In response to a couple of requests, I've lifted the following trip report from another of our party, with additional bits added in square brackets...
"[We flew into Gerona Thur 16.3 very late PM so had to stay there overnight]. On Friday we were up at 0500 and away on the road, driving past Barcelona and then towards Huesca and up to Jaca , which took over 4 hours. We based ourselves in Jaca for three nights, flying back on Monday afternoon. Weather was often cold, overcast and rained a lot in the mountains ( or indeed snowed at higher levels) but nevertheless had some great birds.....
Highlights
Lammergeier was easier than expected, and we had about 20 sightings over the three days, (although not necessarily all different birds). Sight that James kindly recommended at Villanua quarry was particularly good, with about 6 birds, including perched views [on cliffs opposite quarry - which is actually now just a rubbish tip - on other side of main road]. Great bird and one that three of the four of us had long had on our wish list!
Had 17 species of raptor in total, including a good raptor passage going on……Black Kites moving north in good numbers despite poor weather, accompanied by a few Marsh Harriers, Short toed Eagles, Egyptian Vultures, Ospreys, Peregrines and Hen Harriers [plus single Booted Eagle on last day]. Also [Golden Eagles], displaying Goshawks and, inevitably, Griffon vultures everywhere. [good spot for photos of both Kites and Egyptian Vulture at entrance to Hecho Valley, by farm on left and fields just beyond].
We had to work really hard for Wallcreeper – no sign at Villanua or Riglos, and put in several hours at Hecho Valley over two days before finally one appearing on a rock face close to us [by Boca del Infierno - park where the road enters the tunnel; as you go up the Hecho Valley there's a small tunnel, then the main one where you should park] – well worth the wait though!
At Astun, a high ski resort, had several Alpine Accentor showing very well around car park [good views both days behind buildings - go to top left of row of shops/cafes, there's a small stream and birds were on dirt mound by the stream]– also were quite lucky to get flight views of 3 Snow Finch on both occasions we visited despite almost blizzard conditions at one point (the second visit was needed as half the party missed the 3 the first time!)
At top of Hecho Valley [about as far as you can drive; there's car parking and a good panoramic view over trees to the left of the road] we had good flight views of at least 5 Black Woodpecker – including 3 chasing each other! The other target species was Citril Finch and we had to visit a few sites before, at Gabardito mountain refuge, finding over 30 and getting great views [park at the refuge, where the road ends, and walk across the large field with hummocks at far side. The birds were round a paddock, in trees and on ground, also Brambling and Crossbill there].
Finally, en route back, we had a morning at Zaragoza plains where we heard several Dupont’s Lark , but, despite a lot of stalking, couldn’t manage anything more than half glimpsed shapes in the scrub. Things weren’t helped by a fog that descended just after dawn. Also Lesser ST Larks, Choughs and Hooopes there.
The fog was extensive but luckily we hit a clear patch near Bujaralloz, where we had lots of Calandra Larks and a cracking male Little Bustard [actually s. of Bujaralloz, opposite Laguna la Playa, an almost dry lake. Bird was in cultivated fields on rhs of road, quite a way in, seen very well by driving down dirt/gravel track. Initial view from road was poor, in fact there was debate as to whether the bird was really just a rock! Stone Curlew here also].
[Other odds and sods seen were Spotless Starling at several sites, Rock Bunting fairly widespread once you got used to their soft, weak "tsip" call, Rock Sparrow all over the Citadel at Jaca in the afternoon, Firecrest, Hawfinch, Water Pipit, Crag Martin, both Treecreepers etc].
109 species over the 3 days – not bad when you consider this was mountain birding!
.....if anyone wants more specific info, please post below or PM me, although I think the above just about sums it up!!
hey there
sounds fun, beautiful places for sure, esp Jaca.
must've been a bit chilly at times up the valleys?
Wallcreeper is always blinding and Snow and Citril Finches are good uns...
did you manage to get a cheapy flight...?
Any recs for somewhere to stay in Jaca...
Tim
Hi Tim
Flight was indeed a Ryanair cheapy from local airport (Hurn), a 5 minute drive from our homes, which was part of the appeal. Hotel in Jaca not booked by me, but can find out details if wanted; I know they've got a website for bookings - it was called the Grand Hotel, by the park opposite the citadel - seemed a nice place, but as we were generally back late and up at 4-5am, didn't really check out the facilities! Cold wind up the valleys from time to time, but quite bearable; seemed colder when we got back to UK, to be honest.
I would thoroughly recommend a trip to the area - good birds, easy access and travel, relatively cheap.
Off to Iceland next, in June - must tap up Edward for a few pointers...