SIERRA DEL GUARA, Loporzano & Guara Peak.

Barry, Anita & Elliot had visited this area of Spain some years ago. Their local knowledge proved to be invaluable.

A stunning National Park holding some magnificent birds such as Wallcreeper, Lammergeier & Bonelli’s Eagle

WHITE STORK - Ciconia ciconia

More numerous than I expected and many were back on their nesting sites. Most towns
and villages had White Storks nesting on either pylons or churches.

Also seen at Sarinena Lake, La Sotonera and the Ebro Valley. Quite numerous around Zaragoza.

See a stunning flight shot taken by 9 year old Elliot Staley elsewhere in this report.

17th February 2007 - The Steppes of Los Monegros & the Balabar Triangle - A full morning spent exploring this fantastic area in a 4 x 4. Thanks must go to Alberto Bueno, our guide for the day. Alberto works for the Spanish Government as a ranger and his local knowledge of the steppe area and its birds was invaluable. During the morning we had seen a flock of 75 LITTLE BUSTARD; over 200 PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE; 40+ BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE; 3 STONE CURLEW; numerous THEKLA LARK; 6 LESSER SHORT-TOED LARK; 100+ CALANDRA LARK; 2 SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE; HOOPOE; 20 CHOUGH; HEN HARRIER; RED KITE; The weather was rather dull and overcast with intermittent showers but this kept the Pin-tailed Sandgrouse down and although distant, I was able to get a few half decent digiscope record shots of this difficult species.

RIGLOS

A favourite wintering site for Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor. Unfortunately it was extremely windy when we visited Riglos. No Wallcreepers but we did find a superb Alpine Accentor.

Lots of Griffon Vulture; Chough, Crag Martin and Raven.

The rock pinnacle behind the church at Riglos is a favourite wintering spot for Wallcreeper. We found an Alpine Accentor instead. Well done Anita!!