Spain in February (1 Viewer)

Rob Smallwood

Well-known member

• Jul 26, 2010

• #1

I might get the chance for a short break in mid-Feb next year.

I have two areas that i'd like to visit, but probably won't have time to do both, so I'm looking for advice.

I'm tempted by the Pyranees where I'd be hoping for Wallcreeper, Snow/Citril Finch, Alpine Chough and possibly Black Woodpecker?

Alternatively, I was thinking about further south where I still "need" Spanish Imperial Eagle, Great Bustard, Little Swift and a few others.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

Barred Wobbler

Well-known member

• Jul 27, 2010

• #2

Extremadura including Monfrague in February would get you Spanish Imperial & Great Bustard, migrating cranes, both sandgrouse, little bustard, great spotted cuckoo etc, etc. I had them plus lesser kestrel and other stuff in the last week of February a couple of years ago.

Little swift is reported from the mouth of the Guadalquivir, but that's a bit of a trip.

I've been to the Pyrenees in late April a couple of times and had your target species (except snowfinch) and there was still a lot of snow in the high passes. I can't say what it would be like in February.

 

S

Stephen C

Well-known member

• Jul 28, 2010

• #3

Catalonia

Rob Smallwood said:

I'm tempted by the Pyrenees where I'd be hoping for Wallcreeper, Snow/Citril Finch, Alpine Chough and possibly Black Woodpecker?

Click to expand...

Hi Rob

All are present in the Pyrenees north of Barcelona, although most Wallcreeper drop to lower mountain ranges and coastal cliffs much nearer during the winter. Alpine Chough and Citril Finch are standard species up there all year round. For the last 2/3 years a flock of 150+ Snowfinch have been present too but of course do depend upon there being snow. Unfortunately, this heavy snow often makes the tracks impassable rendering Black Woodpecker harder and more dependent on luck.

On balance mid-February is quite possibly the best time.

All the best

 

wolfbirder

Well-known member

• Jul 29, 2010

• #4

The local experts have already given their thoughts - the pyrenees and lower regions are a stone's throw from boletas birdwatching centre - wallcreeper should be very likely nearby, but fresh snowfalls may hinder any attempts to get higher for Snowfinch, Alpine Chough, Black woodpecker as only main roads are snow-ploughed immediately after snowfalls. Little bustard and Dupont's lark are possible (the latter if they have returned) on the plains. Ryan Air Zaragoza flights from stansted are cheapest to that area.

 

S

steve west

Well-known member

• Aug 4, 2010

• #5

You can take a look at one of my recent blog entries for a 4-day trip in northeast Spain - a summary of what we saw. I haven't blogged much recently, so it won't take long to find it.

Steve
http://www.BirdingInSpain.com

 

J

John Muddeman

Well-known member

• Dec 19, 2010

• #6

hi Rob.

What are the 'a few others' to see if I can suggest anything further.

Regards, John

 

O

ori76

Well-known member

• Dec 20, 2010

• #7

Rob Smallwood said:

Alternatively, I was thinking about further south where I still "need" Spanish Imperial Eagle, Great Bustard, Little Swift and a few others.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Click to expand...

Spanish Imperial Eagle & Great Bustard can be seen in Madrid. Not the best place for birdwatching but very well communicated with all Europe.

 

J

John Muddeman

Well-known member

• Dec 21, 2010

• #8

ori76 said:

Spanish Imperial Eagle & Great Bustard can be seen in Madrid. Not the best place for birdwatching but very well communicated with all Europe.

Click to expand...

But heavily overlooked as a short-break destination... With >30 pairs of Spanish imperial eagles and >700 Great Bustards, plus heaps of other goodies, it's pretty good! But then I would say that, wouldn't I?!

 

E

eltrovador

Member

• Jan 7, 2011

• #9

Hi Rob
In the Sierra de San Pedro Natural Park, we have the greatest concentration of Spanish Imperial eagles on the peninsula (it was in the Extremadura El Periodico newspaper just before Xmas http://www.elperiodicoextremadura.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=551750 - only available in Spanish, I´m afraid). Last year, I saw one in Marvao (hilltop castle/village just across the border in Portugal) soaring on the thermals below me - very strange to see them from above.

 

John Cantelo

Well-known member

• Jan 7, 2011

• #10

Whimp that I am, I'd point out that the 'far south' could be a lot warmer than the Pyrenees! Pick the right week and it can be a pleasant 60-65F so I'd go south and save the northern mountains for Spring/Summer. Great Bustard can be 'had' near Seville, SIEs can be found at various sites (but I suspect Extremadura would be better) and Litte Swift should be possible (yes, even in February). What are the 'few others' you also need?