The Pyrenees has long been a favourite with visiting birders, offering a good selection of target species and stunning scenery. Many of the regions most sought after species become easier to view during the winter months as they descend to lower altitudes to escape the harsh weather. This short winter break is designed to take full advantage of this, hopefully connecting with all the key targets, including Lammergeier, Wallcreeper, Alpine Chough, Alpine Accentor, and both Snow and Citril Finch. We will also spend some time on the nearby plains where Little Bustard and both Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse occur. Also on this trip we hope to witness the start of the annual migration of Cranes through the area on their return to their northern breeding grounds.

Day 1
Meet at the airport for our flight and the transfer to our base in the Pyrenean foothills. We shall be staying close to the Sierra de Guara parque natural, which has probably the highest density of wintering Wallcreeper in the Pyrenees, with many traditional sites within easy reach.  Time permitting we shall look at one of these before checking in to the hotel.

Day 2
The day starts with a visit to a nearby lake, which attracts thousands of Cranes each spring, as many as 50,000 in some years make a final stop here to rest and feed before crossing the Pyrenees. The movements of Cranes here at dawn and dusk can be spectacular, and will surely be a highlight of the tour. The rest of the day we'll be birding around the foothills, with the main target being the beautiful and enigmatic Wallcreeper, several of which winter in the area. Here they often give much better views than when breeding, hopefully allowing ample time to observe their unique behaviour. We'll also keep a keen eye out for another of the regions most sought after birds, the impressive Lammergeier along with the more numerous Griffon Vulture. Other notable birds should include Peregrine, Red Kite, Rock Dove, Blue Rock Thrush, Dartford & Sardinian Warblers, Spotless Starling, Rock Sparrow, Red-billed Chough, Rock Bunting and the delightful Black Wheatear.

Day 3
We'll make an early start on our journey close to the French Border, where we'll visit a number of Ski Resorts in search of those species that never venture far from the tops, regardless of the weather. Snowfinch is our main target and this species above all is the hardest to find, though at this time of year they can often be found searching for crumbs left behind by Skiers. Alpine Chough & Alpine Accentor also frequent the area, and again often give good views. This high altitude area offers quality of birds not quantity, although both our climb up and descent back down should add a number of interesting birds with Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Black Woodpecker and Citril Finch all possible.

Day 4
A pre breakfast walk will see us at another known wintering site for Wallcreeper, doubling our chances of seeing this species. Crag Martin also occurs here, as do Cirl Bunting and Black Redstart, while both Egyptian Vulture and Bonelli’s Eagle are possible. After breakfast we head south, visiting a large reed fringed lake where a quick stop should produce a variety of wildfowl and possibly Bittern and both Bearded and Penduline Tits. We'll then visit an area of plains where both Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse occur along with Stone Curlew and a few Little Bustard. Afterward we'll visit a small but very rewarding reservoir, which often holds good numbers of ducks and grebes, including Red-crested Pochard and Black-necked Grebe. Raptors will be a feature of the day and could include both Hen and Marsh Harriers, Black & Red Kites, Merlin and maybe even an early Short-toed or Booted Eagle. Over night near Zaragoza.

Day 5
An early start is essential to make sure we are in position at Spain's stronghold for the rare Dupont's Lark at dawn. As the sun begins to rise we'll hear this secretive birds distinctive song emitting from the desert like surroundings. We'll do our very best to locate these, though if it's a cold frosty morning they often stay well hidden amongst the vegetation making this a difficult task indeed. However with a little luck it won't be so cold allowing the birds to take to the air and sing, significantly increasing our chances with this species. Other birds in the area include Calandra, Crested, Thekla and Lesser Short-toed Larks, Both Sandgrouse, Little Bustard and maybe even an early Great Spotted Cuckoo. We'll then transfer to the airport for our flight home, concluding this tour.

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