Black Woodpecker in Spanish Pyrenees

[CarolineT]

In a week's time I am going on a group walking holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees with my partner. I hope to see a few good birds while we are there, although a walking holiday does not always lend itself to birding, as you have to keep moving with the group and can't hang around for long in one place. However, we have one day off when I hope to do a bit of proper birding. One bird I would really love to see is a black woodpecker, which I know is a possibility in the area where we will be. Does anyone know of any specific areas which can be good for black woodpeckers - on the day off we will be staying in the village of Anso - so that I can make the most of the time?
Many thanks,
Caroline

[njlarsen]

I don't really know how far it is from Anso, but near Torla you have the Parque National de Ordesa. I have seen black woodpecker there in the wooded area. The whole area around Torla is wonderful, also re birds.

Niels

[Keithec]

In a week's time I am going on a group walking holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees with my partner. I hope to see a few good birds while we are there, although a walking holiday does not always lend itself to birding, as you have to keep moving with the group and can't hang around for long in one place. However, we have one day off when I hope to do a bit of proper birding. One bird I would really love to see is a black woodpecker, which I know is a possibility in the area where we will be. Does anyone know of any specific areas which can be good for black woodpeckers - on the day off we will be staying in the village of Anso - so that I can make the most of the time?
Many thanks,
Caroline

I think that many of the national park areas will be good for black woodpeckers. I suggest that you try and get hold of a copy of "Where to watch birds in Northern Spain" if you have not got one already as there are a number of references to the species in the book.

Keith

[Edward]

Hi Caroline

I saw Black Woodepecker for the first time this May in the Spanish Pyrenees. We saw it at the renowned San Juan de la Pena monastery site, just south of Jaca. The site guides all tell you to go to walk past the (newer) monastery to the cliff face and then look over the trees below. We thought this to be very optimsitic advice, but hey presto, we did as it said and after about 30 minutes of waiting (numerous raptors to keep you entertained and a truly magnificent view of the Pyrenees) a Black Woodpecker flew over the trees below us.

We also heard them calling repeatedly at Gabardito in the Hecho valley, which is parallel to the Anso, and is stunningly beautiful. We didn't see BW here but there are Wallcreepers, Lammergeiers and Alpine Chough to make up for it!

I suggest trying to get hold of Steve West's very useful book "Where the birds are in northeast Spain" which has tips for Black Woodpecker in the Pyrenees.

E

[James Eaton]

Hi Caroline,

I agree with Edward, try the Hecho Valley, full of Black Woodpeckers, learn the vocalisations of the species and it will make them a lot easier to observe, a very vocal species in my experience. Any woodland belt in that area and around Anso should hold Black Woodpecker. Like Edward said, Hecho Valley is also home to stunning Wallcreepers (Boca de Infierno, though maybe not in midsummer). Gabardito was a site I heard them commonly at too, just walked through the woodland by the car park through to the large rock face (spot for Wallcreeper in Summer too) and also Citril Finches feeding behind the buildings there.

I also recommend getting a copy of A Birdwatching Guide to The Pyrenees, Jacquie Crozier. Though a little dated, still provides some excellent information on the sites in your area (as per 2002). The sites are described in good detail.

Good luck!

James

[Rhion]

You could also try Oroel, near Jaca, for Black Woodpecker.