CATALONIA

many of Spain's great birds in this beautiful and diverse region

Golden Eagle, Lieda, by Phil Palmer

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 late March visit puts us here when the movement of early migrants is well underway. 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.

One day we will drive to the Pyrenees, passing through the unusual volcanic region of Garrotxa. We will board a rack railway which will take us up through even more dramatic scenery to the ski station at Núria. Here we can watch high elevation Pyrenean species around the snow line, whilst never being far from the café!

Chamois at Núria

ITINERARY

THE STEPPE LANDS OF THE WEST

Three nights in the quiet town of Fraga, near Lleida, will give us the chance to cover this special area and see a good selection of its birds. The low fertility plains around Lleida are farmed in rotation, leaving fallow patches 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. 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 river cliffs of the Ebro. Red-billed Chough, Alpine Swift and Rock Sparrow all breed locally. 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.

The old town of Castelló d'Empúries is our base here. . . . On a town roof, Common Starlings mimic Bee-eaters

AIGUAMOLLS DE EMPORDÀ 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 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 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 last year's trip we saw a fine male Pallid Harrier, a rarity in Spain. The reserve comprises three sections, including brackish shallows on the Bay of Roses, and we will give time to each part in turn. On a previous visit we had excellent views of three Little Crakes here. 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. On one day we will make a two hour drive, passing through the inland Garrotxa region of wooded extinct volcanoes, en route to the high Pyrenees. From the mountain village of Ripoll we will catch the small rack railway which runs slowly, and silently, through dramatic gorges past snow tipped peaks to Núria. High altitude species can be seen around the café and ski station here. We were very impressed on one visit when our coffee break was interrupted by views of Water Pipit, Rock Bunting, Citril Finch, Red-billed and Alpine Chough, Raven and Griffon Vulture. The birding was capped when an adult Lammergeier landed close by, disturbing a flock of Chamois.

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.

LLOBREGAT DELTA On the last day we will drive down to Barcelona airport, allowing ourselves a couple of hours to visit the 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.

Llobregat Delta from the air. Phil Palmer

BARCELONA CITY EXTENSION 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.

PACE 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.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD 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, local transport by mini-bus, railway journey to Núria, return flights to Barcelona, and flight and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Entrance to archaeological and cultural sites. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return flight from London Heathrow to Barcelona, using the scheduled services of British Airways. Outbound flight departs early afternoon, return flight arrives back early evening. Connecting shuttle flights are available on this tour for £60 return (due at time of booking), from Manchester and other regional airports.

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