North and Central Spain (1 Viewer)

I am planning a trip to the north and centre of Spain for next spring. I'll start in Madrid and head north west from there. I have a very flexible timetable and was looking for advice on the best time for the two week trip. I was thinking late April-early/mid May? Can anyone suggest the optimum time within that rough time-frame?

I did a trip to the area this spring from 19th - 27th April (see trip report: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=343725) & don't think I missed out on anything I was hoping for; except for apparently being too late for calling White-backed Woodpecker in the Pyrenees.

White-rumped Swifts arrive in May, if you are targetting these. Not sure though if there is any reliable spot north of Monfragüe/Extremadura.

foresttwitcher said:

I did a trip to the area this spring ... too late for calling White-backed Woodpecker in the Pyrenees.

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Isn't the Pyrenees North East of Madrid?

Sure you have your reasons for heading NW Irvo52 but it is a less birded part of Spain - hence the lack of response so far probably - so you might have to search a little harder for info. All of it is good birding country though so I'm sure you'll do fine.

All the best

Stephen C said:

Isn't the Pyrenees North East of Madrid?

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Not the part I went to - Navarra at the Western end :t:.

This request does not seem to be getting much a response. There are superb sites to visit in northwestern and central Spain. I would especially recommend the Sierras de Guadarrama and Gredos for montane species, the Lagunas de Villafáfila for Great Bustards, other steppic species and waterbirds, the Laguna de La Nava for waterbirds, the Galicia coast for waders and seabirds and the Duero gorges for raptors. There are many other possibilities both south and north of Madrid. Late April is a good time but May will be fine unless it has been a very dry winter. I don't want to push my own book but it is the most recent one and includes details of all the above sites: Where to watch birds in northern and eastern Spain, Garcia & Rebane, Helm 3rd edition 2017. Have a good trip.

Ernest Garcia said:

This request does not seem to be getting much a response. .

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Possibly because in it's in the trip reports section not the Information Wanted section. Probably do better if posted there....

HTH

Nick