Wallcreepers and Cranes
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 Finches. We will also spend some time on the nearby plains where Great & 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 once we have checked in we will visit one of the most reliable sites, just a few minutes walk from the hotel.

Day 2
The whole day will be spent birding in the Sierra de Guara, 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, Golden Eagle, Red Kite, Black Redstart, Dartford & Sardinian Warblers, Crag Martin, Spotless Starling, Red-billed Chough and both Rock & Cirl Buntings. In the evening we will visit a site where the delightful Black Wheatear is regular along with Rock Dove, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Sparrow. Then as the sun begins to set we will position ourselves to look for Eagle Owl.

Day 3
We'll make an early start on our journey close to the French Border, where we'll visit a 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. On our climb up we will visit an area of mixed woodland where Firecrest, Crested Tit, Black Woodpecker and Citril Finch all possible and Lammergeier often cruise over. On the way down we will visit 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. Movements here can be spectacular, and will surely be one of the tour highlights.

Day 4
After breakfast we may spend a little time further looking for wallcreeper or if we have already received good views we may depart early to our next destination where we are likely to furthur encounter good numbers of cranes heading north. As we head south the scenery and birds change once more and we find ourselves at an area of plains where both Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse occur along with Stone Curlew and both Great and Little Bustard. We'll also visit a small but very rewarding wetland which often holds good numbers of ducks and grebes, including Red-crested Pochard and Black-necked Grebe, this reed fringed lake is also home to Bearded and Penduline Tits. 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 Belchite.

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 or windy 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. While both Sandgrouse are again possible and maybe even an early Great Spotted Cuckoo. After breakfast if there are still some plains birds needed we have some time to try and locate these before we depart for the airport, otherwise we may head back to the airport early and visit a fantastic wetland right next to the aiirport.