Ebro in July
...holiday near Taragona in July ... trip to the Ebro Delta ... using public transport ... happier with good photo opportunities ...
Hi Jim
Firstly, you may want to check out the summer in the Ebro Delta intro here:
http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spa...g_in_spain_summer_itinerary_ebro_delta_anchor
or the summer section on this page here:
http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain birding/EBRO birdwatching tours.html
The short answers to your questions are, yes, most of the tracks are suitable if it hasn't been raining, although you will find some of the sandier ones heavy going.
Also, the bird life does indeed change between the lagoons and other types of water (and other) habitats. It's this range of subtle niche variations that holds the key to much that the Ebro has to offer in fact.
During the Spring and Winter the Ebro's bird life is so numerous and widespread that you can't fail to find enough birds but the problem with summer is that you may have to go in search of it.
By way of example, waders that have failed on their breeding grounds may arrive back early in the Ebro during July (as it's an incredible food resource) but, not being so numerous, the number of options travelling by bicycle gives you could prove a limitation. Especially if you add in the heat factor and that some species such as Savi's and Moustached Warbler are localised.
'Spose it depends upon which species you want to see and your approach/outlook (e.g. you might see Collared Pratincole anywhere but if you definitely want to see one you'll have to go where they always are) but if you've never been to the Ebro Delta, or to Spain, before and you know you're going to be happy whatever, I'm absolutely sure you'll do fine.
The only thing that does strike me is your emphasis on photographs. Without a shadow of a doubt, the number of birds, variety of side-by-side locations and habitats and the hide and viewing point options offered on the south side of the river, if this is a priority, is where you should head. And you might find getting close enough for photos on a bike, rather than a car, a little difficult.
You can find lots of other of my client photos from the Ebro on my Facebook page but here's one cracking gallery (although small photos unfortunately) from July 2011:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.235159966506309.63602.199405906748382&type=3
and this one from May 2010 shows many typical Ebro breeding birds:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.218486994840273.60076.199405906748382&type=3
Feel free to email me with a wish list but I won't be able to respond properly until after the Spring season as I have tours most days (and sleep between!).
All the best