Date: June 1st to 5th.

 

 Target species  (listed below all the species we will actively pursue throughout the tour; species that allow us good photographic opportunities are indicated with a “p”): Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor (p), Snowfinch, Alpine Chough (p), Bluethroat, Common Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Rock Bunting, Red-backed Shrike, Black Woodpecker, Griffon vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Woodlark, Tawny Pipit, Great-spotted Cuckoo, White Stork (p), Common Crossbill, Melodious Warbler, Hoopoe. Possibility of European Nightjar.

 

Secondary species (these are some of the more interesting species we will observe next to target species): Crested Lark, Water Pipit, Nightingale, Black Redstart, Common Redstart, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Western Bonelli´s Warbler, Iberian Chiffchaff, Short-toed and Common Treecreepers, Southern Grey Shrike, Rock Sparrow, Cirl Bunting and Ortolan bunting, Serin, Honey Buzzard, Black kite, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle and Golden Oriole.

 

Tour Description

 The Cantabrian mountain range is one of the wildest and least known regions on the European continent. This has enabled the survival, among other species, of the Cantabrian Brown Bear and the Iberian Wolf, despite severe persecution in the past.

 

The diversity of habitats, combined with the topography of these mountains, located in the area of transition between the Mediterranean and Atlantic environment, leads to a stunning ornithological diversity. The list of of breeding birds here is in order of 120-130 species. Among them are alpine birds and forest species, which can always be seen in spectacular settings.

 

In early June, we will find the Cantabrian Mountain at its best, with the forest leaves still fresh and the alpine flowers in full bloom. At this time all the migratory species have returned and all of the birds are nesting and rearing their chicks, while males continue to sing throughout the day to defend their territories.  

Day 1 (arrival)

At the beginning of the tour, en route from the airport, we will stop in one of the Cantabria coastal wetlands (Santoña, Santander Bay or Oyambre depending on recent sightings). Our aim in this first stop will be watching stunning species such as Penduline Tit or the Black Kite.

 

During the afternoon we will arrive at our accommodation at the foot of the Picos de Europa, in the Cantabrian region of Liébana. It is a landscape of exceptional beauty, entered through the spectacular gorge of La Hermida.

 

Day 2 (Picos de Europa)

 Our first full birdwatching day, we will enjoy the specialties of the Cantabrian mountains, entering the limestone massif of the Picos de Europa searching for the seasons best observation opportunities of Snowfinch colonies. Very close to it we will visit Wallcreeper nesting territories, which will give us good opportunities to observe this elusive and fantastic alpine species. With Griffon Vultures, Black Redstart, Northern Weathear (subsp. libanotica) and Water Pipit, this area will provide us with a full suite of mountain birds, including confiding encounters with alpine accentors and alpine chough specimens which can be photographed up close.

 

At the end of the afternoon, we will make a one hour journey between the Valley of Liébana in Cantabria and the Riaño Valley in the province of León, making some stops to enjoy great panoramic views with the possibility of watching additional species such as Citril Finch, Short-toed Eagle or Booted Eagle.

 

Day 3 (Riaño)

 The third day is dedicated to exploring the legendary mountains of Riaño, where we will visit one of the best Cantabrian Mountain colonies of the Bluethroat sp cyanecula. At this time of year, we can find the birds very active, with a strong territorial behaviour that drives them to sing every few minutes from the top of the broom bushes. Occasionally the territorial displays become intense with duetting song flights, competing with the Rock Thrushes living in this same area of the mountain so we will have the opportunity to observe both as they sing while they look for food in the nearby grasslands.

 

Along with these species we will see other mountain birds such as the Water Pipit, Rock Bunting or the Northern Wheatear, with the Red-backed Shrike recently arrived at this altitude, and the Ring Ouzel is occasionally breeding in this area. Above these imposing valleys we should hope to see Golden Eagle, Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagle and Hen Harriers, while on the peaks and slopes we shall see Deer and Chamois.

