Woodchat Shrikes patrol the field edges, but Black Redstart and Black-eared Wheatear prefer craggier places. We will look for the elusive Wallcreeper at a wintering site on the dramatic cliffs of the River Ebro.
Red-billed Chough, Alpine Swift and Rock Sparrow all breed locally, and Griffon Vulture and Booted Eagle are possible. Common birds of the fields and hedgerows include Sardinian Warbler, Hoopoe, Serin, Goldfinch and Corn Bunting with the occasional Southern Grey Shrike, Stonechat and Great Spotted Cuckoo.
It is here that the ranges of Starling and Spotless Starling meet and the two species can often be seen together.
On day four we will drive to our second base, Castelló d’Empúries, on the north-east coast. This lovely small town is a fine example of a medieval Catalonian village. It nestles between two rivers and provides birding opportunities on our doorstep.
Our hotel is close to the wonderful Aiguamolls de l’Empordà reserve that offers the chance of good views of a large range of species. Marsh Harrier, Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff (some in full breeding plumage), Glossy Ibis, Little Gull, and Black and Whiskered Terns are amongst the regular birds. Specialities include Great White Egret, Little Crake, Marsh Sandpiper, Garganey and, of course, the huge Purple Gallinule. White Stork, Cetti’s Warbler, Blackcap, Fan-tailed Warbler and Common Chiffchaff can all be very common, with any number of other warblers or waders on migration. With over 300 species noted at this one site alone, something of interest is invariably present. On one trip we saw a fine male Pallid Harrier, a rarity in Spain. On another visit we had excellent views of Little Crake. The reserve comprises three sections, including lakes of varying salinity, flooded fields, woodland and reedbeds, and we will give time to each part in turn. The reserve is very well run and has an excellent information centre.
The Cap Creus headlands, where the Pyrenean foothills reach the Mediterranean Sea, are first landfall for thousands of spring migrants. We will watch the weather and choose a promising day to check a couple of the best parts of this beautiful wild, rugged coastline. Peregrine, Blue Rock Thrush, Pallid Swift, Thekla Lark, Red-legged Partridge, Crag Martin, Dartford and Subalpine Warblers and Cirl Bunting are amongst the local breeding birds.
The region of Empordà is where Dalí, Picasso and many other artists and musicians settled. The incredible Teatro-Museo Dalí is in nearby Figueres. There are Greek and Roman archaeological sites and extraordinary, varied landscapes with impressive wildflower displays. There will be some optional free time to get to know the cultural aspects of the area.
On the last day we will drive down to Barcelona airport, allowing ourselves a couple of hours to visit the nearby Llobregat Delta. The recently established reserve here is a good spot for Audouin’s Gull, Red-crested Pochard and a variety of migrants including Collared Pratincole, ensuring a rewarding finale to the tour.
Gaudi’s architecture, Las Ramblas, the museums, art galleries, restaurants and street life of Barcelona are famous. We realise that this exciting city is a popular destination in its own right, and so we will happily adjust flight dates and arrange extra hotel accommodation for anyone wanting to add a city visit to the start or end of this holiday. Just let us know when booking if you would like us to do this, or call us to discuss ideas.
Breakfast will be taken at about 8.00am most mornings. Basic fitness is all that is required. Full days will be spent in the field and medium length walks on the flat will be undertaken regularly. There will be a little uphill walking but this will be at a gentle pace. The climate at this time is pleasant, with the added benefit of no biting insects.
The 3-star Hotel Casanova in Fraga (near Lleida) is well sited for our first three nights. Our second base (for four nights), is the Hotel Canet, in the small medieval town of Castelló d’Empúries. It is a very stylish, family run conversion within a 300-year-old building. All the accommodation is full board with en suite facilities. The food is very good, with local specialities. Packed lunches will be taken every day.
PRICE INCLUDES …..
All birdwatching excursions with expert leader, full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, reserve entrance fees, local transport by mini-bus, return flights to Barcelona, and flight and airport taxes.
Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Entrance to archaeological and cultural sites (optional visits during free time). Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.
Return flights are available from Leeds/Bradford to Barcelona, using the scheduled flights of Jet2. Outbound flights depart early afternoon, return flights arrive back early evening. You may be able to join this trip from other airports; please phone for details.
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7 nights:
Principal leader:
Maximum group size:
Cost with discount (if you book before 15th December 2007):
Full Cost:
Single supplement:
Deposit:
Insurance premium:
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30th March to 6th April 2008
Roger Barnes
7 clients with one leader or 12 clients with two leaders
£1130 per person sharing
£1230 per person sharing
£100
£200
£26 due at time of booking (£39 for age 65 to 69) (£52 for age 70 and over)
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