Bilbao birding

[sussexbirder]

I will be visiting Bilbao in Spain in a weeks time and wondered if anyone could share info on birding in that region.
I will have the use of a car for about 3 days and will go further afield if necessary.
Perhaps it is not the best time to go as I cant find many trip reports for September for that area.
Any gen will be thankfully received,

John

[Stephen Dunstan]

John,

The hills behind where the Portsmouth-Bilbao ferry docks (Santurtzi) should get you Fan-tailed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Melodious Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Griffon Vulture, Black Redstart etc. I would have thought most of these will still be around in mid September. It is also a good area for butterflies.

Stephen.

[Xabi]

Hi John,

If you got a car, then I would add:

Marismas de Urdaibai (Urdaibai Marshes, near Gernika, Vizcaya)
http://www.euskadi.net/biodiversidad/lic_marismas_urdaibai_i.htm
http://www.urdaibai-hegaztiak.com/h...ocalizacion.htm
A visit to the very close “San Juan de Gaztelugatxe” chapel is recommended too; fantastic views and some birding included (Access by car: On the Bi-3101 road that connects Bermeo and Bakio).
http://www.euskadi.net/biodiversidad/lic_descripcion_gaztelugatxe_i.htm

Marismas de Santoña (Santoña Marshes, Cantabria)
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/Spain/picos/picos-biscay-sept02.htm
Probably the best marshes in North Spain (but more interesting in winter)


These are just some examples; if you need more detailed information, just ask...
Hope it helps.
Xabi

[sussexbirder]

Thanks a lot for the help so far,seems there are some good birding sites in the area.
The trip report Xabi mentioned includes a visit to Fuente De which nis apparently a good site for Wallcreeper---anyone know this site and how far a drive from Bilbao?

[Graham Osborne]

Hi John

Fuente de is in the Picos de Europa. I would estimate it at perhaps about four and half hours driving from Bilbao, and then you will need to take the cable car. Great views, even if you miss out on the Wallcreeper like I did.

Have a nice trip
Graham

[Xabi]

[...] I would estimate it at perhaps about four and half hours driving from Bilbao [...]
Graham

I´m sorry o:D , but I disagree with that. There are 210 km more or less, and 2 and a half hours driving. Take a look at:
http://www.guiacampsa.com/eng/infinito/gcampsa/ruta/calcular/itinerario.asp
Enter the start and destination towns (Bilbao and Fuente De), and you will get the route.

The place is really beautiful, that´s true :t: .

More:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=22143
http://www.birdforum.net/thedirectory/showproduct.php?product=369&sort=7&cat=12&page=1
http://www.surfbirds.com/mb/trips/spain-prior-0804.html

Hope this helps...
Xabi

[sussexbirder]

I´m sorry o:D , but I disagree with that. There are 210 km more or less, and 2 and a half hours driving. Take a look at:
http://www.guiacampsa.com/eng/infinito/gcampsa/ruta/calcular/itinerario.asp
Enter the start and destination towns (Bilbao and Fuente De), and you will get the route.

The place is really beautiful, that´s true :t: .

More:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=22143
http://www.birdforum.net/thedirectory/showproduct.php?product=369&sort=7&cat=12&page=1
http://www.surfbirds.com/mb/trips/spain-prior-0804.html

Hope this helps...
Xabi

Thanks a bundle Xabi some great stuff to look through there and thanks to the others who 've made suggestions.

[Xabi]

Hi John,
Please, don´t forget to post here what you see...
I´m just so curious!! :eat:
Have a nice trip
Xabi

[JOSE JAVIER]

Hi John.

If You Finally Decide To Visit SantoÑa Marshes, Let Me Know. I Work There And Could Give You Some Precise Information. It's A Worthy Place