 

Descending in altitude, the afternoon is dedicated to find the Black Woodpecker by strolling through beech groves which abound with the Short-toed and Common Treecreepers, Eurasian Nuthatch, Bonelli´s Warbler, Goldcrest and Firecrest among other species. Around the area we will hear the piercing calls of the elusive Wryneck, and we will find the Green Woodpecker subsp. sharpei and the common Great-spotted Woodpecker.

 

 Day 4 (Montaña Palentina)

 With the first light of the day, we will leave the mountains of Riaño, heading in the direction of the neighbouring Palencia mountains, where the landscape gradually opens out to the plateau where a greater Mediterranean influence is felt. This changes the composition of bird species, but not the diversity and richness.

 

On the way, we will enjoy some of the best views of the mountains, with short stops to observe species such as Southern Grey Shrike, Woodlark, Yellow Wagtail and Tawny Pipit.

 

Before reaching the extensive forests of the upper basin of the Pisuerga river, we will stop at one of the best colonies of Griffon Vulture in this sector of the mountains, where the Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon also nest, which will enable us to see these majestic birds of prey through the telescope.

 

Then we will walk on any of the paths that run through the mountains of Quercus pyrenaica, a sessile oak from Castilla, to observe the Middle-spotted Woodpecker,  alongside the Pied Flycatcher and Chaffinch.

 

The afternoon is dedicated to the Aguilar reservoir, where we find distinctly Mediterranean birdlife, with Montagu´s Harrier and Black kite in the sky, Hoopoes in open areas and Great Crested Grebe in the reservoir waters. Our goal in this area will be, the elusive Great-spotted  Cuckoo, which has at this point one of their most northerly breeding territories in the Iberian peninsula. We will also search for Crossbills in the pinewoods and Melodious Warbler in the bushes near of the reservoir shores. From here, we will move to a nearby location to admire one of the most numerous and photogenic White Stork colonies throughout the Cantabrian Mountains.

 

Finally, after a stop in the hotel, one last field trip will be offered to listen and observe the European Nightjar in the boundary of one of the groves in the area, an always enchanting experience which will help us to sign off this ornithological tour through the Cantabrian Mountains as the daylight dwindles.

 

Day 5 (departure)

 Our location at Palencia Mountains considerably shortens the distances and the journey time to Bilbao airport, which will be about 90 minutes.

 

Arrival point: Bilbao airport, arrivals hall at 14:00 pm. Best flight option from UK 3223 Easyjet. We will then make our way to Santoña before launch. Other meeting points are possible on request.

 

Place of departure: Bilbao airport, arrive at 11:00 AM. Best flight option to UK, Easyjet 3224.

 

Weather: In June the weather conditions in the Cantabrian Mountains can be varied and frequently changing, so it can alter the planned destinations, or the planned order of the areas to be visited. However, the weather is predominatnly sunny, with daytime with lows (at dawn) between 3-8°C and pleasant temperatures at midday (16-20°C), ideal for escaping to the countryside and bird watching.

 

 Necessary equipment:

-Observational material: binoculars and/or terrestrial telescope with tripod. Camera, tripod, etc.

-Recommended clothing: comfortable clothes and footwear for trekking, clothing (anorak, sheltered by mountain) coat, cap.

-Other: Sunscreen use is recommended. The severity of solar rays can be intense in high mountain areas.

 

Lodging:

The overnight will take place in mountain hotels and cottages with a kind and close treat and excellent gastronomy, in full board.

 

Food:

All food included in the price. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the place of accommodation or, if appropriate, at the observation points, where the guides will provide a suitable picnic in order to maximise the length of time in the field.

 

Group size: maximum 16, min 6, with 8 persons per guide.

 

Leader/Guide: Carlos Nazario González Bocos.

 

Tour language: English and Spanish.

 

Notes:

A few days before performing the tour, WWS will finalise the details of the route, making small changes if it is necessary to adapt to weather forecasts for scheduled watching days.

 

Flights not included

The price includes a health care and accident insurance.